The Eternal Queen
A/N: Third book to the Frozen Princess Series. Here is the correct order when reading this Series. Book One: Frozen Princess. Book Two: Dark Witch. And Book Three: The Eternal Queen. There are a few mini short stories that are Rated M. Also, I am not British. So, if I make any mistakes, I apologize, since the first chapter takes place in the United Kingdom.
Summary: It has been three years since the Pevensies left Narnia. Now Caspian is King; he seeks to find the Seven Lords to redeem his families honor. Queen Eirlys of the Wild assists Caspian in search for the Seven Lords. Until one day out in the Eastern Ocean on the Dawn Treader, three castaways aboard the ship. Lucy, Edmund, and their Cousin Eustace have joined them on their voyage of the Dawn Treader. However, something dark is following them.
Chapter 1: Cambridge
A Laputan sword clashed against a Calormene Scimitar. Two opponents stared at one another in their armor out in the desert near the borders of Archenland. The desert land surrounded the two warriors as the Archlanders and Narnians fought against the Calormene Army. The owners of the two blades continued to clash, ignoring their surroundings.
The Calormene opponent was tall with dark skin and bearded. Yet, his chainmail covered his face, only revealing his dark eyes. He wore a bronze turban helmet. He wore armor, not like the northern kingdoms wore. He wore a heavy orange velvet robe, with a gilded cuirass, pauldrons, bazubands, greaves, knees and elbow caps. Meanwhile, his opponent was no typical Narnian. No, the Narnian was a she, standing six feet tall. She wore a light weighted chainmail, having a red skirt that reaches her knees, with leggings underneath. She also wore spaulders etched to lions, an armor cincher, bracers, and greaves. Her dark hair tied into a braid while wearing a sallet helmet.
The two blades continue to clash as both unremitting to fight. The woman was fast, moving around the Calormene, trying to tire him out. The man raised his scimitar striking down, which the woman jumped back to avoid the attack. He continued to lunge at her, slashing away, while she continued to dodge each attack. Until she tripped over a fallen body. The Calormene smirked striking down, yet she blocked it, except there was too much force. She tried to push him off since she was trapped on the ground.
Unable to free herself, she raised her left hand, casting a spell blasting the man off her. The man was blown off her. The woman panted as she stood up, brushing the sand off her skirt. A man in golden armor rushed over to magical.
"Are you alright, Eirlys?" the man asked.
"I'm fine, Caspian," Eirlys answered. "Lookout!"
She grabbed him by the shoulder, pulling him away while blocking an attack. Two Calormenes came after them, reach blocking them with their backs together. They fought all the Calormene who dare challenge them along with a Centaurs, being Glenstorm and his three sons: Ironhoof, Suncloud, and Rainstone. Blades clash and arrows firing, along with the flying Narnians dropping projectiles.
"And I thought the giants would be difficult," Caspian muttered.
"This is what happens when you stop their slave trading," Eirlys countered, blasting a regiment coming their way. "Especially in Galma, Terebinthia, and the Seven Isles. What did you expect them to do? Simply stand down?"
"If I didn't know any better, you have some history with the Calormene?" Caspian taunted.
"The Dark Ages, anarchist, and men trying to force themselves in marriage, would that give me a reason."
Caspian laughed, "Fair point."
They continued to fight until Caspian held Rhindon at the Tisroc, name Hizdahr. All the Narnians and Archenlanders panted, in their victory under the hot desert sun. The Calormene handed over their weapons as the victors collect.
"I need a holiday," Eirlys panted, removing her helmet.
"How about a voyage," Caspian offered.
Eirlys gave him a look before casting a spell causing Caspian to trip.
.o0o.
Edmund's POV
Edmund opens his eyes from his dream. He stared at the ceiling of the bedroom, before the awful sound of his cousin's snoring filled his ears. The once king sighed as he grasped the memory of the dream before the realization vanished. Grasping the memory of Eirlys's face. He gets these dreams now and then of Eirlys. They usually come as flashes, either relaxing on a beach or field or at an event. And then some dreams were moments of battles—a battle with the giants and the Calormene.
Eustace snore became louder as the strong memory started to be less memorable. Moments like these, he wishes he could suffocate his cousin. These dreams are what keep his aching heart and hold of Narnia, and reality destroys it. He tucked his hand under the collar of his nightshirt and pulled out a string with a ring on it. He remembered this ring since Eirlys had it during the Golden Age. Before he left Narnia, she slid it in his hand as they hug goodbye. The ring was silver with a sapphire in the center.
At first, he could fit the ring on his ring finger. But as he gone through another growth spurt, the ring no longer fitted except for his pinky and people started noticing? If Edmund were to sell the ring, it probably cost a few thousand pounds. But this is one gem he is not willing to sell. He brought the sapphire up to his lips, part of his ritual before sitting up from his cot seeing his cousin in bed.
Eustace grumbled, taking the blanket and wrapping himself in a cocoon. Edmund shook his head in disapproval. The thirteen-year-old was a pain in the arse. A spoiled brat as the Americans call it, or in this case a prat. The Silver King would call his cousin Useless Eustace subsequently arriving at Cambridge, since Edmund and Lucy have been doing all the chores. Then again, his aunt and uncle are terrible people. It was clear they didn't like the Pevensies. Despite the fact, Aunt Alberta is their mother's sister. And Uncle Harold goes along with it, that the two believe in Eustace's lies over the honest truth from Lucy and him.
Like it was mentioned before, Edmund and Lucy have been doing most of the chores. While Aunt Alberta is at work, Uncle Harold is usually in his corner in the living room, listening to the radio and reading the newspaper. So, Lucy does all the indoor work of cleaning and cooking, while Edmund does the maintenance and yard work. It drives him crazy. He was once a king, yes, he did his fair share of heavy lifting, but he wasn't treated like a pariah.
No wonder his father despises them. As his father stated, the Scrubbs are very progressive people. They were non-smokers, teetoraler, vegetarians, pacifists, and republicans. Now there is nothing wrong with that, but their snob behavior is unacceptable, especially their luxurious undergarments and minimalistic furniture. It almost seemed baren.
It was too much to bear. He was angry at his parents for dropping him and Lucy off here while taking Susan and Peter to America. If the situation wasn't like this, he would have been fine staying with Professor Kirke. Unfortunately, Professor Kirke had volunteered the mansion to the military to help wounded soldiers to recover while he is living in a one-bedroom cottage. Hell, Edmund wouldn't mind sleeping on a bedroll or barn if it got him away from his relatives.
But now, he can't handle it. The war was getting serious now. Edmund had skills in war, being the best strategist and tactician, even in counseling and judgment. He has skills that can help the British Army. However, there was a slight problem. He was Seventeen. Only a few months away in becoming a legal adult. If his father was here, he could sign a waiver to allow Edmund to enlist. Sadly Mr. Pevensie is on the other side of the Atlantic.
So last night, Edmund had a plan. When Aunt Alberta came home exhausted from work, leaving her purse on the counter. Her identification papers were lying there that he took it. His plan was simple to enlist in the military. When the enlister asked about the name, he will simply state it was a grammatical error. Of course, if he does get in, it means he will have to leave Lucy.
Only Lucy can handle herself. She is strong, stronger than anyone else. If not more tolerant than Peter and Edmund combined. Edmund is sure Lucy can handle herself until their parents find her safe passage to America.
Another snore broke his train of thought. Edmund groaned as he got up and dress for the day.
"Might as well get some work done," he muttered, before heading downstairs.
Aunt Alberta was already awake. She hardly looked at him while giving him the list of chores to do today. Edmund took the list and simply nodded, biting his tongue of a sly remark. His mouth has gotten him in trouble before. Usually losing privileges or supper. Then again, all his friends are in Finchley or serving in the war.
Once Aunt Alberta was gone, Edmund read the list while getting breakfast rolling. He thought about helping Lucy out for a bit, by getting the basics done of eggs and toast. Being considerate of the rationing. Lucy came down, appreciating the help as the two got breakfast settle, just in the nick of time as Eustace and Uncle Harold came down to eat. As usual, Uncle Harold focused on the newspaper while Eustace muttered about the food.
I so badly want to hit him, Edmund grumbled mentally.
Time went on as Edmund spent the morning portion of tending the yard and fixing the gate. Uncle Harold was back in his corner, oblivious like a blind mole while Eustace hid in his room. Lucy had come out with the laundry, which needed drying.
"You had any dreams again?" Lucy asked.
Edmund sighed as he pinned a pillowcase on the line, "Yeah."
Lucy knew about Edmund's dreams. It happened last year when he fell asleep in the backyard mumbling Eirlys's name. She thinks the ring he has is enchanted, allowing Edmund to have small glances into Narnia.
"What was it about?" Lucy asked, handing him another pillowcase. "Is she basking under the sun surrounded by nymphs?"
"No, a battle," Edmund answered. "With the Calormenes again."
"Over what?" she asked.
"Slavery," he answered. "I guessed they are taking back the islands the Calormenes thought they could steal."
Lucy nodded for she hated slavery.
When it was afternoon, they got most of the chores done. All that was left was getting the groceries. This was Edmund's chance to escape. A part of him feels guilty but needed to leave this place. Otherwise, he might accidentally punch Eustace in the face. So, as they change, Edmund searched for his mature clothes, grabbing his father's hat and scarf before meeting Lucy downstairs.
It was autumn, the air having a slight chill. Taking their bicycle, with an attach pannier on the back of the saddle allowing two people to ride. Edmund got on before helping Lucy then peddle towards the square where the market was. Once they got there, Lucy hopped off with a smile.
"Aunt Alberta wanted me to get something from the repair shop. Think you can handle the groceries?" He asked.
Lucy pulled out the list and nodded, "I believe so. I'll see you back at the city hall in thirty minutes."
Edmund nodded as he got off his bicycle. Lucy made her way to the market, oblivious to what is about to happen. Edmund checked his watch, he had thirty minutes before Lucy gets back. Therefore, he secured his bicycle, rushing into City Hall, where the enlistment was taking place. There was a line which he dreaded. Although, he kept his composure getting in line and waited. There were three men in front of him, while more men joined the queue. Edmund kept his head down, not staring at the officers, for if he did, they would notice he was underage.
On occasion, he would check his watch, seeing the time flying by. Practically every recruitment was taking ten minutes. Edmund tried to listen carefully, hearing the keynotes he needed to say. By the time he was up, the military officer had stared at Edmund questionable.
"Are you sure you're eighteen?" the military officer asked.
"Why? Do I look older?" Edmund asked.
The officer eyed him until gesturing for the papers. Edmund complied, handing over his aunt's document. The officer opens the registration card and frowned, staring at Edmund, directly in the eyes.
"Alberta Scrubb?" he asked sarcastically.
"It's a typographical error," Edmund explained. "It's supposed to be Albert A. Scrubb."
"Edmund, you're supposed to be helping me with the groceries," Lucy called out, entering the building.
Edmund, mentally cursed at Lucy, stood him up. All the men turned to Lucy seeing her annoyance before laughing. The officer smirked, trying not to laugh while handing the boy back his, or in this case, his aunt's documents. The man behind him, someone who was nineteen, rubbed his head through his hat.
"Better luck next time, eh, squirt?" the nineteen-year-old joked.
Edmund glared at him while correcting his hat, walking over to Lucy, and put his aunt's documents in his pocket. Lucy leads the way out where the bicycle was.
"Squirt?" Edmund growled, taking hold of the box out of Lucy's hands. "He barely had two years on me. I'm a king. I fought wars, and… and I've led armies."
They reached the bike as Edmund secure the box on the pannier. Meanwhile, Lucy put the bag in the basket, "Not in this world."
"Yeah. Instead, I'm stuck here doing battle with Eustace Clarence Scrubb. If anyone so deserved a name," Edmund grumbled, then looked up, seeing Lucy staring off in the distance while adjusting her hair. "What are you doing?"
That snapped Lucy from her train of thought, "Nothing."
Edmund arched a brow and looked over his shoulder, seeing a soldier flirting with a girl. He mentally sighed, knowing Lucy has reached that age to think about boys…for the second time. Only Susan or Mum wasn't here to help, and he doubt's Aunt Alberta will guide Lucy in modern romantic affairs. The thought made Edmund cringed.
"Come on, then," Lucy insisted, grabbing the handlebars of the bicycle leading the way back home.
.o0o.
When they got home, Edmund carried in the box while Lucy got the bag. The moment they got inside, Edmund set the box down, taking his coat, scarf, and hat off, onto the coat rack while putting Aunt Alberta's registration papers on the key counter. If she asked where it was, he can simply lie, stating it fell out of her purse.
"I'm home," Lucy called out, removing her coat. "Hello!"
Lucy then took custody of the box and bag, heading off to the kitchen, passing through the living room where Uncle Harold was doing his typical ritual. Reading the paper and listening to the radio.
"Hello, Uncle Harold," Lucy greeted as she walked towards the kitchen. "I tried to find some carrots, but all they had were turnips again. Shall I start making soup? Aunt Alberta's on her way home." she came back out staring at their uncle, who was ignoring her. "Uncle Harold."
The only acknowledgment she got was a cough. Edmund found it disrespectful and stuck his tongue out.
"Father!" Eustace shouted from the stairs. "Edmund's making faces at you."
Damn the consequences. That bloody snitch, Edmund thought as he stared Eustace.
Suddenly Eustace lifted a straw and spat a spitball at him, getting him in the neck. All of his composure gone, as he ran up the stairs.
"Why, you little…"
"Father, he's going to hit me," Eustace whined, cowering down just as Edmund reach up raising a fist.
"Edmund, look," Lucy praise coming over, holding an envelope with a smile. "It's from Susan."
Please hold some good news, Susan, he thought as stepped away from Eustace.
Lucy walked up as they headed over to her bedroom. She was lucky; it was a small bedroom that got enough sunlight, with a bed, dresser, and a painting. Far cleaner and not have bugs trapped in jars. Both sat down on the bed, as Lucy read the letter.
"I do wish you were here with us. It's been such an adventure, but nothing like our times in Narnia. America is very exciting; except we never see Father. He works so very hard. I was invited…to the British consul's tea party this week by a naval officer, who happens to be very handsome. I think he fancies me."
"Hmm," Edmund replied as he stood up, walking over to the painting. He noticed something strange about it. For a moment, he thought the oil painting was that of the ocean. He doesn't recall seeing a ship there in the background.
"It seems the Germans have made the crossing difficult right now. Times are hard. Mother hopes you both won't mind another few months in Cambridge." Lucy read aloud and gasped. Edmund turned around, coming back to her. "Another few months? How will we survive?"
Edmund sat down, taking the letter, "You're lucky. At least you've got your own room. I'm stuck with mullet mouth."
He reread the letter just to be sure.
Lucy got up, "Susan and Peter are the lucky ones. Off on adventures."
Edmund laid down on the bed, "Yeah, they're the eldest, and we're the youngest. We don't matter as much."
"Do you think I look anything like Susan?" Lucy asked, staring at a worn-out mirror.
Edmund sighed, not sure how to answer it. He will admit, Susan is far more attractive than Lucy. However, Lucy physically looks cute, she has a far beautiful soul than Susan. He was about to say something, setting the letter down, until noticing the ship getting closer, having some resemblance to the world he once lived. He sat up, walking over to the painting.
"Lucy, have you seen this ship before?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered with a smile. "It's very Narnian- looking, isn't it?"
They both stood in front of the painting, reminiscing of the past.
"Yeah," he agreed. "Well, just another reminder that we're here and not there."
He sighed. He could use a trip back to Narnia right now. Then again, after three years back in their world, it has probably been three-thousand years in Narnia. Probably most of their friends are dead, except for one. Eirlys. Edmund had glimpse of her in dreams, but debated that the dreams are not in sync with Narnia's actual timeline. Is Eirlys alright, since she has an immortal soul or has a battle killed her? The thought bothered him, especially the thought that she has moved on with a new lover.
"There once were two orphans, who wasted their time believing in Narnian nursery rhymes," Eustace sang as he entered the room.
Edmund snapped, walking over, clenching his fist, "Please let me hit him."
"No!" Lucy scolded, grabbing his hand.
Eustace stepped back, intimidated by his oldest cousin.
"Don't you ever knock?" Edmund demanded.
"It's my house," Eustace countered. "I'll do as I please. You're just guests." He entered the room, walking about. "What's so fascinating about that picture anyway?" then sat on the bed, arms crossed. "It's hideous."
Edmund took a deep breath going back to the painting, "You won't see it from the other side of the door."
Lucy giggled from that remark, "Edmund, it looks like the water's actually moving."
"What rubbish," Eustace sneered. "See? That's what happens when you read all those fanciful novels and fairy tales of yours."
Edmund could see what Lucy was talking about, using his imagination, he sang, "There once was a boy called Eustace, who read books full of facts that were useless."
Lucy giggled again.
"People who read fairy tales are always the sort who become a hideous burden to people like me, who read books of real information." Eustace lectured.
Edmund turned around, facing him bewildered, "Hideous burden?! I haven't seen you lift a finger since we've been here."
Eustace got up backing away, about to escape, except Edmund slammed the door shut.
"I have a right mind to tell your father it was you who stole Aunt Alberta's sweets," he threatened.
"Liar," Eustace countered.
"Oh, really?" Edmund challenged.
"Edmund, the painting," Lucy called out.
However, Edmund was stuck in his rant, "I found them under your bed, and you know what? I licked every one of them."
Eustace made a face of horror and disgust, "Ooh! I'm infected with you!"
Suddenly there was a splash of water—the room engulfed by the scent of the sea. Meanwhile, the painting was pouring out water. Lucy was grinning, for she hasn't smiled like this since their father returned home. Edmund was god smack, seeing magic being performed in their world while cheering happily inside knowing what this meant. As they stare at the painting, the waves coming to life while the ship drawing closer—a massive ship with the bow carved into the shape of a dragon with purple sails.
"What's going on here?" Eustace demanded.
"Lucy, do you think…" Edmund started.
"It's some kind of trick," Eustace barked. "Stop it, or I'll tell mother. Mother! Mother!"
Neither of the Pevensies care, excited for a new adventure to escape this purgatory they were in. More water poured into the room, as it became a foot deep. They were going to see their friends again. Eirlys, Caspian, Reepicheep, Trumpkin, Trufflehunter, Glenstorm, and Professor Cornelius. They were going back to them. Edmund promised this time, he will make sure they stay in Narnia.
"I'll just smash the rotten thing," Eustace promised, rushing over grabbing the painting off the wall.
Lucy and Edmund yelled, trying to stop him. They try to pry it out of the thirteen-year old's hand while not destroying the frame. More water started bursting out of the painting like a geyser. They were shouting and screaming like children.
"Put it down," Lucy begged.
"Let go!" Edmund ordered.
Eustace dropped the painting on the floor as the room flooded in seconds, now reaching to their knees. It was like a riptide came out of nowhere, knocking them down, impossible to stand up. The current swirling them around, nowhere to grab hold as the water filled the room till there is no space left. Furniture and Lucy's keepsakes floating about.
All three of them had no choice but to try to swim upwards. For some apparent reason, the ceiling was farther away, as the door, floor, and window disappeared. At the same time, the furnishing sank to the bottom. Edmund pointed to them to swim up. They complied with having no other choice, or they'll drown.
The moment they broke through the surface, it was no longer the ceiling. Instead, they draw breath to fresh air. Above them were open blue skies and partial clouds. Edmund gasped, ignoring Eustace frantic cries to realize they were no longer in Cambridge. Until a dark shadow covered them. They stared at the source and gasped. The ship from the painting was sailing towards them.
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