Dark Witch

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia

A/N: This chapter has be re-edited

Chapter 1: The Dark Witch of the Shuddering Woods

A young Caspian was running through the garden. He swung his sword, reenacting the story about the Kings and Queens of old. Being King Peter, protecting his Nurse who was Queen Susan as he imagines the feral wolf Maugrim was in front of them.

"And Captain Maugrim growl saying to the Little King, 'You may think you're a king, but you're going to die like a dog!"

Immediately the Nurse grabbed hold of the ten-year-old and lifted him in the air with such strength. Caspian did not expect it, giving a small shriek until she swung him around. He laughed as the Nurse put him down. She was beautiful, with pale skin and green eyes. She wore the standard uniform, while her hair was kept in chaperone. Dark hair tucked back, basically covering her ears. On her neck, was a silver medallion. The Nurse took his sword and placed it under her armpit.

"Maugrim yelped, the blade piercing his heart," the Nurse said, as she fell to the ground.

She laid there; eyes closed. Caspian chuckled as he came over, shaking her shoulder, "What happened next?"

The Nurse opens her eyes, looking at him, "Queen Lucy and Queen Susan, shriek in fear for their eldest brother. They climbed down the tree checking on him. High King Peter was alive and well. Aslan released the second wolf, ordering General Orieus to take a dozen men and follow the wolf to the White Witch's camp." She sat up handing him the wooden sword. "The Great Lion came over to Peter and told him to clean his sword. The young man wiped his blade on the grass and kneel before the True King. With a breath from the lion and a paw on the shoulder. Aslan anointed the boy saying, "Rise up, Sir Peter Wolf's Bane, Knight of Narnia."

Caspian was in awe; he always loved his Nurse's story.

"How do you know this?" Caspian asked. "It's like you were there?"

The Nurse adjusted her gown looking at him, "All stories are passed along. If you focus on your studies, I'm sure Doctor Cornelis will lend you a book."

"I wish I lived in the Old Days. When everything was different. When the animals could talk. Where there were dwarves and fauns,"

The Nurse smiled, as she cradled his cheek, "One day, you shall see them. One day, my dear Caspian."

As she pecked him on the forehead.

.o0o.

Caspian was woken up from a startled. A hand pressed against his mouth to silence his gasp of surprise. Dark brown eyes open to gaze at the intruder only to find his tutor, the old man, Doctor Cornelius. The young prince sighed, for he was having a good dream of his Nurse, Jocelyn. Sadly, the startled from his mentor had him forget what she looked like. It has been five years since he last saw her. During one walk with his uncle, he let it slip about the stories. Miraz dismissed Jocelyn from Caspian's service, and Doctor Cornelius had full custody of the boy. When Caspian asked his tutor to wish Jocelyn goodbye. Her room was empty. The only thing left behind was a book. It broke his heart. Over time, he forgot her face, but he always remembered Jocelyn's stories.

Caspian sighed seeing his tutor, pulling the Cornelius's hand down and turned to go back to sleep thinking this was another astrology lesson. During the day, it had been busy from practicing his swordsmanship, archery, and lectures. Follow by the news of his aunt Prunaprismia going into labor.

"Five more minutes," Caspian mumbled.

"You won't be watching the stars tonight, my prince," Cornelius said in a frantic, hush voice. "Come. We must hurry."

This caught Caspian's attention as he got out of bed and quickly slipped on his trousers and boots. Afterward, the doctor grabbed Caspian by the arm leading him towards the wardrobe.

"Professor, what's going on?" Caspian asked.

Professor Cornelius turned around, facing his pupil, "Your aunt has given birth…to a son."

The crown prince stood there in shock. At the beginning of Lady Prunaprismia's pregnancy, he thought nothing of it but a miracle. Since both his aunt and uncle have been trying to have a child for over a decade. However, as the months gone by, he heard vague rumors of his uncle, Miraz plans to assassinate him if by fate Lady Prunaprismia gives birth to a son. Now the rumors might actually be true by the professor's frantic behavior. Not wanting to greet his executioners, Caspian got inside the wardrobe and closed the door very slightly.

Just a moment later, General Glozelle and ten other Telmarine soldiers surrounded the bed with crossbows. General Glozelle gave the order through a silent nod, which resulted in a massacre of arrows. Except once the tapestry was destroyed there was no prince, but feathers instead.

Caspian's eyes widen as he and the professor snuck through the secret tunnels towards the armory. There Caspian grabbed an armor vest and sword. Along with a cloak by the professor. Afterward, they went to the stables for Destrier.

The dark fur horse was already saddled up thanks to Doctor Cornelius. Along with supplies of food and water. Caspian mounted Destrier though confused to see not a second horse the professors. Doctor Cornelius stood holding his student's hand.

"You must make for the woods," Cornelius told him.

"The woods?" Caspian asked. "What about the Dark Witch?"

Caspian had heard tales of the Dark Witch of the Shuddering Woods. A banshee creature. If you set sight eyes on her, you are dead by a single glance. Those who were spared by her wrath said she was all in black, with skin white as snow, hair black as night, and eyes green as the scales of a serpent. An entity of darkness, who manipulates the forest like a marionette.

"They won't follow you there. Nor will the witch harm you," Cornelius said, pulling out a clothed package and handed it to Caspian. "It has taken me many years to find this."

Caspian nodded and placed it in his satchel, except the older man was not finished. "Do not use it except at your greatest need."

Then the professor took a medallion off his neck and gave it to Caspian. The medallion was made out of silver of what appears to be a lion etched in gold. Caspian stared at the professor, confused.

"When you reach the forest…find Eirlys, she will help you. Make sure you show her that medallion first and say my name." Cornelius ordered.

Caspian nodded as he put the medallion on. "Will I ever see you again?"

"I dearly hope so, my prince," Cornelius answered. "There is so much more I meant to tell you. Everything you know is about to change."

"Close the drawbridge!" One of the guards yelled.

"Now, go," Cornelius ordered, smacking Destrier back.

The horse gave a secretive nod to Cornelius as he took off with the prince without Caspian control. The action startled Caspian as he held the rein tightly in the escape trying to gain control of Destrier. But the horse continued to stride through the courtyard towards the drawbridge in attempt to escape. Once they fled, Caspian managed to get control and lead Destrier towards the Shuddering Woods, ignoring the fireworks behind them.

The journey was tedious, for not a moment too soon General Glozelle and several of his men were in pursuit. They crossed mighty plains till entering the first portion of the Shuddering Woods. For a second, Caspian thought he saw the mist evaporated creating a passage for them. He turned his head around to see the fog consumed the empty space as the tree branches condensed.

Don't look back. A woman's voice hissed in his head.

Bewilder, Caspian eyes searched for any sight of a woman, but none were found. Destrier continued galloping forward till reaching Beruna River, crossing it with such speed. The current made things difficult for the horse. Yet halfway through the current lighten up instantly, making things easier. Caspian noticed it; consider it a change in the tides of a nearby lake.

However, when General Glozelle and his men attempted to cross, the current change most rapidly as a few slipped off their horses. The situation became a conflict, which they had to retreat and find a different route to cross. Meanwhile, Caspian continued to escape further into the woods.

Up ahead in the trees, a dark apparition hid watching the earth below. Deep green eyes evaluated the terrain after receiving a message from the falcon that several Telmarine has entered the Shuddering Woods. In fact, one Telmarine being chased by the rest. This draws the person's attention as she cast a spell to let the lone individual in and help him in his escape. Now this person desire answered.

When seeing Caspian making in the manipulated direction, the person jumped from the trees and tackled the prince to the ground. The impact shock Caspian as he fell off of Destrier and onto the hard compost soil. Immediately he got up, drawing his sword and aimed it at the assailant. Brown eyes widened to see a tall person in dark robes.

The Dark Witch of the Shuddering Woods, Caspian thought, frighten.

Black leather-encased hands moved slowly in front of the witch as she lowered her hood. What Caspian saw, surprised him. As a woman stood before him with a beauty of a statue with the features that been told, except for her ears that were pointed. Her green eyes narrow as she twisted her hand, which magically tossed Caspian sword.

"Are you the Dark Witch of these woods?" Caspian demanded.

"Indeed, I am." The witch said. Her voice soft and temping of a siren. "And who are you?"

However, there was something familiar about her. Caspian could not quite put his finger on it.

"I mean no harm. Only safe passage?" Caspian said.

"Thou still haven't answered thy question," The witch growled.

"I am Prince Caspian. The tenth," Caspian answered quickly.

The Dark Witch stopped, her eyes widen, "And why have ye entered my woods?"

"Running away," Caspian answered, pulling out the medallion. "Please, I am in search of a woman."

"Most men are," The Dark Witch muttered.

"I search for Eirlys," Caspian corrected himself. "Cornelius sent me to find her."

This caught the Dark Witch's attention as she walked over and yanked the medallion out of Caspian's hand. Her green eyes gaze deeply into the medallion and back to Caspian. The hostility vanished, replaced by the softness of hope. He noticed along her chest was a silver medallion as well. It had etchings of a triangle surrounded by swirls. Another familiar image he could not put together.

"So, it begins," She breathed.

.o0o.

Eirlys POV

I stared at the medallion to see Aslan crest. I gave this to the Renegade Dwarf name Cornelius on my last day as a servant in Telmar Cast. I glance at Caspian seeing how much he has changed over the previous five years. No longer was he a boy. He was taller now, with shoulder-length dark brown hair. Yet I could still see the eyes of his father in him. I had anticipated this day would come when a Son of Adam could restore Narnia. Even when this Telmarine stood before me, I hardly believed him until seeing the medallion. He had changed since the last time I had seen him when he was a mere boy sadden by death and burden with responsibility. Although, he does not seem to recognize me.

"So, it begins," I breathed, then turned to face Caspian. "I am she."

The Telmarine's eyes widen. Yes, the Dark Witch is I, Eirlys. But I wonder how much does he know about me per se than the folklore the farmers proclaimed. I doubt he remembers the stories I told him about myself? He was so focused on the Pevensies, he probably doesn't remember my heritage or who my mother was. However, that is not important. What is essential is getting Caspian to a safer location and rally up the rebels.

So., I removed one of my gloves and placed my fingers in my mouth, whistling for Destrier. In a matter of seconds, the horse obediently obliged. As we wait, I summoned the sword which returned to Caspian's hand. When Destrier was near, I petted his muscular neck,

"Such a handsome creature. No longer a colt."

"How did you do that?" Caspian asked, cautiously approaching me. "Destrier obeys only to me."

"My dear prince, I've been watching since you were a mere boy," I murmured, mounting Destrier then offered a hand to Caspian. "Did you think I let you be alone in shark-infested waters?"

Caspian eyes widen to realize who I was. The Nurse who told him stories when he was nine years old. I smiled softly, yet he did not call me by the name I have chosen at the time.

During that time, I was under the alias of Jocelyn. When Caspian was thirteen, and Miraz dismissed me, I wanted to be sure the Prince was safe. Just in case he had to escape. So, I had Cornelius personally give Destrier to Caspian. An intelligent horse, in fact. Though Destrier cannot speak, he knows his ways of communication.

Anyway, Caspian sheath his sword and got on behind me as I started leading the way to Dancing Lawn.

"So, tell me again, why are you running away?" I asked.

Caspian paused before answering, "My uncle has always wanted my throne. I suppose I have only lived this long because he did not have an heir of his own."

"Ah, I was wondering when Mizar will strike again," I muttered.

"Again?" Caspian asked.

I contemplated if I should tell Caspian the truth. Let the human know that Miraz was the one who killed his father and possibly his mother as well. The tragic news would shatter his heart if told. Before I could open my mouth, an arrow shot by us scaring Destrier. The horse pranced on his hind legs causing Caspian and me to fall. I gasped, feeling pain in my side then got up to see in the far distance other Telmarines.

Damn it, I thought about drawing Caspian sword.

A sound of a door creaking open caught my attention. Turning around, I saw two dwarves,

Nikabrik and Trumpkin. They stared at me and then at Caspian. Cautious Trumpkin approached ready to attack. Quickly I intervene.

"Don't, get him inside," I ordered.

Trumpkin nodded, standing beside me while Nikabrik approached Caspian. I turned around casting a spell to create a fog to hide us before the Telmarines arrives. As the fog formed, I focused on Caspian to discover him grabbing something off the ground. A horn. But not just any ordinary horn. No, it was made out of ivory carved into a lion. Queen Susan's horn.

How in Aslan's name did this Telmarine possess Queen Susan's horn? The Narnians believed it could summon the Kings and Queens of old. Nearly a thousand years the Narnians searched for it. Even I searched for it, when legend foretold what that horn can do. Caspian quickly got hold of the horn and blew on it.

"No!" I shouted, but it was already too late.

Nikabrik panic, knocking the boy unconscious by using the blunt end of his dagger. Having no time to spare, we carried Caspian inside Trufflehunter's burrow and turned off the lights. I panted peeking out through the window to watch the Telmarines. I recognized one of them being General Glozelle. The General has changed since the last time I saw him in Telmar. How I used to manipulate him to gather information under my glamour. Glozelle and his men searched around the area seeking for Caspian. After some time, they left searching deeper into the forest. I sighed, turning around to see an unconscious human, two dwarves, and a badger.

What a lovely way to greet the morning, I thought.

Let alone the damn horn has been blown.

I don't know what I should be worried about: the Telmarine Prince or the Kings and Queens of Old?

Narnia is not the same.

What do you all think?

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