Click.

Nothing happened. What the heck? I lifted the crossbow to my eyes, inspecting what could have caused the malfunction. Nothing appeared to be wrong and I shrugged as I lowered it back its previous position. The young soldier had a look of amusement on his face, but I saw the fear far clearer in his eyes this time. He knew I wasn't kidding around. The corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly in a mirthless smile and this time he bowed his head in quiet acceptance. I aimed once more.

But as soon as my finger tensed to pull the trigger my ears were filled with a roar like none I had ever heard! Louder than any battle cry, clang of steel, scream, or crash I had ever experienced in my life. I dropped my crossbow and covered my ears with a surprised cry and crumpled to the ground. When I glanced up I came face to face with a pair of golden eyes so full of fury that my heart clenched painfully and something happened I had never even imagined could happen…I passed out.

Edmund POV

Well…this was it. I couldn't help but smile a little at the annoyed look on this fierce woman's face as she examined her jammed crossbow. I chided myself inwardly for being able to see humour at this point in time…did looking death in the face make you a little touched in the head? Seemed that way…

She seemed satisfied that she had fixed it as she pointed it at me again. All I could picture was Lucy's reaction when she found out I got shot by some girl…the image of Lucy's tear streaked face hit me harder than anything else about this situation and I felt my strength just…disappear. I let my chin sink to my chest and waited for the split second of pain. At least I would be seeing Aslan soon…in his own country even!

Not yet, my son. My eyes snapped open at the sound of that familiar voice.

"Aslan!" I cried happily. But I didn't see Aslan when I looked up. I saw the terrified blue eyes of my enemy who had been so ready to claim my life. She had her hands clamped over her ears and her mouth was open in a silent scream. Her eyes rolled back and she slumped to the side.

I just laid there. Shocked. What had just happened?

"Edmund." That voice reached my ears and my mind felt clear as the water of the beaches by Cair Paravel.

I looked over Philip's shaking side and saw Him. Aslan, padding towards me in all His fierce and beautiful majesty. I felt that familiar awe and fear mixed with inexplicable adoration sweep over me once again and I smiled.

"Oh, Aslan! Thank you!" I said as He lowered His great, shaggy head down to me. His golden eyes filled with something I almost identified as…amusement? Why was He amused at my bruised, bloody and vulnerable state?

"What do you think of her?" Aslan's voice rumbled in a chuckle as he shifted his gaze to the motionless girl next to me.

"What do you mean, Aslan? She just tried to kill me so I honestly don't think much of her at all!" I squeaked, surprised at His nonchalant air.

"Yes she did. But I have decided to give her a second chance. And so must you."

And just like that, He was gone. But I felt his breath lingering on my skin as I gazed at the girl. Philip suddenly gave a heave and stood to his feet.

"Philip! You're ok!" I was overjoyed to see my old friend was completely healed.

"Yes. Yes. Aslan is good indeed! He has ordered me to carry you and this…young lady to Cair Paravel and await your brother's arrival." Philip shook his mane, obviously not pleased at the idea.

I groaned as I stood shakily with Philip's help. I put all my weight on my right foot and somehow (although I'll never really be sure exactly…) managed to heft the girl into the saddle. I painfully pulled myself up behind her and Philip set off at a walk for the castle in the distance.

"Will the girl get a trial, Edmund?" Philip asked me as we passed through the woods.

"Of course, Philip, all prisoners of war do.

Philip nodded, but his brown eyes looked back at the girl with a look of distaste in them. Obviously he was still a bit upset about the arrow in his leg…

"She doesn't deserve one." he muttered darkly.

I agreed. But I knew that Peter, being the overprotective older brother that he is, wouldn't let her go unpunished. I was sure that his decision would border on the execution/life in the dungeons areas of conviction.