Both not enough and too much time had passed when Favelo returned. Edmund strained again to see if Teravus accompanied him, but again only brutish guards followed.
"High King Edmund," Favelo said. Edmund flinched. "Again, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Your sisters are greatly distressed and asked me to beg you to protect them. They need you. So, what will it be? Will you protect your family? Or will you give them over because of your foolish trust in a Lion who has abandoned you to torture and death?"
Though Edmund knew Favelo mentioned Aslan in a ploy to undermine Edmund's faith, he could not help but feel thankful to the vile man. With a strength not his own, the Just King lifted his drooping head and stared the usurper dead in the eyes.
"You've miscalculated, Favelo. I know not if you speak the truth about the High King. I know not exactly what my sisters have said, though I am sure you have wildly mischaracterized them. But this I know with certainty: you again fail to understand the very basis on which our faith lies. Aslan does not serve us. We serve Him. He does not owe us Narnia or safety or even life. You have heard of Aslan's sacrifice, but you do not understand it. He could have rightly let me die, yet He saved my life and saved my soul. In doing so, He saved the souls of all those who trust in Him. How could I rightly betray Him after that?
"False lord Favelo, Aslan whom we serve, is able to deliver myself, my siblings, and our subjects from you hand, and He will. Whether that be through death or rescue is His prerogative. But know this: even if He does not, we will never bow before you. Your rebellion will be on your own head."
New depths of darkness came upon Favelo's face and Edmund knew he was given utterly to evil.
"Break him."
The space vacated by the retreating lord as he swept from the room was filled by the blank forms of two guards. One approached him, studying his bonds to ensure they were still secure. Edmund's numb and aching arms attested to the fact that they were. One of Jaret's fists slammed into Edmund's stomach. His body tried to curl up but that reaggravated the stripes on his back. The other brute seemed content to follow Jaret's lead, landing a punch into Edmund's side, resulting in a distinct crack that left Edmund gasping. Unlike the last beating, he had no way of protecting his vulnerable points. Over and over, they beat at Edmund, cracking or breaking multiple ribs and his left leg.
When his torturers became bored at his lack of response, they must have cut him down. He felt a dropping feeling followed by a collision with something hard and cold that left him gasping for air and writhing. The door slammed and the torture ended as quickly as it had begun.
For a long time, he lay exactly where he had fallen because no part of his body would obey. His arms were on fire as circulation returned to them. His breathing was concerningly labored and his entire torso was one bloody bruise. His upper left leg was shattered. Only his right leg didn't have a major protest, so he focused on that. Weak with pain, hunger, and fear, he cried out to the only one he could think to call on. Though he never once regretted his choices, still fear accosted him in his weakness. In the silence, he suddenly realized he could hear quiet footsteps beside him. "Aslan?" he whispered.
"Never fear, dear child. Even here I am with you." Soft, gentle fur nuzzled his ear and Edmund thought he might just melt from relief.
"Aslan," he whispered again. The fear faded. Though nothing had changed, everything had changed. The one who'd walked this mile was with him. "Aslan, are my siblings alright?"
The puff of air from Aslan's soft words ruffled Edmund's hair. "I am with them."
"Is Peter alive?"
"He is with me."
Though the words did not answer his question, his worry disappeared. He remembered again what Lucy had told him the Beavers had said of Aslan. Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.
"Sleep, my son. Do not yet give up on hope. You are not my only children in this dark place."
Even as exhaustion pulled at Edmund's whole body, he fought to remain awake. "Teravus, Aslan? Is he your child? But he left us, Aslan!" The Great Lion didn't respond. He didn't have to. Edmund tucked his head in shame. "I'm sorry. I'm one to talk. I just don't understand…"
A rough but soft tongue licked his head. Forgiveness for his anger swept away the shame and filled him again with peace. "You do not understand now, but you will. Now, rest, dear son. I will watch over you." Edmund felt Aslan's breath surround him like the warmest blanket he had ever known.
Utterly at peace, Edmund slept.
Later, the most Edmund remembered of the next day, though it felt like three, was a cycle of darkness and pain. Sometimes beatings, sometimes other forms of torture. The worst were the obscene "updates" he was given about his sisters. He clung to his belief that Aslan would protect them but felt sick with worry.
He awoke once more, this time to the feeling of being swung over one of the brutes' shoulders like a bag of potatoes. Despite his body's protests, adrenaline surged. The familiar trek up the stairs to the tower cell was easily recognizable. When they reached the top, the door swung open and Edmund was dropped, again, much like a sack of potatoes, onto the straw. Stars danced in his vision, temporarily blinding him.
"ED!" Lucy screamed, followed by a sob from Susan. Thank Aslan they were alive. He strained to see if he could hear Peter, but a sickening voice spoke somewhere above his head, drawing his attention.
"I keep my word. Your brother is alive, but he will not stay that way for long without your obedience."
"You keep your threats, you mean. I made no deal with you." Susan's voice was firm, and Edmund filled with pride. "My brother went willingly in our stead, and we will not dishonor him nor the Lord Aslan. No, my lord, we will die rather than accept one moment of your devil's kindness."
Favelo was silent for a moment. "May it be as you say, my lady." He spoke with venom that sent a shiver down Edmund's spine even as he fought to force his body into action. "If you would rather die, I will honor that. Starting with your baby brother." Even as he heard the shink of a blade leaving its scabbard and his sisters' screams, Edmund felt cold steel piercing his side. A moment later the blade was gone and Favelo left with his guard.
And with that, we are halfway through! This chapter is the shortest one, but the next chapter will make up for it, I promise.
