Chapter two- Wayland
The day I departed was a crisp one, the air was dry and the clouds a calming white. I stood on the steps of Cair Parvel to say goodbye before I left. Strapped to my side was my sword- the sword that had destroyed Her wand which I referred to as IceBreaker, no one else knew of its nickname yet. Its name wasn't as cool as Peter's Rhindon but after all it was a present from Orieus and not from Father Christmas.
"Be safe Edmund, please remember to eat properly. If you have any problem-"
I interrupted Susan with a soft smile "don't hesitate to send word. I know I heard you the first twenty times Su." Susan wiped a small tear from her eye and hugged me tight.
"Have a safe trip, Aslan be with you brother." Peter said before also crushing me into a hug. I looked down at Lucy who was wearing a golden gown that only emphasised her glow.
"Oh Edmund do hurry back. I can't wait to travel the seas. Don't cause trouble else Peter may not let me go!"
"I'll be good. Remember what I said about the ship plans." I told her. I had been trying to encourage her to commission the building of a heavily armed military vessel. Unfortunately she and Susan wanted more of a large Yacht.
"I'll simply add guns later." She laughed "Love you" She hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"You three best be sensible whilst I'm gone." I warned softly. Peter rolled his eyes.
"It's you who is the worry, don't wander off and listen to Haffta."
"Yes mum." I waved and bounded down the steps to Philip. Philip had needed little convincing and seemed to me that he enjoyed an adventure. He had told me he wanted to be the first horse to sample all of Narnia's grass. I was riding with a saddle because I hadn't been taught bareback yet. Philip didn't mind, he was the least stuffy of the talking horses.
"Ready your highness?" Giles asked.
"Off we go then." I called with a smile and the ten of us departed. It wasn't a fast departure as some of the animals were walking but it hardly mattered.
The day passed slowly as we had nothing really to do, a mile or so out of the Cair and I hopped off to walk. It wasn't fair for the others to walk while I rode all the time.
We set up camp in the early evening, none of us tired but deciding to turn in early since the next camping spot wouldn't be for a few miles. I sat away from the main group and Philip stayed with me to my own surprise.
"Why don't you sit with them?" Philip asked. I shook my head, my eyes darting into the distance rather than the merry people round the campfire. "You are allowed to be happy Edmund."
"I know. But if I sat with them it would only become awkward." I said softly "It would prevent them from talking freely and from being like they are. I don't want them to be unhappy."
"Nor do I want you to be."
"I'm fine" I said with a small smile "Really I am, I'm used to being on my own. It's fine." I gave Philip a tight smile, he didn't seem convinced.
"You were on your own before you came here?" Philip asked, I could tell he was interested in our lives before Narnia.
"Yes, I had the others of course. But I was away a lot, boarding school." I said in explanation, I knew he wanted more but he would have to ask.
"Why didn't you have friends at boarding school?" He asked, if he was a human he would have furrowed his brow. Since he was a horse he let a huff escape through his nose.
"I did, that was the problem." I said with a wry smile. I knew I had to explain it wasn't fair on him. "When I first got there, I was picked on. It seemed to me I had two choices, be like them or be bullied. So I made friends with them."
"You bullied others?"
"I don't want to defend myself, what I did was wrong. But I did honestly feel it was the only way. I was a cruel person Philip, both before Narnia and when I arrived." I looked at the ground in shame, thinking back on all the cruel words I had uttered only to have the same words thrown back at me- by Her.
"I will not deny that your actions could have been seen as cruel, but you are not that boy anymore. Aslan forgave you; you only need to forgive yourself." Philip said soothingly.
"No, I can't forgive myself. I won't forget it." I shook my head adamantly and Philip gave a sigh, his breath rustling my hair.
"The people have forgiven you Aslan forgave you. Why is it so hard to forgive yourself?"
I paused "The people may have forgiven me, but they have not forgotten. When they think of me, they do not think of me as I am now, they think of what I was. How could they not."
"Is that what this is all about Edmund? Are you running away from it?" Philip asked disapprovingly, his twitching tail displaying his annoyance.
"No!" I yelped "Running away is hiding in the Cair, this is something else altogether. The others don't realise how it feels to be eyed with distrust but at the same time, feel that you deserve it. I want to do this because I want to confront it head on, I want to change who I am, and I want to become the person Aslan saw in me, what Peter, Susan and Lucy see in me. I don't think I can do that in Cair."
Philip shifted from foot to foot. "Edmund…"
"Do you know, I think I'm the first person to ever betray both sides. Strange." My voice sounded hollow even to me. I walked straight off and to the river, sinking down by the water I stared at my reflection. All I could see was a traitor in Kings clothes. I gave a sigh and lowered my head onto my knees, content to just sit for a while. Philip waited behind me in silence for a while before quietly trotting off.
It was a while before I was woken from my stupor; it was Theron who roused me. Theron was a Leopard and one of the strongest we had, as I was informed.
"Your Highness, your supper is ready." I thanked him and headed back to the campfire ignoring Philips worried glance. I sat with the group but off slightly to the side as to let them converse in peace.
"King Edmund?" I jumped and looked around wildly. It was General Haffta.
"Yes General?" I asked, wondering why she would want to talk to me.
"I was simply inquiring to your health?" I stared at her blankly before she elaborated "You are not socialising with the group, I wondered if you were unwell?"
"No, not at all." I frowned, twirling my fork between my fingers.
"I'm sorry Your Highness for being so blunt, but these Narnians may one day stand between you and death, it is best to know them. Build bonds. You do after all have to form your own guard at some point. High King Peter already has his guard mostly formed."
"I know, I do. I just don't want to make things awkward for them; I don't like the formalities as it is."
"Then tell them such King Edmund, but by staying away you will make this awkward. We will be together for four months; we cannot afford to ignore each other." She said slowly and carefully as if expecting me to jump into a rage.
"I shall try General. But when will we reach the western woods?" I asked, glad of a way to change the conversation.
"Will be at least a week sire, more if we stop in the towns."
"Well we are not in a rush; I see no reason to no enjoy ourselves whilst here. Especially if any of the guard have families in the towns we pass, it wouldn't let them miss an opportunity."
"Thank you sire" Haffta said gratefully "I was going to suggest the same thing, I know of a couple and it won't slow our trip down any. We have plenty of time."
"You're welcome." Haffta paused and stared at me for a long moment "yes?" I asked.
"Sire, if I may ask why are you so insistent on going to the western woods? Why did you not want to stay in the Cair?" She blushed as soon as she had finished as though she had only just realised her words could have been mistake as rude. I debated on how to answer for a while.
"I simply feel in need of an adventure." I replied giving her a cheeky smile. I don't know if she bought it but she laughed and ruffled my hair as she left. I sat in silence, wondering why I hadn't told anyone the real reason I was leaving, maybe it was because I didn't know myself. Or perhaps because it was easier to pretend.
In the next week I instructed everyone to stick to calling me Edmund, I think we all felt Ed was a bit too soon and Eddie was off the cards. But it was a step in the right direction and they did it with only minor slip ups. We met up with the guards family as we travelled and it certainly put a smile on their faces and not to mention how good it was for morale. But finally, after a week we had reached the western wood.
The first town was Wayland a small forging community of red and black Dwarfs that inhabited here. Red and Black Dwarfs tend to stay apart in most places, they didn't always get on. But here they were at peace with each other which was surprising. Dwarfs were a gruff lot, but tended to be friendly. They shared the village with other narnians that either helped in the forges or sold the products. Everyone in the community worked for the forges.
It was rather magnificent to see. The smoke from the forges swirled out of the buildings, the noise in some parts were deafening but it was certainly very interesting. The town's mayor came to welcome us, clasping all our hands and inviting us on a tour of the forge. Myself, Theron the Leopard, Rashun and Theia the fauns decided to go on the tour whilst Haffta, Giles, Jeno, Philip, Greg, Leonie and Isha stayed in the main town to gather supplies.
The forges were incredibly interesting, the people seemed so proud of their work and it was amazing to see how swords were made. The effort and time that went into each one was awe inspiring, I would never had the patience or the talent to do it. The tour was over way to quickly for me, I wanted to see more and have a go myself. I think they were scared I'd fall in the furnace though.
I heard a shout from behind me and turned around frowning at the noise. The sound was out of place, the town was noisy but it was a panicked shout, my hand fell instinctively to the sword at my side. It was then that the town's people began running, running from the west of the town and towards us. None of them stopped they ran panic stricken out of the town, their eyes were wide with fear. It didn't take long to see why; they were being pursued by about fifteen fell creatures.
"Theia, get Haffta. Now!" I commanded as I drew IceBreaker, she hesitated only slightly before rushing off. "Mayor, get out of here now. Take the people across the river and wait for us there."
"But our forges…" The mayor said in horror.
"Go" I commanded not waiting for him to leave before striding forward towards the fell creatures that were standing bemused watching us. "What business do you have here, I King Edmund the just will protect these people. Leave now, there is no need for bloodshed." Inside I was quivering but I managed to hold up the shield, hopefully appearing confident. Rashun was by my side but Theron looked nervous, I realised this was the first time he would be involved in conflict.
"So it is true, Aslan put a traitor on the throne." A Minotaur growled his hand clenching on his club. I gulped slightly.
"I command you again, leave this town." I said menacingly. Slowly I rose my sword, I knew that they wouldn't leave, what business they have here I had no idea. But they weren't going to back down. I prayed to Aslan that the others would arrive in time.
"I think you know our answer, boy." A wolf growled. He and the others raised their weapons and charged.
I knew we had no chance, but we had to hold them off until Haffta arrived. Else the town would be destroyed. I raised my sword higher and with a cry I charged, clashing swords with the minotaur. The swords clanged together loudly and I staggered back- surprised by his strength as he easily pushed me back. I drew my sword away and slashed at his chest, making connection as he swung at my legs. Forced to jump over his blade I then ducked expecting the over the head hit. I spun around and clanged swords with him again, my arms shaking in exertion. With a grunt I brought our swords upwards and swung my sword round and IceBreaker sank into his soft belly. He collapsed backwards. I looked up, sweat rolling down my face, the others had arrived and the battle was looking up.
A wolf lunged at my throat and I dived to the side to escape the deadly jaws. Another wolf joined him and they circled me, growling.
I dropped to a slight crouch and waited for the attack. They both jumped at the same time, I couldn't defend myself from two snapping jaws. One sunk his teeth into my forearm whilst I hit the other on the head with my sword. The wolf locked his jaw and pulled on my arm. I screamed as the white hot agony spread through my body, my eyes prickling with tears. I hit the wolf on head with my good arm but it only tightened its grip. Blood was splattering onto the wolfs face and staining the ground. I was sure he was going to rip my arm off but then another wolf joined the fray, a pure white wolf. The white wolf bit the wolfs leg and with a yelp it released me. I collapsed backwards and clutched my useless arm. The flesh was hanging apart and the pain was almost as bad as when the Witch stabbed me. I blinked my heavy eyes to watch this new surprising fight. Wolf against wolf; jaws snapping, the angry powerful bodies slamming into each other time and time again.
Why did it protect me? Why would a wolf protect me?
The white wolf pounced at the others throat and the wolf fell to the ground- dead. Finally.
"Your highness." The wolf spoke urgently "Quickly, you must get out of this fight, you are an easy target."
"What?" My mind was foggy, blinded by pain "I don't understand" The world was starting to fade to black as I shook my head hoping for my vision to clear.
"Trust me" he said. He placed his paw over my hand and his intense blue eyes connected with mine and I nodded. He helped me to my feet and pushed me off the street-turned battle field. I glanced and saw that we seemed to have the upper hand. "Quickly" he said again. I couldn't walk any quicker, I was feeling light headed and knew that soon I would be either unconscious or dead. Neither thought was a good one. "Quick"
"I'm going as quick as I bloody can" I mumbled earning a snicker out of the wolf.
"My apologies, I do understand you are bleeding to death. But could you please hurry as I don't need to be the one to tell the High King."
"I'll b'ine" I mumbled, my eyes drifting shut even as I forced one foot in front of the other.
As soon as we were off the main street I collapsed against the wall, white dots dancing across my eyelids.
"King Edmund?" The wolf said insistently, a cold nose touched my cheek but I couldn't rouse "Edmund?" The voice said frantically. I knew no more.
I woke up in a small wooden house, I was quite sure I was still in Wayland from the stench of metal in the air. My arm wasn't as painful as before but it still ached and I dare not move it. I opened one eye to see the wolf that had saved me curled up on a rug, the wolf twitched slightly in his sleep.
A healer bustled in, startling the wolf who awoke with a growl.
"Do behave" she scolded "else I'll have you outside with the others." The wolf's ears flattened against his skull and he lay back down wearily.
The woman noticed I was awake and strolled over. She was a dwarf but unlike a lot of her kind she had a kind face and an easy manner (although I doubt she would put up with trouble from anyone). "King Edmund, you're awake!" She said delightedly. "I was almost getting worried."
"How long have I been out?" I asked groggily, noticing for the first time how parched my throat was.
"Around eighteen hours, I did drug you quite heavily- you were in a lot of pain." She picked up a water jug and poured out half a glass and pressed it against my lips. I sipped at it with my cheeks burning in embarrassment "None of that King Edmund, you are unwell and it would not do for you to dehydrate." She scolded lightly before removing the glass. I could see the wolf eyeing us, his tail twitching from side to side.
"How bad is it?" I feared the answer; I had not looked down at my arm and all I could feel was the pain. I just hoped it hadn't been chopped off.
"It was a bad bite wound, but I've stitched you up and you will soon be right as rain."
"But the wound, it looked awful!"
"Bite wounds normally look worse than they actually are. You are just lucky I am such an accomplished healer, any idiotic healer would have simply panicked at the amount of blood you managed to spill. That was the real worry. But as long as you bring plenty of fluids and eat your fill the blood will soon be replaced. You will be rather lethargic for a while. I shall let you rest, call if you need me." I nodded my thanks and she left, her pale dress swishing on the floor as she walked. I couldn't help but be fond of the dwarf.
General Haffta then stuck her head through the door; her body was too large to enter.
"Report." I said softly
"We suffered no casualties, several of the townspeople and our own men were injured and three townspeople died. We were unable to defeat all of the fell creatures and a few escaped. I have sent Greg and Theron after them put I don't think they will pick up the trail."
"Thank you." I nodded at her.
"I am glad to see you well Edmund, when I saw the bite I must say I feared the worse."
"Fortunately I seem to have a wolf guardian angel." I said raising my eyes at the white wolf on the rug. Haffta smiled
"Rest up My king, the men miss you." She then left the room after giving the wolf one more appreciative smile.
The wolf stepped to the side of my bed and bowed. "King Edmund, I am Jaya from the pack of woods in these mountains. My pack sided against the witch and have been in hiding for the past hundred years. Thanks to her defeat we are now able to roam freely."
"You did not side with the witch? I thought all the wolves sided with the witch?" I asked interestedly, frowning at the thought. It had been said at the council that all the fell creatures had sided with the witch; perhaps we had been judgmental in this assumption.
"Not all of us. The largest packs joined to protect their young, some joined for the power I will not deny. But my own pack and two others that I know of didn't. The others are in the North and South. We are the only ones in this area."
"Would you recommend forgiving all the packs Jaya?" He paused for a second, obviously weighing it up in his head.
"Certainly the cubs- it is not their fault. It depends which pack King Edmund. Maugrim's pack was the worst of them all; I doubt they would accept forgiveness at any rate. The last I heard they were with the remaining fell creatures gathering forces. As to the others sire, fear is a powerful weapon and us wolves are family animals. We would do anything to protect each other." He spoke carefully as if afraid of offending me. He didn't offend me at all, in fact I was ore shocked that I didn't realise just how many packs of wolves they were. He didn't need to tell me about fear, I knew the power of fear well myself.
But these wolves, they may have strayed off the wrong path but that doesn't mean they can't return to it. I after all did and if I can then why can't others?
"Forgiveness and diplomacy will come first; I am assuming you are in contact with the other packs?" He nodded "If you can send a message and inform them that past sins can be forgiven and they may become our citizens if they send one of their pack to Cair Paravel to talk to the monarchs, this would just so we knew how large a population each pack has and where they reside. Obviously not all of the packs will accept our olive branch."
"What does an olive branch have to do with anything?" Jaya frowned in confusion and I let out a little sigh. I had forgotten that sayings from my world didn't exist here.
"It means an offer of forgiveness." I said simply he nodded although I could tell he was wondering why olives were important for forgiveness. "I suppose we could also offer that packs lodgings in Cair Paravel and the towns, if they wished to do so, also that they could train for the army." I mused "Of course this is dependent on whether they want to leave their territories. They would also have to sign that they agreed to our laws and customs." I trailed off in thought "I need to write to the Cair. Can you ask Haffta for some writing materials?" Jaya nodded and ran out of the room returning five minutes later with some parchment, ink and quill. "Jaya, I would like to meet your pack tomorrow and if you wish you can sign the agreement then. It's something all citizens have to sign." I assured
"They shall be here by tomorrow. I would also be interested in sending some of my pack to the capital, I feel we have hidden for too long. We would of course want to keep our territory."
"Of course, as long as you allow the safe passage of any Narnian or friend of Narnia."
"Then it's done, rest well King Edmund."
As soon as he left I set about writing my letter to Peter, it was a difficult task and I knew he would be worried about my injury but he needed to be informed of the situation with the wolves, and what I had learned about the fell creatures.
Dear High King Peter,
It is I, your dear most humble and lovely brother writing to inform you of the events of the last day. I firstly ask that you take a deep breath and relax.
My party was attacked in Wayland just last night by a group of fell creatures. Their numbers were around fifteen strong and they seemed to have no leadership nor plan. I do not know why they attacked and they certainly weren't very forthcoming on information.
There were no casualties from my group although there were several injuries, three townsfolk died however. It was a surprise attack with no warning and we had no idea there had been any fell creatures in the area.
I was however wounded by a wolf, it tried to take a pretty big chunk out of my arm, and I'm not going to lie it hurt. Thankfully I was saved by a wolf named Jaya.
Upon awakening it become apparent that I most likely owed my life to this wolf and he has informed me of some troubling information. It seems we have been mistake to class all the wolves as firmly on Her side, in fact I have been told that a couple stayed in hiding during the 100 year winter and others joined because of fear for their packs. I have told them that any packs wanting to join Narnia as a respectable citizen should send an envoy to The Cair. I think this is the most wise decision, it shows that we can forgive our people for past mistakes, as the people have forgiven me.
I would also make sure all packs sign the agreement of our laws, and are informed of the consequences of breaking them.
I also have told them that any wolves wanting to can join the army. The wolves would be a valuable asset to our army as they know these lands like no one else. I do think this a wise course of action. Any wolves pubs could join a sort of cadet army, like the dog pups do if they so wish.
The people learning to accept the wolves will be the most difficult problem but as long as we remember to show tolerance for others I think it can be done.
I now lead you to the more troubling news, Jaya told me that one wolf pack has begun gathering the fell creatures together, this threat could be quite large and I recommend that we increase patrols for the foreseeable future.
I also plan on asking Jaya and perhaps one of his pack to join my personal guard, I also will knight Jaya for his actions in saving my life- which you surely cannot disagree with.
Love,
King Edmund
P.S My regards to our beautiful Queens. Tell them to keep an eye on that dolt of a brother of mine.
I signed and sealed the letter with my royal stamp before giving it to Theia to send on a messenger. I sank back into the hard bed, willed the pain away and fell asleep, muttering a thank you to Aslan as I did so.
Thank you Aslan, for my life.
A/N What do you think? Please review. Oh and for anyone wondering about the use of 'Sir Giles' I have asked permission from Electrum, which she has given. So the name of the fox and the credit goes to them. If you have any questions about this story- do ask!