Dark Witch

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia

A/N: This chapter has been reedited.

Chapter 4: Darker than you remember

Eirlys's POV

Friend.

Did Edmund Pevensie, the second king of Narnia, called me a friend? I was mixed emotion on the word friend. We were once friends. But after the five years of him avoiding me. Being once friends are nulled and void. An acquaintance is a proper term in our relationship. Let alone that one night of intimate instincts. Even the eldest Pevensie didn't like the word friend. As he glared at his brother with anger.

"Have you gone mad?" Peter snapped. "She's the White Witch's daughter."

"She has a name," Edmund defended, standing between us. "Her name is Eirlys. And we wouldn't have won the war if it wasn't for her."

"Edmund…" Susan started.

"I was the one who was with the White Witch and has seen what she can do. Eirlys, she did her best to protect me. Jadis even tortured her when she tried to help me."

Susan and Lucy gasped as they stared at me in shock. I shuddered from that memory. The curse she cast on me, that felt like I was being stabbed continuously by arrows and my blood burning. Especially the aftermath of feeling exposed and in agony. All because I was trying to keep Edmund away from Ginarrbrik and the Dark Narnians.

Meanwhile, as the two brothers argued, I focused on the sky to check the time. It was way past high noon, and time was being wasted over nothing. Most females would appreciate having two men arguing over her. If only it was under a different circumstance. However, if it doesn't involve their life...I doubt they would like it. Let alone the two sisters agree to the situation.

"Can I have a say?" I asked.

"No," Peter barked.

I sighed, "Look," getting up onto my feet. "Now is not the time to argue over the past. What is most important is getting you four to safety and with the others."

"She has a point," Lucy said.

"If I recall, we saved you." Peter sneered.

"And if I recall, Susan horn brought you all back to Narnia." I challenged. "I find it ironic that the sound of a horn can bring you four back. Prince Caspian and I are in a desperate situation."

Then I took off my drenched cloak. "I was hoping for the great warrior kings and queens. Not adolescences."

"But we are here, and we came," Lucy said.

I sighed, "We're wasting time. We must join Prince Caspian at once."

The Pevensies huddled up, debating if they should follow me or not. Irritated, I walked over to the boat to see what supplies we have left. Hardly anything than a days' worth of food, a crossbow, and quiver set. Not enough for the rebels. I am wondering how Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, and Nikabrik are doing? I desperately hope the black mountain dwarves haven't slaughtered the young Telmarine prince. Caspian is the only person I can count on to restore Narnia.

Although the Kings and Queens of Old are here and could possibly reign once more. This wasn't their Golden Age. This wasn't their Narnia. And most importantly, this was not their world. Aslan told me what is Narnian stays in Narnia and what is from the World of Men stays in the World of Men. So, if these humans manage to survive this war, I have no doubt they will return to their world.

The thought pained me when it came to Edmund. The memories and suppress emotions, trying to resurrect themselves. I clenched the side of the boat taking several deep breaths. No…I will not hold feelings for him. I gave him a chance, and he did not succeed. But I need to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. That one day filled with emotion should stay in the past. For Aslan's sake, he is back to a mere boy, not the man I affiliated with. So, with a deep breath, I turned to face them.

"By the mane, we're wasting daylight!" I shouted over to them.

By some miracle, they made a decision and walked over. Peter approached me first, "If this is some sort of trap, I will not hesitate and kill you."

"Dually noted, little king," I replied and got on the boat.

Peter scowled, hating that nickname Jadis gave him. I have no doubt neither of us will get along, and I have a feeling the sisters would keep their distance. Edmund would probably be the only one who has the courage to speak to me. I sat in the front of the boat, with the crossbow in hand in case of scouts. Lucy and Susan sat in the middle with Peter rowing, while Edmund sat in the back steering. I instructed we should head upstream; I know a landmark that can get us on the path to the Dancing Lawn. We were already a day behind that we won't be able to meet Caspian at Trufflehunter's den. Then, things went silent for the journey.

The past couple of hours, Susan and Lucy would spare a glance at me. When I catch them staring, they would instantly face the scenery. I must appear the same age they once saw. Even now, I no longer wore any gowns. Instead, I wore black leggings, a black tunic that reached my mid-thigh, as the bodice portion was made out of black leather while the sleeves were tattered black lace. My dark hair was a braided mess, as my accessories were gloves, my pendant and dragon ring. Three hundred years it has been since I wore luxury, and it wasn't because of the cast out of Stone Castle. I chose to dress like this. It was easier to travel and not a fuss. But in the end, my appearance still reminded them I was a witch.

"They're so still," Lucy thought aloud, gazing into the forest.

I knew what she meant, "Sadly, they are."

"They used to dance," Lucy said.

I took a deep breath and gazed into the water, "It was hardly a century did they stop dancing when Queen Swanwhite the Second passed. Anarchy had risen, and the Narnians were forced to choose sides while the Archenlanders and Calormene fought for the crown. When it came to the trees, they became silent as the grave. The nymphs, the dryads, and naiads…they retreated so deeply to themselves that they haven't been heard from again. The only time I ever heard them…once more… was the massacre of the Telmarine expansion. Their cries lost in the wind."

"When did the Telmarine arrive?" Edmund asked.

"Three hundred and five years ago. They came and destroyed Cair Paravel within a week. Those who survived retreated to Stone Castle. I allow them to live under my protection, in exchange for no hostility between the dark and the light Narnians. The tension there was, but we managed. A few years later, many battles...they came, and all the Narnian battled against them for several days, yet we were no match for their catapults. Thus, when Stone Castle was destroyed, we retreated to the Shuddering Woods since the Western Wilds were being torn down."

Lucy's expression showed pain, "I don't understand. How could Aslan have let this happen?"

"Many believe he abandoned us when you four had vanished," I said.

"We didn't mean to leave, you know," Peter said for once in sincere respect.

I closed my eyes, "Makes no difference now."

"Get us to the Narnians…and it will," Peter said.

Silence once more consumed the boat. Only the sounds of the river and insects engrossed the air. I continued to keep watch for up ahead until deciding to invade Edmund's mind. There were so many questions that need answers. From the five years of avoidance, how long has it been in Spare Oom, and - I stopped myself.

It's good to see you again, Edmund. I thought.

Edmund flinched then acted casual, Same.

Wish it was on different terms? I thought.

Yeah, Edmund agreed.

I nodded as I looked at him. Though young, your eyes still hold the older you.

Edmund looked at me and nodded. I wanted to continue the conversation until Peter handed the oars saying it was his brother's turn. Edmund sighed as he and Peter switched position and started rowing. I was going to continue our conversation until Peter gave me a hard look. Giving up, I focused on guard duty.

This was going to be a long journey.

.o0o.

"Pull over there," I instructed to Peter.

It was close to sunset on the second day of retrieving the Pevensies. Four days since I left Caspian in Trufflehunter's care. We reached the destination that will take us on a path towards the Dancing Lawn. We were near the route towards the Shuddering Woods. Probably another two days journey tomorrow. Peter and Edmund did oblige, rowing to the coast. I grabbed the rope and gotten out of the boat to tie it down. Edmund and Peter pushed the boat while the girls moved onto the shore. I managed to tie the boat down till my ears twitched, indicating a presence.

It was gruff of a growl from animals. Only this gruff had no personality to a sentient animal. I looked up in the distance seeing a black bear. Based on the bear's posture and body language, it was not an intelligent animal. No, he was a wild bear. So far, if we leave him be the bear will pass on by.

However, Queen Lucy saw the bear and approach the animal.

"Hello, there," Lucy greeted.

The bear grunted in a warning. He stood on his hind legs, trying to be intimidating.

"It's all right. We're friends," Lucy assured.

What is she doing? Over the past four hundred years, intelligent animals have dwindled, and the carnivals by far are the most lethal. Lucy continued to approach the bear. Shit.

"Don't move, Queen Lucy!" I warned.

Lucy suddenly turned, which resulted in aggravating the bear. As the beast began running towards her growling, the young queen started running towards us. The bear chased after her. The boys grabbed their weapons while Susan had drawn her bow.

"Stay away from her!" Susan warned.

Suddenly Lucy tripped, except Susan wouldn't fire. Not able to grab a weapon, I cast a spell shooting a death curse upon the bear. The animal stood on his hind legs ready to pounce. Lucy screamed the moment the black orb struck the bear straight in the chest. The bear cried out in pain then fell to the side. Susan turned around to see my arm straighten out and hand covered in smoke. I lowered my hand walking over to the bear. A sizzling pain stung my hand like a hornet sting, yet I kept a neutral face.

"Why wouldn't he stop?" Susan asked.

"Because he was hungry," I stated.

As I reached the bear, the brothers went over to Lucy, helping her stand up. Lucy instantly curled up against Peter who had his sword. I knelt down finding the bear still alive. Alive, but in pure agony. The pain-numbing his sense to verbally protest. I sighed as I petted his mane to soothe him. The spell I used was known for pain and death. But his fur prevented the instant kill, leaving him in utter agony.

"Thanks," Lucy mumbled.

I looked up at her and nodded.

"He was wild," Edmund noted.

"I don't think he could talk at all," Peter said.

"Get treated like a dumb animal long enough, that's what you become," I said, placing a dagger against the bear's neck leaning into his ear, giving the Narnian prayer before slitting his throat. Blood gushed out, as the bear gave a yelp before death claims him to Aslan's country. "You may find Narnia a more savage place than you remember."

Lucy sobbed into her brother's chest, avoiding the sight. I would have warned her to look away, but there is no use to protect her innocent eyes. She needs to learn, if not witness death first hand. Even if it is not by her hands, there is no chance this creature would rise again. With Narnia's magic dwindling, what are dead stays dead.

After the bear was officially dead, I went over to the river to wash my hands. Once I removed my gloves, I immediately placed my hands in the cold water. I hissed, staring at my left hand where the magic blast came out of. The pale skin now red, practically a first degree burns while the veins are swollen underneath. Along with the fingers turning black, like frostbite. I flicked my fingers seeing movement, yet when my nail tips touched one another, a portion turned to dust. I took several deep breaths to calm my systems. But panic was building up in my lungs. Death magic was dark magic. Charn magic. I've tried to avoid using Charn magic for five hundred years. It takes a lot of energy and concentration to avoid going dark. I do not wish to become my mother.

When I pulled my hand, the redness was gone, but the veins remain swollen in deep black as were the fingers. The process has begun. I could have years, months, or weeks left before I turn to ash. Now I seriously need to get the Pevensies to the Narnians. Not wanting the Pevensies to see this, I put my gloves back on then stood up. With a deep breath, I walked over to them with a stern look.

"Let's move. Night will be approaching soon."

I have a question for all you; do you want to know what happens to Eirlys and Edmund on their romance during the Golden Age? If so, I'll make a short story of it though it would be rated M. Let me know in the review.

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.