Dark Witch
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia
A/N: This chapter has been changed.
Chapter 8: Differences
The next morning everyone was resting, if not planning on what to do for the upcoming battle. I was leaning against the wall watching the Narnians talking to the Pevensies. Even Trufflehunter joined in on their conversation of the Golden Age. I felt betrayed deep into my core. I know there should be no hostile manner towards the Kings and Queens of Old. But it remains.
I remembered younglings coming to me to tell them stories.
Although things might change after this war. I had woken up to discover my entire left hand was black. It felt numb, unable to feel anything. Yet I was able to move my wrist and fingers. Every time I use magic, I can feel the numbness climbing up my arm. Was this the death my father felt every time Jadis used a strong spell? The question is, does my entire body need to be numb, or will the decay reach my heart? Gethen died in his sleep supposedly.
The dragon ring adjusted tightening around my finger. It flapped its wing. This was rare to see the ring being active. I took that as a sign of my father trying to communicate. As if he left a piece of his soul to guide me. In the end, it won't be long before I join him.
"Envy doesn't suit you," Caspian noted, joining me on the wall.
"Tis a common trait," I muttered. "Besides…they won't be here very long."
"Why do you say that?" Caspian asked.
"Because what is Narnian stays in Narnia," I answered quietly. "Those who are not... return home."
Caspian stared at me strangely. I sighed then said, "Don't get comfortably close to them, Caspian. Especially Queen Susan."
"Why on earth would I be close to her?" Caspian asked, a bit of flush on his cheek.
"Because I saw the way you looked at her." I murmured.
Caspian was going to protest till closing his mouth.
I merely chuckled at his infatuation towards the Gentle Queen. Only it would be wise not to fall in love with her. Not to get personally close. One day they would be here, maybe staying a few years, and the next they are gone. Soon Trumpkin came in sight. That reminded me as I came over to the Red Dwarf.
"Trumpkin, I need to ask you a favor," I said.
"What is it?" Trumpkin grumbled.
"I need you to watch over Queen Lucy," I murmured.
Trumpkin raised a brow, "Why?"
"I need you to make sure she doesn't go into the abandon tunnels," I answered.
Trumpkin paused, thinking about it. Some of the tunnels in the How were abandoned for safety measures. The earth is to hollow that one misstep and either the ceiling collapse or the floor sinking in. The Red Dwarf took his time and sighed.
"Fine," Trumpkin said.
I gave him a small smile before leading him to the Pevensies. All four looked at us from their meal.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Trumpkin," I said.
"Hello, Mr. Trumpkin," Lucy greeted.
"I asked him to be Queen Lucy's guide during her stay in Aslan How," I explained.
"That's not necessary," Lucy said.
"Your Grace, you are new to Aslan How and some of the tunnels are not safe," I said.
"Lucy would be honored," Susan said. "Thank you."
I nodded, "If you'll excuse me. I need to check on the field to make sure all equipment is set for training."
"If you like, I can train the archers," Susan offered.
"That would be much appreciated," I said. "Now I must go, I'll see you around."
With a nod, I excused myself and left to get the tourney swords out. I made it to the armory, where a minoboar guarded the supplies. He bows his head as he handed me the tourney swords for training. My arms were full, yet manageable as I headed outside. However, the moment I left the chamber, I collided with someone.
"Oh, sorry," it was Edmund.
We kneel down, grabbing the swords. "It's all right."
"Here, let me help you," Edmund said, taking some of the tourney swords.
I sighed; I was hoping to avoid Edmund at all costs. Not wanting to get to close to him again. My walls have been up for the last five hundred years. All I can focus on is bringing peace to Narnia and having the Narnians returning to the light. No longer hiding in the shadows.
"You look a bit tired, Eirlys, did you get enough sleep?" Edmund asked.
"Yes," I answered.
Edmund chuckled, "I see you are still stubborn as ever. Like our first time in the Lantern Waste."
"Well, you were full of surprises," I said.
"Were?" he asked.
I sighed, not taking the conversation further.
"Sorry, I didn't talk much on the journey," Edmund said.
"You didn't want to expose yourself to Peter," I said.
"Oh, I told Peter about us," he said.
"Us?"
"Yeah, how we're friends."
Friends, I thought bitterly.
"I was thinking, that after training you can show me around the tunnels?" he said.
"I think I can find someone who can show you," I said.
"Oh," he replied.
"Out of curiosity, why do you need to see the tunnels?" I asked.
"I'm trying to understand where our armies should go from here. Should the battle be taken here or somewhere else?"
"The Ford of Beruna, not enough?"
"Not with all the trees. Yet I still haven't forgotten our first duel."
"I rather not talk about it."
He was referring to the First Battle of Beruna. The final battle in the Winter Revolution. Where Jadis ordered me to kill the Son of Adam. As you can see, I did not complete the order as Edmund walked right next to me. A boy. I struggled with the concept of killing a child. Edmund was only thirteen at the time. My morality told me not too, yet if I didn't, and he and his siblings sat of the four thrones, then I would be dead. Since Jadis had joined our magics together. In the end, all I saw was death and accepted it. Sparring Edmund, and retreating the Dark Narnians. I betrayed my own mother for this Son of Adam.
"Yeah, not my finest moment in the battle, nearly being killed if it wasn't for Lucy," he said.
"Many died," I whispered, my hands tightening on the swords.
Edmund saw this and stopped, "Eirlys. I'm sorry, I did not mean to upset you."
I took a deep breath, "There is more than upsetting me."
"Eirlys," he said.
"I need to get the training started," I finished the discussion.
The rest of the day was focus on training. As I train the young recruits how to use a sword. Meanwhile, Susan did her fair share of training the archers. Caspian even joined them. I watched from a distance noting they were flirting. I rolled my eyes while lost in a memory.
"Penny for a thought?" Edmund asked.
I nearly jumped, not exit, "Damn you, Edmund."
Edmund chuckled from surprising me, "Sorry."
"No, you're not," I muttered.
Edmund smiled, the smile I remember long ago.
Aslan, help me, I mentally whined.
And that is what it was for the next couple of days. Edmund helping me train the swordsmen. Susan, on the archery field. Lucy even taught people how to fight with a dagger. Peter would attend, but then he is talking with the generals on battle strategies. In the afternoon, I did show Edmund the tunnels. Showing him, which are safe, and the ones that are used for possible traps. There was some conversation, yet they were more focused on the Dark Ages and the city called London. Not once he talked about the Golden Age.
The following morning, I was talking with Caspian. We were going over possible strategies in the Shuddering Woods when one of the Narnians charged in. Immediately I walked over to him with concern as the white fur faun. "What is it, Nausus?"
The faun panted, "Telmarines scouts discovered our location."
The warm energy in the cavern was engrossed in silence.
"I call the council to the Stone Table," I said.
.o0o.
Everyone in the council or matured enough for the meeting assembled around the stone table. No matter how many centuries it has been, I still remember Aslan's sacrifice. The words he said to me, his apology. Sorry that he could not save me from the coldness. Let alone the advice of it, if I followed the same path as Jadis, l then I would be lost. It's because of Aslan did I felt the warmness and became the woman I am today. Yet I was a coward to stop Jadis right there as she pierced the Great Lion's heart with the stone knife.
"It's only a matter of time," Peter said. "Miraz's men and war machines are on their way. That means those same men aren't protecting his castle."
"What do you propose we do, your Majesty?" Reepicheep asked.
Peter and Caspian both spoke at the same time, as Peter said: "We need to get ready for it." Although Caspian started with "To start planning for…" Both stops as Peter glared at Caspian, who sighed, stepping to let the High King speak. I scowled, feeling like something was wrong. I found it quite appalling that Peter thinks he is in control now and his behavior towards Caspian. It's not his fault that Lord Caspa founder of the Telmar invaded Narnia. Why must people set the blame on the descendants?
"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us," Peter said.
"That's crazy! No one has ever taken that castle!" Caspian protested.
"There's always a first time," Peter said arrogantly.
"We'll have the element of surprise." Trumpkin agreed.
"You all don't see it, Telmar is a fortress," I said. "I've been there is there is only one way to enter."
"And we have the advantage here!" Caspian defended.
"If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely," Susan added, as she moved towards Caspian.
Peter glared at his sister.
"I, for one, feel safer underground," Trufflehunter said.
"Look. I appreciate what you've done here, but this isn't a fortress. It's a tomb," Peter said to
Caspian and me.
I took much offense to that. I work hard on Aslan How. Making sure it was a safe haven for the Narnians and a battle-ready. And Peter has the audacity to tell me it was a tomb. Tension could be felt between Peter and I. Far worse than it was with Caspian.
Edmund senses this as he came forward, "Yes. And if they're smart, the Telmarines will just wait and starve us out."
"We could collect nuts!" A squirrel suggested aloud.
"Yes! And throw them at the Telmarines!" Reepicheep added sarcastically. He gave the squirrel a hard look smacking him in the head, "Shut up! I think you know where I stand, sire."
As the mouse address to Peter. My fist clenched as I took a deep breath. The noble mouse I knighted dares betrays me, because High King Peter is here. Many of the Narnians looked at Reepicheep as if he said something disrespectful.
Peter turned to Glenstorm. "If I get your troops in, can you handle the guards?"
Glenstorm looked between Caspian, Peter, and I. It was hard to set loyalty to. The Prince who promised the throne to all of Narnia, the once and still High King who had mysteriously vanished and now calling the shot, and the Rebel Queen who has been his friend since birth.
"Eirlys is our leader, my liege," Glenstorm said. "My sons and I have sworn to her and tis her decision in where we go."
This surprised me. For the past few days, I have thought I've lost all of my friends, my people's trust. Now to hear Glenstorm say that followed by his sons approving nods shows respect and gratitude. I looked at the other Narnians who agreed with Glenstorm's words. Peter frowned then faced me.
"Eirlys, you must understand that this is our only chance," Peter said.
"You truly believe that your plan might work?" I asked.
Peter nodded.
I took a deep breath and faced my people, "I appreciate all of you for your loyalty. But it is not my decision where we lie. To all who favor King Peter's plan raise your hand or paw?"
The Narnians thought about it as two-thirds of the room raised their hand, including Glenstorm, his sons, and Trumpkin.
"All of those who opposed and follow Caspian plan raise your hand or paw?" I said.
The remaining third raised his or her hands. So, it has been decided. Although, I would have gone with Caspian choice and bring the battle here on our territory. The Narnians have spoken. I turned to Peter and gave him a hard look.
"Very well, we shall follow you," I said. "However, if there is one moment of doubt or the invasion doesn't succeed, then we retreat. I've spent a thousand years watching my people suffer. I don't want to see my family parish once more."
Peter nodded, "I promise."
"That's what I'm worried about," Lucy said, all the attention was on her now as she sat on the Stone Table.
"Sorry?" Peter asked.
"You're all acting like there are only two options. Dying here, or dying there," Lucy said, her voice sounded disappointed.
"I'm not sure you've really been listening, Lu-" Peter started.
"No, you're not listening," Lucy interrupted, staring straight into the eyes of her older brother,
"Or have you forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter?"
Peter paused if not stiffen at the fact Lucy had a point. The one person who indeed defeated Jadis was Aslan. The High King merely distracted her until the awaken soldier returned to battle once more. Especially after Edmund destroyed the powerful wand. So many Narnians played a part in the Witch Witches defeat. Not all of it was Peter.
"I think we've waited for Aslan long enough," Peter said harshly and then stormed out of the room.
I stared at the mural of Aslan, Great Lion, please return. For your children are in need of your guidance.
Carefully I left the room when Edmund started following me. I honestly didn't want him to, yet he followed me until we were outside. "What do you want, Edmund?"
"Why haven't you cast Narnia under another winter?" Edmund asked.
I turned around facing Edmund, bewilder, as such a question. I expected Peter to ask such a hideous question. Not Edmund. Out of all the Pevensies, he dares to ask me that. Especially now.
"I beg your pardon?" I seethed.
"You could have put Narnia under winter and made life difficult for the Telmarines. You could have used magic to defeat them. Why haven't you?" he asked.
"And what makes you say I didn't use magic?" I seethed. "Besides, it is none of your concern."
"I'm just trying to understand." He said. "This could have been avoided."
"Avoided!" I shouted. "This could have not been avoided!"
"Eirlys, I'm not trying to blame-"
"You humans have done nothing but blame me!" I interrupted, almost screaming. "Eirlys, Daughter of the White Witch, the Frozen Princess, the Stone Hearted Queen, the Dark Witch. All I ever get for hundreds of years was blame since the year you left. Why are the Kings and Queens gone? The witch killed them. Why hasn't it rained? The witch has prevented it. By the mane, I've been treated as if this has been my fault until the Telmarines came."
Edmund stared at me, a surprise from my outburst. But it was true. I have been a scapegoat to mankind. As much as I made peace with King Corin's bloodline. Archenland and Calormen treated me with disrespect. The Narnians of Light, seeing me as evil.
"You want to know why I hardly use magic on Narnia," I asked bitterly. "Because I do not want to be like my mother. I will not stoop so low to end one kingdom while the rest suffers. "
With that said, I walked back inside, shoving my shoulder against his. As I entered, I saw Peter standing there along with Susan and Lucy. They held the same expression as Edmund did. All were surprised. During the Golden Age, they didn't bother to give me a chance. They saw me as their enemy. The first five years there was tension, with spies from birds and trees. Yet I did not attack. I kept my distance. Never passing Beruna during their reign. But I was Jadis's daughter. Nor Eirlys.
Scowling, I harshly said. "Well, we better get ready. It's a long journey to Telmar."
Then headed to my chambers to prepare for battle.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Sorry I haven't updated this story in a while. My muse for Narnia decided to take a long-needed trip and remained in Narnia until now.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!
'''