The Ophiuchus Chapter 4: Part Four: The Revealing Battle, a chronicles of narnia fanfic

An: So, this was about to be the last chapter, but it started to become a bit too large. So there will be another chapter after this one (which will also count as an Epilogue). What I can tell you is that there will be other stories, such as the ones for Prince Caspian and the others. There will also be a Harry Potter story that will crossover with Narnia. But that is another story for another time.

Also the story has changed its place in the categories. It's more part of the Narnian fandom rather than the HP/N crossovers.

Disclaimer: All properties of the Chronicles of Narnia belong to the original writer and filmmakers. Even if many of us wish it for a Christmas present or even a Birthday Present.

Summary: Aslan, in his all knowing ways, had put in place four magical guardians for Narnia. They live on the other side, from where the lines of the Kings started. Unknowingly, with her treachery, the White Witch has unleashed something even more frightening than she anticipated: against herself.

There once was a kingdom far and wide, where four knights fought side-by-side. By the Stars in Heaven, by the Ground in Hell, rue the day your awoke one of them. One to one is not enough when two by two equals hands of blue. Three times three without lease, so that four by four, you're on your own.

Word-Count: 8, 736 words.

The Ophiuchus

Part Four: The Revealing Battle

Reindýri the Reindeer was the one whom the Son of Adam had whispered in his ears. He was also the leader of his very small tribe, captured by the White Witch. So it was common sense that when they were released, he would take the advantage to be free from her rule.

When the six reindeers were at a safe distance from her Royal Pratness, Reindýri took command. "Lindo and Gonzales, you will both go back to the Castle and spread the word that the Queen wants the whole conclave of Reindeers to pull her sled faster. Then, you'll take the whole group to the Lunar Caves where Michaelis and Rednose will meet you there. Michaelis and Rednose, you will both be covering our tracks and create some false ones just in case. Use any method you so desire. As for you, Veronica,you will come with me as I'll warn Aslan's Camp of the danger they are in. They should know about the Son of Adam in the Witch's grasp."

"Sir." The five others chorused before they spread out to do their tasks. Only Reindýri twin, Veronica, stayed with him as they bounded towards the direction of the camp. They didn't need to know exactly where they were going, reindeers always had magic that pointed to them, without fail throughout their whole history, to the right direction of their destination.

Reindýri and Veronica both ran on their mighty four legs, faster than they ever were in their whole life. Which would be normal if one took off the enormous weight of the sled that they had to pull, leaving them only muscles formed by such a toll. Barely one hour later, Reindýri could see the red flags of the Camp floating in the wind, where sentries were posted here and there, lances pointed at the running reindeers. Fitting since they did work for the False Queen — forced may they add.

Not wanting to waste any time arguing with the sentries on who they were or where their alliance lay, Reindýri decided to pass through the weakest point and apologize later for any angry feelings. Unfortunately, the weakest point was where a dwarf stood guard. A stubborn dwarf to boot that wouldn't move from being directly in front of a running, very heavy, reindeer. Well, there was one other thing to do than enter in a camp by hurting one of their warriors. Reindýri thanked Aslan that it wasn't a faun or a centaur that stood in his way.

The yowling of indignation rang out throughout the whole camp. Many little heads of impressible children, kits and cubs were peaking from where they were, only to be quickly rounded to a safer place by the rallying mothers — there were far to many orphaned children for a mother to only take care of her own brood.

The commotion even roused the future royal highnesses from their sleep. Three sleepy heads came out from the tent, Lucy still rubbing her eyes while Susan and Peter were trying to figure out what was going on. They stood on the side, right next to Brian and two other people that they didn't recognize. Introductions were to be made later as the yelping and hollering grew louder in sound. They could soon see the source of all the commotion, which made them burst into laughter, much like the surrounding audience.

For you see, the dwarf, in his infinite bravery (or stupidity according to those you asked), had forgotten that a reindeer had very big antlers. When you couldn't go over an obstacle, nor under it, you could only go straight ahead. To be sure that he didn't hurt any potential ally, Reindýri the Reindeer had scooped up the daring dwarf in his antlers while still charging forward. Jostling the dwarf as the passed through the camp before stopping in front of Aslan.

While bowing, Reindýri had forgotten about his additional passenger, thus a tumbling dwarf could be added to the sentry's unfortunate situation. A different reindeer, more female looking, soon joined the first as they sank one knee to be able to bow. "Greetings Great Aslan," Reindýri started. "We come bearing news from a Son of Adam captured by the White Witch."

The surrounding crowd lost their mirth as the listened to the news. Next to Aslan, Brian, the other man and woman grew more serious, while Susan and Lucy couldn't keep their hopes of their faces. Peter exclaimed. "Do you know where he is?"

"Indeed. To save the life of a fox, the Son of Adam, Edmund the Witch called him, told the rumors of where your camp lay. When the sled couldn't advance any more through the snowless land, he sent us free and bade us to send word of danger. With reindeer magic, I can give you the exact location for where Edmund is."

Peter sagged in visible relief. Aslan nodded to the woman next to Brian who stepped forward right in front of Reindýri. "May I?" She asked in visible interest. "I can see the image in your mind if don't want to guide us." Her voice was gentle, smooth as the feather of a bird.

The reindeer bowed his head, standing on all fours, his eyes staring right into her plain brown ones. "I would prefer it. The White Witch is no friend of the reindeers, so the reindeers would like to be as far away from her as possible. Once my message is given, my clan and I will leave to the northern planes as fast as possible."

The woman — or maybe girl? She seemed to be a little bit older than Susan —, looked deep in the Reindýri's eyes, her own slightly cloudy before emerging from her trance.

"Go on, dear Leia, show the rescue group the way." Aslan told her, before turning around to do what the Great Lion always did, nobody was truly sure what is was.

"As you command, Aslan." Taking out a piece of wood, cherry to be more precise, Leia incanted "Expecto Patronum" while giving a little swish. In a burst of silver cloud, a raven emerged, wings expanded in midst flight. "Follow the raven, he will guide you to exact location." Her intonation never changed from its calm smoothness. "Brian! Michael!" She barked out, more of worry than anything else. "I'll apparate to where Edmund is, make sure that the rest of his siblings stay safe." In the blink of an eye, she disappeared right in front of the Pevensies.

Peter was flabbergasted, the complete opposite to Lucy who clapped her hands in delight. Susan, always the clearheaded one, asked an explanation from Brian.

"Let's sit down, I have a tale for the three of you." The Pevensies complied, seating at a table that had been set up on the outside. "Oh, before I forget, this is Michael Smith, the Broch and Knight of the South." Michael nodded at them as Brian told him, "Michael, this is Peter, Susan and Lucy, Edmund's siblings." The three Pevensies muttered their greetings, still puzzled to meet Edmund friends — were they really? — that they weren't aware of.

"Now that the introductions are done." Brian continued, a cattish smile on his face. "Do you believe in magic?"

The answer was the affirmative, after everything the Pevensies have seen in Narnia, it would be very difficult for them to not believe in magic. Lucy was the most vocal in her answer, compared to Peter's and Susan's nod. She even asked for a demonstration, if one of the knights could even do such a thing.

Michael, smiling gently, took out his wand, something made of Oak if Peter wasn't mistaking, before asking. "Alright Lucy, how about some flying?"

A swish and a flick later, with a couple of mumbled words in latin, and you could see a fair Lucy flying about at a respectable hight. The young girl was giggling and laughing in delight at the experience.

Michael put her down gently after a couple of minutes of floating. "Since that is done, let me explain something about your brother. Don't interrupt until after I told you everything, understand?" Despite the gentleness in his voice, it held a core of steel.

"Of course." Peter agreed, speaking for his sisters as well.

"The first thing that you must know is that Edmund is a wizard. When he turned eleven, he received an invitation to go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, lucky for him since he had to change school. At Hogwarts, the students are divided into four Houses: Hufflepuff for the Gentle, Ravenclaw for the Studious, Gryffindor for the Brave and Slytherin for the Cunning. Although three of the Houses accept Muggleborns, that is to say magical people born from non-magical folks, Slytherin heavily emphasizes on Blood Purity, " the children could hear the capital letters quite clearly, "which makes them a bit racists when a Muggleborn is sorted in their House."

He paused, allowing for the information to sink in, before continuing. "I'm sure that you can guess where Edmund got sorted."

"Slytherin," whispered Susan, face pale at to what her brother must have faced at that school. Peter clenched his fists, furious at himself for not being there for his brother when he needed it … again!

Lucy, on the other hand, wasn't sad, furious or any other negative story. "But Edmund didn't have any problems, did he? Why else would he be happy when he came home, or that you guys are his friends?" Big brown eyes stared heartily, hoping to hear some sort of good news.

Brian gave a small chuckle. "You are quite observing, Lucy. Yes, your brother got very lucky when he got sorted in Slytherin. This is where things get slightly complicated." He took a drink of water — when had it appeared on the table? —, taking his time. "You see, Hogwarts was founded by four Witches and Wizards, who gave their names to the Houses. What hasn't been known was that they got the idea of the school by a dream that Aslan sent. For …"

Brian told the Pevensies the story about the founding of the Knights of Aslan. How each Knight would find their successors through a dream, their training and all that. He even explained to the Pevensies about Edmund's situation as Ward of the Blacks.

It did relieve the older siblings to know that someone was watching over their brother. The five of them talked a bit, answering questions or explaining things concerning magic, the Knights or even Narnia. Up until they heard the horn being blown with the cheers of the crowd up ahead.

Edmund was and sound, while Aslan's army had one upped the Evil Queen. "Let's go." Brian told them, getting up gracefully. "I think that you would like to see your brother's safety with your very own eyes."

He didn't need to repeat himself twice, as the Pevensies rushed towards the commotion. Peter in front as they went to see Edmund. For the next couple of days, they wouldn't let him leave their sight, not if any of the Pevensies could help it. Truth and honesty was needed to keep them together in this strange new world.

— OotW —

Telling one of his most entrenched secrets was liberating, at least it was for Edmund. He had braced himself for a bad reaction — at best, deep anger and disapproval at Edmund, at worst being completed ignored and rejected from his siblings — yet none of what he had imagined compared to what he got.

Lucy, as he expected, just took his magic in stride. She was more interested in what he could do and his knowledge of Narnia. As predicted, she pestered Edmund about every detail he knew, which was vastly different from the current Narnia. The little ones and her took great pleasure in hearing the tales of King Frank the Vth's court and the adventures that Edmund had with the King's sons, Frank Jr and Col.

Susan was the one who was trying to digest all that was happening. She had always been the one to use facts and logic to understand. Although, in this particular case, facts and logic can only go so far. At least she was trying to wrap her mind up on all the events, while still being nice to Edmund. She felt terribly sorry for what Edmund had to go through without having the trust of his siblings. She just hoped that now they can be a proper family now, without any secrets to pollute it anymore.

Peter was the worst of the lot, at least in Edmund's eyes. He neither despised, nor loved Edmund even more. In fact, apart from talking a bit to Edmund when the situation demanded it, he completely ignored his younger brother. That hurt Edmund the most, even if he tried to hide it.

Auric often brought his cubs whose mischief generated a smile on the Knight's lips. Lucy was always in the area, coaxing happiness in Edmund, as she too saw the sadness that Peter induced. To do so, Lucy created games with Auric's cubs and other children, such as the story time, hide-and-seek or even tag.

Another type of game that Lucy and the children played was one that the four knights of Narnia had devised to help organize a defense system that would not only enable the children to reach safety, while simultaneously giving them a modicum of defense.

Peter's problem with Edmund wasn't his little brother himself, rather a vicious case of jealously. He saw how close Edmund was with the other three knights, how at ease his little brother was with Brian especially. He desired that same closeness with his brother, the same look of wonder Edmund had when he was with Brian, Michael or even Leia. Rather than lash out to Edmund with all this envy inside of him, he preferred to ignore him. While still knowing fully well how hurt Edmund was at his current behavior.

Eventually, the situation regarding Peter and Edmund was forced into a resolution. It took the combined forces of Lucy, Brian, Michael and Leia — Lucy forcing Susan along the way — to create a situation that forced Peter and Edmund into confinement which then in turn brought on a hearty conversation with tears, shouts and generally lot's of emotions brought out in the open. Let it be known that a Ravenclaw is always handy to have a confinement created out of thin air.

This conversation took place in the nick of time too, for by the very next day, Peter had taken a very important decision while another important event took place later that day.

— OotW —

It all started during breakfast. Edmund was gobbling down pieces of toasts, drizzling with butter and honey, while Lucy and Susan was slightly mocking him about the endless number of toasts that the Camp had in its stock. Leia was on the side, her head in a book about strategies, nibbling on an apple. Brian and Michael had taken morning patrol and were not there.

Amidst the ribbing, Peter stepped in the conversation. "Don't forget to pack up some toasts, you will have a long journey ahead." His siblings stopped and stared at the eldest.

"I don't understand." Lucy told Peter, her eyes slightly wider in bewilderment. "I thought we were going to help Narnia out. They need us." Small droplets of tears formed in the corner of her eyes.

"I promised mom that I'll keep you safe. She sent us out to the countryside to protect us from the war, not join another one. Susan, you will be in charge to guide them back home as I will stay here and fight."

"But they need all of us." Lucy fired back instantly, her sadness leaking in her voice.

"It's too dangerous, Lucy." Peter told her, in his no-nonsense tone of voice. "You almost drowned. Edmund was almost killed. I won't have it. I can't bear the thought of loosing any of you."

Leia just turned her page, knowing that Edmund will show his brother reason. She would only intervene if her fellow Knight so desired.

"I don't think you understand, Peter. For one, I am a Knight of Narnia," Edmund started, his tone measured while his eyes showed his frustration to those that would look. "That entails that in time of danger, myself and the other three Knights will rise to fight. So even if you don't want me to participate in this war, you don't have a choice but to comply. Second, according to the prophecy, two sons of Adams and two daughter of Eve are needed to lift the winter that Narnia is suffering. That will not happen if Susan and Lucy leave."

Before Peter could protest, Susan stood up from the breakfast table. "Well then, I suppose that's it then."

"Where do you think you're going?" Peter asked.

"To get some practice of course." Susan told him, picking up her bow and arrow, gifts from Father Christmas. Lucy, all smiling and bouncing, soon followed her. Turning towards Leia, Susan wondered "Would you teach me shoot these, please?"

Closing her book, the Knight of the North smiled softly. "It will be my pleasure." She showed the way to the target practice. The morning passed by as Leia taught both Susan to shoot and Lucy to throw. They were naturals at the thing. Meanwhile, Edmund and Peter practiced sword fighting, soon joined by the two other Knights of Narnia. Edmund was glad to finally best his brother at something in the beginning, which didn't last too long as Peter soon got the hang of things.

After the midday meal, Aslan asked for his Knights to join him for some words. Each knight kneeled at his — or her — cardinal point, sword down, head bow. The swords glittered in the sunlight, with each main House color shining brightly: Gryffindor's rubies, Slytherin's emeralds, Ravenclaw's sapphires and Hufflepuff's topazes. The swords were the original that the Founders had, bestowed on their representatives during a small ceremony to bestow their knighthood.

They stood in the field, not to far from the camp, where all of those that were free of their duties came to watch and see.

"Knights of Narnia, you four have been chosen to help defend my country. Each and every one of you represent one trait that will destroy the White Witch's reign."

Aslan turned towards Leia Kerasos from Ravenclaw. "Arise, Valraven, Knight of the North. You are the representatives of Wisdom. Defend my people well with your wit."

"I will, Great Aslan. On my life, on my magic and on my House, I swear to protect your people to the best of my abilities for this upcoming battle." The Ravenclaw stood tall and proud, every inch of her being shining, her sword back in its sheath.

Aslan then turned towards Brian Prewett of Gryffindor. "Arise Leo, Knight of the East. You are the one to embody Strength. May your sword cut down the enemy during battle."

Brian rose from his stance, his sword held straight and true in front of him. "I swear it on my life, my magic and my House, Magnificent One, to bring down all enemy of Narnia. My sword is yours to command."

Aslan nodded at the statement before standing in front of Michael Smith of Hufflepuff. "Arise Broch, Knight of the South. Even if you do not look like it, you are the one with Force. Let your gentle nature temper such power."

Michael was the tallest of the four, making an imposing image with his sword pointed at the ground. "Like all the Broch before me, I swear to use my power to protect those that are under my care and injured. So mote it be on my life, my magic and my House, ô Mighty Aslan."

Finally, Aslan turned to Edmund. "And finally, arise Ophiuchus, Knight of the West. Not only were you destined as one of Narnia's Kings, but your Cunningness will bring down all of those that even think to do harm to your land. Do not hesitate in your actions, as your heart will always hold you back in times of need."

Edmund stood up, his sword high in the sky to complete the ritual. "I swear to you, Dear Aslan, on my life, my magic and my House, to always protect Narnia and help her in any way I can."

"Then the fate of this country is in good hands." Aslan let out a mighty roar amidst the cheers of the crowd. The four Knights rose their swords in the air, joining them together while shouting out "IN THE NAME OF NARNIA WE SO SWEAR."

Just soon after, the trumpets sounded as a faun approached in a run. "The White Witch has arrived. She wishes for you to have an audience with her." The crowd scattered in different directions, the warriors to take their positions, the healers to be ready in case of injury as the mothers and all those in charge of the young ones herded the children away to safety.

The False Queen entered the camp soon after, heralded by Ginarrbrik as she was carried by four foul-looking cyclops. She was welcomed with boos and hisses as she was walked down the aisle to Aslan's tent.

Half-way on the route, her cyclops put her chair down, allowing her to stand up in a regal way. Her pale skin was practically translucent under the sunlight, giving her a sick look with her white dress. She walked a couple of steps forward, slowly as if she was savoring her moment and show her power, while not straying to far from her protection. Her eyes lingered on Edmund for a couple of moments. He stood on the side, amidst his brother and sisters, his fellow knights just behind him.

"You have a traitor in your midsts Aslan." She hissed some of the words, her deceitful words taking a sweet honeyed tone.

Peter stood nearer to his brother as Edmund face grew somber in anger. How dare she call him a traitor while it was her magic that controlled him.

"His offense was not against you." Aslan fired back, his measured tone bringing waves of reassurance to the group. He also insisted on the word 'you'.

She pressed on, her eyes unable to face the golden ones of the mighty lion. "Have you forgotten the laws upon which Narnia was built on?" She was mocking him and they both knew it.

With a slight roar in his tone, Aslan fired back instantly, "Do not cite to me the Deep Magic, Witch." Lucy turned her head quickly towards Aslan, her eyes holding fright in them. It was the first time she saw Aslan be so angry among the fact that she may loose her brother. "I was there when It was written."

Leia stepped forward from her place, turning towards Aslan for a mute permission to intervene. He nodded, giving it to her. The False Queen wondered who this person was to intervene in this serious conversation. Leia's voice held iciness that rivaled the White Witch's magic. "You do well to remember, Jadis" the name hissed like a curse, "that it was your magic that forced my brother-in-arms to turn traitor against his will. His blood cannot belong to the one that forces her sacrifice."

"Well played little girl.," Jadis, as it was her name before coming to Narnia, agreed, "but, according to the laws, every traitor belongs to me. Besides, he may have not betrayed his siblings through his own will, but the location of your camp was his fault."

"In exchange for the life of a Narnian, something you forced upon him." Leia retorted back sharply. "However, if you still insist on taking his blood …"

"It is my property as any traitor belongs to me, regardless of the situation. He chose to betray hence sealing his Fate in my hands. Nothing can deny me my right!"

Brian held Peter back before the eldest sibling could unsheathe his sword. His eyes telling Peter to trust them in this. It would not do for his anger to bring about a worse fate for Edmund.

Leia continued as her brown hair flew in an unseen wind giving an air of terror. The craw of crows could be heard in the background. "Do not interrupt Witch, or you shall see, hear, feel and taste a terror that will be far worse if you continue down this road. You claim that Edmund's blood is your propriety, that is a fact which none will contest. Nonetheless, the Deep Magic has rules against forcing someone in becoming a traitor as you have."

"And what will you suggest," the False Queen looked up and down at the Knight mockingly, ignoring the power coming from her, "little girl."

"This little girl," the scathing tone rivaled her opponent's, "can cause you lot's of pain as well as being knowledgeable of the Deep Magic. When it first created Narnia, Rowena Ravenclaw was there. She wrote each and every law down before passing it on to her successor who passed it on to his successor and so forth until it arrived in my hands. You would do well to not play with Deep Magic."

"Enough, said your piece." Aslan told his Knight. Leia acknowledged the order and stood back, taking a more normal look than before. "Come with me," he addressed the Witch, "we will talk alone."

— OotW —

The next few minutes passed in stone silence. Peter, Susan, Lucy, Brian, Michael, Leia and Edmund sat together in a circle. The Knights didn't look frightened at all.

Lucy was afraid for her brother, would she loose him when she just got him back. "How do you know that the White Witch won't take Edmund with her?" She looked at Leia insistently as if she held all the answers of the universe. That was normal since she had never seen such a strong-willed woman such as Leia. A proper woman was a bit more mild and less wild like.

The latter brought out a book from thin air. Turning the pages, she found the right part that she showed Lucy. It was written in Latin in a stylized writing and images on the border of red, blue, gold and green. Lucy caressed the page softly as she sat down in Leia's lap. "What does it say?"

"That their are two other ways for the White Witch to not have her due, if she tries to create a traitor for herself using either magic or by forcing the individual in a situation where he is forced to betray. The first is for her to back off."

"And the second?" Susan asked.

"The second is by way of a magic duel." Edmund answered his sister. "If the individual has magic, then he or she is allowed to challenge the White Witch." Seeing the surprised looks, he exclaimed, "What?! Myra made me study the law books just in case something like this every happened."

"So either way, your brother will be safe. He was taught by a Black." Brian added to the conversation.

"How is that significant?" Peter questioned.

Michael grinned at the fact. "Blacks are notorious for the dirty fighting. They are crafty, sly and always have a trick up their sleeves. Out of the four, Edmund is the best in a duel with the few spells he uses. With a little more knowledge, and he will be the best duelist in England."

Edmund blushed. "Thank you, I had a great mentor."

"As I said, taught by a Black." Brian grinned.

The group was silenced as the False Queen left the tent, soon followed by the Great Lion. "The Witch has denounced her claim."

Everyone cheered at the good news. The Knights narrowed their eyes at the information. It was to smooth, to easy for her to abandon it so easily.

Jadis started to walk towards her chair, before she would sit down, she called out. "How will I know that you will keep your word?"

The roar made her fall on her chair. The laughter accompanied her 'escape'.

Among the cheerful joyfulness of one-upping the False White Queen, Edmund, Leia, Michael and Brian shared looks that spoke volumes. Something was up and they will be getting to the bottom of this.

They placed alert-wards around the Main Tent, just in case the False Queen would try something under handy — she was renown for doing such a thing. Instead, they woke up by someone leaving the tent. Since only Aslan resided in the tent, that meant that Aslan wanted them to know he was leaving, as the Great Lion could leave his tent with nary a whisper.

What they didn't predict was that Lucy and Susan had also seen Aslan leave the camp. Seeing that only girls were there, they decided that Leia would go with them to protect and understand. She was the best choice as her wisdom helped her decide the best course of action.

She could hear the conversation between Aslan and Edmund's sisters. "Aren't you suppose to be in bed?" The Emperor of the Sea's son asked to the girls.

Lucy the Intrepid replied, "We couldn't sleep."

"Please Aslan." Susan pleaded. "Couldn't we come with you?"

"I would be glad for the company tonight." Aslan told them. "You too as well, my little Valraven. The girls will be safer with you as their protector."

Leia approached the group. "What are you doing Aslan? You know that the laws of Deep Magic would allow for Edmund to survive against the White Witch."

"But at what cost, Dear One? At what cost? There are many roads that could lead to Edmund's victory just as there are as many roads that lead to his death. Each story is unique and complex that no one, not even I, know for sure the course that will be taken."

The group continued their walk in the forest under the starry night. The breeze cooled the air in a pleasant temperature. It was a normal night that didn't give any notion that something was about to come. Finally, in a nest of rocks, Aslan stopped. "It is time. Now, I must go alone, dear ones. Thank you Lucy. Thank you Susan. Thank you Leia. And farewell."

He left them within the nests as he headed towards an orange-reddish light. The girls climbed on one of the rocks and watched the Great Lion's progress.

They soon realized that they were near the Witch's camp. Ugly goblins, monsters from different shapes and sizes, dwarves from the Black Beard clans and even Minotaurs populated the area, their gruesome traits emphasized among the flickering torches and fire-pits.

The frightful crowd jeered, screamed and mocked the lion walking in the middle of their lines. Aslan said nothing, walking silently and proudly as the crowd tormented him. Claws and hisses surrounded him, while at the end stood the Mocking Queen in ceremonial black robes of sacrifices next to a table made of stone.

Then, all of a sudden, one the goblins jumped in front of Aslan. It sneered, showing it's teeth. Aslan stopped, waiting for his path to clear.

"Why isn't he fighting back?" Lucy wondered softly. Her companions didn't have any answers to give her.

"Enough." The White Witch called out to her followers. "Bind the Mighty Lion." Many of her followers, at least those that were the closest to Aslan, lunged on Aslan who stood there calmly. The bonded him in chaffing ropes so tightly that it was more than necessary.

"Bring him here, on the table." Her followers started to drag the lion towards the Stone Table. Just as they were about to haul him up, the White Witch called out "Wait! Let's shave him first." Brandishing her dagger high in the air, the False Queen was the first to take off a large chump of main. She allowed her most loyal followers to continue the shaving process while she brandished her trophy to her adoring crowd of subjects.

"Now," she crowed, "the mighty lion is merely a cat. Bind him on the table for the sacrifice." The jeers and catcalls grew louder as hollers were added.

With a wave of her hand, she silenced the crowd. "My loyal subjects, hold your blood-thirst for the moment. Tonight, the Deep Magic shall be satisfied while tomorrow, … Tomorrow, we will take Narnia … FOREVER."

The night trembled with the cries and howling of jubilation. They chilled the girls down to the core. Only the Knight of the North stood strong and true, ready to defend her charges in case of any problems.

The Witch approached her sacrifice's ear, her whisper amplified by her magic for her subjects to hear her cruel, taunting words. "You know, Aslan, I'm a little disappointed in you. Did you really think that by giving your life you would save the Human boy? Ha!" Her gleefulness made her shine an aura of craziness, revealing her true nature for all to see. "You are giving up your life, and saving no one. So much for love."

And with those last words, she brought her stone knife high in the air. The crowd chanted with the rhythmic thumping of the drums. "In that knowledge… Despair… And DIE!" The knife plunged deep in Aslan's body.

The only thing that the girls could see was the spasms before the body finally rested forever. His golden eyes closed to the sight of three white-faced girls, hidden in the shadows from the rest of the enemy.

Crowing loudly "The great cat is DEAD!" the White Witch laughed, the sounds reverberating throughout the night. She turned towards her generals. "Generals, prepare for a very short battle tomorrow! We will completely destroy the rebels!"

The drums pounded, thumped and thudded in various fast paces, the frenzy gaining in intensity. The monsters danced in elation, the thirst for blood bringing in the savagery of their nature in the air. They danced long into the night until twilight had dawned for the enemy's camp. They left the Stone Table to prepare for the fast approaching battle.

When everything was quite, the girls approached the Stone Table cautiously. All of them were in tears, Lucy sobbing softly. Susan was the one to point out that it was too late. "He's gone."

"But why would he let himself be sacrificed?" Leia wondered. "Aslan knew what he was doing, their is no doubt about it, but what is it?"

"We have to go." Susan declared. "The others must be warned of what has happened."

"But we can't just leave him here." Susan's sister protested.

"Lucy! We don't have the time." Susan was always the level-headed one. "We have to tell the others, no matter what happens."

"Why don't we use the trees?" Leia proposed. "During my time as an apprentice, the trees were used as a relay system during the war. The dryads can use the wind to travel great distances far faster than any winged-messenger and with less danger too."

"Could you please do it, Leia?"

"Of course, Susan. Take your time with Lucy to say goodbye, I won't be long."

Leia crept towards a small group of trees, sakuras to be more precise. The area was a bit different from her memories, yet she could recall that this particular cluster was extremely loyal to Aslan. They were the swiftest as well so she knew that the message would be received in the briefest delays.

Just as she was finishing relaying her message, she heard a load CRACK reverberating through the starry night. Barely glancing at the swirling wind of pink, green and white, Leia ran back to the girls.

She was treated to the wondrous sight, in the gleaming sunlight, of the Creator of Narnia standing proud and tall. She felt the brush of small fur passed by, a mouse or a rat if the glimpse of what she saw wasn't wrong. The ropes had been gnawed, dangling on the sides or in the middle of the Stone Table. The middle was completely cracked in two.

It took her a couple of seconds before she joined the other two girls in hugging the Great Lion. "Children, Children," he rumbled, his own little laughter. "I am alright."

"We saw the Witch," Susan started, "the knife." She couldn't trail on, the horror being too vivid in her mind for her to take a step back.

Leia stood back sharply, her mind racing rapidly. "You used the Deep Magic against the Witch, didn't you Aslan?"

Aslan's gaze was serious as he answered. "That is true. For if a willing victim who has committed no treachery died in the traitor's place, then the Stone Table will crack and death itself would begin to unwind."

"Even if we aren't sure if the traitor is truly a traitor?"

"If the sacrificer deems the sacrifice to be a traitor, then it very difficult to know if the Deep Magic considers the same thing."

Susan frowned at something. "Leia, did you already sent word as to what has happened?"

"I did Susan. The trees had already departed when I heard the Stone Table break in two. There is little I can do to call it back."

Lucy drew her little knife from her belt. "We have to help them." Her small face was fearless, despite the fact that her hands were trembling slightly.

Aslan's paw pulled her hand down, as he chuckled a bit at the scene. "We will, but not alone." He shook his head. "Climb on my backs, young ones, we have a long way to go and little time to get there."

Susan and Lucy climbed on His Back, aided by Leia who did not follow them. "Leia?" Wondered Lucy, curious as to why the Valraven wouldn't be joining them.

"My duty is to help the Narnians win the battle. You don't need my protection, but they do. By your leave, Aslan, I will depart to do my part as one of your Knights."

"Go dear one, your wisdom may save many lives, but do not spread the tale of my return yet."

His Knight understood his meaning. "You want to surprise the Witch." She said out loud. "Then I will keep the secret, even if I disagree on the fact."

"Take care of yourself Leia." Lucy told her.

"And take care of our brothers." Susan added.

Bowing once more, Leia turned around to jog back to the camp who was a bit far away. She did have the time to hear Aslan warn the girls on his back to cover their ears, before the greatest roar ever heard since the dawn of time echoed in the valley as the red sun rose in the pink and blue sky.

The White Witch had made another mistake when she tried to kill her opponent. Her first being that she attacked and used Edmund. That is something that would not be forgotten by either of the four Knights.

— OotW —

Back at the camp, the Sakura Dryad had flew quickly and entered the tent that the Knights and Peter shared. She was greeted by two swords and two wands. She held up her hands to show she was unarmed. "Fear not, my princes, dear knights, for I come with grave tidings." She told them of Aslan's demise and of the Witch's plan.

This brought the four boys wide awake. Peter thanked the dryad who swirled away in green, pink and white. "What do we do?" He asked the others after a minute of silence.

"What we have to." Brian answered. "To fight against the False Queen's army." He turned to his brother-in-arms, "Edmund, do you have a plan that could help us?"

"I'm not too sure." Edmund replied. "But the first thing I think we have to do is warn the rest of the camp."

"And then?" Peter continued.

"And then, you'll have to lead us." Edmund's answer was simple and short.

"I can't!" Peter exclaimed. "I'm not ready, nor do I have the knowledge to be able too. Why can't Brian, Michael or even you do it? You have more knowledge in that sort of thing."

"We can't because Aslan believes in you." Michael told Peter. "Besides, we may have learned how to fight, but we cannot lead an army into battle. We will be able to counsel you, but all decisions will be up to you."

Taking a deep breath, Peter's face hardened slightly. "Alright then. Let's do it. First, we'll have to rouse General Oreius for his counsel. Then, let's devise a strategy that will make us win against the Witch at the minimum cost of life possible."

"We can help you with that." Brian intervened. "Give us a bit of time and we can use our magic on the weapons and shields to make them sturdier and less breakable."

"Perfect. Then let's go win a war."

The four of them left the tent to spread the news. As predicted, the Narnians were in shock from the dire news they had received. However, they quickly shoved it to the side to fight for their land. They would take the time to mourn their beloved leader later, when all of this would be over.

While Peter and the Centaur started to hatch out a plan, the three knights had gathered in a circle to devise their own strategy to protect the soldiers. They soon decided to separate the camp into three parts that each one of them would take.

First, they spread the word as to what they would be doing, giving an hour for the soldiers to decide what weapon, shield and armor they would be using. Then, they went throughout the camp to cast and spell what was needed.

To try and lift up the mood, they even started to sing one of Hogwart's songs that they had learned. The added bonus being it was a shield spell to protect the camp and all non-combatants. Their voices mingled throughout the camp, clear and loud as if they stood side-by-side even if wasn't the case.