Chapter 14

The Night Before

Edmund lay down as Peter instructed, but he could not fall to sleep. He watched as his older brother slept on the cot across the tent, his chest rising and falling with each calm breath.

Though it felt a bit strang to be back with his siblings again, Edmund was relieved. He was relieved that Aslan had forgiven him for such a crime, though he had a feeling it would take a little longer to be completely at peace with himself.

As he lay watching Peter sleep, Edmund couldn't help but remember how their troubles began. He was a bit surprised at how quickly Peter was willing to forgive and forget, but that made his love for his brother even stronger.

When the Dyrads came by to peek in and let them know lunch was being served, Peter awoke first, glancing over at Edmund. "Did you sleep at all, Ed?" he asked, his voice a little hoarse, and Edmund glanced at him.

"Some," he admitted, and Peter leaned forward after he sat up. "Peter…" he bit his lip. "Why?"

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Why what?" he asked, pulling on his shoes.

"Why did you forgive me so fast? I was so horrible."

Peter smiled at him softly. "You were horrible," he admitted, and Edmund had to smirk at his brother's bluntness. "But life is too short to hold grudges. Don't milk it for more than it's worth, Ed. And I do think we have a chance to start over, you know?" he stood and stretched, just as Lucy peeked through the tent.

"We were just coming to wake you," she said, and Peter lifted her into his arms, hugging her tight. "Susan suggested we take lunch together outside in the fresh air."

"Sounds fine to me," Peter replied, and glanced at Edmund, who was now standing, and motioned with his free arm to follow them out of the tent.

They found Susan arranging a small table on a clear patch of ground, under an enormous oak tree. She had blankets spread about for them to sit on, and the table itself was covered with a variety of different foods. Edmund sat between Peter and Lucy, eagerly helping himself to bread and cheese. Lucy watched with amusement as he shoveled in his lunch once they were all ready to help themselves, and giggled.

"Narnia's not going to run out of toast, Ed," she said, and Peter wet his lips. Normally, Edmund would have glared at Lucy and spat some nasty retort back at her. But instead, he merely smiled and laughed, proving that he really had changed for the better.

Peter sipped slowly from his mug of wine, listening as Lucy brought Edmud up to par on what had been happening with the three of them. She told him all about her nearly drowning in the great river, and how Peter had rescued she and Susan from Maugrim the wolf. Edmund listened intently, gasping at all of the correct places.

"I have missed a lot," he agreed, once she finished. "And you have no idea how much I've missed you."

Susan smiled, and nodded. "We missed you, too, Edmund." She reached over and squeezed his hand, watching as Peter stood and went to stand a few feet away with his back turned to them. "What's wrong?" she asked, and he lowered his head, still holding his wine.

"I have to send you three back," he said softly, and now it was her turn to stand.

"What? When did this come on?" she asked, and he glanced at her, his eyes a bit tearful.

"I'm supposed to be looking out for you," he said. "and a lot of good I'm doing if I let you three stay in the midst of all the danger. Susan, you and Lucy aren't even supposed to take part in the battle itself, so there's no sense in keeping you here where you could get hurt. And Edmund, you'll take my place and look after the girls. This is my battle…I have no choice but to stay behind."

"But They need all four of us," Lucy insisted, still sitting at her spot. "Remember the prophecy, Peter? There are four thrones at Cair Paravel that have to be filled. If three of us go back home, then it will all have been for nothing!"

"Lucy's right," Edmund insisted, walking over to his brother, and touching his shoulder. "We can't leave now. I've seen what the white witch can do," he said softly, and Peter turned to him. "and I've helped her do it. We can't let the other people here suffer for it."

Peter folded his arms after taking a sip of wine, and had a feeling he was defeated. His siblings looked so determined to remain in Narnia despite the danger, and Lucy had brought up a valid point about the prophecy. Still, he hated the idea of their young lives being threatened.

"Well," Susan suddenly spoke up, after silence filled the air for a good couple of minutes, "I suppose that's it, then?" she reached for her quiver and bow. A smile crept over her face as she began to wander away from them.

"Where are you going?" Peter asked, a bit startled by her sudden departure. She turned to face him, and pointed to her weaponry.

"To get in some practice," she replied, and, excited, Lucy hopped up and dashed after her (making sure to kiss and hug Peter and Edmund beforehand).

"Be careful," Peter shouted, and the girls waved.

"Well," Edmund began after they were out of earshot, "I suppose this means we ought to get in a bit of practice ourselves. Do we have horses chosen for us or something?"

Peter led Edmund towards the camp's paddock, where his gleaming white unicorn stood grazing. "Wow!" Edmund gasped, peering over the fence, and watched as Peter went to beckon a brown stallion in their direction. Both horses came towards the boys, bobbing their heads anxiously. "I've never seen a real unicorn before." Edmund asked if he could pet the animal's soft, silky coat, and Peter nodded.

"Of course you may," he replied thoughtfully, and Edmund stroked the unicorn's velvet nose. "Now the brown horse is yours," he added, and Edmund took hold of his animal's reins. "We'll go on a bit of a ride for a while, and then practice with our swords."

Edmund mounted the brown steed once it was saddled and ready, and waited for Peter. "Have you practiced yet?" he asked, and Peter looked at him.

"A little," he replied. "I've not been feeling very well, so not much."

Edmund nodded in understanding. "Well, we'll have to make sure you're real good, then," he sniggered.

"I'll admit something to you, Ed," Peter said quietly as they began to lead the horses out of the ring and towards the great, wide open field. "I don't think the soldiers feel I have the potential to lead them. I may be young, but I'm quick enough to catch their expressions of disbelief."

Edmund looked at him. "Aslan believes in you, Peter," he said. "so do I. Don't care about what the others think. They'll follow you no matter what. You just have to take charge."

Peter swallowed, and gave a small nod, not really saying anything in response.

They rode around the camp area for a while, checking on the girls, who were practicing archery and dagger throwing. Susan and Lucy waved happily as the boys cantered past, and Lucy gave a shrill whistle of delight.

Peter did look very strong and regal on the Unicorn, especially at a distance. "I'm afraid for when we go back, Susan," Lucy whispered, after she hit the bullseye with her dagger for the third time in a row. "It's so wonderful to see Peter so well here in Narnia."

Susan bit her lip, fingering the sharp tip of one of her arrows. "I know," she said quietly. "But he's still so tired, Lu. He slept almost all day yesterday, and most of the morning and early afternoon today. And he's still too pale and weary."

Lucy nodded sadly; Peter had been through so much in the past two years. "I don't know if he'll ever truly recover, Susan," she added. "I mean, he'll be better while we're in Narnia, but when we go home…"

"If we ever get home," Susan bit her lip. "I'm not saying I want to go back now or anything," she admitted, "but…you never know how this is going to turn out. Once we're on the throne at Cair Paravel…if we get there…who knows how long we'll have to rule?"

"But it doesn't really matter," Lucy pointed out. "No matter how long we're here, it doesn't affect our time at all in England."

"I suppose I keep forgetting about that," Susan admitted with a chuckle as the boys began their sword practice. "I guess I just mean if something happens to us in Narnia. We won't get back home, then, I'm sure."

"It wont," Lucy promised. "Aslan won't let anything bad happen."

Susan smiled at her as she shouldered her bow again, and pulled back on the string.With a single pluck, she finally succeeded in having the arrow hit the bullseye. She raised her head high and beamed, before going to retrieve it.

Peter and Edmund continued to practice their different sword fighting techniques, and were so focused on what they were doing, that they did not notice the small crowd of soldiers who gathered around to watch. Orelius stood off to the side, his eyes following Peter's swift movements, and watched as Edmund's horse reared high after striking a blow.

"Whoa, horsey!" Edmund yelped, startled by the sudden jolt, and had to pull on the reins to keep from sliding backwards. The horse suddenly stopped and turned its head in his direction, raising its lips.

"My name is Phillip," it said in a low, irritated voice, and Edmund stared. He blinked, staring at Peter who was laughing.

"Oh, er…" Edmund swallowed. "Sorry," he apologized, and the horse gave a soft whinnie, before turning his head to face forward again.

"Come on, Ed," Peter called, raising his sword again, his eyes catching the silver gleam of the sun.

Edmund encouraged Phillip to a trot, and he and Peter were just about to engage in another series of blows when they heard Mr. Beaver's voice over the clang of the swords. "Your highness, your highness!" he shouted, and Peter paused, looking up. It was then he noticed the small crowd surrounding them, and everybody immediately broke away, muttering to each other as though they hadn't been doing anything. "The witch is coming!" he told them, and Edmund nearly slipped off of his horse with alarm. "She's demanded a meeting with Aslan!"

Peter lowered his sword and turned to his younger brother, and the two immediately dismounted. They rushed through the crowds of fauns and animals, finding Susan and Lucy, who were were white as sheets "We saw her sledge," Susan breathed, taking Peter's arm. "Oh, she's terrible, Edmund…"

Edmund swallowed, feeling nauseous, and the four of them hurried in the direction of Aslan's tent. The great lion stood outside of it, waiting as Ginarrbrick shouted, "Make way for the Queen of Narnia!"

Peter squinted as he was nearly blinded by the white of the witch's gown, and stared when she approached them at last. Edmund looked as though he were going to be sick on the spot, but he refused to hide. Aslan was with him, so he was certain he was going to be fine.

Jadis approached the crowd, her eyes full of rage. She held her wand in one hand, and when she caught sight of Edmund, she sneered. He did not break eye contact with her; he would not falter.

"You have a traitor in your midst," she said in a low voice, and there was a collective murmer throughout the army. Edmund felt Lucy take his hand and squeeze it comfortingly, and Peter looked at him.

Aslan let out a low growl, his tail swishing back and forth. "His offense was not against you," he replied.

Her lips tightened, but from the expression on her face, Peter knew she was thinking of a retort. She was not about to leave the camp empty handed.

"Have you not forgotten the laws on which Narnia was built?" she asked, and another low growl escaped from the lion. "Every traitor belongs to me as my lawful prey, and that for every treachery I have a right to kill. That boy will die on the stone table," she added, and Lucy gasped in horror.

"Don't recite the deep magic to me, witch," Aslan growled. "I was there when it was written." He looked so menacing that there was complete silence; the crowd hardly dared take a breath in his presence.

"If I do not get the blood as the law demands, then all of Narnia will be overturned, and perish in fire and water."

"Try and take him, then!" Peter yelled suddenly, brandishing his sword, and pointing it at her.

The witch turned to him, her eyes narrowing. She said nothing at first, and then took a step forward. "So this is your invalid brother, is it?" she asked Edmund, and Peter stared at him, his heart racing. "Do you really think you have the power to overtake me, little…King? I will have this boy," she hissed. "You dare not refuse me." Aslan growled angrily.

"Enough." He turned to Edmund for a quick moment, closing his yellow eyes. "Come," he continued. "I must talk with you alone."

Jadis appeared surprised by the request, but she did not disagree. She merely held her head high, and, giving Edmund one more nasty look, followed Aslan into the tent.

Peter turned to the girls, who were both tearful with fear, and pulled them both into hugs, and encouraged them to sit and rest for a while. Edmund kept his eyes to the ground, too depressed to become involved in any small talk. Peter touched his shoulder comfortingly, and nodded.

"It's going to be all right, Ed," he said softly. "We're not going to let anything happen to you."

Edmund bit his lip, glancing back towards the tent…he wondered what Aslan and the witch were talking about. Peter massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming on, and Susan reached over to take his hand, squeezing it firmly. They all joined hands at that point, holding their breaths and praying that the meeting would end quickly.

Eventually, the tent flap pulled open at last, and Aslan stepped out first. The witch appeared after him, glaring menacingly at Edmund for a moment or two, and turned away.

"She has renounced her claim on the boy's blood," Aslan told the crowd, and Edmund stood very still, not quite certain he could believe his luck. He felt Lucy hug him tightly around the middle, and everyone began cheering, throwing their helmets in the air with their happiness.

"How do I know your promise will be kept?" Jadis asked Aslan once the noise died down, and the lion gave such a great roar, that the four children covered their ears. The witch stood staring at Aslan for a moment, before turning on her heel and marching back to her carriage.

When she was out of sight, Orelius announced that this was certainly time for celebration, and that a great bonfire feast was to take place at sunset. In the meantime, Peter let out a yawn, receiving worried looks from his sisters.

"Are you all right?" Susan asked, and he looked at her.

"Yes," he promised, and Edmund put a hand on his back.

"Go and lay down," he insisted. "I want to speak with the girls for a bit."

Peter started to protest, saying he didn't need to rest, but the look on Edmund's face stopped him. "I suppose I will," he said, and turned to go to his tent. When he was out of earshot, Edmund looked at them.

"What is it, Edmund?" Susan asked, once he pulled them to a private plot of ground. Without a single word, Edmund pulled both of his sisters into nearly rib-crushing hugs.

"Oh Edmund," Lucy breathed, seeing the tears in his eyes, and she took both of his hands. "It's going to be all right, now."

"I'm so sorry," Edmund told them softly, and Susan shook her head.

"We know you are," she replied. "We're just so glad you're all right." She kissed his forehead. "Go and spend time with Peter. Lucy and I have a celebration to prepare ourselves for."she winked, and Lucy gasped with delight.

"We'll see you soon!" she called, waving happily as they ducked under the flap of their tent. Edmund watched as they disappeared, before turning back to the tent he shared with Peter. He found his brother sound asleep again, his hands tucked under his cheek. He looked so peaceful, just laying there, and Edmund was glad to see some of the rosiness coming back into his face.

He didn't dare wake Peter, but he decided to at least drape a blanket over his body so he was warm enough. He was about to lay down on his own bunk, when Peter whispered, "Are you all right, Ed?" and craned his head to look at him.

"Sorry," Edmund apologized sheepishly, and Peter pulled the blanket more tightly around his shoulders. "Cold?" he asked, and his older brother sighed.

"Just so tired," he admitted, and Edmund shook his head.

"We practiced sword fighting for nearly three hours straight," he replied, smirking. "You should get some sleep so you're ready for the party tonight."

"The party." Peter nodded in agreement, his eyes closing again.

"You are coming, aren't you?" Edmund raised an eyebrow, and Peter blinked weakly.

"Of course I am," he promised, his voice a little stronger. "Thanks for the blanket, Ed."

Edmund nodded, biting his lip as his older brother drifted off for the second time that day.

That evening, the celebration began exactly at sundown as Orelius promised. Peter felt considerably refreshed after his rest, and beamed with pride as his Edmund was praised aloud.

The bonfire was lit, and the flames grew so high that he could have sworn they would touch the stars. A great spit sat in the center of the fire, holding tender meat, and there was enough wine to go around several times. The girls immediately participated in the dancing; Lucy's barefeet hopped to and fro to the beat of the drums, and Susan sailed past with a faun or two.

Edmund eventually began to talk to the beavers, and glanced up to see Peter smiling at him. He nodded respectfully, receiving the same gesture in return, and soon a Dyrad drug his eldest brother into the new ring of dancers. Lucy and Susan immediately paused in their current dances, and watched with wide eyes. Everyone parted into a circle as Peter twirled the beautiful creature in circles, a smile on his face and his eyes sparkling.

"As I said," Mr. Beaver told Edmund, nudging him in the side, "your brother…the true High King, he is."

Edmund nodded in agreement. Peter was not even paying attention to the fact that he and the Dyrad were the only two dancing at the moment, and the sight of his happiness was wonderful. When the song ended he bowed low, and the creature kissed both of his cheeks, curtsying. She scurried off, and Peter turned, and looked at the group.

"Who will have me for the next dance?" he asked, and Lucy immediately raised her hand, hurrying out into the ring, and took both of her brother's hands.

"This isn't a show," Edmund announced, knowing his brother must be feeling rather uncomfortable. "Go on, keep dancing, then!" he ordered, and the group obeyed.

"You look beautiful, Lucy," Peter whispered as he twirled his youngest sister about. She wore a silk gown of light peach and a string of pearls about her neck. Her hair was down and flowing in the breeze, and for a moment, it was hard to believe she was just eight years old.

"Your hands, Peter," Lucy breathed, holding one up, and pressing it to her cheek. "They're not frail and cold anymore. They're so strong."

Peter lifted her into the air and spun her about, making her burst into delighted laughter. "I feel as though I could defeat the witch single handed tonight," he told her, and Lucy grinned.

"You certainly shouldn't," she teased. "but I'm so glad, Peter." She hugged him tightly, and didn't let go for several moments.

"All right, Lucy Lu," Peter teased, ruffling her hair gently. "Go and socialize. I'm just going to wander about."

She nodded in agreement, closing her eyes when he bent down to kiss her.

When the celebration ended, it was around midnight. The girls said good night broke away to go to sleep, but Peter sat up talking in quiet voices. The excitement from the party made it difficult to relax.

"Peter," Edmund began in a quiet voice, "I…" he looked away, and Peter frowned.

"Ed, after all of this, you can't still be thinking about…" Peter began, and Edmund looked at him.

"No, Peter," he injected. "Aslan told me that though all has been forgiven, it might take a little longer for me to forgive myself."

"And you don't?" Peter asked softly, and Edmund looked at him.

"It's very hard, Peter. I just…I feel so terrible about everything."

"Talk to me, then," Peter leaned against his chair, and opened his arms.

"You're not serious," Edmund smirked, and Peter nodded.

"Sit on my lap, Ed. I won't bite you," he laughed, and Edmund hesitated for a moment, feeling a little foolish. "You're still my baby brother," he added, and Ed shook his head with a snort.

"Oh, all right," he agreed, and sat down on Peter's lap, closing his eyes. He did feel so safe this way; he felt comfortable. For a few moments he said nothing, but merley listened to the occasional burst of laughter from late stragglers passing their tent.

"Ed, tell me what's bothering you," Peter told him softly, and Edmund looked at him.

"I keep thinking about how angry you were after you came home from the hospital," he began. "Well, hurt, I suppose, is the better word. That was our first real row I think. But honestly, Peter, I didn't…I didn't really wish you had died. I was just so angry that you were being ripped away from me, and there wasn't a thing I could do about it. You were giving up, and I hated you for it."

Peter gulped and rubbed Edmund's back, nodding. "I know you didn't mean it," he whispered, and Edmund choked on a sob. "Mum was ready to let me go, though," he added. "Even though I couldn't respond to her, I could still hear her…she was crying so hard, but she was telling me she and Dad would understand if God wanted me instead."

Edmund held Peter close, not wanting to let his brother go. "I'm glad he didn't need you, Peter," he breathed. "not yet, anyway. I hope he doesn't need you for a long time. We need you."

Peter chuckled softly. "I'm glad to hear it, Edmund," he said quietly. "Do you feel better?"

Edmund sniffed and bit his lip. "To get it out, yes."

Peter wiped his eyes a little, and offered a handkerchief to Edmund. "N-no," Edmund insisted. "I'm okay. Thanks for letting me sit with you, Peter."

Peter sighed. "Thankfully no one's around to hear us, eh?" he asked, and Edmund grinned, wrapping his arms around his brothers neck in a tight hug.

"I don't care if they did," he breathed, and Peter rubbed his back.

"All right," he said softly. "We have to try to calm down enough to go to sleep. Shall I order us a bit of hot milk or cocoa? That may relax us."

"I'm so full," Edmund replied, rubbing his stomach. "I don't know if I could handle a cup of milk." He blew out his breath and lay on his cot, watching as Peter peered through the main flap to get a look at what was going on.

"Well, then, we'll just see what happens." He cleared his throat, laying down.

"Peter?" Edmund asked, after they were laying still for a bit. "Did it occur to you…Aslan was not at the celebration. I would have thought…" Edmund propped his body up on his elbows, and Peter did the same. He had to admit, he felt a little strange that Aslan hadn't been there either. There was a nagging worry at his heart because of it, but he hadn't been able to place the reason with the feeling until Edmund mentioned it.

"You're right," he breathed. "I had wondered."

"I've been wondering about what he was talking about with the witch," Edmund said softly. "I mean…"

"Yes," Peter agreed, rubbing his nose a little. "You feel it too, don't you?"

Edmund glanced over his shouler. "Like…something's about to happen? Something…I did feel odd having such a good time at the party."

"Well, I'm sure that our imaginations are running away with us," Peter insisted, retrieving his handkerchief from his pocket. "HuhKESHHH!" he snapped forward. "Sorry…" he looked up.

"Bless you," Edmund chuckled, and Peter smiled at him.

"Thanks. I don't know where that came from…I am feeling much better." He lay back down.

"You're making sure I didn't forget," Edmund teased, and Peter winked. "I love you, Peter." He turned on his side, and Peter blew out his breath, keeping his gaze towards the main flap of the tent. He still couldn't get the idea that something was about to happen; but he wasn't quite sure what. He knew about the battle of course, but there was something else. Something deeper.