Dark Witch
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia
A/N: This chapter has been reedited.
Chapter 2: Lost in a Memory
I sat in a chair waiting on Trufflehunter, who was treating Caspian's injury. Meanwhile, in the den with the two dwarves. Trumpkin was drinking from his tankard while Nikabrik glared at me. I knew the black dwarf personally, along with his family, since the beginning of my existence. For Nikabrik was a descendant of Jadis most trusted servant, Ginarrbrik. I could see the resemblance in the eyes, let alone the last four letters of the name.
Things have gone complicated than it should. Barely a handful of the Narnians know about my plan. I was absent for nearly five years, leaving a council conspired by Glenstorm,
Asterius, Bugly Bear, Tyrus, Urnus, and Poggin. They guided the Narnians, receiving messages now and then on my plans, and preparing for a possible battle. Each representing a faction of the Narnians who remained.
A lot of the Narnian species have gone into hiding or went extinct. The Dark Narnians suffering the most. As only Minotaurs, Minoboars, Werewolves, Hags, and Black Dwarves have wandered through the Woods. Sadly, other species either hid underground or went extinct from the Telmarine purge. The Ogres, goblins, trolls, ghouls, and harpies vanished. The paranormal has not been summoned, for I thought it was best to keep them in the darkness of caves and graves. As for the light Narnians, they have managed to survive. The Red Dwarves, the Centaurs, Fauns, and Satyrs. Although, the Dryads and Naiads, practically the nymph race, returned to the environment.
Anyway, it does not help with Nikabrik glaring at me. And I thought the Seven Brothers of the Shuddering Woods were difficult. The last five years since my return has been hard on me. Not only getting the Narnians ready but also my magic. The year the nymphs went silent, did markings appeared on my body. Mainly my veins presenting themselves in a dark shade from the clavicle and down. At first, I worried, thinking it was sickness, yet I felt fine. However, when the Telmarines came, did I noticed my magic becoming off. Certain spells making more energy out of me than before. Spells from Charn and Laputa were the difficult ones while Narnia spells, especially those of the forest, were fine. But it told me the Deep Magic was fading.
Aslan bounded my magic to Narnia. That is the reason why I ample to live for almost 1400 years. Now the deep magic was fading. The last five years have been the worse. As the veins have become darker and my skin returning to winter pale with bruising under my eyes. I've been cautious in the spells I use. Focusing on Narnia magic instead of my parents' magic.
Therefore, I am desperate. I want to make sure my people are safe before I die. If my magic is gone, then my body will turn to ash just like my father. Before that happens, I need to be sure a Son of Adam or a Daughter of Eve can rule Narnia peacefully. No longer will my people suffer for 300 hundred years. I have been the Narnians Queen during the Telmarine Age. I need to make sure my successor is capable of guiding both Narnian and Telmarine before I'm gone. Caspian IX was supposed to be my successor. Now the responsibility is placed on his son.
"You should have killed him when you had the chance," Nikabrik said.
"And I told you before, he's important." I countered.
"He is a Telmarine." Nikabrik spat.
"And a Son of Adam," I added.
Nikabrik was going to argue when Trumpkin spoke out, "Give it a break."
The black mountain dwarf grumbled under his beard. I gave Trumpkin an appreciated nod before going back to my drink. Now the situation has gone severely. Prince Caspian has blown Queen Susan's horn. There is no doubt that all the Narnians in the Shuddering Woods have heard it. Now the question is, are the superstitions true? Can the damn blasted horn summon the Kings and Queens of old? Last time I ever saw the Pevensies was their last day in Narnia from afar.
But I have never honestly encountered the Pevensies. The only person I ever actually spoken to was Edmund from the Battle, and the five years of friendship we had in the Lantern Waste. I desperately tried to not think about Edmund. Five years we had become friends from afar, exchanging letters. Until one night during an ambassador meeting with the Ettins, did we cross paths and became intimate. It was wrong in both our parts. Practically taboo, since I was a witch and he was a human. Yet the coldness dwindled our minds to an explicit nature. Along with a personal quest from Edmund that failed.
Back to the main point, if the Pevensies are summoned, then there is no doubt they will go to Cair Paravel. Sadly, Cair Paravel is nothing but a ruin. Practically all of Narnia has changed. Even the lamp post in the Lantern Waste, as the metal holds patina while vines strangle it to a point, it is one with the metal. Although, the light continued to shine on through all the ages. So, in other words, somebody has to go get them and escort them to Aslan's How.
Trufflehunter soon came down and started making a pot of soup. The badger was wise; maybe he can aid me in my mental confrontation. So, speaking my thoughts to the badger, he gave his opinion to help the Pevensies.
"You don't actually believe in the legends," Trumpkin asked.
"My dear dwarf, you may have lost faith in Aslan," I said. "But I know the deep magic."
"It might be wise if we send a messenger to get them," Trufflehunter replied.
"Well, I won't go. It would be a wild goose chase." Nikabrik muttered.
"Then I'll go," I sighed.
"Is that wise?" Nikabrik asked. "You are their enemy."
"And what about the Telmarine?" Trumpkin asked.
"I need you three to take him to Dancing Lawn where Glenstorm would be. He is most likely to help," I instructed.
Trumpkin and Trufflehunter nodded, although Nikabrik expressed his protest. The Narnians indeed hold little fate towards the human race, especially towards a Telmarine. But if my plan succeeds, Caspian could be the Telmarine who restores Narnia and unite the two kingdoms. Many of the Dark Narnians are extinct, and the Giants have isolated themselves to Ettinsmoor; if not, the trees became silent. This was the only option.
And with my magic starting to fade, I need to ensure that everyone is safe and prosper. I do not wish to leave my people in the darkness of the woods. Not letting them hide in fear. Hopefully, a new era can begin.
Excusing myself, I went up to the bedroom where Caspian rested. I sat down, checking the bandage on his head, and cast a simple spell to remove the pain. Once down, I placed my forehead against his, entering his dream.
.o0o.
I found myself back in Castle Telmar. I was in the garden, the same garden I watched and played with the young prince. Seraphina's garden was filled with life while the rest of Telmar's castle was strict. The Castle once known as Castle of Caspian. It was practically a fortress, carved from a large rock that used had been an island until the lake ran dry. Only in this small garden did life seem to flourish.
"Jocelyn," a voice called out.
I turned around facing Caspian. The young prince ran over, giving me a hug. I was surprised not to expect it. Since the last time I hugged him, he was thirteen.
"Jocelyn, where have you been?" Caspian asked. "It's been what, five years? You hardly aged at all."
"Caspian," I sighed, cradling his cheek in a motherly way.
He leaned into my touch, "I have missed you."
"As have I, but you must listen to me," I said.
"Are you in trouble? Do you need money or a new home? I'm sure I can accommodate you one."
I smiled softly in seeing his mother's good nature.
"I'm fine, for this is a dream Caspian," I told him.
"I don't understand," he replied.
I pulled my hand away, removing the chaperone and pulled my hair back to expose my ears. His eyes widen, seeing how pointed they were. Not a simple point some humans get, but actually pointed, almost in the shape of a beech leaf.
"You're…you're Narnian?" he gasped, stepping back.
"I am, and my name is not Jocelyn. My birth name is Eirlys," I told him.
His eyes widen, recognizing my name, "You're the Queen of the Wild? Of the Dark Narnians."
I nodded, "And Leader of the Resistance. Caspian, I have come to you in favor of your parents. I have watched you since you were a child and raised you as my own."
"Why?" he asked.
"For I need your help," I answered. "Please. Help us, Narnian. We are near extinction and have lived long in the shadows. It has been told that a Son of Adam or a Daughter of Eve, can restore Narnia and bring peace on these lands."
Caspian soon started to remember everything that hasp transpire last night. "My uncle…he tried to kill me."
I nodded, "I will help you reclaim your birthright. In exchange, you return what has been stolen from the Narnians."
"After everything you have done for me, it's the least I can do." He said.
I sighed in relief, "I must go. When you wake, Trufflehunter shall take you to see Glenstorm. You must convince the Council and the Narnians that you are on their side. I shall see you in five days by then."
"You're not coming?" Caspian asked.
"You blew the horn," I answered. "I need to see if the legends are true."
With that said, I pecked Caspian's cheek, "Believe in yourself, my prince. I place my trust in your hands."
Once done, I ended the dream. It will be a while, a day or so before Caspian wakes. I cradle his face, remembering the five years I felt like I had a child of my own before leaving. When I came downstairs, Trufflehunter had a satchel for me.
"I packed some supplies for you," the badger said.
"Thank you, my friend," I said, securing the satchel. "I shall see you all at the Dancing Lawn. And hopefully, with allies. If I don't send word in five days, take him to Glenstorm."
"With that bump on the noggin, I bet he'll be unconscious until then." Trumpkin muttered.
I chuckled softly then lifted my hood up before leaving. It was dawn already, as the birds began to sing for the new day. I whistled for Destrier, except the horse did not show. Sighing, I made my way on foot towards East. After an hour of walking, I stopped and placed my hand on an oak tree.
"You've heard the horn…" I whispered. "Please wake up."
Unfortunately, the trees remain silent. I remembered the day the trees have gone quiet. It was after Queen Swanwhite II had passed, and anarchy took over. With so many anarchists demanding on who is on their side, the dryads and naiads couldn't decide. Thus, the night of the spring festival…they went silent. Their humanoid form returning to their haven. Only the wind manipulated their branches. Many of the Narnians tried breaking the branches to see if it gives a response. Yet none has spoken or move. Even the nymphs returned to their natural homes of solitude. When the Telmarines chop our silent friends down, we mourn for them and their offspring.
Snap!
Immediately I snapped out of my nostalgic memories to realize the intruders were near. Having no time, I started walking again while hearing many horses. It wasn't long when five Telmarine soldiers surrounded me with swords up at the ready. One of them was General Glozelle.
"What business does a woman like you have in the Shuddering Woods?" General Glozelle demanded. "Speak quickly."
I smirked, releasing a dark aura to scare their horses. Instantly the horses whined in protested who made things complicated for the riders. As for the horsemen, they hesitated.
"It should be I who should be asking you that," I countered, manipulating my voice to echo. "What business do five Telmarines have in my forest?"
"We seek a prisoner, witch," Glozelle answered cautiously.
"A prisoner. How interesting," I murmured.
"We mean no harm," One soldier mumbled.
"Yet your ancestors came into my castle and burned it to the ground," I said calmly at first before it came out as a shout. The tone Jadis used upon those with idiocy. The bellowing words startled the horses if not frighten the riders.
"I'll be generous and let you imbeciles leave," I seethed.
"And the prisoner?" Glozelle asked.
"He is now my property," I replied. "I might make good use of him or kill your precious prince."
Glozelle stared at me with a calculating gaze before unmounting his horse and approached me. Merely a few inches shorter than I. Still, he kept eye contact with his hand on the handle of his blade. His brown eyes dilated in recognizing my face.
"We did not say the prisoner was the prince," Glozelle countered. "Jocelyn."
"And yet, you still challenge me, Glozelle," I sneered.
A twitch of his hand, he draws his sword while I had my dagger, causing both to clash. We glare at each other. The soldiers rushed in, yet I used magic to push them away. Glozelle stepped back, swinging his sword again. I dodged, swirling around him to nick him in the arm. He glared at me, trying to spin around attacking again. Over and over, he attacked. I did not have my sword, for I left it at Aslan How. Thankfully my dagger was thick and long enough for a duel.
When all of a sudden, I felt a sharp pain in my left shoulder and right leg. The shock allows Glozelle to punch me in the blunt end of his sword in the abdomen. The impact had me fall to my knees. There I discover, I was shot by two arrows.
"You fight well, Jocelyn," Glozelle murmured as he lowers my hood, exposing my ears. He smirked then gave the nod. Before I could react, a soldier struck me in the back of the head with the blunt end of his sword. Everything became back as I tumble forward to the ground falling unconscious.
"For a witch, she quite captivating."
"A siren indeed."
"With a shrew temper."
.o0o.
It was a risk.
A terrible risk.
But I had to come back to collect a few things. Five years away from what remains of Jadis's castle has changed. The ice completely melted away. All that remained was the stone portion of the castle. Anxiety rushed into my veins as I stepped foot into what appears like ruins than an abandoned castle. The trees taking root everywhere, while vines crept into the cracks of the walls. All the statues were destroyed, and any possible valuables were gone.
But I wasn't here for Jadis's heirlooms. No, I have not come for the jewels. I have come to my old home to see if any of my sentimental valuables were here. Stone Castle was furnished, and all, but anything remotely personal was the gem from my circlet and pendant on my neck. No books or tapestries. No, I came for Gethen's personal belongings.
My father, who I never met, left several heirlooms for me. He died serving Jadis for his magic could not withstand Narnia's magic. However, Gethen wanted his legacy to continue. Therefore, he made a deal to Jadis, that he will serve her and make her queen in exchange; she bore him a child. I was the product of that deal.
When I enter my old bedchamber, I found it the same, without the ice. My bookshelves filled with Narnian literature were there. My vanity with all the products remains, except all the cosmetics were either dried to dust or vaporize from prolonged exposure.
Anyway, I walked over to the chest where Gethen's belongings were and open it. Inside were his dagger, chainmail, and a ring. I picked up the ring, how it was forged to look like a dragon. This is what I truly care about. As I put the ring on my left ring finger, it felt big. But then not a moment too soon, the dragon's tail tightened, securing itself. A surged of energy enter my veins of Laputa magic. My blood sang to the aura of forgotten times. When I touch this ring, I feel like the presence of Gethen was here with me. A father figured, even though I never witness or seen one…this aura of protection had me believe it is him. A wandering spirit.
Suddenly there was a sound of footsteps from behind. I turned around, drawing my sword to discover Edmund standing there. King Edmund the Just, Lord of the Western Wood. He no longer looked like the scrawny boy I remembered. The boy who would do anything for a strange jelly dessert called Turkish Delights. No, he has become a man. A foot taller and fuller in the muscles.
What is he doing here? I thought.
The last time I saw Edmund was on the battlegrounds of Beruna. My mother gave me the order to eliminate Edmund at all costs. I was mentally prepared to do so, except when I crossed paths with the boy…I hesitated. His words to help him and his family to defeat the White Witch. However, I couldn't succumb to such sin. Therefore, I basically took my loyal members and retreated. But before I left, I told Edmund how to defeat Jadis. By destroying her wand, does her magic reduced to much verbal spell. Since then, I haven't seen Edmund. For I told the boy that terrible day would be the last day we would ever see each other.
"Edmund," I said, standing up. "Or is it King Edmund."
"Edmund is fine," He answered. "May I enter?"
I scoffed in surprise. After five years and the tarnish of this castle, the boy had the decency to ask permission to enter a female's room. With a nod, the human enters. How can this human act so natural around me? Especially for somebody who is the daughter of the White Witch. The enemy.
Including, the absence of a weapon? Has he been here all this time waiting for me? The trees must have given me away.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
"Looking for my coat," Edmund answered.
"That ghastly furry thing?" I asked, which he nodded. "I believe I burned it."
Edmund chuckled, shaking his head. What? His fur coat was the most hideous thing ever created in Narnia. I pity the creatures that died to become such an ugly fashion. Though I prefer cloaks than coats, in my opinion.
"What are you doing here?" Edmund asked.
"…I came to collect some personal things. I'm surprised that my room was not violated," I answered.
"That's because I told them not too." He answered. "Peter wanted to destroy it to the ground. But I convince him to leave this area be."
I stared at him, befuddled. This was the castle where Jadis tossed him into the dungeons. Where her stone garden used to resign and terrible memories. Why in Aslan's name would he keep this place standing?
"So…um, how are you and the Dark Narnians?" Edmund asked.
"We're fine. We found refuge and plan to stay there," I said. "That is all I'll tell you, Son of Adam."
After saying that, I started placing my things in a bag. Edmund merely nodded as he stood out of the way. He tried to start a conversation, but I let my answers be vague or non-related to my people. Although, for the first time since the sleigh ride, it was nice to have a conversation that is not related to war. There was no hostile behavior between us. No harsh feelings due to the battle. Just two people talking. A couple of laughs and innocent little stories.
"I take it your brother is after my head?" I asked.
"Peter has spies looking for you," He answered.
"Then I better be on my way," I concluded.
"I believe so," he said. "Oh, um…is there a way we can meet. Maybe share letters?"
I paused, staring at the Son of Adam like he had a third eye. Why would King Edmund want to visit me? His family already held an interest in having my head. This must be a trap. A trick. Edmund seemed to realize this.
"It's not a trap," Edmund assured, having his hands in defense. "I…you must be lonely. Not having any friends."
"A ruler does not need friends," I whispered.
"Everyone needs friends," he argued kindly. "I can be your friend."
"You want to be friends with the Stone Queen. The White Witch's daughter. Let alone the fact I tried to kill you?" I asked.
"Well, you were following orders," he joked. "So, I don't hold it against you. And besides, you helped me when I was Jadis's hostage. I promise, I no harm will come to you. I'll even meet you in the Lantern Waste."
I sighed, thinking about it. I've seen many of the Dark Narnians have friends. When I tried to be their friend, they never treated me as their equal, only their Queen. Maybe having a companion who is the same rank as you could be different.
"Maybe through letters for now," I mumbled.
Edmund couldn't help but smile.
With nothing else to say, I began to leave before the trees send word to the High King. Just as I reached the door, I stopped staring at Edmund, who was right beside me.
"Oh, and Edmund." I started.
"Yes?" he asked.
I leaned forward and pecked him on the forehead. The action surprised the young king. When I pulled back, I grabbed my bag and began walking. "Thank you for what you said to Aslan."
And with that said, I disappeared into the night.
So…you guys got a bit of a flashback. What do you guys think? Should I continue doing flashbacks or not?
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.