As soon as the White Witch's body slumped to the ground, a pulsing white light extended from her body and enveloped the two young men. If one were to look to the other side of the clearing, they would see that Arthur and Merlin, next to a freshly killed Morgause, were also swept up in the light. Friend and foe around the clearing, paused and waited with baited breath to see how the finale would turn out. After just a few moments, the light disappeared and all the men returned to their previous battle worn positions. Suddenly the two blonde Kings straightened and faced each other. The one next to Jadis bowed his head slightly toward the other and rushed to his counterpart. The other glanced briefly towards his counterpart, safely guarded by Camelot knights and chest rising and falling steadily, before turning to the large armies still watching.
"Friends and Foes, listen! The witches Jadis and Morgause have been defeated. Their power is gone, and their spell's reversed. My brother Edmund and I have returned to our rightful bodies, as have King Arthur and Merlin of Camelot. Those of Narnia know the strength of my people and my family, if you so choose to continue fighting, you will be defeated. I am sure the same can be said for Camelot. However if you lay down your arms, and submit to our armies you may be spared. You will be imprisoned and given a trial. The choice is yours, but if you choose to fight you will be shown no mercy."
Those in the immediate vicinity hastily dropped their weapons at the promise of fury shining in the young King's eyes. Some who came from Camelot's outskirts attempted to make a run for the trees, but those from Narnia knew better. As soon as a large sum breached them, the trees attacked and those that survived returned to the battlefield and surrendered. As the armies in the front started to surrender, those further out fighting, who had been unaware of what occurred in the clearing, recognized their defeat and relinquished their weapons. As soon as Peter recognized the land was back in their control, he stumbled over to Edmund and nodded at Gwaine and Elyan who had remained guarding his body.
"Many thanks, friends. But I am sure that you are eager to see to your own people."
"It was an honor, My King." Elyan said respectfully as Gwaine nodded before both jogging over to where Arthur was attempting to get Merlin to stand up. Lady Ariela quickly broke through the remnants of the armies and surveyed the two groups. Unsure if the spell actually broke, she watched the two sets of Kings until suddenly Peter raised his arm and beckoned her to the two of them. She flew across the remaining feet and dropped beside her brother. She pulled him into a brief hug before turning her attention to her fallen fiance.
"What ills him so?"
"I do not know. Merlin collapsed from using too much magic, but Edmund should not be affected so."
"Mayhaps, his body has retained the exhaustion despite the magic no longer residing there. The return to his rightful body may have left him uneasy."
"That is a possibility. We should bring him to the healing tents to ensure he is well." Ariela gave him a once over.
"We should take you as well. You look as if you have taken a beating as well." Peter nodded and grunted as he pulled his little brother into his arms. They turned North but stopped as they neared the gathered Knight of the Round Table. Arthur was speaking quietly to Merlin, while he wrapped his head with some torn cloth, and the knights stood vigilant. Ariela coughed lightly to gather their attention.
"My Lords, we have healing tents, set up near Cair Paravel. It would be most expedient if you were to join us on our way there." Arthur nodded to his knights before sweeping Merlin into his arms, ignoring the slew of complaints being thrown at him from the bumbling manservant. The walk to the healing tents was a slow one but filled with much joy as the soldiers around them cheered every time they saw one of their kings. When they arrived at the healing center, it was buzzing with life. Healers doing everything they could to patch up the slew of various soldiers arriving. Those with mortal injuries were quickly treated by Naneth, carrying Lucy's cordial. As soon as Peter and Edmund were recognized, the small group were escorted to the largest tent in the back, where they found their missing sisters and one Knight. Lucy jumped from the bed as soon as she noticed, the unmoving Edmund in Peter's arms. Naneth settled him on the bed and checked him over.
"He does not appear to have any outward injuries. If I did not know how much time His Grace put into building his endurance, I would suggest he collapsed due to exhaustion."
"That is likely the case, when I expand to much energy using magic it can cause me to pass out if I'm not careful. Unfortunately I think I caused that to happen while I was in his body." Naneth glanced over to the pale young man being carried in another man's arms.
"Oh dear, please set him on this pallet over here." The healer asked as he pointed to the last open spot in the room. Arthur gently deposited Merlin and Naneth quickly pulled off the bandage around his head. Tutting lightly, the healer uncorked a vial, and held it out to the young man.
"Take a quick sip of this." Merlin glanced at it dubiously before following instructions. The Camelotians watched in wonder as Merlin's gash slowly cleaned itself and closed up.
"You are lucky that you got here when you did. Even the shallowest of head wounds, can bleed profusely if hit the right way. Without that cordial, you could have been in some serious trouble."
"Thank you." Merlin said and the healer looked over the rest of the ensemble.
"None of the rest of you have serious wounds, correct?" At the confirmation, Naneth poked his head out the tent and hollard. A young centaur with fire kissed hair entered the tent and bowed to the assembled royalty.
"Hysa, I must return to the others and ensure that no others perish from unnecessary wounds. I trust you to bandage the remaining Kings and Knights in here, and call me if any of them appear to be dying."
"Yes, Naneth." The faun left the tent and the young faun turned to the others. Despite her young age, the centaur was an incredibly efficient healer. She cleaned and bandaged Arthurs shoulder, gave Peter water to rinse his mouth out with as she wrapped his bicep, stitched up a shallow cut on Ariela's head, and checked over all of the assembled knights. Once finished she bid the group adieu and demanded they call for her if any of their conditions changed.
Once everyone was left alone, reunions finally occurred. Lucy and Susan hugged Ariela and Peter, happy to have their family finally back together. Lancelot gave Merlin a friendly hug and him and Arthur gripped forearms. After reunions commenced, each settled into the remaining chairs or onto the grassy floor. Susan turned her attention to Peter.
"Brother, pray tell what occurred."
"Once you and Lu left, Ed and I faced Jadis as King Arthur confronted Morgause. They were hard fought battles, and clearly not without injury, but in the end we were victorious. Once both witches were slain, the spell seemed to reverse and we were all returned to our original bodies. When the opposing armies saw that their leaders had fallen, they surrendered and our armies rounded them up. We were concerned about Edmund so we quickly came hither." Susan and Lucy nodded along to the story before Arthur addressed them.
"Pardon me, but how may I ask did Lancelot wind up with you?"
"Sorry, My Lord. Gwaine and Elyan had Merlin taken care of, and I knew that if you were in imminent danger one of them would come to your aide, but I saw their Highnesses traveling dangerous territory without protection. I couldn't in good conscious leave them in danger when their brothers were preoccupied keeping the kingdom, so I took it upon myself to keep foes from attacking them while Her Highness Queen Susan carried Queen Lucy."
"Well done Lancelot. You've done the kingdom proud." Arthur commended and Susan smiled gently. A groan from the middle table drew everyone's attention.
"Dear Aslan, I feel like I attempted single combat with a minotaur and lost. Repeatedly." Peter chuckled at his brother while Lucy threw herself into his arms, Ariela gripped his hand tightly, and Susan smiled. After Lucy pulled away Edmund looked around and grinned when he saw Arthur and Merlin.
"I must say, I am pleased to look at your faces without the need for a mirror."
"The sentiment is mutual." Arthur responded with a smile.
"I presume everything went according to plan?" Edmund asked his siblings pointedly.
"For once, yes." Peter acknowledged. "After you stabbed Jadis, her and Morgause's deaths apparently undid their spell on us. We returned to our rightful bodies, but the exhaustion done by Merlin's magic remained over your body. After the enemies started to surrender, I carried you here and Naneth and Hysa looked over us all." Edmund nodded.
"And now?"
"Now we rest. Hope that Aslan will come and release our comrades from their stone prisons. You all have your injuries to recover from, and tomorrow morning we will need to have a council with our allies to see where we go from here." The Gentle Queen reasoned and the company listened.
The stayed together for a while longer, discussing inconsequential things, until Merlin felt steady enough on his feet to return to Camelot's base. The foreign group bid farewell to the young family and returned to their set up across the battlements, though Lancelot requested to stay behind and guard the royal family. The family chose to remain in the encampment for the night rather than return to the castle as a way of showing their people that they were still on the front lines, and would remain so until the entire situation was settled. They piled the extra blankets and cloaks lying around the tent into a large cot on the floor and all nestled in together. Sleep came quickly to the family of 5 and they slept peacefully, Lancelot never leaving his post outside the tent.
A red sun rose the next morning, and the Kings and Queens across three encampments rose as the light hit their tents. Paiges were sent to the allied encampments with a request for a royal party to follow their escorts to Cair's counsel room. The Pevensies dressed quickly and efficiently and exited their tent. Lancelot and Oreius immediately took up each side of the royal party to escort them out of the wounded tents. The trek was slow as the family stopped to offer gratitude to those still healing and well wishes from those grateful to see their Kings returned. The healing encampment was much less grim than most others, thanks to Lucy's healing cordial, but there were still plenty soldiers healing from non-mortal wounds.
The joint rulers approached the counsel before any of their allies and were able to clean the remaining maps off the table and set up chairs around the circle for their guests. Mr. Beaver and Tumnus arrived shortly after and took their positions next to the family. A few minutes later, the doors opened again and the green of Archenland filtered in. Peter stood from his seat and approached the royal party, his siblings following closely.
"Many thanks, My Lord! For your speedy assistance." High King Peter exclaimed as he grasped forearms with King Lune. Queen Susan and Queen Lyana greeted each other with kisses on the cheek, while Queen Lucy, King Edmund, and Lady Ariela bowed their heads respectfully.
"Nonsense! After your family returned our son to us last year and defended our Kingdom from the Calormenes, this was the least we could do."
"Please take a seat." Peter said with a motion of his arm towards an open section of chairs. The Archenland delegation took their seats and they waited but a few moments for the last third of the table to be filled. The High King and his family did not bother to sit back down, and a moment later the Camelot delegation arrived.
"You have my thanks for supporting my family and Kingdom while I was incapable. Our circumstances may have been unfortunate, but the actions of the last fortnight look to create a beneficial alliance in the future." Peter greeted Arthur.
"I agree, however we have much business to discuss before any celebrations I believe." Peter nodded his acknowledgement.
"Of course. Please have a seat." After the delegation settled, the royal family returned to their original positions, though Peter remained standing.
"Before our discussion begins, I believe introductions are necessary. King Arthur, this is King Lune of Archenland and his wife Queen Lyana. King Lune, meet King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot and his manservant Merlin." The Kings nodded to each other, and Merlin looked startled at being addressed so formally. "King Lune and Archenland have been our allies for many years, and we are grateful that you were once more capable of lending assistance. King Arthur and Merlin are the men of whom my brother and I switched bodies with. It was their willingness to accept our magic and offer their own army in battle against Jadis, that allowed us to win our battle yesterday. The both of you have our sincerest gratitude. But now we must turn to more serious matters. The witches we battled have perished, but their armies are still large and we can not hope to hold them for long before matters get out of hand. My brother, sisters, and I have already discussed this and we have agreed to offer clemency to those Narnians who will forsake Jadis and pledge their loyalty to us. The hags and ghouls will either be executed or banished to the dark lands, but Narnia can not afford to continue in this state of civil war. We hope to build a bridge between us and those Narnians led astray. This matter however concerns more than our home. There are many soldiers from Camelot that surrendered and if those Narnians we pardon, betray us or choose to seek vengeance, Archenland may be at risk. We will not continue with this course of action without a unanimous agreement." Peter waited patiently as Lune conversed with his advisors and Merlin and Arthur whispered furiously. Arthur was the first to stand up.
"We may be new allies but from what I've observed, you are wise rulers. The mercenaries would never have joined Morgause if they didn't fear for their families sake nor worried about how to feed their families. I believe if I make it known that I am working on repealing the ban on magic, and offer the men and women clemency and an opportunity for honest work in the capital and surrounding villages, that they will pledge their loyalty and cause no more trouble. Those who refuse may be tried and executed." Peter nodded appraisingly at the King's judgement and awaited Lune's decision.
"I have watched you grow since you claimed this throne many years ago. Your judgement has always been sound, and you have Aslan's blessing. Archenland will follow your lead."
"You do me honor with your trust, my friends." Peter sat and Susan took his place.
"Prisoners aside, there is more we need to discuss. King Arthur, you saw the work of Lucy's cordial last night. It was remiss of us not to offer it to your army after ours was looked after. There is only a limited amount so we use it sparingly. If there are those in your army on the brink of death, we will gladly send our healer to distribute it. That is if your people consent to healing with magic." Arthur nodded his consent and Susan looked to Lune. "King Lune, you are already aware of the fire flower potion, and of course you have the same offer."
"You have our thanks, Gentle Queen. We have already assembled our most injured at the edge of camp."
"We will distribute it as soon as this council commences. Now there is also the matter of those stoned." A solemn mood overtook those throughout the council chamber. "Last we dealt with this situation was the Battle of Beruna, and Aslan was there to help us. As he says 'Nothing happens the same way twice.' We cannot wait and expect him to show." A disturbance brought everyone's attention to Camelot's side of the table.
"I'm sorry but can someone tell us who this Aslan is. We've heard his name spoken often, almost reverently but no clue who he is."
"My apologies, Sir Gwaine. Aslan is the Great Lion, King of Beasts, Emperor-Over-the-Sea. He is wise, compassionate, benevolent. But He is not tame. He comes and goes as He wishes, and He rarely intercedes on our behalf. When He does appear, He will turn our people back, fear not. As stated before however, we cannot afford to wait Him out. I am sure both of your people will wish to return to your Kingdom before too much longer, and our people will have much to concern ourselves with if we are to prevent another civil war from breaking out. It will take time, but we could gather the stoned and place them in the courtyard until Aslan arrives. When they are released we may send them to their appropriate Kingdoms with supplies and well wishes, if you agree."
"You have a man that can turn people back from stoned?" Arthur asked.
"He is no man."
"I thought you meant lion figuratively."
Lucy smiled.
"He is a Lion in every sense of the word. My Lord, you may wish to inform your army not to attack any particularly large Lions should they happen upon Him."
"Ah right, I'll do that as soon as we commence."
"Excellent. With business settled I suggest we care for those injured, and then assemble the prisoners to deal judgement." The assembled Kings nodded their assent, and the Gentle Queen led the three groups back outside. Lucy found Naneth and was returned her cordial. She quickly dispensed some to those necessary in Lune's camp and continued on to Arthur's. It was as she was traveling through those dying that the whispers started. She had a duty to do so she ignored the whispers up until yet another soldier returned from the outskirt field with a slight limp and wonder in their eye. She poured a drop of fire flower potion into a soldier's mouth, who had his arm barely still attached, and turned to the newest returned soldier.
"Good Sir, what is it that has you awed so?"
"A lion. A lion who has returned me back to life!" He said, eyes gleaming. Lucy smiled, Aslan had arrived. After that, all three camps were busy ensuring all the soldiers made it back to their respective camps, and that all the mortal injuries were healed. Just after Noon, the royal families gathered for a brief meal before dealing with the more serious matters. As lunch wound to a close, Arthur and Lune gathered those from their party who would witness the hearing and the Pevensies prepared to dispense justice. Two squads of soldiers were sent to gather the chained prisoners and assemble them in the courtyard. King Edmund donned his crown and royal garments, and led his family to the front of the steps. The Just King stepped forward and the crowd below was struck silent.
"People of Narnia, Camelot, you are gathered here today to be judged on your actions in the recent battle. Narnians, this is not the first time you have been led against Cair Paravel by Jadis. Last time we did not take into account that you are Narnians the same as those that fought with us. We will not make the same mistake twice. If you forsake Jadis and any dark arts you may have used under her service, and swear fealty to us and to Aslan, then you shall be welcomed back into Narnia and your crimes absolved. Those who refuse are banished henceforth, to be executed on site should they step foot on Narnian soil again."
"Why should we trust what you say?!" Shouted one of Jadis' loyal wolves. King Edmund turned his icy stare on her.
"I am the Just King, my rulings will be followed. Many of you know of the time when I myself was led astray, but I found my path and was forgiven. That is why I was given this duty, because I alone understand what it is to be remorseful and given a second chance. This is yours. Turn your back on the witch and swear fealty to Narnia, and you will be forgiven. Deny this, and you will not be given a third chance." His tone held a conviction which seemed to convince many Narnians. Suddenly a surprising amount of prisoners dropped to their knees, or the equivalent, in front of the King. Black dwarves, minotaurs, wolves, giants all recognized this man as just and honorable. The ones left standing were unsurprisingly ghouls, hags, and similar dark creatures that did not vanish with Jadis' death. King Edmund nodded his head toward the guards and one squadron collected those kneeling to take them to guarded rooms until an official pledge could be made. Another squad gathered those to be banish and more or less bodily dragged them away. All that remained were those from Camelot.
"People of Camelot, we have conferred with your King and he has come to an agreement with us. He will pardon each one of you if you agree to throw down your arms henceforth and declare your loyalty to him. You will be given jobs in the city or neighboring villages, but you will never again be allowed to hold a weapon unless called upon by your King."
"Why should we swear fealty to a man who would kill some of our family simply for being who they are?" One of the men asked. Arthur took a half step forward and Edmund glanced at him before melting back towards his family, allowing King Arthur to take his previous spot.
"My people, it is true that my family has caused much harm in the past. My father led an unforgivable purge and harmed many in his crusade, including those in his own family. He revealed all of his secrets on his deathbed and believe me, he had many. Since I have assumed the throne I have worked to correct his wrongs. For the past 4 months I have been working on corrected his biggest one. I know that most who have magic were born with it, and I do not believe they should be killed for it. However I know many others use Camelot's ban on magic to excuse their atrocious ways. I have been working on convincing my council to repeal the ban, but before we do that we must also have a plan set in place to punish those who abuse their powers. Until a short while ago, I was working on this myself. Now I have many people who will help me and by the end of the coming summer I hope to have these new laws in place. You have my word that should you swear fealty to me and swear to my terms then none of your family shall be punished for their gift unless they use it in a way to harm another person's well being." The entire court held their breath as they waited to see what the fate of these mercenaries would be. Finally a soldier fell to their knees. One by one those standing pledged their allegiance to their King. There were a maximum of 7 people left standing. They were placed in cold irons and returned to Arthur's camp to be brought back to Camelot and tried for their treason.
Three days later the Kings and Queens gathered in the courtyard to say goodbye to the departing armies. King Lune left with his army, with an agreement to return for the Spring Equinox, and an escort of two centaurs. King Arthur left with a promise of an official treaty by the summer solstice, after both countries have time to settle their remaining affairs. The Narnians sent along their best physician in order to make sure those from Camelot need not fear any remaining wounds, and small squadron to ensure the army made it safely out of Narnian lands. King Arthur left behind a small chest of spices and cured meat as a thank you and sign of good will. Sir Lancelot remained behind in order to keep up good relations with the Narnians while the two Kingdoms were separated, and to be the guide to the envoy party in the summer. Meanwhile the family of Kings and Queens prepared to integrate the freshly pardoned Narnians back into society and deal with the inevitable backlash from those angry with the White Witch's former followers.