Chapter 6
Just over a fortnight passed since Ariela traveled to Camelot. The people of Narnia had no idea where Jadis would attack, but they knew that she would likely strike wherever the Pevensies were in order to take them down before taking over the rest of the kingdom. Because of this, the Queens called all able bodied Narnians to Cair Paravel and set the smiths to work immediately building extra weapons and sturdy armor. With Peter and Edmund gone, they couldn't afford to leave either Susan or Lucy off the battlefield and so both sisters prepared for battle. If the worst happened and both fell in battle then they had to hope that the men would find a way to return to their right bodies and Edmund and Peter would continue to look after Narnia. They sent an envoy to Archenland, asking for aide but had yet to hear back from the king. By day they practiced their skills and by night they strategized every possible tactic the witches could attack with. They were discussing strategies, with Arthur occasionally inputting a suggestion, when Merlin spoke up from the back.
"You should know that while Morgause will have difficulty finding any sorcerers to fight against Arthur, she will likely have one or two who hate the Pendragon name enough to join her. You will need a sorcerer on your side powerful enough to combat their magic."
"We hath no sorcerers of our own."
"You have me." He said and turned to Arthur with a pleading look.
"I'm so sorry you're finding out this way Arthur. I've wanted to tell you for so long, but every time I thought about telling you, another sorcerer would attack, or the council would say something to remind you of how evil my kind are and I couldn't have you hate me. I swear I've only ever used my magic to protect Camelot and it wasn't even my choice to practice it, I was born with it."
"Merlin, calm down." Arthur said raising his hand.
"I've known about your magic since my father died. You were never very subtle in your use and I'd suspected something for a while. When I found a sorcerer willing to save my father just for the hope that when I became king I would repeal the law, I knew it was you. Especially the fact that he had your eyes and I couldn't find you anywhere while he was helping me. I've been trying to get my council to repeal the full ban on magic but it's taken work to convince them, plus I've had to hammer out the new laws for safe practices. It was supposed to be a surprise." Arthur said in amusement and Merlin looked so touched.
"Thank you!"
"Whatever, now what can you add to the battle plans?" He said brushing it off uncomfortably.
"Well I can put a protection around the army so that they won't be able to be attacked by any direct form of magic. No fireballs, no clouds of death, no anything else they may try to use to wipe us out."
"That would be very helpful. Many thanks, Merlin." Lucy commended.
Finally, just before dawn, a scout arrived declaring the witch's army was just beyond the ridge and would be upon them in an hour. The Queens surged out of bed and immediately the palace prepared for battle. The archers, a few of the red dwarves, a minotaur who had proven he was on the Pevensies side, Tumnus, and Mrs. Beaver stayed behind Cair Paravel's walls to provide medical assistance and be the last line of defense if all else failed. Queens Susan and Lucy, fully clothed in battle armor and carrying a bow and sword respectively, led their people out of the palace gates to face Jadis off in battle. The army in front of them was nearly twice the size of their own but they knew that their only option was to fight and hope that their strength was enough to defeat Jadis' numbers.
Unlike the Battle of Beruna, Jadis was quite willing to start an immediate assault as soon as Paravel's army was in sight. An army of ghouls, minotaurs, and men, presumably recruited by Morgause, swarmed Cair's army and Lucy did everything she could to fight them off, while Susan concentrated on finding a weak spot in their attack and organizing their own army in attacks. They barely started to get the ground army under manageable condition when suddenly the eagles were under direct attack by creatures they could not seem to puncture. They had the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle but every time the eagles tried to attack they found their beaks broken and the arrows shot at them splintered. The creatures rained destruction down on the armies and all seemed lost until a powerful voice swept over the Queens' army and the arrows glowed blue while the entire body of the eagles did as well. Something inside the soldiers told them to attack the creatures again and with a new wave of hope the creatures started to fall to the magical arrows and eagle attacks.
Rejoicing in the small victory, no one save one noticed as Merlin collapsed right after his eyes glowed a terrifyingly bright gold that took up his entire visible eye. Arthur bellowed his name and immediately slew both black dwarves in front of him. Merlin was only on the ridge just above him and Arthur carved a bloody path between them as he raced his way towards him. He cut down a barbarian and dropped to his knees by his still servant.
"Merlin! Come on you idiotic man, open your eyes!" Arthur yelled as he grabbed Merlin's shoulders and pulled him up. He waited with baited breath as his eyes slowly opened, though they remained slightly glazed over and there was definitely still a gold tint to the blue irises. They rolled around a bit before finally focusing on Arthur.
"Arthur!" He gasped out and his arm shot forwards, a blast of magic erupting out. Arthur quickly glanced behind him, not letting go of Merlin, and saw a ghoul lying on the ground with his head cracked open on a rock. He turned back to Merlin with a look of disbelief.
"I can't believe you. You literally just passed out from extending too much of yourself with magic, and the first thing you do upon waking back up is use more magic."
"It was going to kill you Arthur, why wouldn't I use magic?" Merlin said completely serious, despite the fact he was barely conscious. Arthur stared back in shock.
"Merlin, under no circumstances are you to ever use so much magic that you kill yourself protecting me, understand?" He could tell Merlin was about to argue so he spoke up once more.
"That's an order. I know I give a lot of them, but please Merlin this is the only one I really want you to follow."
"I promise I'll follow that unless there is no other way to save you." He knew that was the best he was going to get from him so he conceded and helped Merlin stand up when he tried to. They both looked across the battlefield and their hearts dropped. Paravel's forces were slowly being pushed back towards the palace walls. Clearly the witches were only showing part of their army as more forces continued to flow out of the surrounding forest to replace those fallen on the field.
Lucy fought off enemies from all sides, and never more had she lived up to her moniker than in that moment as she valiantly slew foe after foe. She kept the front line from falling too far back, all the while her sister kept her blind spots protected, firing arrow after arrow into front line enemies. Still, their damage seemed to have no affect on the opposing army. Susan watched as more and more enemies poured out to attack her sister and could do nothing but continue firing off her arrows, despite her steadily depleting supply. Lucy, no matter how strong or battle hardened she was, felt herself growing weaker as soldier after soldier attacked. She knew that her comrades were stepping in where she was slowing down, determined to protect their Queen even against insurmountable odds, and couldn't help the guilt she felt as they continued to fall on all sides of her. Her fatigue finally caught up to her as she fought a minotaur. He swooped low in an attempt to cut open her stomach, she twisted to the side a little too slowly, and he cut her deeply across the left side of her back and part of her side. She dropped to her knee momentarily as the pain registered and realized this was it. She looked defiantly at the minotaur as he brought his sword down in a killing blow. Only before the sword hit it's target, a horn was blown and the minotaur stopped mid swing. Lucy glanced to where the sound came from and nearly cried in relief at the red and green armies flowing up the surrounding terrain. With a sudden surge of adrenaline, Lucy re-gripped her sword and grabbed the sword of a fallen comrade and jumped right onto the chest of the minotaur as she brought both swords across his neck. The head tumbled off and she bent her knees and rode the body to the ground. Standing back up she looked in the direction of the rescuing army and started carving a path towards them using her renewed energy.
Susan swiftly ran out of arrows as the opposing army began to overrun her own. Nevertheless she continued to order her soldiers in attack sequences. She glanced back at where her sister was on the battlefield and screamed in rage as she saw her cut down. The minotaur stood threateningly above Lucy and she searched desperately for extra arrows. Suddenly a quiver was thrust in her line of vision and she grabbed it glancing at the soldier who brought it forth. It was the minotaur on their side, fur painted red and gold, who was supposed to be behind Cair's walls. She watched as the gates finished closing behind him and he grabbed the two swords off his back and rushed into battle since delivering his Queen some much needed ammunition. Bringing her mind back into focus on the battle, she quickly loaded her bow with a newly acquired arrow and set her vision back on the enemy minotaur. Only before she could finish targeting, a disturbance at the far side of the battle attracted her attention. The witches' soldiers flowing out of the woods were being cut down and a horn was blown. The Queen grinned as she recognized the green color of Archenland soldiers and the red of Camelot. The allies quickly started their attack and Susan looked back on the battlefield to see the minotaur slain and Lucy making her way through the battlefield toward their allies. Susan called to Einrich, an eagle currently circling above.
"My Queen, how can I assist you?" He asked landing.
"I know you are a warrior and not a pack mule, but I must reach my brothers across the field as quickly as possible."
"You need not ask, Your Majesty. I will deliver you to them swiftly." The eagle bowed his head and Susan quickly climbed on board. He took off and soared towards her family.
Merlin and Arthur watched the devastation unfold below them at a complete loss as to how to help. They heard a cry of agony and saw it come from the Queen in front of the palace walls. Following her line of sight, they saw Lucy on the ground and Merlin searched himself for just a bit more magic to save her with. Suddenly Arthur grabbed his attention and pointed to the west side of the field where they noticed soldiers were pouring out of the woods at a much faster rate, but they were getting shot down, despite being too far out of range for Narnia's archers. They watched as a new set of soldiers poured out from behind them. Merlin sagged with relief, and Arthur actually whooped in excitement at seeing his loyal men coming to the rescue.
"Come on Merlin!" Arthur grabbed his arm and pulled him down the ridge and in the direction of the new army. Arthur cut through the enemies in their way as Merlin watched his back, using as little magic as necessary.
As soon as Peter crested the hill, he took in the site of his people surrounded on three sides by all manner of evil. He immediately pulled out Arthur's horn and blew, announcing their arrival. He briefly turned to face his men.
"Remember, those clothed in red or armored similar to Lady Ariela are allies and not to be harmed. As for the rest, good hunting!" With that, Peter nodded to King Lune of Archenland, and the two led their armies in a joint attack to flank the enemy's army. Peter dismounted relatively early as he had always been a better ground fighter, and Edmund immediately covered his six. The two carved through the soldiers with the ease of brothers who have fought side by side many times. The Knights of the Round Table fought right alongside them. They didn't make it very far in when a large shadow swooped just above their heads and a figure dropped down. She straightened up and the knights were immediately on guard while Peter and Edmund alighted in recognition.
"Susan should you not be watching over Cair?" Peter exclaimed. She strung her bow, aimed in Peter's direction, and fired in one quick move without taking a breath. Peter glanced back to see a man fall with an arrow right between his eyes before Camelot knights covered the opening and continued the fight.
"If I were in Cair then how would you make it to Jadis alive?" Susan rebutted, re-stringing her bow in preparation.
"I was doing fine till you distracted me."
"As you say. Now shall we not continue our fight?" Peter took the hint and moved through Arthur's men once more until they were fighting on the front line. As they carved a path through the enemy Edmund started yelling at Susan above the sound of battle.
"Where exactly is Jadis?!"
"In the very center of the field with Morgause. They are surrounded by a black shield and there are two other sorcerers thither killing all who draw near!" She responded while stabbing one enemy and then shooting the same arrow into a farther one's chest.
"How are we supposed to defeat two sorcerers and get through a death shield?!" Peter asked as he threw someone back with his shield and stabbed him in the lungs.
"With the help of the most powerful warlock in Albion!" Came a shout from behind Edmund's nearest enemy. A sword protruded from her chest and as she fell a blonde and brunette moved into her place.
"Nothing quite like running towards your own body, eh Arthur?" Merlin said and Arthur smacked him upside the head. Meanwhile Peter and Edmund stared at their bodies and the companions all watched in wonder as the four switched men met up.
"My apologies, what was that?" Edmund asked, staring at the unusual sight before him.
"To fight sorcerers on an even field, you must have one on your side as well. And luckily we have the most powerful one on our side." Said Arthur. Merlin however, stumbled as if hit by a strong blow, and it was only then that the company noticed the blue dome that had surrounded them in their moment of distraction. Arthur watched as the enemy threw themselves fruitlessly against the shield and turned to Merlin, who looked faint on his feet.
"Merlin, how are you supposed to help us stop Morgause if you use up every ounce of strength out here?"
"I'm sorry, Sire. Next time I'll just let your sorry arses be killed when you guys are too distracted to realize we are in the middle of a god damn battle field." Arthur blanched before straightening.
"You're right Merlin, this is my fault." He turned to the others.
"We can talk strategy as we fight but it will be best not to tarry behind this shield." The others nodded and readied to battle position as Merlin let the shield melt away. The enemy immediately surged on them, but they were not Kings and Queens simply for their ease of politics. The company tore through the crowd of barbarians, ghouls, and dwarves, all the while Arthur kept a close eye on Merlin.
They fought the enemy on all sides. Peter and Edmund moved together as one force striking the enemy down before they could make a move. Arthur and Merlin found themselves doing the same, Merlin being able to fight much more effectively without having to worry about Arthur seeing him use his power. Susan stood between the two pairs, firing off arrows at any who seemed to get too close to her friends. She felt a presence sneak up behind her and spun, arrow held aloft and ready to strike into the face of her enemy. She paused only because the dwarf stood still for a moment before it's body collapsed and it's head fell to the ground severed, as her sister brought her blade back to her side.
"Lucy!" She all but threw herself into her little sister's arms in relief of seeing her upright.
"Come sister, we are almost to Jadis and then our battle will be over."
"Well then you may have use of these." Lucy said as she passed her sister a near full quiver to replace Susan's own, currently full of three. Susan nodded her thanks as she transferred her other three to the new quiver and immediately reloaded her bow and shot a woman who was coming at Peter and Edmund's side with a mace. Susan continued to fire at any who got too close and Lucy took up guarding her back. As such, the three pairs continued through their foes until coming to a place where all else fell away. The army was less thick near the center, while Narnia's allies did all they could to breach the wall protecting Jadis and Morgause.
Jadis had somehow managed to remake her staff and was turning anyone who didn't fall to her blade to stone. Morgause had a constant stream of purple flowing from her hands as she kept a shield around them and slayed any man who ventured too close. The two sorcerers employed all manners of magic to defeat Narnia. Fireballs were thrown without caution and mini tornadoes were whipping through the small battlements. As the others considered the scene in front of them, none noticed the power Merlin seemed to draw to him as he approached the two wayward sorcerers. Without much preamble a lighting strike swiftly struck between the two and their attention was immediately brought to Merlin.
"Sisters! I know not what lies Morgause has told you to lead you astray but please cease this attack!" The two sorcerers looked at each other before turning to Merlin.
"She is not the one who has spoken lies Emrys! You would side with the king who has slain so many of our kin over the one who could bring our power to full glory?"
"Arthur is not the one who has slain our family. His father started the purge, and who are we to hold a son accountable for the actions of his father?"
"He may not have issued the orders but he stood by while countless of our people were cut down or burned for the pleasure of a king."
"So you will not change your mind?" It was a question but it sounded more like a desperate plea. The women nodded at each other and the brunette answered.
"Nay!" Merlin closed his eyes with a sigh, and when he opened them again it looked as though he'd aged 10 years.
"So be it." He thrust his head back and yelled out a string of words in a guttural language. There was power enough behind those words that many people fighting around them stopped to stare. Merlin shrugged his shoulders and looked to Arthur.
"He has many leagues to cross if he deigns to answer my call. We may have a few minutes to wait and fight before he arrives."
"I'm sorry, he who?" Arthur asked incredulously.
"Ah right. I may have forgotten to tell you that I'm also the last dragon lord."
"But that would mean that Balinor was your-" Merlin looked away and Arthur grew horrified.
"Merlin, you let me tell you that your father's death was not worth your tears!"
"I do not blame you Arthur. I knew you did not know who he was to me, therefore how could I hold it against you?" Arthur waved an accusing finger at him.
"Merlin right now we are in the middle of a battle, but when this all over we are going to have a long chat so there is no more miscommunication."
"Of course Sire." Merlin had barely turned away when his eyes flashed gold and fireball approaching Arthur's back stopped midair. Merlin flicked his hand and it flew back towards the one who summoned it, who just barely managed to step out of the line of fire in time. Merlin was blown off his feet by the other sorcerer but Arthur quickly pulled him back to his feet. Merlin summoned an icy wind to freeze one witch and when he turned to the other she had roots around her chest.
"Nice one Merlin! I don't think I've ever seen that before."
"That wasn't me." Merlin said befuddled.
"Nay, that was the trees." Peter claimed, gesturing to the trees surrounding them waving their roots about as they attacked.
"That is some truly wondrous magic." Said Arthur.
"That is Narnia." Edmund said with a laugh as he tore his sword through the chest of a goblin. Suddenly a large roar sounded and giant shadow passed over the armies. The dragon landed on an outcropping of rocks near he who looked like Merlin.
"Why have you called me from so far away, Young Warlock?" Edmund stared in shock before pointing to his own body, which Merlin inhabited.
"He did not call you, I did." The dragon looked keenly at Merlin for a few moments before throwing his head back in a deep laugh. Merlin scowled.
"Oh you have gotten yourself into quite a bit of trouble, haven't you?" Was the dragon's reply.
"Mayhap, but if you haven't noticed we are in the middle of a battlefield." Merlin said pointedly and Kilgharrah took a look around.
"So it seems."
"If Arthur is to succeed in his destiny to become the Once and Future King, then we need to win this battle."
"What is it you would like of me, Young Warlock?"
"I need you to take care of the sorcerers. There are two of them and I keep weakening them but they lend each other strength. I need your help to stop them and then to break the shield that Morgause has around her and Narnia's witch. I suspect enough power directed at the shield will break it. If you continue to blast fire at it and I throw my magic at it, it should fall."
"Very well. I will do this to see your destiny come to pass, but know that I am not a horse to be called upon and ordered around on your whim, Dragonlord or not."
"I am aware." Merlin said, not quite managing to hold in his irritation.
"Good." With that the dragon took to the sky and before any of the witches knew what was happening, dragon fire was descending on them. The two witches used all their power and concentration to ward against the dragon. With their attention focused above Susan took advantage and fired off two arrows. They spun quickly through the air and struck solidly into the hearts of each witch. Merlin glanced at her shocked and she tipped her head at him.
"Time is moving swiftly and they needed to fall." Merlin nodded and turned his attention to the black shield that now had a torrent of dragon fire assaulting it.
"Ic þe bebiede þæt þu abifest nu." Merlin thrust his hands toward the ground surrounded by the dark shield, and slowly an earthquake started beneath Morgause's feet. The shield started flickering as Morgause's attention drifted to keeping herself upright. Kilgharrah continued his attack on the shield as Merlin poured as much magic into the earthquake as he dared, and the Kings and Queens around him defended him against attack by any warriors. Blood started to run down Morgause's nose as Merlin felt himself beginning to feel faint. Merlin gathered the last of his power and with one final breath, threw it all into his spell. Morgause let out a sharp cry as she fell and the dark shield crumbled, with the ground scorched where the dragon was last directing his fire. Merlin felt a smile stretch across his face right before his world turned dark and he fell. Arthur's joy at seeing the shield fall, turned quickly to worry as he saw his dear friend collapse just after.
"Merlin!" He shouted and caught his friend just before he hit the ground. He distantly noted the Narnian Kings and Queens rushing past him, but only looked up when a shadow came over him. Looking up he saw the familiar faces of Gwaine and Elyan.
"Sire, this is your chance to rid our land of Morgause. We will look after him, but you must go." Elyan said and Arthur agreed after gently passing Merlin into Gwaine's waiting arms.
As soon as the shield crashed, the four Pevensies dispatched their current opponents and rushed towards the clearing. Jadis was ready for them and immediately had two blades for which to combat Peter and Edmund with.
"Ah, if it isn't the lost kings. How feel you to know that by dusk you will have lost your kingdom as well as your bodies?" She taunted. The Kings ignored her and split to circle her. Susan notched her bow, ready to fire as soon as Jadis gave her an opening. Beside her, Lucy stumbled and Susan immediately lowered her bow to focus on her sister. Her sight caught on the red stain darkening still on Lucy's side.
"Lu! Why did you not say you were injured?!"
"Tis not of import. Jadis is here and there are too few warriors on the field." Susan gently grabbed her sister's arm.
"That does not mean you should ignore your own pains, sister. Where is your cordial?" Lucy's eyes blew wide.
"I lent it to Naneth when he first set up the infirmary." Lucy grimaced and clutched her side, bending nearly in two. Susan put her bow back over her body and grabbed her sister. She led her through the battlefield, attempting to avoid any foe who may try to attack. They had just made it past the magical clearing when the gentle queen saw a dark shape rush her. Turning, she had just enough time to recognize the type of creature rushing her before it was upon her. It let out a bellow as it was suddenly cut down from behind, and dropped to the ground, a man with shoulder length brown hair and gentle eyes rising from behind it. Susan nodded her thanks to their savior and quickly resumed her mission of getting her near immobile sister out of death's reach. Their studious protector continued at her side, striking any enemy that dared attack the Queens. They finally made it to the makeshift infirmary and Susan immediately searched for Naneth. She caught sight of his black curls as he ducked out of one of the tents.
"Naneth!" She yelled to the faun as she struggled to hold her sister's entire weight. She felt the weight lift off her as her protector lifted Lucy gently into his arms, and Naneth spotted his Queens.
"Your Grace!" He called in astonishment as he raced towards them. Upon recognizing Lucy's limp form, he immediately beckoned them to follow him to the closest tent, where the protector laid her down on an empty cot. Naneth reached into the satchel around his waist and produced Lucy's precious cordial. He unscrewed the top and poured a drop into her mouth as all waited with baited breath. Finally, the Queen's deathly pallor began to gain color and her breathing evened out as she opened her eyes. Susan grasped her hand as she looked around.
"Susan. Where are we?"
"Fear not. We are in the infirmary."
"But Peter and Edmund-"
"We will have to trust. They have shown that they are formidable warriors and have beaten back Jadis once before. But if you had fallen, do you not think that they would have fallen as well, in fear for you?"
"I am sorry sister. I ne'r meant to worry you."
"Then you should look after your health more." Lucy nodded and noticed the man next to Susan.
"May I ask who you are, good sir?"
"I am Lancelot, Knight of Camelot." Lucy smiled.
"Many thanks, Sir Lancelot. I saw you slay that hag just before I passed out."
"Is that what the foe was? I am glad to be of service. I saw your sister traveling through a dangerous field with no protection, and after getting to know your brothers in Camelot, I felt it was my duty to make sure you arrived here safely." Susan smiled gently.
"You were one of the few trusted with the secret then?"
"Aye, though I'm afraid that was only because my comrades and I know Merlin and Arthur well enough to recognize when their speech became odd and the small changes in their personalities."
"You kept the secret though?" Susan asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Of course, My Lady. Once they confirmed that they were acting with Arthur's blessing, we saw no need to unveil the lie."
"You have our thanks then." Lancelot bowed his head in thanks and remained by the Gentle Queen's side as she watched over her sister.
Arthur pulled out his sword as he went to face Morgause. The grip was a little off and he couldn't help missing Excalibur. Why did he and Peter not switch back swords when they first met up? Throwing away that thought, he met Morgause's eyes as she pulled out her own sword.
"Ah if it isn't the lost King." She said with a sneer. "You couldn't beat me last time we fought, what makes you think you can this time?"
"Last I was unprepared for who I was facing. I am not above admitting that I underestimated you, but this time will not be so easy. There is more at stake than my life here, and I swear you will not win again."
"We shall see." With that the witch started her attack.
She lunged at him with a powerful flurry of moves, which he struggled to defend against. He was grateful she used too much power before to use any magic now.
He countered a strike to his head and used Morgause' momentum to push her back and slice at her chest.
She spun away and thrust at his chest.
He knocked her sword off course but still received a gash on his left bicep.
The wound was barely felt through the adrenaline of battle and Arthur easily moved into his next attack.
He delivered three quick strikes with punishing force.
Each was blocked, but Morgause' strength waned on the last and, while pushed off course, the sword managed to pierce her armor on the far left side and create a thin slice.
The small victory on Arthur's part seemed to only enrage the witch.
She threw him into a rock and swung towards his neck while he was disoriented.
He shook his head to clear it, and dove to the left in the nick of time.
Morgause grinned viciously as Arthur struggled to reorient himself.
She brought the hilt of her sword down on the side of his face. Hard.
Blood welled up out of his mouth. It didn't give her quite the same satisfaction since it wasn't the right face, but it was close enough.
Arthur swallowed his own blood and pulled himself to his knees.
Morgause lunged at him for the killing blow.
He held each end of his sword in a gauntlet covered hand and raised it above his head to stave off the attack.
The metal bit into his hand at the force, but Arthur pushed through it to get back on his feet.
Morgause stumbled back as he stood, surprised by his endurance.
She scowled and rushed him.
Arthur spun to the side, until her back was to him.
Just as she turned around, he thrust his sword up and her eyes bulged.
"That is for my sister. So your presence will never plague her again." He hissed into her ear, as he pulled the sword up and through her heart.
Peter and Edmund could only spare a passing thought towards their sisters as they watched Susan carry Lucy out, before Jadis was attacking. The Ice Queen smirked to herself as she watched the petty children worry for their sisters. It's a pity they had to fight her on this. They would have made wonderful additions to her stone garden. Now their blood would mark the beginning of her eternal reign.
With that thought Jadis launched her attack.
She swiped at Peter's neck.
He blocked it easily, and she spun to take shot at Edmund's exposed stomach.
It was a shallow slice, but she had to twist to avoid Peter's back stab.
Edmund went for her jugular, while Peter slashed at her legs.
She bent backwards to avoid Edmund, and stumbled as Peter's sword cut through.
The smell of blood only fueled Jadis' will to win.
She thrust her sword behind her while slashing at Edmund's head.
The sword jammed into Peter's shoulder and Edmund bent backwards.
Edmund blearily looked through the blood dripping into his eyes.
Peter clenched his teeth against a scream and pulled backwards.
Jadis felt one sword ripped out of her hands and refocused her attention solely on Edmund, who was struggling to see anything.
The boy's lanky body was obviously new to Edmund, and gave her plenty of open area.
She struck out at his stomach.
He fell to the ground, and the sword swept above his head.
She brought the sword down on his neck.
It was intercepted from the left.
Eyes blazing, Jadis turned her attention to the forgotten brother.
The sword previously embedded in his shoulder lay on the ground, and Peter had both hands gripping Excalibur's hilt as he kept Jadis from killing his brother.
Jadis wrenched her sword back and started circling Peter.
"You think you can beat me? Have you forgotten that you needed a lion to do that last time?"
Peter just stared at her, keeping her attention fixed on him.
Her eyes widened and he smirked.
He ran forward and thrust his sword through her heart, just as another pushed from her back through her gut.
"You have forgotten that the last time I did not have my brother by my side." Peter said as he watched the light fade from her eyes. Again.
A/N: I hope you all are enjoying this story. I'm thinking about writing a Merthur version of this, so if anyone is interested please let me know.