The Entrance to Aslan's Country
A soft cool, refreshing breeze blew across the thin strip of beach at the end of the ocean. My hair rose gently and swayed in the wind as did the fur of Aslan's mane, along with the long dark locks of Orious' mane. It also blew the skirts of the red dress I now wore which I had not been wearing originally, along with a matching head dress and necklace. I pushed it to the back of my mind as it was not important a the moment. The wave that seemed to be frozen in place yet not completely frozen, behind Aslan appeared to be moving as though it were still among the water and I could vaguely see creatures beyond its depths swimming through its currents yet it showed no sign of moving any closer. The top of it curled ever so gently in our direction giving the appearance that it was about to crash over our heads and engulf us in a watery grave any moment.
Through all my and Orious' studying Aslan remained quiet and patient as he waited for one of us to speak.
"What is this place?"
It was Orious who finally broke the silence which before now was only filled by the soft crashing and spluttering of waves and water behind us though farther away as the immediate water at our rears was calm and clear as glass, lilies floating and bobbing gently across the surface, their petals the purest white I had ever seen. Everyone of them as perfect as the last.
"You are still within the boundaries of Narnia, but beyond here-" Aslan gestured with his head to the wave which stood behind him "-is the entrance to my country. It is where all my people go once they have moved on from this world."
I shared a long look with Orious. 'Moved on.' We both knew what he ment by that. I suddenly felt a stray tear fall down my cheek though I tried to fight it back. The tall Centaur with me stepped closer and wrapped me in his arms. I buried my face in his chest, we understood how each other felt at the present.
"So we are dead?" I said it as a question more than a statement but my answer was not what I was expecting.
"Not yet. Not if you choose otherwise. Both of you."
Our tears of grief came to a halt and we turned our attention to the Great Lion. His eyes twinkled happily and a knowing smile was present on his face as he moved his gaze between us.
"Explain," exclaimed Orious. If it were anyone else, even Peter or Edmund, I'm sure he would have been more stern and demanding but as it was Aslan, he spoke in no such tone.
"You can choose if you wish to enter my kingdom but you will not be able to return here ever again. Or you may return but you must first do something for me and until that task is complete you will be different to how you were originally," replied Aslan.
"Different how?" I asked uncertainly. It sounded promising. I could return to my family, as could Orious. I could return to Caspian. But being 'different' that could mean anything. We could look different, sound different, be personality-wise different, maybe I would lose my magic!
"I believe only you my dear would be different as your part of the task will bring you close to your family and friends and they must not know it is you. Orious, my young friend, you will have a different task, I will explain more if you both accept. It has to be both or neither, I am afraid."
I looked to Orious but his eyes were already set on mine and his eyes alight with hope and determination. He gave me a slow nod that gave me my answer to my unasked question. I needn't ask, the answer was obvious to begin with.
"What the hell! A second chance at life doesn't come around everyday."
Caspian sat secluded as the edge of one of the higher levels of the Howe. He gazed across the large green that lay before him, completely void of any living creature.
His mind was stuck on a continuous loop of what had happened only the night before. Finding out about his father, blindly being driven by rage for revenge, Peter's pride and stubborn attitude taking many of the Narnians lives and finally the loss of Dawn. He wasn't sure which was harder her loss or the truth of his father. Dawn's death was sudden and heartbreaking to him and the truth about his father's death was rage-filling and he hated himself for not seeing it before now. It had been staring him in the face. Caspian and Dawn had never truly had time to be together. There were their fevered kisses in the shadows away from prying eyes. Their longing stares and their short talks when they first met. They hadn't needed all the courting and the long walks and talks, they just clicked and they had both known it.
Caspian knew that Dawn and her family could be wisked away from Narnia, from him, at any given point in time and there would be no stopping it, so he didn't take time for granted. He made every second count. But now there was no point. She was gone. Caspian just hoped she had known how much she had ment to him. How much he loved her. They had never said it but they had clearly expressed it, or at least, he hoped he had.
His thoughts on Dawn were interupted by his Professor joining him, settling down next to him on the edge. Caspian's mind wandered back to what the man had told him back at the castle that night. Caspian didn't turn to look at him or even react to the man's appearance.
Finally he spoke, "why did you never tell me about my father?"
Professor Cornelius glanced up at his young prince and student who bore to much weight on his shoulders for someone so young.
"My mother was a Black Dwarf from the Northern Mountains."
Caspian looked to him, surprised yet he remained silent and waited for his professor to continue telling his tale.
"I risked my life all these years, so that one day," spoke Corneilus as he gazed wistfully into the distance as though imagining a better future for the Narnians, "you might be a better king, than those before you."
Caspian let his head hang forward in defeat and guilt as he spoke just barely above a whisper, "then I have failed you." Caspian couldn't help but feel he was saying this more to the memories of Dawn and his father then to the man sitting next to him.
Cornelius slowly looked up at the young man next to him, seeing the far off look in his eyes. He let the silence hang for a moment before saying, "everything I told you, everything I didn't was only because I believe in you. You have the chance to be the most noble contradiction in history."
Caspian looked to him quizzingly not completely understanding his meaning.
Cornelius saw this and turned his attention back to the large green in front of them all the way to the line of trees that surrounded it. He then exclaimed softly, "The Telmarine who saved Narnia." Caspian also looked out, now understanding his words and hoping that he could make them true. But his Professor was not finished.
"Not only that, but the Telmarine Prince who stole the heart of a Narnian Queen, then also fell in love with her in return."
Caspian looked to his Professor in shock and slight embarrassment, "How did-" But he was cut off as Cornelius spoke, "you forget that I see much more than most and I know you well. I saw the way you looked at her and her at you when we were at the castle. Not a look one would take lightly but it was true and strong. You miss her."
The Telmarine prince sighed sadly, "yes, I do. She stayed behind to protect those of her people who remained. Magical beings; enchanters and an enchantress such as herself are always to be the last to leave the battle. Most would have ran but she stayed like she swore she would and now she is gone."
Cornelius glanced out of the corner of his eye at him and saw a single tear trail down his face, his eyes glazed over as he thought of his last moments of the girl.
"Aslan works in mysterious ways. She most of all would know that. Do you remember," asked Cornelius, "that leather bound book I used to have that you always wished to read and when you finally did you couldn't understand any of it and when you did find something you could read it made no sense to you yet you kept asking to read it again and again."
Caspian looked to his tutor, unsure what this had to do with anything, "yes. I always felt drawn to it even if I couldn't read it."
"I believe," stated Professor Cornelius, "that you were not drawn to the book, but its owner."
"Were you not the owner?"
"No, lad, no. Do you remember the tale of when the Kings and Queens of Old first came to Narnia and were gifted each with two things from Father Christmas?" Caspian nodded in reply, not sure what to actually say.
"What did each Pevensie sibling receive?"
Caspian raked his brain to see if he could remember, he thought of Peter and how the first time the met they fought, "Peter's sword and shield." The was met by a nod from his Professor. "Susan's bow and quiver of arrows." Another nod. "Edmund was not there but Lucy then receive her cordial and dagger." Nod, "and...?"
Caspian thought of Dawn, 'what had she been given? Of course it was staring him in the face, the weapons they were all famous for.' "Dawn was given her staff." Cornelius looked to him, "yes but that is only one gift what was her second."
Caspian couldn't remember.
"A book," said Cornelius, "a book written by the most powerful warlock that ever lived. Filled with spells, enchantments, potions and so much more but very few who do not possess the magical qualities can read it."
"You found it," said Caspian in amazement. The man nodded in reply, proud of himself for such an achievement, it took years but it was finally discovered once more. It had originally been lost as it had been kept safe at Cair Paravel but not in the vaults with everything else and was lost during the Telmarine attack.
"But what happened to it?" asked Caspian, "it disappeared after father died."
Cornelius thought for a moment as he recalled when the book actually vanished from his room, "actually it disappeared along with the Lords of your father, the ones who fled across the water I believe one of them may have taken it with them for reasons we know not."
Caspian didn't reply and dropped the subject. Both turned back to gazing off over the tree tops. Both thinking about what was going to happen next.
"I'M TINY! Why am I tiny?!" I cried as I circled around myself, it didn't achieve much except for sending me sprawling onto the ground on my paws. Wait... Paws?! I had paws, four of them. I had not only tripped over my own paws but my new tail. Yes, I had a tail.
Aslan chuckled as he smiled down at me. Orious also laughed as he said in a voice that reminded me much of his father Glenstorm, "You are a lioness, little one."
I carefully stood up on my paws and trotted uneasily towards the large wave ahead of me hoping to see my reflection. A small pool of water that emerged from the wave cooled and wet the short fur on my paws. Unfortunately I once again tripped and fell flat on my stomach, causing my belly to become quite damp. I suddenly felt a large nose giving me small push from behind. When this didn't work I felt a large set of teeth clamping around me but it didn't hurt as who I guessed was Aslan was only lifting up like a mother or father lion would do for their cub. Aslan placed me back on my feet and said with another chuckle, "there you are, my little lioness." My connection to Aslan seemed stronger than it had ever been before. I had an instinct that told me he was my father.
I was pleased to find once I finally reached the water that I could see my reflection in it. I was a lioness. Well, not yet. I was a lioness cub and a small one at that.
"I now see what you mean by 'Little Lioness'. Its like you knew this was going to happen," I said and I couldn't help but notice that my voice sounded slightly higher toned and more childlike.
Aslan gave a shake of his large, furry head and said, "not exactly. I did not even chose this form for you, I simply forced your spirit animal out of you so it could take its form. Everyone has one but very few can access them. Even an enchantress as powerful as you would find this highly difficult." I didn't question him any further, it was obviously complicated and I didn't think I needed to know much more than that.
"What is my task?" I asked shyly. My mind and personality seemed to have become less bold and more shy and reserved, I'm guessing it had something to do with me now being physically younger. My mind was becoming more in sync with me physical age.
"You must go and watch over your family and Caspian. Keep them save until one of them finds me."
"Finds you? How?"
Aslan lay down on the sand and beckoned me closer. I stopped and gazed up at him, he was much larger than I and highly intimidating but all it did was make me feel safe and secure. Our noses were almost touching as he spoke, "You must lead them to me. I promise you, that you will know the way. Their journey will not be easy and they will need your help and protection. Once the have reached me you are free to rejoin your family."
His attention then turned to Orious, "now your task is different. We must awaken the rest of Narnia as it has been in sleep for far too long."
"Can you not simply do this?" enquired the Centaur. I was also wondering this, couldn't he awaken them with a powerful roar.
"No, I can only call to them but for them to hear they must be awake."
I forced my head back and looked up at the Centaur who seemed to be thinking rapidly, his eyes flicking back and forth yet looking at nothing.
"What must I do?" he asked at long last.
"Reach into the water," requested Aslan as he swiftly moved his head in the direction of the large wave. Orious seemed doubtful for a moment before pushing any of those negative thoughts down and graceful walked forward. He gave a glance to Aslan, who nodded in encouragement, then cautiously reached into the water.
I noticed the muscles in his arm tighten as though he had grabbed tightly onto something and a curious expression appeared on his face as he retracted his hand from the water yet there was no sign of water on his skin or any sign that he had touch the water at all. But in his hand was a horn, almost identical that was presently in the possession of my sister or maybe Caspian still had it, I wasn't certain. The only difference being that there was thin green lines and leaves all across the wood, seeming to be growing from the mouth piece. It looked like vines.
"You must take this horn across all the way to ruins of Cair Paravel," order Aslan, still laying on the sand, "as you go, blow through this horn. It shall awaken all trees in close range and it will then spread all across Narnia."
"Will I always be this small?" I pouted childishly. Aslan gave a loud laugh before pulling me against his head, dipping it forward slightly as he closed his eyes. My right paw was placed against his forehead my other was near his right ear. His large paw was pressed against my back holding me in the hold as he said, "no, my little cub. You shall grow into a lioness of great strength, this shall happen as you progress in your mission. Once it is complete-"
"I know," I sighed, "I'll be human again."
"But you will be able to change forms at will."
That definitely caused me to perk up a little. There were spells that caused you to shapeshift, I just wasn't good at them. I remember when I first tried, I started out small as a bird and ended up being stuck that way for two weeks until the spell wore off. I was lucky I didn't do it so powerfully or the spell would have lasted much longer, if not forever. After that experience I had stayed away from shapeshifting for the most part but I still always wanted to do it.
"How shall we return to the main land? I'm sure we do not have much time for our tasks to be fulfilled," spoke up Orious. Aslan let me go but I still remained close to him, "you are correct in your assumption, Orious, not long at all, I'm afraid. As for returning to Narnia's main land... Close your eyes. Both of you."
We did as he asked and shut them. I felt his warm breath fall over me and just before I fell into another deep sleep like before, this time though I wasn't being shot with dozens of arrows, I heard Aslan whisper, "I wish you luck, my little cub."
Aslan's Howe
Peter sat quite, staring up at the fire surrounded carving of Aslan, the flames made it almost appear as though the Great Lion was moving. The 'Magnificent' King was plagued with the memories of the attack and his thoughts. He had failed in protecting his family. So much for 'magnificent', he couldn't even keep his little sister safe. He hadn't even known she was still in there, he was certain she must have heard his call for retreat, yet she stayed. He could have done something.
He could have saved her.
But he didn't.
Shes dead.
His attention turned back to the carving in front of him. Was Dawn with Aslan now? She was always his favourite out of their family, even over anyone could do anything it would be him. But would he? Peter still hadn't seen Aslan and he was starting to doubt himself.
He heard soft, light footsteps. Lucy came and slowly sat next to him, her eyes quite red and puffy. There tear track stains on her face but even though he didn't look directly at her, he knew she was trying to be strong like everyone else. No one had seen Edmund for a while, but no one could blame him.
"You're lucky, you know?" spoke up Peter causing Lucy to look at him curiously, wiping a hand across her eye before letting it fall back into her lap.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice only cracking slightly. Peter was quite surprised at how strong she sounded and was proud of her for pushing past her grief.
Peter hesitated a moment before replying, "to have seen him. I just wish he had given me some sort of proof."
They were both silent for a moment before Lucy placed her hand on his arm and exclaimed,"maybe we're the ones who need to prove ourselves to him." With that the two went back to silently staring at the Great Lion, wondering what was going to happen next.
Suddenly more footsteps reached their ears. It was Edmund. Both Lucy and Peter looked up in surprise, neither of them had seen him since they arrived back from the attack. He looked nervous and called, "Pete, you'd better come quickly." He also had a slight darkness under his eyes, aswell as a small bit of red.
Peter and Lucy rushed to their feet before chasing after Edmund, who led the way. They came to a small archway that led out onto a high level of the Howe where Caspian stood watching as everything unfolded beneath them. Narnians were scattered down below near the entrance also watching with fear, worry and impatience. Peter came to a stop at Caspian's right with Edmund next to him while Lucy stood on Caspian's other side. Caspian glanced first at Lucy, noticing her red eyes he gave her a sad smile. Caspian placed his hand on the young girl's cheek, "Your sister watches over us." Lucy smiled up at him kindly.
Caspian let his hand fall before sharing a nervous look with Peter. The army of Miraz had finally arrived and it was making its way across the grass towards them. They were outnumbered by far too many. Then with them they brought large wooden catapults and the grey sea approaching grew more threatening with every step they took.
By now, Susan, Trumpkin and Professor Cornelius and several others had joined them as they watched a large group of men ride through the army on horses and then split off, this all seemed well rehearsed and was obviously supposed to intimidate them. Then on a large, grey horse in perfectly polished, gold armour could be none other than Miraz himself, gazing up at them.
Along the edge of the treeline, skulked a little creature with gleaming gold fur. It was a lion cub.
Dawn peeked through the trees at the enormous army of Telmarines. Dawn thought back to the dreams she had all those years ago, for her anyway. technically it was only a year or so ago. She remembered one where she went into battle with Caspian at her side against the Telmarines, she wasn't sure how that was going to play out this time but she was almost certain she would have to do it as she was. Another problem with being a lion cub was she was unable to control her magic very well as she had no staff and was back to when she was young and had little control over it. At least she had her teeth and claws.
She was quite small. Scratch that. She was incredibly small, even for a female lion cub. This worked in her favour though as she would be less likely to be seen.
She made her way around the edge of the forest, first stopping to scare a couple of Telmarines but when she was threatened with a spear she scampered away back into a bush. Unfortunately, she landed in a torn bush and she knew she hadn't got all them out as she could feel some digging through her short golden fleece and cutting her sensitive skin. She could also feel some blood trailing down her back right leg from where she landed in the bush when she had jumped. But she was doing her best to ignore it and the pain.
She quietly lay on her belly and made her way towards the Howe from the nearest spot she could but she must have been spotted as she was tackled to the ground by none other than Reepicheep and his little squad of fellow mice.
"What do we have here? A lion cub?"
"Please, Sir mouse, I was only looking to see if I could help," spoke Dawn her voice was more high pitched and gentle so she wouldn't be recognised by her tone. But when she went to speak all that came out were a few whimpers. She couldn't talk, at least for the time being.
The sound of hooves on grass was heard and Dawn gazed up at the large figure of Glenstorm. She never realised how tall he was until right then from such a small height. Now she knew how Reepicheep felt all the time or Trumpkin.
"This little lady is hurt, we should bring her to Queen Lucy."
With that I was led inside, most of the Narnians were returning to the Howe but others were staying to keep an eye on the Telmarines in case they made a move. I was almost certain as I gazed down nervously at my paws, that they were growing before my very eyes. I knew I would grow quickly but I hadn't figured how quickly.
Glenstorm and Reepicheep entered a room, leaving me to wait outside but I snuck in quietly to listen. I was growing bigger every second and was scared I was going to be noticed. Finally I felt something settle, I guess I grew a bit for everything I did in the right direction. I was finished growing and was almost twice the size of what I was before. It seems I had entered the room a bit late and had missed what the plan was. I had been waiting for the right time to sneak in.
"Cakes and kettledrums," exclaimed Trumpkin silently but loud enough for all to hear, "thats your next big plan?" Trumpkin walked over to Lucy, point at her, who stood next to Susan, Edmund was near them sitting down. Peter was standing on the other side of the large tree stump that was being used as a table.
"Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the forest? Alone!"
"Its our only chance," spoke Peter.
"And she won't be alone," said Susan as she took a small step forward.
Trumpkin stared at Lucy sadly, "haven't enough of us died already?" This caused her face to fall, her eyes watering slightly but she refused to let the tears fall again.
"Nikabrik was my friend too," spoke up Trufflehunter, "but he lost hope. Queen Lucy hasn't. And neither have I. Neither did Queen Dawn." I understood now, Lucy and Susan were going of to search for Aslan in the forest.
"For Aslan," stated Reepicheep strongly as he bowed with his sword in hand.
"For Aslan!" echoed a large bear off to the side of the room.
"Then I'm coming with you."
"No, we need you here," Lucy said to Trumpkin, placing her hand softly on his shoulder.
"But how are you going to find him. We don't know where he is!" he exclaimed in exasperation.
"I do," spoke up Dawn.
Everyone looked around in confusion. "Who said that?" called out Edmund.
Dawn pranced from her hiding place, "I did." She was glad to be able to speak again.
They all stared in shock at her. "I remember you being much smaller," stated Reep cautiously.
"Because I was," she simply said not giving any more information then that before continuing, "if you want to find Aslan, I can take you to him. That's why I'm here. Why he sent me here."
"You could take us to Aslan?" asked Susan as though this was too good to be true.
I nodded but stopped as it felt weird in this body, "yeah, its a bit of a way but if we moved quickly I'm sure we could make it there and back in good time."
"Then that's settled but we still have to hold them until Susan, Lucy and... sorry I don't..."
Dawn immediately perked up at him addressing her but she had no idea what to tell him her name was, "uh.. Hope." She remembered Aslan once saying to her 'nothing brings hope like the Dawn.' He had said this to make her laugh. It never failed to bring a smile to her face.
"Thank you. Until Lucy, Susan and Hope get back."
"If I may.."
That voice was such a relief to Dawn. She spun around almost loosing her footing as she turned to look at Caspian. He looked just as she remembered him except the sparkle in his eye was gone. (A.N. Aisling if you are reading this, shut up!) He was sitting next to his professor on a step.
He rose to his feet as he spoke, addressing Peter as Dawn unconsciously took a few steps closer to the prince. "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer..." his voice went cold as he spoke the last word. Dawn turned her gaze to the ground it was only now did she remember that they all believed her to still be dead yet there she was right under their noses and she was unable to say anything.
Caspian continued as he approached Peter, "... but as King, he is subject to the traditions... and expectations of his people."
They could all see Caspian had a plan but as no one else knew the Telmarine way of life, no one actually could tell what the plan was of yet.
"There is one in particular that may but us some time." Caspian's eyes were drawn to the young lioness that gazed up at him with big, bright blue eyes that were so similar to Dawn's.
"Who shall go?" spoke Peter as he finished with the declaration.
Edmund stepped forward, "I will." Dawn seeing her twin felt she had to go too.
"I will, I can help protect the young King from harm. I will stay with him at all times. Very few dare come near a lion even if they are young."
Peter seemed to accept this, "just make sure to be back to lead Susan and Lucy, they will need your help on their quest." I gave a sharp and jerky nod in understanding before trotting over to Edmund's side. He leaned down slightly and scratched me behind the ear. I slumped into his side slightly, relaxed.
Glenstorm volunteers and then a giant by the name of Wimbleweather also steps up to go. Glenstorm and Edmund were made carry white flowers in show that they ment no harm.
They made their way together across the green and the three others glanced at the young lioness. Dawn had continued to grow and was once again twice the size of what she had been earlier which was now quite big, she was past Edmund's knee about mid way up his thigh. They were allowed enter the Telmarine camp but they were heavily watched with dark glares but many were cautious when they caught sight of Wimbleweather and Dawn/Hope.
They all went to enter the main tent when guards stopped them, "only one!" he ordered. Edmund went to go through but Dawn/Hope snapped at the man's leg causing him to squeal loudly like a girl and jump back. Wimbleweather gave a loud laugh as he settled on the ground next to to Glenstorm who stood watch of them men around them.
Dawn entered the tent with Edmund at her side. They were both greeted with cautious and nervous looks especially when they glance the ever growing lioness who looked quite threatening.
Edmund unraveled Peter's declaration and began the long boring speech that was just Peter's titles.
"I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Emperor of the Lone Islands, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender."
Dawn lay at Edmund's feet watching the dozen or so men that surrounded them closely. Miraz's face was blank as Edmund finished and began to roll back up the parchment.
"Tell me, Prince Edmund-" "King"interupted Edmund, helpfully.
"Pardon me?" asked Miraz. Dawn sat up as she didn't like Miraz tone towards her twin.
"It's King Edmund, actually."
Miraz gave him a strange look of disbelief.
Edmund felt the need to explain more, "just 'King' though, Peters the High King."
Miraz gave him another perplexing look.
"I know, it's confusing."
Edmund's face suddenly took on a hard and cold expression, "my twin sister, Dawn was the High Queen, while my sisters were just Queens. Yet, I believe Susan would be High Queen now, as you killed my sister."
Miraz waved his hand as though this wasn't important but Edmund and Dawn both spotted a slight smirk upon his face for a moment before he hid it once more behind a mask.
"Why would we risk such a proposal when our armies could wipe you out by nightfall?"
Edmund thought this was quite foolish of them to truly believe that Narnians wouldn't stand a chance against them but he knew better and he was fueled by Miraz's dismissal of his sister's murder to stand against him.
"Haven't you already underestimated our numbers?" asked Edmund glancing around them all, he then motioned down to Dawn who once again lay at his feet, her tail sweeping back and forth across the ground, "I mean only a week ago, Narnians were extinct."
"And so you will be again," said Miraz unemotionally. Dawn/Hope lept to her feet and gave a load roar in anger causing Miraz to jump back in his seat in fright as did the rest of them.
"Then you should have little to fear," spoke up Dawn/Hope with a slight hint of amusement in her voice at the sight of the fright in their eyes. They also seemed shocked at her ability of speech. Edmund noticed that her voice had changed slightly, it sounded older just like how she looked. He knew she could be able to grow much more unless she was going to be the size of Aslan.
"This is not a question of bravery," spoke Miraz as he glanced at the lioness to Edmund who just watched him. Edmund then shared a look with Dawn/Hope before saying also with amusement laced in his voice, "so you are bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age."
Dawn gave a scoff before saying, "My King, I believe he is a bit older then that." This got a glare from the Telmarine 'King' but she didn't seem to care at all.
All te Telmarine men sitting at the tables turned to look at their King expectantly. Miraz leaned across the table his eyes still holding a hard glare at the proud lioness before turning his gaze to the young so-called Narnian King and stating, "I didn't say I refused."
One of the Telmarine men to Miraz's left spoke up, "You shall have our support, your Majesty. Whatever your decision."
The man who sat directly to Miraz's left then said quite confidently, "Sire, our military advantage alone allows us the perfect excuse to avoid-."
Miraz cut him off hotly, getting to his feet and drawing his sword, "I'm not avoiding anything!"
The disgusting man the said slyly, "I am merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse."
Then the man that stood at the entrance of the tent who Edmund and Dawn both recognised from the battle at the Telmarine castle exclaimed, "his Majesty would never refuse."
He had caught everyone's attention, including Miraz. "He relishes in the chance to show the people the courage of their new King." Edmund and Dawn both hide a smile as they knew that Miraz was cornered.
Miraz then pointed his sword at Edmund, "you." Dawn stepped forward with a growl, daring Miraz to try something. He glanced down at her before looking back to Edmund, "You had better hope that your brother's sword is sharper then his pen." Edmund smirked before looking to Dawn/Hope.
"Go, Hope. My sisters need you more that I at this time."
Dawn glanced around and dashed out of the tent glad to be out of there. She stopped for a moment to nod goodbye to Glenstorm and Wimbleweather who understood and returned her farewell.
Back in the tent Edmund was turning to leave when Miraz spoke again, "did you see your sister's body?"
Edmund turned suddenly glaring at the man. "Yes," he spat. His kind and restrained demanner gone completely now that negotiations were complete.
"She was quite a beautiful creature, she didn't need to die, she was far too beautiful for that faith but it couldn't be helped."
Edmund took a threatening step forward but managed to restrain himself before killing Miraz here and there.
"She must have been loved by all of the Narnians, no?" asked Miraz.
"Yes, she was by all of them."
Edmund once again went to leave but when he heard the laughter of Miraz he called over his shoulder. "But none more so than by your nephew." Edmund had known. He had always known. How couldn't he have, she was his twin. But he had yet to speak to Caspian about it.
"Peter will want his revenge for our sister. And I'm sure he will get it."
With that Edmund strode from the tent, not looking back and heading back to the Howe with the news of the oncoming battle.