Dark Witch

Disclaimer: I do not own The Chronicles of Narnia. Just my OC

A/N: This chapter has been reedited

Chapter 7: A Common Enemy Even Unites in the Oldest of Foes

Nine Years Ago

The child curled in a ball, crying softly. I hid in the shadows wondering how this Telmarine got in the Shuddering Woods. Tis a day's journey from Telmar by a horse. Has the Lord Protector Miraz assembled another hunting party in my forest? Miraz dared to enter these woods without fear. Even with the consequences that affect his people. He merely waves it off. Fortunately, the Narnians were more buried in the Shuddering Woods.

I contemplated if I should leave the child or aid him. I moved along the shadows to see his appearance much clearly. He appeared in the age the once Queen Lucy was when she stumbled into Narnia. So nearly a decade old. His skin olive tone and dark hair touching his shoulders. As I grew closer, I noticed something around his neck. The lion medallion I gave to the late king Caspian. Having a better look, I realize this child was royalty. The crown prince. Last I saw him, he was a mere toddler.

Temptation lingered in taking the boy right then and there. However, another idea came to mind where my once ally promised. The late King Caspian pledged to me he would reunite the Narnians once he has complete reign. Although, the moment he grasped control of his kingdom, betrayal struck upon him by his brother Miraz.

Only a Son of Adam or a Daughter of Eve can rule Narnia. So, what if I continue that legacy upon his child. Enlighten him about the legends and history of old? It may succeed, and the Narnians would no longer live in the shadows of fear. With a deep breath, I thought my words carefully to earn his trust.

The boy shot up, hearing a noise, "Hello? Who's out there?"

"Hi, Son of Adam, Are you alone out here? What are you doing in these woods?" I murmured, still in hiding. The young boy gasped, turning around in fright. "Oh, don't be scared. I'm not gonna hurt you."

"I was just passing through," the boy said nervously. "I don't want any trouble."

"There's no trouble. Are you alone out here? "I assured him, which he replied with a nod. "Hm, that's not good. We should never be alone."

"I'm waiting for a friend. He should be here soon..." he replied, still nervous.

Stepping out the fog, approaching the child as his tiny brown eyes widen with fright. I merely chuckled, gently removing my hood to expose my face. The child felled in awe towards my jinn beauty. A trick of illusion. Yet I approached him then kneeling down at a safe distance.

"Shall I stay? I can stay with you until he gets here. Would that be all right?" I asked, giving a smile. "I'll keep you safe, just you and me, sweet thing."

"Who are you?" he challenged.

"Eirlys," I murmured. "And who are you?"

"I'm... I'm Caspian," he replied, looking down.

"Well, Caspian, it's an honor to meet you," I said, offering him a hand to shake.

Caspian hesitated and shook my hand.

"So, what brings you to the Shuddering Woods, dear Caspian?"

"I ran away," Caspian answered as he looked down, hugging himself. "My uncle says I have an important duty? Say's I'm important?"

I nodded, "Don't you know what you are?"

Caspian shook his head.

"I know what you are," I responded, taking my crystal ball to summon an image. "I know where you came from."

The crystal orb projected the image of the seas. Images of mermaids dancing along the ocean in the far eastern seas. The child awe at the magic touching the crystal, which he conjured a catalyst that resulted from a storm where lighting consumed the roundness. Caspian gasped, pulling his hand away fright.

"Poor, sweet little child. I'll keep you close." I murmured, putting the crystal away. "Let go of your fears now... and trust in me..."

And just like that, I earned Prince Caspian's trust by manipulating his innocence. The same methods my mother Jadis used on Edmund Pevensie. However, I did not seek to kill the poor Prince. Instead, I only want to educate him. Teach him the correct methods of being a king. And, more importantly, to know that Narnians are real.

As time went on, I had a raven send word to the Doctor Cornelius where to collect the young Prince.

"Shall we find your way home?"

Caspian nodded, wiping the tears away. I stood up, offering a hand. The mere boy gazed at my gloves and hesitantly accepted it. Smiling, we walked through the forest, heading towards Beruna. I told him about the centaurs, the Minotaurs, the dwarves, all the Narnians that still exist. Soon I told the child about the Golden Age. About High King Peter the Magnificent, Queen Susan the Gentle, King Edmund the Just, and Queen Lucy the Valiant.

The human was curious in these tales asking questions about the quest for defeating the White Witch. Though little did he know I was the White Witch's daughter? Yet, he did ask whatever happened to the Frozen Princess? I smiled and told him she sought redemption in the Western Wild and supported the coming and goings of monarchs. When we reached the forest edge, Caspian was already asleep in my arms. I smiled softly in seeing the pure innocence once more. I tuck a strand of hair out of his face murmuring a lullaby.

When Doctor Cornelius appeared with a horse, I handed him the boy.

"Forgive me, he snuck off from the camp," Cornelius apologized.

"Tis all right, my friend," I assured.

"I've seen that face, Eirlys." He noted. "What are you thinking?"

I softly chuckled, "That I found the Son of Adam who will free Narnia."

That was when my master plan took effect. After a few months of getting the council assembled. I left for Telmar Castle. Doctor Cornelius managed to forge some documents and lodgings for me. There I became Caspian's nurse. After all his studies, I would play with him and tell him stories all about the Narnians. All the adventures. For when the time comes, he will not struggle with the Narnians. Being his nurse brought feelings I longed for. Even though I could not have a child of my own, the young Prince filled that void.

When the times come, the crown prince will one-day return to the Shuddering Woods would the Narnian horse will guide him back to Shuddering Woods. Where he'll learn the truth and free Narnia.

.o0o.

I opened my eyes when somebody touched my shoulder with force. Waking up, I saw Edmund with a concerned look. I sat up, discovering that Lucy and Peter were absent. By the mane, I told them not to leave the camp. Quickly we got Susan up and started searching for the others.

I closed my eyes, listening to the forest. My ears twitched, hearing the sound of the birds, the wind, and finally, the clashing of metal. Immediately, I lead Susan and Edmund, where the fight was. Edmund drawing his sword while I held the crossbow. The moment we reached the two Pevensies, we found the commotion. As Caspian was grabbing a sword that was stuck in a tree, Peter standing behind him with a rock, while Lucy stood there alarmed.

"No. Stop!" Lucy begged.

"Peter!" Susan shouted.

Caspian and Peter stopped fighting. It wasn't long as more Narnians came into the opening with weapons at the ready.

"Halt!" I ordered them.

Instantly all the Narnians stopped staring at me. I've noticed an increase in weapons and armor some of the warriors have. What in Aslan name have they done in the past week? By seeing Caspian alive, I can only assume the Narnians have put their trust into the Telmarine.

Caspian stared at Peter's sword then at the young king. "High King Peter."

"I believe you called," Peter replied.

"Well, yes, but...I thought you'd be older," Caspian said, bewildered for the legendary High King Peter looked around his age.

I sighed, shaking my head, as I thought, You and me both.

"Well, if you like, we could come back in a few years," Peter suggested as he turned around to leave.

"No!" Caspian exclaimed, almost pleading. He stopped to correct himself, looking at the Pevensies. "No, that's alright. You're just…" Though his eyes linger on the oldest Queen. "...not exactly what I expected."

Susan gave a small smile to Caspian.

"Neither are you," Edmund pointed out, staring at Asterius, who growled softly.

"A common enemy even unites in the oldest of foes," Trufflehunter said, as he stepped forward.

"We have anxiously waited for your return, my liege." A mouse walked in, being none other than Reepicheep said. "Our hearts and swords are at your service."

"Oh, my gosh, he's so cute." Lucy murmured to Susan.

"Who said that?" Demanded Reepicheep, drawing his sword, scaring the poor girl.

I snickered under my hood, for I think Reepicheep is witty and sensitive when called the opposite of his noble, if not chivalry personality.

"Sorry," Lucy apologized.

Realizing it was Queen Lucy, the Valiant who made a comment, has embarrassed the mouse.

"Oh, uh. Your Majesty, with the greatest respect, I do believe 'courageous,' 'courteous,' or 'chivalrous' might more befit a knight of Narnia."

"Remind me again, why did I knighted you?" I asked the noble mouse.

"Because I protected your honor, and saved you from that poacher," Reepicheep answered. "Your Grace."

Now I remember, a Telmarine poacher had wandered into the Shuddering Woods. I was not paying attention at the time, for I was healing an injured stag. My back was turned, and the stag was in so much pain since he was shot in the side by an arrow. His cries and a grunt camouflage the poacher. When all of a sudden, there was a cry as I turned around, seeing the poacher falling to the ground and executed by Reepicheep. I rewarded the noble mouse with the title of knight. A great honor for Reepicheep.

"Well, at least some of you can handle a blade." King Peter complimented.

"Yes, indeed," Reepicheep said. "And I have recently put it to good use, securing the weapons for your army, sire."

"Reepicheep, what have I told you about pride," I warned.

That was one of Reepicheep's flaws. He can be too proud of himself. Especially since he is the first Mouse knight. Although, what he said to King Peter stirred something inside me.

A negative emotion that rarely occurs and one I despised: jealousy and envy. To have the Pevensies here was a blessing, but what Reepicheep said reminded me that any moment now… I'll be replaced. I don't mind sharing my leadership with Caspian and the Pevensies, …but to be taken just like that or be disowned by my faithful comrades is something I loathed.

"Good. Because we're going to need every sword, we can get." Peter said, ignoring my comment then faced Caspian.

"Well, then you probably be wanting yours back," Caspian replied, a hint of anger in his voice.

King Peter took his sword and stared sheathed it.

"To the How we go," I said.

Everyone nodded in agreement as we made our way to Aslan How. By noon, Peter and Caspian were talking about strategies. Edmund and Susan listening from behind them while Lucy was behind me. Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, and Nikabrik walked beside me. The badger was very determined to know how it went.

"So? What are they like?" Trufflehunter asked.

"Malcontent, complainers, and stubborn as mules in the morning," I answered.

"Oh. So you like them, then." Nikabrik said.

I turned my head to see Lucy smile nervously at me. I gave her a small smile, "Indeed."

By midafternoon did we reach our destination. Across the field was Aslan's How where the Stone Table lies. Surrounded by earth and magic this past millennium. It was now a fortress of rock and stone. In the far-off distance, it appeared as nothing but a hill. But closer you come to it, the more exceptional details of what it actually was.

"It has been abandoned for hundreds of years," Glenstorm announced. "Only a few know of its existence."

"Home comes?" Lucy asked.

"Tis sacred ground," I answered.

"It may not be what you are used to, but it is defensible," Caspian added.

Peter and Edmund nodded as they made their way to the How with everyone in tow. We reached the entrance where the centaurs formed up and draw their swords in welcoming the Kings and Queens of Old. I sighed, staring at Caspian, who gave the same look in return. We both fear that our place would be taken, and the trust forgotten with the Narnians.

I gave him a nod and followed the Pevensies inside the How. There we showed the Pevensies the rooms they would rest. In each room were two cots, blankets, and lamps. Two people of each gender in each room. I informed them somebody would bring a basin of water and food, freshen up, and meet me in the common grounds. Especially when I put almost twenty years in putting a Son of Adam on the throne.

Afterward, I went into my room, where I have resigned in for hundreds of years. Inside was a makeshift bed, covered in furs and wore blankets, a chest, several candles, and a table covered in herbs and potions. Using magic, I lit up the room, walking towards the chess to put my cloak away. When open it, inside the chess were objects from my past. The sapphire that used to be part of the circlet during the eternal winter, leather armor, chainmail from the dark ages, the silver cincher, a case that held my crown jewels, and the sword.

I took the long sword out and examined it. This mighty sword held a long blade forged in twisted Damascus, as they're watching of an apotropaic verse. The silver hilt displayed straight cross guard as the central plate held the emblem of a lion. The grip is wrapped in the silver wire while the pommel was disc shape with an onyx center. A gift from Father Christmas. As the elderly man left a note saying it once belong in Laputa and to use it wisely. Therefore, I had used this sword in many battles against the Calormen, corrupt anarchist, and the Telmarines. Now I must use it again. Sighing, I put the sword back in its sheath and tied it to my belt before leaving my room.

"Eirlys," Caspian called.

I turned around to face the Prince. "Yes, Prince Caspian."

"I remembered," Caspian said.

"Remembered what?" I asked.

"You helped min nine years ago when I was lost in the woods." He implied. "You were more than my nurse. You told me about the Narnians and all."

I gave a small smile, "indeed, I have."

Caspian took a deep breath as we walked through the tunnels. "I worry that the others would not accept us now that the Kings and Queens of old are here." He said quietly.

"As do I," I said, resting a hand on his shoulder. "But we must have faith. I trust King Edmund."

"And King Peter?" he asked.

I paused, "He'll be stubborn, but he holds a golden heart."

"Still, you have been a queen for many centuries. They should be giving you more respect, than how they did in the forest. Why do you let them walk over you?" he asked.

I took a deep breath, "It's difficult to explain."

Caspian looked at me to explain.

"Long ago, during the Narnian Revolution, there was a prophecy that two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve shall break the eternal winter. Aslan had chosen the Pevensies, and declared Peter to be the High King over all of Narnia. Not just any king, but an anointed." I explained. "I was selected to be Queen of the Western Wilds, however being selected is not the same as being anointed. Aslan never crowned me or performed my coronation."

"But he chose you," Caspian stated.

"Being chosen is not the same as being anointed, especially when Aslan crowns you. When the Great Lion crowns you, you have more respect than any king or Queen in this world. During the Golden Age, there were eight rulers. The Pevensies were the primary monarchs since they were crowned by Aslan. That is why the Narnians have more respect towards them."

"Yet, you earned your titled, Trufflehunter says the Narnians of Old nominated you as queen when my ancestors came."

I smiled slightly, "They've chosen me as their leader. The purpose of being a ruler, is that of a leader. It is not the castles, the riches, or the lands. It is the people you swore to protect. However, my reign will end the moment you are crowned king. For I have chosen you to be my successor, and unite both our people to end this war."

Caspian's eyes widen when hearing this. He opened his mouth to speak, yet no words came out. Instead, he gave the nod. With nothing else to say, we collected the Pevensies and showed them the armory.

.o0o.

At the main chamber, many of the Narnians were forging weapons and repairing those of old, including the stolen weapons Caspian and the others have gathered. The Pevensies were impressed as Caspian, and I watched them closely. Susan and Lucy went on ahead with Trufflehunter and Trumpkin to one of the tunnels while Peter and Edmund stayed.

"It may not be what you are used to, but is defensible," Caspian said.

"There are many more tunnels; some are emergency escape routes, along with traps on the main field," I added. "We had prepared for battle two hundred years ago. They should be of use."

"I'm impressed," Edmund said with a smile.

I looked at him in return, smiling slightly.

"Peter. You may want to see this." Susan called out.

Peter and Edmund followed their sisters while Caspian followed as well. The walls of memories. For hundreds of years, the Narnians carved and painted the history of Narnia from the very beginning up to the Golden Age. Peter took a torch and set the light upon the painting of the Pevensies coronation.

"It's us," Susan said softly.

"What is this place?" Lucy asked.

"You don't know," I replied before giving a hint again. "It's sacred ground."

I took a torched off the wall and escorted them to the very end.

"You all have been here before," I said once we reached the dark chamber. "When the deep magic was awakened."

In the darkroom, I set the torch on the oil braziers. Immediately the oil was set ablaze, consuming the entire walls and vanquish darkness. In the chamber, the walls were carved off all the Narnians dark and light from many years ago, while head-on was a monument of Aslan. Meanwhile, the center of the chamber was where the deep magic resigns. Where the ruins of the Stone Table that cracked that 1300 years ago.

Lucy walked over to the stone table and rests her hand on it. "He must know what he's doing."

"I think it's up to us now," Peter said.

Hey guys, sorry I haven't updated this story in a while. My muse vanished along with my DVD. But I found it. The flashback where Eirlys talks to young Caspian was inspired by the New Jungle Book. If you haven't seen it, you should.

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review. Reviews motivate me to write more!