Dark Witch

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia

A/N: This chapter has been reedited

Chapter 3: They're Telmarines

Eirlys's POV

I woke up when the horses stopped to find myself bound while hunched over a horse. Luckily, I wasn't blindfolded; however, gagged. I listen closely to figure out my location. There were no sounds that indicated neither the forest nor the fragrance of the trees, or even the soft impact sounds of stepping on the earth. Instead, all I saw was cobblestones, feet, and hay. Hearing people talking, the sharp clacks of hooves on stone. There is only one assumption about where I am. Telmar Castle.

Pain could be felt in my left shoulder and right calf. My arms were bound, adding more pain as were my legs. The scent of blood filled my nostrils. The Telmarine soldiers only had the decency to remove the arrows. Yet, my right legging was damp along with my left shoulder region. The world was slightly spinning from the amount of blood lost. For a moment, I consider casting a healing spell, yet my concentration wasn't there.

A set of footsteps caught interest as they approach in a rapid state until interrupted.

"Wait. Wait, my lord." General Glozelle voice spoke. "It is not what you think."

"Then what is it?" another man's voice asked.

"We're not exactly sure," Glozelle answered. "A face of a traitor."

The blanket covering my form lifted, exposing me to the man. I winced from the sudden brightness until my eyes adjust to see the newest addition to the group. A tall and broad shoulder man, with short dark hair, a black beard, and mustache. That is when I realize who this man was, The Lord Protector, Miraz. The one who betrayed his brother, King Caspian IX. His black eyes widen when seeing me as he stepped closer to touching my ears. He pinched at the point, causing me to whimper as a shot of pain went through them.

"Impossible," Miraz murmured, amazed, then looked at his general. "Take her to the council."

The soldiers forced me up and lead me towards the throne room. My right leg collapsed, still not treated from the wound. The guards grabbed each of my arms, dragging me through the halls. More pain jabbed into my shoulder. Desperately, I tried to breathe through my nose to elevate the discomfort. At the same time, I memorize every corridor in case I have the opportunity to escape.

As we passed through, I saw a familiar face at the end of the hall. Doctor Cornelius stood there; his hands filled with documents. The twinkling of his eyes vanished. I used my telepathy to send him a message.

Caspian is safe, I told him.

I could only sense his relief as the guards turned through a corridor. Though once we were there, we waited outside to hear Miraz's deception.

"Lords of the council, my apologies for being late," Miraz greeted them. "I wasn't aware we were in session."

"No doubt you were otherwise occupied," The voice of Lord Sopesian replied.

"My lord?" Miraz commented.

"Ever since the death of Caspian the ninth, you've behaved as if you were king. "Lord Scythley accused. "Now it seems that from behind his walls even Prince Caspian has gone missing. "

"My deepest condolences, Lord Miraz." Lord Sopesian sarcastically said. "Imagine, losing your nephew, the rightful heir to the throne, on the very night your wife has blessed you with a son."

Excellent, not all Telmarines are idiots, I thought.

"Thank you, Lord Sopesian," Miraz replied calmly. "Your compassion is a boon in this troubled time."

"I trust you can tell us how such a tragedy could have occurred," Lord Sopesian challenged.

General Glozelle entered the throne room. For a brief moment, I saw him nod before the door shuts. Immediately the guards forced me to another door. I hissed at them, which they hit me in the stomach.

"That is the most disturbing news of all," Miraz answered calmly. "Our beloved Caspian was abducted…by Narnians."

The men in the throne room laughed; for us, Narnians are supposed to be extinct, as Lord Scythley said, "You go too far, Miraz. Expect us to stand by while you blame such a blatant crime on fairy tales?"

The door opened by General Glozelle as the two guards shoved me inside. Instantly all the lords gasped, murmuring all at once. I couldn't determine much or who was saying in the indistinct tone. But a couple gasped my title, "The Dark Witch." As I was shoved, I noticed there were twenty lord chairs and one throne…but seven chairs remained empty. The Seven Lords that were banished from Narnia to the Eastern Sea. Over a decade ago, I had a vision from Aslan to retrieve the swords hidden in the How and present them to Caspian IX. Aslan told me, to give the Seven Swords to the Telmarine King, to determined who were the most loyal in restoring Narnia. As I could see, all Seven Lords were nowhere to be seen.

Soon I was center of the room down on my knees.

"What is the meaning of this?" Lord Donnon said, once he recognized me.

"We forget, my lords… Narnia was once a savage land. Fierce creatures roamed free. Much of our forefathers' blood was shed to exterminate this vermin," Miraz informed, pointing his finger at me. "Or so we thought. But while we've been bickering amongst ourselves… they and their leader have been breeding like cockroaches under a rock! Growing stronger. Watching us. Waiting to strike!"

He smacked me hard across my face from the back of his hand. His ring slicing along my bottom lip. I gasped, almost falling off balance, but managed to keep my composure. The impact yanked the gag out of my mouth. I panted, glaring at Miraz.

"And you wonder why we don't like you," I murmured coldly.

"Well, I intend to strike back. Even if I have to cut down the entire forest…I assure you, I will find Prince Caspian and finish what our ancestors began. "Miraz promised as he walked towards the throne and stood there.

I glared at Miraz with a wicked smirk. "Oh Lord Protector, only an ambitious man would say such folly. But can ye survive your own predicament?"

Miraz smirked fell as he marched over to me and slapped me in the face. I forced myself up and spat on his boot.

"Drown this witch," Miraz seethed. "The Narnians would be lost without their precious leader."

I glared at him, as the two guards wrapped their arms around my own and dragged me away. Miraz and I glared at each other until the door close between us.

.o0o.

The Past

I sat on Garnet nervously in the Lantern Waste. This would be the first time in six months since I last saw King Edmund. Over the six months, we have been exchanging letters from a trustful Raven name Edgar. Edgar would deliver the message to King Edmund's room and wait. After several days, I would receive a letter from the Silver King. Edgar had reported the Silver King shows no signs of deception as he spied around Cair Paravel, listening to any conversations that could be a trap. Let alone, Edmund providing a basket with blankets and food that allow the raven to rest while writing his letter.

Edmund had asked to meet in person during a specific part of spring. It was around the time Bacchus and his followers would arrive. Therefore, many of the Light Narnians would be at Cair Paravel for the festivities. The Silver King stated he will lie to his siblings, saying he will be checking on the Western Woods, needing some fresh air, after three months of winter, cooped up with his siblings. For some reason, High King Peter believed him.

However, I was still nervous, calling on the favor of the Birch Dryads to observe the young king. I continued to wait still feeling nervous. The letters that were exchanged were simple. Edmund's bringing up exciting stories that have transpired in Cair Paravel. Several jokes, and thoughts. I, on the other hand, didn't have a positive response in the letters at first. Making sure Stone Castle defenses and my people were excluded. Although I did share my thoughts and reply to some of his questions.

Suddenly a Birch tree appeared. Its form twisted, as the dryad took the shape of a humanoid, only having arms and a face. The eyes covered in vines, has her leaves formed a crown of hair, while the mouth had no lips were tightly flat along her teeth. Many would find the Birch Dryads intimidating, that they barely take this form.

"The Son of Adam is on his way," The Birch reported. Her voice was crisped, nearly a whisper.

"Anyone with him… or following him?" I asked.

"Only his horse and the raven," She answered. "The other trees keep watching."

"Thank you," I said.

"I shall watch," she said. "Call on me, and I shall stop him."

I nodded, appreciating that I had backup if this was an assassination attempt. The Birch swirled around as she returns to her form of a tree. Several species of trees were on my side. The Birch, the Yules, and the Elms have served Jadis and me. Along with the new additions of the pines in the Western Wild.

It wasn't long when Edmund appeared on his horse. Edgar flew over, giving a nod of his head before taking off. Edmund gave a smile as he gestured his horse to come over. The dark brown fur horse hesitated.

"She's the Frozen Princess," the horse said.

"It's alright, Philip, she's a friend," Edmund assured, petting the intelligent horse's neck.

Philip gave a sharp look at me, giving a warning before coming over. Edmund still had a smile on his face as we stood face to face.

"Sorry about Philip, he means well," Edmund said.

"He cares about you," I noted. "A loyal subject."

"He's more than a subject, he's my friend," Edmund said. "As are you. So, who is this?" he gestured to my horse.

"This is Garnet," I said, petting the black mare's neck. "She doesn't speak, but she is intelligent. The smartest horse in the Western Wild."

Garnet nodded, and huffed proudly.

"So why do you need to see me that can't be said in a letter?" I asked.

"Oh…um…I just thought we could spend time together," Edmund answered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Spend time? Don't you have duties, especially with the Spring Festival?" I asked.

"Susan has it handle. Besides, being locked up with my siblings during the winter for too long, you get tire of them. I have about three days left before I need to return. What do you say?" he offered.

I raised a brow, "And how does the world of men spend the time?"

This made Edmund smile. In the first three days, we mainly rode our horses and explored the Lantern Waste. I showed the Silver King areas that he did not recognize. The Pevensies apparently haven't come back to this area. Especially since Mr. Tumnus has moved to Cair Paravel being the Royal Advisor. There was no purpose. On the second day, we spotted the Lamppost. Edmund went on about the Lamppost, telling me about how they are used for in his world. I was fascinated, as he told me stories about the World of Men.

.o0o.

I glance at the lamp that a Telmarine soldier had put away. It had brought back a memory from those rare times. The five years when Edmund and I had become friends. Sadly, after those five years, he went silent. I understood some of his absences were because of the Calormen Armies attacking Archland lead by Prince Rabadash. However, in between 1010 to 1015, his messages became distant, stating on assignments his brother put him on. Yet, he tried to keep his promise after that fateful night in the cave. A promise he could not keep.

The two guards dragged me into a boat and went downstream towards the ocean. Upon the journey, one kept watched holding a crossbow while the other row. I unfortunately, was forced to lie on my back with nothing to do but wait. Luckily, I took the entertainment of watching these mere humans' squirms under my gaze.

As time went on, practically all day until high noon, did we reach the coastal region? Almost three days since my capture, I believe. I hardly slept, keeping my guard up in case these cowards decided to slit my throat. They intended to drown me. Execution for a witch, by their customs. Not like other areas where they prefer burning at the stake. I don't know which death is worse: burning or drowning. During the travels, my gaze became unbearable towards the rower. I smirked under the gag, enjoying him quiver in discomfort.

"She won't stop staring." The rower complained.

"So, don't look." The Crossbower said.

Yet the Telmarine who was rowing looked. I narrowed my eyes to see his reaction.

You shall die, I telepathically told him.

However, the result is not what I predicted. As the rower stopped, "Here's far enough."

Shit, I thought.

The two Telmarines stopped what they were doing and picked me up. I struggled, trying to fight them off me. However, with my arms and legs bound, twas impossible. The moment they were about to toss me overboard, something whistled into the air and struck the boat. Looking down at the side, there was an arrow. An arrow with red feathers and a golden nock.

All eyes followed in the direction where the arrow was fired. Thereupon the sand dunes is an adolescent girl aiming a bow, arrow at the ready. Her appearance obscured by the sun's light behind her. Not a moment later, three other people followed, two being male while the other a shorter girl.

"Drop her!" The girl with a bow ordered.

"No, don't drop me!" I screamed through the gag.

By those orders, the Telmarines dropped me into the river. Water consumed me as I sank to the bottom of the river. Desperately I tried to swim, except the restraints held me down. Along with my injured leg. In the murkiness of the water, two figures dived in. Their appearance challenging to see as one grabbed hold of me while the other went for the boat. The person took a lot of effort managed to get us to shore while the other collected the boat.

The young girl, with auburn hair and freckled cheeks, knelt down, cutting the restraint with a dagger. Once free, I turned to my side, removing the gag and coughed up water. The saltwater stung my eyes, and nostrils flare. When I managed to breathe, I glared at the archer. She was young, probably sixteen with ebony curly hair, blue eyes, freckled cheeks while wearing a purple dress.

"'Drop her'!" I exclaimed, standing up only to collapsed onto the sand. A shot of pain running up leg causing me to collapsed. "By the mane!" I then glared at the archer. "Couldn't think something better to say?"

"A simple 'thank you' would suffice." The archer said.

"They were doing fine drowning me without you damn help," I sneered, placing a hand on my left shoulder as blood could be seen on the tattered lace.

"You're injured," the young girl said, pulling out a cordial. "Here, a single drop will help."

I was in agony that I had no time to react as the little one tilted my head and let a drop of the liquid call into my mouth. The taste of the juice of the fire-flowers lingers on my tongue. I pulled away from the invasion of space, glaring at them. In a matter of seconds, the pain vanished from my arm and leg. My eyes widen as I looked at my arm, seeing the injury was gone.

"Maybe we should have let them," The older boy, the one who pulled me out of the river, said. Standing tall with golden brown hair and hazel eyes.

"Why were they trying to kill you, anyway?" the young girl asked.

"They're bloody Telmarines," I said, after calming down. "It's their occupation."

"Telmarines? In Narnia?" The dark-haired boy asked in disbelief.

"Where have you been for the past three hundred years?" I asked, turning to face him then stopped. As if I was staring at a ghost.

"It's a bit of a long story," The young girl answered. Now seeing the Cordial and realizing only one person would have a cordial filled with fire-flower juice.

Oh, Aslan, I thought, comprehending in who I was talking to.

All the anger had vanished as I became dumbfounded to the very core. The dark-haired boy was Edmund Pevensie. But he no longer looked like the man I last seen 1300 years ago. No, he stood before me as the boy I met in the lantern waste, except a little older. Edmund recognized me as well as his expression changed from serious to shock. Wide eyes, I stared at the boy who rescued me from drowning to be Peter, High King. And the two girls were Susan and Lucy Pevensie.

"Oh, you got to be kidding me," I groaned. "Please tell me you're not the Kings and Queens of Old?"

Peter nodded as he approached me, offering a hand. "High King Peter, the Magnificent."

I stared at his hand, not entirely sure of the art of handshaking. Susan chuckled, "You probably could've left the last bit."

"Probably so," I chuckled. Yet I find it hard to believe that this was the human who has been after my head for fifteen years. Cautiously I took his hand, "Eirlys, Queen of the Wild and Leader of the Resistance."

Immediately Peter yanked his hand out from mine and draws his sword. Susan and Lucy gasped as the oldest pulled her sister behind her. As for Edmund, he stood there surprised as if this confirmed his mental theory. Well, I guess not everything has changed.

"Thirteen hundred and fifteen years and you still hold a grudge, Little King," I said.

"How are you still alive?" Peter demanded.

"Aslan," I answered.

Not approving of the answer, he attacked. But I dodged the blow, "You really don't want to do that, boy."

"I won't," Peter said. "But he will."

Confused by that, Edmund draws his sword while Peter tossed me his. Why on earth would Peter hand me his sword? I guess not all honor has vanished from the human species. Suddenly I blocked the attack and glared at Edmund. The boy merely smirked those dark brown eyes with amusement. So, tis a game? There was some pent-up anger I had towards Edmund after the last five years of the Golden Age. Let see if this boy remembers his swordsmanship. I spun around and strike his sword with much force that made Edmund stumbled backward. Afterward, I punched him in the face.

"Edmund!" Lucy cried.

"Did that hurt, Silver King?" I taunted, before swinging again.

Edmund dodged the attack and got behind striking behind. A slightly hard tap on the bum. I gasped and then scowled, hearing the other Pevensies laughed. All right, no more Miss Nice Witch. As I went for the attack at a constant rate. Edmund tried his best to block each attack until our swords clash and spun. The dark-haired boy then shoved forward and quickly disarmed me. His sword aimed at my neck.

"I see Oreius has taught you well." I panted, collapsing onto my knees. They are actually here. Not some mirage or illusion. "By the mane, the horn actually worked."

"What horn?" Queen Susan asked.

I faced her, "Your horn."

"Edmund, kill her." King Peter ordered.

Edmund stared at his brother and back at me. I stared at Edmund, waiting for the final execution. There are no doubts my mother's actions would make this experience possible for an alliance. However, Edmund lowered his sword.

"No," he said, offering a hand. "She's my friend, and she may be of use."

Did he just call me a friend?

So, what do you all think?

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