ROGUE WARRIOR CHRONICLES
RWC3 - The Legend of the Shian
Part 2
The first Just and Magnificent adventure SIDE-SERIES starring and focusing rather wholly on Edmund. DO NOT READ unless you have read Just and Magnificent or you will understand little. This is a side-series that covers the year at the end of Volume 1 of JaM between the Battle for Cair Paravel where Edmund fell and his return to Narnia. It basically covers some of his adventures during that year and of course, his quest to destroy Lejious. If you've read JaM, you already know how this ends, but remember, it's not the destination, it's the journey! It is a very plot and arc heavy story in the JaM!verse as it reveals some rather large hints that already exist in JaM, and hints toward the sequel to JaM, Beyond Magnificent.
Summary: Edmund rushes to SharShian to save King Firson. Peter arrives in the capital. A fated Prince makes an appearance.
Warnings: Slash, Incest, Love, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Action.
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the Pretty Eyes People from Shian! All the rest belong to that master of awesomeness, C.S. Lewis.
Author's Notes: If you don't like slash or incest or allusions to Peter/Edmund, then please do not read or reviewthis. Flames hurt.
A DARING ESCAPE
"Brother?" Edmund spat angrily, flicking his sword up and knocking Angelus's sword away from his neck, "Who are you?"
"To you, I am damnation given flesh." replied Angelus, "You cannot stop us. You cannot stop him."
"You tried to kill King Firson! Why? Because he serves the lion? Because he follows the emperor beyond the sea in Aslan's country?"
"The Shian are one of the oldest races to walk the world. Their allegiance has always been to the great lion. And that … is just one reason … among many …" Angelus said, before he continued, "… many reasons that you will never know, Rogue Warrior."
"And when King Firson falls … so too will Narnia." Destan said with a cold stare, "Peter the Magnificent will be wiped from the world."
"Not while I'm still breathing." retorted Edmund.
In an instant, Edmund was fighting both men. Using his one sword to combat two opponents at once proved to be a difficult task. Particularly when both men possessed skill of such a high caliber.
"Tell me, Rogue Warrior. Are you the best that Aslan has to challenge the one who is many?"
Edmund responded by ducking one of Destan's slices and kicking him backwards, "Apparently I am!"
Angelus seized Edmund's moment of distraction by kicking him from behind, almost knocking Edmund off balance, "How unfortunate for Aslan."
Edmund staggered forward, using the momentum to charge at Destan and kick him in the head before he could get up. He then spun on his feet, sending a dagger flying at Angelus, who knocked it aside with a lightning fast flick of his sword. Angelus responded by lunging at Edmund with a horizontal slice, forcing Edmund to duck and roll backwards. By the time he kicked to his feet, Destan and Angelus were once more driving him backwards with their attacks.
"I always expected that you would be more of a challenge, Rogue Warrior!" Destan said with a hint of disappointment in his voice.
Edmund could not respond, for he was too busy defending himself while constantly stepping backwards. He soon found himself on the edge of a cliff face that joined a waterfall. He turned his head back, his stomach faltering a moment at the height of it all. However, he soon realized that this may in fact be his best chance of surviving this encounter.
"I'm afraid our meeting is now adjourned!" Edmund said as he turned and ran for the cliff edge.
Sheathing his sword, Edmund dove over the edge, leaving a stunned Destan and Angelus in his wake. The two men watched as Edmund disappeared into the waterfall, their faces expressionless. Without a word they looked at each other before sheathing their weapons and sliding their hoods back over their heads.
A FATED WARRIOR
At the isolated outpost of Sanghalla, a Shian entourage arrived to interrogate a fugitive. An unknown fugitive whose appearance in the Kingdom of Shian had almost brought about the death of King Firson. Were it not for the fast reflexes of one man, King Firson would have been killed. That man was King Firson's only son, Prince Orrin. Now it was also that man who stood at the entryway to the small outpost with a look of horror and rage on his face.
Orrin studied the scene of carnage with silent contempt. He gazed upon his fallen soldiers with a look of grief and compassion. Grief that swelled his rage. He turned to his entourage, eyes intent.
"Begin a search. I want him found."
Orrin turned and knelt down next to the dead soldiers, closing their eyes as he whispered a silent prayer for the departed. He removed their life insignia badges, attaching them to a clasp on his waist, where they would remain until he could return them to their families.
He stood up, studying the scene around him when his eyes discovered a tattered parchment. On closer inspection he discovered the parchment contained a small corner of a drawing. A drawing he soon realized was the fugitive he sought. Finally he had a face, or at least part of a face. The drawing was detailed enough that Orrin believed he could successfully identify the fugitive should he come across him. If Orrin had his way, he would come across the fugitive very soon.
He marched out of the outpost with a determined step as aides began scouring the scene for more clues. His mind flurried with possible motives for this threat to his people and their kingdom. It was no secret that the King's brother, Secson, was planning a coup to overthrow King Firson and seize control of the Shian Kingdom himself. Orrin theorized that somehow this attempt on his father's life was related to his treacherous uncle.
"I want the fugitive found." Orrin said with a firm voice, "Send a message back to SharShian. Alert them of the fugitive's escape and increase the protection detail on King Firson and Princess Eris. Send word to the home guard. Patrol the borders. Do not let him escape us."
TO SAVE A KING
Edmund pulled himself from the river, gasping for breath as he did so. He stood to his feet, taking a few moments to recover himself before he burst into a run. There was no time to waste. He knew his new nemeses had set their sights once more on King Firson and he could not allow the great king to come to harm.
With nothing else to help him reach his destination except his legs and his wits, he set out toward the capital city. He did not know how long it would take him to reach his destination, nor whether he would beat his opponents to it, but he would do his very best. He knew his opponents must have had some greater plan in wiping out King Firson.
"Aslan, give me strength." Edmund said to himself, his breaths labored and heavy.
It was then that Edmund believed that perhaps Aslan was somehow watching out for him. A small caravan of traders passed by him. Trying to look as inconspicuous as possible, which was difficult since he was almost completely wet, Edmund stepped up to the traders.
"Greetings, Friend." said one of the traders, a man who looked to be of Calormene descent, "Can I interest you in some of our fine wares?"
"No, but you can interest me in one of your horses." Edmund said as he studied the horses to see if any were of the talking variety, "These are dumb beasts."
"From Calormen. We don't like talking beasts down there. They have a harder time doing what they're told. These fine creatures will give you no trouble." said the trader, "I'll give you one for the right price."
"And what price might that be?" asked Edmund, a little impatiently, "I have a mission of the utmost importance that requires my immediate attention. Could I please have one of your horses? I have little to offer but my word and my labor. If you allow me to take one of your horses now, I give you my word that I shall return with whatever price you name."
"You expect me to give you one of my horses with no payment and only your word?" asked the trader.
"I do, Sir." Edmund insisted, "I implore thee."
The trader seemed to contemplate Edmund's request, which was more than Edmund expected. He had little time to try and barter with the trader. Besides the fact he had little to barter with, he knew he was running out of time. Each passing moment was another moment the enemy had to increase their lead on him.
"Just your word, you say?" said the trader.
"Just my word as a loyal servant of the lion."
"I do not follow the lion, Friend. But your eyes …" the trader said curiously, "Your eyes speak truth to my heart. I will … I will give you one of my horses, and I will have faith that you shall return as you say with whatever payment you think is fair."
"Thank you, Sir." Edmund said gratefully, relieved, "I give you my word I shall return. Your faith will not go unrewarded. Faith …" he smiled, "And you do not think you follow the lion? Good Sir, faith is all we have when all else is gone. My faith in you is certain, just as your faith in me shall prove true. I assure thee."
The trader loosened one of his horses, allowing Edmund to mount it immediately. The trader's wife yelled at her husband in a language that Edmund did not understand, but he had the impression that she was not happy with this arrangement.
"And you, Good lady, have my word as well. Good day for now, Kind folk." Edmund said as he reared his horse up in preparation to leave, "And now … I have a mission to serve, a good man to save."
A DOOMED LOVE
In the city of SharShian, the heir to the Kingdom of Shian, Princess Eris, prepared to officially welcome King Peter the Magnificent. The High King of Narnia was visiting the Shian to give his thanks on behalf of Narnia for the Shian's aid in the Battle for Cair Paravel. A battle that may well have been lost were it not for the Shian and Eris's involvement.
"It is good, Eris. Narnia and Shian will be united." King Firson said as he held his hand on Eris's shoulder, "King Peter will make a magnificent husband. He is a good man."
"Of that I have no doubt." Eris said with a feigned smile as she stared out of her balcony, looking out over the stunning city below.
She caught a glance from her bodyguard and constant companion, Jesahn. A glance that was laced with hidden sadness that only she could understand. A glance that she returned in kind.
Unspoken. That was her love for Jesahn. A man who had been her guardian for most of her life. Since they were children their fates were entwined as one. He would die for her in a heartbeat. Yet all she wanted, was that one elusive moment when he might live for her. When he might actually say it.
She knew he loved her just as much. It was unspoken between them. He had never spoken of his love for her with his words, but his actions spoke louder than words ever could. Even though they were not bound as promised ones, she felt an oath of loyalty … of love … to him. To only him. To her Jesahn. Yet it could never be.
He was beneath her. He was not of her caste, not of her class. He was fated to die, while she was fated to rule. She was born to lead, to inherit the crown from her father.
"Come, he is here." King Firson whispered as the trumpets sounded that heralded King Peter's arrival, "Greet him."
Immediately her eyes turned to Jesahn, who greeted her with a reassuring smile that did not reach his eyes. He bowed in fealty and respect, unable to meet her gaze. She tilted her head, eyes pained with regret.
Eris traced her way behind her father, while Jesahn walked behind her. On either side they were flanked by the royal guard as they made the trip from the throne room to the entrance of the main castle. She glanced out over her city as they passed by windows. Even though she had seen it so often, it was still a sight to behold. The glimmering rings of the city, the deep green landscape around it. It was to her nothing less than beauty.
The Shian, being one of the oldest races in the world, were among the most advanced. Though Calormen was larger in population and size, the Shian dwarfed them in every other facet of life. From technology to architecture, the Shian were truly at the forefront.
As advanced as the Shian were, there was always a mythical and ancient aura held by Narnia. It was the promised land of the world. A land that the great lion paid special attention to. By joining with Narnia, King Firson hoped the Shian would share once more in the special favor of the great lion. For this reason and for the mere fact that Peter the Magnificent was a good man, King Firson wanted his daughter to be married to the Narnian High King.
When Eris finally saw Peter for the first time since she left Narnia, she greeted him first with a formal bow on one knee. He smiled brightly at her, kissing her hand as he pulled her to her feet.
"Eris, it is wonderful to see you." Peter said sincerely.
"And you, Sire." Eris said with a smile.
"Please, Peter. Never Sire."
The formality of their greeting was broken with the informal protocol of a warm and friendly hug. Peter kissed Eris's hand once more, and she kissed his cheek. He clasped her arms, staring brightly at her.
"You are as beautiful as ever, Eris. It is a true joy to see you again."
"As it is with you, Peter. How … how have you been?" asked Eris, "Is Narnia recovering well?"
"Narnia grows stronger each day. Thanks especially to you and your people, which is why I am here." Peter said before he turned to King Firson, "My lord, it is a privilege and an honor."
The two kings met in a firm hug and gripping of wrists. Pleasantries were exchanged, formalities endured. When all ceremony was over, King Firson nodded to his daughter as though expecting something from her. Something she was in no true hurry to do.
"Peter, please allow my daughter to escort you to your chambers. You must be weary from such travel. The upper tower is yours for as long as you grace us with your presence. Please ..." King Firson urged.
Peter smiled, seeming to know just what the King expected of him. Indeed, just what the entire world seemed to expect of him. He took Eris's hand once more, clasping it as they walked along the hallways.
They walked toward the center spire with the grand staircase that ascended to the upper tower. The upper tower located in the very heart of SharShian, provided the highest vantage point from which to view the great city. A privilege afforded to only the most highly respected and favored of the king, if not the king himself.
"I do abhor formality." Peter whispered, smirking, "But I understand it has its place in the grand scheme of order."
"My father has a great respect for you, Peter. As do I."
The pair were trailed by Peter's entourage, which included Mr. Tumnus. Normally he would have stayed with Queen Lucy, but this occasion required his presence. They were also trailed by Jesahn and a security detail assigned to protect the princess and King Peter during his stay.
"By Aslan …" Peter said in disbelief as he stood on uppermost balcony of the upper tower, "It's breathtaking."
He had never seen such a sight before. Never been awed by a wonder such as the sapphire ringed city of SharShian. He could see it all from this special balcony that completely encircled the outside of the upper tower.
"Do you think so?" Eris asked, "I do, but I thought perhaps my opinion was bias."
"It very well might be, but that does not negate the fact that this view … this city is nothing short of spectacular."
Peter's hand was still clasped to Eris's and unbeknownst to both, King Firson had approached from behind. He studied the sight with a proud smile, truly believing that his daughter and Peter were destined for love. He turned to Jesahn, smiling brightly.
"Is that not a wondrous sight, Jesahn?"
Jesahn regarded the question for a moment, his eyes flickering with hesitation and something much deeper that he did not wish to convey to King Firson, "Of course, Majesty. It most definitely is."
As King Firson stepped forward to speak to Peter and Eris, Jesahn was tapped on the back by a herald. He turned to find a note in his hand. A note with a message from one of his closest friends, and second in line to the throne behind Eris; Prince Orrin.
He studied the note for a time before his mind rushed with concern. He turned to a soldier behind him, hurried handing the note to him.
"Double the security detail on his majesty, King Firson. Lock down all entries to the city. No one gets in or out without being screened. I want the security details on Princess Eris and King Peter increased as well." Jesahn said with a sense of urgency.
When he turned around, it was to the sight of Peter and Eris laughing and joking with the king. All rather informally and with genuine joy. His eyes saddened somewhat at the sight, though to any who did not know him, his stare remained as fixed and dutiful as ever.
'She can never be yours. You can never be more than what you are right now. A guardian and a princess. Never more, never less.'
Those were words he had told himself many times. Words he wished he could have some power over. Words he wished he did not believe. Yet gazing longingly at her now, they were words he knew were truth.
The gaze he received back from Eris when her eyes finally met his, was a gaze of sadness. A gaze of apology. A gaze of despair. A gaze of equal longing. Longing and love that to this day remained unspoken between them. A love he believed would always be and only ever be … unspoken.
A COWARDLY ATTEMPT
"We must make best speed back to SharShian. I must be at my father's side should another attempt be made on his life." Orrin said as he galloped alongside his lieutenant, Schome, "We have little time to waste."
The two horses tore up the dirt, kicking up a trail in their speedy wake. Without breaking stride, Orrin and his lieutenant had ridden from the outpost of Sanghalla to the outer bounds of the capital province. Only now when their horses began to tire did the two Shian stop to rest.
In the small town of Plesia, Orrin was greeted by stunned eyes and muffled gasps. As a member of the royal family, his presence was unexpected and the townsfolk feared their lack of ceremony would be frowned upon. He was gazed upon with awe as the loyal Shian fell to their knees in respect.
"Peace, Shian." Orrin said as he dismounted his horse, "Rise, I pray thee. I seek water for our steeds. Forgive our unannounced visit. We come only to rest before we continue on to the capital city."
"Of course, Majesty." said Labis, the town's mayor, "Your steeds will be tended to. Please, you must be hungry. Allow us to provide you with sustenance for your journey. It is the least we can do for our prince."
"Thank you, Sir." Orrin said with a respectful nod, "We are most grateful."
Orrin and Schome followed the mayor to one of the outdoor eating areas in the town's central gathering area. The town was small and homely, making Orrin instantly feel somewhat at ease, even though he was anxious to proceed with his mission. He needed to make sure his father was safe. He needed to seek justice for the soldiers who died at Sanghalla.
For a time however, the Prince of the Shian distracted himself with the company of his people. The soft laughs of playing children, the gentle harp from one of the townsfolk. It all served to make Orrin feel completely at peace.
"Prince Orrin, what are your plans for the Summer's dawn celebrations?" asked Labis.
Summer's dawn had always been one of Orrin's favorite times of year. It was the one time of year when all Shian would stand united in peace and celebrate the coming of warmth and light. It was often said that the Shian Kingdom, especially the center tower, would reflect the dawn's rays to the heavens. Yet it was not that stunning sight that made Orrin adore this day above all others. No, it was the look of exaltation on the faces of his people, the innocent joy on the children's faces. It the quiet peace that preceded the mighty celebrations. His face instantly brightened with a broad smile at the mere mention of the day.
"As always, that day will be spent by the side of my family." Orrin said with a warm smile, "And you, Good Sir?"
The two Shian continued to talk as they shared in one another's company. Company shared over the meal the townsfolk had provided for Orrin and his lieutenant. Before Labis could respond to Orrin's question he was struck through the chest by an arrow. Orrin's eyes widened and instantly he was on his feet with his hand on the hilt of his sword.
The scene quickly descended into anarchy before Orrin could see who had shot the arrow. The townsfolk began screaming in confusion, only hindering Orrin's ability to make out the attacker. When another arrow whizzed past his head, he was quick enough to dodge his head and grab the arrow with his hand.
"You are betrayed, Shian. Betrayed by your own blood." said a stranger.
Orrin took mere seconds to study the stranger, whose long flowing grey hair hung over an unusually pale face. His mind had already assessed the distance between himself and the stranger and how long it would take him to cross that distance. Before he could attempt such a maneuver, the entire township was flooded with scavenger invaders.
"Secson!" Orrin said incredulously, his eyes narrowing with anger.
He knew immediately that his own uncle, a traitor who wished to rule the Shian Kingdom, was behind this attack. With a steely face of resolve, Orrin launched himself into battle. He did not have to launch himself far, for he was clearly the target of this attack. Surrounded by a mob of scavengers from the west who had pledged themselves to Secson, Orrin's two long swords proved to be his greatest allies. Yet his own safety was not his primary concern at this moment.
"Protect the children!" He screamed, "Protect the children!"
As though hearing his words and deciding to act in spite, the grey haired stranger stalked toward a group of children who were being shuttled to safety by several adults. He was aided by three scavengers who began attacking the children's guardians viciously. The unarmed Shian were little match against the scavenger swords.
The men and warriors of the town soon made their presence felt as they returned to the battle, having left to retrieve weapons of their own. Still, they were sorely outnumbered by the mercenary scavengers. Orrin, for his part, was desperately trying to even the odds for the townsfolk.
His anger found release with every strike as enemy after enemy fell to his two long swords. His face was a mixture of cold hatred and sweat. He fought his way toward the grey haired stranger, slicing limbs and torsos as he did so.
It seemed however that for every enemy Orrin killed, the gray haired stranger killed a civilian. The stranger was one of the fiercest fighters that Orrin had ever seen before. Fighting the stranger alone would have been quite a task, but when Orrin realized the stranger had an ally …
"You!" Orrin yelled, realizing who he was looking at.
The hooded figure turned to Orrin, ceasing his horrid act of striking a Shian child down with his sword. The figure did not remove their hood, but Orrin recognized it instantly. The same hood, the same cloak, the same figure that tried to assassinate his father. Now it seemed the figure had returned for him.
He was right.
UNSPOKEN
"You need not walk me all the way, Peter. It is I who should be bidding you goodnight as you are the guest, not I." Eris said as she and Peter walked toward her chambers.
"It would not be proper." said Peter, his hand firmly holding Eris's, "You are a lady. And you are my friend."
Friend? Eris could only wonder if that was all she was to Peter. She truly did not know. Peter had not asked for formal permission to court her, but each moment they spent together she anticipated its arrival.
Peter was a great man. A magnificent man. She could do no better than him. She could only dream of a husband such as he, for she could see in him qualities that far outshone the crown atop his head.
"Well … goodnight, Peter." Eris said with a smile as they stood before her chamber doors.
"Eris … before I make my formal speech to your people, there is something I wish to say to you." Peter said seriously, his eyes fixed on hers.
Eris's heart skipped a beat, but not for reasons that most woman would in the presence of Peter. Where others would tremble in anticipation of the chance that Peter might formally ask to court her, Eris feared those words coming out of his mouth. And yet she realized that for the sake of her country, for her kingdom, for her father; this must be done.
"Eris?" Peter asked, cupping Eris's cheek, "Is something wrong?"
"No, Peter." Eris smiled, covering his hand with hers, "Nothing is wrong."
Peter smiled, pleased to hear those words, "Then let me say what I must."
"Of course, Peter."
"Your loyalty to me … to Narnia, it has not gone unnoticed. Nor has your friendship. You are a blessing, Eris." Peter said as he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, "You will ever have my thanks for being my friend and for being Narnia's savior. You are my lady. Goodnight."
With that, Peter kissed her hand once more, before he leaned in and kissed her cheek. He smiled as he stepped back, before he turned and left her. As she watched him go, she waved and smiled until he was out of sight.
As soon as Peter had left her sight she turned and rushed into her chambers, not bothering to close the door behind her. She held her face in her hands as she burst into tears. Falling to her bedside, she sobbed and clasped her hands together.
"My daughter, what is wrong?" King Firson asked as he rushed into the room, "I come to bid you goodnight and find you in a state of utter duress. What has happened?"
Eris quickly wiped her eyes and turned away from her father. He pulled her to her feet and wrapped her in a securing hug. He rubbed her back soothingly, as he had for her entire life. Her tears soon quelled and she shook no more, for her father could always bring her peace.
"Why do you cry, my sweet child?" King Firson asked, raising his daughter's eyes to his, "What is the cause of your tears? Is it Peter? Has he not asked to court you yet?"
"No, he has not." Eris said, about to continue before her father cut her off.
"Do not cry, Love. He has only been here one day. I have no doubt that he will ask such a thing. How could he not? You are beautiful, you are loving, you are loved. You are worthy, my child."
"But he is my friend."
King Firson burst into laughter, "You say that as though friends cannot be lovers. Do you not think that I was friends with your mother?"
"But I do not love him. I love him, but I do not love him." Eris said, feeling somewhat amazed that she had even said such a thing to her father.
"Love will grow. I assure you. Love will grow. For both our kingdoms, this is a joyous thing. Your love will seal our future. The Shian and Narnia, bound in their common hearts and minds, in their loyalty to the lion." King Firson said with pride, "In time you will thank me for guiding you to this fate. You do this not only for your kingdom, but for yourself. Do you not think me a wise judge of character? Peter is as magnificent as his title."
"Of that I cannot argue." Eris sighed, "Very well, Father. Very well."
"All will be well, you'll see."
King Firson kissed his daughter's temple, smiling at her before he bid her goodnight. With a tired sigh, she sat down on her bed. She resigned herself to the fact that she would probably end up marrying Peter. If not for herself, then for her kingdom and her father.
Unable to rest, Eris stood up and left her chambers, only to find, as she should have expected, that her ever loyal Jesahn trailed silently behind her. It was his duty in life, to remain by her side and ensure her safety, and she could not show her gratitude enough for his dedication. Yet she could not help but notice his silent distance. Jesahn had never been a particularly talkative person, but she knew him far too well to know when he was keeping his distance.
"Jesahn … please walk beside me, not behind me." Eris sighed, turning back and waiting till he did as she asked.
Jesahn did so, nodding to the security detail assigned to watch Eris. He wanted them to continue following but to allow her more space so she did not feel so encircled. He knew she would have no qualms with his presence, for he had been her life protector since both were young. He had always been with her.
"Walk beside me, not behind me." Eris said again, smiling softly at Jesahn.
Eris had resigned herself to her fate, but a part of her still could not look Jesahn in the eyes without feeling guilty. Guilty for what? For a love that was unspoken? A love that neither had said one word of?
Such a thing would be preposterous given her title and his class. Such a love, if acknowledged, would never be allowed. It was forbidden, taboo, unthinkable. They were worlds apart and yet in their gaze, only one world had eve existed.
Eris smiled a conciliatory smile, as if apologizing for resigning herself to her fate, "You have walked with me almost all of my days."
"And I shall walk with you for all of my days." Jesahn said without thought.
Eris stopped walking, turning to face him, "Do you promise, Jesahn?"
"I am bound to you, Majesty. Of course I promise."
"No … that is not what I mean."
"I am bound to you, Eris." Jesahn said again, emphasizing his words, "I promise … to walk with you for all my days and if the fates allow … beyond them."
"That is a promise I shall hold you to." Eris said with a grateful smile laced with emotion, "Till the end of my days … and if the fates allow … beyond them."
Eris believed this would perhaps be the closest she would ever come to confessing her love for Jesahn, and he for her. Her eyes were somewhat pained for the emotion she felt, yet she smiled regardless.
"Beyond them …"
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
Orrin pulled himself to his feet, having been knocked back by a fearsome explosion. The scavengers had resorted to using firebombs to destroy the homes in the town. The town was almost destroyed. Many of its citizens lay dead and dying, with women and children not spared the dark fate.
Yet before he even had a chance to gather himself, he was once more on the backfoot. The two unknown warriors fought him back, forcing him to fight on two fronts. Their skill was unlike any he had encountered before in his life. As they were aided by the scavengers, it was almost impossible for Orrin to gain any kind of substantial footing in his duel.
"And what are your names?" Orrin spat, hoping that his words might distract them enough to allow him an opportunity to strike.
He parried their blows, countering with his own. They still forced him back and he found himself pinned up against a burning house. Still he fought on, unwilling to go down without a fight.
"Destan." Destan said with a sneer, increasing the ferocity of his attacks.
"I am …" Angelus said, before he was cut off by firebomb explosion to the right of Orrin.
Orrin was blown into a nearby house, smashing through its burning wall. With the area filled in smoke and the last remaining townsfolk running for their lives, Destan and Angelus smirked in satisfaction.
"So much for the prince of the Shian." Destan sneered as the house collapsed atop Orrin.
Angelus however, did not seem so enthused as Destan. He looked around himself, scanning for survivors. He turned to Destan.
"Our work here is done. Forget the rest." Angelus said, about to pull his hood off.
Both warriors were taken completely by surprise when a shadow emerged from the thick smoke. A shadow that became a figure. A figure they believed dead.
Orrin emerged through the smoke, his face covered in blood. His eyes were cold and his stare certain. He held out his swords, each pointing to one of the warriors.
"You came for me? Then come for me." Orrin said coldly.
The two warriors lunged at Orrin, but he blocked by their swords with his own. Soon the three were exchanging strikes and sweeps, two against one. Dodging and dashing through smoldering ash and burning buildings, Orrin fought his two enemies with every ounce of his being.
When scavengers came at him, he cut them down in the most direct and grotesque fashions. A head there, an eye there, it did not matter. He fought to kill. Fought to kill those who had shed blood of his people, of innocents.
Dodging a horizontal slice from Angelus, Orrin rolled under and rose up behind Destan. In an instant, Orrin's two swords had pierced Destan's back and emerged out of his chest. Orrin leaned forward, staring at Angelus as he whispered in Destan's ear.
"This is for the children." Orrin said as he split his left sword out of Destan's torso horizontally.
"This is for the innocents whose blood you shed today." Orrin said as he split out his right sword.
In one stunning swipe, Orrin's two swords came up and around, slicing Destan's head from his body, "And that is simply because I do not like you."
Destan's body fell to the ground in three pieces – the lower body, the torso, and the head. Standing over the body, Orrin raised one sword to Angelus. His eyes were filled with hatred and contempt.
"And now … your turn …" Orrin said, before he broke into a sprint and ran straight for Angelus.
Angelus turned and ran, leaping onto a burning house's roof. Orrin followed him up with a swift wall kick. He threw one of his swords at Angelus, slicing through his clock but drawing no blood.
He kicked the dropped sword into his hand as he chased after Angelus. Over and through burning houses, duels, and escaping civilians, Orrin fought Angelus. He refused to let this man leave his sight, and yet he soon had no choice.
Behind him, three children were about to be decapitated by a scavenger. His attention torn between the children and Angelus, Orrin turned and ran back toward the children. Before the scavenger could bring his sword down upon the screaming children, Orrin sliced off his hands as he spun in front of him. Before the scavenger had time to realize what had happened, Orrin had used his two swords to slice the man down the middle. He turned and covered the children's eyes as the scavenger split apart, well and truly dead.
Gasping with adrenaline, Orrin turned to Angelus who stood staring at him from a distance. The two shared a gold clance, before their view was separated by an exploding firebomb. When the smoke cleared, Angelus was gone and the scavengers were retreating.
"We are not done, Stranger." Orrin said ominously, his eyes tracing where Angelus had been, "We are not done."
JUST AND MAGNIFICENT
Peter stood on the balcony of his guest quarters. He missed Narnia. He missed his sisters. He missed …
"Edmund …" Peter said with a shattered gasp.
His eyes were damp from the emotion he felt compelled to release now that he was free to do so. For his entire visit he had kept up the role that he had been expected to play. A role he felt duty bound to play.
Even though his Edmund had left him, he still felt somehow that he could not let him go. He still couldn't help feeling that any kind of romantic gesture toward Eris would be a betrayal to their love. A love that had barely been allowed to live and yet still echoed out through Peter like a curse.
"Oh, Edmund." Peter cried, his hands gripping the railings as he fought back anguished tears, "I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave? Why couldn't you stay?"
Peter let out a muffled cry of frustration as his tears continued to flow. Night had well and truly set in, and he could not have asked for a more stunning sight than that of the capital city far below him. Yet his thoughts were not at all on what he could see, but rather, what he could not.
"Edmund …" Peter sobbed, "Oh, Edmund."
"Peter …"
Peter stopped moving, he almost stopped breathing. He stared straight ahead of him. Surely … had he heard that voice? Did he hear the voice of his Edmund?
"Edmund?" Peter cried out, desperately, "Edmund?"
"I love you, Peter."
"Edmund?" Peter yelled, "Where are you?"
Peter definitely heard the voice. He turned all around himself, trying to find it, but he knew it was helpless. Edmund was not there. And yet he was certain he heard that voice. Right here in the darkness with him.
"Edmund!" Peter cried out, "Edmund!"
A ghost, an apparition. Anything. Anything to show him that somehow, somewhere his Edmund lived on. Lived on in ways he couldn't imagine.
Peter was about to give up his desperate attempts to find Edmund when he finally received an answer to his prayers. In the shadow of the moonlight, a face. A hint of a face. Barely there at all, but still enough for Peter to clearly recognize.
"Edmund …"
- To Be Continued -
RWC3 - Legend of the Shian
Part 3
In a time when the Shian still roam the world, Edmund must save the Shian from a sinister threat. All while trying to evade the vengeful eyes of Prince Orrin who is hunting down whomever is responsible for trying to assassinate his father. Will Edmund succeed? Or will his actions prove to be unwittingly responsible for a dark fate that has yet to befall the Shian? How will Peter's presence in the Shian capital affect this?
Find out as the multi-chapter: Rogue Warrior Chronicles - The Legend of the Shian continues!
A/N: It's kind of eerie writing RWC. If you've not read Just and Magnificent, then close this window now.
Still here? Then I'm assuming you've read Just and Magnificent.
It's eerie, even kinda sad writing RWC knowing that almost every character in it save Aslan and Peter, will be dead by the end of Just and Magnificent. Prince Orrin, Princess 'Pretty Eyes' Eris, and last, but most of all, Edmund the Rogue Warrior. Kinda sad too in that we know Eris and Jesahn never did get to tell each other how they felt before the end. But anyway! I hope you're enjoing this series so far. We're hitting the action time. If anyone's read JaM, they'll know that Edmund and Orrin are two of the best fighters in that. Some angst with the Eris/Peter situation. And just remember, it's not the destination, it's the journey! You might now what happens, but you don't know exactly HOW it all happened. Thank you so much for reading! Until next time, Sub's up!
