Chapter 7

Word Count: 3,133

The Pevensie children made their way back to the river alongside Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. Sunlight reflected off of the shiny surface of the ice that engulfed the wide river.

"Wait," Susan spoke up nervously, "Maybe we should think about this."

"We don't have time," Peter argued.

"I was just trying to be realistic." Susan explained honestly.

"No," Peter shook his head in exasperation, "You're trying to be smart… as usual!" Luna pulled at his shirt until he looked down at her and calmed down, giving her a small smile.

"Wait, maybe I should go first." Mr. Beaver suggested, eyeing the frozen river.

"Maybe you should." Peter agreed, backing up. The beaver took a tentative step onto the ice, slowly lifting one paw at a time. The ice cracked, not enough to do anything, but enough to startle everyone.

"You've been sneaking second helpings, haven't you?" Mrs. Beaver accused her husband, paws on her hips.

"If mum knew what we were doing…" Susan shook her head.

"Mum's not here." Peter pointed out. All their heads whipped around as the sound of howls and paws pounding against the forest flew grew louder.

"Oh no!" Lucy cried, spotting the pack of wolves. Peter and Luna drew their swords, stepping in front of Lucy and Susan protectively. Susan gripped her bow, too afraid to raise it.

"Run!" Peter cried, but to no avail, as the wolves quickly surrounded the children. A wolf pinned down Mr. Beaver and growled a warning to the Pevensies. Mrs. Beaver shook with fear, hiding behind Luna.

"Put that down, boy," Maugrim's teeth glinted as he growled at Peter, "Someone might get hurt." Peter hesitated, his sword starting to lower. Luna brandished her own blade with an intense glare directed at the wolves. She placed a comforting hand on Peter's arm. He looked at her and she gave her brother a reassuring look, causing him to raise his sword with more confidence.

"Don't worry about me!" Mr. Beaver cried from beneath the wolf's grip, "Slit his throat!" Lucy's lip quivered, fearing for her new friend and ally.

"Leave now while you can, and your brother leaves with you." Maugrim snarled. The wall of ice that had previously been a waterfall was beginning to crack slowly, jets of cold water pouring out and drawing the attention of both parties.

"Stop, Peter!" Susan cried, preventing him from taking a swing at the wolf, "Maybe we should listen to him."

"Smart girl." Maugrim smirked, baring his sharp canines.

"We can't trust him." Luna stated adamantly, her grip on the sword hilt tightening.

"Don't listen to him," Mr. Beaver agreed with Luna, "Kill him! Kill him now!"

"Look, just because some man in a red suit hands you a sword doesn't make you a hero! So just drop it!" Susan screamed over the rushing water. Luna's eyelids drooped as she heard the words of her older sister. She didn't believe in them, even with the Narnians encouraging them.

"What's it going to be, Son of Adam?" Maugrim took a step forward, only inches away from the tip of Peter's sword, "We're not going to wait forever. And neither is the river." Luna stared at the waterfall, willing it to melt faster, to help them escape the witch's evil henchmen. As if answering her prayer, chunks of ice started to break off and rain down on them.

"Peter!" Lucy cried in fear, clutching onto her siblings.

"Hold onto me!" Peter ordered. Lucy wrapped her arms around his waist on the left and Susan did the same on the right. Luna copied Peter as he lifted his sword above his head and stabbed it into their chunk of ice, creating an anchor for them to hold onto. Icy water poured down, engulfing the Pevensies and the wolves. Amidst the chaos, Mr. Beaver freed himself from the wolf's grasp, and swam alongside his wife, following the floating ice platform. The river had completely melted, save for a few large ice chunks. The Pevensies screamed over the rushing waves as the wolves were swept away by the current. A fallen tree provided safehaven, and the children used it to pull themselves onto the bank. Luna and Susan turned around to see a worried Peter holding onto Lucy's coat, but Lucy was nowhere to be seen.

"What have you done?" Susan gasped, blue eyes reflecting fear. "Lucy!" She cried, yelling over the rushing water.

"Has anyone seen my coat?" Lucy asked timidly, emerging from the side of the riverbank. Luna, Susan, and Peter chuckled in relief as she smiled up at them. Peter draped Lucy's coat around her shivering shoulders.

"Your brother has you well looked after." Mr. Beaver assured the youngest Pevensie. The four embraced, all soaked and shivering from the whole ordeal.

"I don't think you'll be needing those coats any more!" Mrs. Beaver cried, staring into the forest. In front of their eyes, cherry blossoms bloomed on the tree branches, snow melting and sliding down each petal. The Pevensies shed their coats, leaving the wet garments on the grass below. Lucy stared in awe at the forest emerging around them. Luna pushed wet strands of hair off her face, blue eyes focusing in on the blossoming flowers above them.

"It's so warm here!" Ginarrbrik complained, earning a cold glare from the witch, who was beginning to look less pale than her normally snow white self.

"We found the traitor," One of the wolves approached Jadis, the fox clamped tightly in his jaws, "He was gathering troops near the sharwood forest."

"Nice of you to drop by," Jadis commented sarcastically, "I understand you were helpful to my wolves last night."

"Forgive me, your Majesty." The fox shivered under her glare, still bleeding from his wound.

"Don't waste my time with flattery." The witch spat.

"Not to seem rude," The fox spoke plainly, "But I wasn't actually talking to you." He bowed his head towards Edmund, who looked at the creature in shock. Jadis looked to Edmund before addressing the fox.

"Where is Aslan!" She screeched furiously, "Answer me!" She raised her spear-like wand in the air, the icicle tip facing upwards glowing a light blue color.

"Wait!" Edmund cried, the wand's color fading as the witch focused her attention on the boy, "The Beavers said something about the Stone Table and an army."

"Thank you, Edmund. It is good for this creature to see some honesty before he dies…"

"No!" Edmund cried as the witch pointed her wand at the fox. The tip glowed blue, and once it touched the creature, he turned to stone. Jadis slapped Edmund across the cheek, causing the boy to tenderly cup the side of his face as he watched her with fear in his eyes.

"Think who's side you are on!" The witch hissed, giving up her nice act, "Mine…" She turned his head to face the petrified fox, "Or theirs? If it is a war Aslan wants…" She turned a lone butterfly to stone, the creature shattering as it fell to the ground, "It's a war he shall get."

The Pevensies followed the Beavers through Aslan's camp, creatures having emerged from various tents and busying themselves. On a hill above them, a centaur blew into a curved horn to alert the camp members. There was no sign on snow, trees and luscious grass covering the ground and mountainsides. Lucy and Luna turned around to see flower petals moving through the air and forming the figures of beautiful women. The flower women waved, earning a wave from Lucy and a smile from Luna. Luna wondered if perhaps they were nymphs or dryads, or maybe another creature entirely. She thought they must look rather silly to the creatures in medieval armor, as Peter sported a gray button up shirt and dark slacks, Susan a white blouse and plaid skirt, and Lucy a floral dress. Luna herself had borrowed a pair of Edmund's black slacks and a blue-grey blouse untucked, along with her laced boots. Centaurs and fauns in battle armour turned to look at them as they passed, and Luna observed the designs on the tents and the red and gold flags bearing Aslan's crest. Some of the fauns were making weapons, and they were surrounded by a multitude of animals. Stellaluna mewed at a cheetah as they passed. Slowly, all the creatures began to flank the pathway and watch the Pevensies make their way to Aslan's tent.

"Why are they all staring at us?" Susan asked, smiling as she murmured the question to her siblings.

"Maybe they think you look funny." Lucy joked, earning a smile from her three siblings.

"Oh, stop your fussing, Mrs. Beaver. You look lovely." Mr. Beaver assured his wife. The Narnians circled around as the Pevensies reached the largest tent, decorated with flags and striped gold and crimson colors. A centaur stood stoically beside the tent, his fur a glossy black, matching his determined eyes. Peter awkwardly drew his sword, holding it like an offering.

"We have come to see Aslan." He declared to the centaur. The centaur simply looked to the tent's opening, his gaze followed by those of the Pevensies. All the creatures around them dropped to one knee, kneeling to their hidden king, including the Beavers. A golden paw emerged from behind the crimson curtains, followed by the body of a majestic lion, his fur and mane pristine and golden. His amber eyes followed the Pevensie children as they stood; Lucy, Luna, Susan, and Peter. A small smile appeared on his muzzle. Each child dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in respect of the creature that stood before them.

"Welcome, Peter, Son of Adam," Aslan spoke, Peter raising his head, "Welcome, Susan, Luna, and Lucy, Daughters of Eve." They all lifted their heads, a smile emerging on Lucy's face. "Welcome, Beavers. You have my thanks. But where is the fifth?" The smile dropped from Lucy's face.

"That's why we are here, sir." Peter stood, sheathing his sword. His sisters stood up alongside him. "We need your help."

"We had a little… trouble along the way." Susan admitted.

"Our brother's been captured by the White Witch." Peter told the lion.

"Captured?" Aslan repeated, "How could this happen?" Around them, creatures began murmuring with their worries and conspiracies. The blonde looked down at his feet.

"He betrayed them, your Majesty." Mr. Beaver cut in. Noises of outrage emerged from the crowd.

"Then he has betrayed us all!" The centaur exclaimed.

"Peace, Oreius." Aslan ordered, "I'm sure there is an explanation."

"It was my fault, really," Peter admitted, "I was too hard on him."

"We all were." Susan added, placing a hand on her brother's shoulder.

"Sir, he's our brother." Lucy whispered.

"I know, dear, and that makes the betrayal all the worse. This may be harder than you think."

"If I may, sir," Luna spoke up.

"Come with me, my dear," Aslan nodded to her, "And you as well, Son of Adam." Luna and Peter followed the Lion up the hill as Susan and Lucy were led to their tents. From the hill on which they stood, Peter and Luna could see over the green hills and back to a beautiful white and gold castle along the beachfront that glistened in the light of the sunset.

"That is Cair Paravel of the four thrones," Aslan told them, "One of which you must sit as High King," He addressed Peter, "And you as a Queen." He looked to Luna. Both children were silent, looking out over the horizon and deep in thought.

"You doubt the prophecy?" Aslan asked.

"No, that's just it…" Peter started, "I'm not who you think I am."

"Peter Pevensie, formerly of Finchley. Beaver also said you wanted to turn him into a hat." Luna chuckled alongside Aslan as he spoke. "There is a Deep Magic that rules over Narnia. It defines right from wrong and helps us fulfill destinies, both yours and mine."

"I don't think I'll be able to." Peter admitted.

"You were able to get your family here." Aslan argued.

"Not all of them." Peter replied with a sigh.

"I will do what I can for Edmund. I, too, want my family safe." Aslan assured them.

"Sir?" Aslan nodded for Luna to continue, "The first time Edmund met the White Witch, I was there." She held Stellaluna to her chest and stoked the kitten's fur, "I hid, instinctively fleeing while Edmund wasn't so lucky. She bewitched him, made him feel… special." She sighed, still looking down, "I suppose, what I'm trying to say is… he didn't mean to betray us. He simply followed his heart over his head. And I know he's learned his lesson by now." Aslan met her gaze with knowing amber orbs.

"I think he will be more disappointed in himself than anyone else will be in him" The lion assured her. "Now, there is something else I must speak to you two about-" Before Aslan could continue, the blowing of a horn cut him off.

"Susan." Luna murmured, looking to Peter. The two of them sprinted down the hill in search of their sisters, closely followed by Aslan.

Luna and Peter drew their swords, eyeing the wolves that had surrounded the tree Lucy and Susan sought solace in. Stellaluna clung onto Aslan's mane, trying to stay away from the chaos. A group of Narnians had joined, ready to attack.

"Stay back," Aslan ordered, pinning the second wolf to the ground, "This is Peter's battle." They nodded and lowered their weapons, Luna returning her blade to its scabbard. Peter raised his sword as the wolf launched itself at him.

"Peter!" Lucy and Susan cried out in fear. They ran over to Peter, only to find he had struck the wolf down, blood pooling on the ground and his sword. Aslan released the other wolf.

"Follow him!" He ordered his army, "He'll lead you to Edmund." Aslan and Luna walked over to Peter. "Peter, clean your sword." The eldest Pevensie obeyed, kneeling to Aslan.

"Rise, Sir Peter Wolfsbane - Knight of Narnia." Peter looked to Aslan in awe before embracing his sisters. Luna looked at the dead wolf before Aslan nudged her.

"It is a casualty of war," He told her sadly, "It cannot always be avoided."

"Perhaps," Luna agreed, "But he believed he was on the right side. To him, we were the 'bad guys'."

"Yes," Aslan nodded, "In some cases, you must follow your heart and fight for what is right."

"I want to fight for all the Narnians the Witch and her army have killed or turned to stone." Luna replied, placing her right hand on the hilt of her sword as a sort of comfort.

"And I believe your heart is in the right place." Aslan smiled, returning Stellaluna to the redhead.

Luna tossed and turned in bed as her brother and sisters slept soundly. All she could think of was Edmund. Was he safe? But she trusted Aslan, and so she gave up the mental war and moved to find Peter, falling asleep as she lay beside him. As they awoke, sunlight streamed in through the tent, and the Pevensies emerged to find Aslan sitting beside Edmund on a rock atop the hill.

"Edmund!" Lucy cried, a smile breaking out on her face. Peter stopped her from racing after their brother as Aslan and Edmund descended to meet them.

"What's done is done," Aslan stated, "There is no reason to bring up the past with your brother."

"Hello…" Edmund waved sheepishly.

"Oh, Edmund!" Lucy cried, hugging her brother alongside Susan.

"How are you feeling?" Susan asked kindly.

"I'm feeling kinda tired." Edmund admitted.

"Get some rest," Peter encouraged, "And, Edmund, try not to wander off again." Luna walked her twin brother to their tent, sitting on the edge of the bed as he attempted to sleep.

"I missed you." Luna admitted. Stellaluna moved to comfort Edmund as he squeezed his sister's hand in reassurance.

"I know you did." He joked, earning a playful slap from the redhead. Luna sighed, the smile disappearing.

"Are you alright?" She asked, her gentle tone comforting and unlike that of the witch.

"She did terrible things…" Edmund whispered, thinking about the fox and Tumnus.

"But we can make it right." Luna told him. Edmund looked up at his sister with admiration.

"Yeah, I suppose we can."

"Narnia isn't going to run out of toast, Edmund." Lucy joked. Edmund continued to shovel down his food, he hadn't eaten since the witch kept him prisoner.

"Then you better pack some for the journey." Peter addressed him seriously.

"So we are going home?" Susan asked.

"You are," Peter confirmed, "I promised I'd keep you three safe but there's no reason I can't stay and help."

"Three?" Susan looked at him confused.

"You, Edmund, and Lucy," Peter explained, "I figured since Luna takes fencing at school…"

"But they need all of us, all five of us." Lucy insisted. Luna nodded, not eating.

"Lucy, it's too dangerous," Peter argued, "You almost drowned, Edmund was almost killed-"

"Which is why we have to stay." Edmund spoke up, looking to his twin sister for reassurance. "I've seen what the White Witch can do, and I've helped her do it. We can't leave these people behind to suffer for it." Lucy grabbed Edmund's hand and smiled.

"Well, I guess that's it then." Susan stood up from her spot.

"Where are you going?" Peter asked incredulously.

"To get in some practice." Susan answered, retrieving her bow and quiver. She and Lucy went to the makeshift archery range as Edmund, Peter, and Luna went to practice their sword fighting. Stellaluna had been given to Lucy to take care of.

"Come on, Ed, sword hand up like Oreius showed us." Peter instructed, pausing their duel. Both boys looked over at Oreius and Luna, their swords clashing together. Both moved with such grace and agility that one would think they were both Narnians. The boys got back to fighting, as did Luna and the centaur. The redhead quickly avoided a swipe that would have hit her midsection had she not dodged it, and swung, knocking Oreius's sword from his grasp. The centaur grasped his wrist and winced.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Luna's eyes widened as she ran over to the centaur.

"It's fine, child," Oreius chuckled, "You surprised me, is all." He shook out his wrist and retrieved his sword, demonstrating he was fine. Luna gave him a sheepish smile as they dove back into their duel.

"Whoa, horsey!" Edmund cried as the chocolate colored horse reared up and the sudden appearance of the beavers.

"My name is Philip." The horse replied.

"Oh, sorry." Edmund apologized.

"You better come quick," Mr. Beaver panted, "The White Witch has requested a meeting with Aslan."