JUST and MAGNIFICENT

2.7 - Damaged

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: The rescue is on for Edmund and Eris, while Peter leads his army to destroy the hag, Dalzell. A hero falls.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, and umm this chapter is another 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

MEMORIES OF A FALLEN KING

Edmund stood in shadow, hounded by a wind that would not let him stand without covering his eyes. He staggered forward, unable to make sense of anything around him. He had passed beyond the veil and ventured to the resting place of heroes, legends, and fallen; Salei Barion. He could barely see for the dust that blew fierce in the wind, of the ominous dark clouds above him.

He felt terribly alone, and each step he made in this inhospitable land felt like a step toward insanity. He knew this land was not meant for the living. It was a land that arid and dry, adorned with plants were black like charcoal. And though he did not know which way to go, he trusted his instinct. He could feel that he had walked these barren windswept plains before.

There was something unnatural about this place. He had no want for food or water since he had passed beyond the veil. Perhaps his time as a fallen king here had afforded him the ability to return. Perhaps that is why Aslan had chosen him.

"Why have you returned?"

At first Edmund did not recognize the voice. He did not recognize where it came from. He could still barely see for the wind, dust and darkness. As his eyes adjusted, he could make out the shape of a man standing a few feet in front of him. Though he could not remember his previous time in Salei Barion, he had the odd sensation that he had met this man before.

He stepped closer to the man, but the wind and dust prevented him from making out any distinguishing features. Except for the fact that he sounded and seemed impossibly old, and even noble. And for reasons he did not understand, he knew he would not find Salei Barion without the help of this man.

"I seek answers from Salei Barion! I seek answers that will lead me to the one who is many!" Edmund yelled above the windstorm, "I come on behalf of the great lion! I ask permission to enter!"

"It is not time for you to return."

"What?" Edmund asked in surprise, "What do you mean return?"

In an instant, the man was gone again. Edmund felt his heart quicken in anxiety as he continued stepping forward. With each step the wind grew more fierce and he struggled to continue. He was weary from traveling for so long, and found himself beginning to falter. It was then that he wondered whether his fatigue was all in his mind, since he had no need for food or water here, and he had not slept for the entire journey.

"Please!" Edmund yelled out, continuing to move forward, "In the name of Aslan I ask thee to grant me entry to Salei Barion!"

In a flash, Edmund shuddered with fear he could not comprehend. His world flashed with light and in an instant, everything around him fell silent and still. The wind had died away and the dust no longer bit at his exposed skin. He opened his eyes to find himself standing in a field of green, under a clear blue sky.

Once again the man was standing before him, only now Edmund could see him for what he was. He was indeed old, but he was no man. He was indeed a Minotaur. And yet unlike any Minotaur he had met before, Edmund felt no reason to fear him.

"Why are you here, Son of Adam?"

"Who … who are you?" Edmund asked, studying his surroundings, "Is this Salei Barion?"

"It is not for you to know. You are no longer fallen. The secrets of this place are not for you."

"I … I know you, don't I?"

"I am the keeper. I govern who enters … and who leaves."

"Why you? Do you not serve the dark power, like the other Minotaur?" asked a curious Edmund, feeling a strange sense of calm and familiarity with both this place and the Minotaur.

"What makes you believe I am a Minotaur?"

"Because … you are a Minotaur."

"Am I?" The keeper spoke before he suddenly appeared as a centaur, "And now who do I serve?"

"I do not understand."

"Your eyes deceive you. Your heart does not. You trusted me because your heart told you to. It is this that you must use to guide you in your quest."

"To stop the one who is many?"

"Yes."

"Where can I find him? Aslan told me I would find the answers here. This is Salei Barion, isn't it?"

The keeper instructed Edmund to sit down on the soft grass. As he did so, he felt incredibly tired. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, before the centaur gave him a small, worn, goblet of water.

"You must not sleep. It is not your time. Drink this and you will not sleep."

Edmund did as the keeper asked and drank from the goblet. His eyes were wide again with alertness and he smiled gratefully at the keeper. He looked all around himself and could see nothing but rolling green fields and clear blue sky.

"This is Salei Barion, isn't it?" Edmund asked again, drawing a small laugh from the centaur.

"You are persistent, Son of Adam. You have come to seek answers. Your answers are here. You need only find them."

"But … how? There's nothing but grass."

"Your eyes deceive you. When you are ready to leave, I will send you back beyond the veil. Back into your own world." The keeper said with a small bow before he slowly cantered away.

"Wait! My own world? You mean … E… En… what's it … England?"

The keeper stopped and turned to Edmund with an almost grave expression. He cantered to Edmund's side and stared him in the eye, making Edmund feel afraid for the first time since arriving. Nervously, Edmund leaned back as the keeper leaned forward.

"You do not know." The keeper said suddenly, before he leaned back with a frown.

"Know what?"

"Do you understand the nature of the magic that brought you to Salei Barion? The deep magic that has allowed you to breathe again, do you understand what governs you?"

"I … I only know that I'm alive because Peter loves me pure and true."

"Find your answers and go." The keeper said abruptly.

The keeper galloped away before Edmund could ask him another question. Still Edmund did not understand how he was supposed to find any answers. He stood up and ran west, using the sun as a guide, and found nothing but more fields of green. He ran north and still found nothing but more fields of green.

He sat down again, trying to figure out how he was supposed to find any answers here. He sat for what felt like hours, just trying to figure out what he was supposed to do. He remembered the keeper telling him to trust his heart and not his eyes. Then he remembered Aslan telling him the same thing. He remembered fighting the dragon and being blinded. He suddenly felt afraid. Afraid that perhaps he would have to fight the one is many here. Perhaps that is why he needed to close his eyes.

He stood to his feet and put his hand on the hilt of his sword. He closed his eyes and stood completely still. Finally, all he could hear was the sound of his own heart beating. He drew his sword and held it out before himself, as if it were a guide. He imagined that there was no green grass at all. That there was no blue sky. Instead, he imagined it all being ripped away like a painting over a canvas. It was then that he no longer felt grass under his feet. Instead he felt stone. He continued stepping forward with his eyes closed and without knowing how exactly, he simply followed his instinct and ran forward as if he could see where he was going. When his sword clanged against stone before him, he stopped. He sheathed his sword and stepped forward with his hands outstretched. He dared not open his eyes for fear he might find himself back in the green fields.

The stone before him felt like a slab. His fingers traced the side where letters seemed to be etched into the stone. He felt his way along, slowly making out the name.

"S…Se…Seri…Serfiq?" Edmund said in confusion.

He followed the path of the slab and realized it was just one of many. He continued tracing his fingers along, making out names he did not recognize. He felt along the slabs and realized there were bodies on top of them. He thought perhaps these were fallen who had not been summoned. Perhaps their time had not come to return. He did not know for certain. Still he dared not open his eyes.

Finally, he found an empty slab. He found it curious that the slab would be empty when all others were occupied. His fingers searched out the engravings and finally found them. He hoped that finally he might have found a clue that would lead him to the one who is many.

"he …" Edmund said confused, before he realized he was in the middle of the name and traced back, "…mun…"

Edmund's heart raced as he felt out the name. With each letter the fear inside him grew. He traced out the name until it was complete in his mind. Finally, he could bear it no longer and flashed open his eyes. Sure enough, etched into the slab before him;

'Edmund the Just.'

His eyes were wide with both fear and confusion. Though he knew he had dwelled in this place before, he questioned why his name was still here. He questioned why it was one of the only slabs he could see without anyone on top. Above him the sky was a black void. He could hear no sound except for that of his breathing and his heart beating. If his name was here, then where were the names of the others who had fallen with him? The ones who were now living their lives back in Narnia.

"Have you found the answers you seek?" The keeper asked, again appearing in the form of a Minotaur, "Do you understand the nature of this place?"

"I understand nothing. Why is my name here?"

"These were the answers you sought."

"No. I seek answers to help me find the one who is many, so that I may slay him."

"No, Son of Adam. Those were the answers you told me you were seeking. But they were not the answers your heart sought. This place is not for the living. It is not for you to understand."

"I want to go home. I want to see Peter." Edmund said as his voice began to shake with fear, "I do not wish to be here any longer. I want to go home. I want to see my Peter. Peter will keep me safe. Peter will protect me. You cannot keep me here."

Tears streaked down Edmund's face and he felt like a child who had lost their way. He did not know why he said such things to the keeper, except for the fear in his heart that grew each moment he spent here. He had an ominous sense that perhaps Aslan had sent him here because he belonged here. That perhaps Aslan had sent him here because he did not belong in the world of the living anymore. But why here? Why to this place? Why not just send him to death?

"Is that your Peter?" The keeper said pointing at Edmund's slab.

Slowly the slab began to ripple like water. Vaguely Edmund could make out an image. An image that slowly became clearer. An image of a face that Edmund had burned into his heart.

"That's my Peter!" Edmund yelled with joy, "That's my Peter!"

Tears of both joy and sadness overwhelmed Edmund as he stared longingly at the slab. He could see Peter sitting on his throne at Cair Paravel. And though Peter smiled, there was an undeniable sadness in his eyes. A longing emptiness that Edmund knew was for him.

"He still thinks I'm dead. He misses me. Can't you see?" Edmund sobbed as he ran his hands over Peter's image, "I want to go home. I want to see Peter. How is it I am able to see him like this?"

"You are beginning to understand. Your heart is searching for answers. In this place, it is what guides you. Until you find the answers your heart yearns for, you cannot find any other answers."

"I … I understand. I think. I … I want to know if … if Peter and I will have a life together." Edmund gasped and shuddered as he watched Peter, "Will we ever be happy? Will our love be realized?"

"You seek the future?" The keeper asked, "The future is not so easy to see, Son of Adam. Sometimes it can be clear as a blue sky. Other times it is nothing but a gray sky. You should know by now that the fates are not set in stone. Your death was proof of that. The only reason you were granted entry to Salei Barion was to correct that which was undone."

"The prophecy?"

"Yes."

"Is it set right yet?"

"No."

"When? When will the prophecy be restored?"

"Now you are asking the right questions." The keeper said with smile, if a Minotaur could have a smile, "To restore the prophecy you must undo all the evil that should have been sealed away at the Battle of Beruna."

"Jadis?"

"Jadis is gone. But in battling her, another was set loose."

"The one who is many? The one who followed me back?" Edmund asked as if suddenly he began to understand, "If I stop him, the prophecy will be restored?"

"Yes."

"Then tell me what I must do to find him!" Edmund yelled almost excitedly, "I am ready to face him."

"Remember what I have told you. He deceives you. When you face him, do not trust your eyes. Trust your heart. It is what sets you apart from evil. It is what must guide you to defeat it."

"I understand."

"To face him, you must learn that name which must not be spoken outside of the veil. Then, when you are ready to face him, speak it and he will be summoned. You must only summon him when you are sure you are ready to face him. You will find the name at the beginning, for he was the first to fall. His name is set in the first stone slab. Now you must go. Further in. Further beyond the veil. Further into the darkness where he hides and gathers strength. Stop him now before he returns to Narnia with a power greater than even Aslan can defeat. If he emerges from the veil, many will suffer and die. You must go now."

"Alone?" Edmund asked, feeling suddenly afraid again.

"Yes. I will guide you to the other side of Salei Barion. You must close your eyes again. I will take you to the beginning where you will find his name and where you will continue on alone."

Edmund breathed in deeply, as he felt the impending moment coming when he would finally face the one who is many. After all his training and adventures with Aslan, it would come down to this. Nervously, he was about to close his eyes when the slab began to shimmer once more. Once again, he saw Peter. And yet he felt confused. Peter seemed younger than the last time he saw him. He was calling out for someone. Calling out for him? It almost seemed as if Peter was here, beyond the veil.

"He will follow you into the darkness. He will follow you to the ends of time. Your hearts are bound. One is just a shadow without the other. Be wary, King of the Fallen. His love for you will be your undoing."

"What? I don't understand."

"You sought answers. But some things you are not meant to know. Your heart has asked the question, and now the fates have given you your answer. Be wary of looking, for you may not like what you see."

It was then that the image changed to one of a much older Peter. A smile broke out on Edmund's face as he saw himself in the slab next to Peter, also older. In fact, even Lucy and Susan were with them. They were riding through the woods, chasing something Edmund could not see. And yet as more was revealed, Edmund's face grew sullen and his eyes filled with despair.

"No … no, that can't be." Edmund said as he turned his eyes away, "That's it? That's how it ends? Why can't I go too? Why does he leave me behind?"

"I did warn you. You should not have asked the question. Perhaps you should take solace in what you will have, rather than what you will not. You have been given an opportunity that is not afforded to even the most noble and loving of hearts. As you will learn for yourself. The miracle you have is not one you should mourn over, but instead be grateful for."

"I … I suppose … I suppose it could be enough. I will make it enough. I will make it a lifetime he will never forget." Edmund said with a mix of anguished and happy tears, "And he will be grateful too. And he will not forget me. And he will know … that I lived only for him to love me."

"Take heed of what you have seen here. For the answers are not as obvious as you think, and some are. One day you may understand the difference. The fates are not set. You may die today. You may die tomorrow. It is not for the living to know." The keeper said as his form returned to that of a centaur, "Edmund the Just, it is time. Follow me. Follow me and prepare to meet your fate."

KEEPING A PROMISE

"Shh, Edmund. Do not be afraid. I am watching over you. They are nightmares and dreams, nothing more." Eris whispered, "Sleep, Edmund. Sleep."

The dungeon that held both Eris and Edmund was damp, foul smelling, and dark. The moss that crept along the walls was unusually appealing to Eris, as it was green and natural. It had been so long since she had seen the outside world. She could catch glimpses through their barred window in the ceiling, but she had come to believe she would never breathe air outside this prison again.

As she had promised, she continued to watch over Edmund. He had not regained consciousness since his collapse from the sheer pain and exhaustion that he had suffered due to his binding love. She longed for him to awake, for she missed the company that his presence had brought. Though he had not been coherent enough to talk, his automatic reflexes would allow her to provide him water and the tiny morsels of food they were given by their captors.

When the boggle guards entered, she pulled Edmund closer into her lap and glared defiantly. One would almost believe she was still a Princess who was capable of leading an army, just as she had when the Shian Kingdom had marched to Narnia's aid against the nameless evil. In actuality, she was a shadow of her former self. She was gaunt and pale, covered in bruises and whip marks. Her eyes were not so pretty anymore, for the spirit inside them had diminished. She believed she had little left to hold to in this world, but she had given her word to watch over Edmund, and she would.

Just as they had every day since Edmund had collapsed, the boggle guards entered and cackled in their monstrous drones. They prodded Edmund's mottled back with their spears and when he did not move, they cackled more. Today, just like every day before, she would smack their spears away. On some days, they would simply cackle and groan at her. On days like today however, she would garner their wrath.

She did not bother to hold her cheek in an attempt to soothe the pain that the boggle had just inflicted. She simply glared at them, refusing to break her stare. When they would finally leave the dungeon, she would breathe relief, as if somehow she had beaten them back with sheer willpower.

She kissed the top of Edmund's long black locks and closed her eyes. Hopefully that would be the end of their daily torment. She held Edmund close, trying to keep the cold away from his bare skin. Then, just as she had every other day that he'd been unconscious, she would gently tend to his many wounds and gashes. It horrified her to see his body so beaten and wracked with violent wounds. She could only imagine how strong his bond of love with Peter must be to be so affected. It had almost killed him, and even now, she wasn't certain if he would recover. She hoped he would, but she still feared for his wellbeing.

She gently wiped away some of the dried blood on his back, slowing down when he would let out an incoherent gasp of pain. When he stopped, she would continue. When she had cleaned enough of his wounds for the day, she would let him rest and decide which part of his body she would tend to the next day. And even though he did not wake, she knew he was tired from her ministrations to his wounds. Thus it was time for her to gently open his mouth and tip in a little water, before she broke a crust of bread. His instinct kicked in and he chewed, but still he did not awaken. Either too tired, or too broken. Regardless, she continued to watch over him. She continued to wait. And she continued to hope that Peter would come, not for her, but for Edmund. Perhaps then she could let go, for her own body was battered and broken. But as long as Edmund was in her care, she would keep her promise to him. She would watch, wait, and hope.

THE ARMY COMETH

The search for Edmund and Eris had not been fruitful or easy. They had little information to go on, but what they had learned so far, had led them into Shian territory. However, with much of Narnia's infantry still guarding the city of SharShian under General Oerius, Peter had a smaller force at his disposal. He had recovered fully from the effects of the hag's enchantment, but his heart was still heavy with guilt. He both anticipated and feared seeing Edmund again. He could not believe he had fallen for the temptation of another. He could not believe he had kissed, touched and made love almost to fruition with anyone other than his Edmund. To think about it made him shudder with shame and disgust. And though Susan had prompted him each day to stop blaming himself, he could not.

It had also been difficult for him to watch the increasingly intimate relationship between Susan and Prince Orrin. Difficult to watch the way Orrin would constantly ride at Susan's side. The way they would exchange glances, hold hands or caress when they believed no one was looking. For though he was happy for them, he longed to have Edmund with him so he could do exactly what they were. He wanted nothing less than to fuss and dote over Edmund the way Orrin doted over Susan. He had never seen Susan glowing so often in her life.

"Peter?" Susan said as she rode up beside him, "We will find him."

"I know, Su." Peter said feigning a smile.

He felt Susan's hand on his back and was grateful for her intuitive nature. For though she was capable and mighty in battle, she was also soft and gentle in tender moments like these. Moments when Peter felt altogether miserable and despairing. Moments when he felt weary and heartbroken.

"I have not seen you this sad since … the north tower." Susan said sympathetically, "You do not fear the worst has happened to him, do you?"

"No, Su. But it's like the hag told you. If she could not break our love, she would taint it. And taint it she has." Peter said with eyes downcast and despairing, "He will not look at me, for shame."

"Peter, he will understand."

"Su, do you think if a love is strong enough to defy death, then … could it survive this?"

"It will, Peter. It will."

"Majesties!" Seeko called as he circled down toward them, "We've found them!"

"Where?" Peter yelled, his eyes lighting up with intensity, "Quickly, Old friend!"

"Mt. Storm, in the Shian Kingdom! The dark dryads that attacked SharShian are converging on Mt. Storm as we speak. Oerius fought them away from the city. The good and noble dryad who follow Aslan have sent us word about their movements. They will support us if we march on Mt. Storm."

"Excellent, Seeko! Give my thanks to your tracking wing, and our thanks to the dryad who pledge their aid."

"Has there … has there been any … change at SharShian?" Orrin asked ruefully, "Has their perhaps been a sign or information on my people? Something that would disprove what the hag said?"

"I'm afraid not, Sire." Seeko said with a dutiful bow, "King Peter, do you wish for the griffon wing to take an advance group to Mt. Storm? If we fly now, we can be there by nightfall.

And now Peter found himself in the position of deciding whether to hasten his rescue attempt or take the surer route of marching with the army behind him. He believed that as much as he wanted to rush in to Edmund's rescue himself, it would not do for him to rush and fail. The best chance for success came with the army.

"Susan, I require your counsel." Peter asked with contemplative eyes, "A griffon advance strike would have the element of surprise, and could take two days off our travel, but would limit the numbers we could use to mount a rescue and destroy the hag's forces. We do not know what numbers she has at her disposal. I am inclined to take the two days and march in with an army. What would you advise, my queen?"

"As you said, a strike team taken by advance to Mt. Storm would have the element of surprise, but would be unaware of what forces await them. I would trust in your own judgment, Peter."

Peter noted Susan's remark and turned to Prince Orrin, "Prince Orrin, you know the Shian Kingdom better than any of us. At our best speed, what is the soonest we can reach Mt. Storm from here?"

"At best speed, we would need to travel over the Zonal plains and through SharShian, we would reach SharShian by nightfall, before we must pass through the deep forests of the east and approach Mt. Storm. That route will save half a day's travel, a day at most. It would also afford you the opportunity to rendezvous with General Oerius and your forces in SharShian, should you need them to march with you."

"Can you guide us?"

"Certainly, Majesty." Orrin said with slight hesitance, "Although I do believe I have a counter proposal that may interest you."

"Pray tell, please continue."

"I am more than capable of directing one of your scouts as to the best route to Mt. Storm. But I ask that you allow me to fly ahead with your griffon. Jesahn and I are … adept at situations of this nature. I believe your brother's life is not in immediate danger, for it appears that hag has other plans for him. However, she has stated her intent to kill my sister. As much as I agree with your decision to march with your army, I must protect what little I have left of my family and kingdom. I ask permission to leave and fly ahead."

Peter could see the anxiety and eagerness in Orrin's eyes. He truly believed his kingdom was lost, and now his sole concern was his sister. Peter knew he couldn't deny Orrin that right. It wasn't his place, for they were in Shian territory now. And even if they weren't, he still wouldn't deny it. He could only imagine the desperation that Orrin was feeling, and decided to give him the opportunity he had asked for.

"Permission granted." Peter said with a nod, "Susan, I wish for you to lead the army and I will join Prince Orrin on the strike team."

"I'm afraid you will not, Peter. Your place is at the head of the army. I will go with Prince Orrin."

"With all respect, Majesties." Orrin interrupted, "I should like to travel alone. We will stop for Jesahn on the way, but I would like to draw as little attention as possible to our presence when we arrive at Mt. Storm. Jesahn and I will use cover of night to infiltrate the hag's hold. We will extract King Edmund and my sister and rally them to safety. You can continue to march en masse and face the hag's forces head on."

Peter agreed reluctantly and Orrin was soon preparing himself to fly ahead with Roan and Seeko. He despised the fact that he wasn't going ahead with Orrin, but knew his duty denied him the right to be reckless with his life.

"You will be careful?" Susan asked, betraying fear in her voice, "Orrin? You will come back to me?"

Peter watched as Susan's eyes quivered with the anxiety of their impending separation. He found himself amazed at how quickly their relationship had reached such an intimate level of wordless understanding. He supposed the intense pressure that surrounded their meeting and the need for them to bond in moments of duress, was largely responsible for hastening their relationship. He had not seen Susan so in love. He had never seen her in love. And yet as Orrin took his leave of her, she could not help herself from shedding a tear as they kissed farewell. And even when Orrin had flown from sight, her eyes desperately traced the last sight of him in the sky.

"Peter, do you realize that is the first moment Orrin and I have been apart since we met?" Susan asked with anxiety shivering her voice, "I do believe I am in love, Peter. Dreadfully in love."

"Then you are blessed." Peter smiled reassuringly, "And fortunate. Do you have faith in his ability to rescue Eris and Edmund?"

"I do. But I fear if Eris has already fallen to the hag, then his despair might outweigh his love for me. That is what I fear."

SHE WILL SUFFER, SHE WILL DIE

Eris awoke with a painful throbbing in her head. She vaguely remembered being dragged out of her cell and forced to appear before Dalzell. She vaguely remembered being interrogated by the hag. She vaguely remembered the hag grabbing her by the chin. She vividly remembered thrusting her head forward into the hag's nose and breaking it. That memory caused Eris to smile, even though she could also remember being beaten severely for it.

It hurt her to even move, for the welts on her back were still raw. The bone in her left wrist was sprained at the least, broken at the worst. Her ribs were in even worse shape. It hurt her to breathe, and even to open her eyes. Still, she opened them and immediately sought out Edmund's form in the darkness of their dungeon. She found him still slumped unconscious opposite her. With a painful gasp she dragged herself across the floor and covered Edmund's body with her own.

"They grow impatient, Edmund." Eris whispered as she rubbed his arms, "They wait for you to awake. If you can hear me, then whatever dreams keep you dormant, keep dreaming them. For when you wake, they have plans for you. I do not know what, but they cannot be good. There is much activity. I sense an urgency in the hag's voice. She is afraid. Of who, I am not sure. Perhaps Peter marches toward us and she knows this. I am not certain. I fear it could be something else, but regardless, I am grateful she is fearful. While she is fearful, she is distracted. I must get you free of her."

And so Eris's mind filled with activity. She had claimed Edmund as her charge. Someone she would protect. It gave her life a purpose, when she had lost it. She knew the hag wanted Edmund, and so she knew that she wanted to deny the hag of Edmund. Somehow she would keep Edmund from the hag's plans.

She held onto Edmund as he gently tipped some water into his mouth. He was a little more eager today, and she almost believed he would open his eyes and speak to her, but he did not. And so she tended to his wounds again, cleaning them as she thought of a way to escape. And yet as she tended to Edmund, she found her mind drifting to her people once more.

"I wish you had of seen my kingdom with your own eyes, Edmund. It is … it was beautiful. On the lion's day, we celebrate the gift of life …" Eris said as she caught on her words, finding them painfully ironic, "It is one of my favorite days of the year. We give thanks to those we love and gifts to all who cross our path on this day. You can see the children all across the kingdom are so excited, wondering what their parents have for them this year. Sometimes it is a gift. Perhaps a toy. Other times it is a lesson or a service. It depends on the age. But it is always a joyous day. Much like Christmas, you could say. We eat and sing and laugh … and …"

Eris found herself weeping as she spoke, but she did her best to smile. She knew Edmund could hear her somehow, and did not wish to share her sorrows with him. And yet, she could not quell the grief in her heart.

"I cannot believe it is all gone. Why have my people suffered such a fate? Even Secson, a foolish and selfish man, I am certain he would not have desired this for our people. Yet his schemes are probably what sealed our fate. But the children …" Eris gasped, "Why must the children suffer too? Why must their future be denied?"

Brokenhearted, Eris shuddered with tears as she brushed dirt from Edmund's face. It was then that she heard the door to her dungeon being unlocked and cracked open. When she looked up she was greeted by the sight of two ogres, two boggles, and the hag, Dalzell. Defiantly, Eris clutched Edmund in her lap and spat at the hag.

"You did this to him, and used my image to do so!" Eris growled, her voice making her sound much stronger than she looked, "You are a weak witch. I have no fear of you."

"Stupid woman. I am stronger than you will ever realize." Dalzell spoke with a snicker, before she motioned to the ogres, "Wake him!"

"Get away from him!" Eris yelled, holding Edmund tighter to her chest, "Foul wench."

The ogres threw Eris aside before they grabbed Edmund and held him by the arms. The hag stepped forward and slapped him hard across the face, and yet he did not stir. It was almost as if he was enchanted.

"Hag, what happened to your eye?" Eris taunted as she was held by the boggles, "Tell me again how Queen Susan's arrow blinded your eye. I know you told me before, but I do enjoy that story so much. Please tell me again so I may laugh pitifully at you."

Eris knew exactly what she was doing. She had no desire for the beating she would surely endure, but something told her Edmund needed to stay unconscious. Something told her, she was protecting him by keeping him asleep. And so Eris taunted Dalzell, who wore a patch over the eye that had been shot out by Susan. It was a fine sight to match her broken nose, courtesy of Eris.

"My master wishes him to suffer. He can't suffer if he isn't awake now, can he?" Dalzell taunted, staring curiously at Eris, "Do you know who my master is? You don't remember being blinded by his greatness when you and your fool aide were caught? Do you know why he wishes King Edmund to awaken? You are somehow trying to keep him from me, aren't you?"

"He has suffered enough because of you. It is because of you that he is not awake to begin with! Stupid hag, are you as dim witted as you are ugly?"

"Your words precede you, Princess." Dalzell said fully giving Eris her attention, "Do you forget that you are captive to me? Guards, help the fallen king to awaken."

Eris watched in horror as the ogres held a fire torch in front of Edmund and slowly moved it closer. On instinct, she decided to reopen an old wound. A wound of the hag's.

"Hag!" Eris yelled as she thrust her head forward and smashed her temple into the hag's already smashed nose, "I think I just broke your nose … again."

Sure enough, the ogres turned their attention to her as Dalzell screamed in agony. Edmund fell to the ground and Eris breathed a sigh of relief. She did not know why, but she was grateful that the hag had been denied. In a flash she was struck by an Ogre and sent flying into the wall behind her. She gasped breathlessly, the wind knocked from her. Before she could sit up, the hag had her by the chin and lifted her off the ground.

"Even after all this time in this dungeon, you remain defiant. I do hope the Rogue Warrior awakens soon. I really would like him to witness this." Dalzell said as the ogres grabbed Eris by an arm each and held her up, "Your people were like you. The ones who resisted him. They were fools, like you. Defiant to the end."

Eris screamed out in frustration, trying desperately to break free of the ogres so she could at least try to kill the hag herself. Her body was in no condition to offer up any resistance however. And yet her eyes were fierce with defiance, glaring at the witch as she fought back tears of anguish.

"My people … will not be forgotten. You will pay for what you've done!"

"Even now, you have no idea?" Dalzell taunted, before she slapped Eris with her scabby hand, "I let you live because I wanted you to suffer. I wanted you to despair for your people. I wanted you to know that I was using your image to turn King Peter away from … him. Obviously I failed because your image was simply flawed."

"Or perhaps it was because you're a stupid hag who underestimated King Peter's love!" Eris spat angrily, "And I hope whoever has the fortune of striking you dead will hold a mirror before you, so the last thing you see is your putrid hag face, equaled only in its fearsome ugliness by the black heart that beats within your putrid soul!"

"I can assure you, Princess. If anyone does have the fortune of striking me dead?" Dalzell said as she took hold of one of the boggle's swords, "It won't be you."

"I told your brother I would tell you he said hello … before I killed you. Your brother says hello …" Dalzell said before she thrust her sword in Eris's left side.

Eris's eyes went wide with both agony and disbelief. Her gasp was breathless as she felt the cold steel rip through her body. The hag snickered at her with her deviant smile. In a flash, Dalzell ripped the sword from Eris's body and the ogres threw her to the ground.

"You will die slowly. And you will know great agony before you die. I do hope he wakes up in time to see you breathe your last breath."

Eris could feel the life begin to fade from her body, but she refused to submit. She covered her wound with her hand, trying desperately to stem the blood flow. She shivered as the ogres once again grabbed for Edmund. She lurched forward and covered Edmund's body with her own. Gasping for breath and struggling to stay conscious, she held onto him as she felt Dalzell standing over her.

"Leave him for now. She will be dead soon enough."

"Dalzell!" Called a voice from outside the cell, "King Peter's armies are advancing their march upon us! They will be here within two days!"

Eris both welcomed and feared that news. She knew she would not last an hour, let alone two days. She feared what would happen to Edmund once she died. For she did not fear her own death. She welcomed it. Her people were gone, her life was over. All she wanted before she died, was to protect someone else's.

She shuddered as her body ran cold. Her breath became ragged, and her eyes grew heavy. Still she would not let Edmund go. Even when Dalzell and the guards had left the cell, she held on. She felt the life slowly fading, and wondered how long she would last.

"Edmund … tell my Jesahn I am sorry I could not wait for him. Tell Orrin … to take me home. And to live. He must live." Eris whispered, struggling to catch her breath, "Forgive me. I told you I would watch over you till he comes, but I cannot. I will watch over you until my last breath, King Edmund. That is all … I can give ..."

A SHIAN AND A GRIFFON

As Orrin and Jesahn flew toward Mt. Storm, they were both awed and confused by the sight they witnessed. A huge army of dark dryads and foul beasts were marching away from the hag's keep. They covered the mountainside and forests with their ranks. It was both a welcoming and eerie sight. Their numbers appeared to outnumber King Peter's, so Orrin was uncertain why they would run.

"They march away, Prince Orrin." said Seeko as he flew low and prepared to land, "Perhaps they have learned of King Peter's advance and do not wish for a battle."

"Cowards and demons, the lot of them. Let us hope that we are not too late to save King Edmund and my sister."

WAKE UP

"Awake, Son of Adam."

Edmund opened his eyes with a start. He felt a strange sense of cold throughout his body. He could see no light, not even from the hallway. He couldn't hear any noises, not even the boggle guards grunting.

He felt a heavy weight over his chest and realized it was Eris. His body ached from head to toe, and he cringed in agony as he sat up. Eris was cold and she did not respond to his movements. As he felt her skin he began fearing the worst.

"Pretty Eyes?" Edmund whispered, rubbing her back.

She did not respond. He felt tears well up in his eyes as he rubbed her back again. It was warm, but only just. He wasn't sure what that meant, for she still did not respond. He hoped it meant there was still life in her, and that it did not mean she had only just passed into death.

"Pretty Eyes, wake up. I'm ok." Edmund said with a shiver of fear in his voice, "I heard you. You protected me. Wake up, Pretty Eyes. Please wake up."

Silent tears streamed down his face as he became more desperate. He turned her face up on his lap and suddenly saw the gaping wound in her left side. He closed his eyes and begged for a miracle. For though he had barely known her in person, he had witnessed her from afar and he had seen her true character. He had been graced with her presence, and truly believed he owed her his life for getting him through his torment and suffering. He could not let her go quietly into the night. Not when she had done so much for him. How could she have been made to suffer and die? To spend the last of her days despairing for her people, only to suffer more in her efforts to protect him. He did not want to believe that she would suffer a fate so undeserving in a place so cold and defiling as this dungeon.

"Pretty Eyes?" cried a desperate Edmund, "Pretty Eyes? I still owe you a dance, Pretty Eyes."

And yet she had suffered an unjust fate. Princess Eris or 'Pretty Eyes', as he'd come to call her, had died. She had given her last breath to protect him. Even tired and weary as he was, he burst into tears and cradled her lifeless body in his arms. He sobbed into her hair with a great sorrow. He rocked her gently and kissed her temple.

"King Edmund?"

He looked up to see two Shian bursting through the door. He recognized Jesahn, and only by insignia did he realize the other Shian was Prince Orrin. The look that passed between them was revealing without any words being spoken. Orrin knelt down beside Eris and touched her face. And though he did his best to keep his anguish in, his eyes failed him, as did Jesahn's.

"Forgive me." Edmund sobbed, "She died for me. She died protecting me."

Not one look of blame was passed from Orrin or Jesahn, but their grief was undeniable. For a few moments the room was silent, with Orrin holding Eris's hand and kissing her face. And all Edmund could wonder was whether he would ever see such pretty eyes again.

"And so dies the last of my family. And the last hope for the Shian." Orrin said with barely contained tears, "Forgive me, Eris, for failing you as I have. But I will do as I promised father. I will take you home."

Edmund could barely keep the grief he felt inside. Any grief he felt now was increased by the sorrow he felt from Orrin. This moment was more significant than Edmund could realize at first. With Eris's death had come the last hope for the Shian to rebuild their kingdom. The last hope for another Shian to be born.

"That was the last thing she asked me. For you to take her home. And for you to live." Edmund said with eyes still swollen red from crying, "And to say sorry to Jesahn. She could not wait for you. She tried."

Without a word, Orrin picked up Eris's body and carried her to Jesahn. They shared a painful glance before Orrin handed Eris over to Jesahn. Edmund was not as familiar with Jesahn, but he knew the look of pain and lost love in his eyes. He knew Jesahn and Eris had shared a love that never knew words, because their rank and station prohibited them from doing so. He wondered how much they … or Jesahn at least, regretted that now. He thought then of his Peter, and wondered whether he would be able to overcome the taint their love had suffered.

Before Edmund could say anything, Orrin picked him up and carried him out. They formed a silent procession as they made their way out of the surprisingly abandoned dungeon. Though he spied more than a few dead boggles and ogres that must have been left behind to guard them, no doubt dispatched by Orrin and Jesahn on their way in. And though he had many questions. And though he wondered why he hadn't awoken until it was too late to help Eris. He let himself falter into Orrin's arms, and believe that somehow he would make Eris's death have meaning. Somehow.

FAREWELL, PRETTY EYES

The flight to SharShian aboard Seeko's back was as quiet as their departure from the hag's dungeon. He still questioned her motives. Had she run in fear? Why had she left him behind instead of dragging him with her? Was this all an effort to make him suffer in life?

The constant ache in his tortured body would not let him hold a coherent thought for too long. He felt ashamed that he, King of the Fallen, Rogue Warrior, Edmund the Just, had simply been unconscious while Eris was killed right next to him. If somehow he was being kept in a slumber, why? What purpose did it serve?

He could not remember feeling so weak before in his life. For though he wanted to sit up, he had no strength to. Instead, Orrin silently watched over him as they circled over SharShian. It was with some relief that he saw the colors and flags of Narnia inside the city. He could also see that an army bearing the flag of the high king, his Peter, was marching toward the city. And sure enough, he could see Peter aboard his white unicorn breaking into a gallop toward the city. Obviously he had seen the griffon circling above.

Still without a word, they landed atop the central castle tower in the innermost ring. Edmund's eyes were somber as he bore witness to the great and desolate city. He did not protest when Orrin picked him up and carried him toward the center spire. Jesahn led the procession, still carrying Eris in his arms.

"Can you stand, King Edmund?"

Edmund nodded obligingly and Orrin helped him rest his weight against a stone pillar. Edmund was grateful that Orrin had taken the time to find his armor and granted him the dignity of adorning it before they left the hag's dungeon. And not simply because he valued his modesty. He knew that he was about to bear witness to something akin to a funeral, and as weak and fraudulent as he felt, he wanted to look as respectful as possible.

Oerius was the first to arrive atop the spire, and he quickly surmised what was happening. He sent one of his foxes away and Edmund figured it was probably to give Peter advance warning. Edmund turned his eyes back to the center spire as Jesahn placed Eris's body atop a wooden mat, which sat over a stone slab.

It was then that the spire was rushed by Peter and Susan. Before they had a chance to say or do anything, Edmund raised his hand. He pointed silently toward Eris as Jesahn held a lit torch above her. Both Peter and Susan's eyes fell with sorrow and disbelief. And though Edmund had questions of doubt and anger for Peter, he knew this was not the time to air them.

In a show of unity, he gasped and pushed himself off the stone pillar. He staggered forward painfully, but refused the aid of Peter. Instead, he stood to Peter's right, while Susan stood at his left. Edmund could see Susan's eyes falling constantly to Orrin and recognized the emotion. It was love. When had that happened? Had it been so long since he'd seen Susan that she had enough time to fall in love? Then he realized, it had indeed been a long time.

The two kings and one queen of Narnia stood united in respect for the fallen Princess Eris. They watched in silence as Orrin stood before Eris's body and ran his hand along her face. His eyes were wet with tears and for the first time, Edmund witnessed him break down. He was saying goodbye to his sister.

"Eris, I have no words to express my pain. I fear my heart will not recover. You were my friend, my family, and my leader. I loved and cherished your smile, your sincerity, and your hope. With you, we bury the last hope for our people to ever start again. And so … as I bid you farewell, I consign the Shian Kingdom to history. The Shian are no more. This city is forfeit, as are our lands. Our people are dead. I will do as you ask and I will live. I will try to share with others the joy that our people knew. I will try to tell others of your loyalty, your compassion, and your love. For as long as I live, so will your memory. And I hope somehow you know that as much as you suffered, you still came home … in the end, you still came home."

Edmund found his own eyes begin to falter, as did Peter's and Susan's. Edmund blocked out the pain in his body, fighting off the urge to fall to the ground. If only Lucy was here. He wanted nothing more than to be able to stand up of his own volition. He wanted to stand proud and true, and pay respects. He did not wish to be broken as he was now. And yet he knew that pride was unbecoming, so he simply lowered his head in respect for the fallen.

Almost before he could realize, the torch was lowered and Eris's body was alight. And though he wished he could say something to express his gratitude to her. Something to express his grief at her passing. Words failed to form, lost in a gasp of tears and anguish.

"Your ashes will scatter to the four ends of our once great kingdom." Orrin said looking up at the sky, "So you will rest forever in the land that we both loved. This is my final gift for you, Eris. Goodbye."

At that moment, Edmund wanted nothing more than to turn and bury his head in Peter's shoulder. He wanted to shudder and cry and feel release for his grief and anguish. He wanted Peter to hold him and tell him that all would be well soon. And yet he could not. He could not bring himself to meet Peter's eyes for fear. Their time to deal with their own taint would come in the future. For now, he stood alone, watching Eris's body be consigned to ash.

"Farewell, Pretty Eyes."

OUR LOVE IS TAINTED

After a ceremony that was difficult and painful for both his body and his spirit, Edmund finally found some peace. The deserted city of SharShian provided many a secluded area for him to escape the eyes of others. Now he found himself in a small house that had housed an equally small family. He could not help but feel the melancholy of this place. He did not think anyone should occupy this city again.

Though many had offered to tend to him, he simply wanted to be alone. Only now did he remove his armor to look himself over thoroughly. His body was a wreck of red skin and gashes, wounds, and bruises. And though he attributed some of it to the treatment of his captors, he attributed most of it to Peter. Peter, who fortunately as high king had taken it upon himself to counsel Orrin on behalf of Narnia. Thus allowing Edmund time to slip away. Albeit very slowly, as his legs would barely walk, let alone run.

As battered and tortured as his body was, he knew he was in far better shape than he could have been. His wounds were clean and had obviously been tended to by Eris. His grief was still raw, and he found the solitude of this house allowed him to express it freely. He held his face in his hands and let his tears run free. They served him no good to be kept inside.

"Edmund?"

He looked up to see Peter standing winsomely at the door, almost seeking permission to enter. It was not at all like how a high king should stand. He kept his eyes from Peter, but did not object to his entering.

Edmund did not realize at first why Peter was staring at him so horrified. Until he realized that he wasn't wearing his chest armor and many of his wounds and sufferings were exposed to his sight. Self consciously, Edmund stood up and turned away, before reaching for his body plate.

"Ed …" Peter gasped, taking the body plate from Edmund, "What … what did they do to you?"

"You should go, Peter." Edmund said in as detached voice as he could muster, "I wish to be alone."

"Ed … please … I must speak with you. I must tell you w…"

"Do you know that she died to protect me?" Edmund shuddered, turning to face Peter, "Do you know that were it not for her, I would not be standing before you now? Do you really wish to know how these happened?"

"I ..."

"Do you see this?" Edmund said raising his neck so Peter could see the raw burn on it, "Do you see the ravagings on my back? Do you wish to see more? Do you wish to know that no part of me is untouched?"

"I don…"

And as much as Edmund tried to fight the anger within him, he could not. He was too tired and weary to compose himself or keep at bay his emotions. He wanted so much to be better than the jealousy or anguish or doubt that welled up within him. He wanted to block out the barrage of images that flooded his mind when he thought of Peter. He wanted to block out the constant reminder that his Peter had touched someone else. Had been intimate with someone else. Had loved someone else, almost completely enough to break their bond and kill him. In many ways, death would have been preferable to the weakened state of emotion he found himself in now.

"I felt everything." Edmund cried, his eyes finally meeting Peter's, "I felt everything, Peter. Every time she touched you. Every time you touched her. I felt it all! I saw it all in my mind."

Peter was too stunned to say a word. He simply stared dumbstruck and slack jawed as he realized he was the source of Edmund's suffering. His shame was great, but his need for Edmund would not let it overwhelm him. He would not run in shame. He had been kept from Edmund for too long. Somehow, he would face this and do whatever he needed to, to make things right.

"It almost killed me. Eris kept me here. She told me you loved me. She made me look at her and fight what was happening to me. She would not let me give up, when all I wanted was for you to finish what you were doing so I would die and feel pain no more. She did not deserve to die." Edmund whimpered as his eyes fell to the ground, "I understand now that I am only here because you love me. If you love another with your body or your soul, the bond will break, the magic will fade, and I will die. I am forever at your mercy. I should like you to stop loving me now, for I am weary."

"Ed, you don't mean that." Peter said stepping forward with his hand reaching for Edmund's face.

"Don't touch me!" Edmund yelled suddenly, mustering the strength from somewhere inside him to slap Peter's hand away, "Don't you ever touch me! You have tainted us!"

"Ed, I was enchanted. I was not myself!"

"I would have died before I let her touch me!" Edmund cried, slamming his fists against Peter's chest, "You said you'd wait for me! You said you'd wait for me …"

Peter still would not falter. He was grateful in some small way that Edmund's strength was not his own, for it afforded him the ability to enclose him in his arms. And though Edmund tried to pull free, he could not.

"I would die before I hurt you. I was not myself, I swear to you. I did not know." Peter cried, holding Edmund tight against his chest, "You are my love. You are my heart. I beg you to forgive me. I will do anything you ask."

And though Edmund tried to close his eyes and hear the words that Peter spoke. And though he welcomed the safety of Peter's chest catching his tears. And though he tried to let the sound of Peter's heartbeat lull him back to a place he called home. He could not. The pain was still too raw. The images still lingered in his mind. The touch of Peter's hands against his bare back did nothing but fill him with images of Peter touching her. Loving her. Loving anyone but himself.

"I cannot." Edmund said prying himself free, "The pain is too raw. It hurts when you touch me. And not just because my wounds have not healed. I cannot look at you without … seeing it in my mind, Peter. Seeing you with her."

Edmund stumbled on his weak legs toward the nearby table, where his small skin pouch sat beside his sword. He picked it up and opened it, while Peter watched on looking lost and unsure, even afraid.

"I know the blame is both of ours. My pride and your failure to trust me with what you knew. The blame is on us both." Edmund said as he pulled a silver ring from his pouch, "But this is something I cannot do."

Peter did not speak as Edmund forced the ring into his hand. His tears were too great to interrupt them with anything coherent. And yet he had enough sense in him to clasp his hand over Edmund's, refusing to let the ring remain in his own hand. Once again, he was grateful that Edmund's strength was so low that he could not pull away.

"No." said Peter, shaking his head and refusing to let Edmund's hand slip from his, "You're hurt. You're tired. You're grieving. This is no time to make such decisions. Please, Doubt-bucket. Don't give up on me. Please."

As their eyes met again, Peter could see Edmund falter. He was still much weaker than he let on, and Peter reached out to stable him. Edmund did not even have the strength to shake off Peter's grasp, as his head fell and he let out a gasping sigh. Still, Peter longed to place even the smallest kiss on Edmund's cheek, but he knew it would not be welcome. So instead, he simply held his outstretched hand to Edmund's side to keep him from falling. The other hand was still firmly clasped to Edmund's to prevent him from letting go of the ring.

"You're right, Peter. I am tired." Edmund sighed, "I am tired. I would like to sleep now."

"Do not give this back to me, Ed. I beg of you." Peter cried, his voice shuddering as he spoke, "You will break my heart, and I do not believe my heart could take that again. I know I have hurt you, but she did not break me. She did not break us. Her magic could not break us. It could not make me love anyone else but you. I tried to fight, Ed. You have to believe me. I tried to fight. I am dying inside with each day that has passed since then, for fear of this very moment when you would be unable to look at me without shame or disgust. I do not know how to rid us of her taint, but taint or not, I cannot live without you. Even if you must despair as you look at me, to have a life where you do not look at me at all is one I do not wish to live. So look at me with despair, but just look at me for the rest of my life. Do not leave my side, even if you must remain angry. Do not give this ring back, even if your heart despises it. And I will promise to love you for all of my life, even if you can no longer love me. I am sorry, my love. I am so sorry."

Finally, whether by sheer weariness or Peter's words, Edmund relented and pulled away with the ring still in his hand. And yet his eyes did not meet Peter's. And still Peter could feel as though perhaps the hag was right. Perhaps this was a fate much worse than death for either of them. She had indeed tainted their love.

"I can promise you nothing, Peter." Edmund sighed as he lay down on the empty bed beside him, "There is much work ahead. I only ask that until this battle is won and that hag is dead, that you treat me as you would a subject. We will tend to ourselves when her foul heart beats no more, and perhaps, perhaps then we will see if her taint is gone. Until then, I will obey, I will follow. I will serve you as my king. But that is all I can give you."

Peter's head fell with disbelief and anguish. Despair overwhelmed and he could feel his heart ache. He felt lost and uncertain, anything but magnificent. He struggled to find reason or inspiration for the right words to win Edmund back. But he could not. He could find nothing but the simplest statement. The simplest and truest statement he could make.

"I love you, Doubt-bucket." said Peter in almost a whimper, questioning and longing lacing his words.

It was more of a question than a statement. A question that longed for an answer from Edmund. He left his words hanging in the air, waiting and hoping that Edmund would at least return them. Instead, Edmund's eyes remained closed and he turned away from Peter. When finally Edmund spoke, it was neither to comfort or to reciprocate.

"Of course you do. It's the only reason I'm still breathing. I am bound to you, Peter. Whether we like it or not. I am bound to you." sighed a weary Edmund.

Edmund's words stung at Peter's heart and he feared that perhaps he would not be able to mend the hurt that kept their hearts apart. Edmund had drifted to sleep, leaving Peter standing like a lost sheep. Still, he could not bring himself to leave. Instead he stood and watched his love sleeping. He could see the lines of anxiety and turmoil that plagued him. Finally, he left Edmund to rest on his own. He paced quickly to where Roan perched upon a watch tower. As if he knew instinctively that he was to be summoned, Roan swooped down to Peter's side with a regal bow.

"What is it you require of me, Sire?"

"Roan, I would ask you to fly back to Cair Paravel as fast as you can. Inform Queen Lucy that King Edmund is gravely ill and requires her attention. Bring her back at your best possible speed."

"As you command, King Peter." Roan said before he tore into the night sky.

"I will win you back, my little Doubt-bucket." Peter shuddered with watery eyes, "I will win you back. And she will pay for us, for Eris, and for the Shian. I promise you. She will pay."

FINDING HOPE, WHEN HEARTS ARE WEARY

Long after her light had been extinguished, Orrin remained standing at Eris's pyre. He stood watch like some ward, afraid to turn away or leave his charge. Susan had waited patiently for the right moment to speak with him alone, and now she believed her opportunity had come. Her heart broke for the man who had quickly filled her life with a love she did not believe she would ever have. She moved softly and gently behind him, before she touched her hand to his.

"You should rest, Susan." Orrin said with a weak smile, "You have journeyed hard today. You must rest."

"How can I?" Susan asked as she laced their fingers together, "I will rest when you rest. And I will stay with you. I will stay by your side, because you are my prince. And because it is my place to stand with you … when you hurt, and when your heart is weary with grief. I will be your strength, when you have none."

"I am afraid to leave her side, because I know once I do … I will never stand by her side again."

Gently, Susan touched her hand to his cheek and traced his tears with her fingers. He turned his face to hers and she kissed him, chaste and warm. When she pulled away, she smiled lovingly and met his eyes. Her hands remained on his face, their eyes locked on one another. He smiled a tiny smile, which was both grateful and fearful.

"The Shian Kingdom is dead. Have you a place in your heart for a man who has nothing to give but his loyalty and devotion?"

"I do."

"Then you give me reason to live. For without you, I would journey with the last of my people, Jesahn and our entourage. I would hunt the hag down and spend my last breath making sure she did not unleash her evil upon any other creature. Because of you, I will still hunt that hag, but I will do so with a desire to live so that I may return to you and bask in your radiance again. I thank you, Susan, for you are the only light in my life. And for me … that is enough."

"The Shian need not be dead." Susan whispered, "They can live on … in me. Through me. Through us."

No more words needed to be said. Orrin closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against Susan's. He clutched her hand and for a moment, he shuddered. He shuddered for the grief in his heart that had been replaced by warmth, and a hope that could not have existed were it not for Susan. And so they stood, side by side, into the night. Susan did as she promised; she did not rest without him. She remained his strength, when he had none. And she stood by his side, while he watched over his sister's ashes for the very last time.

- TO BE CONTINUED -

2.8 - One of the Many
Peter leads Narnia to battle, in a quest for justice for the Shian and Eris, and to redeem himself. Edmund's memories help him realize a truth he was blinded to. Narnia's greatest champion is called to a challenge by the hag. Peter struggles as Edmund pulls further away from him, and find a tainted love is not so easy to cure.


A/N: Pretty sad chapter, I know, but kicking ass will come soon enough. Another monster, and one that I still found myself having to cut scenes out of. This story is evil I tell you. But I am almost at the end of the second volume. YAY for me! Next chapter it all goes down with Peter and company facing off with the hag, and making her pay for tempting Peter and killing Princess Pretty Eyes, who at least died like a hero, but her death signals the end of the Shian Kingdom. So sad. The hag must die, mustn't she? Pretty Eyes is no more, and so too are the Shian, but questions still remain and Edmund holds the key. Lots of hints for the future, and answers to the past. Peter and Edmund will have a time trying to find one another again, with guilt heavy on both sides. I estimate two more chapters in this volume, at the most. The next chapter could be the final of this volume, it just depends on whether it's too long and needs to be broken in two. And then the last volume, yay for me again! This story does not let me sleep, I tell you. Reviews make me feel good!