Author's Note: Well, I certainly didn't expect this story to be so well received! I will say I was surprised, and pleased of course. Thanks for everyone who has so far enjoyed the story and I hope this chapter does not disappoint! Thanks especially to; Mystic Lover of the fairytale, Sara Wolfe, GemmaUzumaki, eustacegirl, Jessica, Angel8621 and more than meets the eye, who were the reviewers of Chapter 1! Thanks so much you guys!

Disclaimer: Definitely not mine

Unforgotten Betrayal

By Fan of the Just King

Part 2: An Outsider's Life:

Edmund walked aimlessly through the woods, not quite able to completely process what had just happened, but unwilling to think about it either.

The wind teased his raven hair about his face as he walked, unaware of time or where he was going. A crisp, rasping sound disturbed his thoughts, and, without realising it, he had walked straight to where the Telmarine camp was.

Horses were tied up to trees and posts throughout the campsite, soldiers marched about, guarding Miraz or just going to and from tents. One of the horses near to his hiding place stamped its hoof and whinnied shrilly.

Checking his step, Edmund turned and ran, sprinting away from the enemy before any had a chance to spot him.

As he ran, tears of frustration and confusion flew from his eyes, stinging his face as the wind continued to blow ferociously against him. Hang it all, everything seemed against him!

Safely away from anyone and everyone, Edmund slumped down against an elm tree, glad of the fact that its low and large branches hid him very well from passing creatures, humans or siblings. It was there that all of his sadness and frustration was finally let loose. One question remained on his mind;

Why? Why Peter? Why are you doing this to me?

(A few hours later)

Darkness was the first thing Edmund was aware of when he opened his eyes. Immediately, he felt horrified that he had cried himself to sleep, something he had not done – or permitted himself to do – since he was very young.

Sitting up, and wincing at the soreness of his limbs, Edmund glanced around, letting his eyes adjust to the very little light.

Standing, he began walking again, this time with much less purpose than earlier that day. When he had been running from his brother and the Narnians, he had been running to get away, and because he had almost no other choice. When he was running from the Telmarines, he was running in fear. Now he moved with almost no purpose, as if there was nothing left that was worth finding or searching for.

Edmund let his heart fly away that night, back to Aslan's How, back to his family, back to Peter. He wondered if they were missing him yet, if Peter had gotten any sense knocked back into that blonde head of his.

Sighing, and shaking his head, Edmund glanced in the general direction of the How; it could only be the general direction, because he almost had no idea where he was, and he had almost no intention finding his way home again. Only when the others needed him, would Edmund return.

"Why so silent, my King?" a husky voice whispered at his left.

Edmund jumped, and, heart pounding, turned around to face the kind, black and white face of Trufflehunter.

"By Jove Trufflehunter!" Edmund whispered, "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

Trufflehunter simply looked at him, and in the dawning light, Edmund saw understanding and empathy on the Badger's wizened face.

"My most sincere apologies King Edmund, but I was out for an early berry hunt – for our stocks are rather low – and I couldn't resist coming over, for you seemed so miserable."

Something in Trufflehunter's voice soothed Edmund and he relaxed considerably.

"I don't understand anymore Trufflehunter!" he exclaimed softly, pacing the immediate area in exasperation.

Trufflehunter, seeming to understand, sighed.

"Anger and love are never a good mixture my King, and certainly not to the level that the High King feels both."

When he said this, Edmund was strongly reminded of Orieus, and he smiled despite himself as he and the Badger settled themselves back on the ground.

"Anger tends to overrule when it comes to Peter" Edmund whispered, eyes beginning to sting again.

"Alas, many siblings are very overrun by anger in that kind of situation. Love is always shunned to the side, and after the anger has run its course, regret and guilt often take its place" Trufflehunter replied sadly.

Edmund looked up at the Badger, and was surprised to see him glancing towards the ever rising sun – towards Aslan.

"Did you ever have an experience like this Trufflehunter?" Edmund asked uncertainly.

A shutter fell across the Badger's face and his eyes hardened.

"I would appreciate it if you did not press such matters your Majesty" Trufflehunter's voice was sharp and suddenly cold.

Blushing, Edmund almost shrank back and mumbled an apology, but Trufflehunter softened again and placed a comforting paw on the boy's shoulder.

"Nay my King, do not apologise, for I should not have been so short with you; you were only curious. But that is a matter that I do not like speaking of, so I would appreciate it if we never spoke of it."

Edmund nodded, knowing exactly how Trufflehunter felt.

With a final squeeze of his shoulder, the Badger turned and bumbled away, humming softly.

And so Edmund was left alone again, musing his thoughts over and over again, unable to form a comprehensible answer to his predicament. Standing, he walked towards the golden light of the sun.

As the sun continued to rise steadily, Edmund could feel himself coming closer to something, he didn't know what, but a voice on the breeze filled him with warmth and comfort

"Son of Adam, come to me."

Smiling for the first time in ages, Edmund's walk quickly turned into a run. His conscious mind had no idea where he was going, but his legs appeared to be moving of their own accord.

It all became worth it, for Edmund turned a corner, and, shining gold in the bright summer sun, dew drops hanging on His magnificent mane, stood Aslan.

"Aslan!" cried Edmund, running happily to the Lion.

Aslan's chuckle as he threw his arms around His neck was low and rumbling, yet it cheered Edmund up more than anything else in the world.

The pair remained still for a few minutes, both listening to the forest around them, until Aslan stood back and purred affectionately.

"Edmund, welcome" His voice was like a balm, soothing all of Edmund's little hurts, something only one other person had managed to achieve in his life.

"Aslan, I –" Edmund started, but Aslan merely silenced him with a look.

"Edmund, all is forgiven by me, but it will be up to you to rebuild your brother's trust, and vice versa."

Edmund nodded, smiling; Aslan had said nearly the exact same thing after he'd been rescued from the Witch.

"You know you must return" Aslan asked, slightly cocking His head.

Edmund nodded.

"Only when they need me Aslan" he replied.

Aslan regarded him proudly.

"The way will come soon."

Almost as if on cue, a sharp, yet beautiful noise split the silence; a sound much richer than a trumpet, but not as strained. Edmund had heard it enough times to know what it was.

"Susan!" he cried.

Aslan, almost smiling, turned to him.

"Climb on my back Child, and let us be off!"

Roaring, the Great Lion leapt from the ground, Edmund hanging on for dear life, glad that he was going back.

TBC...