I might struggle to get my chapters out as soon as I have been. I just started a new class.
By the time Judas's army had made it into Narnia, Edmund was almost too exhausted to stand. The last trip they had made to Narnia was made with ease since they were in no rush to get there. This time was different: Judas wanted to catch Peter as off guard as possible. If the Tisroc had not been required to first break the treaty and declare war, he would have liked to come completely unannounced.
Edmund could only hope that Peter would receive the news before the Calormenes could make it to far into Narnia. The last thing Edmund wanted was for his subjects to be caught in the middle of a raging battle.
It came as a relief, then, when Judas had called for them all to stop for the evening. The Calormenes set up their tents and put their stew pots over the fire. Edmund was untied from the short line of slaves that Judas had decided to bring, and ushered into the Tisroc's large tent in order to serve him.
Edmund was glad to have been one of the slaves chosen to go along. Most of the others would rather have stayed behind, but here, Edmund might get the chance to see Peter again.
Another positive to coming along was that it would be easier to find an escape. If the battle did ensue, then there would be little to no guards to keep him from leaving.
"You, boy."
Edmund snapped out of his thoughts and turned his full attention to Judas, who was trying to call him.
"Yes, Master." He said, keeping his head respectfully down.
"Quit stalling and come serve your lord and his guest." Judas said, irritation obvious in his voice.
Edmund said nothing more, but took up the tray off the table by the entrance and filled two goblets with wine. He put the goblets on the tray and brought them to the two men.
Edmund knew who the second man was; he was the commander that Judas had eaten lunch with a few days back. From what Edmund had heard, his name was Commander Arild. Judas had taken him on as the second in command of his army ever since the Prince had insisted on staying behind to attend to Calormen in the Tisroc's absence.
Judas began conversation with the commander, "If what you say is true, then we must be prepared."
"My own scout saw them; I trust his judgement. They're but a days ride away from this very spot." Arild assured.
The two of them spoke to each other as though Edmund was was not even in the room. It wasn't anything new, but it wasn't usually Edmund who got the chance to hear what they were saying.
"And the High King was leading them?"
Arild nodded. "Just like he always is, My Lord."
Peter was already nearby? He had reacted more quickly than Edmund had expected. But, then again, Peter was never one to tarry when there was fight to be.
"Send your scout to them. I should like to talk with His Majesty about the battle conditions."
Discussing the conditions for battle was always Edmund's job. It seemed weird that there should be a battle that the job would fall to Peter. Edmund trusted his brother; Peter would do the right thing. He would find a way to free him.
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Peter was escorted by three Narnian guards to the meeting place. Judas had arranged for one of his tents to be erected a ways outside of his camp since Peter wasn't comfortable going into the camp to negotiate. Judas had already tried to finish Peter off in a dishonorable way; he wouldn't be surprised if the ruler decided to try again.
Accompanying Peter was Ziddim, Edmund's captain, who was standing to his right and a lioness named Domil, standing to his left. A Griffin named Gin flew overhead, watchful of any unseen danger that might spring out at any moment. Oreius had wanted to come along, but Peter convinced him that he would be better needed at their camp to prepare and guide the soldiers in Peter's absence.
As they came upon the large tent, two Calormene soldiers ushered them inside white Gin stayed outside to look for any approaching soldiers.
"Ah, High King Peter. So glad you could make it." Judas greeted from his chair at the opposite side of the tent.
"I don't think I had much of a choice, now, did I?" Peter glared at the man who had made his life considerably harder in more ways than one.
Judas gave a look of hurt. "Please, don't take this personally."
"So, it wasn't personal that you tried to have me killed?" Peter challenged the 'great' Tisroc.
"Mmm, don't be like that. I would have liked to be friends with you, but we're just too different."
"I don't want to hear your reasoning, just tell me what you want."
Judas pretended to think for a moment, but Peter knew that it was an act. He then rose his head as if just coming up with what he really wanted. "I think I would like Narnia."
Peter wanted to kill the man right where he stood. "You can't win Narnia in a sole battle."
Judas shrugged. "Then my army and I shall conquest. We will do whatever it takes."
Peter took a deep breath and composed himself. "Then I suppose I had better kill you tomorrow." He said in the most calm tone he could muster.
The smile disappeared from Judas's face. He scowled fiercely at Peter. "I'll be glad when this fight is over; you'll be too busy rotting in your grave to be talking back to Narnia's new ruler."
Peter ignored the comment and continued on with his own conditions. He wouldn't stay here a moment longer than necessary. "If I win, you must never enter Narnia again." Peter thought for a moment more, then answered, "And you must free all of your house slaves, leaving them in Narnia or letting them travel to Archland."
Judas rose one eyebrow. "What a strange request. May I ask why you would demand such a thing?"
Peter shook his head. "You know I don't agree with your thoughts on slaves. Just accept or deny."
This was the answer. If Peter could win this battle, then Edmund would be freed. He would do whatever it took to win his brother's freedom. Edmund had been through enough suffering, already; It was time to end it, once and for all.
After Judas had run through all of his options, he met Peter's blue eyes with his brown ones. "I accept your terms."