Author's Note: Hi everyone! I am so sorry it took me a long time to update, this chapter was not easy to write. But, I hope you all like it. This is the big battle scene, so the rating is increased for the chapter because of: blood, violence, intense situations, and character death. In other news: I have a poll on my profile I would like you all to participate in, or you can answer in a review. Question: Would you read a sequel to The General's Daughter? (VDT Bookverse)
Disclaimer: I do not own Narnia, all credit goes to C.S. Lewis except original characters.
The next morning Lucy was the one to wake Maria up in the morning. There was much to do and everyone was needed to prepare for the duel.
As expected, Miraz had accepted the terms when Susan delivered them and for the past two days they had trained, made battle plans, and braced themselves for the Telmarine arrival today.
"Maria," Lucy grabbed her hand and pulled her up. "We have a meeting to go to."
Maria rolled off the mat where she was sleeping and followed Lucy out of the room where all the girls slept. "How much time do we have before the duel?"
Lucy shook her head, unsure, "Maybe a few hours at the most."
The pair met the group around the stone table and Maria moved to Susan's side. In the days past Maria had stuck to Susan and sometimes Lucy, but even with Lucy it was clear that there was some tension between them. Peter had said that he trusted her, but Maria could still spot the dislike in his eyes. Luckily, Caspian knew Maria and was a friend, but he was so busy most of the time.
Peter cleared his throat to start the meeting. "Today, I will fight Miraz for the whole of Narnia, during this time we will have much going on. Lucy, will travel on horseback to find Aslan because we need Him." Lucy nodded in agreement and placed her head in her hands, silently praying. "During the duel, Susan and Maria will go back to the camp and take Edmund from them," Susan and Maria smiled weakly at each other. They could do this. "Finally, Caspian will brace the army for what will surely be a battle. If the worse comes, we regroup at the river."
Once Peter finished going over instructions and the battle plan, Glozelle was lead in by a faun. Glozelle bowed to the King and Queens before standing by Maria and wrapping one arm around her. "Everything is set at the Telmarine camp. I was sent to make sure that everything was prepared for the duel. They should be here in an hour."
The Narnians started to whisper with panic. Glozelle continued, "During the duel, the nurses will remain at the camp along with ten guards watching Edmund."
Peter rubbed his forehead, "It will be challenge."
Glozelle agreed and then bowed again. "Unfortunately I cannot stay longer. I wish you the best of luck, King Peter."
Peter shook Glozelle's hand. "Thank you, General."
Glozelle hugged Maria, "Stay safe."
"You too," Maria looked up at him. Glozelle smiled and hugged her again as he walked out of the How.
The Narnians started talking loudly and scrambling around to prepare. "Silence!" Peter shouted. "We have less time than we anticipated, but we must focus. Lucy, you need to leave now. Susan and Maria see to it that she is away from the How before the Telmarines arrive."
Susan, Maria, and Lucy left the room in a hurry. They came to a stop at the entrance and called over a horse. Lucy hoisted herself up and was ready to leave. "Thank you for helping us Maria," Lucy said quietly. "Susan, please be careful."
"I always am, Lu," Susan looked up at her sister and then reached behind her. "Take my horn. You'll need it more."
"Thank you," Lucy placed the horn on her belt and clicked her tongue riding out into the forest.
The pair turned around and started walking back into the How to find Peter and Caspian.
"Susan?" Maria whispered.
"Yes?"
"Are you scared?" Maria asked wringing her hands.
Susan glanced over at her. "Of course I am. I was never one to fight."
"But I saw you at the raid," Maria questioned.
"I had planned on staying behind, but when Lucy said that she wouldn't go, I stood up and took her place," Susan explained. "Back during my first time in Narnia, Lucy was always the one to go fight with my brothers while I would stay home and take care of the castle."
This war had made the Gentle Queen into a fighter. "You are very brave, Susan."
Susan smiled. "You are too."
"Thank you."
Peter and Caspian arrived at their sides in armor, battle ready.
It was moments before the duel and the Narnian army had gathered around the stone table. Peter lowered his head, and the rest of the Narnians followed along. "Aslan, watch over us in our time of struggle. You are in control of this battle and we put our faith in You. Protect us as we work for a better time. Keep Lucy safe as she travels to find You, wrap Your paws around her and guide her. Help Susan and Maria get to Edmund and bring him home. Thank You for all of the brave Narnians who are fighting today. Give them courage and strength. For Narnia and for Aslan."
"For Narnia and for Aslan," everyone chorused together just above a whisper. It was not a battle cry, but a prayer for safety.
Peter stood up on higher ground. "All of you are brave souls. Thank you for staying with us, and believing in a better Narnia. No matter what happens today, you will all be remembered for your lionhearted strength."
Peter stepped down and went over to the humans as the Animals and creatures went out to prepare for the duel.
"Susan, Maria," Peter addressed them. "Once Caspian and I go out for the duel, I want you two to go around and to the camp."
Susan nodded in agreement with the plan. "All eyes will be on Caspian and I, it will allow a distraction for you to get around without being followed."
"Your majesty," a faun entered. "Miraz and the army have arrived."
Peter looked back at the group, "It's time."
"Peter, please be careful," Susan hugged her brother tightly.
Peter smiled sadly, "Good luck."
Susan turned and spoke to Maria, "We should go out first."
Maria agreed and the pair walked out in front of Peter and Caspian, not looking back. When they stepped out into the light they saw an impossible army. It was bigger than they expected, much bigger. The Narnians smiled at them as they passed and sent good wishes of safety. Maria followed Susan to the back of the crowd where they could easily slip away.
Harken flew over and Maria stuck out her arm allowing a spot for him to land, Ramillo arrived not a second later and for once didn't speak. "Aslan, will watch us," Harken said quietly.
Ramillo jittered nervously, "My brother Camillo leads the Hares. He has chosen me as his second in command."
"Congratulations Ramillo," Maria bent down and stroked his fur. "You will do wonderfully, your family will do well."
"My family is luckily safe," Harken stated. "My wife is hidden in the woods, watching over our children, they will hatch any day now."
Harken had only mentioned his family once or twice, but Maria knew of them. "They will be very proud of their father." Harken's eyes lit up.
Cheering erupted from the crowd as Peter and Caspian came out of the How, ready for the duel. Maria joined the shouts, her heart beating wildly in her chest.
Peter stepped up to Miraz and there was an eerie silence.
The two opponents began circling each other, speaking quietly so no one could hear. The swords met each other with a loud clang and the two armies yelled for their leaders.
Susan tugged on Maria's arm, pulling her back. Ramillo and Harken were the only two that noticed them starting to leave, "Come back soon! Be safe!" the called over the roar of the crowd.
Maria and Susan slipped into the woods where Tulio was waiting for them. "Ready?" he asked stomping his hoofs.
Susan climbed on his back and Maria hauled herself up behind her friend. "Go."
Tulio broke into a gallop towards the camp. "Maria, you go for Ed and I will take whatever guards they have," Susan instructed.
"I will help Susan," Tulio volunteered. Tulio started to slow down as they neared the camp, quietly Maria and Susan slid off.
"After the first shot, there will be chaos," Susan whispered. She started surveying the camp; there were the guards and the nurses. "The women won't be able to fight, chances are they will surrender."
Susan strung the arrow and ducked behind a tree. Carefully she took the first shot, when the arrow struck the first guard; the others grabbed their swords and searched for the hidden enemy. Susan ran behind another tree and got ready for the next shot.
Maria waited back a little further, watching for Susan to say it was time to go. Susan shot again and in a matter of minutes took out five other guards dashing behind trees. It was perfect, she was hidden and the guards didn't know where the arrows were coming from.
It had lowered down the numbers to four guards left, as Susan moved to her next place the guards spotted her.
"Tulio now!" Susan cried. Tulio burst through the trees and got up on his hind legs kicked one of the guards in the chest, slamming him to the ground. The last three soldiers were distracted by Tulio and Susan; the nurses had taken to hiding in a tent. "Maria, go."
Maria nodded and started moving against the trees towards the tent where Edmund was. She grabbed a dagger from the belt Lucy had given her and silently prayed that Edmund was still safe. Carefully Maria lifted up the tent in the back and slid under the opening.
Edmund was no longer tied up to the pole, but being held up by a crazed soldier who was smiling wickedly as he held a knife to Edmund's throat.
"Put the dagger down or I will kill him," the soldier hissed, pressing his knife closer to Edmund's throat for emphasis.
Maria tried to get more air into her lungs as she shook with nerves. She gripped the dagger so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Maria kept her eyes locked on Edmund's, wishing that he could coach her through this. Edmund stayed perfectly still, not struggling or trying to talk through the gag.
"I said put the dagger down," the soldier shouted. Maria complied with the guard's wishes and slowly put the dagger down before standing up with her hands in the air. Susan please hurry!
"Good," the soldier smiled. "Did you really think you could save him all alone?"
Maria didn't answer, she just stood frozen.
The soldier laughed at her weakness. "Come forward, slowly. Don't dare try anything, or it's his life."
"Y-Yes sir," Maria stuttered. Carefully she walked towards the man holding Edmund, when silently a bow and arrow peaked through the flap in the tent. Susan.
Now, with more hope than before Maria stopped. "What are you doing?" The soldier asked, Edmund's eyes widened a little as he noticed how she had come to stop. "Scared are you?"
The soldier heard Susan slip into the tent and as he twisted around to face her, his grip loosened on Edmund just enough for him to shift his body to the side. Not a second later, Susan shot the arrow through the soldier's thigh. The soldier fell to the ground and Edmund carefully maneuvered himself out of the knife's way.
Maria let out a deep sigh and ran forward to cut Edmund's hands free while Susan worked on untying the gag. Edmund rubbed his sore wrists and Maria handed her dagger to Susan who cut the gag from his mouth.
"Thank you," Edmund said straightening up, his body aching.
"I'm so sorry we had to leave you here, Ed." Susan checked over his injuries, making sure he was fine. "Did they do anything to you?"
"No."
Susan smiled weakly, not wanting to leave her little brother's side. "I'm going to go check on the horses; I believe I saw Chennault and Melosa over by the nurses." Susan exited the tent, leaving Edmund and Maria alone.
"I'm glad you are alright," Maria whispered. Edmund stepped forward and gathered her in his arms.
"Thank you, for all you've done," Edmund said looking down at her.
Maria shrugged, "It's not over yet."
Edmund nodded and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Come on," he took her arm and led her outside with Susan who was waiting with Tulio, Melosa, and Chennault.
"Lady Maria!" Melosa exclaimed and trotted over to her. "King Edmund, it's wonderful to see you out of there."
Edmund smiled and patted her nose before walking over to Tulio. "I would be honored to carry you once again, King Edmund," Tulio said as Edmund approached. "I have found another human I trust, and this time I am not letting Miraz hurt him."
Edmund pulled himself onto Tulio's back while Maria climbed on Melosa. "I've missed you Lady Maria."
Susan was already ready with Chennault, "We need to go now. Peter will need us."
The group rode off into the forest and towards the How, scared of what they would find once they arrived.
But there was no battle, no blood, but the duel had come to a stop with Peter holding his sword to Miraz's neck.
Peter must have heard them ride in because he turned around and almost dropped the sword at the sight of his brother.
Peter handed the sword off to Caspian and muttered a few words before running up to the group. Edmund was the first to jump off and greet his brother. Peter pulled his little brother into his arms. The Narnians broke into cheers at the Just King's return. "Thank Aslan you're here." Peter held his brother at arm's length to check for injuries. "Ed, I've missed you."
The brothers hugged again and Peter stepped over to Maria and Susan. "Thank you for bringing him back."
Then from where Caspian was standing there was a loud shout over the cheers of Narnians.
"Treachery! They shot our king!"
The group turned back to see Miraz slump to the ground, dead. Sopespian started yelling commands, running back to his horse.
Peter looked back at Caspian, "Go now." Caspian handed Peter his sword before running into the How.
"Susan go to the archers, Edmund stay with me," Peter gave Edmund his other sword. "Maria, if you want to fight then go towards the back."
Maria looked over at her father across the field; he met her eye and barely shook his head, letting her know it was alright for her to fight.
"I will stay with Lady Maria," Melosa said from the side.
Tulio trotted over to Edmund. "I will be there when you need me,"
With one last glance around, the group parted their separate ways.
Melosa and Maria followed Peter's orders and ran back to where Ramillo and Harken were along with the fauns.
The ground beneath them rumbled as the Telmarines moved forward, the White Witch and Sopespian leading the army, catapults sent boulders towards them shaking the How and sending debris flying.
Peter and Edmund led the charge as the Narnians ran to the army at top speed. Then the ground crumbled and from behind Caspian and his troops attacked.
Maria stood frozen holding a sword that a faun had given her; Ramillo started forwards hopping into the battle. Harken took to the sky and started diving at the heads of the Telmarines.
"If anyone gets to close, I will stop them," Melosa promised.
Maria walked forward waiting for someone to come near. Luckily, they were far back enough where the Telmarines hadn't arrived yet.
Edmund braced himself as he saw the White Witch coming towards him; memories of the first Battle of Beruna clouded his mind.
Jadis held her duel swords tightly, smiling. "This time, I will kill you Edmund."
The Witch slashed down from above and Edmund swung his sword high to block the move. He barely had time to attack; he spent the whole time defending himself from her blade.
Tulio tried to help his friend, but he couldn't interfere. Every time he made an attempt, Jadis swung her sword out to get him away.
Edmund thrust his sword at her stomach, Jadis jumped back and laughed. The Witch moved quickly and her sword sliced across his arm. Edmund gritted his teeth choosing to ignore the pain.
Jadis came at him at full speed and power.
The pair moved around while fighting and Edmund stumbled as they made their way back to the stone arena. Jadis backed Edmund up against a rock where he tripped and fell to his back.
The Witch raised her sword, about to give the final blow. "Are you ready to die?"
Then Jadis felt a sword come down on her arms. General Glozelle, the traitor soldier, had attacked her.
"Get away from him," he growled.
Jadis kept one sword pointed at Edmund's fallen body, the other was aimed at Glozelle's heart. "I suggest you leave Glozelle. This doesn't involve you."
The General responded by knocking her sword away and fighting back. Jadis charged at him, she swung her blade mercilessly at Glozelle. The Witch moved with such speed that she was able to get the sword out of Glozelle's hands leaving him weaponless.
"It was a foolish attempt," Jadis muttered. There was complete silence between the two for a moment and then she thrust the sword into his side.
Glozelle's breathe left him as he fell to the ground, dying.
"Papa!" Maria cried as she watched her father collapse. This isn't happening. Maria sprinted towards his body.
Melosa came up to her side, "Come on. I will take you to him."
Maria felt tears sting her eyes as she climbed onto Melosa's back. Melosa maneuvered through the battle, avoiding swords and arrows that came towards her.
As they reached the spot where Glozelle had fallen, Maria jumped off before Melosa came to a complete stop.
Maria fell to her knees beside him, "Papa," she whispered as she felt for a pulse.
Glozelle's eyes opened slowly and he looked up at her. Tears streamed down Maria's face once she saw the wound. "Please don't leave me," Maria muttered. "Please."
Maria ripped the bottom of her dress and pressed the makeshift cloth against the wound, trying to stop the blood from leaving his body.
She desperately looked around for help. The Witch battled Narnians as she made her way towards Peter, Susan shot arrow after arrow at the Telmarines who came near her.
Maria felt a hand on her shoulder. Edmund moved down to his knees, "General, you fought bravely. You also saved me."
Glozelle's breath was ragged and short. He brought up his bloody hand and took the cloth from Maria. "Maria, I want you to run."
"No, I won't leave you out here to die," Maria protested.
Glozelle took her hand, "You promised me that you would."
Maria shook her head. "I can't, not until you're safe."
Edmund wrapped his arms around Maria, holding her tightly trying to calm her.
Melosa stepped closer, "I will carry General Glozelle out of battle. I will get him help and protect him."
The kind Horse got down lower and waited. Edmund slid under one of Glozelle's arms, "Maria, go to the other side."
Maria reluctantly moved and got under her father's other arm. Together the pair struggled to lift the fallen soldier onto Melosa's back. Glozelle weakly held on, "Maria, now I want you to go. Be careful."
Maria nodded and told Melosa to run. Melosa took off into the forest, not looking back.
Maria felt Edmund's strong arms pull her into a hug. "Aslan, watch over him," Edmund prayed for the General's safety. "Now listen to your father, and go to the river."
Maria pulled away from Edmund and ran toward the woods.
A soldier sped to Maria as he caught her trying to escape. "It's not right to run."
Maria stopped and looked for a sword, ready to defend herself. The soldier swung at her, Maria backed out of the way. The soldier couldn't get any closer because a bird landed on his head and started pecking at his face.
Harken scratched and tried his best to distract the soldier. "How dare you attack a woman?" Harken said between pecks.
The soldier swatted at the bird and tried to shove him down. Another soldier saw the struggle and grabbed a crossbow, aiming at Harken.
"No! Stop!" Maria shouted. "Harken move!"
But it was too late; an arrow pierced Harken and sent him to the ground.
Maria felt anger rise inside her, she got a crossbow and fired at the soldier who shot down her friend.
Maria ignored the sound of the soldier falling to the ground. The other soldier, who attacked Maria, glared down at her.
Ramillo saw his friend get shot and had started racing towards them. He lunged at the enemy and tried biting through the chain mail.
The soldier kicked his leg, trying to shake Ramillo off. Ramillo didn't have a good grip and was swung off with ease, Ramillo landed with a sickening crack as his hind leg broke.
Tulio dashed in from the side, he kicked up his legs and knocked the soldier in the chest. "Stay away from them!" Tulio slowly went up to Ramillo and nudged him with this nose, "Are you alright?"
Ramillo looked up at him, "I'll be fine, and where is Harken?" Maria scooped up Ramillo in arms and moved over to the Swift.
Harken's tiny body curled in around the arrow, and his small frame shook. "Is everyone safe?"
"We're all safe, you did so well Harken," Maria whispered. She carefully reached down and removed the arrow; Maria stroked his feathers, comforting him.
"Ramillo," Harken gasped out. Ramillo, with the help of Tulio, scooted over to his best friend. "Ramillo, will you take care of my family?"
"Of course," Ramillo's eyes grew big as he realized what was happening. "Your children will be very proud of their father."
"I wish I could meet them," Harken stuttered, each word more painful than the last. "I know they will be perfect."
Tulio stood over the bird. "Will you make sure Ramillo is good?" Harken asked. "He won't admit it, but he considers you a great friend."
"Of course," Tulio answered, surprised that he was addressed.
Harken's eyes started to close, "Maria? Will you tell my family that I love them, and tell my children about their father?"
"I'll do anything you want," Maria felt a new wave of tears flow. She would obey Harken's dying wish.
"Thank you, everyone." Harken took one last look at Narnia. "I wonder what Aslan's country is like?"
"It will be perfect," Maria rubbed his little head, reassuring him of the afterlife.
Harken pulled together a small smile. Harken took his last breathe and closed his eyes; he was in Aslan's country now.
Maria allowed a few tears to fall over her lost friend; quietly she pulled Ramillo onto her lap. The Hare never took his eyes off of Harken. His best friend was gone.
Tulio helped lead Maria away from the body and bent down to allow her to get on his back. "We need to leave."
Maria's voice cracked, "No, we can't just leave Harken out on the battle field."
Tulio started walking, slowly, hating that he had to follow orders. "King Edmund told me to make sure you left."
Maria didn't speak again, she held onto Ramillo for comfort as Tulio sped off into the forest.
The silence was eerie as they traveled; nothing was heard but Tulio's hoofs hitting the forest floor. Then Tulio skidded to a stop, the ground beneath him rumbling. "What is happening?"
The trees around them swayed back and forth, gently at first, and then like they were being thrown around by a wind storm. Then, a tree led a group, it's roots leaving the soil and the tree started moving out towards the battle.
"Dryads," Maria muttered as they passed. "Aslan is here."
Tulio raced around the moving trees towards the river where Edmund said they would meet. Tulio dashed across the bridge, and came to a stop on the other side on the rocks.
Maria climbed off of Tulio and set Ramillo down to inspect his leg, the hare was still devastated from Harken's death; he didn't say a word as Maria looked over his leg.
"Harken is with Aslan now," Maria said quietly to Ramillo.
"In Aslan's country, I've heard magical things about it," Ramillo whispered. Maria wasn't entirely sure what Aslan's country wasm but the way Harken had spoken about it, with such hope, made her believe it was wonderful.
Maria held back a wave of tears and she moved over to the river. She had to wash the blood off of her hands.
There was a rustling noise behind them, Maria didn't turn around, and she merely assumed it was the trees.
But footsteps hit the rocks and she saw two figures emerge from the forest.
Aslan.
Lucy saw Maria, but continued to walk forward with the Lion. Aslan turned and looked at the group; He nodded at them and went with Lucy to stand at the edge of the river.
From the opposite side, the soldiers started to charge out of the woods and into the river, the Narnians chased them with swords drawn and cheers loud.
Sopespian stopped at the sight of Aslan. With a crazed fire in his eyes he led his horse forward across the bridge, the water started to move and the whole army froze.
A giant wave came forth towards the soldiers in the river; they frantically searched for safety and scrambled out of the water.
Sopespian tried to keep his balance as the bridge was torn up and pulled to the sky by the river-god. The man of water looked over at Aslan for approval before crashing down onto Sopespian.
The waves thrashed around and Aslan made eye contact with the White Witch, standing on opposite sides of the river.
"Jadis," His great voice spoke. "Leave these children."
Her black eyes grew wide as the waves crashed up around her. "You are never to return to these children. Go back to where you were."
A small part of the river in front of her froze, and two waves came up and grabbed her, pulling Jadis back into the icy prison.
The White Witch fell straight through the ice and as soon as she was submerged, the water calmed.
Narnians began collecting weapons from the Telmarines. Hywet, soaked with water, delivered his sword and walked over to Maria, "Where is your father?"
Maria searched around for Glozelle. "Melosa!"
Melosa came out of her hiding place in the woods and came to her side. Hywet saw his friend's injuries and helped lower Glozelle to the ground.
Maria took her father's hand, "Papa, it's going to be alright."
Glozelle was pale and cold, he didn't open his eyes. His shallow breathe was the only thing reminding Maria he was alive.
The Pevensies and Caspian bowed in front of Aslan.
"Stand, King and Queens," Aslan said. Peter, Susan, and Edmund stood up hesitantly. "And you, Caspian."
Caspian looked at his friends as Peter offered him a hand and pulled him to his feet. Reepicheep was brought forward by his mice and they set him down.
Lucy dashed forward and offered him a drop from her cordial, healing him.
Maria saw what she could do with the cordial and felt a prickle of hope for her father. Lucy had made eye contact with Maria and looked at Aslan.
"Go, Lucy. Others need you," Aslan sent her off.
Maria kept a tight hold on her father's hand; Hywet showed Lucy the wound on his side. Lucy quickly let one drop heal him. Maria held her breathe as Glozelle's eyes opened, he placed a hand on his side and felt the wound closing.
"Thank you," Glozelle smiled at Lucy. Lucy nodded in return and turned to Ramillo to fix his leg.
Maria threw her arms around her father, "You're alright!"
Glozelle felt a tears of joy fill his eyes. "You're safe. Maria, you're safe." He kissed her forehead. "We did it."
"Maria," Edmund came up beside her. "Aslan wants to talk with you."
Maria looked up at him, confused. "He wants to talk to me?"
Edmund offered her his hand, "Come on."
"Hywet can take care of me," Glozelle shrugged, telling her to go.
Maria followed Edmund over to Aslan, but she found herself unable to look Him in the eye. Instead she fell to her knees, bowing.
"Stand," Aslan spoke slowly. Maria did as He said and carefully looked at Him. "You have served Narnia well."
"Thank you."
"I thank you for your deeds. It takes a lot of bravery to defy those who you care about; good was done with your actions. It has been a long and difficult road, there is no guarantee it will get easier. I would like you to know, that I am proud."
Aslan was proud, of her.
The great Lion roared and the whole crowd turned to Him. "It is time to go home."
Author's Note: Like I said, it was a difficult chapter to write. Particularly, the part with Harken :( Please review and tell me what you think! Only three more chapter till the end!