Alibi

"Now Lord Benjamin, could you please explain to me what possessed you to inform Narnian's current enemy, in extreme detail, our confidential military practices? You of all people too, I never would have expected until I received a message regarding the incident which took place on a Narnian ship you were sailing. You have betrayed Narnia and her people, your outlook is rather grim unless you can conjure some sort of alibi."

King Edmund the Just was like the angel of death standing before the middle aged sailor. His face was like a marble statue, perfect and frozen in time, giving nothing away, but his eyes conveyed one emotion. Hurt. One of his best friends stood before him and on the most unfriendly terms. This was the man that taught 17 year old Edmund everything he knew about sailing, that told him of his many adventures at sea amongst other fairy tales. All of that was meaningless now though, Dareith Benjamin willingly condemned the Pevensies, his family, his country and all those inside it to gain a few extra pieces of silver.

Peter shifted restlessly beside him, as much as Peter hated sitting through court he knew he needed to be there for Edmund. So they waited for the sailor to spin a web of lies to present as the reason he was forced give away everything he knew about his country.

"Ya see, twas a rainy day and there was fog everywhere. Couldn't see a thing, no sir, not a thing. That's when I 'eard it. Aye, pirates, nasty brutes they are. They was bandits of that country we were quarellin' with-

"Sorry to interrupt your most fascinating story but were they bandits or pirates for they aren't quite the same thing." Edmund stated.

"Well what's the difference? They be nasty folk that waits for ya to fall in there trap and snatch ya up like a bunch o' dragons. Me thinks you would call em' pirates. Anyways, they was on my ship as fast as a squirrel, wantin' my loot. I say to em leave me alone, we got nothin' that woul' interest em but they insisted. They said they would kill me family and me crew if I didn't give em all I got or a' least told em somethin' of value. You of all people ought to understand the meaning of family sire. I couldn't let em touch my lil' Ithika and Trinka. Why they're the light of my day!

"I wasn't aware you had children, as a matter of fact you told me once that you would never have children for I quote "Are horrible things to deal with, wouldn't want a single one. They cause nothing but trouble, no sir." Yes I do remember that quite clearly. Now you listen to me as your High King you are breaking the law by lying in court so I suggest you tell us the truth, the real one." Peter commanded.

"Aye, well, 'tis true 'twas I that told em of your plans. But I needed the money!"

"And we would have given it to you had you asked. This crime is punishable by banishment I'm afraid this is good bye Lord Benjamin."

"Wait! How do you condemn one traitor but have another sitting on a throne. You are all corrupt!"

Peter then rose from his chair and walked straight towards the now frightened sailor. There was a cold gleam in his eyes that yearned for the destruction of this man.

"My brother of which you speak earned his forgiveness through more trials than you will ever know. Aslan forgave him and that is something you must seek from Aslan, but until you do you are a traitor to everyone here. Leave before I decide banishment isn't enough!"

Edmund was frozen on his throne a look of pure hurt frozen there.

"Court dismissed!" Cried Peter and everyone fled the room with such speed one would think there was a fire. "Are you alright Ed?" He asked in a much quieter voice.

"It just hurts so much." Getting Edmund to talk about his feelings was a rare thing so Pete shut up and listened.

"I trusted that man with my life and yet he thought me a traitor. As soon as I begin to forget everything that has happened something else pops up."

"Do you really want to forget everything Edmund?"

"Well, no I suppose not, forgetting would put me right back where I started, a brat. I guess a better word choice would have been come to terms with."

"Aye, I know it hurts but he was an old sailor who probably lost half his mind years ago. You may not of noticed but the entire room jumped to your defense once the words were spoken."

"But they have to do that, I'm their King and you were in the room."

Peter shifted again to look Edmund in the eyes, "Do you remember that grumpy old dwarf who we found guilty of treason?" Edmund nodded his head in response. "I heard him say a slur against you once and every Narnian nearly murdered him. After they realized I was there they all apologized profusely but that isn't the point. The point is that we all love you so pick yourself up and so I can go beat your butt at sword fighting!"

"You wish Peter!" with that they dashed form the throne room both feeling much better than before.

A/N Thanks to my reviewers and the reason Peter wasn't smiling before was because of the Battle of Beruna! And yes the second horse I did intend to be Phillip!
Narnia not mine!