Author's Note: Here is the next chapter for you guys! I hope you like it and thanks again to my wonderful beta, Queen Su. I also wanted to give you all a heads up the posting through March and April will be very slow. I will be lucky if I can get one chapter in. I am really sorry for the delay, but theatre is also a big part of my life and the spring show is just about to start. In case you were wondering the show is Sabrina Fair. Anyway, enjoy the chapter!
Maria had to stop herself from shouting with excitement. She had finally found the key to help Edmund and he would be free. All Maria had to do was unlock the chains and Edmund can go back to his life.
Unfortunately it wasn't that simple. He had to escape too, and guards would be patrolling the castle. The only weapon Maria had was the metal stick and anything else she could find around her home. Edmund must be skilled, but he was injured and that wouldn't help the situation. Maria was sure that Edmund would have a plan once he escaped; he seemed smart and would realize that Maria couldn't sneak a sword past the guards. So she would have to lead him to the armory.
Maria searched in her father's room for a weapon. He was very over protective and was sure to have something. Maria made her way towards a built in cabinet space where her father kept weapons. As expected, there was a lock. She pulled out the key she got from the jewelry box and the lock clicked. There were swords, daggers, a bow, and a quiver of arrows hanging from a hook.
Dashing back to her room Maria decided that her dress would be a little to noticeable for sneaking and moving quickly. She changed into a dark green traveling dress with a few hidden pockets which would be perfect for the daggers she found. Maria also found a belt which she tied around her waist, and a black cloak.
Maria grabbed the metal stick and went back to her father's room. There were four hidden pockets from what Maria could see; two in the sleeves and two in skirt of the dress. Carefully, Maria placed the daggers in the hidden pockets and placed the metal stick on the belt before pulling the cloak tightly to hide the weapon. To complete the attire, Maria tied a string to the key before placing it around the belt.
The general's daughter went to the kitchen and without a word began to pack up food in a basket. "Maria, what are you doing?"
Hywet leaned against the wall curiously. "I- I was just going to bring some food to the women who had husbands go with the… the woman who was here earlier," Maria lied.
"Well you should be careful, something is going on around Narnia and it is not going to be good," Hywet said yawning. "I am going to go to bed soon, so go deliver the food and come right back."
Hywet took a seat in a chair by the fire and pulled out one of his books. Maria nodded agreeing that she would be back soon but she was also thankful that he didn't ask to accompany her.
Covering her basket Maria made her way to the door, she took one last look at Hywet before pulling the hood over her head as she walked into the night. As Maria walked she apologized to her father in advance, "Papa I am so sorry."
Maria reached the castle gate as they began to close the drawbridge. Maria ran quickly across to reach the guards in time. One of the guards stopped them from raising the bridge and walked up to the gate.
"Is there something you need Maria?" a guard asked quietly.
"I brought some food for the women of the castle," Maria answered nervously. The guard looked at her then turned around to talk to the others.
After a few moments the guard walked out of sight. Maria sighed as her spirits dropped, Edmund would have to wait. "Maria," the guard called.
Maria turned around and realized that the guard was poking his head outside of a door that was further down from the gate; she smiled and ran to where he was standing. The guard held the door open and waited for Maria to enter the castle before explaining, "All the women should be below grounds and you have half an hour until we come find you and then lift the drawbridge."
Maria nodded thankfully as the guard escorted her to the door that led below grounds. The same two soldiers as before stood watch as she entered the hallway. The guard watched her as she turned the corner for the kitchen; she listened carefully as the door clicked shut. Maria immediately turned around and ran towards the dungeons.
Edmund's head shot up as Maria came into sight; she quickly unlocked the door and fell down next to Edmund. "I found the key."
A huge smile broke across Edmund's face as he held out his hands for her. Maria's hands shook as she pushed the key into the lock. Within a matter of seconds, Edmund's feet and hands were free. "Thank you Maria, you did it."
Edmund stood up uncomfortably which reminded him of how sore he was. Maria handed him two of the daggers she found. "This was all I could hide; I also have this metal stick which is an interesting weapon."
"My electric torch," Edmund took the torch from her hand. "I cannot believe you found it. How far are we from the door?"
Maria walked forward as they exited the dungeons, "Once we leave below grounds there is a door on the other side of the courtyard."
Edmund followed her as he walked up the stairs, "We will need horses and weapons. They took my sword when I was captured, where would they keep it?"
"After the raid the guards took the swords to the armory and the entrance to the stables is closer to the door," Maria explained before stopping Edmund from going further. "There are guards on the other side of this door. Are you ready for them?"
Edmund readied himself and took the daggers in his hands. "From what I know the best target would be the neck area. When I say, open the door and lead the way."
Maria grabbed the handle and Edmund nodded, Maria yanked open the door as Edmund stabbed a guard in the back of the neck. The general's daughter gasped as the guard fell to the ground and Edmund went to kill the next one. "Help me with the guards."
Maria held the door open as Edmund pulled the guard into the hall so it no one would spot the bodies immediately. Edmund grabbed a sword from each guard and abandoned the daggers, he handed a sword to Maria who stared at it in horror. "Edmund, I can't kill someone."
"We can't waste time so we will forget my sword but still show me the way to the stables, but use the sword only when necessary. After all, your father must have trained you," Edmund assumed.
Maria pulled Edmund behind a pillar as a guard passed; the pair waited in silence as the guard walked past and continued to stroll around the courtyard. Maria signaled for Edmund to follow as they reached the stables that were inside.
"There are probably going to be guards on the other side of the door," Maria warned Edmund before he threw open the door.
As soon as they were spotted the two guards charged at them, Edmund ran forward to attack. Maria watched as Edmund strained to fight, still sore from his injuries that he had received while being held prisoner.
Maria saw the second guard come at her with all of his strength, Maria held up the sword hoping it would save her. The guard stopped once he realized who was standing before him; glancing at his partner who was dueling with Edmund.
Maria tried her best to keep a still as the guard readied himself to fight. Maria did the one thing she could think of, and that was to talk him out of it.
"You wouldn't kill a woman would you?" Maria said glancing over at Edmund who struggled with each blow. "Not even a woman, just a girl."
The guard kept a strong stance, "But you are a girl against Telmar, an enemy to us."
"But I am also General Glozelle's daughter. Imagine what would happen if you kill," Maria took a deep breath and shuttered for her bravery was fading, it wouldn't take long for the guard to discover how she wasn't very strong, "What would happen if you killed me?"
Edmund please hurry! Maria looked back at Edmund who was about to finish off the soldier.
Maria gulped and turned back to the guard, "You could be punished severally, and no one would believe that a girl would help a prisoner escape. You will be thrown in the dungeons," Maria didn't get to finish because a sword was trusted through the guards back and he fell to the ground dead.
Edmund hunched over in pain gripping the wall for support. Maria just stared at the dead body as she began to feel sick, she quickly turned around and went to check on Edmund. She desperately tried to ignore the fact that the kind boy she had begun to know could so easily kill someone, it scared her.
"Edmund are you all right?" Maria asked taking a step closer.
Edmund took a deep breath, "Just a little sore. But we should be going; we don't have much time before someone discovers I am missing. Can you get two horses ready? I just need a moment," Edmund turned over and looked at the horses that were beginning to grow wild at the sight of them. "Those two towards the end," Edmund pointed to a brown horse and a black horse. "They look strong, go prepare them please."
Maria agreed and made her way towards the two horses, she reached the brown one first. Maria was glad that Edmund had chosen this horse; Maria loved the mare because although the horse was strong, it was also very kind and gentle.
The horse neighed as Maria stuck out her hand. "Hello Melosa," Maria hoped to calm the horse down by addressing the horse by her name. Gently Maria stroked the horse's bay coat.
Carefully Maria stepped closer to Melosa, she never let go of the horse's side as she began to place the saddle on the horse when Edmund came to her side. "I should begin to prepare the other horse, what is his name?"
Maria looked the black stallion then back at Edmund, "His name is Tulio, but I would be careful he is not as peaceful as Melosa."
Edmund slowly approached Tulio who shook his mane wildly as Edmund came into sight. Edmund went through the same steps as Maria. He kept on repeating Tulio's name and was careful not to startle the horse.
Maria was shocked at how easily Edmund was able to put a saddle on Tulio and the bridle in his mouth. Edmund turned around to help Maria with Melosa, "I was good with horses during the Golden Age."
Maria smiled and pulled herself onto Melosa's saddle. "This horse is so sweet; one of your sisters should be able to ride her with ease. Tulio on the other hand is best for you or your brother."
"Thank you for your help Maria. I have one more favor to ask, once we get outside the castle can I stop at your home and gather supplies," Edmund asked. Before Maria could answer guards busted through the doors and began to shout.
Clicking their tongues and kicking the horses' side the duo charged into the crowd. Edmund pulled out his sword and swung at the soldiers who ducked as the loaded the crossbows.
"Get the bridge up! Close the gate!" the soldiers called out to the others in the courtyard.
"Hurry!" Edmund shouted as Maria went ahead of him on Melosa. The guards tried desperately to close the gate as Maria got closer. The bridge slowly began to rise and Maria kicked Melosa so she would go faster. She made her way out of the courtyard of the castle and went across the bridge not realizing that there was a small jump that Melosa made easily.
Maria turned around and looked at Edmund who was making his way to the gate, Tulio sped up and Edmund ducked as they went under the gate and across the bridge, Edmund clicked his tongue and Tulio sped up ready for the jump.
Tulio landed ungracefully onto the other side as the gate went up, Edmund on the other hand groaned in pain as the land shook his injuries. "Lead the way."
Maria kicked Melosa as he led them through the village hoping that no one would see them from the commotion. A few people stepped out of their homes and watched as the two rode through the village, but most soon returned back inside. They took a sharp turn as they watched the guards start to lower the drawbridge again.
"This is where we stop," Maria said as she pulled on Melosa's reins. She jumped down and Edmund followed, tying both horses to a tree that rested near her house.
"We don't have long so hurry," Edmund told her as he waited for the door to open. Maria slowly pushed the door open and checked are for Hywet, once she declared it was safe she waved for Edmund to come in.
Maria led him to her father's door but she stopped, "The weapons are stored over that way, tell me which you want, I will hand them to you and then you go load them onto the horses." Maria took another step into the room and unlocked the weapons storage.
"We already have the two swords from the guards, but go ahead and grab another," Edmund ordered. "Get a quiver of arrows and a bow."
Maria did as instructed; she took the weapons to Edmund who loaded the supplies onto the horses. "Do you still have the daggers?"
Maria looked around, "No, I seem to have lost them in the castle."
There was a long pause and Maria started to run towards the backdoor to make sure Edmund was alright. She found him standing up pressed against the wall. "Go get four more daggers, but be extremely quiet, the guards are in the village."
"Will you need anything else?" Maria asked before turning back. "Food, water, or blankets might be helpful."
Edmund slid back inside to help; he waited in the hall as Maria grabbed four daggers and gave them to Edmund. "Keep one just in case the guards come barging in," Edmund warned pushing a dagger back into her hand. Maria nodded and stuck the dagger into her belt loop. "Now where can we find food?"
Maria leaded him towards the kitchen when she heard a noise; she turned back to Edmund with wide eyes. Edmund also heard the sound so he quickly looked around for a hiding place. "Under the bed in the first open room you see," Maria shooed him away as Hywet came into view.
"Ah Maria," Hywet yawned taking a seat, "How did the food delivery go? I am going to assume you are hungry now also?"
Maria followed his eyes and saw him staring at the food in her hand, "I-I just was a little hungry and so I woke up and came to get a snack."
Hywet rubbed his eyes sleepily, "I didn't even hear you come in, you were always a quiet one."
Maria laughed lightly, "You shouldn't be awake right now, I am sorry I woke you up."
Hywet stood up, "I guess you are right, an old man like me should be asleep."
"You are not that old," Maria answered with a small smile. "Goodnight."
She watched as Hywet stumbled back to where he was sleeping, once she heard the door close she went right back to packing. Edmund would know what food he would want so she went to gathering blankets.
Edmund came up at her side and took the blankets to put on the horses. "Now all that is left is food."
Maria dug around and began to wrap bread in a sack and handing the food off to Edmund. "What about water?"
Edmund ran back inside, "Fill up a canteen with any clean water you have, if I run out then I can turn to nature."
Maria followed his instructions; she met him in the hall and handed him the two canteens. "That should be all you will need."
"I can't thank you enough Maria," Edmund answered. "You have been a great friend."
"This is the guards! Open this door immediately!" a voice shouted from outside. The door began to shake and give way as the guards slammed their bodies onto the wooden door.
Hywet came back into sight, "I am coming! I am on my way," he stopped and looked at the kids standing in the kitchen. "Maria, who is this?"
"We have orders to search this home," the soldiers called.
Hywet's face dropped as he stared at Maria, for the first time he looked furious. "Maria who is that boy standing beside you?"
Maria looked down, "Edmund."
Hywet thought and straightened his posture, "The boy who was in the dungeons? Maria what have you done, releasing a prisoner. I do not understand; he is an enemy of Telmar!" Hywet pointed at Edmund who took a step forward ready to fight if necessary.
The guards tried to break down the door again and they shouted but Maria was determined to explain. "He is not just any prisoner. As a professor, I thought you would realize who he is. Can you not recognize the former king of Narnia?"
Hywet froze, "King Edmund?"
Maria nodded and opened her mouth to speak when the door crashed down. "Arrest that girl for helping a prisoner escape and take the boy back to the dungeons."
Maria began to shake with fear as the guards came into her home. "Maria, did your father train you?" Edmund whispered.
Maria turned slightly, "What are you doing Edmund?"
"When I say to, run to the horses and head for the woods," Edmund spoke softly.
"I cannot come with…" Maria was about to protest but when the guards advanced Edmund shouted.
"Run!" Maria and Edmund took off for the back door. Throwing open the door Maria jumped onto Melosa.
"The guards are coming in the back!" Maria called to Edmund who threw the food onto Tulio and then jumped on.
Kicking the horses Maria looked back at her house where Hywet stood in the yard waiting with the guards who surprisingly didn't come after them.
"We need to get into the forest and then start tracking the White Witch's path," Edmund told her.
"You want me to come with you?" Maria asked shocked.
"Your father must have trained you, and I will need help fighting if we see anyone," Edmund explained. "We are very lucky they didn't come after us."
--
Back at the house Lord Sopespian stared into the darkness as they watched the two escape into the forest. "Should we go after them?" a guard asked from beside him.
"No, I have other plans for them," Sopespian answered as a smile spread across his face.
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