Author's Note: Hey everyone! Life has been busier than ever these few weeks. I got a lead in a play which has been consuming my time, and next week we start work on our next play, Father of the Bride. So expect updates to be slower.
Now onto a more emotional note: these past few days have been difficult. My friend was pregnant, but she suffered from a miscarriage. At the end you may notice some biblical references, such as verses turned into dialect. A lot of these have helped me with the anger I had at God for taking the child away.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Chronicles of Narnia, all credit goes to Mr. C.S. Lewis.
Maria woke up in the morning happy to see Susan already packing up the supplies onto the horses. She rubbed her eyes and smiled at Edmund who was still asleep a little over, she carefully stood up and walked over to help Susan.
"I take it everything worked out fine?" Susan asked with a slight smile.
"You give really good advice," Maria said to the Queen. "Everything is good."
"Good." Susan set a blanket across Chennault. The horse shook her head and looked over at the other two who were laughing at Ramillo and Harken. "Poor thing, she can't speak like the others."
Maria stroked Chennault's nose and spoke softly. "You aren't missing much. They aren't very interesting."
A branch behind them cracked and they both spun around, Susan aimed her bow at the forest. "I guess it was nothing," Susan said cautiously still ready to shoot if necessary.
"Did you hear that too?" Edmund asked coming up beside them.
"Yes," Maria said not taking her eyes off of the forest, but she was smiling. "Good morning."
Edmund shot her a crooked grin. "Good morning."
Susan rolled her eyes at the interaction. "How did you sleep?"
They both looked at her. "That was the best sleep I have had in a long time." Maria answered.
"I slept fine," Susan added.
"You always have to add your thoughts, Su," Edmund joked.
Ramillo jumped over to the food supplies, "Is it time for breakfast?" He asked.
Edmund and Maria shared a glance. "Is that all he has to say?" Maria whispered.
"Unusual," Edmund whispered back.
Ramillo then chose to start his normal chatter. "I am done with nibbling on apple bits; I would like to stick to grass now. I love to eat grass, it has such a delightful taste, but I also liked sharing meals with Lady Maria and King Edmund."
Tulio trotted over to join them. "I say we feed the rat now, when his mouth is full he won't talk."
Maria hid a small laugh at the arguments between the horse and the hare. It was never dull with those two around.
Ramillo glared at Tulio. "I don't talk with my mouth full, because I could choke. But, I would like to warn you that I chew very quickly. I am used to meal on the run."
"You must have lived an adventurous life," Tulio said sarcastically.
"As a matter of fact I did."
The three humans decided to back away and leave them to their argument. Susan took a seat on a rock, while Edmund and Maria stayed behind.
"Was that really the best sleep you have had the whole trip?" Edmund asked.
Maria looked up at him. "Yes."
"Really?" Edmund questioned like he was worried about something.
Maria stopped walking. "Yes really. It was comfortable and I was happy."
He smiled and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "I was too."
"Ed! Maria! We need to get ready to leave," Susan called.
Edmund looked up at the blue sky. "Just like Su, she is always ready."
Maria tilted her head to the side. "That's not always a bad thing. She was ready to give some good advice last night."
Edmund smirked and went over to join his sister. "Planning as usual."
Susan shook her head. "I've missed you, Ed."
Edmund faced his sister. "I've missed you too-" He stopped at another sudden crack.
Maria's hand shot to Edmund's arm as she nervously looked around for whatever was causing the noise. "I don't like this."
"Let's go," Susan agreed keeping her bow ready, she turned to the Animals. "Harken, we are about to leave."
The swift left his companions. "Would you like me to move ahead and look for any danger, your Highness?"
"I would like for all of us to stay together," Susan said.
Edmund scooped Ramillo up into his arms and got onto Tulio; Maria climbed onto Melosa and waited for further instructions.
"The How isn't very far," Susan clicked her tongue and moved Chennault forward. "We should be there tonight."
Harken shot up into the sky and flew just below the branches, keeping a look out but he was careful not to separate from the group.
Melosa's ears shot up. "I can hear something coming from the left side," she said looking in the direction she spoke of.
Maria strained to see what Melosa was talking about; she was starting to get nervous. Harken's quick voice confirmed her fears. "Telmarines are coming."
"Go now," Edmund demanded. "We need to hurry." The horses sped up. "Maria, if something happens I do not want you to try and save us." He said quietly as the moved along.
"What do you mean?" she shot back.
"I am saying that, I don't want you to cause trouble with the Telmarines. This may be the way you can see your family again." Edmund didn't say another word or look at her angry face.
Maria didn't want to encounter the Telmarines at all, but if the time came she would stand up for them. But it was easier said than done.
Out of the brush a horse and rider skidded to a stop in front of the group. "Turn around," Susan ordered, but they were surrounded.
"Maria!" One of the soldiers jumped off his horse and pulled Maria off of Melosa. "Did they hurt you?"
Maria was shocked to see her friend, but she was still frozen with worry for her Narnian friends. "I-I'm fine," she stuttered. Maria looked up at the tree where Harken was perched. She pushed herself out of Jacobi's grasp and stepped back.
"Are you sure you're fine?" He asked taking a step toward her.
Maria was far from fine, she was numb. She had told herself that she would stand up for her friends, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Maria was a coward.
"I just need a moment." She turned around and waited as Harken flew down in front of her. "Go back to the How and inform Queen Lucy about what happened." Maria said remembering the story Susan had told about spying with Lucy. Harken nodded and took off.
Jacobi came up and pulled her into his arms. "I know you are in shock. You must have been through a lot."
Maria felt like she could cry as she saw soldiers start to approach the Narnians. Jacobi kept an arm wrapped around her as he shouted. "Tie those two up, get the horses!" He pointed at Edmund. "That is the boy that kidnapped the general's daughter."
Maria just watched as Edmund was pulled off of Tulio and shoved into a tree where another soldier tied his hands.
Susan stood strong as the men nervously bound her hands, unsure of how to treat a woman who was also a prisoner.
Ramillo bit at the hands that grabbed at him, but all too easily he was shoved into a bag shouting at his captors.
Maria felt tears threaten to fall from her eyes. A soldier roughly pushed Edmund to the ground and started shouting, swinging fists at him as Susan put up a fight to stop them.
"What is wrong?" Jacobi asked as she saw her start to cry. "He is getting what he deserves." Maria turned around and hugged him trying to block out the sounds of fists connecting with flesh. "Let's get you back to your father."
Jacobi ordered for the soldiers to start moving. The soldiers tied Chennault, Melosa, and Tulio to their own, Susan and Edmund were pulled on with other riders.
Maria didn't even notice as Jacobi guided her onto his horse with him. She just kept glancing back at Edmund who now had a nasty bruise forming on his face. He caught her looking and gave her a stern look reinforcing his rule not to cause trouble.
After a short ride they arrived at the Telmarine camp, the Narnians were taken in the opposite direction. Maria watched as Edmund and Susan looked back at her one last time before being pushed into a tent.
"Maria?" A deep voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw her father looking at her. Maria found herself running towards him and into his arms, she needed the comfort.
Glozelle picked her up like she was a child and held her in his arms. He set her down and stroked her hair still holding her close to him.
This was the first time that Maria had seen her father cry. Maria wept in his arms as everything suddenly hit her full force. She was back with her father, but her friends were gone. Edmund was gone. Maria was more confused than ever, but right now she tried to focus on her father.
"Papa," she said into his chest. "Papa, I've missed you."
She felt him kiss her head before getting eye level with her. "I'm so sorry. You never should have had to go through that." He pulled her into another hug. "I love you, Maria. Please don't ever scare me again. Do you understand me?"
Maria wiped her eyes. "Yes sir."
"Good." Glozelle stood up to his full height, reluctantly letting go of his daughter. "Hywet, take care of her," he called over his friend. "I have business to attend to."
Hywet walked over in armor and knelt down to look at Maria. "What happened?"
Maria remembered that Hywet saw her escape with Edmund; he was the only one of her friends who knew the truth that she wasn't kidnapped. "You didn't tell my father?"
Hywet rubbed her forehead. He then lowered her voice to make sure no one could hear them. "I was sworn to secrecy along with the others who saw you escape. No one else knows that you helped the boy escape. What happened to you?"
Maria smiled weakly, "Everything. What are you doing here?"
"They needed more soldiers; all men who are able to fight were to join the army," he explained. "They also needed women to serve as nurses and caretakers, your friend Hanelise is also here."
There was an uncomfortable silence. "What are you going to do?" Hywet asked.
Maria smiled sadly at how much he cared for her. "I don't know."
Hywet placed his hand on her shoulder. "Everything will end well. Let's get you back to your father." He guided her over to the tent where Glozelle had gone.
"Clear the area! I want to speak with them alone!" her father's voice demanded from inside the tent.
Maria took off in a run to see what was going on, Hywet grabbed onto her arm, but not before she stepped inside to see what was happening.
Glozelle pushed the soldier that was holding Edmund away and shoved Edmund to the ground. "I want you to stay away from my family." Glozelle grabbed Edmund by the throat and hauled him up to his feet. "If you come near my daughter, I will have you killed."
Maria stood in shock as her father threatened Edmund; Susan protested and struggled against the soldiers to stop the madness.
Glozelle tightened his grip on Edmund's throat cutting off his air. "If Miraz did not need you, then you would be dead."
"Papa stop," Maria said quietly. Glozelle turned around to face her, still holding Edmund tightly who was starting to gasp, desperate for air. "Please. He didn't hurt me."
Glozelle let go of Edmund who fell to the floor sucking air into his lungs, Susan pushed her captors away and went to her brother's side. "He deserves this!" Glozelle shouted pointing at Edmund. "After what he did, he deserves death!"
Maria was shaking with nerves; Hywet placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He just wanted to get back to his family," she tried to reason with him.
Glozelle looked back at the Narnians, then to his daughter. "We will discuss this later." The general left the room without another word.
"Let's go Maria," Hywet turned her around as the soldiers began to tie up her friends.
Once they left the tent Maria fell into Hywet's open arms. "It's not fair," she sobbed.
"I know," Hywet stroked her hair. "Wars are never fair. They tear people apart."
The professor guided her over to a seat where they would not be heard. "What do I do?" Maria asked desperate for advice.
"I wish I knew what to tell you."
"I've missed Papa so much. I want to be happy, I want things back to the way they were. Everything was so simple back then," Maria sighed.
"Do you wish you had never met King Edmund and Queen Susan?" Hywet asked suddenly.
"No, they have changed me for the better. Susan has been so kind and helpful. Edmund taught me so much and has been an amazing friend to me-" Hywet cut her off.
"Why don't you just tell your Papa what he just told me?"
Maria looked away. "Because I'm afraid."
"Of what?"
"That Papa will think I am a traitor."
"You are his daughter, he could never think that."
They were interrupted my Hanelise. "King Miraz has called a meeting. Maria, you are needed."
Maria took Hywet's hand as he pulled her up. She dusted herself off and followed Hanelise to the main tent where Miraz was sitting, the White Witch at his side.
A moment after Maria arrived, Glozelle appeared at her side. "King Miraz, you asked for me?" Glozelle bowed.
"Please General, would you and your daughter take a seat?" Miraz motioned to the end of the table where two open chairs waited.
Glozelle took Maria's hand and pulled her over to the chairs. "Maria, I believe you have met Queen Jadis," Miraz said with a smirk.
"Yes, your Majesty," Maria answered stiffly. Miraz smiled and looked forward at the entrance.
Two guards brought in a bound Edmund and Susan. Maria looked down at the sight, Edmund had gained a few bruises and Susan was a mess.
The White Witch stood, grinning. "Edmund, it's so nice to see you. Susan, how are Peter and Lucy? Did you abandon them to go find your sweet baby brother?"
"Don't talk to my sister like that," Edmund ordered. The Witch smiled and walked around the table to get closer to the Narnians.
"I see you have found some courage. Tell me Edmund, what caused you to kidnap and innocent girl?" The Witch teased. "Have I rubbed off on you?" She reached up and stroked his cheek.
Edmund pulled back at her touch and looked into her cold eyes. "I will never be like you."
Jadis burst out in laughter, filling the still silence. "Then why did you take that girl away from her home?"
Glozelle leaned forward to listen; Maria put her head in her hands.
"I needed to get back to my family. I caused her no harm," Edmund answered, strong.
It was Miraz's turn to speak. "Not only are you a prisoner now, but also a criminal. Do you know what the penalty is for kidnapping?" Miraz paused. "Death."
"Papa can you do something?" Maria whispered.
"He deserves it. He committed a crime against the crown," Glozelle responded quietly.
Miraz looked at the guards. "Take the girl back to the Narnians," Miraz motioned to Susan. "Susan, would you please inform your brother about the events that have occurred? Maybe you could all attend Edmund's execution." Miraz teased.
The queen felt tears stinging at her eyes, but she refused to show. "You can't do this. Why are you keeping Edmund? Why not me?"
Miraz groaned. "I can't keep a woman prisoner. I don't want my people thinking I am a bad person."
"You monster," Susan snarled.
Miraz ignored her, "Guards, make sure she returns to the Narnians."
Susan fought back as the soldiers started to pull her back. "Su, go. Peter, Lucy, and Caspian need you to fight," Edmund spoke up.
Susan pulled out of the soldiers grasp. "I can't lose you, Ed. I just got you back."
"You aren't going to lose me. It's just another battle, Su. We always come back." Edmund comforted his sister.
Susan started to cry lightly as the soldiers grabbed her and lead her out of the tent. Edmund hung his head for a moment before looking back up at Miraz and the White Witch.
"See Edmund? I did change you." The White Witch said, and then she turned to Maria. "That boy wouldn't have taken you if it wasn't for me."
Maria put her head down in shame. She was so embarrassed, upset that she was scared about what would happen. Why couldn't she just tell them that she helped him escape? All because of fear, Maria ruined the Pevensie's life.
The soldiers took Edmund back to where he would be held until after the battle.
"Come on Maria," Glozelle helped her up. "You need some rest."
Maria yawned, just realizing how exhausted she was. "Just give me a moment. I want to say goodnight to Hywet, Jacobi, and Hanelise."
Glozelle smiled sadly at her before nodding and exiting the tent.
"Oh Maria," the Witch said causing her to turn around. "It looks like Edmund must have turned you into a horrible person too."
Maria creased her brow. "What do you mean?"
Miraz answered. "We are very proud of you for lying. You had ever opportunity to save that boy's life. But you didn't."
Maria looked at the floor. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you know I was lying, your Majesty?"
"That servant girl, Hanelise told us that you helped him escape," Miraz waved it off like it was nothing.
Maria bowed. "If you will excuse me, King Miraz," Maria left the tent and ran over to where the soldiers and nurses were eating.
Jacobi and Hanelise sat around the fire, sharing meat. "Hanelise, we need to talk."
Hanelise stood up and pulled Maria into a hug, but Maria didn't return the hug. "What's the matter?"
Maria motioned for Hanelise to follow, the pair moved away from the group.
"I trusted you," Maria said quietly.
Hanelise's face fell in the dim light. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell anyone."
"Then why did you?" Maria demanded, furious.
"Miraz offered me freedom. After the war, I can return to the village. I don't have to work for him anymore."
"You cost Edmund his life. You were the one who helped me take care of him," Maria shook with anger. "He just needed to get back to his sister and brother. But then you wouldn't know what it's like to return to a family? Your brother died." Maria shot out. Immediately she regretted it.
"I can't believe you." Hanelise made Maria feel guiltier than ever.
"I didn't mean it." Maria reached out for Hanelise's arm. "I was just angry at everything that had happened. My emotions got the best of me."
"You know, you are such a hypocrite." Maria was taken back at Hanelise's words. "You tell me that I cost Edmund his life by telling where you were, but then you don't speak up for him during the meeting?"
"How did you know about that?"
"Words travel fast," Hanelise answered.
Maria rubbed her head. "Hanelise, please, I am so sorry. I didn't mean what I said about your brother. So much has happed today."
"That is no excuse," Hanelise turned on her foot leaving Maria in the dark.
What just happened? Maria lost another friend; she didn't want to say those things. They just slipped out.
Maria felt tears burn her eyes, and she didn't stop them from falling. Maria was completely lost, Susan was gone, Hanelise would never accept her apology, and Edmund was going to die.
"Aslan, if You are real, please tell me what to do?" Maria whispered. "I'm broken, lost. I need You, please."
Be at peace.
A deep voice filled Maria's head. "Aslan?"
It is I, child.
"Why are You doing this?" Maria asked. "Why are You hiding for me when I need You the most? How long do we have to suffer before You save us? Did You forget about me?"
I have not forgotten, dear one. I know the plans for the future. You must accept this, for you have much to learn.
"Then teach me." Maria wept. "I'm weak and I need answers."
Maria, admitting this is trusting me. Trust me and all will be well.
"I trust you," Maria hiccupped. "Edmund said that you are always there. Please, be there for me."
I am always here. Be patient and you will be healed, no longer broken. Rest and find comfort in me.
"I will be patient, please lead me," Maria begged.
I will light the way, when the time comes.
"Aslan, I am crying out to you, change me and give me strength, I have failed and I need you." Maria was on her knees, pleading with Aslan for advice. "You are in control
My light will shine when nothing else does. By admitting this, you will always find grace and mercy. Go and sleep now. In the morning, the sun will rise and you will find strength.
Maria wiped her eyes and yawned. "Yes, Aslan." She stood up and walked to the tent, a warm comfort surrounding her.
"How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD's praise, for he has been good to me." Psalms 13
Psalms 13 has got to be my favorite verse. That one was a big inspiration for Aslan's talk with Maria along with a few others:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105
And some songs: Psalms 13 by Nate Hale and From the Inside Out by Hillsong
Thanks for reading and please review!