Just and Magnificent
Volume 2.5 – Love is Binding, Love is Blinding.
Volume 2 of Just and Magnificent takes place about 2 years after the events of the movie. It is the second of three volumes. It is AU and if you haven't figured out, contains slash and incest. Hopefully you find it handled in a way that is as pure as possible.
Summary: Princess Eris sets her plans in motion and will not be swayed. Peter and Edmund spend quality time together. Edmund finds his past may not be left there.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, etc, etc, etc FLUFF, and umm this chapter is a wee MONSTER
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis
EDMUND LOVES PETER
Edmund bathed in a cool stream, his fingers tracing an old scar that never quite healed. It was the scar he received the day he died at Beruna. A scar given to him by the white witch, when she stabbed him after he'd shattered her spear. It was a constant reminder that he would never be quite … normal. Though he breathed again, thanks to Peter, a part of him would always remain dead.
"It is a reminder of your sacrifice." Aslan said, emerging from the nearby woods, "And a reminder of why you will never belong to them."
"What would you have me do now, Aslan?"
It was a question Edmund had asked Aslan many times since their departure from Cair Paravel. Edmund could no longer count how many days, weeks or even months it had been since then. All he knew is that Aslan needed him and their journey had required many tasks from Edmund. Sometimes Aslan would join him, and other times he would be left on his own for weeks at a time. He would have to find his own way to the next destination until Aslan returned again to guide him once more, much like today.
Edmund had not seen the great lion for some weeks. He'd been left to search out a dragon that had been terrorizing a local dryad forest. The dragon would torch large swathes of the forest and slaughter dryads for no reason except that he could. It had taken Edmund some time to locate the dragon, and the ensuing battle almost cost him his redeemed life. For much to Edmund's surprise, the dragon had scales that beamed so bright they almost blinded him. And yet, just like every other task Aslan had given him, he triumphed.
"Edmund … every task I have given you is for a reason. You know this by now, do you not?"
"I've known it since we left Cair Paravel. You're preparing me. I … only hope that … I am capable of doing your bidding, Aslan."
"Son of Adam … my son … you are capable of many things. You have proven yourself already a hundred times over. I do not take pleasure in keeping you from Peter and those you love. Soon you will understand why this must be done."
"I … I think I understand already, Aslan. You wish me to fight him? To fight them? The ones who followed me back?"
"Yes, Edmund."
"And … the dragon? I remember after I fell from the tower … when I was down … down there, with them. When you fought him … I couldn't see. When he uses his power, will it blind me?"
"Prepare, Son of Adam. Prepare."
Aslan softly padded his way to the water's edge before lapping at it. Edmund watched the great lion with affection and still curiosity. Today he was feeling a little bolder than usual. Up till now he hadn't asked certain questions of Aslan, because his heart told him that it wasn't time. For some reason, his heart was telling him that this was the time to ask such questions.
"Aslan, why haven't you told me his name? Or anything about him?"
"Because to speak his name gives him power. To know him is to fear him. To fear him gives him power. He is deceptive, lingering in shadow. And if you speak his name … you summon him. It is better you do not know his name, Son of Adam."
"If I defeat him …"
"If?" Aslan said with a rare hint of laughter in his voice, "Edmund, when … when you defeat him."
"When … when I defeat him. May I see Peter again?"
The great lion let out a small chuckle that Edmund found somewhat unsettling. At least until he looked into Aslan's eyes and saw nothing but gentle smiles and affection. Edmund smiled back, for no other reason except he felt inspired to.
"Do you believe you will see Peter again?" Aslan asked with a smile in his voice.
Edmund glanced at Aslan quizzically. He pondered Aslan's question in his mind and his mind gave him doubt and fears and logic. Yet when he questioned his heart, only one answer came to him.
"I … I do, Aslan." Edmund smiled, "I do believe I will see Peter again."
"Then it shall be."
Edmund could not break the smile that ran over his face. He was filled with a joy and sense of calm that only seemed to follow being in Aslan's presence. And as the great lion walked away as quietly as he'd arrived, Edmund felt that belief grow inside him. The belief that one day he would see his Peter again.
He pulled himself out of the water and picked up his sword. He ripped a line of fabric from his shirt and tied it around his head, before he threw the rest of the shirt to the ground. He smiled to himself as he parried back and forth, imagining an enemy that he could not see. Throughout his time in Narnia, from training with Peter, to leading the Fallen Army of Beruna, to his journeys with Aslan, Edmund had acquired many skills.
One of his journeys with Aslan had brought him to a port occupied mostly by exiled dwarves. Not all of who were happy to see the person responsible for slaying their former master. And though Edmund felt compelled to match swords with them, Aslan had instructed Edmund that he must not draw blood in this place. Instead Edmund found himself training under the watchful eye of an old satyr. Though Edmund was already a seasoned fighter and warrior, he was never too proud to learn a new skill. This particular satyr would teach Edmund about the art of fighting without a weapon. A particular style of hand to hand combat that was extremely rare in Narnia, and used only by the most agile of upright creatures.
Though he favored his sword, he soon realized the value of such an art. The more he trained with the satyr, the more he realized he could fight against enemies with swords and disarm them. His agility increased greatly, and so did his awareness. This, Edmund realized, was the only reason he was able to defeat the dragon while blinded. It was also an art that came in handy when dealing to troublesome dwarfs without drawing blood or killing them.
As he stood parrying his sword, Edmund thought back to the art he had learned with the Satyr. He thrust his sword to the ground and used it as a centerpiece to practice his new art while still blindfolded. He could feel the time approaching when he would need to combine all these skills to challenge the great enemy Aslan had saved him from. He wasn't sure if he was really capable of defeating this enemy, but he would make sure he was as ready as he could be. And so he trained beside the stream, his feet moving amongst the blades of grass with the grace of a cat. Sweat glistened on his back, and all the while, he thought of his Peter. All of this, was so he could see his Peter again.
"You better not be making eyes at Princes Pretty Eyes, Peter." Edmund grinned to himself as he parried his sword, "Because you will see me again."
Edmund opened his eyes with a reflective smile, staring up at the ceiling of his new chambers. For the first time, his nightmares did not come. Instead, he had dreamed of a memory. A memory that made him smile. A memory that inspired joy and hope, even triumph.
"Aslan was right." Edmund whispered to himself.
"About what, Ed?"
Edmund sat up with a start to see Peter sitting in a chair beside his bed, looking awfully uncomfortable. In fact, it looked as though Peter had been there all night. At first Edmund wanted to growl him, but he didn't have the heart. Here was his Peter, the one he'd fought creatures and demons to come back to. How could he be mad at Peter for wanting to be near him?
"What good is having my own chambers if you still end up in here with me?"
"Umm … it makes you feel better?" Peter asked with a shy shrug, "Sorry?"
"It's ok." Edmund smiled sincerely, "You only do it because you love me."
"So you'll come back to my chambers tonight then?"
"That's not exactly what I said, Peter."
"I take that as a no." Peter sighed, "Edmund … I do believe that is the first time I've seen you wake up without … looking like you'd just seen a ghost or had some dreadful nightmare."
"I came back, Peter." Edmund laughed, throwing a pillow at Peter, "I came back! Aslan knew I'd beat him! He knew I'd get back to you! I'm so happy. I feel like I could fly!"
Edmund jumped to his feet and bounced around on his bed like a child. He pulled off his night shirt and threw it at Peter, before poking tongues playfully. Almost childlike laughs began escaping the once rogue warrior, making him seem a great deal lighter than the burdened Edmund of old. Peter stared up at Edmund jumping and laughing like a fool on his bed and couldn't help sharing the infectious joy.
"Ed … you look like a complete loon." Laughed a gob smacked Peter.
Edmund began making parrying gestures with his hands. He glared at Peter with playful amusement, bounding back and forth on his bed as if preparing for a duel. He used his foot to kick up another of his pillows into the air before smashing it playfully at Peter. The high king grimaced with a mock scowl, before posturing himself to join Edmund's playful duel.
"You dare to call me a loon?" Edmund bellowed, thrusting his imaginary sword into the air, "Do you not know who I am? I am the Fallen King! I am the Rogue Warrior! I am …"
"Happy?" smiled a wistful Peter.
"So what?"
"Well … it's great! You're usually Mr. Doom and Gloom or Mr. Protocol, don't touch me, Peter, it isn't proper. There are rules, Peter, there are rules …" Peter said mocking Edmund with a laugh in his voice, "Are you unwell? Should I call Lucy to check on you?"
Suddenly, Edmund leaped into the air at Peter and landed in his arms. Peter seemed mortified, but Edmund simply smiled at him and stole a kiss from the flabbergasted high king. The smile would not leave Edmund's face as he ran his fingers through Peter's golden hair and placed gentle kisses along his neck. All the while Peter simply stood there holding Edmund looking rather confused.
"What's gotten into you, Ed?"
"I came back, I came back …" Edmund sung to himself, "He knew it."
"Who?"
"Aslan. He asked me if I believed I would see you again and I said yes. And he was right. And I believed and here I am."
Edmund closed his eyes and let out a content sigh. One arm wrapped around Peter's shoulder to help support himself while being carried. He used his free hand to trace the curves in Peter's face, from his temple to his lips. When he felt Peter place the gentlest of kisses on his fingertips, he opened his eyes and gazed up at the object of his unbridled affections.
"I love you, Peter." Edmund smiled, happy tears just barely threatening his eyes.
"I know."
"No …" Edmund sighed, staring deep into Peter's ocean blue eyes, "I love you."
The unwavering stare in Edmund's eyes, the utter openness of the emotion that dwelt within them, was not lost on Peter. They'd told each other their feelings untold times before. They'd felt it from each other without even saying a word. They'd felt even when death kept them apart. And yet in this one moment, Peter almost felt as if he were being told for the very first time. And not just told, but shown in Edmund's eyes. It was enough to draw an uncomfortable shiver in Peter's voice as he tried to form a reply, while making sure not to stumble with Edmund still being carried over the threshold. Before Peter had a chance to respond to Edmund's deep declaration, the younger king pulled Peter's head down to his and kissed him. He held his hand to the back of Peter's neck as lips parted and Peter's tongue sought entrance with an anxious need.
"I know." Edmund whispered before their lips sought the other out again, "I know."
ALONE ON A BEACH
"I have not heard one protest from you yet this morning."
Peter waited for Edmund's response as the two of them lay on a secluded area of the beach below Cair Paravel. Having finished their morning swim, Edmund lay on his stomach while Peter gingerly dried his back. He let out a shiver as Peter's fingers traced along his back.
"I don't need to." Edmund finally replied, "I don't want to. If you really want me, you can have me."
Peter couldn't believe the change in Edmund this morning. He was altogether … happier. He was more relaxed around him. He wouldn't tense up whenever Peter would hold or caress him. And as much as Peter did want all of Edmund, he wasn't about to ruin their impending marriage by crossing any lines prematurely.
"And I will have you." Peter said softly as he kissed Edmund's back, tasting the salt of the seawater, "When we are married."
"And that is why I do not protest."
Peter could barely contain the joy he felt this morning. Ever since Edmund had awoken, it was as if the doom and gloom had finally been shucked away. He found himself studying Edmund's body, which was covered only by a thin red cloth wrapped around his waist. It pained him to see scars that he didn't recognize, as well as two particular scars that he did. It pained him to see just how much Edmund had grown in the last two years, because it reminded him of times when they were apart. Physically at least, Edmund seemed just barely younger than Peter. He was taller, his body toned and layered with elongated muscle, and yet his skin was still soft and milky white.
Peter didn't understand how the deep magic worked, and though he hated the fact that he'd missed so much of Edmund's life lately, he was grateful to finally have him back. And no matter how much Edmund had grown, he was still his Edmund. His little angel who would do anything to protect him. Still the same snarky Ed who had a tongue that was sometimes too fast or witty for it's own good. Still the same Ed who would often doubt his own worth or virtue, which always resulted in Peter wanting to thrash the doubt out of him before smothering him with hugs and kisses.
It was a strange feeling knowing that Edmund would let him do anything he desired. Perhaps when Edmund protested, Peter was inclined to push more. Yet now that Edmund seemed to be prepared to do whatever Peter desired, he found himself holding back. Because he knew deep down that Edmund trusted him to do the right thing.
"And I do trust you." Edmund whispered.
"I didn't say anything!" Peter laughed as he shuffled down to Edmund's feet.
He picked up the younger king's left foot, and it still felt light to his touch. He stole a tiny kiss from the tip of Edmund's toes, eliciting a laugh and what almost sounded like a protest. A very weak willed one.
"You're beautiful." sighed a winsome Peter as he massaged away, "Do you know that?"
"No, Peter. That is what you are." Edmund groaned, "I have a list of broken hearted girl's names to prove it."
"You have so many scars, Ed. Was it really bad? You know … fighting the good fight for us?"
"No. I'd do it all again. I'd do it a hundred times over. Just for this one moment. Sometimes it still feels like a dream, Peter. Being here with you. Having you love me. Having you want me." Edmund sighed, as Peter continued touching him as only he could, "I would do it all again."
"Why don't you let Lucy look at them?"
"The scars? Because they're part of me now. They remind me. Do they offend you?"
"Of course not. They're not that noticeable. It's just … they remind me too. Remind me of times I failed you or … times I hurt you." Peter said catching his words as he glanced at the faint scar on Edmund's cheek, "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"It's just a little scar. And besides, I was trying to kill you at the time." Edmund laughed softly, "So you know, it's only fair."
"It wasn't you. It was Jadis."
"Semantics, Peter." Edmund said before he laughed, "I do believe that's a word Sue would use."
Peter let go of Edmund's foot and flipped the younger king onto his back. In a flash he pounced on top of him and began smothering the tiny scar on Edmund's cheek with kisses. Edmund giggled, making him seem once more like a child trapped in the body of a young man.
In one instant, the moment changed from one of giggling and laughter, to one of sensuous engaging. Edmund caught Peter's bottom lip in his own and bit gently before he pulled back and flashed his coy, almost shy smile.
"Why you little devil." Peter beamed at him, "You're going to just leave it like that?"
Again Edmund raised his head up so he caught Peter's bottom lip in his own and sucked ever so gently. He let out a soft moan as his fingers began moving teasingly up Peter's broad shoulders. He ran his left foot up the back of Peter's leg as he continued his gentle ministrations on the golden king's lower lip. Peter was almost rigid, as if trying to will himself not to ravish Edmund then and there. When the younger king finished sucking on Peter's bottom lip, he nuzzled the tip of his nose against Peter's.
"Is that better?" Edmund asked in a sweet, gentle tone.
Peter's eyes were closed and his fingers dug into Edmund's upper arms. For a while Peter said nothing. It was as if he was trying to catch his breath or compose himself. Edmund let out a tiny chuckle before nuzzling Peter's nose again.
"Are you ok, Peter?"
"Never better."
Peter's lips curled up into a satisfied smile, yet his eyes remained closed. He lowered his head and buried it in Edmund's neck. He exhaled a deep breath as his grip began to loosen on Edmund's biceps. Soon Edmund found both his hands being sought out and claimed by the high king, their fingers interlacing.
"I don't think you realize just what you do to me, Ed." Peter said finally, "With the gentlest touch … you can turn my world upside down. And we will not even get started on my heart."
Then, a sound to break their moment of intimacy. The bells chiming for the kings to return to Cair Paravel. And yet as Edmund tried to move, Peter held him still. Peter stared into Edmund's eyes, fixing their gaze on one another.
"What is it, Peter?"
"Nothing, Ed. You just … you're so beautiful. I'm capturing this moment in my mind. Before we must give ourselves back to the world. Before we must wear our crowns and let duty guide us. After all, with our luck, you just never know what's coming next."
DUTY CALLS
"Psst …"
"What?"
"I know you asked me to trust you." Edmund whispered, leaning over to Peter's throne, "I just want to know … about the news for Su and the rest of them. Tell me you took care of it. Tell me Su's going to be ok."
"She's going to be ok. I promise. Oerius has already taken reinforcements to bolster her army, just to be safe. Now will you please trust me to take care of everything? Including you? Or must I break out my little doubt-bucket repellant?"
"What's that?"
With a grin, Peter flicked the back of Edmund's head. He winked at Edmund, just as the visiting badgers turned their attention back to the kings. Thankfully their visit and their speech was over, and Peter bid them a grateful farewell.
"Ow!" Edmund grimaced finally, before he broke out with a flashing grin, "Do you know who I am? I am King E…"
"Oh here we go again." Peter laughed, rolling his eyes, "Why don't you show me how mighty you are?"
In a flash they both had their swords out and were parrying about the throne room. Peter found himself surprisingly on the back foot. Edmund was already a great fighter when he came back from Salei Barion, but now he seemed even faster and agile.
"You noticed." Edmund said with a wink, deftly forcing Peter backwards with his swordplay, "To make up for the strength I lost when you bloody well breathed life into me. Seems the living don't get the strength benefits of the undead. Frightfully unfair. Although I do have several little benefits left. But still, fighting was so much easier when you didn't have to breathe."
"You sound ungrateful." Peter grinned, "Fancy going back to Salei Barion?"
"Not unless you're there, my love!"
"You do know that I am the high king?" Peter said surprising Edmund with a downward sweep, knocking the younger king backwards, "My sword has no equal!"
Peter rushed forward and capitalized on Edmund's being on the back foot. With a swift thrust of the lionhead on his handle, he knocked the sword from Edmund's hands. Surprised, Edmund rolled down and to the side of Peter. With a motion that caught Peter completely offguard, he turned Peter's right elbow in and spun the sword from the high king's hands to his own.
"Still have a few tricks up my sleeve." Edmund said with a wink, before he threw Peter's sword back to him, "Come for me. If you dare."
Peter hesitated at first, for he didn't fancy parrying when Edmund had no sword in his hands. And yet Edmund seemed to goad Peter into coming for him. With a sense of unease he stepped toward Edmund and started with a few gentle swings. Edmund smirked at Peter and deflected all his blows with carefully angled swipes using his forearm guards. He almost seemed to be toying with Peter.
"Ok, Mr. Rogue Warrior. You really want to play?" Peter said putting down his sword and picking up a spear, "This should be a little easier for you. I wouldn't want to hurt you now. I'm coming for you, King Edmund the Just."
"I tremble with fear."
Peter smirked as he charged at Edmund. For a moment all onlookers in the throne room could almost forget the kings were lovers. And though no formal announcement had been made, the rings on their fingers made it obvious they were engaged. Yet now they fought more like friends or brothers, playfully of course.
Edmund deflected all of Peter's hits while dazzling him with his unarmed combat. And yet both still had the sense they were holding back. For they had no want to hurt each other, intentional or otherwise. And yet Peter still felt a small competitive streak in him not want to let Edmund get the best of him either. He decided it was time to show who the high king was.
Edmund kicked off a nearby beam and dove over Peter's spear, drawing surprised gasps from the onlookers. He rose to his feet just in time to see Peter swipe at his head.
"King Edmund." Eris's voice called, interrupting Edmund's train of thought.
The small interruption was enough to distract Edmund long enough for Peter's strike to connect. The tip of the spear pierced Edmund's cheek right where his old scar was. He screamed and staggered backwards before finally composing himself.
"Edmund!" Peter yelled as he rushed to Edmund's side.
"I'm fine, I'm fine." Edmund said brushing Peter away from him, "I'm not a baby. It's just a scratch. I've had a lot worse, you know. It's my fault for being distracted."
"I'm so sorry. I thought you'd duck. I'm so stupid. We're never playing that again." Peter said frantically, smothering Edmund with kisses, "I'm sorry, Ed. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
"Peter … it's just a scratch. Now stop making me look like a … a dolly daydream. I'm fine."
"You don't hate me?" Peter asked, cradling Edmund's neck so he could check the wound, "I'm so sorry. That was a stupid idea for us to play that to begin with."
"I think my pride is a little bruised though." Edmund sighed mockingly, "Kiss it better?"
Peter was about to do that very thing when Edmund was snatched away by Lucy. He frowned in annoyance before shaking his head. He made a mental note never to play duel with Edmund again. For as much as he enjoyed it, a part of him was constantly reminded of when they were forced to fight to the death atop the old north tower. It was a moment of Peter's life that still made him shiver.
"Come on, Ed. I'll fix you up." Lucy said grabbing Edmund by the hand, "That will teach you both for playing such silly games. You boys are all the same."
"Oh, I am sorry." Eris sighed as she smiled at Peter, "I didn't realize you two were in the middle of … play fighting?"
"Something like that." Peter nodded, "He'll be fine. It's my fault. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Well … since you're … free for the moment. Perhaps I could have a moment of your time?"
"Certainly, Princess. How can I be of service?"
"I was thinking … a spot of tea. Just the two of us."
TRUE LOVE IS NOT SO EASILY SWAYED
"So … how are you finding your stay here at Cair Paravel?" Peter asked with a courteous smile.
"Delightful." Eris said, pouring Peter a small cup of tea, "You must try this tea. It's a … specialty."
Eris smiled as she revealed a small velvet bag, tied with a red ribbon. She slipped the ribbon off and opened the bag slightly. A tiny plume of gold dust wafted up from it as she held the bag under Peter's nose.
"Isn't the aroma wonderful?" Eris asked with a crooked smile, "Don't you think so?"
"Well … yes." Peter said breathing in the dust, "It smells … like … Edmund?"
"Oh … really? Try some tea."
"Is the tea made from what's in that bag?" Peter asked as he sipped gently on his tea, noticing the odd taste, "It … it … what is this? It tastes like … Edmund. I don't suppose you'd like to share the secret with me?"
Peter felt himself feeling a little light headed as he engaged in conversation with Eris. Her conversation was delightful as always, but there was something odd about her. Something that didn't seem as gentle or unassuming as the Eris he almost courted. He shrugged the feeling off as they spoke about the possible fate of the Shian Kingdom, among other things. After a good half hour had passed, Peter found himself feeling almost drunk.
"I … I'm afraid … I'm … not … feeling …" Peter began to say, before Eris brushed her hand along his cheek.
Her touch was like a bolt from the sky, shooting a sensation through his body that he'd never felt before. Instead of feeling drunk, he felt invigorated. He felt excited. He felt …
"Peter … you are a striking man. So dashing." Eris smiled with eyes that seemed to taunt Peter, "A woman would do … anything to be with you. I know I would."
"Oh …" was all Peter could manage to say, his thoughts were muddled and incoherent.
"Do I … entice you, Peter?" Eris said as she began running her fingers along Peter's forearm, "Do you think me worthy of your attention?"
Peter felt something building deep within him. Something he'd kept at bay his entire life. Something he'd managed to suppress even for Edmund. But now it threatened to overwhelm him. His eyes were fixed on Eris's neck. For reasons he did not understand, he wanted it.
"Shall we … go to my chambers? I could … please you in ways … he never could."
"I …" Peter began to say, his thoughts muddled once more, "I …"
"It's ok. All you have to do is come with me."
Peter could barely see straight. He could barely see anything except the woman who now stood before him. He stared at her with a mixture of confusion and willingness. And yet somewhere deep within him resisted. She held her hand out to him and he began to stretch his hand out to her and hesitated.
"Peter?" Edmund's voice echoed through the chambers, "Peter, where have you gotten to?"
"Ed!" Peter yelled with a smile.
Peter shook his head and suddenly felt ill. He gagged as if he were about to throw up. He looked at Eris with confusion in his eyes. He felt as thought he'd just woken up from a dream. A dream he couldn't even remember.
"Are we going to have some tea now?" Peter asked, wondering why he felt a little displaced, "Hey, I don't remember you pouring our tea already."
"There you are!" Edmund said with a smile as he burst into the room, "Not still feeling bad about my little scratch, are you?"
"Edmund!"
And for reasons Peter couldn't explain, and then again for reasons he never needed, he stood up and ran to Edmund. He pulled Edmund into his arms and spun him off his feet. He forced Edmund back against a nearby bookstand and instantly began smothering him with kisses as he squeezed him in his arms.
"Where in heavens have you been?" Peter gasped, "I feel as though you've been gone a lifetime."
"Peter … we have company …" Edmund whispered, as Peter smothered his neck with kisses.
"Don't mind me." Eris said walking away with a raised eyebrow, "I'll see you again later, Peter. Edmund …"
Edmund watched Eris walking away and felt a well of mistrust rise up in him. This time he didn't just put it down to jealousy. His time away had given him an instinct. A sense for things. Things both natural and unnatural. And though it had taken him a little time to figure it out with Eris, he began to suspect she had designs on his Peter.
"Ed, I feel a little queer." Peter said grimacing a little, "Do you think we could go back to my chambers? I think that tea might have upset me a little."
"That'd be right." Edmund said with a questioning glance at Eris's disappearing figure in the hall, "No more tea from her for you, Peter."
A WOMAN SCORNED
"I guess I'm going to have to change things around some, Edmund." Eris said as she walked out of Cair Paravel and into a nearby patch of old and dark birch trees, "It's obvious to me that as long as you're around him, he won't falter. So you have to go, Rogue Warrior. Your pride will see you fall, because you simply cannot stop being a wretched hero. And I was so looking forward to having you watch me tear him from your arms."
She stood with a look of hardened displeasure on her face. A woman fierce with anger. Her fists clenched together, she stared up at the trees surrounding her. Her eyes were no longer pretty. They were black like the night. Dark and despairing. Suddenly a smile passed across her face. A smile that was both pleased and sinister.
"Allies of the old witch and servants of the dark power. Reveal yourselves to me!"
All around her the trees came to life. The dryads awoke, a foul whistling wind spiraling their forms in the air. Like spies in the night, the dark dryads surrounded Eris.
"We are here." The dryads spoke in unison, "How may we serve?"
"Whisper the word as fast as you can. The time is now. The time is now."
The foul wind carried the whispers of the dark dryads along their traitorous network. The foul wind carried up into the air above Eris before howling along the treetops. From dark tree to dark tree the word was carried. Far from Cair Paravel and Narnia, through deep forests and mountainsides to fields of green and yellow. It traveled across the world as fast as sound itself. Finally it reached it's destination. The word had arrived. The time was now.
A POWER UNSEEN
"Queen Susan!" General Lero yelled as he ran to her side, "Our base camp is being assaulted."
"What?"
Susan jumped from her seat at the shocking news. She rushed to the outside of center watchtower to see the base camp well outside the city borders of SharShian. Her eyes filled with dread as she could see glints of fire and a rush of activity. She couldn't make out the detail, but she had the distinct impression her forces were outnumbered.
"Signal the retreat! Get everyone back here within the city walls!" Susan gasped in horror, "Who is attacking us?"
"Susan, what's happening?" Orrin asked as he pulled himself over the tower ladder, "Are we under attack?"
"Someone's attacking our base camp."
"Dark Dryads!" Lero bellowed, "They took us completely by surprise."
"Hurry and signal the retreat!" Susan ordered.
General Lero pulled out a small horn from his side and raised it to his lips. He blew on it as hard as he could, and in a second it was echoed from the city walls and once again at Base Camp. To Susan's relief she could see her forces begin to retreat back to the city.
"Ready our archers!" Susan yelled as she pulled out her bow, "Bolster the outer ring!"
She ran as fast her legs would carry her from the center tower. Her plight was soon aided by her steed who sped her to the outer wall of the city, with Prince Orrin and General Lero not far behind. Her heart raced with anxiety as she ran the staircase to the top of the outer wall where her archers were already waiting.
"Our infantry stand at the gates ready to repel their forces should try to fall in with our retreating army." Lero said before he galloped down toward the gates.
"Archers, cover our retreating army!" Susan yelled.
"Majesty, perhaps I can be of Assistance. This is my city. I knew her better than anyone. I offer my counsel." spoke an Orrin with slight trepidation in his voice, "But we must hurry."
"If you have ideas, sweet Prince, now's the time!" Susan yelled as she let an arrow fly, wondering just how effective it would be against a tree of all things, "Archers, firestorm!"
"Majesty, I suggest we fall back to the third ring. The outer ring has a defense system. We can flood it with oil and set the entire ring alight when they enter, and then send our infantry into the second ring to face them in battle, while you and your archers rain arrows on them from the third ring."
"I knew I liked you for a reason." Susan said with a smile, "That's a splendid idea. We'll prepare to move as soon as the majority of our forces are back inside the city walls."
Susan's elation was short lived when the Dark Dryads began emerging from the forests surrounding SharShian city. Her mouth dropped in horror at the sheer numbers of dryads that seemed to flood the plains with their numbers, cutting down many of the retreating Narnians.
"Majesty … it would be safe to assume … we're outnumbered." Orrin said with a raised eyebrow, "I suggest we move rapidly back to the third ring. We'll be safe there … for a time."
Nervously, Susan observed the frightening scene all around her. The sheer number of dryads could crush the outer walls with their numbers. She wondered how effective Orrin's defenses would be against such an army. Now more than ever, she felt the need to use the gift chosen especially for her when she first entered Narnia. Wasting no time, she pulled her magic horn from her side and held to her lips. She blew the horn with all her might, piercing the incoming night with its call. Over and over she blew the horn, hoping somehow, it would reach help.
A CALL TO AID
Edmund's head spun toward his chamber window, drawn to a sound that barely carried on the wind. Immediately, his hand fell to his sword, his face hardened. He glanced at Peter, who stared back at Edmund with a look of both alarm and fear.
"Susan!" Edmund yelled, immediately running from his chambers.
He ran as fast as he could, making sure his armor was tight and secure. He felt a weight in his heart for a reason he could not understand. Perhaps he'd been so enchanted by Peter that he'd almost forgotten he was a fighter. A warrior.
He could hear Peter running behind him, but he did not stop. He ran straight for the throne room balcony and let out a mighty call.
"Griffon Wing!" Edmund yelled jumping to the balustrade.
"Stop!" Peter yelled, just as six griffon emerged behind Edmund, "None of you move!"
"Peter, I have to help Susan."
"Edmund, get down." Peter said with a hint of anxiety in his voice, "Please."
"Peter, you heard the horn. She needs us!"
"Then I'll go. Somebody else will go. You will not go."
"Peter …"
"Now!" Peter yelled, the authority in his voice unmistakable.
"You heard the king, Majesty." Beaver said scuttling out beside Peter, "You must do as he says. He's the high king."
"Peter … I have to go."
"Edmund, please. I love you, Doubt-bucket. Don't go." Peter said with fear in his voice, extending his hand out to Edmund, "You said you'd trust me. You have to trust me now."
"This has to do with that scroll, doesn't it?"
"I'm trying to protect you, Ed. Now get down and listen to me for once."
"Tell me what the scroll said."
"Ed …" Peter pleaded, stepping toward Edmund, "I can't let you go. Let me handle this."
"Handle what?"
"Handle him."
Edmund froze as soon as the words left Peter's lips. He stared down at Peter with a sense of disbelief and dread. For though Peter had not said a name, the manner in which he spoke had said enough. Edmund suddenly felt light headed, and would've fallen backwards was it not for Peter grabbing his arm.
"Peter …" Edmund said with eyes wide with anxiety, "What do you mean? Who is he?"
"I cannot say his name. The seers have told me this. But they can't be sure, Ed. Nobody can. It could just be his followers."
The breath fell from Edmund's lips and his face faltered just as his body did. He gripped Peter's shoulder for support as he was lifted down to the balcony. Edmund's head spun at Peter's revelation. And he still couldn't believe it.
"I saw him die. I destroyed him myself. He can't be here. He can't be here!" Edmund yelled, grabbing Peter by the collar before he shook him, "You don't know what you've done! You don't know what you've done!"
Edmund let go of Peter and bolted back toward the balustrade. He jumped up and over the railing, plunging himself into the air. Peter ran after him, and was almost knocked back by the sight of Edmund rising on the back of a griffon.
"Peter … I'm sorry." Edmund yelled back, "I have to help Susan. And I have to find out for myself if it's really him. Please forgive me!"
"Edmund!" Peter yelled, but it was too late, "Edmund!"
Edmund was quickly disappearing into the night, leaving a devastated Peter behind him. His eyes were filled with bitter, angry tears. An anger that made him clench his fists and slam then down on the balustrade.
"Peter, where's Edmund going? I heard Susan's horn. Is she alright?" Lucy asked as she rushed out onto the balcony with Eris beside her.
"Peter, what's wrong?" Eris asked as she put her hand on Peter's shoulder, "Is something the matter? Perhaps I can help. A nice cup of tea might make you feel just perfect."
PRIDE COMETH BEFORE A FALL
The sight of Peter holding his hand out to Edmund still burned in the once fallen king's mind. He felt a surge of guilt, for he knew Peter only wanted to protect him. And yet that is exactly what Edmund wanted to do. He wanted to protect Peter. He wanted to protect everything, everyone. He still couldn't believe he was here. Surely it couldn't be him. It had to be one of them. One of the lessers, trying to follow in his footsteps. Still, until he knew for certain, he could not return to the life that Peter had given him.
So many questions ran through his mind. How was he here? How were his followers here? Aslan himself had helped Edmund defeat the one who was many. And they'd done it beyond the veil, far from the warm winds of Narnia.
And yet still he felt guilty. Had both he and Peter made a mistake? Was this their punishment for keeping secrets from one another? Was this their punishment for not accepting the aid of another? Were they both too proud in wanting to protect the other that perhaps they'd underestimated their ability to succeed together?
It was a thought short lived, for Edmund soon found himself hurtling to the ground. He realized his griffon had just been short from the sky by an arrow. The griffon struggled to stay airborne, and Edmund braced himself for the impending crash.
Edmund leaped off the griffon just before it hit the ground. He fell into a roll, managing to minimize the impact. With a grimace of pain he lifted himself to his feet before he rushed to the griffon's side. He realized that not one of the griffon had survived the assault. Even the griffon he'd just ridden was already dead.
His eyes filled with bitter tears as he looked down at the dead griffon. Instantly he drew his sword, sensing the presence of enemies in the woods around him. His keen sense was correct when half a dozen boggles jumped out from the trees.
Without a word, Edmund spun at them with his sword. He dodged and parried. He sliced limbs and cut through the evil creatures. He let out a cry of anger as he sent his fist into the chest of an attacking boggle, before sending his sword through the air at another. And yet more came. And still Edmund fought, using his sword, his hands, and his environment to cut the creatures down in a flash. As fearsome as these boggles were, they were no match for the Fallen King and Rogue Warrior. They were no match for Edmund.
A PERSISTENT PRINCESS
Eris stood inside Peter's chambers looking down at him on his bed. A teacup had fallen from his hands and lay smashed on the ground. Tapping her arm patiently, Eris waited for the high king to stir. When his eyes opened, they were hollow and distant. She held out her hand and he took it as he rose to his feet.
"Now … Peter … let's try this again. Slowly. We'll start with a kiss, shall we?" Eris smirked, "We don't want to push you too hard too fast. So we'll just start with a kiss. And slowly … we'll break down that resolve you have left. And he's not here to interfere anymore. No … I imagine by now, he's … being tended to. Now … let's have that kiss. You do want to kiss me, don't you?"
"I …" Peter stammered, before Eris held her velvet bag to his nose and he inhaled the golden dust, "Yes."
Eris pulled herself into Peter's arms and pressed her lips against his. She kissed him eager and ferociously, until finally his hands snaked their way up her back. Her lips formed a crooked smile, as finally her plans knew success.
BOUND TO LOVE
"Aahh!" Edmund screamed as he a felt a tearing agony inside his body.
He fell to his knees and screamed out at the sky. He pulled at his armor as his body began to feel as though it would burn from the inside out. His fingers went rigid as pain filled tears spilled out of him. He felt blood begin to seep from his nose as he gasped for breath.
"What's happening to me?" Edmund screamed.
In one instant he had gone from slaughtering dozens upon dozens of boggles, to being a shaking, shivering, tormented mess. And in that one instant it took him to falter, he was overwhelmed. He was beaten down and his weapon taken from. The physical pain was overwhelming, but his heart felt the most pain, for he began to understand the cause of his suffering.
"Peter …" Edmund gasped, "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."
SLOWLY, SLOWLY, PETER
"I hope you felt that, Rogue Warrior. Time you tasted your own medicine. Time you suffered."
Once again Peter slept. Once again Eris stood over him. Peter twisted and turned anxiously in his sleep. He mumbled and groaned names that were incoherent.
"Ed …" Peter gasped in his sleep, "Ed …"
"Slowly, Peter. Slowly I will rid that name from your lips." Eris said as she held the velvet bag just under his nose, "Breathe, Peter. Soon you will forget him. But I will move slowly. So as not to draw your resistance. Love is not so easily broken. But with the right patience and persuasion, it can be bent first and then broken."
"Next time it won't just be a kiss, Edmund." Eris said with a raised eyebrow, "And I hope you feel every moment of it. Death is not your salvation this time. Suffer, Edmund. Suffer."
A FAILED HERO
"Brace the inner gates! Ready the firewalls!" Susan yelled, her voice hoarse and tired, "Where's a phoenix when you need one?"
Tired and beaten back, Susan and her army readied themselves inside the third ring of SharShian. They braced themselves for the next push by the invaders. Her army was beaten back, but not broken by any means. Yet time was not on their side. She waited anxiously for a sign of hope, but it had not come yet.
"Queen Susan!" called Roan as he circled above, "The horn of Narnia has been sounded! Help is here!"
"Already?" Susan said in disbelief, "That's impossible, unless they were already on their way here before I blew the horn."
"It is a magic horn, is it not?" Orrin said with a smile that was tainted by ash and blood, "They will not take this city. I will make sure of that. And help is here, so perhaps the battle is not lost yet."
"It is General Oerius!" Roan cried from the sky, "He is here with reinforcements! He brings Phoenix with him! They are assaulting the dryads from above!"
"Oerius, I love you!" Susan yelled, jumping to her feet.
Although the Narnian reinforcements were far from sight, she could see the Phoenix had flown ahead and were causing much havoc among the dryad ranks. Susan closed her eyes and thanked the great maker for hearing her cry for help.
"Would it be ill timed of me to hope you do not love him too much?" Orrin said with a rare smirk, "Although I would love him too for coming to our rescue."
"He is one of our greatest, Orrin. Greatest." Susan said with joy aplenty, "Thank Aslan he is here."
Susan let herself breathe a sigh of relief as she collapsed down against the stone wall behind her. The battle was far from over, but at least there was some hope now. With a smile, she found herself taking Orrin's hand and squeezing it. Their eyes met and she nodded with relief.
"Prince Orrin." Called a voice that Susan did not instantly recognize.
Susan looked up to see a figure emerge from one of the wall trapdoors. At first she did not recognize the face. The face and the man it belonged to, were tired and drawn. He was barely able to stand. She realized it was a Shian. But it wasn't until Orrin stood up with a smile on his face that Susan figured out just which Shian it was.
"Jesahn!" Orrin said with delight, running forward and clasping his hands to his friend's arms, "How did you get here? What are you doing here? Where's Eris?"
"That's … that's why I'm here …" Jesahn gasped, "Forgive me. I failed. I failed."
"What?"
"Eris … I tried to get her to safety but … I failed."
SUFFERING BEGINS
Edmund opened his eyes and let out a painful moan. He lay on a cold stone floor, naked except for a small piece of clothing that protected his modesty. He was cold and wet, his body wracked with agony. He could feel welts on his back, and could briefly remember being beaten.
His eyes accustomed slowly to the dark and he struggled to make out his surroundings. His legs were bound in chains, but he could still crawl across the cold stone. He could hear the strained sound of breathing and realized he wasn't alone.
He regained his composure and closed his eyes. He used his hearing to track the location of the breathing. He could make out strained and pained little breaths, from someone who was obviously weak. Another prisoner he surmised.
"Hello?" Edmund called, crawling toward the sound of the breathing, "Can you hear me? Are you ok?"
"Who … who are you?" The voice called back, soft and whispery.
"I am a prisoner. I mean you no harm."
Edmund could make out the shape of a figure that was hanging limp from the wall. He realized it was a woman, whose arms were bound. He let out a small but inaudible cry as he pulled himself to his knees, even though his body was screaming at him to just stop moving. As he moved closer and closer to the other prisoner, his mouth almost dropped in fright.
"You …" Edmund said as he found himself staring straight into a set of eyes that stood out in the night.
"Who … who are you?" The woman cried, slumping over, "Have you come to save me?"
"Pretty Eyes?" Edmund asked as he rushed to her side.
His chains just allowed him to make contact with her. He instinctively held her up to lessen the strain on her arms. She let out a muffled cry, and Edmund could feel she was in a great deal of pain. His heart went out to her, for he could see she'd been here for quite some time. His mind was awash in confusion, and yet somehow he realized his instinct was right all along.
He'd watched Eris from afar. He'd selected her as a possibility for Peter, should he be unable to return in the past. He'd seen a grace and beauty in her eyes that the Eris he'd just seen at Cair Paravel did not share. And as he held her, he was both relieved that his initial faith in her was correct, and yet still saddened that she had suffered so greatly.
"My name is Eris. I am Shian." The real Eris whispered, "I have been here … for … I am not sure now. Days … maybe weeks. Who are you?"
"I am Edmund. Do you know who I am?"
"Edmund? Peter's Edmund?"
"You know?"
"Oh, Edmund. Everybody … everybody … knew. I just played along because it was required of me. Is Peter ok?" Eris gasped, her words weak and broken, "Have you … seen my Jesahn? Orrin? My … father?"
"You ask for the wellbeing of others when you are in such pain yourself?"
"Is … it true?"
"What?"
"They … they taunt me with … they tell me that … that my …" Eris's words were laced with tears, "that my people are gone. Do you know? Please say it isn't so. Please. The only reason I held on this long … is because I know it is my duty to … lead … in … the future. Please, tell me they are safe. It cannot be true."
Edmund found silent tears escaping him as he held Eris. He could not bring himself to respond. Instead he simply held her up in his arms, so as to try and relieve some of her pain. When he did not answer she cried out with a pain filled scream that broke the night. He held her, and rocked her gently. Yet he knew that no amount of soothing could ease the pain she felt. Nothing could give her back what she'd lost. And yet his thoughts wandered to the imposter who had taken her place. He felt a rage in him that inspired him to find some way out of here. For though he didn't understand what was happening around him, to the Shian or to Peter, he knew she had to be stopped. His face hardened as he continued to hold a grieving Eris, and her grief only added to his rage. And his rage was aimed squarely at one person;
"I'm coming for you."
TO BE CONTINUED
A/N: Ok so that chapter was really big, but I couldn't make it any shorter because I wanted everything to be covered in one chapter. So if you're at this point you're either happy it was long or cursing me lol. I'll go easier on your next time. Blame my muse! Anyway, you can see a lot of the pieces beginning to fall into place now for this volume 2 of 3. I hope you're enjoying this story.Please review if you enjoyed this! I'll keep going anyway, because I hate leaving things incomplete, but reviews sure are inspiring! lol. Lots of fluff, but umm it had to be there because well, you'll see. Anyway, I'm not going to waffle on about things that happened, because I'm sure you've figured it out. Anyway, for everyone asking if there is going to be smut, I'm not sure where you get that impression lol. IF I were, it would be a sidefic. Just so as not to upset the tone or rating of this story.
