With a groan, Edmund returned to consciousness. He could feel blood trickling down his face; he reached up to touch the wound and found he was bound.
He leant over to his right and figured that he was lying on the ground, near a scary looking, gnarled tree. It did not seem to be a talking one.
To either side of him, there were cackles, grunt and howls. He looked up towards the sky again and suddenly and wrinkled face loomed in front of his face.
"Well, well, well, traitor Prince. How the mighty have fallen. We will make you pay for what you did to the Queen. And this time no Aslan will save you.
Edmund sighed, he had expected this. He just continued to stare around the large group of monsters. The Hag sniffed, and shuffled away, disheartened that her words hadn't seemed to have affected the King.
Edmund thought to himself, "It's no more than I deserve. At least this way I won't be a burden to everyone else. I just wish they'd get it over with." He wished the ache in his chest would go away. He couldn't stand it any longer. He couldn't stand himself any longer. He just wished he'd of been able to apologise to his siblings, and most importantly, Astra.
"Your Highnesses, I have some urgent news." Orieus, the General of Narnia's fearsome army rushed into the Great Hall as fast as his 4 legs would carry him.
When he reached the Monarchs, King Peter nodded his head at the centaur, willing him to continue.
"We have received word that a large troop of Fell beast has emerged."
"Blast! I'd thought we'd gotten rid of those for good," swore Peter.
"Yes, so did we," the General continued to look uneasy, and so the King probed him for more,"You see, the thing is, a special event, one that hasn't happened in 1000 years, is predicted the day after tomorrow. All the stars, moons and planets will be in alignment."
"And?" The Monarchs questioned impatiently.
"It is said to conjure a power that will resurrect the dead."
At this, the 3 Pevensie's paled. "Do you mean?"
"Yes, I'm afraid, The White Witch. The Fell Beasts appear to be moving in the direction of the Stone Table."
"Well we must set out at once, to quell the idea of bringing Jadis back. It's a shame Edmund isn't here, he could be a lot of help. And anyway, don't the creatures need something to help with the resurrection? Surely it can't just happen?" asked Peter.
"Yes, a sacrifice should be made, a.." Orieus swallowed, "A traitor king."
The Pevensie's gasped.
The 2 Queens ran out of the room in tears, while King Peter stayed with the General to learn some more about the sacrifice.
"Argh!" Edmund cried mentally, "I wish to die! I want it to be over with! I can't stand this anymore. Think of all the creatures my actions have killed. I don't think I can cope with this pain any longer."
He looked around and saw that the camp was packing up, preparing to move locations. He strained to hear the conversations being made around him when he heard the words, 'Stone Table'. He nearly cried out in shock.
He had been researching ancient traditions and sacrifices when he'd heard about one that was very rare. He was sure that the prediction was that it would occur the day after tomorrow. His body shook as it dawned on him what the Fell beasts were planning on doing.
He may have wished to die but not to bring back the former supposed ruler of Narnia. Peter would hate him even further and he did not wish to betray Narnia again.
A/N: This is my longest chapter yet! Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and everything - it means a lot. I've been really trying hard to convey Edmund's emotions through this and would be really happy for reviews and ideas. I know Astra wasn't in this chapter at all but I'll try and get her in the next one.
Thanks again for reviewing and reading! - Emma x