JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Volume 3: The Price We Pay For Love

3.5– A Time For War - Part 2

Most of Volume 3 of Just and Magnificent takes place in the 3-6years after the events of the movie. It is the last 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: Lucy's life is threatened. Prince Orrin risks his own life to save her and her battalion. Susan forges a new ally and prepares for battle. Peter and Edmund are reunited and learn just how large this war truly is. The first signs of 'Him', the one who is many, are reported in the north. The war begins.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Action.
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! And since they're all dead except Orrin, well I only own him now! All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis
A/N: This chapter has been broken into two parts. This is, you guessed it, the second part!

THE TISROC HAS PLEDGED HIS ALLEGIANCE

"Something's not right 'ere."

Mr. Beaver could barely mask his contempt as he stood looking out from Queen Lucy's guest chambers in the central palace of Calormen, in the city of Tashbaan. Lucy stood beside him, as did Mr. Tumnus. The object of their attention was the growing shadow of the army that had formed outside the palace.

"The Tisroc said we would have an army." Lucy said with a face that did not seem relieved, "And yet … I am uncertain as to his intentions. We are at peace. You do not think he would betray us, do you?"

"Of course that's what I bloody well think." Mr. Beaver said turning to Mr. Tumnus, "How 'bout you?"

"Though the Tisroc has been extremely courteous to us, I do believe he is hiding something from you, Queen Lucy. Perhaps we would be safer to camp with the Battalion."

"You know, if he is tryin' somethin', what's we gonna do about it?" asked a still anxious Mr. Beaver, "That army there is a right sight bigger than what we brought with us. If they is deceiving us, we ain't gonna be able to put up much of a fight."

"Mr. Beaver …" Lucy said finally, with a sigh of resignation, before smiling at Mr. Tumnus, "I have been deceived before, and it almost cost me one of my greatest friends. It shall not happen again. So I do believe we shall walk on the side of caution. As discretely as possible, I want you to return to our camp outside the city. Have our forces move camp to the far side of the city, so we are as far away from that army as possible. At the first sign of trouble, we will retreat to Archenland."

"Do you think we'll be able to? If they do turn on us, we're in their land. It will be difficult to escape."

"Nevertheless, we must try. In fact …" Lucy said with a certainty in her voice, "We will retreat under cover of night. Prepare our forces as quietly as possible. We do not wish to draw any undue attention. If the Tisroc were truly going to help us, he would have said so by now."

Mr. Beaver left before Lucy could change her mind. Mr. Tumnus breathed a sigh of relief, as if he had been waiting for this moment to come. He did not wish to push Lucy, but both he and Mr. Beaver had been weary of the Calormen.

"Queen Lucy." the Tisroc said as he entered the room with a dozen of his guards.

Two of the guards held up an unconscious Mr. Beaver, much to Lucy's horror. She knew instantly that Mr. Beaver had been right all along. The Calormen could not be trusted. The Tisroc stepped toward Lucy, flanked by his guards and his son, Prince Lash.

"I was hoping you would enjoy our hospitality for a little while longer, but since you seem intent now on listening to the counsel of your companions, I'm afraid we have to advance our plans."

"What is the meaning of this?" Lucy demanded, "Unhand him!"

"You are in no position to demand anything, Queen Lucy. Seize her!"

Mr. Tumnus quickly moved to protect Lucy from the advancing guards. Though he tried valiantly, he was quickly overwhelmed and restrained. Lucy rushed to his aid, to no avail, as they were clearly outnumbered. Yet the Tisroc let her stand of her own volition, without having his guards restrain her. She presumed he knew she could do nothing, except stand defiantly.

"Would you like to see the power of my army in action, Queen Lucy?"

Lucy's face fell in horror as she realized the intent of the Tisroc's words. He intended to slaughter her battalion as a mere show of force. Not only had she been deceived, she was about to witness her army being slaughtered as well.

"No! No, please no!" Lucy pleaded, "I'll do anything you want, just let them be. I will order them to surrender if you promise not to hurt them."

The Tisroc seemed to contemplate Lucy's proposal, leading her to hope that he could still be reasoned with. His eyes studied Lucy, making her shift uncomfortably under his stare. He raised his eyebrow, as if in his mind he had reached a conclusion. Lucy could only hope it was to spare her loyal Narnian Battalion.

"Such virtue is to be commended." said the Tisroc.

It was then that Prince Lash spoke for the first time since Lucy had met him, "Perhaps a show of mercy would be … appreciated by those of our people who do not seek the blood of Narnia, Father."

Lucy breathed another sigh of anxious hope. She found herself surprised by Prince Lash's words. He reinforced her belief that not all Calormen were as cunning and cruel as the Tisroc seemed to be.

"Mercy is not a commodity we can sell for profit. Fear however, is." the Tisroc said with blatant disregard for his son's words, "You will learn this for yourself soon enough."

The prince responded with a resigned nod, "Yes, Father."

"How many in your battalion, Queen Lucy? A thousand?" the Tisroc demanded, "Send in ten battalions of our own. Finish them with as little loss to ourselves as possible."

"Why?" Lucy yelled, "Why are you doing this?"

"This is war, did you not know? Did you assume that we join your cause when we do not even follow your lion? Narnia wanted an army, and they shall have one marching on their doors. We have chosen our side, and we chose him. He has promised a great deal more than your lion has ever offered. My people shall rule from Calormen to the south of Narnia and the entire kingdom of Archenland. What is it you offer?"

"Do you not even declare war before you attack us?"

"On the contrary, this is for you." the Tisroc said handing Lucy a scroll, "It is a formal declaration of war on Narnia. I imagine you shall have quite a few declarations soon enough. Now, you shall bare witness to the power of Calormen, as you watch your battalion be trampled like the foul beasts they are."

REUNITED

When Edmund made his choice to return to Narnia and forsake the world that made him, he stepped through the wardrobe and felt himself consumed by darkness. The darkness was brief, but long enough for Edmund to wonder whether he was wise to refuse his temptation. He knew he could have never chosen otherwise however. He couldn't have taken the temptation at the cost of betraying so many.

When he opened his eyes, he was back on the Salis Reas. He was standing on his bed, down on one knee and gasping for breath. When he managed to regain his senses, he realized the room was empty, and the ship was rocking violently. He could hear a commotion up on deck, and what sounded like battle cries. He wondered how long he'd been gone. He'd only been back in his own world for a few brief moments. How long had it been here since he left?

He jumped off the bed, pausing only to grab his sword on instinct. He opened the door, to find the crew frantically running about. He ran up onto the deck as the ship swayed to and fro. When he reached the deck, he could see they were caught in an angry storm. The sky was black as night, with menacing clouds and sweeping rain.

The once King of the Fallen quickly took stock of his surroundings and shuddered at the sight of mountainous seas tossing the Salis Reas with ease. Edmund was grateful for the sea legs he'd grown over his adventures as the Rogue Warrior, for he needed them right now. He could see the distant outline of three ships tracking the Salis Reas, and they were quickly gaining ground.

"Edmund!"

Edmund recognized the voice of his husband instantly, and turned to see him standing at the aft of the ship. Peter's face was a mixture of both concern, relief, and anxiety. Rain buffeted the surface of the ship, which coupled with the wind, made traversing the deck a hazardous task. Edmund did so with the greatest of ease, his bare feet crossing the distance to Peter in a series of deft steps and well timed jumps.

"Edmund! Where the devil have you been?" Peter yelled as he pulled Edmund into a hug, "I thought somehow they'd taken you, but they have never been close enough to board. No one saw you leave or anyone come on board. Do you have any idea how frantic with worry I've been?"

"How long have I been gone?"

"Since we left Galma. We're less than two days away from Cair Paravel. We've been trying to keep ahead of those ships, but they're gaining ground. The wind has not favored us and this foul storm will not rest. And yet I care nothing for any of that." Peter cried as he almost crushed Edmund in a hug, "My doubt-bucket is home with me. Where the hell have you been? I know you haven't been on this ship, because I had it searched from end to end."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Peter." Edmund sighed as he continued hugging his husband, "But I do believe it is safe to say, the war has begun."

"Well, I did rather think that myself when those ships started tracking us. They bear no flags, but their intent is obvious. We've been separated from two of our escorts in the storm, but Seeko has flown ahead to seek aid from Cair Paravel."

"You should have flown with him, Peter."

"Nonsense!" Peter yelled as the wind suddenly picked up.

Peter pulled Edmund aside, into one of the deck level store rooms. Once inside, he smashed their wet faces together in an anxious and passionate kiss. Their arms bound their bodies like one as they shared intimacy that for Peter was long overdue. Their faces were cold and wet with rain, as were their hands, but they cared little for this. Their intimacy and the simple fact of being together was more than enough to ward off the cold and unseemly conditions.

"Why must you ever leave me?" Peter said as he smothered Edmund with tear filled kisses, "I have been doing my best to be a king in your absence, but I have been miserable with worry. I … I knew you would return, because well … I just knew you would. I could feel it, Ed. It didn't make it any easier though. You always leave me. Why must you always leave me?"

"Oh, don't worry, you'll get your turn to return the favor one day." Edmund said with a half smile, as he thought back on the choice he had made, "But not for a long time yet."

"There you go again with your whole theory about me leaving you. Ever the doubt-bucket." Peter laughed, before he surprised Edmund with another kiss.

This kiss, unlike the others was sudden and anxious. Peter held Edmund's face in his hands and pushed him back against the wall. He made out with Edmund with great fervor and desperate intensity. It was not so much lust, as it was passion, and a reprieve from the time that Peter had been denied of his Edmund.

"Peter …" Edmund gasped, breaking the kiss to Peter's displeasure, "There's the small matter of those ships?"

"You're right. It is a small matter. Let them come."

With that said, Peter silenced Edmund by resuming their kiss. His lips hungered for Edmund, just as his body hungered for the warmth of the younger king's presence. After protesting for a brief moment, Edmund smiled and surrendered to Peter's affections. The ships would come. The war had no doubt already begun. It could all wait a little longer.

"Can you please stop disappearing on me like that?" Peter gasped, after finally letting Edmund's lips free of his own, "There is an enemy bearing down on us, and my thoughts are only of you. It is your fault for leaving me. You must never do so again. In fact, I wish you were not a king so I could make it law that you must remain within eyesight of me at all times. Except for the times we argue and you send me to sleep in the stables. I do absolutely hate it when you disappear on me though. It was necessary, I take it?"

"It was, Peter. I … one day you'll understand. Let's just say I took a trip. I'm afraid I was forced to leave my wedding ring behind too."

"What?" Peter said with thinly veiled anger, "What do you mean you were forced to leave your wedding ring behind? How could you even take it off?"

"Well … one day you'll understand, ok? Trust me. It isn't lost. But … you won't find it for a very long time, I hope."

"Ed, you're not making any sense."

"Just shut up and kiss me, Peter. And might I just say, I bloody well love you more than anything." Edmund said with emotion welling up in his eyes, "And tell me we're going to have a long happy life together."

"We're going to have a long happy life together." Peter said with all the assuredness he could muster, "Just as soon as we deal to these miscreants who dare to hunt us."

"Let's go sort them out. But first, that kiss!" Edmund grinned, latching himself onto Peter with untamed abandon.

A VALIANT HEART

Lucy stared anxiously at the sight of her fellow Narnian, camped outside the northern end of the city. She watched helpless from her prison window, high above the city skyline of Tashbaan. Her loyal battalion had no idea they were about to be ambushed. She screamed helplessly, but her voice failed long before it reached the Narnian camp. She could see the long shadow of the Calormen army through the southern end of her prison, as well as her Fourth Infantry to the north.

Tears fell from her eyes as she thought of her loyal Narnian, who had no idea of the slaughter they were about to face. If only she could get word to them to run now, as fast as they could. If somehow she could warn them to be ready, it might at least give them a fighting chance, even against such overwhelming odds.

She was grateful at least she was able to share her prison with Mr. Tumnus and a still unconscious Mr. Beaver. Mr. Tumnus had tried his best to reassure her, but Lucy's anxiety was not so easily quelled. She waited with dread for the moment to come when she would be forced to watch the slaughter of her fellow Narnian.

"It will be alright, Lucy." Mr. Tumnus reassured, though he had little idea just how his words would prove true.

The faun embraced Lucy and she noticed a flicker of surprise in his eyes as he looked out the window. She looked out to see what he had been looking at, and saw nothing.

"What is it?" Lucy asked curiously, "Did you see something?"

"Just a shadow. The light playing tricks on a faun's eyes. I thought I saw … nevermind."

Lucy gasped in horror as the room was filled with over a dozen of the Tisroc's guards. She clung tight to Mr. Tumnus, with fear in her eyes as the Tisroc ordered the guards to draw their scimitars. He raised his eyebrow at Lucy, as if contemplating the look of horror on her face.

"Do not be afraid, I am not without mercy. Your death shall be quick and painless. I had hoped to keep you alive long enough to watch your army being wiped out. However, he wants you to die now. Your death is to punish the Rogue Warrior for refusing his offer."

Lucy did not know what offer had been made to Edmund, but she knew she was glad he refused it. She found herself clutching even tighter to Mr. Tumnus, burying her head in his chest as the guards began to step closer. She wondered why so many of them were needed to execute her. Was the Tisroc that desperate to make sure she was dead?

"I am sorry, Lucy." Mr. Tumnus whispered, "But I must at least try to do something."

"No." Lucy insisted, refusing to let go, "If I am to die, I do not wish to do so having witnessed your death. Give me the gift of being the first of us to go."

Though Mr. Tumnus wanted to refuse her, he could not. Her voice had been both pleading and insistent, as was her grip on him. Instead, knowing the odds were against them, he simply held her close and shielded her eyes from the carnage that would come. The Tisroc seemed to nod approvingly, as if even in the middle of his heinous act, he had some semblance of decency. Mr. Tumnus could barely mask his disgust.

"It's alright, Lucy. Just keep your eyes closed."

Lucy cried tears of anguish and remorse. She wondered if she would ever see her family again. She wondered how she had let herself be deceived again. Most of all, she wondered why she was still alive. It seemed as though her eyes had been closed far longer than it should have taken for the guards to come and finish her with their scimitars.

"Open your eyes now, Lucy."

When she opened her eyes, she soon discovered why she was still alive. Every guard in the room was dead, or dying. There had been over a dozen, and they'd all been defeated. The Tisroc was flat on his back, with his neck being crushed by the foot of a familiar figure.

"Orrin!" Lucy cried in both relief and surprise.

"Forgive my delay, Queen Lucy." Orrin said with heavy breaths, "The winds were foul, just like this cretin of a Calormen."

Both Orrin's long swords were dripping with the blood of his enemies, as was his face. Lucy was grateful her eyes had been closed, for though she was happy to be alive, she had no want to see such bloodletting. She was amazed that Orrin had dispatched so many with so little noise. She always knew the Shian were great fighters, but she still found herself amazed by her brother in law's skills. She watched as the Shian Prince stood firm, his swords positioned at either side of the Tisroc's neck.

"Close your eyes, Lucy." Orrin said, his tone less that of a servant, and more as Susan's husband, "I do not wish you to see this."

"No!" Lucy said breaking free from Mr. Tumnus's grip, before running to Orrin's side, "You must not!"

"You wish for him to live when he would have seen you dead?"

"I cannot have his death on my conscience."

"You are right. I would not wish to burden you with such a thing." Orrin said with a reassuring smile, before he pushed his foot down on Tisroc's neck and stared down at him, "Lucky for you, Tisroc. Mr. Beaver!"

Mr. Beaver did not stir immediately, until Mr. Tumnus's gentle prodding woke him. When the beaver awoke, he stared at his surroundings in disbelief. When he saw Orrin, he broke out in a smile.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, you are!"

"Mr. Beaver, please draw the attention of his guards as soon as Mr. Tumnus and Lucy are clear."

"Clear, Prince Orrin?" Mr. Tumnus asked confused.

"Mr. Tumnus, please take Queen Lucy out of here and turn right. Continue to the lookout balcony where Roan and his gryphon wing will be waiting to take you to safety. Our fourth battalion has already been instructed to formulate a rapid retreat. Yourself and Queen Lucy will be flown immediately to Cair Paravel."

"Orrin, you're coming too." Lucy said as she tried to pry Orrin off the Tisroc, "I'm so thankful you saved me, but I can't leave you here. Susan will never forgive me, and neither would I if anything happened to you."

"Queen Lucy, my duty requires one last action to protect our retreating forces. Please do as I ask and leave immediately." Orrin said with a soft sigh as Lucy wrapped her arms around his waist, "Please, Lucy. I came all this way to ensure your safety. Do me the favor of making sure your safety is maintained. Return now to Cair Paravel."

"What are you going to do?" Lucy asked with concern, "What will I tell Susan?"

"You need tell her nothing. Should something happen to me, she will already know everything she needs to." said a thoughtful Orrin, "You need tell her nothing. Now please go, I must buy our forces more time to retreat. I will then lead them to safety. Mr. Beaver, I'm afraid you're going to have to stay with me."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll follow you anywhere. You're one of us, of that I'm certain." Mr. Beaver said proudly, "Quickly, Queen Lucy. Do as he says."

Lucy hesitated, but the reassuring smile Orrin gave her was enough to pry herself free from him. She turned to leave, before turning back for one last hug. The Shian Prince surprised himself by dropping his swords and returning the hug. He kissed the top of Lucy's head as she held onto him.

"Thank you for saving me. I love you, Orrin. You will come back, won't you?" asked an anxious Lucy, "You must."

"I shall do my best." smiled the Shian Prince, "Mr. Tumnus, I trust you will ensure her safe arrival to Cair Paravel."

"Of course." Mr. Tumnus nodded, "Come, Lucy."

Lucy left begrudgingly, waving a tearful goodbye to both Orrin and Mr. Beaver. When she had finally left, Orrin picked up his swords, careful to keep his foot on the Tisroc's neck.

"You fight like a shadow, Shian." the Tisroc spat, "Last of a dead race. Your skills will not see you live out this day. You should have run while you had the chance."

Orrin responded by thrusting one of his swords through the Tisroc's right shoulder. The Tisroc screamed in pain as Mr. Beaver slammed the door shut and called out to the guards.

"That is for endangering Queen Lucy and declaring war on Narnia. You should be dead right now, but you have more use to me alive. When your guards arrive, you will order them to send a message to your army. You will instruct your army to allow the fourth battalion to retreat peacefully. If you do not, I will … hurt you. Queen Lucy is no longer here to save your life. You would be wise to do as I ask. I am a Shian, and a warrior at that. I will not hesitate to cause you as much pain as I deem necessary to see the Narnian army retreat safely. Do you understand me?"

Orrin pushed his sword further in, as if to emphasize his point. The guards were soon banging on the door, and Mr. Beaver cursed back at them. The Tisroc quickly ordered them to summon Prince Lash. After an anxious wait, the voice of the Tisroc's son could be heard.

"I have the Tisroc at my sword's end. He has been run through, but his injuries are not fatal. However, if anyone tries to enter, or you do not hurry, they will be." Orrin said before he nudged the Tisroc.

"Order our army to stand down!" the Tisroc screamed, "Let the Narnian go freely!"

"Give me your word you will not kill my father!" Prince Lash yelled through the door.

Orrin agreed begrudgingly, "I give you my word as a Shian and a Knight of Narnia. I … will not kill your father. So long as you pull your army back and allow the Narnian Battalion to retreat freely."

"It shall be done!" Prince Lash yelled back, before he could be heard running away.

"Your son has a compassion in his voice that you lack, Tisroc." Orrin said with a raised eyebrow, "Are you certain he is your son?"

"I will see you dead, Shian. You will join your race in oblivion."

Orrin did not respond to the Tisroc. Instead he remained silent as Mr. Beaver glared at the Tisroc. They waited for an age, until finally they could see the Calormen army halting their march. Orrin sighed in well hidden relief, before he pulled his sword from the Tisroc's shoulder.

"Your son has kept his word. I imagine you and I will see each other again, Tisroc, in battle."

"You would be wise to kill me now, Shian. I will hunt you down."

"I promised your son I would not kill you." Orrin said before he punched the Tisroc square in the jaw, "I said nothing about rendering you unconscious."

"I like you more and more each day, Shian!" Mr. Beaver said excitedly, "Now I don't suppose you have a plan for us to get out of here?"

"I was thinking the door would be a good start." Orrin said holding his swords up, "Fancy a race to the balcony? Hopefully there are still two gryphon waiting to speed us to safety. And if anyone tries to stop us, well … as my wife always says, we shall have to be gentle."

WAR ON THE WATER

"King Peter! They are almost upon us!" Yelled Seeko as he struggled to maintain his flight in the fierce Storm, "Aid is on its way from Cair Paravel, but it will not be here in time."

Peter stood at the aft of the Salis Reas, staring at the three ships that were almost within distance of a fire arrow bombardment. Thankfully, the fierce wind and rain negated the effectiveness of any fire attack. Yet Peter still did not fancy their chances against three ships if they did get close enough to launch a boarding party. The ships had no recognizable origin, but they were smaller than the Silas Reas.

"Peter, would you mind possibly if I made a suggestion? I am quite seasoned in naval combat." said Edmund, as he stood behind his husband.

"What?" Peter asked in surprise, "What naval combat? Oh … right. Rogue Warrior adventures, right?"

"Something like that. Now I have an idea."

"Let's hear it, Doubt-bucket."

"Peter … when we're in battle, can you please not call me that?" Edmund smirked, "It does not make me feel the least bit Rogue Warrior like. Now it's obvious we cannot outrun them. So I suggest we drop sails and turn hard to starboard."

"And what, let them ram us?" asked a stunned Peter.

"No, Peter. I am simply saying you turn us around and bring us alongside their flanking right ship. Do it at speed, and I will lead a boarding party of our own to overrun one of their ships. That will at least even the odds. Oh this is going to take too long to explain." Edmund said before he yelled at the ship's captain, "Hard to starboard! Bring us alongside their right flank! Prepare a boarding party!"

"Edmund, are you crazy? You're going to try and board in these conditions?"

"Oh, Peter." Edmund said with a wink, "Have a little faith in your husband. I recommend you come about on the starboard side of their lead ship. Ram them if you have to. Our bow can take it."

Before Peter could respond, Edmund kissed him with a desperate fervor. His wet hands clung to Peter's neck, before he ran to the starboard side of the ship where a boarding party was already gearing up. Peter still marveled at the way Edmund could switch so effortlessly from that of a loving and often dutiful and often submissive husband, to that of a fearless warrior.

"Edmund!" Peter yelled above the wind, "You will not get yourself killed again, will you?"

"I should think not!" Edmund yelled back, "I have used up all my miracles! And I do fancy having a lovely life with you when this war is over! Do you think you could possibly manage not getting yourself killed too?"

"It shall be done!" Peter yelled with a smile.

The Salis Reas came alongside one of their enemy's ships. The deck of the Salis Reas was higher than the enemy's. This would prove highly beneficial to the Narnian. Peter's jaw dropped in amazement as Edmund ran along the deck of the Salis Reas, before hurtling himself into the air.

Edmund's trajectory seemed almost graceful, and caused Peter's stomach to float anxiously at the sight. To Peter's relief, Edmund landed with a well timed roll on the enemy deck, breaking his fall. He had jumped with a heavy rope in his hand, which he quickly tied to a mast, before he was ambushed by the enemy.

Only now did Peter recognize his enemy. They were from the Lone Islands. Peter could not believe what he was seeing. The Lone Islands were not officially at war with Narnia, and yet here they were, drawing swords on Edmund.

The Narnian crew pulled on the heavy rope, bringing the two ships crashing together. The Salis Reas's bulk allowed it to absorb most of the impact. The heavy seas caused the ships to crash together frequently, but their proximity allowed the rest of the boarding party to jump over and aid Edmund.

Edmund, for his part, fought like a one man army. He easily took on more than one enemy at a time, using his agility, sword, and limbs to combat them. Yet Peter still could not help but feel concern anytime the life of his love was at risk. He knew however that he still had his own part to play in this naval battle.

"Cut the rope!" Peter yelled, "Bring us around to their lead ship! Prepare for ramming!"

The Salis Reas turned in the heavy seas, managing to aim its bow at the lead ship. Peter braced himself as his ship connected squarely with its enemy. The Lone Island's lead ship was speared by the much larger Salis Reas's steel reinforced bow, smashing it in two. The last ship finally turned away as it surely realized it was now at the weaker end of the battle's odds.

Peter however, would not let this treachery rest. He ordered the Salis Reas to continue after the last ship. To Peter's amazement, the ship stopped. At first he thought they may be willing to surrender. However, when the Salis Reas came alongside, the Lone Islanders let loose a volley of fire arrows. Luckily, the storm rendered most of the arrows useless.

"Surrender yourselves to Narnian custody and no more blood will be spilled! Your compatriots are lost. You cannot win this battle! Surrender and you will not be harmed!" Peter yelled, before the captain of the other ship yelled back;

"We have orders not to be taken prisoner under any circumstances!" the captain yelled back, "But it is obvious we are no match for you on our own. We concede!"

"Then surrender peacefully!" yelled a relieved Peter, "Let us discuss the meaning of this like men!"

"I said we concede!" the captain yelled, "But we cannot surrender! Our families will be killed if it is made known that we surrendered! Therefore, it is better for us to … concede."

Before Peter knew what was happening, and to his great horror, the captain signaled his archers to fire upon their own ship. They covered their own deck in oil and set the ship alight. Peter's horror was extreme to say the least, but all he could do was watch as the ship burned with its crew doing nothing to stop it.

"Jump free!" Peter yelled, "You will be taken prisoner, but you will not be harmed!"

"Forgive us, King Peter. We did not all wish for this to happen, but we have no choice!" the captain yelled, before his ship began sinking into the large waves, "In the war that is now upon us, there will be no victor! Our masters have pledged allegiance to him, and they have damned us all as a result. Save our families if you can, for they did not choose this path! Forgive us, High King! And may the lion forgive us too."

Those haunting words were the last the captain spoke before his ship and his crew were consumed by the sea. Peter found himself awash with grief for an enemy he did not know until now. Very quickly, the Salis Reas was joined by the ship Edmund had conquered, which was now revealed as the Dusk Raider.

"Peter … they barely put up a fight!" Edmund yelled from the deck of his conquered ship, "Those who were not slain by us, threw themselves into the ocean! We told them they would not be harmed if they surrendered, but they would not! Something is very wrong here, Peter! None of them once chose to save their own lives. What could make them give up so easily without wanting to protect their own lives?"

"Their families, Ed!" Peter yelled back, "I do not understand the nature of any of this. I fear our real enemy was not present today. I believe these unfortunate souls were merely pawns. This is not a victory I wish to celebrate!"

"Nor I!" Edmund yelled, "Peter! I would like permission to turn around and take this ship to Terebinthia! There is no time to waste! If the Lone Islands have turned on us, we need more ships! We need a navy! Terebinthia has pledged their allegiance and can provide us with much needed resources! I did not imagine this day would come so soon, but Narnia must be protected from all its enemies! Let me protect her from the seas!"

Peter gripped the wooden railing of the Salis Reas, as he fought against the wind to stand upright. He did not want Edmund to leave him, but he knew if a war was coming, there would be times when their duty would divide them. He did not imagine it would be so soon, and though Edmund had a point, he could not let him go until they had a clearer understanding of the situation.

"Not yet, Edmund!" Peter yelled finally, "We're too close to Cair Paravel! Follow us back!"

"Peter! The Lone Islands are not a threat to be taken lightly! We must be prepared for another attack! I am certain their next move will involve a true fleet!"

"I said follow us back to Cair Paravel!" Peter ordered, "We will assess the situation there!"

"As … you … wish, Peter!" Edmund yelled bitterly, "We will follow you back!"

And though stormy seas divided them and their two ships, Peter found his eyes fixed on Edmund's. He could tell his younger husband was not pleased, made evident by his narrow stare and tight lips. Peter however, believed that the best move was to return to Cair Paravel and assess the threat with greater thought, rather than to send Edmund away on a whim.

THE FOURTH BATTALION

Though he was confident of his ability to escape Tashbaan with force if necessary, Orrin was glad he had not been required to draw any more blood. He was a more than capable fighter, one of the Shian's greatest, yet he did not use such abilities for the mere sake of it. His mission had been accomplished with Lucy now winging her way to safety and Cair Paravel. Now he had the envious task of leading the fourth battalion out of enemy territory. Calormene had declared war on Narnia, but Orrin knew the fourth battalion was no match for the Calormene. They would need many reinforcements.

So far, Prince Lash had kept his word. They had marched out of the Tashbaan province without incident. However, Orrin knew the Tisroc would seek their blood in time. How long that time was, he did not know.

"Prince Orrin, do you really think they'll let us march out of Calormen without trying to hunt us down?" asked Mr. Beaver as he marched alongside Orrin at the head of the battalion.

"I don't expect they will. However, we at least have ground on them now. If they do march on us, we will have time to formulate an effective defense strategy."

"Formulate an effective defense strategy?" Mr. Beaver said flabbergasted, "You mean we'll try not to get slaughtered?"

"Excellent translation, Mr. Beaver." Orrin said with a disarming smile, "Believe me, I have contemplated every course of action possible."

"Do any of them get us back to Narnia in one piece? Maybe we should've just stormed their city and attacked them while we had the chance."

"If I believed that was truly necessary, I would've done so. However, I am in no hurry to sentence over a thousand souls to death."

"They would have followed you." Mr. Beaver said sincerely, "I would have followed you."

Orrin appreciated the gesture of Mr. Beaver. He found the small creature had a heart much greater than its stature might have suggested. It was an endearing virtue, which caused the Shian Prince to smile gratefully. Before Orrin could note his appreciation, the night's silence was shattered by a piercing cry of a gryphon.

"The Calormen are marching on us! They have a thousand horsemen ahead of an army!" the gryphon cried from above, "The horsemen are tracking us now!"

"So much for one piece, aye?" Mr. Beaver said with a strained laugh, "What are your orders?"

As King Edmund's first liege and acting Lord of the Order of Justice, Orrin found himself in the unenviable position of leading the battalion. He had been a loyal adopted son to Narnia for quite some time now, yet he still hesitated when it came to leading other Narnian into battle. He did not feel he had sufficiently earned the respect held with his own people, whom he would lead into battle without any hesitation. However, he had little time to hesitate now. It was his responsibility to lead this battalion, and he would do so.

Orrin mounted his horse, before surveying the terrain. They were still well within the borders of Calormen, but they had achieved a sizable distance between themselves and the tracking army. A distance he was not prepared to give up. A distance he believed could be used to help the greater bulk of the battalion's numbers.

"Fourth Battalion!" Orrin cried, waving Narnia's banner, "We are breaking up! Centaurs and leopard join me! Infantry and archers, continue your retreat! Mr. Beaver, you will lead the retreating forces. Those of us with speed will ride back to meet their horsemen and cut them down. We will give you as much time as we can. Their horseman are the only ones who can catch us. Our odds are better to stop them so their infantry cannot catch the rest of you. With any luck, we shall return to you."

"You can't expect us to separate. If you fight them, we all fight them!" Mr. Beaver protested.

"Trust me, Mr. Beaver." Orrin said as he handed Mr. Beaver a scroll, "Continue marching along this pathway. It will be a difficult march, but it gives you the best chance of evading them, they would dare not lead an army so large, into such difficult terrain. We will buy you as much time as we can possibly muster, and hopefully draw them away from you. With any luck, I shall you see you again, Mr. Beaver!"

Orrin nodded at the disgruntled beaver before he rode away, quickly joined by the fastest in the battalion. The rest were forced to watch and continue retreating north. Mr. Beaver in particular shook his head in frustration. He knew Prince Orrin was making a decision that would benefit the greater good, and yet he did not enjoy being made to retreat while others would die on his behalf. He hoped beyond hope, that somehow, they would all survive this.

IN TIMES OF NEED

"In times of need, we stand together." King Lune of Archenland said as Susan stood before him, "Archenland pledges loyalty to your cause."

Susan breathed a sigh of relief as she stood in the throne room of Castle Anvard. She always believed Archenland would join Narnia, but she did assumed nothing. However, she had been quickly reassured upon her arrival that her request would be considered with great favor. Thankfully, King Lune had pledged his allegiance, and Susan smiled in gratitude.

"Thank you, King Lune." Susan said with a gracious bow, "Narnia is grateful for your support and loyalty."

"Queen Susan! I bring urgent news!"

The voice that called was familiar, and Susan recognized it as a gryphon. She turned to see it was none other than Roan, perched on the balcony of the throne room.

"Speak freely unless your news is for Queen Susan's ears only." King Lune said, motioning for Roan to enter.

Roan did so with a dutiful bow. He was clearly agitated and tired, yet he carried himself with a proud stature. Susan greeted the loyal gryphon with a warm smile, before he spoke;

"The Fourth Battalion has fallen, Queen Susan." Roan said with a grave voice, "Queen Lucy sent me back to find them so our forces could meet them, but I found only the bloody remains of battle."

"I don't understand. I thought the fourth battalion were escorting Queen Lucy?"

"They were, until Queen Lucy was betrayed in Tashbaan. Calormen has declared war on Narnia. They are marching this way with two armies. One that is headed here to Anvard, and another which travels by sea to Narnia."

"Calormen has declared war?" Susan said to the horror of King Lune, "They are marching this way now?"

"They are, Majesty." replied Roan.

"Calormen could never be trusted!" King Lune bellowed, "If it is a war they seek, it is war they shall find."

"Queen Susan, there is … something else you must know." said a heavy hearted Roan, "I'm afraid … I have some terrible news."

"How can it possibly get any worse?" Susan said in frustration, "We wait for war to march on us from the north, only to find it greets us from the south as well. And now we have lost a battalion. This is absolutely dreadful. What news have you to add that could make it any worse?"

"Prince Orrin was leading the battalion."

The words did not quite hit Susan immediately. They seemed to play out in slow motion, and it took her some time to digest the immensity of them. She felt tears stinging her eyes, and the desire to scream was fierce. Somehow, she managed to compose herself and managed to speak without screaming in anguish, yet her tears did not abate.

"But I left him at Cair Paravel." Susan stammered, "What was he doing in Calormen?"

"He learned of the Calormen's deception from the satyr. I flew him to Tashbaan to save Queen Lucy. He sent her back with me to Cair Paravel and attempted to lead the fourth battalion to safety."

Susan bit her lip as bitter tears streamed down her face. She held herself rigid, as if it were the only way to compose herself. Why did her husband insist on being such a hero? Then she remembered it was one of the reasons she loved him. She found his selfless nature to be completely endearing, and yet she feared that one day it would be his undoing.

"That's my husband." Susan cried, "Always the hero. But until I see his body, he will not be dead to me. I refuse to believe it. I will not believe it. I will not."

"I'm sorry, Majesty." Roan said with a regretful bow.

"Queen Susan, perhaps you should return with your own army to Narnia." King Lune said as he placed a comforting hand on Susan's shoulder, "The Calormen will be upon us soon."

"They will be here soon." said a bitter Susan, "And I will be waiting, as will my army. The Calormen have declared war on us all. They shall regret it."

RETURN OF THE KINGS

The Salis Reas returned to Cair Paravel safely, greeted by warm skies and a gentle wind. Peter was anxious to feel dry land beneath his feet. When he arrived on shore, he waited anxiously for the Dusk Raider to dock. Though Cair Paravel greeted its two kings with the usual pomp and ceremony, there was a somber air in the capital of Narnia.

Peter waited patiently for Edmund to join him, while the rest of his entourage proceeded into the city. When the younger king reached shore, he was still in his armor, but he had cleaned and presented himself for the return to Narnia. Peter extended his hand to Edmund, even though the air between them was not overly conciliatory. Edmund still wore a look of disappointment on his face, but took Peter's hand regardless.

Peter ran his free hand along Edmund's face, before he leaned forward and kissed him. Their lips grazed one another for a brief instant, with Peter lingering on Edmund's lower lip. When he pulled away, the indifference in Edmund's eyes had washed away, replaced by a small smile.

"Are we alright, Doubt-bucket?"

"Yes, Peter." sighed Edmund, "We're fine. I sometimes forget my place. I am not the free Rogue Warrior anymore. I am King Edmund, which means I must follow you. Forgive me for … challenging you. I only wished to help."

"I know." Peter said as he hugged Edmund, "I know. Please trust me. I do not wish to send you into danger until I know it is absolutely necessary. For the sake of Narnia, we must be certain we put our resources in the right places. We still have an army from the north to expect, remember?"

"And that is why you are high king. Because you make the right decisions, while I make the rash ones. Forgive me."

"Enough, Ed. Please." insisted Peter.

Peter smothered Edmund's face with kisses until he settled on the younger king's lips. They kissed with much more fervor than before. Peter's tongue sought out Edmund's and soon they made out as if it were their wedding night. It had not been Peter's intention to engage in such a public display of passion, as he simply wanted to kiss Edmund's doubt away. As was constantly the case between them however, he found his attraction and desire for his husband quickly escalated a well meaning kiss to anything but.

"Ok." Peter gasped, finally pulling away, "We better go and see what we've missed the last few months."

"Yes." blushed a grinning Edmund, "Lest you decide to have your way with me right here on this beach."

"Do not give me any ideas, my love."

Peter smiled and clasped Edmund's hand in his. The two kings made the long trek to Cair Paravel, constantly being greeted and cheered like some returning heroes. Peter couldn't help but notice a strange air of anxiety in the city. Something he did not understand fully until he reached the throne room where Lucy greeted both he and Edmund with a crushing hug.

"Peter! Thank goodness you're home!" cried a relieved Lucy, "Peter, it's all gone horribly wrong. Horribly wrong."

"It's alright, Lucy. We're home now. Tell me what's going on?"

"I don't know where to begin, Peter. Oreius, could you please tell Peter what's going on?"

Oreius nodded as he joined Peter, Edmund and Lucy on their way to the cartography room. Peter had the terrible sensation that things were going to get a lot worse than discovering the Lone Islands had pledged allegiance to him. When they arrived in the cartography room, Peter realized just how much he had underestimated the war that Edmund warned of. Even then, Peter had not underestimated the importance of the war, he had merely underestimated the nature and scope of it.

The cartography room had become a war room with a huge map of the world covering an entire wall. Nations were in three colors, which Peter quickly surmised represented their allegiance or neutrality. He could see now that there were far more nations involved than just the Lone Islands.

"Oreius … why weren't we sent for earlier?" Peter gasped, "Quickly, tell me what is happening."

"I will start from the beginning. On your wedding day an assassination attempt was made on King Edmund. This attempt was thwarted by Prince Orrin and the Order of Justice. The attempt was kept secret under Queen Susan's orders so your wedding day and honeymoon would not be disturbed. The assassin is a fallen satyr named Garlo."

"Garlo?" Edmund said in horror, "Garlo serves him? Garlo is fallen?"

"Do you know him, King Edmund?"

"On my adventures with Aslan, he is the one Aslan asked to teach me in the ways of combat without weapons. He serves Aslan. I did not even know he was dead."

"The Order of Justice has learned that Garlo was killed intentionally, so that he could be taken to Salei Barion and forced to serve as part of his fallen army. However, Prince Orrin was able to garner information from the satyr that saved Queen Lucy's life. The satyr was able to inform Prince Orrin that he had allies. This war has already begun, my kings. Our allies are Archenland and a few tribes of giants in the north. Our enemies are greater. Calormen, Ettinsmoor, The Lone Islands. The Seven Isles so far we believe, are neutral. The wildlands have not declared allegiance to anyone, but there are many in the north who would join him, the one who is many."

"Terebinthia and Galma have pledged their loyalty to us." Peter said with intent concentration, "This is not good, Oreius. This is not good at all. How can we fight a war on so many fronts?"

"The Calormen have a large army marching on Archenland as we speak. Queen Susan is there with the Southern Regiment. She is marching with King Lune to battle the Calormen. We have sent reinforcements, but I am afraid we have had to keep some back. The Calormen have sent another army via sea, to bypass Archenland and march directly on Narnia. Our scouts have reported a large naval armada coming from the Lone Islands in the east." Oreius said as he pointed out the locations on the wall map, "And as of this morning, word arrived from our outpost in the far north. He has emerged with his army, and is marching as we speak. The war has well and truly begun, King Peter."

"By the stars …" Peter said as if he were about to pass out, "This is too much. Do we have any idea how large an army we will face in the north?"

"Hundreds of thousands, at least. Both living and fallen."

Peter took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He tried to absorb everything that Oreius had just told him. He felt his chest clench up in anxiety. Narnia had faced many threats before, but never one so great and encompassing as this. A war that would consume the world and threaten Narnia from all sides. How could such a war be won? What would the cost be? Could victory be realized against such overwhelming odds? Could he save Narnia?

"War is upon us. Enemies come from all sides, Sire." Oreius said with concern, "What are your orders?"

- TO BE CONTINUED -

The nations of the world have chosen their allegiances, and now the war has truly begun. Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy, are dvided asthe defense of Narnia begins in earnest. Susan leads the battle against the Calormen in the south, with the help of Archenland. Peter and Oreius lead Narnia's largest army north to battle 'him', in the wildlands. Edmund takes to the eastern seas to battle the coming navy from the Lone Islands and Calormen. Lucy and Mr. Tumnusremain in Cair Paravel. The darkest days of Narnia are about to begin.


A/N: Peter and Edmund kicked ass against an enemy who didn't really want to fight them. Orrin kicked ass and saved Lucy, but has the last Shian fought his final battle? Susan sure doesn't hope so, and you can be sure she's going to get 'gentle' on some Calormen. This is where the proverbial shit hits the fan. We're hitting the 'oh shit' end of the volume, so hold on tight because it's going to be a pretty angsty ride! Just and Magnificent is about to end with the greatest war in Narnian history. I hope. lol. Remember, even though much has been made about the 'ending' of this story already, the fates are open until it's written, so assume nothing and expect errmmm something? Being the last volume, I've tried to include each of the pevensies in major arcs of the story. I sure hope you're enjoying this volume and this story. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and given feedback and for reading this far.