Title: The Taste of Murder
Author: Rolletti
This story takes place during the Golden Age.
Ages: Peter 18. Susan: 17, Edmund 15, Lucy 13
No Slash What So Ever
AN: On hands and knees begging for forgiveness. Sorry this is so late. This time the professors used cat-o-nine tails on me, constantly interfering. BUT my last exam is coming up this week. YAYNESS! I can taste the sweet victory of freedom. So close, yet so far. Okay, enough dramatics.
Disclaimer: Yep, I do not own any part of C.S. Lewis' works, and I'm still regrettably poor. I saw this disclaimer on someone's story and thought it a good idea to put on my own: I've read so much that I hope I didn't steal something from someone's story, if I did please accept my apology.
The Taste of Murder Chapter 6
"PETER, WATCH OUT!" Roared Oreius as Peter narrowly missed powerful snapping jaws. The sound of teeth breaking through bone could be heard over the wind and rain of a brave soldier who stood too close to the natural barrier in the land of the Hzans. Rhindon sliced through the air obeying its master, doubled back seeking to annihilate the yellow blooded creature that moved with unbelievable speed.
An angry, ear piercing shriek of the Hzan filled the air, chilling the blood of every brave Narnian or any living creature up to a mile away. The creature's imposing black body of pure muscle moved easily across the sand better than any snake. Its bulging liquid eyes never left the persistent prey that proved not to be an easy kill.
Oreius would never admit his mixed emotions of fear and pride as he watched his king, the very king who forbade him to step foot across the barrier onto Hzan's land. Standing at a safe distance with claymore in hand he watched without emotion, but secretly proud of how Peter ran towards his oncoming enemy as a powerful, fearless predator. Intense blue eyes flashed through the heavy rain as Rhindon seemed to come alive, slicing through parts of the Hzan like butter, drawing infuriating cries.
Lightning split the air as an ancient dance of death and destruction pored through Peter's soul. Raw, savage power fed the hungry demon that lurked beneath his skin with each attack. Three feet of poisonous fangs narrowly missed his face as he snapped his head around. "PETER BEHIND YOU!" shouted Oreius as the barbed tail of the creature swung to attack from behind. With the agility of a cat, Peter jumped and rolled just as the tailed whipped passed him with deadly intent.
What happened next happened so fast the army barely had time to gasp before it was over. They witnessed the High King, their beloved king, use the base of the eight foot creature's tail to propel himself up the Hzan's back. With one powerful stroke, Rhindon carved through flesh and bone, severing the creature's head as it reared. Immediately everyone vomited violently because of the intense stench. All the insects in the area died, flying birds and every tree dwelling animal fell to the ground sick.
Oreius struggled for control as he looked for Peter through watery eyes. He found him on his knees soaked through, Rhindon still in his grip. As the storm began to taper off and come to an end, Peter tried to suck in as much clean air as he could.
"PETER, COME, HURRY!"
Peter turned around to see what caused Oreius to go insanely pale. In the distance the ground moved in waves. There were ten distinct patterns of Hzans moving his way. Anxiously, Peter searched the ground for what he desperately fought and killed. Franticly he dug around in the wet sand as the creatures swam closer, some jumped out of the ground as a dolphin would water; wrenching screams filled the air.
"YOUR MAJESTY, YOU MUST HURRY!" demanded Tavunis, as he shook his fist at his king; which he would later be ashamed.
Oreius wouldn't, couldn't remain on safe ground any longer and decided to deal with the consequences later. Through the wet grass he ran on wobbly legs, and found other brave soldiers running alongside him in weakened conditions. But they grew stronger as the air cleared of pure gaseous filth. They crossed the barrier and ran further down to where Peter was searching. Badgers, Dogs, Foxes, Squirrels, every soldier dug as their lives and the life of their king depended on it. "Found it!" yelled Rexx the Squirrel who did not hesitate, but grabbed the pulsing flesh and ran towards safety. Peter barely had time to stop digging before he felt his arm nearly pulled out of its socket as he was thrown on Oreius' back. The General sprinted so fast that Peter had to grip the amour for dear life. Angry cries of the Hzans were close enough that the whites of every Animal's eye could be seen, including Peter's.
Three Hzans reached Oreius first and reared back to strike.
NnNnNnNn
"Edmund, are you all right?" asked Lucy as she sat next to Edmund in alarm. Susan immediately drew near.
"Did you feel that?" inquired Edmund as he touched the ground for support. The room began to spin out of control as he tried to find his bearings, and grew white as a sheet as he forced his eyes tightly shut.
"Feel what?" inquired Susan deeply concerned. "Ed? Here, Lucy, help me lean him against the wall. Edmund what's wrong?" she whispered.
Opening his eyes, Edmund's vision was filled with his sister's faces. They were scared. His vision blurred and his hearing muffled as an overwhelming pressure on his chest made it suddenly difficult to breathe.
For the first time since their kidnapping, Lucy was actually frightened. She tried desperately to still Edmund's shaking hands as she saw anguish written across his face. "It's Peter!" she said as the revelation hit her. The fine hair on her arms and neck rose.
Susan gasped as she looked from Lucy to Edmund. His declining condition only confirmed her sister's cry.
Lucy knew; she had seen it before. Intense love and dedication entwined through the very fiber of her brothers souls. It created a bond that caused an indescribable sensation when something went horribly wrong with the other. It was an unexplained phenomenon, but so were the Kings of Narnia. "Breathe, Edmund," she said. Her hands shook when she dipped the edge of her skirt into some drinking water to cool his face.
Susan had to remember to breathe herself as her hand unconsciously tightened on the sleeve of Edmund's tunic.
The experience only lasted for a moment, but enough to frighten all three. After a few seconds passed, Edmund's breathing began to stabilize and color returned to his face. He was ready to find every living soul of his captors and snuff the very life out of them; starting with Galenor. It was time to go.
"Tonight," was all Edmund said as he took a deep breath. His eyes burned as flames when he looked at Galenor.
"Yes," replied the girls as they looked at each other. Each queen moved on either side of their brother and sat shoulder to shoulder encasing him. He pulled them in close to the point of pain, but neither queen complained.
From his table Galenor watched the exchange between the siblings. The boy looked peeked, and he hoped he ate something that didn't agree with him. Even though it would be a great loss of profits, he hoped the boy would die a painful death from a poisoned berry or mushroom he picked with "competence." Galenor made eye contact with Edmund, and was greatly disappointed to see some color return. Frowning, he became unnerved to see an immediate change in the little king. He looked as if he was ready to level the building with him in it.
"What's gotten into you, Galenor? That vein in the middle of your forehead is jumping again," Manwen grinned.
"He's planning something. He's oozing with it, the little wretch!"
Manwen looked at the three children huddled together, they didn't look threatening. To appease Galenor he said, "What do you want to do?"
"We gotta somehow get that little un' away from the older two. We'll have the upper hand if he tries somethin'," he whispered.
Manwen was rubbing his tired eyes, but his hands immediately stopped with Galenor's last words. His eyes blinked once as he tried to process what Galenor just said. "You realize that boy will plunge anyone into eternal damnation if they get too close to those girls. He looks like an innocent and defenseless child, but you personally know what he is capable of. I have a feeling we haven't seen the worst of him, but you touch that girl…I won't lie to you, he scares me. And we have to somehow get them sold before the eldest brother gets here. I believe the terrifying stories my friend, but I believe in my pockets more, so it's worth the risk. These children are either going to make us filthy rich, or be the cause of us losing our worthless lives. No, Galenor, I advise against taking her. Besides, both she and her sister are hellcats at times. That whole family is crazy."
"I'm going to make my rounds. Just get them out of my sight!" growled Galenor as he stood. Walking out of the room he saw one of his men asleep, an obvious reaction to the feast he'd eaten earlier. The man suffered from an uncontrollable cough as he rolled across the floor with a boot print on his chest.
"Get up ya lazy, mangy piece of nothing!" shouted Galenor. Spittle flew out of his mouth and soaked into his beard. Disgusted, but completely in control, Susan looked away.
NnNnNnNn
As they examined their new quarters, the prisoners wondered at the sudden change. It was a bare, small windowless room with a torch that was lit. The high ceiling let in a few rays of fading sunlight and fresh air, creating a better atmosphere than the main room of unwashed, bearded men. Edmund noticed the young man from earlier return with some crates. He was without the other escorts. Once again, he only had eyes for Susan.
Blushing he said, "I…I brought you some crates from the other three rooms to sit on. The floor here is wet from the storm…," and looked away shyly still holding the crates.
"Thank you," said Susan with a smile. "Here let me…"
"Oh no, I got it. I'll place them over here away from the opening."
The young man could feel Edmund's sharp eyes with every move he made. He was sure not to step to close to the girls and moved slow and precise. He wouldn't want the king to misinterpret anything. With a nod to the girls he turned to leave, but before he could get to the door, Edmund stopped him.
"What is your name?"
"Yori, Your, Your Majesty," he said with a poor attempted bow as he removed his hat nervously. Edmund took notice of the tone of respect... and fear.
"Yori, would you assist me if I asked it?"
"Yes," he said as he took a step back when Edmund moved forward.
"Would you mind serving my sisters fresh water every day, preferably what hasn't been used by the men?"
"Yes, yes, that will not be a problem. And if I may say so," he lowered his voice and looked towards the door. "I am sorry about all this, I just follow orders. You see, Galenor is my uncle. I was going to leave with his brother, my uncle Layen, but," he glanced at the girls. "Well, I thought it would be best if I stayed."
Edmund quirked his right brow in understanding and was grateful. "My sister's are not fragile in the least, but I must take a care of their feminine sensibilities. They are precious to me and I will spare them all I can. You can help me do this by making sure you are the only one who tends us, not the others.
"I'll try my best," agreed Yori.
"I will not forget this, Yori."
"Please, remember me to your brother. I too fear him, if the stories are true," Yori stated, looking for confirmation.
"To some extent they are."
Yori swallowed thickly.
"I will remember you, Yori."
Yori literally felt the burden of his impending death sentence lightened. He had the urge to throw himself at Edmund's feet in gratitude, but he saw Susan nonchalantly glance his way as she talked to her sister. He couldn't be seen groveling in front of her, so he settled for a grateful nod before he exited the room to retrieve fresh water. Once he stepped out of the door with a relieved grin plastered on his face, he went sprawling across the floor. One of the two laughing guards posted outside the door purposely tripped him.
One of them sucked in the mucus from his sinuses, and spat it out on the floor in the prisoner's room before he closed the door with a big toothless grin.
"Urgh, I can't wait to get out of here," said Susan with disgust as she pulled Lucy closer to her.
"All right," whispered Edmund as he sat on the worst of the three old crates. With a tilt of his head he gestured for the girls to take their seats directly in front of him. He shielded them from the wad of spew and said, "Let's assess. We fed eight men inside including Galenor and Manwen. Lucy, what did you learn from your foraging?"
"I managed to get a good look at the perimeter while I was searching for fruit, and I saw five men; two by the door and three on patrol."
"There could be others. Yori mentioned three other rooms, plus this one. And of course there is the central room and the room adjacent," whispered Susan.
"Yes, but all the men stay together in that central room talking rubbish, so I'd say the eight plus the five are all that remain.
"Let's not forget the one who's…," Susan broke off, a bit embarrassed for possibly crippling a man for life.
"Don't, Susan! That man deserved what happened to him," scolded Edmund. "He's dead anyway once Peter finds him." The girls held each other's hands as they looked at Edmund. He winced as the words echoed around the room. Lovingly, Edmund reached over to cover their hands with his. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so insensitive." Anyone who dared be the cause of the expression his sisters now held suffered his wrath. Now he was that cause. Edmund knew they understood a penalty must be paid for the deaths of their subjects, but he didn't need to rub it in their faces. They all understood the deed will be quite distasteful, but necessary.
Frustrated, he corded his fingers through his hair as he stood up and made his way over to the hole in the ceiling. A welcoming breeze played with his hair as he stared out of the gaping maw. He wanted to reach up and rip away the remaining stones that made up the ceiling and free his sisters and himself. They had to find Peter. His brother was in trouble, he knew it to be true with unseeing eyes. He wondered if one of Galenor's men harmed him, but that was a ridiculous thought and it quickly vanished. /What of the odd creatures in the area? Did he fall prey to one of them? No, Peter knows the land well and all its secrets./ He didn't give the Hzans a thought because he knew Peter was much too sensible to go near that land. "So what is it, brother? What have you done?" he whispered. He looked at the girls and said, "It should be dark soon. That's when we'll…" The door opened. Yori walked in with a bucket of fresh water.
"I'm back bearing gifts. Here is some fruit and shrooms for your breakfast in the morning, and a bucket of fresh water. I tried to convince Galenor to let me leave the bucket here all night, but he was against it. He's afraid you'll try to use it as a weapon," he said with a shrug. "But the water hasn't been touched by the others."
"I take it he doesn't know about the crates," stated Edmund.
"No," said Lori sheepishly. "Sorry about the hole, but it's the best out of the three rooms. This place is old. We just chanced upon it all covered in ivy.
"Thank you for all you've done, Yori," said Susan with a gentle smile. Yori's chest puffed out two inches at the sound of his name from the gentle queen.
Lucy bit her lip to conceal the giggle that was threatening to bubble up. She couldn't decide which sight was more amusing, Yori's obvious love sick infatuation over Susan, or the sour expression on Edmund's face. When she saw her brother's eyes narrow, and his expression changed from annoyance to hostile against what seemed to be their only ally, she thought it best to dismiss Yori.
"Yes, Yori, thank you very much for your kindness. Will we be seeing you early in the morning?" she inquired as she walked toward the door.
Stepping off the fluffy clouds, the same color as Susan's eyes, Yori turned to look at Lucy. He suddenly cleared his throat and blushed profusely up past his hairline as he became aware of his actions. A quick look at Edmund told him he needed to leave immediately. "Yes, yes I will."
"You forgot something," said Edmund, his irritation obvious to all. Yori looked confused. "The water. We have not had our drink yet."
"Oh, yes, yes of course," he said as he returned. He placed the bucket on the floor and stepped back. With trepidation, Yori watched as Edmund ladled out some water for Lucy, then Susan. How desperate he wanted to watch the gentle queen sip her fill, but wouldn't. Edmund's cold dark eyes were ever watchful, even when he wasn't looking directly at you.
After Yori bid them goodnight, rather quickly, the girls smirked at each other with a plan.
"How old do you think he is?" sighed Susan dreamily with a smile.
"Old enough. Do you think Peter would let me keep him?" asked Lucy as she hugged herself.
"No, Lucy, I saw him first. Besides he's in love with me."
"But that's not fair, you get princes', ambassadors and kings asking for your hand. You could at least leave me the thief," pouted Lucy.
Edmund stood with his mouth gaping as an all consuming heat rushed throughout his tensed body. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. It wasn't until he saw the twinkle in Lucy's eyes could he breathe again. Bothe girls burst into a fit of giggles from the look on his face. Edmund was just as bad as Peter when it came to the opposite sex requesting an audience with the fair Susan…their sister.
"Shaddup," said one of the guards as he banged on the door. "Before I come in and shut you up!"
Edmund scowled at the door before he directed the girls to their seats.
"Are you two quite finished? Honestly, girls," he said as he took his own seat. Despite their current circumstances, he was pleased to see the girls smiling, even at his expense.
"Oh, Ed, you should have seen your face," smiled Lucy.
"Well, I'm happy to have entertained you," he said with false irritation.
As the muffled voices outside the door droned on into the night, so did Edmund with a plan of escape. Each girl paid close attention to follow Edmund's instruction to the letter if they were to avoid detection.
"If I am caught, I want you two to run." He silenced Lucy before she could protest with a look. "I won't hear of it Lu. You run and find Peter. I have a feeling he's not too far from here…whatever his circumstances. Besides, I doubt I get caught. Our captors are buffoons."
"Dangerous buffoons with swords," whispered Susan. "Don't underestimate them, Ed."
Two hours later, Edmund stood guard as the girls slept. One always stood vigil as the other two slept, never wanting to be caught off guard. He looked at the moon through the hole and ivy, a sight he had not seen in many days. It looked duller than in Narnia. Everything was a dull imitation compared to his beloved home. He missed it. He missed his brother. Thinking of Peter caused that dull constant ache in the center of his chest to hurt and only his presence could banish the pain. A lump formed in his throat as he thought about their last parting.
"What are you smiling about?" asked Peter when he found Edmund in the garden.
"You," said Edmund with a twinkle in his eye.
"Me? And what about me may I ask?"
Edmund's smile became more of a grin as he watched Peter's perplexed expression. "You are like an elephant brought down by a cute little mouse," he said using his hand to shield his eyes from the sun.
"I assume the cute little mouse is Lucy?"
"Precisely," said Edmund as Peter stood by his side and sighed. "Lucky for you she doesn't use her powers for evil."
"I say lucky for us both. You are not immune, Ed."
The two kings smiled at each other as they walked side by side in their elaborate garden. Beautiful daffodils and daisies bowed, encouraged by a gentle breeze in the presence of the kings. "Besides, Ed, I did say no, and it is my final word. I put off this meeting with the elephants for far too long. They would never forgive me if I postponed again."
"Well, that's unfortunate for you. I hear Mrs. Rachel Raccoon is making her famous Rummy pie," Peter winced. "…with the creamy topping." Edmund automatically caught Peter's crown when it fell off his head when his chin hit his chest in sorrow.
"The surple berry cream?" asked Peter as his shoulders slumped.
Edmund licked his lips in reply.
Peter felt Lucy slip her hands into his with Susan by her side. "What's wrong, Peter?"
"No need for alarm," he squeezed her hand for reinsurance. "I just heard Mrs. Rachel Raccoon made Rummy pie for the picnic. You know how I feel about that pie, especially with cream."
"She knew you weren't coming with us and sent one over. Didn't Ed tell you?" asked Lucy. Susan giggled.
The garden was filled with Edmund's laughter as he held onto his crown; his brother's thunderous footfalls were close as he made a fast get-a-way. Laughing way too hard for a serious escape, Edmund was caught easily by Peter who, with mock anger, snatched the crown from his head and followed him to the ground. Peter pinned his younger brother with his knees on either side of his hips, ready to seek revenge. "No, Peter please, stop," but it was to no avail. With one hand, Peter pinned Edmund's arms above his head accompanied by menacing smile. Long, strong and dangerous fingers wiggled, they were perfect for tickling among other uses. He knew which rib was vulnerable and attacked until Edmund began to turn red with laughter.
"Ehem, excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me, Your Majesties," shouted Tumnus and cleared his throat apologetically.
"Yes, Tumnus?" asked Peter as each boy froze.
"Oreius is ready to escort you to your meeting," he said trying not to laugh at the two not so elegant kings: Scattered crowns (which have seen their fair share from the service of the Crown Jeweler) messy hair and rumpled clothes.
"Tell him I'm on my way," said Peter before he looked back at Edmund.
"Get off me you git," growled Edmund.
With a chuckle Peter helped Edmund to his feet, brushed him off and placed a gentle kiss on his head before returning the silver crown to its rightful place. "Take care of the girls, Ed. I'll miss you today." Peter squeezed his shoulder before running off to hug and kiss the girls good-bye. There was a giggle from Lucy as Peter chased her around Susan for a second kiss, then he was off.
Edmund watched as his brother received Rhindon from a waiting servant at the gate, the sun glinting off his golden crown as he turned once more to wave good-bye and shout, "I love you. See you at dinner."
The tears stung as Edmund swallowed down his anger. He wanted to tear down the very walls that separated him from Peter till his fingers bled. After a good deep breath, Edmund was able to gain some control. Silently he looked across the room at his sisters. He fought hard to keep his promise to Peter. Technically, they were safe although imprisoned. If anyone laid a hand on either of them they wouldn't know their heart was missing until someone brought the gaping hole in their chest to their attention. That was Edmund. Agile as a cat, quick to strike as a snake.
Complete and utter silence drew Edmunds attention towards the door where laughter was moments before. He leaned as he strained to listen. Dead air. Instinctively, he ran quietly to the girls and got them to their feet to prepare for the unknown.
"What's wrong, Edmund?" whispered Susan as she tried to focus, blinking away the blur from her eyes.
"I don't know," he whispered back after positioning Lucy between them. "But, something is making my skin crawl."
Except for the cool summer breeze that whispered through the ivy covered hole, all was quite. A click drew their attention. Every creak of the old door screamed a warning as it slowly opened. Eyes with bushy dark eyebrows of pure hatred appeared, followed by a scowl that belonged to Dananal. Joined by two others, he slid into the dimly lit room. The ugliest and dirtiest of the three closed the door as quietly as possible with a menacing grin.
They were not the original guards.
"It's all your fault. He wouldn't have killed her if it wasn't for you three pest! Rundell was worth more than all of you maggot infested rats," said Dananal as he saw all three royals gather together. "What's wrong little girl? You're not scared are ya? You should be you piece of…"
"I'm warning you, sir, leave us," warned Edmund, his voice dangerously low.
"Or what? You're gonna tell your big brother? Trust me, when I'm through with you he won't be able to recognize either of you," he sneered over his shoulders at his men.
"Don't come any closer," warned Edmund again.
"Is that a command, Your Majesty?" mocked Dananal as he pulled out a barbed looking knife. "Before I gut you I'm gonna mess up that pretty face of yours. Come here you stupid little…" said Dananal before he and his men ran towards Edmund and the girls.
High pitch screams sent Galenor and his men running from the main room to where the prisoners were held. He couldn't believe what he saw. He didn't want to believe what he saw.
tbc (^_~)