Chapter Four

Kali exited her tent early the next morning in time to witness the discussion between Aslan and who she presumed to be Edmund. She caught sight of the other Pevensie children coming out of their tents and seeing their brother.

"Edmund!" Lucy shouted, trying to run to him only to be stopped by Peter who shook his head. Aslan and Edmund look down at them and Aslan spoke again softly before motioning for Edmund to head on down. They walk towards the gathered children together,

"What's done is done. There is no need to speak to Edmund about what is in the past." Aslan told them all sternly, his eyes focusing first on Peter than on Kali. Kali bowed slightly, understanding his message; just because all she knew about Edmund was that he had been a traitor, doesn't mean she should continuously hold it against him. Aslan nodded before walking off, leaving the children alone.

"Hello." Edmund uttered quietly, not looking any of them in the eye. Lucy rushed over and hugged him tightly, a hug that Edmund happily returned. Susan too, came over and hugged her brother which once more Edmund returned.

"How are you feeling?" Susan questioned in concern.

"I'm a little tired." He answered.

"Get some rest." Peter stated, his face impassive. Edmund looked at his older brother and his smile dimmed even as he walked passed them all. He took notice of the fifth child, older than them all, who was standing at the side with an emotionless expression on her face. "And Edmund." Peter called from behind, Edmund stopped and looked around, "Try not to wander off again." A knowing smile on Peter's face. Edmund's expression broke into a happy smile,

"I won't." He replied before continuing into the tent.

"So, that's your brother." Kali stated as the third oldest Pevensie child vanished. The others looked at her,

"Yes. Edmund, he's ten." Peter answered.

"I will give him a chance to prove he is more than a traitor." Kali told them before turning around walking away.

"Is it just me or does she make it really hard to connect with her?" Susan questioned as they stared after the oldest child. Peter nodded,

"From Aslan and Father Christmas has let slip, Kali hasn't had a good life so far. It's no wonder that she doesn't trust all that much." He replied. Susan nodded though Lucy continued to look confused, she was too young to understand the seriousness of the conversation.


It was several hours later that all five of them were together again. They sat outside by a low table eating a breakfast of anything from fruit to eggs and toast. Kali was simply eating an apple as she watched Edmund shove another half a slice into his mouth as he had been doing for the last ten minutes.

"Narnia isn't going to run out of toast, Ed." Lucy teased him making Edmund smile at her before taking another big bite.

"I'm sure they'll pack some up for the journey back." Peter stated, leaning backwards on his hand. The rest of the Pevensie children paused from eating and looked at him,

"We're going home?" Susan questioned,

"You are. I promised Mum that I'd keep you three safe. But that doesn't mean I can't stay and help." He answered. Kali watched the discussion with interest but couldn't help but roll her eyes at the self-importance that Peter associated with himself. What could he do? He was a fourteen-year-old boy who had no knowledge of sword fighting or tactics. Just because he was prophesied to be a King didn't automatically make him one.

"But they need us… All five of us." Lucy protested.

"Lucy, it's too dangerous. You could have drowned at the Lake; Edmund was almost killed." Peter replied.

"So could have you." Kali stepped in calmly, looking at Peter. "What makes you any different?" She questioned. Peter looked at her, annoyance in his eyes,

"I'm older." He stated. Kali scoffed,

"And I'm older than you, but that doesn't matter. Peter, you have no knowledge of swordsmanship, battle strategies or even any experience with fighting in general, just like your siblings. It doesn't matter if you are one or two years older than them, you're in just as much danger as them." She ripped his argument to shreds.

The other children looked between the two older children and had to admit that Kali had a point.

"And I suppose you have?" Peter questioned sarcastically, trying to hide the fact that his pride had taken a serious hit with every word that came out of Kali's mouth. Kali smirked,

"As a matter of fact, I have." Surprising them all, "I've trained in multiple Martial Arts and weaponry for nine years. I've fought in fights before, Peter, and they are not pleasant." There was an awkward silence.

"Okay, so you've got the experience. None of my siblings have. It's too dangerous." Peter stated after a minute. Kali rolled her eyes yet again and opened her mouth to refute him but Edmund spoke first,

"That is why we have to stay." He spoke quietly but everyone heard him. They all looked at him and he continued,

"I've seen what the White Witch can do and I've helped her do it. We can't leave these people behind to suffer for it." He had a determined look in his eye as he stared at them all. Kali raised an eyebrow, impressed. That right there was more Gryffindor than anything Peter had said or done so far.

"I suppose that's it then." Susan stated as she got up.

"We're going home?" Peter questioned, an underling of hope echoing in his tone. Susan picked up her bow and quiver,

"To get some practice." She responded before walking off, Lucy hurrying after her with a massive grin on her face. Kali looked over at the boys,

"You see, Peter? You cannot continue to try and make decisions for everyone but follow a different set of rules for yourself. It doesn't work that way." She stood up, "Now, I believe you two need to learn how to wield the swords given to you. Oreius is waiting in the sword arena." She gestured for them to follow and they quickly did.


Oreius was indeed waiting in the sword arena when the trio of humans arrived. "Master Oreius." Kali bowed slightly in respect. The centaur was an ancient warrior, one with much skill and experience. Just because they were apparently the Kings and Queen of the land, it did not mean that he shouldn't be respected.

"Your Majesty." Oreius bowed back, surprise evident in his tone though he tried to hide it. The Pevensie brothers looked at the eldest child before following her example and bowing lightly.

"You are the most experienced warrior of us all, Master Oreius, that means you deserve the respect we give you." Kali told him seriously. Oreius bowed again at the words. It certainly wasn't what he was expecting when meeting the Future High Queen of Narnia. He could guarantee that the other two boys wouldn't have done anything like that if they were on their own.

"You are here to learn how to wield the swords given to you." He started. Kali watched the boys' expressions turn eager at the thought of learning how to use such dangerous instruments. Boys.

"I already have some experience, Master Oreius." She spoke up. They all looked at her.

"Indeed?" Oreius questioned. Kali nodded,

"Truly. I can give a demonstration should you wish?" She left the query open. Oreius nodded,

"That would be for the best. I would like to know how skilled you are." Kali nodded again,

"Very well. Do you wish me to be on a horse or on the ground?"

"Have you ridden before?" Oreius questioned,

"No. Though I am a quick learner." Kali answered freely. Oreius nodded,

"Stick to the ground for now." He responded before taking his twin swords from their sheaths. Kali did the same and soon they were facing off against each other. The boys had had common sense to move back so they were out of harm's way.

The two combatants stayed still for one long minute, both observing each other before Kali attacked. She was swift and brutal as she swung both swords in a deadly arc at the Centaur. Edward gasped slightly before watching in disbelief as Oreius deflected them both before attacking back. The two opponents parried back and forth for twenty minutes, the blows getting steadily stronger and faster as Oreius pushed his new student to the limits. Eventually, after Kali had lost one of her swords, Oreius called a halt.

"Enough." He stated, withdrawing his draws from the deadlock he and Kali found themselves in. Instantly, Kali sheathed her sword before bowing at the waist in respect as well as to acknowledge the winner. Oreius sheathed his own blades before returning the bow. "You are a formidable fighter, Your Majesty." He stated, true respect in his eyes. Kali's lips quirked into a smiled,

"Thank you, though I know there is room for improvement."

"Indeed. But even for me, there is. For where you are now, you are very good." Oreius replied with a smile of his own.

Peter and Edmund had watched in astonishment as Kali fought against the experienced warrior. Peter felt the stirrings of jealously as he watched how easily Kali parried and sparred with the centaur.

"Well done!" Edmund cheered, true awe in his tone and expression. Kali turned towards them with a genuine grin on her face,

"Thank you." She responded. Peter coughed slightly,

"Yes, well done." He hurriedly added. Kali narrowed her eyes at the eldest Pevensie for a second before nodding,

"Thank you." She repeated.

"To continue this lesson, My Queen, I believe it would be beneficial for you to learn to ride a horse now whilst I show the young kings the basics." Oreius half questioned, half stated. Kali nodded,

"Excellent idea, Master Oreius." She answered. Oreius nodded before gesturing for another Centaur to come forward,

"This is Daryll, he will take you to the stables and teach you to ride." Oreius stated. Kali nodded,

"Very well. A pleasure, Master Daryll." She stated. Daryll bowed in response.

"The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty." He answered before guiding the young woman away, Kali picking up her other sword on the way.


It was several hours later when Kali was alerted by Mrs Beaver to the arrival of the infamous White Witch. Kali frowned but nevertheless dismounted her horse, a black beauty named Thunder and nodded to Daryll before followed Mrs Beaver to Aslan's tent. She found the rest of their little group already there, watching as the procession of the White Witches' entourage walked through the lines of Narnians.

"Jadis! Queen of Narnia! Empress of the Lone Islands!" A Dwarf announced loudly as he walked before the Witch, whom Kali was disgusted to see was seated in a raised throne carried by four cyclops. Jeers and shouts of anger greeted that introduction by the Narnians on either side of enemy. They all watched as the Witch stood and strode confidently forward until she was barely a meter in front of Aslan whom had watched everything with a calm if not annoyed expression on his face.

"You have a traitor in your midst, Aslan." The Witch stated in greeting, looking directly at Edmund.

Everyone gasped even as Edmund took a step back and looked to the ground. His Sisters pressed their hands within his own in comfort.

"His offence was not against you." Aslan stated in response.

"Have you forgotten the laws upon which Narnia was built?" The Witch demanded, looking piercingly back at the Great Lion. Aslan growled and allowed a pulse of Old Magic to pulse out. He was not going to be condescended by a Witch whom was barely a fraction of his age. Kali sucked in a deep breath as the powerful Magic rolled over her; she forced herself to stay upright instead of kneeling as what the magic was demanding her to do.

"Do not cite the Deep Magic to me, Witch! I was there when it was written." Aslan snarled. The Witch looked at him and seemed to recognise the danger as she toned down her condescension slightly,

"Then you'll remember well that every traitor belongs to me…. His blood is my property."

Peter, the brave idiot that he was, immediately drew his sword and pointed it at the Witch.

"Come and take him then!" He demanded. The Witch looked at him pityingly and not at all afraid, something that Kali didn't blame her for. Peter sounded like a child trying to be tough. Not frightening in the slightest.

"Do you think that mere force can deny me my right, little King?" She questioned, condescension evident at prominent levels once more in her tone. "Aslan knows that unless I have blood as the law demands, all of Narnia will be overturned and perish in fire and water. That boy," She pointed directly at Edmund who looked like he wished the Earth would just swallow him up, "will die, on the Stone Table… as is tradition." She looked then back at Aslan, "You dare not refuse me." She stated though the threat was loud and clear.

Kali looked between the two, unsure whether she should step in. She knew, from examining the woman that she wasn't a true Witch. It was her tool that gave her the power to do magic, the woman herself didn't have a drop in her. If Aslan allowed it, she could end the threat the woman was right here and that would be that.

Aslan suddenly looked at her and suddenly she found herself within her own mind, a mental projection of the Lion next to her.


"Do not attack her, Kali, not here." He stated,

"But I could kill her. End the threat she poses to Narnia right now." She protested, not understanding why Aslan was prolonging the problem.

"She has activated the Old Rights. Her claim must be cleared before any ill will is cast on either party. I say again, Do Not Attack." He explained sternly. Kali narrowed her eyes but nodded,

"As you wish." She replied with a slight bow of her head. Within another second, Kali found herself back out into the real world.


"Enough." Aslan ordered firmly, it appeared that only a second had passed whilst they had had their conversation. "I shall talk with you alone." The Lion turned around and entered his tent. The Witch raised her head imperiously before following him in.

The Narnian's settled down on the grass to wait, evidently knowing that it would be awhile before either party re-emerged from the tent. The Pevensie children followed suit though Kali remained standing, keeping her eyes directly on the tent.

"Come and sit with us, Kali." Lucy urged. Kali looked down at the innocent and naïve child with a soft smile on her face,

"Not now, Lucy." She replied, before moving off to stand next to Oreius. "I do not like this." She murmured softly.

"I do not suppose many do, Your Majesty." Oreius replied, just as quietly. Kali hummed and nodded slightly,

"The Witch has no true power." She informed the ancient warrior, "It is the tool she wields that holds all the magic." Oreius looked at her in surprise,

"Truly?"

"Indeed." Kali answered shortly. Oreius nodded,

"I'll inform the others, quietly. They will know to target her weapon before engaging in combat." Kali smiled slightly,

"Good. It will even the battlefield slightly." Oreius bowed low,

"I will start now. Your Majesty." With that he cantered off to his nearby brethren.


Kali had just returned to the Pevensie's side when the tent's entrance fluttered open. Everyone got to their feet as the Witch and Aslan exited. The Witch stared at the children with cold eyes as she made her way to her throne.

"She has renounced her claim on the Son of Adam's blood." Aslan announced. Immediately, the Narnian's erupted into cheers even as Edmund was mobbed by his siblings. Kali however simply stared at Aslan. She knew something wasn't right. The Witch wouldn't have given up the claim without something in return.

"How do I know your promise will be kept?" The Witch demanded, glaring at Aslan. That just confirmed to Kali that something had been promised; an exchange had been made. In response Aslan roared loudly, making the Witch sit quickly in her throne, scared. The Narnians laughed and jeered as the Witch left rather quickly with her entourage. Aslan however, merely sighed before walking back into his tent.

Peter hugged his brother ecstatically as soon as the announcement had been made. He wouldn't lose his brother! He felt his sisters joining in on the hug quickly and moved his arms to accommodate them all. Looking over their shoulders, he saw Kali staring at Aslan's tent with a frown on her face, no sign of happiness evident at all. He watched as she walked away, away from the cheering Narnians. He saw Oreius cantering after her and frowned himself. They knew something, something important but were not sharing it.

"Come on! This calls for a celebration!" Lucy yelled, getting laughter and agreements from everyone around them. Any suspicions Peter had, were quickly discarded as he was dragged away by two over exuberant siblings.


"Tell me you are just as worried as I am." Kali stated, not looking back at her companion as she stared out from the cliff that she had spoken with Aslan on.

"I am." Oreius rumbled, "But Aslan's business is his own. We cannot interfere unless he allows it." He reminded. Kali growled in frustration,

"He has no doubt gone and done something stupid."

"You would have preferred that the Son of Adam had died?" Kali looked at him finally,

"No. But I know what kind of price that would have to be offered in return." She paused and looked at him, "A life for a life." She added grimly. Oreius started,

"You think…" He trailed off.

"I do. It is something that Aslan would do." There was silence for several minutes as both party took the time to let the conclusion sink in,

"Your Majesty, you realise that if this is true, then it will be you who leads us into battle come morn?"

"I know, Oreius." Kali replied grimly, "Unfortunately, whilst this may be my first full out war, I am no stranger to battles. This will merely be practice for the war I will be leading when the times comes to return home." Oreius stared at her and bowed,

"You are strong, Your Majesty, for shouldering all these expectations without protest. Know that if you need someone to vent to, I will always be here." He spoke solemnly,

"I will." Kali promised quietly before they both looked away from each other and back into the distance. Both inwardly wondering what the morrow would bring.


That night, Kali kept watch in the shadows, waiting for Aslan to appear. She knew he would, it would be what she would have done if she had been in the same situation. The Witch would not allow a delay; especially a delay that would be so detrimental to the courage of her enemies. Finally, a little before midnight, Aslan appeared, softly treading through the grass as he stealthily moved away from the camp.

"Did you think I would not realise the bargain you struck?" Kali questioned softly, making Aslan stop and look at her. He sighed,

"I had hoped." He answered. Kali shook her head slightly as she moved out of the shadows and joined him.

"I understand why you have done what you have done. It does not mean I like it." She stated grimly.

"Then you will not try to stop me?" Aslan questioned seriously, looking up at the teen. Kali snorted softly,

"Not like I could either way, Aslan. But no, I am not here to stop you." Aslan nodded,

"Thank you." He paused slightly, "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me then, at least for a time?" Kali smiled softly,

"It would be my honour." She replied quietly. With a nod to each other, the two companions started to walk again.


"We are being followed." Kali stated five minutes later.

"I know. it's Lucy and Susan." He answered with certainty. Kali nodded,

"They will catch up eventually." She said before falling silent. Neither of the two spoke again until they reached a large pile of rocks. They both paused, hearing the commotion of the White Witch's army ahead.

"It is time. From here, I must go on alone. Thank you, Kali, for accompanying me." He stated, looking at the fifteen year old. Kali bowed her head slightly,

"No thanks necessary." She replied, "It has been an honour, Aslan." Aslan nuzzled her softly,

"Indeed, it has." Suddenly there was a rustling of the bushes behind them. Kali instinctively drew her swords as she spun round to face whoever was there.

Lucy and Susan burst out, hurrying over to Aslan where Lucy threw herself at the Great Lion, sobbing tearfully.

"You can't." She whispered. Aslan sighed even as he watched Kali sheath her weapons.

"I must." Lucy continued to cry into Aslan's mane, not willing to let go. Aslan sighed again and looked at Susan who nodded, understanding what he wanted. She gently extracted her Sister from the Lion and hugged her tightly, preventing her from moving back to the Lion. "You have to trust me, for this must be done. Thank you, Kali. Thank you, Susan. Thank you, Lucy. And farewell." Alan spoke to them all once last time before moving forwards. Kali watched silently, reluctantly ignoring the soft cries of the eight-year-old next to her.

Together, they watched as Aslan strode through the ranks of the Witch's army, ignoring the jeering they threw at him. Suddenly, one of the minotaurs slammed the butt of its axe into Aslan, forcing the Great Lion to the ground.

"Bind Him!" The Witch called and immediately her minions surged forward to do as she bade. "Wait." They paused, "Shave him first." The order was given with a cold smile on her face. The monsters surged forwards again with greater enthusiasm. The dwarf cut the first fist full of hair from the Lion and held it up in the air like a trophy. The monsters roared with approval and eagerly slashed their knives into the Lion's main until it was all but gone. Finally, they bound his paws and jaw with rope before tying one last loop around his stomach and dragging him onto the Stone Table where the Witch waited.

Kali looked on expressionless whilst they Pevensie's watched in horror and fear. "You know, Aslan, I'm a little disappointed in you. Did you honestly think by all this that you could save the human traitor?" The sisters looked at each other and paled at her words, Kali did nothing but narrow her eyes slightly. The Witch was foolish if she believed the Magic of this world would allow her to break the deal she struck without consequence. "You are giving me your life and saving no one's. So much for love." The Witch scoffed. Kali's left hand curled into a tight fist as the woman scorned the sacrifice that Aslan was so willing to make. "Tonight, the Deep Magic will be appeased! But tomorrow...we will take Narnia...forever!" The Witch called out, standing up. Her army cheered her. Aslan's eyes caught first Lucy's, then Susan's, then finally, Kali's. He offered them what little reassurance he could before the end.

"In that knowledge... Despair... and DIE!" The Witch yelled, thrusting her knife down harshly, piercing Aslan. The Great Lion yelped slightly before letting out a groan. Lucy gasped and hid her face into Susan's waist. Aslan caught Kali's eye one last time before they slowly closed. "The great cat…is DEAD!" The Witch rejoiced. The Army cheered again whilst Kali closed her eyes, the only expression of grief she would allow herself. "General, prepare your troops for battle. However short it may be." The Minotaur roared loudly before taking off.


The girls waited until an hour had passed and the rest of the Army had dispersed before making their way down to Aslan's body; left to rot on the Stone Table. Kali stopped just shy of the Table and bowed her head, murmuring a soft prayer in Latin, a prayer to Magic to safe guard Aslan's soul as what he deserved. Lucy took her cordial and unscrewed it but was stopped by Susan who shook her head gently,

"It's too late… he's gone." She whispered. Lucy sobbed but screwed stopper back on and placing in back in its pouch on her belt. Mice began to make their way onto the Table and then onto the Lion himself. "Shoo. Get away!" Susan cried, trying to shoo them off with her hands only to be stopped by Lucy,

"Wait. Look." She pointed to where the mice were chewing through the rope. The two sisters quickly pushed them off the Lion before snuggling into Alans' side. Susan sighed,

"We have to tell the others." She stated, wearily. Lucy's head shot up,

"We can't just leave him." She protested. Susan shook her head,

"They have to be warned. There's no time." She argued back.

"They will be." Kali stated quietly. The two sisters jumped, having forgotten she'd even been there. "I will go. I will warn them. You two stay here and join us when you are ready." Susan swallowed,

"You'll be leading the battle then?" She questioned softly. Kali nodded,

"I will." She straightened up. "Be safe." She told them.

"Don't' die. Please." Lucy begged quietly, throwing her arms around the older girl. Kali swallowed and hugged back.

"I will not." She promised softly. With one last nod to them both, Kali disappeared back into the shadows, already sprinting away, back to camp.

They needed to be ready. She would not let Narnia fall.

That was a promise.


A/N: So, I'm in the midst of moving to a new house (transferring everything that can be taken over whilst some construction is taking place at least) and my beloved little buddy, Oscar, died suddenly with a heart attack (he's my cat). I'm not in a good mental head space to write a lot at the moment so I don't know when the next chapter will be published but I promise you won't have to wait months...

Stay safe,

S.