The sun slowly began to set in the sky as Susan stood before the funeral pyre with a torch in hand, the wind blowing licks of orange flame into the air. Darros laid motionless upon the pyre, the life in his eyes extinguished and Susan felt the stab of grief in her heart.
The Minotaur had bravely given his life for Susan's, and she knew that his sacrifice would have gained him entry into Aslan's Country, yet the feeling of guilt did not subside within her, even with her siblings by her side.
Their reunion had been swift, they were all relieved that Susan had been found safe, but their attention had fallen to William, who had surrendered his weapons willingly and was now their prisoner. He now stood with his hands bound and surrounded by Peridan and Narnian guards and watched the scene before him with calm, yet sad eyes. He had refused to answer any questions, despite the furious glare from her brothers and Susan had to admire his resilience.
"Susan, we can't stay here much longer, it's time this was done," Edmund urged gently, and Susan nodded at his words.
With a deep breath she moved forward towards the pyre and plunged the torch into the stack of wood, watching as the flames swirled around and caught the dry kindling in its grasp. The fire rose high, illuminating the trees around them and Susan closed her eyes as tears escaped down onto her cheeks.
Lucy's hand grasped hers and gave a reassuring squeeze, causing Susan to smile in thanks for the presence of her younger sister, though she wished she had found her sooner to have saved Darros's life with her cordial. Peter and Edmund came to stand on the other side of her, giving her their support as they watched the aerosols of the fire drift into the air and dance around above them as if they were fireflies.
"Go now Darros, enter Aslan's Country in peace and know that our thanks go with you," Lucy said, her voice carrying above the roar of the flames.
William watched as the Pevensies bowed their head in prayer, asking Aslan to accept the soul of the Minotaur into his country. A small smile graced his lips, impressed by their honouring of the brave Narnian and that gave him confidence as his eyes drifted upward to the dancing particulates.
"Lothron sídh rad- cin in i next cuil mellon, a thank cin," William said aloud, gaining a confusing glance from the others.
He however ignored their questioning looks and instead kept his eyes firmly on the bright embers that flew into the sky and were carried away by the wind.
The sound of metalwork rang throughout the trees as Wulfric urged his horse up the slope, the exiled Narnians marching behind him, all exhausted from their long journey. They stopped at the summit of the slope and looked down into a vast clearing, where many makeshift huts dotted the ground.
Narnians were moving all over the camp, sentries stood on guard, their eyes naturally flicked to the exiles in alarm, before seeing the figure of Wulfric and relaxing. Other Narnians prepared meals by the fires, while more were making weapons in the makeshift forges that had been erected.
Wulfric smiles at the sight as he pats his horse, while Fallon moves to his side and stares at the encampment in awe. The other exiles join him in his surprise and Wulfric chuckles at their look of amazement.
"There's so many," Fallon states as his eyes follow the movements of the Narnians, ignoring their critical looks.
"Many have answered William's call, those who whispered his name with hope during the Long Winter," Wulfric explained. "Even some of the Kings and Queens troops have joined us here, despite their initial reluctance to abandon their posts,".
"Will their Majesties themselves be joining us also?" Fallon questioned.
"In time, but that is William's task to complete," Wulfric answered as he urged his horse forward down the slope, the exiles following behind.
Stares trailed them as they approached the camp, Wulfric noticed a lot them were looks of hatred and he knew that the bad blood from Beruna was still present, and it would take time for those wounds to heal, yet the fate of Narnia rested on the unity of the Kingdom.
As Wulfric lead the way into camp, a grey-haired Satyr approached, and Wulfric raised his hand in greeting as he brought his horse to a halt. The Satyr's eyes drifted to Fallon and the exiles, though whatever he was thinking, he chose to keep to himself as he turned his attention back to Wulfric.
"Wulfric, it's good to see you," The Satyr greeted.
"You too Inachius, how fares the camp?"
"It's well enough, although our new guests arrived yesterday and are not pleased at their deception," Inachius explained, causing Wulfric to frown.
"The Lone Islanders?" He asked.
Inachius nodded as Wulfric sighed in return, accepting that his return to camp would not be as welcoming as he had expected. He therefore dismounted and looked back at the anxious faces of the exiles and gave them the best comforting smile he could muster.
"Ensure our new friends have food and shelter, I must go and greet our guests," Wulfric ordered Inachius, who nodded in response.
"Of course, My Lord,"
He gestured for the exiles to follow him, and they slowly followed, though their anxious eyes remained on Wulfric, who continued to smile as reassuringly as he could. Fallon, however, didn't move, he continued to stand where he was and watched Wulfric with a suspicious look.
"You should rest Fallon," Wulfric said, trying to dismiss the Minotaur as gently as he could.
"What is it Wulfric?" "What deception does the Satyr speak of?" The Minotaur questioned, causing Wulfric to sigh.
"William and I realised that we would need to prepare an army for when the Galmans invaded, yet we didn't know whether the Kings and Queens would believe us, so we had to prepare ourselves and that included deceiving the men of the Lone Islands to get them here," Wulfric explained.
Fallon watched him carefully for a moment before he threw his head back and bellowed out a laugh that filled the trees around them, causing several of the other occupants to look at them with confusion.
"How very shrewd of the Phoenix, I never thought he would resort to lies," Fallon said, as his body continued to tremble with laughter.
"William does what is necessary for Narnia, that is what he has always done," Wulfric replied sternly as he turned and began moving through the camp, Fallon trampling after him.
"I remember the stories of him, Jadis had made it forbidden for his name to be spoken during the Long Winter, yet there were always whispers of him, the Narnians kept hope that he would return to free them from her reign," Fallon informed quietly.
"If Aslan had given him the choice, he would have gladly returned to face her. She took away the life and family he had, yet it wasn't for him to end her reign, but he is here now Fallon, and he will save Narnia, just like he has in the past, he will be the Phoenix again," Wulfric replied, his eyes shining brightly at the prospect.
"That is a welcoming thought My Lord, for if the stories about him are true, then the Galmans won't know what's hit them when they land upon our shores,".
Wulfric smiled at Fallon's words as they walked together through the camp and towards where the banners of the Lone Islands flapped in the faint wind, both united in their cause of saving Narnia.
The last light of the day glistened across the sea as Lucille stood upon the clifftops, her long golden locks billowing in the coastal wind. Her eyes stained red from all the crying she had been doing lately and this day was no exception.
Primus was finally leaving for Narnia, and she did not know what was to happen to him on those foreign shores. The thought of him dying in battle seemed to creep into her mind and despite how much she tried to shake those thoughts away, they remained.
Footsteps approaching caused to turn suddenly and there he was before her, his deep brown eyes watching her form lovingly. Her breath hitched in her throat, before her legs took over and she found herself running straight into his arms, which he wrapped around her firmly.
"I don't want you to go," She whispered into his ear, tears threatening to fall once again.
He slowly pushed her away and looked down at her with sadness and Lucille could feel her heart shattering right there and now. Their love was an everlasting test, full of obstacles they had to constantly overcome.
"We must be strong and face this challenge together," he said, his voice almost breaking.
"Together?" "Can we even say we are together; I have been promised to another," Lucille exclaimed, her voice beginning to tremble.
He instead cups her face in his hands and places a gentle kiss upon her lips, a small token of his love. He then gives her a small smile, one that melts what's left of her heart as he places one of her hands over his.
"No matter what has been decided, I am yours and you are mine, I will not let anyone keep us apart," Primus stated firmly, and Lucille notices a dark glint in his eyes.
"What do you plan to do?" Lucille asked, her voice barely audible.
"What I must, I will not let this war be the death of us, I promise,"
Lucille gives a small smile at his words and embraces him again, yet there is doubt in her face that she hides from him. Though she desired nothing more than to be with him, she feared that his mutual desire would force him to do something foolish that would result in dire consequences for them both.
"Just focus on coming back to me," she said softly.
They stood like that for some time, even long after the sun had set. Eventually though they broke apart and Primus kissed her one last time, before he turned and began to descend down to the beach, where the ships of the Phantom Men were ready to depart for Narnia.
She waited before making the journey herself, for it would not be good for both of them to be seen together. Her feet sunk into the sand as she moved down the beach and, in the distance, she could see the lights of the fires that had been lit across the beach and she gave a deep sigh before joining.
Primus now stood in front of her father, King Vehgar beside him. Primus bowed low in front of the King, who affectionally grasped him by the shoulders and forced the younger man to look him in the eyes.
"Primus, know that you go with the blessings of your King, make me proud," Agron said, his smile almost fatherly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will do all I can for Galma," Primus replied and Agron knows he means it and smiles broadly.
He then turns his attention to Veghar as Lucille joins him, Aemen had chosen not to join the procession and Agron was secretly pleased with that, for he did not need any more conflict between him and Primus.
"May your mission be a success King Vehgar, it heartens me to know that our two Kingdoms are in alliance," Agron said with a small bow of the head.
"We will win this war for you King Agron and in return, your daughter will be a Queen," Veghar replied as he turned his hungry eyes upon her, and she felt herself shiver under his lustful gaze.
Agron smiled as he gently urged Lucille forward and she reluctantly held out her hand to Veghar, who grasped it in his large hand. He unceremoniously placed a wet kiss upon her hand as she plastered her best fake smile upon her face and tried not to look at Primus, who stood stiffly beside Veghar, staring blankly ahead.
"When this war is done, we will be wed and one day you will bless me with many children," Veghar proclaimed, his yellow teeth on show as he gave a large toothy grin.
Lucille gave a polite smile as the members of the procession applauded; however, Veghar then moved close towards her and placed his mouth next to her ear, the whiskers of his beard tickling her cheek.
"The thought of you in my bed, will keep me warm during all the cold nights to come," he whispered, and Lucille shuddered at his words, completely horrified.
He then laughed before he finally released her and moved back to his men, who he gestured to follow him as he headed for the waiting ships. Lucille then looked at Primus, who finally met her eyes and she saw the hurt and the anger, she saw his hands now curled to fists at his side as he bowed one last time to her father, before turning and trapsing after Veghar.
She watched the ships disappear into the night and stayed on the beach long after her father and the rest of the procession had returned to the castle. Her love had gone to war and all she could do was pray that he would return to her arms, the same man that had left.
The sound of the waves thundered against the rocks below as Susan stood upon the balcony of the Great Hall. Salt filled her nostrils as she watched the clear blue waters below, thinking about how long it had been since she had a swim in the ocean.
They had returned to their glistening castle of Cair Paravel just the day before, their journey from the Stone Table had brought more questions without answers about the mysterious man William, who had accompanied them back to Cair Paravel as their prisoner but had been allowed to roam the castle and the grounds by Peter, albeit under guard.
Susan had not spoken to him much since he had saved her in the woods, yet she was eager to probe him for the answers to all the questions that rattled her mind, the main being his identity and who he was to Narnia.
Movement in the hall behind her caused her to turn as Peter entered the hall followed by Edmund, Peridan and Oreius. Behind them all came Lucy, who was accompanied by Mr. Tumnus, who's golden horns shined in the sunlight which filtered in through the glass roof above. Susan moved to join them and approached the table as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver entered the hall, joined by Sallowpad, Chervy the Stag, Cerise and four Red Dwarves. Three of those Dwarves were the brothers Rogin, Duffle and Bricklethumb, all of them lived in the southern lands of Narnia and had been invited to Cair Paravel at Peter's invitation, along with their kinsman Thornbut, a loyal Dwarf who served with the Narnian army.
A large polished wooden table had been placed strategically in front of the dais which contained the Pevensies four thrones. Upon its surface, William's sword and bow had been laid and Susan found herself admiring their eloquent patterns as everyone gathered around the table. Once they had all taken their positions, Peter cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.
"Thank you all for coming, the reason for this council is a delicate matter and therefore it is best to hold these talks away from court," Peter informed as they nodded their agreement. "As you all know, it seems that dark days have once again descended upon Narnia, followers of the White Witch have crossed our borders and are now moving unchecked in our land, while an invasion fleet could be landing on our shores any day now and the only person who seems to connect these dots is the man named William, who is currently in this very castle,".
"Do we think he is a foe?" Sallowpad asked.
"Nay, he saved my life, and he has been sent by Aslan, we cannot ignore that claim," Susan answered, daring anyone to question her judgement.
"We haven't Su and we are grateful that he saved your life, yet he has led an army into Narnia," Peter replied softly, almost like he was hoping a gentler tone would save him from his sister's well renowned temper.
"He led Narnians back into their homeland so that they can help defend her from the Galmans, they could be useful allies in the fight to come," Susan countered.
"We do not yet know of their intentions, and they have chosen to evade themselves from our eyes, if they were our allies why do they hide?" Oreius questioned, his fury at both of his son's disappearance still brewed within him, yet he had remained with the Pevensies after the attack, his duty had once again come first.
The hall fell silent at that, Susan looked around at all their faces, wondering if she was truly alone in this fight. Her eyes then landed on Lucy, who gave her the comforting smile she always wore, and Susan knew she had support.
"It is not us to question Aslan's plans, it is He who we must put our trust in," Lucy said, her wise words echoing off the marble walls. "He has sent William to us as part of His plan and we must take our places in it as well,".
"His weapons seem to confirm his story," said Rogin who had wondered over to the weapons that sat upon the table and carefully examined the sword, before offering it to his brother.
"It is true, this sword was made by our kin, the clans of the Western mountains I'd say," Duffle added as he passed it along to Bricklethumb.
"Can you tell when it was made?" Chervy inquired.
"The clans of the Western mountains were nearly extinguished during the Long Winter, going by the markings of the blade, it was made well over a hundred years ago," Bricklethumb answered.
"This sword is of fine make, the smiths had respect for whoever they made this blade for and would not have shared it willingly had they not thought highly of them," Thornbut included as Bricklethumb placed the sword back on the table.
Susan frowned at that as the memory of her vision of William and the woman in the cave returned to her mind. The sword he carried then was different from the weapon before them now and Susan knew that there was more of his story to be heard there.
"What of his bow?" Lucy asked as her hands drifted towards his other weapon and slowly held it up for all to see.
"Susan, the markings are similar to the ones on your own bow, are they not?" Peter asked as Susan turned her attention to the silvery patterns, that almost resembled leafy vines which spread across the bow.
"Yes, they are," Susan answered as she let her fingers explore the delicate patterns.
"That's because the bow is Dryad, as is yours Your Majesty," Cerise answered, stepping forward. "It is well known that our bows are some of the finest ever made, it is most likely that a bow such as this would have been a gift,".
"That confirms that his story is true, for if his weapons are of such fine Narnian make, then he is a servant of Aslan," Lucy stated with a bright smile on her face.
"If that is so, then let the man in question come forth and prove it," Edmund said as he turned to Peter who nodded and then gestured to Peridan.
He returned moments later with William, being escorted by several guards. They stopped in front of the table and William gave a low respectful bow to them all, yet as he stood back to his full height, Susan could see his eyes watching them all carefully, almost as if he was expecting some kind of trap.
"Your Majesties,"
"William, we are all gathered here to determine the truthfulness of your claim, we would ask if you would tell it again," Peter said, his blue eyes filled with caution.
"I was sent here by Aslan himself to aid you in the fight to come, that alone should be sufficient," William replied, which caused Peter look away, almost as if in shame.
"We do not doubt your story William, but you must understand our caution, we owe it to the people of this land," Lucy added softly, and he graced her with a small smile.
"I understand that well Queen Lucy, yet the more we delay then the more we are unprepared for when the Galmans arrive," William replied.
Silence was met at that as everyone shared looks with one another, Susan knew that her family did want to trust William and they still believed in Aslan with all their hearts, yet she could understand their caution, for one of them had been deceived before and it had nearly cost him his life.
"I understand the urgency of your mission, but you must also understand that we don't know anything about you," Edmund said, staring him fully in the eye. "You claim Aslan sent you, yet are we to trust the word of a stranger, especially one who has led an army across our borders?
William and Edmund remained staring at one another, almost in silent battle. However, before anything else could be said, Tumnus gently cleared his throat, which lured all ears towards him.
"Excuse me, Your Majesties, but I believe he may not be a stranger," Tumnus interjected, causing the everyone's eyes to follow their ears.
"What do you mean Tumnus?" Peter asked, a frown forming upon his features.
"Tumnus?" William interrupted, causing eyes to quickly switch back to him as he looked at Tumnus with a confused look, before slowly breaking out into a large smile. "It has been a long time since I have looked upon your face, you were no more than a babe then,"
Tumnus smiled and nodded, while everyone looked at both of them with a mixture of shock and confusion. Though the Pevensies knew little of Tumnus's childhood, only what he had chosen to divulge, he had made no mention of this man before.
"Mr. Tumnus, you know him?" Lucy asked, though she sounded more enthusiastic then shocked.
"I wasn't old enough to know him, but my father Tulius did; he would speak of him often and with much affection," Tumnus revealed as William smiled, almost as if memories resurfaced in his mind.
"Your father was a good friend, I miss him dearly," he said softly as Tumnus bowed his head in thanks.
"How is it this man became acquainted with your father?" Peridan asked, his eyes looking at William in a new light.
"My father served him in this very castle, Your Majesties and My Lords and Ladies, I have the pleasure of introducing you to William the Phoenix, King Consort, Guardian and High Protector of Narnia, Member of the most noble order of the Lion and Knight of Narnia,"
Everyone looked to William with almost open mouths, while the Beavers gasped and Oreius bowed low before him. William bowed respectfully in return, but Susan could see he looked slightly uncomfortable by his official introduction; almost as if he was somehow ashamed of his titles.
"It cannot be, the Phoenix has returned to us," Mrs. Beaver exclaimed.
"Just as it was foretold," Oreius added.
"Fallon spoke of you, he said the Phoenix was a legend in Narnian history," Susan said softly, causing William to look at her and his bright green eyes locked with hers and her pulse seemed to quicken under his gaze.
"The Phoenix?" asked Peter.
"The Narnians gave him that name, my father said he was so named because no matter how close he came to defeat, he always seemed to find a way to turn it into a victory, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes," Tumnus explained, his smile growing.
"He was said to be the greatest warrior in Narnia, he defended the land from many foes and served Aslan with great loyalty," Oreius revealed, his fury now seeming to have subsided partly.
"We spoke of him often during the Long Winter, there were stories that passed between the Narnians, whispers of him," Mr. Beaver explained. "It was said that even the White Witch feared him,".
"We were forbidden to speak his name, but some of us would gather and speak of the days before the Witch took the land," Mrs. Beaver added, proud of the Narnians secret defiance to Jadis.
"In Archenland we too know of his story, King Lune's grandfather King Olvin the second fought beside the Phoenix many times, he even came to our aid when Calormen invaded our land long ago," Peridan explained, all eyes now turning to him. "Though it is said he vanished long ago, many believed that he had died,".
"And you are the William from that time?" Edmund inquired to him.
"I am, though I originally come from Earth, London to be precise," William replied, a small smile on his lips as the Pevensies shared surprised expressions, for they had not met anyone else in Narnia who travelled from the same world as them. "I was here for twelve years and served as Narnia's High Protector, until Aslan sent me back home,"
"Why would he do that?" Edmund asked, a slight tremble of worry in his voice.
"Because I could no longer defend Narnia, I failed in my duty and lost everything in return," William revealed, his voice nearly breaking as he leaned forward and rested his hands on the table.
"Tumnus said King Consort, does that mean you were married?" Lucy asked gently as he lifted his head and met her eyes.
"I was to Queen Swanwhite the Beautiful, our marriage was a happy one," William explained with a small loving smile, almost as if he could see her in front of him now, before it slowly faded and the look of hurt returned. "She was taken from me,".
Everyone around the table watched him silently, his sorrow could be felt by them all and they all felt sympathy for him. Susan especially could feel his pain and that moment all she wanted to do was comfort him, though she knew it would not be appropriate.
"What happened?" She found herself asking.
"He fought against the White Witch when she invaded dear, but he was betrayed and was defeated because of it, when the Witch took the throne, she murdered Swanwhite," Mrs. Beaver answered quickly, saving William from having to say it.
"Betrayed, by who?" Susan questioned, then she saw the hurt look in his eyes and instantly regretted it.
"That does not matter, those days are in the past, what matters now is what we do to prepare for the Galmans," He said with authority in his voice. "Aslan has sent me back, so I beg you to let me help."
The Pevensies couldn't help but smile at his words, for now they believed that Aslan had sent a famous warrior back to help them and their doubt faded entirely. Though Susan was still intrigued by his story and wanted to discover more; she internally cursed herself for not studying more about Narnia's history during the last six years.
"We will begin making preparations, though we still need to discuss about the Witch's followers," Peter said, looking back at William.
"They are your army now Peter and your sons are there too Oreius, they are safe and with their troops," William revealed and Oreius visibly relaxed a little.
"Why do they not come here then when the Galmans could invade at any moment?" Edmund asked, obviously irritated that this army that William had created remained in hiding.
"Because we cannot fight the Galmans on the Eastern shore and we definitely cannot fight them from here at Cair Paravel, therefore we must soon abandon the castle," William revealed, stunning them all.
William watched as their faces turned to horror at his suggestion and he sighed knowing that convincing them would be an uphill battle, yet Aslan had told him it would not be easy and despite all he had been through, he trusted the Lion completely.
"You're asking us to abandon Cair Paravel and let it fall into enemy hands?" Peter questioned, barely able to form the words. "Why would we agree to such madness?"
"I am asking you to trust me, I once lost Narnia to an invading force and I will not let it happen again," William said firmly as he locked eyes with Peter, two leaders debating who was right.
"As much as I can respect your titles and your deeds William, I cannot yet trust you enough to heed this suggestion," Peter replied, the voice of the High King clear within the hall.
William nodded at his words, he knew that he would not be victorious in the first battle, yet he was far from giving up. He straightened up and looked at all four of them in turn, for all of them would need to agree to his plan if Narnia was to stand a chance.
"I shall then have to earn your trust, I just hope that it comes before it's too late,".
Authors Note: I am back! I am so sorry it has taken so long once again to update; I have been busy writing scripts for a tv show I am trying to get made, but I've found some free time to return to Narnia.
Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed so far and thank you all for your patience with this fanfic, I am writing the next chapter at the moment, so the next update should not take as long!
Long Live Aslan!
Aslan's Author