JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Volume 3: The Price We Pay For Love
3.7:Vengeance Reigns- 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 prepares to defend Cair Paravel. Edmund leads the battle at Galma to defend the Eastern Seas. Orrin exacts a terrible vengeance upon Rabadash that will change the course of the war between Calormen and Narnia. Peter meets Lejious in battle. Part Two of Two.
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!
JUST AND MAGNIFICENT 3.7 – WHEN ONE IS MANY, VENGEANCE REIGNS, Part 2
A VALIANT PREPARATION
Lucy found herself once again in the unenviable position of assuming rule of Narnia in the absence of her siblings. She was surrounded by competent and capable friends who made her tenure that much more bearable. From the ever present and loyal Mr. Tumnus to the indelible General Lero and the relieving maternal Mrs. Beaver. Without such friends, Lucy would've found herself feeling far more fragile. She worried desperately for Susan's welfare, but she had faith that Orrin would bring Susan back.
Lucy had asked Orrin to take a larger force with him, but he insisted that only himself and Mr. Beaver would take part in the mission. As Lucy did not believe she had enough experience to make a call in such matters, she deferred to Orrin's better judgment. She was still however in the fearsome position of overseeing the defense of Narnia with the Calormen Army preparing to invade by sea. Orrin had been given the task of leading the defense, but with him missing in action to rescue Susan, Lucy had no choice but to oversee it herself.
"Queen Lucy, I have reassembled the Southern Armies and the Archenland delegation. We stand ready to march on your order."
"Very well. I will join you presently, General Lero." Lucy said with a small smile.
Though battle was a horrid affair, she was ready to do her part. She did not fancy herself gentle like Susan, but she had a valiant heart and would use it to serve her Narnia. Anxiously, she began the march through the castle toward the entourage that awaited her. Though she had a strong belief that Narnia would endure, she hoped beyond hope that somehow this battle would not take place. She would do her best, but she doubted whether she had the ability to be useful in this capacity. Her presence was more to support those who would fight in her name, and the name of her siblings and Aslan. She hoped it would be enough.
THE DEFENSE OF GALMA IS THE DEFENSE OF NARNIA
Edmund stood on the easternmost and highest cliff face on the large island of Galma. He was flanked at either side by hundreds of gryphon. Gryphon who were constantly flying back and forth from the island to reload themselves with huge boulders and all manner of projectiles.
The sea was once again a battlefield, and so was the island of Galma. Thousands of Lone Island ships littered the sea, with Edmund's broken armada their only opposition. Yet Edmund had successfully managed to draw the Lone Islanders into the eastern side of Galma where he could oversee the battle from his vantage point. He would survey the position of key enemy ships and command his fleets accordingly with a series of flag gestures from his lieutenants who stood to his left and right.
Smoke filled the air as many of Edmund's fleet were sent to a watery grave under the bombardier attacks of the Lone Islanders. The battle had raged on for days, with only brief respites forced by uneven weather. It was as if the very skies dueled as much as the ships beneath them.
"They're breaking our eastern flanks. Gryphon wings Flion, turn your attention to protect our eastern flanks!" yelled Edmund, before a mass of gryphon launched into the air to fulfill his command, "Wings Faerie and Capegio, combine your numbers and devastate their lead ships! Force them to scatter beneath your assault and allow our fleets to strike!"
Another mass of gryphon launched into the air with fearsome cries. Edmund's adrenaline ran high as he watched the gryphon fill the sky and attack their targets. Yet he could not linger on them for too long, for he still had a defense to orchestrate. Many of the Lone Islanders transport ships had managed to unleash their infantry onto the island of Galma, yet they were met by fierce resistance. Edmund was doing his best to coordinate his fleet attacks to prevent any more of the enemy from making land.
"Signal the Rear Guard to advance and pincer their frigates escorting their transports!" ordered Edmund, before a series of flags went up beside him, "Circle around them if you have to! We must hold Galma!"
All the while this fear inspiring battle was taking place on sea and land, the evacuation of the Galma civilians and Terebinthian refugees was well under way. Though Edmund had no intention of letting Galma fall, the dukes of both Galma and Terebinthia had requested the civilians be evacuated to Narnia. As brave and hopeful as Edmund was for this battle, he believed it was a wise move against such awesome odds.
"King Edmund! Captains Kirb and Lamine send word that the last of the evacuation transports have set sail on the western harbor for Narnia!" yelled Brask the fox.
"Very well, Brask. Thank you."
As the battle waged on, the Lone Island Bombardiers came within striking distance of land. Edmund found his command post a prime target of the ships. It was a sure sign that the tide of battle was well against them. Though the gryphon were proving a boon in aid of Edmund's overwhelmed fleet of ships, they were nevertheless unable to turn the tide in the lion's favor.
The sight of so many of his ships being laid to waste was heartbreaking for Edmund and tears of anguish filled his eyes. He could not block the image of the loyal who had given their lives and vanished beneath the sea. From his outlook he could see thousands floating in the water, and though the gryphon would swoop down to rescue as many as they could, there were just as many who could not be saved.
He could also hear the cries of battle on land as more and more Lone Island Infantry managed to infiltrate land. His worst fears were being realized. He was failing to defend Galma and the Eastern Seas. If Galma fell, there was nothing left to prevent Narnia from being invaded next.
"King Edmund! The Lone Islands Infantry have taken the main city and the Duke is seeking permission to surrender Galma and fall back to Narnia."
"What?" gasped Edmund, "They've taken the capital?"
"They have, Sire."
As Edmund looked out over the battlefield of the sea and heard the cries of battle on land behind him, he drew his sword. He could see his fleet that had already been shattered by a defeat before this battle, was about to suffer another one. Though they would fight till the death if he asked them to, he could sense the inevitability of defeat. Nothing would be gained from fighting this battle to the last man. Galma was lost.
With an angry cry, Edmund thrust his sword through the flagpole that carried the Narnian and Galma flags. The sight of the flags falling would be the signal that defeat was theirs. The battle was lost.
"Signal the retreat." said a devastated Edmund, "Inform all able ships to fall back to Narnia. Summon the Duke to me. Gryphon wings will hold here until the last of our ships and soldiers have retreated. I will not retreat until the last of ours have."
Though retreat had been ordered, Edmund held his sword aloft and prepared to join the battle on land. Before Galma was to fall, he would be certain that the Lone Islanders would pay for their victory with their blood.
SUFFER THE GENTLE
"I told you I would have you, Queen Susan."
Susan's groggy eyes fluttered open, with a dull ache pounding in her head. She found herself bound to a bed with her wrists tied above her head. Her legs were bound to the end posts and her clothes were not as she last remembered.
She could remember broken images of the past few days. She knew she had been kidnapped by the Calormen and taken aboard their ships. She had glimpsed their fleet of transport ships that carried their army that would invade Narnia. She took solace in the fact that she could not be too far from Narnia as the Calormen Army were readying their invasion.
Susan scowled in horror as Rabadash sat down beside her with a lustful glint in his eye. She struggled as he dared to run his hand along her shin. The more she struggled, the more a smirk would widen across his face.
"Take your hands off me!" Susan yelled, as his hand continued to linger on her skin, "Get away from me, you foul filth!"
Rabadash leaned down and dared to breathe in Susan's scent. He lavished her cheek with his tongue, as she cried bitter and furious tears. As he dared to turn his lips closer to hers, she thrust her head up and bit him so hard she drew blood. Rabadash pulled away with a scream of pain, before he back handed Susan across the face.
"We will be married under Calormene law and then I will have my way with you, whether you like it or not. You will have my child and I will have Narnia by right, as well as force."
"I will not!" Susan spat as she still smarted from Rabadash's blow, "I am already with child! And it sure as hell isn't yours!"
"I see that already. That is most unfortunate …"
TO SAVE HIS PROMISED ONE, TO SAVE THEIR FUTURE
Beneath the ships of Calormen and her army, under the swift lead of mermaids, Orrin and Mr. Beaver made their daring rescue attempt. They had swum deep beneath the sea with the mermaids filtering breath to Orrin as necessary. Mr. Beaver was far more capable underwater than Orrin, but the Shian Prince did his best not to slow up the trip.
Though many plans for rescue had entered his mind, with force of numbers being Lucy's preferred option, Orrin had instead chosen for stealthy infiltration. It had been a surreal experience for the Shian, being led underwater for so long with the mermaids. It was not unlike being introduced to a new world. A world that was both fascinating and frightening at once. The deep dark depths of the sea provided adequate cover to slip right beneath the Calormen ships and straight to the Tisroc's ship. It was here he'd been reliably informed by a robin that Susan was being held.
As he emerged from the water with his first gasp of air in what seemed an age, Orrin lifted Mr. Beaver onto the anchor chain. Under cover of night, Orrin bid the mermaids his thanks and followed Mr. Beaver up the chain. The nature of the infiltration meant his traditional armor could not be worn. Instead, he wore simple cloth garments, with little to no weapons. His armor and weapons had been sealed in an airtight bag that was strapped to his back.
When they finally reached the deck, Orrin's bare feet padded along behind Mr. Beaver. They moved in shadow until they found a position near the mast where Orrin could change into his armor. He ripped off his sagging wet shirt, but did not adorn his armor. The noise of the clanging chain mail against chest plates was drawing attention. Instead, he drew his two swords from the bag and decided to proceed without his armor.
"Are you sure?" Mr. Beaver whispered, "There's a lot of them between us and Queen Susan."
"I am certain." Orrin said as only thin cloth shorts adorned his body, "Quickly, Mr. Beaver. Let us proceed."
Mr. Beaver led the way while Orrin padded quietly behind him. As they reached the main passage to the heart of the ship, Mr. Beaver ran ahead in search of Susan. For a few tense moments, Orrin waited anxiously for his loyal companion to return and feared for the beaver's safety.
"Found her!" exclaimed Mr. Beaver as he popped back into sight, "There's about six of those blighters between us and her. Think you can manage?"
Orrin nodded and quickly followed behind the beaver. As they reached the innards of the ship, he found that most of the inhabitants were asleep. Yet the many guards on duty were something he would inevitably have to deal with. Finally, they reached a point where they would no longer be able to use stealth alone. Two guards stood watch at the passage that led to the royal housing inside the ship. As he knew both the new Tisroc and Prince Rabadash was on board, Orrin was tempted to try and kill them both before he left the ship. For he knew that both the Tisroc and Prince Rabadash were behind Susan's abduction. Yet as much as he fancied vengeance, his main focus was on Susan and his unborn child.
Before the guards knew what was happening, Orrin emerged from the shadows, a chiseled physique of muscle guiding his two swords. Before the guards could even scream or draw their weapons, they were dead on the ground. Mr. Beaver did his best to drag them into the shadows as Orrin proceeded down the passage and closer to Susan.
Though he expected to find four guards, there were indeed six. Though he was confident in his own ability, he wasn't certain he could dispatch them all without either of them raising the alarm for help. He ran with his swords drawn, his bare feet making little noise. As he reached the end of the passage he kicked off the wall and hurled himself into the air and landed behind two of the guards. With a deadly slice, they were cut in half.
The last four guards were on him and he met them with both his swords. These guards were much more able than he had hoped, and surrounded him quickly. Before he realized what was happening, Mr. Beaver leaped out of nowhere and clawed at one of the guards. It was enough of a distraction for Orrin to capitalize and he ran his swords through the same guard.
As Mr. Beaver provided distraction, Orrin made short work of two more guards, though the last proved much more problematic. As Orrin had dispatched the previous two guards, the last guard had successfully slashed at Orrin's bare back. Though the Shian grimaced in pain, he did not falter. He turned his attention to the last guard, but unfortunately could not stop him before he rang the bells of alarm. He did however; stop him in the end with one well aimed strike that pierced the guard's heart.
Orrin burst into the adjoining room to find Susan tied to the bed. Her face was bruised and he could see she'd been subject to Rabadash's cruel hospitality. He did his very best to quell his anger before he realized there were two more guards inside the room. The sight of his tortured wife drew anger from deep within him. As the guards came at him with their scimitars drawn, he threw both his swords at them and sent them flying backwards only to be impaled against the wall.
"Orrin …" Susan cried as she sensed his presence, "Orrin?"
"It is alright, Promised One." said a tearful Orrin, "We have come for you. You are safe."
"Orrin …" Susan cried with tears that would not quit, "Orrin …"
"What is it, my gentle love?"
A clearly upset Orrin quickly removed Susan from her bounds and lifted her into his arms. He paused to place the sweetest kiss of relief upon her temple. Mr. Beaver motioned for them to hurry before more guards came. As he ran along the passage with Susan in his arms, she continued moaning and crying incoherently. By the lion's grace they made it to the deck without interruption. As they made their way to the anchor chain, Orrin looked down to see the mermaids waiting for them.
"We are safe, Susan. Everything will be fine. I will not fail you again."
"Orrin …" Susan cried again, sobs racking her, "Orrin …"
"What is it?"
"Our baby …"
Though Orrin tried to focus himself on Susan's words, he was too busy trying to carry her down the chain link. She barely had enough strength to hold onto his back as they made a rapid descent toward the ocean. Yet when they reached the safety of the sea, with mermaids waiting anxiously to rush them to safety, Orrin quickly realized the depth of despair in Susan's eyes.
"The baby …"
"The baby will be fine." reassured Orrin, "We must go."
"Our baby is gone, Orrin. I'm so sorry. He hurt me. I couldn't stop him. I tried … I tried …"
Though Susan continued to sob with broken words and pleas of forgiveness, Orrin could hear none of it. His mind was awash in what she had initially told him. Because of Rabadash's cruelty, Susan had lost the baby? Orrin could not believe it. He refused to believe it. Yet Susan's shattered state and her desperate cries were bitter confirmation. His body tensed with both disbelief and utter rage at both his wife's mistreatment and the loss of their child.
Without saying a word, Orrin handed Susan over to the mermaids. Though Susan was still upset, she realized that she had been separated from her husband. As Orrin held onto the chain link, she looked back at him with utter fear in her eyes.
"Orrin?" Susan cried, "Orrin, what are you doing?"
Orrin did not answer Susan. As she hovered in the water with the mermaids waiting for Orrin's command to depart, her eyes pleaded with him not to leave her. Though he hated defying her, the Shian in him could not let such a grave crime go without answer.
"Mr. Beaver, please continue without me." said an Orrin who could barely contain his anguish.
"Wait a minute, what are you doing?" asked a flabbergasted Mr. Beaver, "We're home free! What are we waiting for?"
"Orrin?" gasped Susan, "Orrin please!"
"Forgive me, Susan." cried an unusually emotional Orrin, "Forgive me for failing you and our child. Please forgive me, Promised One."
"No, Orrin!" yelled Susan, "No!"
"Take her!" Orrin yelled, before the mermaids pulled a struggling Susan and Mr. Beaver beneath the surface.
VENGEANCE REIGNS
Deep within the confines of his ship, Prince Rabadash was furious with news that Susan had been rescued. He stood before his father the Tisroc, demanding permission to begin the invasion of Narnia in retaliation. The new Tisroc was almost a spitting image of the last one, with the same cruel smile and deceptive veneer.
"You should have kept a better watch over your prize, Rabadash." taunted the Tisroc, "We will wait for the morning to begin dispatching our armies to land. In the meantime, entertain yourself with Prince Lash's execution. You should've killed him long ago, Rabadash. If anyone were to discover he still lived, they might contest my claim to be Tisroc."
With a cruel smile, Rabadash signaled for Prince Lash to be brought before him. The young Prince was dragged in by a chain around his neck, with only eight of the Tash Elite to bare witness to his existence. Lash was bound by the arms and his body mottled with bruises and whipping scars. Though his father was a despot, Lash was the complete opposite. He had opposed the war vocally and upon learning of his father's death, was anxious to take his place as the rightful Tisroc. However, Rabadash had falsified evidence of Lash's death, and instead imprisoned him to be his tortured slave whenever he saw fit.
"Your suffering ends today, Lash. I have anger that needs an outlet for my future wife has been temporarily taken from my grasp."
Lash fell back in agony as Rabadash smashed his fist into the young prince's head. He followed this up with a steady onslaught of punishing kicks that shattered Lash's ribs. Rabadash exacted his sadistic anger on the helpless young prince while the Tisroc and the Tash Elite watched on.
Rabadash was distracted by the sound of commotion outside the chamber doors. The sound of swords clashing mixed with the sound of death cries. He interrupted his beating of Lash, but not before kicking the prince stiffly in the back. Lash cried out and struggled to crawl away before the chamber doors burst open.
At the open doors stood the bloodied half naked frame of Prince Orrin, once again the last of the Shian. With a steely look of rage, Orrin stepped into the room, pausing only to throw down a dead soldier who lingered on his sword.
"We meet again, Son of Shian." Rabadash taunted, "How is my future wife?"
Orrin did not dignify Rabadash with a response, such was the intensity of his rage. Instead he stepped forward as Tash Elite circled him. Rabadash glared at Orrin, but the Shian's deadly intent caused the Calormene Prince to gulp nervously.
"Kill him!" yelled Rabadash.
The Tash Elite drew their scimitars and rushed Orrin. The Shian Prince stood defiantly, his simmering anger fixing him to the ground as Tash Elite surrounded him. Orrin met their attacks without taking his eyes from Rabadash. He let out an angry growl as he used his two long swords to devastating effect against eight scimitars.
Like a well tuned dance, the clash of sword and scimitar played out with the Tash Elite being unable to pin Orrin down. Though he avoided most of their strikes, Orrin's lack of armor was evident in the many slight slash marks that covered his back and chest.
Rabadash growled with anticipation, "Finish him!"
"Finish this!" yelled Orrin as he spun around with both swords cutting a deadly circle.
To Rabadash's great horror, four of his Tash Elite lay dead on the ground, with two more wounded. He screamed out as Orrin threw one of his swords through the air at him. He just barely ducked in time before the sword flew past his head. As he breathed a sigh in relief, he turned around and realized the sword had missed him, but went straight through his father's head.
"And you thought I missed." Orrin spat with venom in his voice, "I'm just saving you for last."
Running toward Rabadash, Orrin hand sprung off his free hand and landed in front of him. He forced Rabadash into the duel as the last four Tash Elite came at him. He jumped in and around the four Tash Elite, with only one sword to aid him. He rolled to the ground and swung his sword out, cutting two of the Tash Elite down by the legs. As he rolled up, he ran at a nearby column and kicked back off it. The last two Tash Elite managed to dodge his airborne attack. As he landed on the ground, Orrin's last sword was knocked out by an ambushing Rabadash.
The last two Tash Elite came at Orrin with their scimitars. With no weapon or armor, Orrin was forced to evade them with his speed and agility. Seeing the smug look on Rabadash's face reminded Orrin of just why he was here and resurfaced the utter rage within him. Just as the two Tash Elite came at him with their scimitars, Orrin surprised them by stepping forward instead of back. Quick as lightning, he chopped his hands at their throats with enough force to shatter their windpipe. Before they could grasp their necks, he thrust his elbows as both their noses and they fell crumpled to the floor.
With the last of the Tash Elite dead, Orrin slowly raised his eyes to meet Rabadash's. Rabadash dropped his sword and slowly stepped backwards as he surveyed the carnage around him. Orrin stepped slowly toward him, rage fueling his eyes as his fists clenched in anger. Besides Orrin, only Prince Lash and Rabadash now lived.
"I am unarmed!" Rabadash pleaded as he stepped backwards, "You wouldn't kill an unarmed man, would you?"
"My wife was unarmed. Our child was unarmed." Orrin said with heavy breaths as he slowly drew closer to his prey, "Yet you saw fit to lay your hands on them!"
"I beg your mercy!"
Orrin stopped to pick up one of his swords and a scimitar. As Rabadash stepped back in fear, Orrin tossed the scimitar at him. Instinctively, Rabadash grabbed the scimitar before he realized what a mistake it was.
"You're armed now."
Those were the last words Rabadash heard before Orrin lunged at him. Though he staged an able defense, he was powerless against a raging Shian. In three deft steps, Rabadash lost his sword, his arms, and finally his head.
As Orrin stood over a dead Rabadash, he finally breathed out his anguish. Tears of shame and grief began streaming down his face. He let out an angry cry at the air and shuddered as the wounds he'd denied began bearing down on his body. He was shaken from his grief by the sound of Prince Lash moaning in pain.
Still driven with anger, Orrin stepped toward Lash with his sword ready to run through the young prince. Orrin found himself breathing hard as the young Calormene cowered in fear. He soon gained control of his rage and brought his sword crashing down on the chains that bound Lash.
The room was suddenly rushed with regular soldiers who quickly charged at Orrin. Orrin readied his sword, prepared to go down with a fight now that his goal had been accomplished. The soldiers were stopped by a cry from Lash;
"Stop! Leave him be!"
The soldiers soon realized who they were looking at. Prince Lash, the true heir to be Tisroc, whom they believed was dead. He stood painfully to his feet and turned to Orrin with surprising dignity.
"You have killed the true enemies of Calormen and perhaps earned yourself some justice in the process."
"I did not come for justice." Orrin said with cold eyes, "I came for vengeance. I came for rage. I came for nothing noble except to see life fade from the eyes of those who sought to harm my Susan. If you truly believe I have slain your enemy, then perhaps you will see fit to end this war with Narnia."
"As rightful Tisroc, I will declare hostilities with Narnia ended." said Lash, "There is much work to be done in Tashbaan. Much rebuilding. I thank you for saving me and I hope, my empire. I will have a formal declaration written up for you to take back to Cair Paravel with an offering of my sincere apologies. Perhaps when I have tended to business in Tashbaan, we can begin rebuilding relations between our people."
A LOVE THAT HEALS
On the eastern shores of Narnia, Edmund stared out at the ocean. He had failed to defend the eastern seas. Terebinthia and Galma had both fallen. Thousands upon thousands had lost their lives in battles that he commanded. His guilt was equaled only by his grief. Now he would have to prepare Narnia for the invasion that would come.
He took solace in the fact that most of the civilian populations of Terebinthia and Galma had been safely evacuated to Narnia. As long as Narnia stood strong against their enemies, there was hope for all. Yet try as he might to rid himself of his guilt, his defeated tears would not leave him.
His return to Cair Paravel had not been triumphant at all. To make matters infinitely worse, he learned that Susan had been kidnapped though she was safely home now thanks to her husband and Mr. Beaver. Unfortunately, she had lost her baby, just as Edmund feared would possibly happen. The four siblings would never have children just as the seers had foretold. He could barely stand to see the grief in Susan's eyes. A grief compounded by the disappearance of her husband and his brother in law, Prince Orrin.
As he ventured back into the castle, where Lucy had returned from the base camp of her army, he spotted Susan standing on her balcony. Though her body was had healed somewhat after Lucy insisted her cordial be used, Susan's spirit was hollow. She stared up at the moon with an almost vacant resignation in her eyes. Edmund quickly made his way through the castle and up to Susan's chambers. He could not bear to see her like this.
"Su?" Edmund said softly as he entered her chambers.
He had comforted her many times since their reunion, but he knew he could not ease her pain. Though his love for her was pure and unyielding, it was not the love she needed to heal. He was not the man to tend her broken heart.
Edmund said no words and neither did Susan. Instead he held her as she breathed silently into his chest. He'd grown far taller than her in the last few years, but she would always be his big sister. She was the one who watched over he and Lucy, but right now she needed him to watch over her.
"If we had a girl, we would've named her Eris." Susan whispered with a hollow drawl, "Such a beautiful name."
"You can try again, Su. I'm sorry, I know that is a heartless thing to say right now."
"I understand, Edmund. I know what you meant. Thank you. But … I fear that this is exactly what the seers said would happen."
"This was not the seers or any prophecy." Edmund said as he looked Susan in the eye, "It was him. Him and his bloody servants. That bastard Rabadash and his wretched father. If it wasn't for them, none of this would have happened. But when this war is over, you will try again and you will have your child. Fates are what we make them, Su. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Peter told me that, and I believe them."
"Oh …" laughed Susan, surprising Edmund, "That reminds me. Peter Doubt-bucket. Orrin made a joke. He said if we had a boy we should call him Peter since you two will not have children of your own. And then he suggested Peter Doubt-bucket just so you wouldn't feel unloved by us. So we were thinking Peter Edmund. It sounds strange at first, but I think it would've been lovely."
"Oh, Su …" sighed Edmund, "I am so sorry. I'm so sorry."
"This isn't your fault. It's his fault. I hope Peter sends him back to the hell he came from. He took my baby …" Susan cried as tears filled her eyes.
Edmund was about to respond when he heard a strange assortment of cheers and serious voices coming from the throne room. He looked over Susan's balcony to the level below that contained the throne room. He could not make out the source of the disturbance and decided to investigate. Susan feigned a small smile at him before her eyes returned to the dark despair that looked up at the moon.
When he reached the passageway, he quickly realized what had taken place. It was none other than his lost brother in law, Orrin. Edmund wasn't sure whether to smile with relief or be somber with grief. In the end, he chose the middle ground. Yet as soon as Orrin realized Edmund was standing outside his and Susan's chambers, his eyes went wide with surprise. He approached Edmund with the typically formal poise that was expected from a Shian. Orrin immediately fell to one knee before Edmund and lowered his head.
"King Edmund, it has been a great deal of time. It is a privilege to see you again, Sire."
"Not now, Orrin." Edmund said in a surprisingly dismissive tone, "I appreciate your formality and respect, but really, I will not have it now. Stand up and greet me as a brother.
Orrin stood slowly to his feet, and Edmund quickly realized why the Shian chose to be so formal. It was merely a shield to mask his grief. His eyes would not meet Edmund's as the tears that fell from his cheeks were steady but silent.
Edmund greeted Orrin with a sincere hug and for the briefest moment, Orrin reciprocated the gesture. He even felt a shudder in the Shian's voice. Something Edmund had never been privy to, save for Eris's death. Edmund patted Orrin's back as the two continued to wordlessly express their condolences and their joy at seeing the other safe.
"It is good to see you, Orrin. I am sorry for your loss. I truly am."
"Thank you, Si… Edmund." Orrin said with a small nod, before he stepped back.
Orrin's shoulders were slack with informality which pleased Edmund. He had no desire to speak formally with Orrin, which was usually the case. He gave the Shian a few moments to compose himself before he spoke again.
"I think someone is very much in need of your presence, Orrin."
"I know." Orrin said with a guilty shake of his head, "I did not intend to take this long. I'm afraid I have committed a great crime."
"What?"
"In my grief at losing our child and seeing Susan's tortured body, I exacted the Shian right of vengeance. It is an old right that is redundant. And it is a right not worthy of Narnia. There was no justice in my actions. I killed many … simply to quell my rage and exact revenge. There was no honor. No justice. I have killed far too much in my lifetime, but I …"
"What happened?" asked a surprised Edmund, "Please tell me."
"I killed Rabadash. I killed the Tisroc. I killed their guards. I killed their Tash Elite. I killed them all. And all for rage." said a bitter Orrin, "It was not right. Guilty as they were, I … cannot excuse it. However, Prince Lash has been restored to his rightful place as Tisroc. Prince L… Tisroc Lash has ordered an end to hostilities. He is returning to Tashbaan to begin repairing his empire from within. He has however, pledged his forces that were intended to fight us. He has instructed them to help defend Narnia against the Lone Island invasion."
Edmund's eyes went wide with disbelief and hope, "Calormen has ended hostilities with Narnia? Their ships will aid ours?"
"Yes, Sire … I mean, yes, Edmund. I have also just handed the formal declaration over to Queen Lucy."
"Orrin, that is wonderful!"
"It is perhaps a … unique benefit of my actions. Nonetheless my actions were inexcusable. As a consequence of my behavior and dishonoring my name and that of my wife, and that of Narnia to whom I have pledge my allegiance, I formally renounce my title and position as Master Knight of the Order of Justice. And I apologize … profusely …" Orrin said with tears of shame and confusion in his eyes, "I apologize profusely for my actions and for shaming those who have showed so much faith in me."
"Orrin …" said Edmund sympathetically, "You need not punish yourself."
"I am no longer fit to serve on the Order of Justice or to carry the title of knight. I'm afraid my decision has been made. Please forgive me. And please excuse me. I must show my face to my wife and beg her forgiveness for failing her and our child."
Edmund's heart broke for his Shian brother in law. He watched on silently as a clearly devastated Orrin made his way into his chambers to greet his wife. Edmund could not help but stand and watch as Orrin began to sob as he stood at the doorway. He bowed ever so slightly to Susan with shame, apology and misplaced formality. The Shian waited for Susan to make some sort of movement to either accept him or admonish him.
No words were exchanged as Edmund watched on. The normally proud Shian seemed anything but as he and Susan embraced in a tear filled hug and he cried out. Edmund knew this was probably the first time they'd been able to begin dealing with their grief since Orrin had rescued Susan. Though he felt incredibly mournful for his Shian brother, he took comfort in the fact that he and Susan were together at least. Maybe now they could begin healing each other's wounds.
Finally their hug turned into a deep wordless exchange as Orrin raised Susan's eyes to meet his. Edmund smiled as the couple held each other and Orrin began placing sweet, gentle kisses on Susan's lips as if speaking an affirmation of his love for her. Susan shed her own tears with her husband, but Edmund knew somehow they would survive because they had each other.
Edmund quietly closed the door to Susan and Orrin's chambers, feeling rather emotional himself. He wished that he too could have what Susan and Orrin had right now. They had each other. As much as Edmund wanted to try and make his way north to Peter, he knew he could not. Susan had fulfilled her responsibilities to the south, but it was Edmund's responsibility to defend the east. He had failed, and therefore he could not leave until the Lone Islanders were repelled. Until then, he could only hope that Peter was faring better than he had.
Edmund found himself reaching for the note that Peter had given him. He made his way to their chambers and sat down on their bed. Though it had been a great many months since they'd last shared it together, Edmund could still see Peter lying on it. Perhaps even smiling up at him. That image brought steady tears to Edmund's eyes as he read Peter's note again. That one line in particular that emphasized Peter's love for him.
'I am, because you are.'
Edmund kissed the note and his tears fell across. He held it against his face, knowing that Peter himself had touched it. His heart ached for his Peter as he thought over the meaning of the note.
"Peter, we are because of each other." sobbed a lovesick Edmund, "I love you, Peter. I love you."
MEMOIRS OF A KING
On the eve of his impending battle with Lejious and his hitherto unstoppable army, Peter found himself taking solace in the quiet of night. The night air was like the calm before the storm that dawn would bring. His heart lingered with thoughts of far happier times than those the world endured now. War plagued all corners of the world, and finally he would play what potentially could be the most pivotal role. He had an opportunity to face and destroy Lejious, the one who is many. Yet tonight he thought nothing of war or battle. He took what could possibly be his last moments of solace should he fail and die in the coming battle.
His thoughts lingered to his sisters. He feared that Lucy would somehow lose her innocent smile in these dark times. He grieved for the niece or nephew he would never know, for he had learned of Susan's loss due to the now dead Prince Rabadash. His heart went out to her, as he couldn't possibly imagine her grief.
He thought of his loyal Narnian. He thought of the Beavers and Mr. Tumnus. He thought of all the creatures who made his life such a joy. He felt tears tinge his cheeks at the memory of grand balls, sipping tea and frolicking picnics that were positively heaven compared to today's dark days. How much he longed for his Narnia to return to a time without war.
Finally, his thoughts lingered to Edmund. Time had distanced them physically, but their love was as strong today as it had been the day they were married. Peter had almost lost count of the many months that had passed since they were joined in marriage. For him, it did not matter how long they were married, because their love could not be defined by time.
Once again he stared at the parchment drawing of his love and soul mate, King Edmund the Just. He traced the lines and closed his eyes, the memory of his husband's face etched into his mind. He opened his eyes and pulled a quill from his bag and a blank parchment sheet. He knew that the battle that awaited him could end his life. He did not wish to leave this world without leaving some kind of record of his life and what made him Peter.
He scrawled his name and began making random notes of thoughts that would pop into his head. Though he tried his best to be coherent, he found his thoughts to be rather mixed and surprisingly upbeat. For someone who faced possible death, Peter was surprisingly pragmatic.
'I have lived a wondrous and magical life. It is a life that I have been blessed to have had. My name is Peter Pevensie. On this eve before we brave and many Narnian prepare to fight for those we love. I take this opportunity to write down my last thoughts. I do not fear death. I fear failing in life. I have been given the awesome responsibility of High King of Narnia. I feared this duty was greater than my ability to fulfill it. I have made mistakes, but I believe my heart has always been true. I am grateful to have served my beloved Narnia. I ride gladly in her defense. My greatest hope is that somehow this battle will turn a tide and the golden days of my beloved country will return.
My crown is not for glory, but for love. Love of those I serve and who serve me in return. If anyone reads this and doubts their calling and lot in life, they need only ask themselves one thing. When they prepare for sleep at night, do they do so with a clear conscience and a restful heart? Do they find joy in the simply every day moments that fill their lives? Do they know love and give love in return? That is the greatest gift this world can offer. If you have this, you have more than you can possibly imagine.
To my Doubt-bucket. I do not wish to write you anything, for I believe I have said everything that could ever make you understand the depth of my love for you. I do however wish to tell you that I am not afraid. I have no regrets. I lived and loved, and I have been fortunate enough to be loved in return. I could ask for no greater gift. I am happy, Edmund. I truly am. It is because of this that I can lead our loyal into battle with no fear for my own fate. I will give my all, and I shall make you all proud.'
Peter continued on, feeling as though he could write an entire tome. He wondered if this was indeed a last rites or whether he would one day add to these thoughts. He signed his declaration and sealed it with his official stamp. With a content smile he put it aside and ventured out of his tent.
As he always had since the march began, he looked up at the stars above and smiled at the thought of his love. No matter what happened, he had loved and been loved in return. For him, come what may, that was enough.
"I love you, Doubt-bucket."
THE BATTLE BEGINS
Finally, after marching for what seemed an age since they'd last seen Narnia, Peter had finally led his army to their destination. Lejious, the one who is many, and the bane of the world, stood in the center of the battlefield with his awe inspiring army.
Never in his life had Peter seen such a sight. Hundreds of thousands, Peter believed it was an even great number than that. Though Peter had mustered the largest army in Narnian history, Lejious's army seemed infinitely larger. Many of Lejious's army were fallen, and they were the ones Peter feared most. In the past, he had a fallen army fight for him, the Fallen Army of Beruna in fact. An army led by the fallen king himself, Edmund the Just. That time however, the fallen army fought for Peter and proved a turning point in the war against Jadis and the nameless evil at Cair Paravel. This time, he fought against a fallen army. A fallen army who were fulfilling the long prophesied balance. One army fought for light, this army fought for darkness.
In a battlefield in the wildlands of the north, Peter's army were lined up and ready for battle. He scoured the distant sight of his enemies, wondering whether he had chosen the right strategy to face them. His main concern was Lejious. He believed if Lejious could be defeated then somehow the fallen army at least would break away, their bind to him undone.
"I warned you, Peter Pevensie." Lejious's voice said in Peter's mind, "You should have joined me when the offer was made. I warned you of the consequences and made true on my threats. Your sister's child, your husband's defense of Galma. Both were failures because you defied me. Now you will feel the force of my army and I will leave you with the knowledge that I will raze every town, house, and city in Narnia when I am done with you. This world will burn because of you."
Peter ignored the taunts of his powerful nemesis. He did not delude himself with notions of an easy victory, but he had enough faith in himself and those who followed him to know that victory was always possible. Their cause was just, their intentions noble. For Peter, that was half the battle won already.
"I have said myself that numbers do not win a battle." Oreius said with his typical stoicism, "Yet I believe today I would echo your sentiments in saying that they most certainly would help."
"They certainly would, Old friend. Once more unto the breach?"
"Come to me, Peter. I await you."
On behalf of his centaurs, fauns, satyrs, dryads, leopards, bears, giants, and all manner of talking and mystical creatures, Peter raised his sword high into the air. Against an equally assorted group of creatures, foul, mute, mystical, and talking alike, whose allegiance was to him, the one who is many, Peter raised his sword high into the air. In the name of Narnia, Aslan, and all who stood for virtue and freedom, Peter raised his sword high into the air. For the sake of love, Peter raised his sword high into the air. When Peter raised that sword high into the air, he did so with one clear purpose in mind.
Victory.
"For Narnia! For Aslan! For Freedom!"
- TO BE CONTINUED -
'Love Will Fall'
Orrin does his best to mend Susan's broken heart as Susan makes a surprising decision. Edmund prepares to defend Cair Paravel from the Lone Islanders. Peter meets Lejious in battle.
A/N: Pretty violent and full on chapter. Edmund took part in a battle that I wish I could see on a screen. But alas, all I do is write, so I do my best. Orrin went major badass in this episode for good reason. So one prophecy has been held up.No Sons of Adam or Daughters of Eve will bear children in Narnia. Susan lost her baby and Orrin got major badass on some really nasty Calormen. Very sad. However, his actions were somewhat unbecoming and therefore he has withdrawn from any official duties and place in Narnia. Edmund got some major ass whooping in Galma in a huge seat battle and now the Eastern Seas have been lost. Peter's battle is about to begin. I know this chapter and the recent chappies have been heavy on the Susan/Orrin, but pretty soon you'll see it's all for a reason and it serves/will servethe main storyline which as you all know is Peter/Edmund. But I think they've become something of their own story as well. Which is good. But yeah, expect the focus to shift back to Peter/Ed pretty dramatically and pretty soon. The final arc is about to begin. You'll know when this story is about to wrap up. And it isn't just yet. Either way, I hope you enjoy the story. Don't shoot me if the title for the next chapter changes. I'm still writing, so the whole Love Will Fall storyline might get pushed back one chapter. We'll see. Reviews make me feel good. If you enjoy the story, please review and tell me what you like! Thanks for reading.
