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
Disclaimer: Yep, I do not own any part of C.S. Lewis' works, and I'm still regrettably poor.
The Taste of Murder Chapter 8
"A messenger has been spotted! He is fast approaching," called a palace guard, whose job was deliberately to watch the skies for any sign of a messenger or returning party. The call was passed on until it was whispered in Mr. Tumnus and Mr. Fox's ears.
Mr. Tumnus and Mr. Fox looked at each other anxiously. Welcoming the news, yet afraid of it. Why was there a messenger and not the rescued party themselves? Was the High King successful, did he fail? Preposterous! They will just have to wait, impatient, but wait they shall.
"I hope no one saw the messenger, or all of Narnia will know we've heard news," said Mr. Fox.
"Yes, and they will be on our doorstep within the hour," replied Tumnus, rearranging his scarf nervously. A Lieutenant marched right smartly to the two waiting officials and delivered the message. He immediately returned the way he came, but secretly wished he could stay to hear the news. He loved and missed the royal family. Queen Lucy never forgot his birthday, and Queen Susan was especially kind to his mother when she was on her deathbed.
Mr. Tumnus sat next to Mr. Fox in order to read the letter together. With nervous fingers, he broke the seal and they proceeded to read…
Greetings Mr. Tumnus and Mr. Fox,
I send you a message of grave news. We have not as of yet found our sovereigns, but we believe we are on the right path. We've found some of those responsible for the death of our Narnian Brothers and Sisters, and they have been properly dealt with by the High King himself.
There has been a setback in our pursuit by three days. Brace yourselves for what I am about to tell you. The king, against all counsel, journeyed to the accursed land of the Hzans. I will spare you the gruesome details only to say our king was victorious and lives—so far. He is suffering from a scratch delivered by one of the vile creatures, and lay sick these past three days with fever, nightmares and delusions. For the first time, I was able to speak with him today. Before the king fell into unconsciousness again, he informed me of a vial of cordial Queen Lucy gave him. We have yet to find it. We have looked through his personal belongings, and the few in our company, without success. Baor has flown ahead to see if he might find clues that would lead us to the queen and the cordial.
I do not need to tell you the ramification if word reached the ears of Narnians about the Hzans, therefore this letter is to be treated as an official document for your eyes, Mr. Tumnus and Mr. Fox, only. Do not speak of the kings set back. No doubt you two are having to keep the citizens at peace and at home instead of joining the search still. We will come home victorious; remind all of Narnia who put our kings and queens on the throne. Aslan will not abandon them.
Pray for Aslan's guidance and wisdom. Pray that we will bring all of our sovereigns home soon alive and well. Pray for our High King as he delivers his final judgment. He has no mercy.
In Aslan,
General Oreius
They sat stunned in the throne room. They knew the letter might not contain what they were hoping for, but they did not expect what they read, especially news of the Hzans; that alone made them involuntarily shiver. A hasty letter was written in reply and sealed. After an hour of rest, food and water, the messenger was off to find Oreius.
Greetings General,
We received your letter with a heavy heart and was hoping to deliver good news to the citizens. As you have predicted, we are constantly defusing explosive temperaments that are ready to lead an army to rescue the kings and queens.
News of the Hzans chills us to our bones. What would possess the king to journey to a despised land? No good could come from such a visit, and we are sure King Edmund will have plenty to say on behalf of all Narnia!
We have increased the patrol on our borders to prevent any hostilities if our neighbors gain knowledge of our absent monarchy. We have noticed the giants are more active on their side of the border, but we are unsure if they are gathering to attack or if we are provoking them with our increased soldiers.
We will not expose the king's illness, but we will share the good news of your gaining on King Edmund and our Queens. That should placate the majority of the citizens.
As for the vial of cordial, I, Tumnus, was with the queen when she prepared it and delivered it to the kings. Look underneath the king's saddle. It is a small vial wrapped in a sturdy grey cloth that is attached underneath the saddle. It was placed there so our enemies would not find it. No doubt the king has forgotten about it until you mentioned it. As you know, our kings would rather suffer along with their fellow soldiers than to take a drop of the cordial. We pray Aslan will allow the cordial to work and our sovereigns will be returned to us soon.
May Aslan be with you always,
Mr. Tumnus
Mr. Fox