AN: I want to apologize for how long it has taken to get this chapter out. I hit a massive writing block after writing the first 1000 words and I just couldn't write it. Finally, though, I have finished it and it's fairly long. About this story, it is a little bit AU cause I changed a bit about Caspian's meetings with Narnians. Some remain the same and some are completely new. Please don't flame me because of this. I changed stuff because Kali is in this story and she's not about to be sidelined for anything.
Well, I hope you like it. I really can't say when the next chapter will be out but I will do my best to make it faster than this one :) this story will not be abandoned.
S.
Chapter Three: Back again
The days passed in a blur as Kali worked to get herself a new home. She didn't know what she was going to do going forward, but she knew she couldn't stay in the hotel forever. A home, setting down roots, might give her a connection to the world around her once more. That was the thought that kept her going, no matter how untrue it might be. More often than not, she felt as though she was drifting through the world. A ghost.
She was lonely, that she knew, but the mere thought of talking to someone sent a shiver down her spine. She didn't belong here anymore. There was nothing left. For the ten thousandth time, she cursed Fate. She had been happy in Narnia. She had been happy to live, protect and die for the country and people she had claimed as hers.
She should have died.
"What more can I possibly have left to give?" The words were uttered in the dead of night as she stared into the darkness around her from the floor, a bottle of vodka in her hands. "Just let me die." Silence greeted her words. After several long minutes of waiting for a response that never came, she scoffed and threw back another mouthful of the strong stuff. Living was torture.
Perhaps this was her punishment? The consequence for every life she had taken.
Was it deserved?
Probably.
Did she want it?
No.
The worse thing, however, was that despite her desire, death would never come to her. Death refused her. It had claimed her as its Mistress, all thanks to the three items she had collected without knowing it.
The Elder Wand. The Resurrection Stone. The Invisibility Cloak.
She cursed Fate again for ensuring those artifacts found themselves in her hands. She never wanted this. Never asked for it!
"Let everyone laugh at the girl who became Fate's puppet!" She laughed bitterly, holding up the bottle in a drunken, mocking toast. "Fate's bitch more like." She muttered to herself, taking another gulp. Fuck Fate and her twisted games.
A sudden thud caught her attention in the dark. Something had struck the wall. Glaring blearily around herself in the dark, Kali wondered whether it was worth investigating. If someone was there, then they would hardly be a threat. A mere wave of her hand would kill anyone foolish enough to attack her. When five minutes had gone by without another sound, Kali groaned and tiredly stumbled to her feet. Flicking her wrist, a ball of light burst from her hand and hovered in front of her. Cursing whatever it was that decided to disturb her now of all times, she got to work investigating her rooms.
After clearing her bedroom, she made her way into the bathroom and turned on the light switch, banishing her ball light in the same movement. Her eyes instantly went to the arrow stuck in the wall. The red ribbon achingly familiar. Immediately, she froze.
No.
No, this could not be happening.
A sob escaped her as she took one staggered step forward.
"This isn't fair." She whispered, a single tear trickling down her cheek as her eyes refused to move from the arrow. "You can't do this to me." It was obvious that Fate was punishing her with this. "I can't. Not again." She pleaded with the invisible entity that was playing with her. "Please. I can't do this again. Don't force me to live through this once more."
A haunting melody filled her ears. It reminded her of Fawkes' Song. Both warmth and sadness welled within her. She couldn't go through this again. Not if she was forced back to this world after whatever mission she had in Narnia was over.
'You will never have to leave again if you have no desire to, Mistress of the Hallows.' An ethereal voice whispered in her mind. Instantly, she knew it was it was Fate. Swallowing, she still hesitated. Despite the words, she couldn't trust that they were true. Fate had manipulated her all her life. Why would now be any different? The bitter thoughts whirled around her head again and again. How could she trust Fate? How could she willingly put herself in that situation again?
'My words are true, young one. Go, you have earned this.' The voice came again, this time softer as though the entity was assuring her. Promising her.
Taking a hitching breath, Kali reached out with a shaking hand. Almost gently, she gripped the wooden shaft and pulled it out of the wall. Closing her eyes, she felt the warmth of the golden light envelope her as the music played again. A few seconds later and the room fell dark again as its occupant vanished.
When she opened her eyes again, Kali found herself in a forest; a forest that seemed achingly familiar. Breathing in, she felt out with her magic and almost collapsed at the feeling of the Old Magic reaching back towards her. It rushed forwards as eager as a puppy.
'I'm home.' She breathed almost silently as she gazed eagerly around her. The trees were by no means familiar, then again, she wasn't surprised. Depending on how long she'd been gone, plus how rare it had been in the last years of her life to visit, it was no wonder that she didn't recognise her surroundings. Feeling a sense of Déjà vu, Kali took out her old wand and wordlessly cast a point me spell. As much as she preferred using her staff, it was too big to effectively use this particular spell. East. Well, at least she had a direction to walk in. Ensuring her clothes and shoes were transfigured into the armour and clothes she wore in her previous time at Narnia, she set off at an even pace.
She walked for hours, the trees feeling like home though she couldn't help but feel a heavy pit forming in her stomach as time went on. Very few animals were around though none were of the more special ones that could talk. She had tried it with a few badgers that she had come across. They all stared blankly at her for a moment before scurrying off once more. Something was very wrong here. She knew it.
Quickening her pace, she began to run through the trees, dodging rocks and trunks and vines with ease. She needed to find her people. Suddenly, a horn echoed loudly in the distance. Stumbling to a stop, Kali's eyes widened in recognition. That was Susan's horn. A cold fury rushed over her. They were here? Transforming seamlessly into her Animagus form, a six-foot wolf, she rushed forwards towards the low vibrating sound still resonating across the land. Land and trees past her by in a blur of green and brown. Her mind was still awash in her justified fury. Her fellow rulers would regret the day they abandoned her; she would ensure it.
Caspian, Crown Prince of the Telmarine occupied Narnian realm, swallowed as he was led into a large cavern like dwelling. There, he could scarcely believe what his eyes were telling him as he gazed around at the large crowd of creatures. Creatures that he had believed long since extinct.
"How?" A loud snarl met his whispered word as a minotaur stepped forwards,
"How we survived the slaughter you mean?" His words were met with angered yelling of agreement from the other Narnians.
"Nikabrik, Reepicheep, why have you brought the human here!?" Glenstorm demanded furiously, glaring at the boy who was descended from the man who had butchered so many of his kin. His horse legs cantered back and forth quickly in agitation.
"He blew the Horn of the Queen." Nikabrik answered solemnly. Cries of disbelief rang out. Whom would answer? The last time the Horn had been blown, it had been by Queen Susan many hundreds of years ago.
"He did what?" Glenstorm rumbled, fury burned in his eyes. How dare this filthy human use what was beyond his worth?
Caspian swallowed loudly again, feeling terror as the Narnian's anger rose, all aimed at him.
"We know what will happen." Nikabrik replied, avoiding the question, "Aslan promised us that the Horn will summon help when it is blown. And we need it now more than ever."
"The kings and queens of old, according to legend. We need them, Glenstorm, even you must seen that?"
"They're right." Caspian found his voice, finally, "My uncle plans a march on all Narnian lands, to wipe out every Narnian who still lives." Snarls answered him,
"And why are you here, Human?" Tavros snarled at him, "Why are you not at his side?"
"He was being chased." Nikabrik answered for him, "The invaders wanted to kill him too. Trumpkin sacrificed his life to save him."
"It's true." Caspian spoke before anyone could respond, "My uncle just had a son and tried to kill me so that he can take the throne permanently. He killed my father for that very reason. Please, I want to help you. I don't agree with my uncle's plans and beliefs."
"We don't need his help!" Tavros roared, "Glenstorm, we should kill him ourselves. One less filthy human." Glenstorm opened his mouth to respond when suddenly a horn rung out. A warning sound. Someone was approaching their dwelling.
"Warriors, to the entrance." Glenstorm ordered calmly, "Lock the human up." Immediately, the Narnians were obeying. Several fauns picked him up and dragged him deeper inside, making Caspian struggle.
"NO! Wait, please. I can help!" He was ignored as the rest rushed towards the entrance.
Kali paused at the forest line as she shifted back to her human form. She could hear in the distance as an army prepared itself against her. Frowning, she hoped they were her fellow Narnians. Through her run as she chased, first the sound of the horn, then the scent of the one who blew it, she had noticed that there were no sentient trees. That cold heavy feeling had only continued to grow inside her stomach. Something wasn't right. What had happened to her kingdom?
Striding forwards, she allowed a light to grow from the top of her staff. It was a calculated gesture. It gave the enemy an advantage (if they were the enemy) but it was also a gesture of good will. Additionally, she hoped that at least someone would recognise her from the staff. In her decades in Narnia, she was the only one who used a staff. When she was most of the way towards the caverns, her eyes widened. Lines and lines of soldiers were lined up against her. She didn't care, fore she knew they were hers. Narnians. There were minotaurs, centaurs, fawns, dwarves, and an array of animals.
"Halt!" A low voice rumbled across the land. It reminded her of Oreius and for a moment, she believed he was there, that was however until a different centaur stepped forwards. She stiffened but obeyed the order. She was not accustomed to obeying anyone anymore.
"Is this the welcome I should expect from all Narnians?" She stated coldly, her voice rang out. She saw several Narnians flinch at her tone. Her voice carried her authority within it.
"Telmarine scum!" Someone roared and a minotaur started forward, his axe raised. Did they truly not recognise her staff and armour? Perhaps she should have transfigured her crown as well?
"Stand down!" The same centaur commanded his soldier. The minotaur snarled but stopped.
Everyone was silent for a moment as they all looked at one another.
"State your name, stranger." The leading centaur ordered finally. Kali straightened up and tightened her grip on her staff.
"I am Kali, High Queen of Narnia." She announced formally yet coldly. Her piercing eyes staying firmly on the centaur. Gasps rang out as the Narnian's recognised the name. How could they not?
"High Queen Kali?" The centaur repeated uncertainly, unwilling to belief it is true. After all, according to their ancestors, the queen had died in one final act to protect them. Kali lifted her chin,
"I was called back by Fate. I was needed once more." She replied evenly. "Now, will you give me your name and lower your weapons, or shall do so for you?" She released her aura, ensuring they all felt her power.
Her threat made a shiver go down the backs of all those there. If the woman was indeed their fallen queen, then they had no doubts she could do what she threatened.
"Your majesty." Glenstorm lowered his bow and bowed low towards the woman. There could be no doubt, especially with the amount of old magic he could feel from her. His actions started a cascade as his fellow Narnians followed his example and bowed or knelt in acknowledgement. "I am Glenstorm, General of the remaining Narnian Forces." Kali nodded back,
"General Glenstorm." She greeted formally as she began walking towards them again. This time no one stopped her. She paused when she got within a meter of the centaur. She was different, she knew, more than five years older than when she first appeared in Narnia yet decades younger than when they last saw her. "You may rise." She stated, gesturing at the still bowing/kneeling army. The Narnians obeyed and stood strong under her gaze.
"Tell me, what has happened since I left my kingdom?" Her eyes returned to Glenstorm with a solemn and hard look.
"Perhaps we could speak within, Your majesty?" He responded respectfully. Inwardly, Kali growled but nevertheless nodded,
"Lead the way, General." The army parted as one as she was led in by Glenstorm, many saluted or bowed to her as she passed of which she acknowledged with nods.
Kali gazed around at the cavern as she led deeper inside the cliff face. It was a stronghold, that much she could ascertain. A very good one in fact. However, it begged the question as to why they were hold up here. Did she not cast a protective ward that would prevent Narnia being invaded? Why was it that they were acting like refugees?
"Please, sit, Your majesty." Glenstorm's voice brought her back to the present. He gestured at one of the large rocks in what appeared to be the main area of the cavern. With barely a twitch of her staff, the rock became a replica of her throne at Cair Paravel. She ignored the surprised gasps from the Narnian's around her as she strode over to the throne and sat gracefully within. Dismissing her staff, she placed both hands on the arms and gazed at her general.
"Report, General." She ordered coldly. Glenstorm swallowed under the gaze of his queen. He remembered Oreius' stories after her death. The greatest warrior of the realm. He had to tread carefully here.
"It has been twelve hundred years since you died, My Queen." He stated solemnly. The only reaction he received with the slightest paling of her skin and the slight widening of her eyes. "Your ward of protection protected us for close to five hundred years before it began to fall. More and more humans attacked it, weakening it. Barely a hundred years later and it was gone completely. We fought, Oreius led us, but there was too many. They knew you were gone and so they did not hesitate. We lost, many fled to survive. The Telmarine kingdom claimed Narnia three hundred years ago. Many Narnians hid in dwellings like this. Eventually, the humans believed they had destroyed us all and so stopped sending out their armies to hunt us down. We have been living and surviving all this time, slowly dying out."
Kali clenched the arms of her throne. Humans. She inwardly scoffed distain. They were all the same. Greedy children who wanted whatever they set their eyes upon. The magicals were much the same.
"Our numbers, Glenstorm. How many of us survive?" Glenstorm swallowed,
"Five thousand. Only a quarter are fighters however." The aura of his queen intensified at the low number. He knew, in her days, Narnians were numbered in the hundreds of thousands if not millions.
"They slaughtered them all?" She whispered darkly as she slowly drew back her magic, allowing those around her to breathe once more.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Glenstorm answered solemnly. "I have a thousand under my command here, the rest have spread themselves out across the land, hiding in the depths of mountains and caverns in order to ensure our survival." Kali growled lowly, how dare these Telmarine's slaughter her people. Quickly though, her anger vanished, and shame and guilt grew in its place. She hadn't been here. She should have been here. These were HER people, Her kingdom. And she had allowed them to die.
"I apologise, Glenstorm." Her words came as a surprise for all those listening as they watched her suddenly slump, "I failed you all." Her words were heartfelt but those around her were only confused.
"Forgive me, My Queen, but you died for us." Reepicheep spoke up from Tavros' shoulder, "How could you have stopped them?"
Kali gazed at him solemnly as she tried to come up with a logical reason as to why this was her fault. It was true, she had died for them, and she had managed to protect them for over five hundred years with that sacrifice. Still, it had been her responsibility as Queen to protect Narnia and she had failed in the end. Her people had been slaughtered. Why did Fate decide now to bring her back? Surely, Narnia's need was great five hundred years ago when they were getting slaughtered?
"I should have returned years ago. I should have been here to protect you all. Yet, I was absent." She responded tightly. Glenstorm shook his head,
"If Fate decided to bring you back only now, it is not your fault, Your majesty. With your return, we will prevail and perhaps, we shall deliver justice for other fallen people." Kali lifted her chin as she allowed his words to echo in her mind. She knew she would never forgive herself for failing her people so long ago, but he was right. Right now, she had a chance to protect those who remain and to annihilate those who senselessly murdered her people.
"Very well." She finally decided. Rolling her neck slightly she focused on the here and now. "Send out scouts, General. I want the numbers and whereabouts of our enemies. If you find small groups of soldiers, kill all but one. I want a word with a Telmarine." Glenstorm bowed,
"It shall be done, My Queen." He turned away, ready to fulfil her orders when he suddenly remembered their guest. Turning bac, he met the curious gaze of his queen, "Your majesty, we already have a Telmarine locked away. Their Prince, Caspian, fled his castle after his uncle attempted to kill him. Or so he says. Nikabrik and Reepicheep brought him here."
Kali leaned back in her throne at the words before a cold smile appeared on her face. A shiver went down the spines of all those who witnessed it.
"Have Nikabrik and this Caspian brought before me. I request a word with them both." Her words were sharp and biting. Tavros bowed as Reepicheep jumped off him.
"At once, Your majesty." He replied before setting off to find Nikabrik, he disliked this dwarf in particular. There was something about him that didn't sit well with him. The human, well, he would be much easier to find and bring before the queen. He hoped the queen would kill him. The rest of the Narnian's in the hall filed out.
"Reepicheep, you will tell me what you know." She ordered as soon as rest left them. The little warrior mouse bowed,
"Your majesty, I do not know much. I came across Nikabrik and the boy in the woods a few hours away from here. I attempted to kill him after killing the soldiers that came across us. Nikabrik stopped me, informing me that it was the boy who had blown the Horn. I agreed with him that it was best if the rest of the resistance was informed of the boy and so that we could decide what to do with him." Kali kept her gaze emotionless,
"I thank you for killing the vermin that are the Telmarine. I admit, I am glad you did not kill the boy outright. He could have valuable information about our enemies. Keep an eye on Nikabrik after I have words with him. He should have killed the boy before the horn was even blown." Reepicheep bowed low,
"I thank you for your thanks, Your majesty, but, if I may," He paused waiting for permission, Kali waved a finger silently, giving it.
"It is said that the horn would summon the kings and queen's of old. Is that not a good thing? The others will not doubt join you?" Kali stiffened,
"I was brought back before the horn was blown. I was there, in the woods, as the sound resonated throughout the land. As for the others, I am not pleased with them. Time will tell if they appear, but too many rulers in wartime can make things difficult."
She did not outright express her dislike of the other royals, but Reepicheep picked up enough to know that there was some animosity. He could not blame the High Queen however, by all accounts, the other four simply vanished one day without warning, leaving the remaining queen to rule alone for decades after.
"I will keep watch on the dwarf, My Queen." His stated, bowing low and ignoring the dislike of the other four rulers. Like the queen said; only time will tell if they were summoned back as well. Kali gave him a small smile,
"Thank you, Reepicheep. You may leave." Taking the dismissal for what it was, the mouse bowed once more before leaving. Kali watched him leave and clenched her hands into fist, that old rage whenever the others were mentioned filling her. She hoped for once that the legend was false and that they were not summoned too. She had no time to deal with them whilst leading this war effort at the same time.
It was only ten minutes later when Nikabrik entered the hall. Kali had sufficiently calmed down once more, her emotionless façade back on. Instead, she merely lifted her chin as he approached her.
"Your majesty." He greeted the queen with a low bow. His voice was smarmy, and it set her instincts against him almost immediately. Ensuring her reaction was not visible, she nodded back,
"Nikabrik." She greeted coolly, "Do you know why I have requested your presence?" Nikabrik swallowed,
"The human, Your majesty." Kali nodded,
"Indeed. Why did you let him live? Surely, you are not in the habit of allowing Telmarine's to continue breathing?" Her ruthlessness shined through with her words.
"It was not my decision to begin with, Your majesty. It was my brother in arm, Trumpkin, who made the decision after the boy blew the horn. He rushed the soldiers to ensure the boy's survival. I owed him to make sure his last act was not worthless." He explained politically, making sure that the blame was on Trumpkin whilst he was made out to be honourable.
Kali's lips curled slightly; she knew what he was doing. Unfortunately, at that moment, she could not refute him. Especially with Trumpkin's death.
"I see." She tilted her head to the side as she looked down at him, "So, if Trumpkin had not died, you would have killed the human yourself?" She questioned, her voice cold. Nikabrik bowed his head,
"Without hesitation, Your majesty." Kali nodded, knowing at least that was true.
"Very well. You may leave, Nikabrik. Glenstorm is organising scouting groups. Mayhap you would like to join one? I am sure the opportunity to kill at least one Telmarine will present itself should you choose to." The feral gleam in the dwarf's eye showed him enthusiasm with the offer,
"It would be my pleasure, Majesty." He replied, before, with a bow, he left the hall.
As soon as he was gone, Kali realised a growl of disgust. There was something untrustworthy about Nikabrik. She couldn't put a finger on it just yet, but she knew she had to be careful around him. As she sat waiting for the boy, her mind ran through everything she had learnt about her fallen kingdom thus far. Honestly, she was horrified at the state of things. How could Fate only call her back now? Surely, considering how time passed so differently here, that she could have returned much sooner? The war had been over for several months now. Growling again, she loathed the thought that she was having to fight yet another war. This time, one that could have been avoided had she been brought back years ago. The Telmarine's would never have had a chance to invade Narnia had she been here. She would have slaughtered the fools for even the attempt. Still, at least her fellow 'rulers' (even in her mind the word was coated with disdain) were not here. Yet. They had no right to return.
At last, two Fawns returned with Tavros leading them. In between them, was a young man, around seventeen years of age. Keeping her gaze cold and dark, she said nothing as he was dropped on is knees before her. Silence reigned for many minutes as they both studied each other,
"Tell me, Prince Caspian," She finally spoke though her tone was filled with disdain, "Why should I not kill you?"
Caspian was confused and scared. When he had first been locked up, he hadn't known what to think. Had his uncle found him already? But, no, there had been no sounds of fighting nor even any anxious or hurried movement from those who had remained within the cavern. No, if anything, he had heard excitement which didn't make sense. Why were they suddenly happy? Who had arrived? Every time he had tried to call out to get some information, he had been ignored. Finally, he was resigned to sit there until he was collected.
He didn't know how long it was until he visited but he nevertheless glared at the minotaur who came.
"What's happening?" He demanded as he stood up. Tavros growled lowly at him before gesturing for the two fauns to release him and follow. Caspian struggled against the strong grips of the fawns, but it was useless. He wasn't going to escape anytime soon. He was led through the cavern before finally returning to the large hall he had first been led to when he had arrived. There was huge difference; however, there was only one individual within, and they were seated on a throne, a throne that had not been there previously.
Being forced to his knees was a new experience. He was Prince. People knelt to him, not the other way round. Still, it gave him a chance to study this so-called ruler. She was only a few years older than him in appearance which was surprising but not the biggest surprise. No, that belonged to the fact that she looked human. Who was she? Her eyes spoke of a ruthlessness that he had only seen in his uncle. That did not bode well for him.
"Tell me, Prince Caspian," She finally spoke though her tone was filled with disdain, "Why should I not kill you?" The words brought him out of his mind, and he opened his mouth before shutting it before repeating the action.
"I am a Prince." The words were out without any thought. He watched as her lips curled up in disgust,
"Your point? You are not our Prince, boy." Her words were so cold that an involuntary shiver crept down his spine.
"Who are you?" He whispered, dread curling in his stomach. She leaned forwards slightly, her gaze growing darker,
"High Queen Kali of Narnia. Your people butchered mine, boy. I was returned to right that wrong." She paused, before continuing, "I would ask again, why should I not kill you? I would advise this time, to give me more than your so-called status."
Caspian's eyes widened in horror. Doctor Cornelius had told him stories about all the kings and queens of old but especially of the High Queen who had ruled for decades longer than the others. And, if the legends were to be believed, was the reason why it had taken Telmarine more than half a millennium longer to take Narnia. If this, indeed, was the fabled queen, then he was in so much trouble.
'May the gods have mercy on me.' Was the only thought in his mind as he stared up into the dark green eyes of the dark queen above him.
