Story: Footprints in the Sand
Author: The Evil Pink Squirrel of Doom
Summery: King Edmund recalls the land where he was both traitor and king.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, if I did imagine the royalties.
Author's note: This is a companion piece to What you Leave behind, it can be read alone, but I suggest reading both to fully understand where I'm coming from. Also I am working on a couple more fics, that take place within this universe.
I Swear I will Return Home Someday...
King Edmund the just recalls what is was like and who he once was a few years after tumbling out of the wardrobe...
I followed my sister through a wardrobe door, into a land of mystery and so much more.
I recall meeting a lady in white, a lady who gave me my favorite, hot chocolate, and Turkish Delight.
I offered up a dear friends name, and promised to betray more before the end came.
I recall being rescued by mythical beast, by talking leopards, fauns, and centaurs.
It was one such centaur who through me upon his back, as we rose away from the white witches camp. It was about half way to the stone table, when he stopped and put me down, he asked me, why, how I could betray those who I love, he told me of my families journey to reach the great lion.
He also told me that Aslan had already forgiven me and I should not fret.
I remember saying to my older brother "But they need us, all of us" for the first time Peter listened to me, and so we went to war.
I recall waiting atop a hill, covered in armor, with female centaurs, and a talking beaver.
I recall watching my brother sitting upon a unicorn, a centaur on one side, a griffon on the other.
I remember watching them race into battle, the cheetahs taking up the lead, to fight against an evil ice queen, who's chariot was pulled by two polar bears.
I recall a great lion giving his life to save mine, and crowning us kings and queens of Narnia, of him calling me King Edmund the just, and hearing shouts of long may we reign.
I recall everything now as I sit here in my chair, although its been a few years.
I remember meeting my wife for the first time, her jade eyes covered in tears, listening to her cry.
I nearly killed my brother-in-law that night although in truth he was not to blame, I nearly killed her father, but in the end I courted her properly, like she deserved.
I asked for her hand, she blessedly said yes, and her father gave his blessing on our union, I'd never been so light hearted and glad.
That was till the birth of my eldest came to head, a glorious little princess with whom I showered with praise. The fair princess Hestia, my darling little girl.
I recall the cool winds of the north, flying across my face as I my wife and watched our children playing outside, while staying at my treasured hunting lodge.
I recall sitting in my large chair, listening to endless reports, as my smallest daughter, the energetic Princess Billie comes riding in upon her cousin Riordans back, flanked by her faun cousin Koen. How my family laughed at that little upset, the rulers and generals of several nations, just sat there and tried not to laugh.
Poor Mrs. Beaver, she felt so very bad, no matter what was said.
I remember standing on the bow of my ship, my son Avidan perched high on my shoulders, he'd would also be wearing my good navel sailing jacket and my hat, both of which I must say were much too big.
I showed him our kingdom, my tough benevolent prince.
I watched as he played war with his cousins, Koen, Riordan, and Gavyn.
I recall how my sisters complained when I brought the boys all back wooden swords, and shields, from the Highlands. Especially Susan, although from what Oreius told me she really did enjoy to watch the children play fight with him.
He always said he swore she held a carefully concealed death wish for him, that she was really rooting for one of the young ones to one day accidentally really stab him.
I think all our wives had that same wish, at least once during our lives.
I recall playing with my youngest, how she loved to play tea, oh how many times I cannot count, she and Gwyn would corral Mr. Tumnus, Oreius, Mr. Beaver, Peter, and me. She'd use those big puppy dog eyes, and pout till we gave in.
We'd spend half the afternoon, neglecting our duties, till our wives came in to find us, sitting in the middle of my office, with a small tea set, surrounded by several stuffed animals, and perhaps a couple unlucky servants,
My darling baby girl would be dressed in her pastel pink, and yellow, frilly gowned, her long dirty blond hair, well brushed, nails painted the brightest red and on her head would sit a fake crown.
Her name means justice of the fatherland, what a fitting meaning for such a flawless precious gift.
How I recall my joy, what more could any of us have asked?
What reason did we have to chase after that white stag?
Is it possible we wished to come back?
I don't believe any of us did, Lucy was with child, Susan thought she might, Peter had another one due any day, and I was so very happy with my young children, and beautiful wife.
I am King Edmund the Just, the one who betrayed his family, and his kingdom for a sweet.
I am King Edmund the Just, who when King Peter ordered me to leave the battle field with Beaver, I defied him, and took on Jadis, the white witch, and lost, but not before destroying the source of her evil power. The evil power that turned both my sisters loves to stone, as cold as ice.
I am King Edmund the Just, the husband of Princess Vienna.
I am King Edmund the Just, the father of Avidan, Hestia, and Billie.
I am King Edmund the Just, of Narnia.
I was given my throne by Aslan, the great lion himself.
I ruled from Cair Paravel.
I will always be King Edmund the just, for once a king or queen of Narnia always a king or queen of Narnia.
I am King Edmund, the Just and someday I will play tea again with my youngest daughter.
I will sail the high seas with my son.
I will read with my eldest, learning the history of our great kingdom.
I will watch all the heirs to thrones of Narnia play tag in the halls of Cair Paravel.
I will play war with the young princes, Mr. Tumnus, Peter, and Oreius, upon the pastures outside.
I will thank Mrs. Beaver once more for all her help.
I will sit after dinner and have a brandy with the men, the men who happen to be a high king, a faun, a centaur, a beaver, and a fox.
I will once again ride upon the back of my old friend Phillip, across my lands grassy hills, and through the dense wood.
I will once more dance with my angelic wife on the floors of the grand ball room.
I will once more sit upon my throne, with my three siblings, and rule the place that is my home.
I will once more return to the land of dreams, and fantasy, I will return to Narnia, I know this, no matter where I roam, I will return to my throne, my family, and my true home.
PLEASE REVIEW! It only takes a second and makes my whole day better. But, please no flames, I just can't take it in the evenings after a hard day of dealing with work.
