Author's Note: Don't worry readers I am back! Not that I was ever officially gone. I had a terrible case of writers block, and my busy schedule didn't help out. This chapter was not read by my beta, Queen Su. But it has been lovely working with her! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia, all original characters belong to C.S. Lewis. Maria, Tulio, Melosa, Ramillo, and Harken are the only characters that belong to me.
Edmund sped through the woods on Tulio with Maria trailing behind. He hadn't said a word when he came to a sudden stop; carefully Edmund walked over to a rock and sat down with his head in his hands.
"Edmund why are we stopping," Maria asked with panic in her voice. "They are right on our tail."
The Just King signaled for Maria to come sit down. "They aren't following us, they just stopped."
"What makes you so sure?" Maria said taking a seat.
Edmund sat up strait. "I spent many years in Narnia running around these very woods, I know when I am being followed."
Maria walked back to the horses, "So should we keep going or stop for the night. You really need some rest."
Edmund stood back up and walked towards the horses, Maria took this as a sign that he wanted to move on. "It would be best if we went further into the woods, just for safety. The White Witch is sure to head deeper into the woods to find troops who are still in hiding."
Jumping onto Melosa, Maria waited for Edmund to go ahead, seeing that she had no knowledge of these woods. Edmund didn't say a word as he jumped on and took off.
The pair headed off once again, Maria had never been this far out in the woods; so she was also surprised at how comfortable the horses were. Edmund obviously knew the land well, he rode in silence as he looked at the damage that the Telmarines had done.
After a moment he spoke up. "This was my land you know? Aslan had crowned me to the Western Wood, and now looking at the damage that has happened since we left… I feel as if I have let my people down."
There was another long silence. "It was not your fault," Maria said so quietly that Edmund wasn't sure if he had heard her say anything at all. Maria cleared her throat and spoke again, "The Telmarines invaded after you left, and nothing you could have done would have stopped them."
"We didn't mean to leave, it just happened. But some of the Narnians," he stopped talking and just looked forward. Maria desperately wanted him to go on, but at the same time she didn't want Edmund to feel uncomfortable.
Maria noticed as they went deeper into the woods how the scenery changed. Closer to where the castle and village there were barely any trees, but as the moved forwards she noticed that the trees were overgrown and it made traveling very difficult. Maria constantly found herself ducking to avoid branches or Melosa having to jump over a fallen log.
"Edmund can we stop for the night? You really need rest and we have a long journey ahead of us," Maria suggested.
He stopped and looked around then pointed. "Fine let us make camp over there; I think I can see a bit of a clearing."
They turned to the left and sure enough there was a very small clearing just enough for the group to fit.
Edmund began to set up camp while Maria tied the horses to a tree. Once the horses were set up Maria joined Edmund who handed her some food, Maria took it gratefully then summoned up her courage to ask him a question.
"Edmund, why are you so set on stopping that woman who came to the castle?"
He was taken aback by her question and surprised. "My brother needs time, all of the Narnians do."
"Do they really need time? Edmund our chances of actually slowing her down are slim to none. The best thing we can do is get you back to your family. They probably need you there."
"I'll get back to them in time, but since we're here we should slow her down…" Edmund was cut off when Maria grabbed his arm suddenly.
"There's something in the woods," Maria said, her voice shaking. "That bush over there was moving, and it wasn't just the wind."
Edmund placed his hand on his sword and raised his voice. "Who goes there? Show yourself!" Maria took a step back as the bush shook wildly.
The bush shook one last time and out rolled a rabbit mumbling to no one. "Blasted bird, couldn't slow down for one second," the hare stood up on its hind legs and realized the two humans. Maria jumped back in surprise.
"He can talk!" She exclaimed.
The hare looked at her. "Well of course we do, we aren't as stupid as you Telmarines think!" Edmund cleared his throat. "Oh King Edmund I have found you!"The hare looked at Maria. "And King Edmund's friend I have also found you and King Edmund's Friend! I have also found you!"
The hare then stopped and bounced around as if looking for someone. "Well I have beaten Harken here. Oh King Edmund you remember Harken don't you? That bird, the Swift, he said that he would beat me to find you and he wouldn't stop until he reached you."
The hare stopped for a moment and Edmund took advantage of the silence seeing that this hare had a lot to say. "Reached me? Why on earth would you need to reach me?"
"Oh forgive me King Edmund; I seem to have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Ramillo the Hare, friend and brother of Camillo the Hare. I believe you are more familiar with my brother, he is quite the political figure…" Ramillo stopped himself before he lost track of what he was supposed to say. "Oh as to why I am here it is because Queen Susan sent Harken and I to see where you were being held at the castle, and on the way there I ran into you! This is wonderful you have escaped."
Edmund realized that his siblings didn't know of his escape yet, so they were probably still worried sick. But he stayed focused, "Susan sent you and Harken to find out where I was so she could do what?"
"Come get you of course! High King Peter is simply a mess without you at his side!" Edmund signaled for Ramillo to lower his voice. "It is urgent you return home at once."
Edmund turned around and saw Maria smirking at him seeing that Ramillo had just proved her theory right. They needed him back. Edmund smiled and walked away to start a fire. Maria moved closer to the hare and spoke to him. "So should we begin our journey back tomorrow?"
"Oh yes we should! As soon as Harken comes back around, oh it will be the joke when he realizes you aren't at the castle," Ramillo bounced around, and then he turned back to Maria. "Well I don't know your name Miss?"
Out of instinct Maria curtsied awkwardly at the hare, "My name is Maria and it is a pleasure to meet you Ramillo the Hare."
"Wonderful to meet you Lady Maria, a pleasure indeed, but may I ask why you are traveling with King Edmund." Ramillo questioned.
Maria smiled at the new friend, "I helped him get away from the castle."
"Oh you are a brave lady! Are you going to go with us to the How?" Maria laughed at how curious and hyper the hare was.
"I intend to see Edmund go back with his family before I return to my own. Now if I can ask a question: what is the best way to get back to Edmund's family?"
"Traveling along the river, that is how I found you!" Ramillo exclaimed proud of himself.
Maria found herself laughing once again about how young the hare acted. Like a little child who just won a race! Ramillo once again bounced around the area, getting out any energy he had. "Now if you don't mind I would like to get some sleep in. Wake me once Harken arrives, so that I may be the one to feel like the winner." Ramillo scooted over to a patch of grass and curled up into a ball.
Maria moved over to the fire where Edmund was sitting. "He is quiet a lively fellow isn't he?"
"Did the rabbits or hares talk that much in your time?" Maria asked taking a seat.
Edmund smiled at the thought of his old time. "Yes they were. I remember there was one hare that we didn't quite know his purpose in the castle, but he was there. He would bounce around giving news to everyone."
"Sounds wonderful, you will have to tell me more about your first visit in Narnia sometime," Maria smiled then got back on subject. "So Ramillo suggested we travel along the river. What do you think about his plan?"
Edmund thought for a moment. "It seems to be a good idea. We have water to cool off, it will lead us to right about the How."
"So then you will be able to see your family again, tell me about them."
"Well," Edmund started. "The oldest is Peter, he is the High King. Peter was an excellent swordsman and very noble. He seemed to have the hardest time when we returned from Narnia."
"Are you close with him?"
"Yes of course. Throughout the Golden Age we always went on campaigns together, we were side by side at everything."
"You seem to be the best of friends," Maria commented. She often wished she had a brother or a sibling at least. "What about your sisters?"
"The next one is Susan, the Gentle. She always acted older then she was and cared about everyone. When I was little she would always watch over me," Edmund glanced over at the sleeping hare. "It seems that she still is."
Maria envied how close his family seemed, but she was still happy to learn about them. "I can't wait to meet them."
"The youngest is Lucy, she was the first to find Narnia. Without her we wouldn't be here. She always kept the faith, even when we were at the lowest points. Coming back to Narnia was hard for her, all of her friends were gone," Edmund said, "But she still has us, and she doesn't take that for granted."
Maria had someone who was like a little sister, she was always happy. Little Lilliana, she would love to have been here, seeing Narnia from a new light.
"So tell me about your family," Edmund smiled. "You know about mine but I still know nothing about yours."
Maria's family was so simple compared to Edmund's. Nothing to be proud of, but she told him anyway. "It is just my father and I. My father, as you know is the general. He was childhood friends with Miraz and my tutor, Hywet."
"Are you happy he is the general?" Edmund asked suddenly. "I'm sorry if that seems rude to ask."
"No it's fine. I am very happy he is, his position takes care of our family. He was awarded with the honor of the general just after," Maria was hesitant. "Just after my mother died."
"Maria I am so sorry," Edmund apologized.
Maria forced a small smile. "Its fine, I didn't know her that well. She got sick in the winter and never healed."
Edmund would have said more, but he was interrupted. "King Edmund! I have found you!" He turned around and saw Harken flying towards him. Maria on the other hand was once again surprised by the talking creature. "I beat that rabbit here; I checked all over the castle and was headed home when I saw the fire light! Ramillo is probably hopping around the castle as we speak."
Maria quietly stood up and shook Ramillo who shot up and darted over towards the fire. "Actually I arrived long before you did."
The Swift then sunk down and settled on the branch, defeated. "Well seeing that you are safe, I should go give the news to Queen Susan. Come on Ramillo, you have won, now let's get on with our journey."
"Excuse me, Sir Harken," Maria asked.
"And who are you?" the Swift demanded.
"She is a friend," Edmund answered.
Harken looked curiously at her. "Any friend of King Edmund's is a friend of mine. How can I help you?"
"I was wondering if you could take a message to my friend Hanelise, to let her know I am safe, she will then give the message to my tutor." Maria was nervous about his answer.
"I would be delighted!" Maria moved closer to the bird and told him everything about where to find Hanelise, and what she looked like. "I will get started right away!" Harken turned to Edmund, "Then Ramillo and I will head back to the How and prepare for your arrival."
Maria spoke up, "Actually I was wondering if Ramillo would stay with us, after all it has been some time since Edmund has been here and he could get lost. Not to mention I don't know the area at all."
Ramillo jumped in excitement and surprise that he had been offered to stay. "It would be my honor to be a companion to you!"
Edmund pulled Maria to the side. "Are you sure you want him to stay with us, he is a little loud," Edmund whispered.
"We need another companion, plus he can let us know if anyone is coming to close to us. I am sure it would be good to have him along," Maria answered before going up back to Ramillo and Harken.
"Very well then, Ramillo the Hare will travel with us, Harken will go ahead to the How after delivering a message to the castle," Edmund said the final decision. "Tomorrow we will begin our journey home."
They took their turns saying goodbye to Harken before he began his trip.
"Thank you so much for finding us Harken, please tell Susan I am in good hands and will be returning soon," Edmund said.
Maria was next. "It has been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you again for taking my message. Have a safe travel."
"So the fastest didn't win," Ramillo joked. "Be careful in the castle. But seeing that you are a tiny bird you won't be noticeable. Good day my friend," Ramillo called as Harken took off.
Ramillo looked down and Maria was worried. "Don't worry Ramillo, Harken will be fine," Maria comforted him.
"Oh I know he will be fine! He just flew in the wrong direction," Ramillo laughed. Maria and Edmund chuckled realizing that what the hare said was true.
Harken flew above once more. "Stop laughing Ramillo!"
"Alright we should all get some rest," Edmund said stopping the laughter.
Ramillo went back over to his patch of grass and got comfortable. Maria grabbed a blanket they brought and sat it on the grass, though she discovered it wasn't very comfortable.
Edmund watched as she shifted around trying to rest. "I used to hate sleeping outside, always twigs poking you, and rocks jabbing into your back. But you should get comfortable because another bad thing about sleeping outdoors is you wake up with the sun," Edmund said turning onto his stomach.
Maria tried turning around onto her stomach and found it to be a little more comfortable. She began to doze off when Ramillo spoke. "I don't know how I will be able to sleep, it is just such an honor to travel with you! Thank you so much for this opportunity! Camillo and my brothers won't believe it when Harken brings news that I was traveling with King Edmund!"
Maria turned over and smiled sleepily at him. "Just get some rest, or the trip won't be fun."
"Yes of course! Good night Lady Maria, good night King Edmund," Ramillo said quieting down. "This is so marvelous; tomorrow I get to go on a long journey with a King of Narnia…"
Maria tried to bloke out the sound of Ramillo's chatter, but beside her she heard Edmund snicker. "You wanted him to come along."
Author's Note: So I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please cut me some slack until I find a beta. But I hope you all enjoyed meeting Harken and Ramillo, two new characters of many! Please review!