JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Volume 3: The Price We Pay For Love
3.11: Stand Against the Darkness
Most of Volume 3 of Just and Magnificent takes place in the 3-6 years 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: Preparation begins for the final battle to save the world and destroy Lejious. Rage rises from the sea.
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! Well actually, he's dead now so now I own no one! sniff All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis.
JUST AND MAGNIFICENT 3.11 – STAND AGAINST THE DARKNESS
NARNIA FALLS
"Majesty! I bring dire news! Queen Susan's Southern Alliance has fallen apart and they have lost their battle. Cair Paravel has been taken!" yelled Brask the fox as he approached Peter and Edmund's tent, "Queen Susan has fallen! Queen Susan is dead! Killed by him!"
The words hit both kings in different ways. Peter's was that of both disbelief for Susan's death, but also grave concern for his Narnia. His worst fears had come true. Cair Paravel had fallen. He truly did not expect Susan to lose her battle, let alone her life.
For Edmund, it was simply too much for him to bear. Though he felt an inkling of despair upon reading her letter, he did not expect that to represent an echo of her death. He could not believe she was truly dead. After everything she had been forced to endure, and then to lose her life to him no less. To lose her life to Lejious. It was simply not fair.
He could barely muster a response as the fox relayed details of her tragic death, witnessed by hundreds, if not thousands. All he could do was turn on his feet and march back into his tent without a word, and with a face that looked as if it would break should anyone dare speak another word to him.
"I'm sorry, King Peter." Brask repeated, "Queen Susan the Gentle is dead. Cair Paravel has fallen. Narnia is invaded."
Sitting alone in his tent, those words still haunted Peter. It had been a month since he heard them spoken by the loyal fox, Brask. A month since Susan's army fell, just as she had. Her death was met with morale that had sunken so low that Peter felt defeat before he began his own battle. A battle that never eventuated, for once Cair Paravel fell to the Lone Islanders, Lejious no longer seemed interested in confronting Peter in battle.
'I have conquered you. And I shall let you live so will continue to live in your failure.' Lejious would tease into Peter's mind each night.
For all intents and purposes, the fall of Cair Paravel was as much the fall of Narnia. It was the symbol which represented Narnia. Once it fell, it was almost as if the war was over.
Lejious's army marched east of Peter's, ignoring it completely and headed straight for the overrun Cair Paravel. Narnia had fallen without Peter having the opportunity to raise his sword in defense of it. Once Cair Paravel had fallen, it was as if Peter was no longer ruler of Narnia. The invasion had been successful. Narnia now served a new lord, the one who is many. Lejious.
Susan's death had passed without a funeral and only a memorial to honor her. A memorial that Edmund could not bring himself to speak at. Though he had received a note from Susan before her death, effectively making peace between them, it was little comfort for the sister he had lost.
No word had been received from Lucy, though Peter hoped she was far from Narnia. Narnia was no longer a safe haven. For these were the darkest days that Narnia had endured since Jadis ruled over the land in her hundred year winter. The onus was now on Peter to retake what had once been his. To retake Cair Paravel, retake Narnia, retake freedom.
STAND AGAINST THE DARKNESS
From the fords of Beruna, Peter plotted the attack on Cair Paravel. What survived of Susan's army had gathered and joined Peter's. It was just another reminder of the sister he lost. The sister he felt he failed. Each day both he and Edmund would look at each other as if to wonder why she had fallen. Her passion was sorely missed, as was her gentle grace.
Lejious taunted Peter's army on a daily basis, sending a messenger to remind him where Cair Paravel was. Such was the arrogance of Lejious that he let Peter's army gather and plan their strategy freely. Peter was more than happy to oblige and spent every day trying to formulate a plan to retake Narnia.
While Peter planned the army's strategy, Edmund continued to train for his inevitable confrontation with Lejious. A battle he would win or die fighting in. Susan's death at Lejious's hands served as motivation for Edmund and every day he spent training as the Rogue Warrior. To those who aided him in these efforts, he was nothing less than intimidating. His focus was unbreakable. His sole objective was to destroy the one who is many. To rid the world of his taint, his evil, his despair.
"You handle his army. I handle him." Edmund would say to Peter, leaving no room for compromise in his tone.
Though at first Peter tried to convince Edmund there must be another way, Edmund would not be swayed. Finally Peter began to believe that perhaps this was always how it was meant to end. Perhaps it was always meant to be Edmund who faced the one who is many. Where all others had failed, including himself, perhaps Edmund would succeed.
As Peter stood with Oreius and Edmund planning their strategy to march on Cair Paravel within the week, they were approached by Brask. He bowed to both Edmund and Peter before speaking;
"Majesties, more of his forces enter Narnia from the north. Giants and Ettin in numbers far greater than we have encountered. They pledge their loyalty to him. We also have word that King Lune is preparing a conditional surrender of Archenland. Tisroc Lash is being urged by his people to pledge allegiance to him."
"So …" Peter said with tight lipped anger, "He has done it. He has tamed the world."
"Do not let him tame us, Peter. As long as breathe, we fight." said Edmund, nodding firmly, "It's time."
"We do not yet have the numbers. King Lune does not send forces to aid us?" asked Peter in frustration, "Nor Tisroc Lash?"
"It appears not, Majesty. It seems to them this war is long over and we are but a rebellion. They consider Narnia a dominion of his."
Peter's anger was obvious as he slammed his fists down on the map table. His lips were tight with fury and his eyes glared with rage. How dare anyone think Narnia a dominion of his? It most certainly was not. As far as Peter was concerned this war wasn't over until either himself or Lejious was dead.
"Then we will win this war on our own."
RECOLLECTIONS OF A JOURNEY JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
There had been few moments of peace for the two kings since Narnia had fallen. Though they had the comfort of each other's arms each night, their dreams were nightmares. They would often lie apart, with minds filled with thoughts of their failings and fears. Minds drifting to fallen princes and shattered queens, broken hopes and distant dreams.
Peter dreamed of a kingdom he had failed to spare from invasion. A kingdom he would once again have to rise up and take back from the hands of darkness. Yet unlike his encounter with Jadis, he feared this battle would be even greater. He feared the costs of this war would be unlike any other he had ever known. With these thoughts in mind he would toss and turn, lying awake and trying to calm himself with the sight of his one true love, Edmund the Just.
Edmund dreamed of failed ventures into places beyond the veil. He dreamed of deceptive battles that had he been more aware, could he saved the world from this war. He dreamed of a dead race that was obliterated because of his failures. He dreamed of Princess Eris who died to save him. He dreamed of Prince Orrin who perhaps died because of him and to save his husband. He dreamed of Susan, who left him without ever being able to truly see just how much she meant to him and how he would give his own life to bring her back. He dreamed of him, the one who is many. He dreamed of vengeance.
Their failings had set them apart. Susan's death had driven a silent wedge of despair between them. Lucy's absence had fueled a sense of weariness between them. There seemed little light in which to show their love. Though there was no malice between them and no anger, they could not bring themselves to bask in their love. They had not made love since news of her death and Narnia's fall had reached them. Their seemed no justice in their pleasure when others were denied, so they did not partake of that which they were entitled by marriage. So they slept, together, and yet alone.
Until this night. This night that preceded the last week before the last stand would be made against the darkness. Peter was not so arrogant as to expect victory, and with that thought in mind he did not wish for him and his love to know such distance. Indeed to think of how much time had passed since Susan's death, he could not help but despair for the bonding time he had lost with his husband. He was certain if Susan was with them, she would not want them to fester their distance with grief for her.
"Ed …" Peter whispered, deciding that with the final battle imminent he could not stand for this silent drift between them, "Doubt-bucket?"
"What is it, Peter?" asked Edmund, still facing away from him but sending his hand back for comfort, "Can't sleep?"
"Will you come with me?"
"Is something wrong?" asked a bleary eyed Edmund, "It's the middle of the night."
"It's warm out tonight. Come sit under the stars with me."
"Peter …"
"Please, my love. Come with me." pleaded Peter, his hand brushing along Edmund's arm.
"First …" said Edmund as he rolled over and tapped his lip, "Kiss."
Peter obliged, leaning down and placing a tiny kiss upon Edmund's lips. When he pulled away, his husband smiled warmly up at him before sitting up. Peter wrapped a small sheet around his waist as Edmund did the same, so as to cover their modesty. Peter held out his hand which Edmund took before they walked out of their tent.
Their bare feet padded along the soft grass as they nodded to the few guards who stood sentry. The warm night breeze caressed their exposed chests. Peter led Edmund up a small grassy hill before sitting down himself and holding out his arms.
"Let me hold you, Love."
Edmund smiled and sat down in Peter's lap, back to chest with Peter's arms wrapping snugly around his waist. From this vantage point they could just barely see Cair Paravel and the sight sent both a hope and shiver through them. A hope they it would one day be theirs again and a fear of what might be taking place there at this very moment.
"Isn't it a wonderful night, Doubt-bucket?"
"It is, Peter. It is."
"It's been so long since I had you. But it doesn't mean I haven't desired you." Peter said kissing Edmund's bare shoulder, "I just …"
"I know, Peter. I felt the same. It just …"
"Didn't seem right."
"Seemed wrong for us to indulge when so many others could not."
"Might we though? Before we go to battle." asked a hopeful Peter, his fingers tracing Edmund's stomach, "Please?"
"Now?"
"No." smiled Peter, "I brought you out here because it's been so long since we were able to just … be together. So much war and battle planning and the business of … rebellion. There's no time for us to just … be like this."
Edmund smiled and leaned back more into his husband's embrace, "This is nice, Peter. So nice. You sometimes forget about things like this when the business of death is being planned, don't you?"
"You do. And yet …" Peter said, leaning down to kiss Edmund's neck, "This is why we fight. So that others will have moments like these in peace. We don't just fight for victory. We fight for love."
Edmund closed his eyes, and laced his fingers with his husband's, clinging their hands tight to his chest. He tried not to let his mind wander to all those who had fallen on this long journey of theirs. Yet every mention of war did just that very thing. Especially now, when in his soul he felt they were almost at the end of this long journey. This journey that would take them to a final battle with Lejious and decide the fate of the world. A journey that began at Beruna and because of his death, had taken all these years to rectify. Only in these darkest hours did he believe this journey had a chance to complete successfully.
"We're almost at the end, aren't we?" Edmund asked, his face serious for a moment, "The end of this journey."
"This is the end, one way or another. Victory or defeat, we make our stand here."
Indeed Edmund knew they would make their last stand here. It gave him pause to recollect on just what events had led up to this point. He could not help but sigh as Peter held him, knowing that Peter was perhaps thinking the very same thoughts as he.
"It's been a long journey, Ed."
"It has, Peter. So long. Do you remember when I died at Beruna?"
"I try not to." Peter said closing his eyes and squeezing Edmund tighter, "I try to remember more when you came back to me. You were there when I was dancing with Eris. I wish I had of seen it then. We could have danced, mad as you were, we could have danced."
"Eris …" Edmund said with a reflective sigh, "Princess Pretty Eyes."
"She's been gone a long time."
"It will be one of my biggest regrets that even if we win this war … there will be no Shian to celebrate it. It seems unfair when they have done so much for us. Like when they come to our aid at the Battle for Cair Paravel."
"I know. I know, Doubt-bucket. That was so long ago. I remember before that battle when you first came back to me you wouldn't let me kiss you. You said you were too cold."
"I was." smiled Edmund, "Until you gave me life."
"Only to have to take it away again."
"Peter …"
"I let you go." Peter said with a shudder, closing his eyes to block out the memory, "I won't let you go again. I will fall with you if that choice ever comes to me. I pray it doesn't, for I will not let you go again."
"Even if you had to?"
"I made the choice once. No one can ask it of me again. I will not let you go." Peter said fiercely, stealing an anxious kiss from Edmund's lips, "Never."
"And you won't let yourself be fooled by any more hags?"
"Ed …" Peter said closing his eyes again trying to block out the memory.
"I don't think my body could take any more hags duping you into sordid activities." Edmund smirked, before his face turned serious, "I know my heart couldn't."
Peter could only respond by looking down at his husband with hurt tears in his eyes, "Ed …"
"I know, Peter. She never had you." said Edmund as he raised his husband's hand to his lips, "She never had you."
"She never had me." pleaded Peter, burying his tears in the back of Edmund's neck, "Never."
"At least she got her head chopped off." smirked Edmund.
"Thank Orrin for that."
"Ahh yes …" Edmund said with a sad smile, "Orrin. Prince Orrin, our fallen hero. The one who saved you for me."
"He was a good man. A good brother. Last of the Shian. Husband of our Su …" Peter said with tears in his eyes, "Oh, Ed, I can't believe she's gone. She's been gone so long now. It still hurts to think of her."
"I know. I know. This war has taken so many, Peter. So many. Oh, Su. I'm so sorry."
"Do you remember the day of her wedding? She looked so wonderful."
Edmund smiled at the recollection of it all, "I don't think I ever saw her as happy as I did that day."
"Our wedding wasn't too shabby either."
"No, no, it certainly was not. It was pretty good. I'll have to make a note of what I'd do better for next time I get married." Edmund said with a playful yawn.
"Next time?"
"Yes, well, you know, I do have rather a lot of suitors after my hand, as you so kindly witnessed yourself at that masquerade ball in Galma on our honeymoon."
"Oh don't remind me." said Peter, rolling his eyes, "That was not a good evening. My behavior was rather unbecoming. But please remember it is only because I get furious with jealousy when anyone even looks at you in a romantic fashion or with lust."
Edmund smiled as he tilted his head back to see that even now Peter was getting rather worked up at even the memory of that night. He rubbed Peter's cheek affectionately and pulled him down for a kiss that languished for some time. When their kiss ended, their gaze did not. It remained fixed on each other, without reservation or any attempt to hide the deep love and admiration they shared.
"We have to win, Peter. We have to win. This journey has cost so much and taken so many. We have to win to give the sacrifice of Susan, Orrin, Lero, Eris, and so many others, we have to win to give their sacrifice meaning."
Peter could only nod solemnly. He wanted to say they would win. He wanted to tell Edmund that victory would surely be theirs. Yet he could not. After all the losses they had suffered. After losing Narnia. After everything that had led them to this point. He had enough humility to realize that victory was not a certainty. What he could say however, he did say;
"I cannot guarantee we will win. We will fight, and we may die, but we will never surrender. That much I can guarantee."
With an anxious sigh, both kings turned their attention back to the sight of a captured Cair Paravel. Their time of victory or defeat would come soon enough. Tonight however, Peter wished to savor the reasons that so many had sacrificed in this war that had begun long before they even knew who he was. Tonight he wished to savor love.
"Edmund?"
"Yes, Peter?"
Peter did not have to say anything, he merely had to smile and Edmund instantly knew just what he was saying. 'I love you' was exchanged in glances and soft caresses. It had been far too long since they had been like this. Able to simply be and block out the duty and despair around them. Here in the stillness of night with no one to disturb them, they could bask in the company of the other.
For what seemed like hours they simply sat beneath the stars with Edmund in no particular hurry to move from his husband's lap. Content was perhaps the best way to describe the two lovers. Though in normal times they would take advantage of this peace with acts of love, they were too drained mentally to think of anything but simply being close to one another. At least that is what Edmund thought. Peter as usual however, soon had other ideas.
It started with gentle caresses across Edmund's stomach, coupled with soft kisses atop his shoulder. Soon the subtle attempts were not so subtle as Peter lips began feasting on his neck. Lips that sucked so eagerly they would be bound to leave a mark. Something Peter was quite fond of doing.
"Just in case the wedding ring doesn't make enough of a 'Do Not Touch' statement to those who would dare to cast their eyes upon my stunning husband." Peter whispered, a smirk crossing his lips.
"Peter …" Edmund protested, just slightly, but enough to annoy the rambunctious High King.
"Why must you always rebuff me?"
"Peter, that wasn't what I was about to do." said the younger monarch with a growing smirk, "I was simply to suggest that we take this indoors so as to spare those loyal sentries who might see us?"
"So what, they can do nothing to complain." said a cheeky Peter, before his face turned serious and studious, "But yes, you are right. Edmund, I … I know it has been some time, but … I would very much want to make love with you tonight."
"I would very much want that too, Peter."
Though Peter's previous ministrations had been filled with lust, his fingers and eyes were nothing less than doting and gentle now. His eyes were filled with love, his lips laced with silken adoration that slowly sought out Edmund's. His hand ran down his husband's chest, his thumbs brushing over sensitive nipples that caused slight gasps from their owner.
He tilted Edmund over so he lay on the grass, thus allowing Peter to sit aside him and gaze upon his body. Slowly his lips traced the nape of Edmund's neck, strolling lazily down his chest, while fingers played against freckles and cheeks. He continued downwards, taking in the pale flesh of his husband with an anxious moan. Yet still his ministrations never stepped into that of wanton lust, but remained as sensual strokes and feather light kisses.
Though many might think their love making was almost wholly one sided, Peter never took without giving first. It was the basis upon which he built his marriage and indeed his kingdom. It was the balance of all things that helped instill harmony between two forces. In this case, the physical desires between two husbands, between two soul mates.
He would worship Edmund's body in times like this. He would adore and appreciate every freckle, every finger, and every toe. Edmund had grown into a man, a man that held the grace and allure of someone far more feminine. Though if anyone would dare question his masculinity, they would have their answer in a sound thrashing. Peter never underestimated the force his husband wielded. He was after all, a former King of the Fallen and a resurgent Rogue Warrior. Definitely not someone even he would dare trifle with in a duel.
Lean muscle adorned his pale frame, and Peter could not help but gaze in awe at the sight. He ran his fingers down the sensitive areas of Edmund's stomach, before stealing a kiss upon that same area. He smiled as Edmund let out an almost painful whimper of release, as if he'd been anxious for this moment to come. It had been far too long since they hadshared intimacy like this. Yet Peter would not allow himself to move too fast. And he dared not do just what he wanted to do in this exposed setting.
Smiling to himself, Peter ventured further south with his hands. He traced the contours of Edmund's inner thigh, down his calf before gently caressing the arch of his feet. Lifting the lithe right leg of his love into his lap, Peter placed a series of linger kisses from calf to foot. He felt butterflies in his stomach as he tasted the sweet flesh of his husband, for he still found he desired him as much as when they were married.
"Do you know there is not a part of your body that I do not love?" smiled Peter, placing another kiss on the tip of Edmund's foot, "Shall we retire?"
"Yes, please." was all Edmund could barely gasp, "Now, please."
Without a word Peter picked Edmund up as he stood to his feet. The younger king's legs slipped around his waist, straddling him as he walked along. Holding his husband in this fashion meant he could not properly see where he was walking for their lips were permanently fastened to one another. Yet Peter still walked with the surety of someone who could see exactly where they were going. All he cared for was the body of warmth he held, the bare chest that pressed against his own, the hands that dug into his muscled back, and the lips that met his in aching need.
"Oh, Aslan, I love you, Doubt-bucket." Peter gasped between kisses as he continued carrying his husband back to their tent, "Have you any idea how much?"
"Vaguely …" replied a breathless Edmund, eyes closed as he leaned his forehead against Peter's, "It feels like we have been married forever, and yet my heart leaps as if we had just revealed our love to one another."
"It's meant to be, Ed." Peter said with a sudden seriousness, pausing his stride as Edmund's legs clamped tighter around his waist.
Peter's eyes fixed onto Edmund's and pierced into his soul. Blues eyes that were bathed in moonlight and light glow of the torches that stood outside their tent. Blue eyes that were so intent they would not waver. Blue eyes that meant to convey just how certain those words were.
"It's meant to be." repeated Peter, stern and unwavering, "We are meant to be. Everything we have endured to be together is proof of how our love will not be denied. Death could not keep you from me and I give my word that it never will again. You will not go anywhere that I cannot follow. I will always find you. And as much as you claim otherwise, I will never leave you. I will never let you fall, Ed. Never again."
Peter spoke with a sincerity and intensity that rendered Edmund a weak mess of nods and tearful smiles of gratitude. At times like this he truly felt the power and certainty behind Peter's words. It was something he could not help but cling to in his heart. A love so fierce and securing. A love that knew such little doubt. Peter loved him, and even though their marriage should have stated it enough, he still continued to emphasize the point. It was a trait that Edmund had nothing but absolute admiration for.
"You are my heart." Peter said clamping Edmund's hand to his bare chest, "You are my very soul. If I do not survive this battle, then I will at least die knowing that you loved me and gave me the wonder of being your husband. Dare I say, your only love."
"My only love." Edmund nodded eagerly, eyes filled with tears, "My only love."
Peter pressed his lips to Edmund's cheeks, kissing away salty tears as he held his hand in the dark locks of his love. His lips claimed each tear his husband shed before finally reaching his lips. Once again the fire of their love consumed him and soon he was pushing his way into the tent.
He gently laid Edmund back onto their bed, pulling the sheets from both of their waists. With a smile lit by the faint light of the outer torch, Peter took in the sight of his exposed husband. For a time their eyes simply studied one another, before Peter descended upon Edmund with a whisper sweet kiss. Their bodies rubbed against one another with a groove that seemed to have years of practice far longer than their marriage should have allowed. Golden flesh upon pale skin, blue eyes peering into deep brown.
As it had been so long since the last time they made love, Peter found his restraint sorely lacking. Yet he managed to do so and contain himself to soft kisses and gentle caresses.They shifted overso Edmund lay with his head on Peter's shoulder and one leg astride his stomach. Both were content to simply lie in one another's arms and bask in the joy of being together.
"I am finding it rather difficult to restrain myself, Doubt-bucket." Peter smirked, squeezing Edmund tight, "May I have you?"
"Hmm …" Edmund said playfully, tapping Peter's chest with his fingers, "Love me?"
"Oh …" Peter responded in kind, "Do I?"
"You better!"
"Or what?"
"Or Narnia will not have a High King to save her!" glared Edmund playfully, moving to straddle Peter, "Say you love me!"
"I love you." Peter said with a happy smile.
"Say you adore me!"
"I adore you."
"Say you'll never leave me!"
Though Edmund did not wish those last words to be so pleading, his eyes made them so. His eyes conveyed his often deep hidden fear. A fear he had carried since his return to Peter long ago, after his tenure and adventures as the Rogue Warrior alongside Aslan. A fear and a promise that he only had one lifetime with Peter. A lifetime that would end the day Peter would leave him.
Peter could see the sudden fear in Edmund's eyes. It was a fear he despised, because he knew it was a fear that stemmed from some truth. Truth of a fate he did not know of, or understand. Yet in his own heart, he refused to believe such things. He refused to accept it.
"We have changed fate so many times, Doubt-bucket." Peter said, stroking Edmund's face as if it were a delicate flower, "Believe that we will change this fate too. Look at what our love has overcome already. Believe in me enough to know that even if I were dead, my soul would still not leave you. I will never leave you. I will always find you, no matter where you are. Nothing will ever keep me from you. Nothing."
By now Edmund's eyes were watery, still laced with fear, but also with belief and gratitude in and for Peter's words. Peter spoke with no waver in his voice. No doubt in his heart. It was impossible for Edmund to let his own doubts breathe when Peter was so certain.
"Promise?" asked an anxious Edmund.
"As true as the marriage that this ring symbolizes." Peter said rubbing Edmund's wedding ring, "Is the promise I give you now. Nothing will ever keep me from you. No matter where you are, I will always find you. Nothing will ever keep me from you. If some prophecy says I will leave you, then do not fear, because I will find you again. I promise you that. Not even death would dare try to stop me."
"Aslan, Peter, I …" Edmund said with tears in his eyes, "Words cannot say how I feel to hear you say such things. I love you is simply not sufficient, but for now, it will have to do."
"It is more than this heart will ever need."
Edmund could not contain his feelings at this moment. With a determination in his eyes, kissed Peter thoroughly, not holding back any of his passion. His tears fell met with Peter's cheeks as their kiss became unbridled and fierce in its desire. Soon Peter had rolled Edmund offer so he was on top of him, kissing with lips that could not be satiated.
"Make love to me, Peter." Edmund gasped, his eyes locking with Peter's, "My body is as my heart, and my heart is yours. Take me now. Make love to me."
"Heavens, Ed." Peter said almost pained, "How can one be as desirable as you are to me? How, even after so long, am I still breathless at the sight of you? At the touch and taste of you. I am never satisfied. I always want more."
He spoke as his kisses once more stole the breath from Edmund. He made his way down his husband's pale body, still littered with freckles that covered a body wrought with tight muscle. Sharp cries escaped both kings as love was made upon already sweat covered sheets. He sought out Edmund's lips with his own, their motions becoming a steady crescendo of joined bodies.
For the first time since Susan's death, since Narnia had fallen, and their darkest days began, the Just and Magnificent Kings made love. A love that's physical passion was matched only by the love between their hearts, their souls, and even their fates. They made love long into the night, gasping cries that even the sentries blushed at. Yet all those sentries could do was smile and smirk a little, happy that at least the kings could still make love in times of war. For indeed, though love was made, war was no less waiting at their doorstep.
RAGE RISES FROM THE SEA
Mr. Beaver had been a prisoner of war for over a month now. He, like thousands of others, was being kept aboard the Lone Islander's ships at Bastian Point. His captors had been unusual in their cruelty, showing little mercy to even the weakest of their prisoners.
The Lone Islanders had taunted Mr. Beaver with the knowledge that Narnia had fallen under rule of the one who is many. He could not believe that his beloved Narnia had fallen once again to evil. Evil greater than even the white witch, Jadis.
Kept in a cage on the deck of his captor's ship, Mr. Beaver could see the huge armada of ships that belonged to Narnia's invaders. He knew that each ship carried huge numbers of the Southern Alliance's prisoner's of war. Those who had survived the battle over a month ago were few, and many had died during their captivity.
During his captivity, he had also learned the Likatrik had been key in Queen Susan's death and no doubt Prince Orrin's. No doubt he had been a traitor for some time and that fact made the beaver's blood run cold. He should have seen it. He should have killed the dwarf when he had a chance.
When Likatrik came to inspect the fleet on his master's behalf, he paid Mr. Beaver a special visit. It was a meeting that even now Mr. Beaver looked back at with anger. The taunt of the dwarf's eyes were haunting.
"Hello, Beaver." Likatrik snickered, "Enjoying your accommodations?"
"Traitor!" yelled Mr. Beaver, "I should've killed you when I had the chance! I knew you was trouble from the moment I laid eyes on your foul face!"
"I'd love to kill you, Beaver, but I'm rather pleased that you'll get to live and see your Narnia fall and be reborn in a way he sees fit. Enjoy your stay. You're going to be here a long time. Pity about Queen Susan, isn't it? I had hoped I could turn her against her brothers, but it simply was not meant to be."
"Bastard!"
With his cry still carrying along the air, Likatrick sneered at him before leaving the ship. It was all the beaver could do except scream after him, drawing the attention of his fellow captives. The beaver himself had become somewhat of a leader to the captives, who hailed not just from Narnia, but Archenland and Calormen as well. The Archenland and Calormen captives were treated somewhat better than the Narnian, for their whispers that their countries would soon surrender to his rule.
The Narnian captives however had suffered terribly. The beaver himself had been tortured regularly, for he was known to be highly ranked in the Narnian forces. He was kept on display as a taunt to other Narnian. He could barely see out of one eye now, as the other had been rendered useless from so many beatings. Yet even with his own beatings, right now he was more concerned for the treatment of a female fox.
Another captive of this ship, the fox had been randomly selected as today's 'example'. Hot iron pokers and rusty blades were the tools of choice. Mr. Beaver himself had been personally privy to the painful effectiveness of the tools. As the poor fox whimpered and howled in agony, the Lone Island men took turns stabbing the creature with the hot iron.
"Get away from her, you beast!" Mr. Beaver yelled, shaking his cage.
He snarled, pathetic though it might be behind a cage, it was all he could do. The captain of the ship and leader of the fleet, Admiral Lison, a sneering old man who Mr. Beaver despised with a vengeance, stood over the fox with the rusty knife. The captain stood ready to disembowel the fox, looking all too eager to kill the helpless creature who had already suffered far greater than Mr. Beaver could bear to see.
It was at this moment that one of the Lone Islanders who seemed to have a heart, stepped up to intercede on the fox's behalf. Captain Jereim was a stark contrast to the Admiral. On many private occasions he had shown sympathy towards Mr. Beaver and apologized for the treatment he and his fellow Narnian had suffered across the fleet. He had told the beaver that there were many who did not wish this war, but felt they had little choice as their families would suffer if they spoke up.
"Admiral, I believe this fox may prove more beneficial in the slave quarters where she can be used for labor." Jereim said with a swift tone, catching Lison by surprise.
Lison studied Jereim for a moment before motioning for Mr. Beaver to be pulled from his cage. Jereim, surprised by such an action, watched on as Mr. Beaver was dragged next to the fox and promptly kicked into submission.
"Be careful who you call a beast." Lison taunted.
"You beasts will all pay for this. Just you wait and see!" yelled Mr. Beaver.
Lison responded by poking the beaver with the hot iron, searing his flesh and forcing the creature to scream in agony. The admiral snickered at the beaver, kicking him again and holding the knife aloft before Jereim interceded once more. He physically stayed the admiral's hand, drawing shocked gasps from surrounding officers and soldiers.
"Admiral, such treatment is not necessary … or lawful." Jereim said with surprising candor.
Lison sneered at Jereim before raising a sickly smile. He stepped away from Jereim and Mr. Beaver before nodding, as if in agreement. He motioned for Jereim to place Mr. Beaver back in his cage and he did so. Yet when his back was turned, Lison slashed the rusty blade across the female fox's back and again at the neck.
Mr. Beaver screamed out in horror, but it was too late. The fox was already dead. Even Jereim seemed horrified as he placed Mr. Beaver back in his cage that swung from its perch. Jereim turned back to Lison, a look of confusion in his eyes. Mr. Beaver could sense that perhaps the captain had finally seen too much of the Admiral's cruelty. It was cruelty that was felt not only on this ship, but on every ship that held captives.
"Don't you look at me like that, Captain. You remember which side you are on." Lison said with a smarmy smile, "Or have you forgotten?"
"You should not have killed that creature. The law of the is…"
"Do not quote the law to me!" Lison said with a scowl, "Need I remind you of your rank?"
"Admiral, your conduct is w…"
"Arrest him!" Lison demanded, "How dare you challenge me, Jereim. You are an ant. I have tired of your sympathy towards these disgusting cretin. I will have you hung for your insolence."
Though Mr. Beaver was highly enraptured with these current events, his attention was quickly being drawn elsewhere. He could see bubbles rising in the sea waters around the ships of the Lone Islanders. Bubbles that became huge mounds of frothy water. To see such a sight as far as the eyes could see was nothing less than spectacular. If he had not been so frightened, Mr. Beaver would've felt a sense of awe at the massive vision.
It was an event that soon had the attention of the crew and Admiral Lison as well as every other crew on every other ship that Mr. Beaver could see. The ships began listing as though the water itself were becoming air and could no longer support them. Soon the entire ship was awash in panic, trying to make sense of the strange phenomenon.
Mr. Beaver watched in slack jawed horror as a nearby ship disappeared into the froth as if it were air. First one ship, then another, and another. Soon almost half the massive fleet had disappeared beneath the strange frothy water.
"What is happening?" Lison screamed, "Where are our ships?"
No sooner had his words been spoken, that a stunning sight broke through the froth all around them. Thousands of mermaids, mermen, naiads and sea monsters the likes of which Mr. Beaver had never seen, began flying out of the water sending barbed spears at the Lone Island soldiers who stood on the decks of their ships.
One of the largest creatures to emerge from beneath the sea was a white dragon, with scales that reflected the sunlight and blinded anyone who gazed at it. The dragon wailed as it soared into the sky, breathing fire out at any ship it flew over. As the dragon wreaked havoc on its prey, the mermen and mermaids continued jumping out of the water, throwing spears at any and all they could.
The entire episode had taken place so fast that Mr. Beaver barely had time to register what was going on. Admiral Lison was soon signaling for archers to begin firing back at mermen and mermaids, though the naiad were soon boarding the ships and making short work of the archers.
Mr. Beaver could hardly believe what he was seeing. The Lone Islands fleet was being decimated by an army and force they did not even see coming. Where others had failed, this surprise attack was finally dispensing of them.
Mr. Beaver's excitement was soon shattered by the sound of a piercing scream. A scream that came from a hooded figure that emerged from the water held by two leaping mermen. The figure spun out of the top of the leap, over and onto the deck.
Lison instantly had his soldiers charge at the figure, who for their part drew two long swords and ran at them. Barefooted and looking almost naked beneath its hood, the figure impaled one soldier before spinning around and decapitating a second. They did not pause, using their bare hands to smash a third soldier's nose while using their bare feet to kick and hyperextend a knee of a fourth. Pulling their two swords from its first two victims, the hooded figure sliced another two soldiers heads clean off.
"Take them down!" yelled Lison as one of his elite soldiers ran at the figure with two swords of his own.
The soldier met the hooded figure with a flurry of strikes, forcing them back with sheer power. The hooded figure soon countered by stepping in with their right foot and using their left sword to cut the soldier's head off.
"Who are you?" Lison yelled as the figure stood over their victims, "What is the meaning of this?"
It was only then that Mr. Beaver realized just who he was looking at. For the figure slowly pulled away their hood revealing the face of an all too familiar female. She held her sword out in Lison's direction and before he could even raise his, she threw her second sword at his chest. He flew back with the force, impaled against a mast as he stared back at her with disbelief.
"Susan the Gentle, Queen of Narnia." She said with blue eyes that burned with anger, "I am rage, and I have come to finish what I started."
She accentuated her words by throwing her second sword at his head, killing him instantly. Her fiery gaze soon turned to Jereim and as he reached for his sword, she ran at him, kicking off the deck railing nearby and kicking him square in the face with her bare foot. He hit the deck with a crack, hand still on his sword. She grabbed his hand with one of her own before kicking her foot against his elbow, smashing it in as he screamed in agony. She pulled the sword from his hand, spinning it in her own before bringing it down over his chest.
"No, Majesty!" Mr. Beaver yelled, "He tried to help us!"
Mr. Beaver could see her eyes wild with bloodlust and even as she stayed her sword, he could see the difficulty she had in not striking Jereim dead. Yet after a few moments she relented, standing to her feet.
Her hood dripped with water as she surveyed the deck. Naiad rushed aboard, dispensing with the rest of the crew, an action being repeated all over the Lone Islander's fleet. She removed her head completely, revealing a body mottled with healing scars. She was naked beneath, save for two swaths of cloth that protected her modesty. This was soon rectified however, when two naiad approached her carrying a sealed tight chest with her Shian armor and Narnian colors in it.
Mr. Beaver was still absorbing the fact that Queen Susan was alive and standing before him. Not only that, but she had defeated the Lone Islanders in as quick as it took them to realize they were under attack. He shook his cage in excitement, his eyes filled with utter disbelief.
"I … I thought you were dead!" Mr. Beaver yelled with emotion and joy, "You're alive, you're alive!"
It was as if his voice had woken her from a dream of anger, her eyes softening as she turned to face him. She stared at him confused for a time, before a small smile soon passed over her face. A small smile that grew larger and more intent the longer she looked at him. She ran to his cage, freeing him and pulling him into her wet arms.
"Mr. Beaver …" Susan said with sudden tears in her eyes, "You're alive, Mr. Beaver. You're alive."
"I'm alive? Who cares if I'm alive? You're alive! We all thought you was dead! We saw you die!"
"I was dead …" Susan said with a distant smile, "Until … someone told me to breathe, and after that, I had a little help from my friends beneath the sea. I'm sorry I took so long, but I needed time to recover and plan my return. Now … I see you have been unfairly treated, but I have need for your service once more to save our Narnia. If you are able, will you help me?"
"Will I? Will ?" the beaver yelled excitedly, "I might only have one good eye, but I got some bite in me yet!"
Susan smiled at Mr. Beaver before standing to her feet and moving to the bow of the ship. She cast her eyes out over the sea where the last of the Lone Island ships were being overrun. Yet her eyes did not scan the ships, but rather the water.
Mr. Beaver walked to her side, trying to figure out what she was looking at. When she stretched out her arms with a knowing smile on her face, he could tell something was about to happen. Happen something did, in the form of the missing Lone Islander ships suddenly emerging from the froth that consumed them.
"Mr. Beaver … meet our army …"
- To Be Continued -
3.12 - The Final Battle
The battle to retake Narnia and the world begins as the light finally stands up to the darkness. Peter leads the might of Narnia against the largest army he has ever faced, now with Archenland and Calormen adding their forces to 'his'. Edmund goes into a duel against Lejious that will decide his own fate, as well as the world's. Susan rushes to lend her army to the final battle. Lucy makes a stunning return, with the light's greatest weapon, Aslan. The four monarchs reunite to once and for all wipe Lejious's darknessfrom the world.Just and Magnificent's final battle is about to begin.
A/N:It's almost over! Rage rose from the sea, and it was Susan! I said Susan would fall cough not die. However, for those interested, I will be writing a short series each for Lucy and Susan, explaining where Susan has been and how she survived and raised an army, and just where Lucy has been.Peter and Edmund made luffers for perhaps the last time ever in myficcies.Susan came back and kicked the shit out of the Lone Islanders. Peter and Edmund prepared for the coming battle as well as took some time to reflect on this journey that has been Just and Magnificent.The next chapter will bebig and it contains the climax for not just this volume, but all three, so it may be split in three, I am not sure yet. So bear with me whileI try to write the most kick ass battle that my amateur mind has ever come up with, being the last one I perhaps write in the Narnia fandom. Expect a lot ofballs to the wall action. Reviews are love.I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and this story. It's been my humble pleasure to share it with you.
