Black and Blue

AllzStar

As soon as Aslan appeared a feeling of peace descended on everyone. The bloodlust died down, the rage ceased, and everyone breathed in the sent of the river and the cedar trees, all in perfect harmony.

He really was fantastic. He was enormous, at least a foot taller than Lucy and four times as long. His long, golden mane caught the sunlight and glinted like there were strands of pure gold woven in it. His wise amber eyes stared at the two armies with some sort of calm demeanour. I beamed with happiness.

Lord Sopespian was the first to recover. "CHARGE!" he screamed, and the entire Telmarine army surged forth, some crossing the bridge, others struggling through the water.

Dangerous idea, I thought coyly, as I saw Aslan's eyes narrow. He took a deep breath and then let out a mighty roar that shook the ground and sent the Telmarines on horse-back skidding to a stop.

Everyone watched in amazement as the river—which had been up to the soldiers' waists a moment before—lowered to a swimming puddle at their knees. I looked to Peter, confused, but he was staring elsewhere: down river. Startled, I looked there too.

It was incredible. The water was rushing forth like an enormous tidal wave, pulsing through the valley at a rapid and powerful pace. The Telmarines ran for it, but it was too late.

The five of us—Susan, Peter, Caspian, Edmund and I—all stared in wonder as the water rose and gurgled until it took the form of a giant river god, fifty feet tall and raining down on the terrified Telmarines. The army behind us murmured amongst themselves, shocked whispers about spirits and myths. Someone's fingers wrapped around my hand, and I looked to see Peter staring up at the beast in astonishment, his blue eyes wide.

In two seconds the god was upon them—the Telmarines screamed and dove into to water only to be sucked up and vanquished. The water god surged on, lifting the bridge in his great watery hands, sending Telmarines, screaming, to their watery graves. Lord Sopespian, still on his horse and the only man who had stayed on the bridge, stared at the open mouth in horror. As the bridge began to tip, Sopespian slashed at the water with his sword, obviously doing no damage. The water god lunged, and Sopespian was finished for good.

The water god dove back into the water, spray flying around for yards. The cool spray from the river dampened my skin and tussled my hair, but I hardly noticed.

There was a shocked silence, and then everything was moving.

The surviving Telmarines crossed the river towards the Narnians, tossing aside their swords. Immediately the Narnians rushed to help them, caring for the wounded, aiding exhausted soldiers from the river. The two armies became one.

Peter seized me by the waist and hugged me with such enthusiasm that he literally swept me off my feet. When he put me down I laughed and jumped for joy and reached for Susan, who was closest to me, pulling her into a crushing hug. Then I threw my arms around Caspian and Edmund. Susan hugged Peter and Ed in turn, and then paused to shake Caspian's hand. Peter and Caspian did the same, smiling slightly at each-other.

We crossed the river, Peter and I hand in hand, to stand before Aslan. Immediately, we all dropped down on one knee, bowing our heads. Peter leaned against his sword.

After a moment, "Rise, Kings and Queens of Narnia." Aslan's deep, majestic voice sent warmth to all our hearts.

Edmund, Peter and Susan rose from their crouches, but Caspian and I remained bowed.

"All of you," Aslan said kindly.

Caspian and I looked up, then at each-other, and then at Aslan.

Caspian looked timid. "I do not think I am ready," he murmured.

"It is for that very reason that I know you are," Aslan replied.

Caspian stood and exchanged a look with the other Kings and the Queen.

"And you, Jaxx," Aslan soothed.

I shook my head. "I'm no Queen, Lord Aslan."

Aslan chuckled. The sound was absolutely wonderful. "As long as you're with Peter…you are."

I looked up, shocked. Peter was smiling down at me. I looked back at Aslan, confused. But Aslan was looking at Peter, his face intense. "Remember the Prophesy, Peter Pevensie," he warned in a low voice.

Peter's smile vanished, and he nodded.

I looked at Peter, still confused, but didn't question this. There would be plenty of time for talking. Later.

I stood up and smiled at Aslan, who offered me a kind, thoughtful look in return.

Sad music reached our ears, and we turned. Reepicheep lay on a stretcher that was being carried by his fellow mice.

Lucy rushed forwards, and Susan handed her the Cordial.

*

It was a long day. Everyone pitched in to help clean up, despite the fact that everyone was exhausted. We went back to the How (the Telmarines helped up clear the entrance way) and collected our things, and then moved into the Telmarine Castle, where Prince Caspian was to be crowned the following morning.

I was picking flowers in the expansive field in front of the castle (we were short on flowers for the ceremony) when I heard the familiar footsteps approaching me. I did not turn in time before Peter had his arms around my waist, hugging me to him.

I sighed. "It's finally over."

"Mmm," he mumbled, burying his face in my hair.

My hair was clean and shiny in the sunlight, and I had let it down for the event. I had put on my gown for the Coronation: sky blue with a tight white bodice and elbow-length sleeves. My bare shoulders were shameful, though—covered in red scratches from the battle. My hands and legs, as well, we ruined. But I couldn't care less.

I turned around to look at Peter in the eyes. He looked majestic in a smoky blue tunic with grey sleeves. His sandy hair was combed but not cut: it still curled around his ears and the nape of his neck. He was as handsome as ever.

"Peter," I said softly as he kissed my forehead. His arms were snaked around my waist.

"Yes?"

"What did Aslan mean…about a Prophesy?"

Peter sighed, his warm breath tickling my ear. "When I died," he began slowly, "Aslan came to me. He told me that I would live because of our love for each-other, and that we shall prosper in life until the love dies." He took a deep breath, then let it out. "But I don't quite understand it."

"Well, we don't need to worry about it," I said softly, nuzzling his chest with my cheek. "This love will never die."

Peter squeezed me gently and the pulled away to kiss me. With the bouquet of wildflowers still clutched in my hand I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him back passionately.

This love will never die, I thought. As long as the sun rises and the earth turns.

Or will it?

DUN DUN DUUUUUNNNN!!!!

Just kidding.

Two more chapters to go!

:-)

Review please!!

AllzStar