A/N; Sorry this has taken longer than I wanted to get out. I hate writers block. But once it was broken this chapter was a lot of fun to write. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I did writing.
4.
Darkest Before the Dawn
The Army was finally on the march. Both Peter and Edmund had been fuming at the delays that had prevented them from moving out any sooner. A harsh blizzard had blown in the same day the Meep and Neville had brought their news to the Cair. The wind and snow were so bad that Cyn and his Gryphon scouts had been unable to search for any trace of the queens or their companions. Likewise the weather prevented the Army from assembling as quickly as the kings would have liked. There had been several days of both Peter and Edmund storming around the Cair snapping at teacher, friend, and advisor alike. Two things had broken the kings out of their dire mood. The first was a rather rude but hilarious awakening given both of them by none other than Jaer and Jaerin. Beds soaked in water and flour was a small price to pay for the return of the normal spirits of the kings was the general consensus of the Cair. Second was the fact that also on that day the weather had broken and the Army was able to assemble outside the castle walls. With the preparations to march neither king had been able to snap at anyone.
Now that the storm had passed preparations had begun in earnest. The kitchens had produced mounds of the travel rations the Army carried while on campaign. The stores were emptied of winter gear for any that need it. Weapons were inspected and honed. Supplies were loaded onto carts. Scouts had been sent ahead to the ambush site to look for any clues. Peter looked over the progress his Army was making from the parapet of the Cair.
"Feels different somehow doesn't it?"
Peter started a bit as the voice caught him somewhat unaware. Looking to the side he saw his brother walking toward him. "What feels different?"
"We are actually setting off with the whole Army this time. Not just a small troop or so dashing off. This has to be the first time the entire Army has been mustered since Beruna."
Peter thought for a bit before he replied. "You're right Ed. I hadn't thought of that." Looking back down at their Army the kings were soon lost to their thoughts as they watched the preparations being made. They were so lost in thought they didn't hear when Orieus made his way to them.
"Sires," the Centaur said with a bow. "The Army is ready to march. We await your orders."
"Thank you General," Peter said. Then the High King's eyes hardened and his voice rang out with the authority of command. "Strike the camp and sound the assembly. We march at once."
Orieus pressed his balled right fist against his heart as he bowed. The Centaur then turned to trot down the ramp leading from the parapet to carry out his orders. Peter turned to his brother. "C'mon Ed. Time to get suited up." With that the two brothers also walked down the ramp to don their armor.
Outside horns were winded as Orieus relayed the commands. The general hustle and bustle of the camp quickly became a hive of activity as officers shouted out orders. Tents were taken down and rolled up. Packs were slung on as weapons were secured for travel. The Army waited outside of the drawbridge for its commanders. They had not long to wait. Both kings were soon visible riding high and proud on Flisk and Phillip.
Both Peter and Edmund had outgrown the armor that they had worn at Beruna. Now both kings wore new armor that had been made yet they had not used. The skill of the Blue River dwarves was obvious when the Army saw the new plates of steel covering the kings. The two kings now wore full plate metal breastplates instead of the chainmail hauberks they had worn previously. The rest of their armor was still very similar though with greaves, bracers, and helmets retaining their previous design even if the boys now wore bigger sizes. Their breastplates though bore the sigils of their knightly orders. The rampart lion that was so prominent on Peter's shield now also graced his breastplate. Edmund's shield and breastplate likewise bore the symbol of the cracked table where he had earned his spurs. They wore chainmail under their breastplates and several layers of heavy furs to ward off the chill of winter.
Turning their mounts to the head of the column the Kings of Narnia addressed their General. "Sir General Orieus is all present and correct?" Edmund asked.
"It is my King," Orieus replied.
"Then sound the march." There was no mistaking the fire in Peter's voice. With that Flisk turned and with Phillip alongside him began walking down the path heading south. Behind them Orieus' voice carried out loud and clear with orders.
"Scouts to the flanks! Company fall in! Forward march!"
The Army quickly fell into its drill as they responded to their General's commands. Then turning to march with the other knights at the head of the column Orieus quickly began marching to keep up with the kings. Soon the whole Army was well on its way finally in search of their abducted queens and ladies.
"King Peter! King Edmund! I beg to report!" Cyn's breathless voice came from above as the Gryphon dove out of the trees.
"At once Captain," said Edmund.
Cyn glided low over their heads as it was easier for him to keep pace with the kings, Gryphons being somewhat awkward walking on the ground. "Manon has reached the site of ambush sires. He reports that there is sadly not much to be found save for the bodies of Queen Susan and Queen Lucy's Guards."
Peter turned in his saddle. Normally he rode Flisk bareback but the Unicorn having realized the needs of a long march had consented to the tack. "Neville! Skeepomeep! Forward at once!"
The two rushed forward from their positions as soon as they heard the call with the Mouse in his customary spot between the Hyena's ears. "You called for us Your Highness?" said Neville.
"You two are to accompany Captain Cyn and his scouts. I know you have given a full account of what you have seen, but it would be helpful if our scouts had the eyewitnesses to the attacks with them." Peter turned back to the Gryphon. "At your leisure Captain. Report back any new information at once."
Cyn bowed his head and swiftly swooped to grasp the two Guards in his strong talons. With powerful beats of his wings the Gryphon took to the sky again bearing two rather rattled Guards. Soon after the Gryphon left more information was brought forward. This time by none other than Sir Giles.
The clever Fox bound out of a nearby tree landing lightly on Flisk's withers. Peterkins landed much less gracefully and wound up sprawled across Edmund's lap. Giles only shook his head at his son, the young lad was still learning after all. "King Peter, King Edmund our travels are to take us south," Giles told them.
"Why so confident Sir Giles?" Peter asked. "Not that I doubt your information. I just wish to know how you came across it. Captain Cyn reports few clues from the site of ambush."
"One can find out many things if you know where, when, and who to ask my King," the Fox said. Several Pine Dryads were also witness to the attack. The same blizzard that kept us at the Cair prevented them from sending word. It seems our quarry has not heeded the weather and has pushed on to the southern mountain passes, making to avoid Archenland."
"Then they make for Calormen?" Edmund asked having settled down the ever squirming bundle of fur that was Peterkins.
"It is one of several possibilities King Edmund," Giles replied. "We have no proof of Calormen involvement and it would be rash to make such judgments without it."
"Did the Dryads report how far ahead these bandits are?" Peter asked.
"I'm sorry my King they did not. Considering the snow and our delay in marching they could have up to a week's head start."
"Was there any other news Sir Giles?"
"Yes sire, the Dryads were quite upset to learn of the kidnapping. They pledged to do all they could to ease our progress through Narnia. Even now as we speak they are clearing the path taken by the bandits of the worst snowdrifts. Sadly they say they will be unable to do so once we leave Narnia."
"Very well then," said Peter. "Continue with your reconnaissance and convey both mine and Edmund's thanks for their help."
Giles bowed to his King. "Once once Your Highness." Straightening up he addressed his son. "Come Peter." Jumping off Flisk he ran off into the woods with his son hard on his heels.
"Pity he couldn't have stayed longer," Flisk commented. "It was nice and warm having him on my back. Wouldn't you say Phillip?"
"If you say so Flisk," said the Horse. "That young Fox landed on my King's lap rather than my withers."
Flisk only snorted as he walked on.
The Army had bedded down for the night. As much as Peter and Edmund wanted to keep pressing on they knew it would be folly to push their forces so hard. Though they were still in Narnia remnants of the White Witch's army still lingered in the deep shadows of the land. As Orieus had told them time and again a weary force is that much easier to overthrow. So tents were staked and a perimeter guard set for the night. Fires were lit to warm both solider and heat food and tea. However both Peter and Edmund sat alone from their troops. Neither one eating or saying a word as they were too deep in thought and worry for their sisters and friends. Only their by now finely tuned fighting instincts gave them warning of the swords slashing at them.
Rhindon and Shafelm were both loosed in a flash. The two kingly blades parrying both attacks swung at their owners on the flats of the blades. Two more attacks flashed in, one high, one low. Peter and Edmund immediately turned back to back as they defended themselves. Both kings had left their shields with the rest of their tack so they only had their swords and armor with which to defend themselves. Their training stood them well in those desperate minutes. Their forearm guards became as good a shield as the flat of their blades. Likewise the greaves on their shins became formidable offensive weapons along with the quillions and pommels of Rhindon and Shafelm. Constantly turning in a tight circle the brothers fended off the attacks from the four set against them.
Finally they knew they wouldn't be able hold off their attackers much longer. Rather than admitting defeat they grabbed the only option left to them. They attacked. One minute they had just fended off three separate attacks, the next they both surged forward, swords blazing. Their four attackers were now suddenly the defenders. Their own defensive skills were put to the test under the onslaught of the Kings of Narnia.
Peter attacked the shortest of their foes with a fury rarely seen as Edmund held off the other three adversaries. Rhindon was a river of silver as it wound around the defenses of its foe. With a bloodcurdling yell Peter swept his enemies sword from his grasp. The sword stroke was such that Rhindon was carried too far off line to dispatch the foe. Using the momentum of his last sword stroke, Peter brought his greave into the midriff of his opponent. The force of the impact caused the breath to rush from the lungs, thus taking that foe out of the fight.
Meanwhile Edmund had fended off each attack aimed at him and his brother. He even managed to ignore the feints designed to separate him from his brother. Feeling Peter's finishing moves Edmund stepped forward trusting his brother to protect his back just as he had done.
Shafelm flashed just as brightly as Rhindon had as Edmund took on the next largest opponent. He was quick about his work. Ducking a slice aimed at his head Edmund swiftly reversed his grip on Shafelm. Moving quick as an adder strike he bashed Shafelm's pommel into the sword holding wrist of his foe. The sudden impact caused the opposing warrior to drop the sword. Edmund quickly scooped it up in his left hand also in a reverse grip. Quickly and before his enemy could recover Edmund stomped hard on the foot of his foe. The underhand trick yielded the momentary distraction Edmund had been hoping for. As his opponent yelled from the sudden pain in his foot Edmund quickly brought both pommels of his swords into either side of his enemy's helmet. The resulting concussion knocked that one senseless at once.
Switching to a traditional grip on Shafelm Edmund saw he was in better position to attack their largest foe. Still trusting Peter to cover his back Edmund waded into the fight. His breathing was heavy as this foe didn't go down quickly or easy. Yet his skill with twin blades was approaching legendary status within Narnia. Finally after a long and drawn out contest Edmund's second foe also lay sprawled out in the snow. Felled due to multiple strikes of Shafelm and his secondary blade's hard pommels. However the cost on Edmund's strength had been great. Seconds after his foe collapses so did the young king gasping for breath as he drove his swords into the snow to steady himself. He hated himself for it for it left Peter to face their last foe alone. Yet if there was any who could challenge this last opponent Edmund assured himself it was Peter.
Staying off attacks hadn't drained Peter anything close to what his brother now faced. Gripping the hilt of Rhindon with both of his hands Peter's shout was an incomprehensible bellow from deep in his frame as his charged. Though his foe was more than thrice his size Peter was undeterred. All his pain, frustration, and fury of his lost sisters was let looses. Peter saw the surprise in his the eyes of his opponent. Never once had Peter ever attacked like this. Not even during the terrible battle in Loy Keep had Peter's sword flashed as fast or hard. Peter knew from the off that his foe was incredibly skilled with a blade, yet so was he. Pure raw emotion fueled his sword strokes as he remorselessly drove his foe back. When Peter disarmed the first two blades of his opponent he was unfazed when a third massive claymore was then set against Rhindon. The huge blade jarred his arms as the two swords met with a crash. Holding Rhindon over his head to deflect another downward slash, Peter rolled forward into the snow and aimed a strike at the legs of his attacker. The attack met only air as his foe only jumped over the sword. Swiftly the huge sword jabbed down at the crouching king. Blocking the attack while rising Peter swung Rhindon with all his might at the now unguarded torso of his foe. Rhindon only clanged off the bright silver steel of his foe's breastplate. The impact was so hard that Peter dropped his sword as his hands suddenly flared with stinging pain.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Peter threw his head back and roared his fury to the winds.
The arms of his opponent quickly closed around Peter holding him close. Yet they were not arms of anger but of love and support. "Let it out my king," Orieus whispered to Peter as he held him.
Peter screamed and screamed and screamed. He yelled till his throat was raw and he could scream no more even as his tears streamed down his cheeks. His legs gave out from him and he sank to the snow. Orieus knelt down right next to him still holding him tight. Edmund likewise was being comforted by the other Swordmasters who had all recovered from the beatings the kings had given them. Peridan had his arms around Edmund just as he would have held his own sons. Kanell was also kneeling on the ground next to the dark haired youth calmly stoking Edmund's hair. Celer had walked to where Orieus held Peter and laid his hands on Peter's shoulders. Tears stained the faces of both kings that night in the snow.
Attracted by the sounds of the clashing blades, a great number of the Army had rushed to the site of the duel. They had watched in equal parts shock and awe as Peter and Edmund jointly fought and defeated all but one of the Narnian Swordmasters. While they knew their kings were more than skilled with their weapons they hadn't quite grasped the possibility that the kings could defeat the most skilled swordsmen in Narnia. It was only Orieus who had held off all attacks of both Peter and Edmund. Yet the swordplay demonstrated that night was unlike anything any in the army had ever seen before. The six fighters had been moving so fast it had been hard to see the individual attacks. The ring of steel on steel had sounded more like a dozen tambourines rather than the clash of combat. Then Orieus had embraced Peter and their Magnificent King had screamed his agony to the night. Peter's voice chilled the blood in their veins more than the freezing night ever could. Likewise the pure defeat in Edmund's posture halted the breath in many a lung that night. It was then that many in the Army felt something creep into their hearts; fear. If their own kings despaired how could they take heart for this expedition?
Slowly four figurers detached themselves from the ring of spectators and approached the Kings and Swordmasters. Jaer also knelt down next to Peter and offered his support to his King. Jaer offered his right hand to Peter, who took it at once in a white knuckle grip. Jaerin likewise clasped hands with Edmund offering his support to his friend. Giles nimbly perched on Edmund's shoulders warding off the night air from Edmund's neck. Peterkins knelt down next to Peter's knees and laid his soft head down on Peter's lap looking up at his namesake with what support the gesture could offer.
Hours crept by as they knelt and lay in the snow that night. The cold wind, freezing snow, or sore joints were of little concern as Peter and Edmunds closest friends and allies stood by them that night. Finally it was Peterkins who broke the hours of silence.
"King Peter?" he asked. "Can I go back to my tent now? I'm very cold and tired."
Despite himself Peter couldn't help but let a laugh escape him at the simple request. He tried to answer but found his voice gone due to his screams. Suddenly feeling worse for being unable to answer Peter started to feel new tears well within him. They would have streamed down his red face when from the east a new breeze blew in, yet this breeze wasn't cold at all. Looking up Peter was greeted by an astonishing site. There in the snow stood Aslan.
The Lion directed his gaze not at Peter but at Orieus then Kanell. "Orieus, Kanell bear Peter and Edmund to their tents. Young Peterkins is wise for he is not the only one who needs rest." With that He began walking towards the tents.
"At once Aslan," Orieus said. Getting up was difficult for the Centaurs due to both hours spent in one position and the fact that it is rather hard for Centaurs to rise from such a position.
When they did rise they carefully scooped their burdens in their arms and began following Aslan back to the main part of the camp. When they reached the king's tent Aslan paused outside as Orieus and Kanell approached the flap. Peter reached out a hand to Aslan as Orieus passed the Lion.
"Peace, Sons of Adam," Aslan said. "Rest now, the both of you. We shall talk on the morrow."
Peter and Edmund felt Aslan's breath pass over them as they passed Him. At once they felt themselves falling asleep even as the first rosy fingers of dawn lit the eastern sky.
