Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: A sorcerer challenged by Aslan. Love and friendship alike are tested by his presence. And the Gentle Queen faces her own challenge when the sorcerer's true colors are unveiled.

A/N: If you have not read the first eight stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakened, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, Rekindled, Refracted, Reflected, and Veiled), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Seven: Decisions, Decisions

Edmund exchanged a worried glance with Peter before they both turned to Oreius. The Centaur's face was as impassive as always but Edmund still caught a glimpse of worry lingering beneath. "The patrol that Kat's leading has just disappeared?"

The General moved one of the markers. "They were last seen here, crossing the border, two days ago. For some reason, Dame Sepphora drove the patrol to march through the night instead of making camp as the scouts assumed and they have lost their trail."

Examining the map, Edmund frowned then tapped one of the passes. "This leads to the Western March. Could they have gone that way?"

"But why?" his brother asked then added, "There weren't any reports of Fell lingering along the border. They've well and truly dispersed from what your spies last reported, Ed."

"I know." Edmund's frown deepened. "I don't think Kat's going to chase after the Fell Giants, though. They're busy fighting each other again this year. Too busy squabbling to target Narnia herself."

"Werewolves?"

Edmund looked at Peter and then they both turned to Oreius. Edmund scrambled to think of a diplomatic way to say what he was now suspecting. But, he couldn't. He could only hope that Oreius didn't feel the breach of etiquette serious enough to warrant visiting the points of the compass. "Oreius, could… Well, did you actually assign Kat to head the patrol? Or did she just…leave?"

The Centaur looked up from the map slowly and raised an eyebrow. "If you are attempting to ask me whether my wife has decided to run away, My King, I assure you that is not the case. I do not know why Dame Sepphora has diverted the patrol but I trust we shall learn it was necessary." He set another marker on the pass leading to the Western March and added, "She would not run away with an entire patrol in any case. Too much work."

Peter cleared his throat. "Should we search for them or wait for their eventual return?"

Edmund glanced at their General then shook his head, addressing his brother, "Might as well wait. Kat hates interference anyway. Besides, we need-"

The doors burst open and his Wolves yipped and howled or rather, one of them yipped and howled while the other was carrying a snarling Badger. "Yer blamed fools! Put me down! I'll rip ya apart!"

"Oh, no," Edmund breathed just before the Wolves pranced over to him. He glared at them. "Romulus! Remus! Put Sophocles down."

The Greyback twin who was not currently holding the Badger tilted his head with a confused but still earnest light in his yellow eyes. "But King Edmund, we heard him this time! He was plotting against the Princess Royal and the Gentle and the General!"

"Yer outta yer blooming mind!"

Edmund heard Peter cough behind him and shot a poisonous glare at his brother, who wasn't doing a very good job of hiding his amusement. This was all Peter's fault. He turned his attention back to those blasted Wolves and snapped, "Put Sophocles down, Remus!"

The Wolf pup immediately dropped the Badger at his feet and wagged his tail, giving him a wide doggy grin with his pink tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. "We caught the traitor, King Edmund! We caught him!"

Romulus nodded. "And he keeps trying to murder us so you don't find out about him!"

Sophocles let out a hissing growl and shook his fist at the Wolves. "I'll rip yer noses clean off! Gettin' where decent folks canna enjoy their burrows in peace. And ya put holes in me house again. Knocked over two bookcases. Two!"

Edmund raised his voice. "All right, enough!" When the Wolves continued to growl at Sophocles, Edmund pointed at them and snapped, "Come here." They finally seemed to realize he was not happy with their hunting. Their heads dropped and their tails drooped until firmly tucked between their legs as they sank to their bellies and crawled around to either side of him. "Do not move and don't speak." Satisfied the Greyback twins wouldn't have any more outbursts (for a few minutes at least), Edmund turned back to the cantankerous Badger. "Master Sophocles, I apologize again for the Greybacks trespassing on your home again. I assure you this incident will not repeat itself."

The Badger huffed. "Should hope not, yer majesty. Don't be needin' a bunch of Wolves runnin' 'round and terrorizing loyal Narnians again. Bad memories there, yer majesty, bad memories there."

He flushed but bowed slightly. "I understand, Sophocles, and I will ensure that they understand it too. However, might you enlighten us as to what caused my Wolves to misunderstand your intentions this time?"

Sophocles peered up at him then sniffed. "I was mindin' me own business, that's what happened. Had ta go about in the day ta see Queen Lucy. Invited me ta tea, she did. Then I get back ta me burrow, intendin' ta catch some sleep and these bloomin' fools began ripping into me house!"

"Did you and our sister discuss the Gentle and the Princess Royal and the General?"

The Badger looked down his nose at him, his disdain for the question written clearly across his masked face. "The Queen Lucy be allowed ta discuss whomever she wants, I 'spect. She merely told me that she was sorry the Gentle was too busy dealin' with some poppycock ta join the tea party. I said I was glad the Princess Royal was away from the Cair. Woman leaves too much trouble in her wake. Queen Lucy asked why I be sayin' so and I tells her majesty that the Princess Royal caused the General himself ta gallop atop me burrow, shook the entire place. Much easier when she's away from the Cair then iffen the General gallop atop any other burrows, it won't be mine, ya see?"

Edmund didn't dare glance behind him at Oreius. Peter made a half-strangled sound. Oh, he hoped his lummox of a brother didn't get them sentenced to visit the points of the compass because he laughed at the wrong time. Edmund cleared his throat twice and then asked very carefully, "I do see. Thank you for clearing the matter up for us, Master Sophocles. I apologize again for the damage done to your home and the interruption to your day. This will not happen again."

The old Badger sniffed then waddled out the door, muttering to himself about blamed Wolves. Edmund clenched his fists and then breathed out slowly as he turned his attention to the Wolves. Blast Peter for giving him such green pups. He took another deep breath and then let it out slowly. "How many times must I tell you to leave that Badger alone?"

The Wolves whined, looking up at him with the most heartbroken of expressions. Remus whined again. "We thought he's a traitor."

"Why? How many times have I told you that Sophocles is not a traitor or a spy or in any way an enemy?" Edmund scowled and began pacing. "If you keep this up, I'll have to agree to the last proposal the good General made concerning my guard. If I can't trust you two to stop pestering Sophocles, you'll have to go back through basic training and the General will assign me different personal guards."

The twin yelps of alarm made him wince inside but he only crossed his arms and looked down at them in utter seriousness. Remus reached out to paw at his boot, whimpering, "Don't make us leave, Alpha."

"We want to stay with you. You're our Alpha."

"Can you behave yourselves and leave Sophocles alone?"

The Wolves exchanged worried glances and then looked up at him, their hearts in their eyes. "Yes, Alpha."

Remus wagged his tail tentatively. "We can, Alpha. We promise. We won't bother Sophocles anymore even if he does smell funny and doesn't like coming out in the daytime."

Edmund stopped then groaned. "Have you been suspicious of him because he's nocturnal?"

"Yes." Remus paused then tilted his head. "What's nocturnal?"

Peter abruptly walked to the other side of the room, shoulders shaking. Edmund ignored the urge to shove him into a mud pit or maybe just a room full of his greatest admirers with Freddie in the lead. That venerable lady was still unwed and still fixated on Peter. Instead, he rubbed his forehead. "It means that Sophocles prefers to sleep during the day and go about his business at night. Just like the night watch and the Owls and some of the Lemurs."

His Wolves exchanged looks. Then Remus narrowed his eyes. "Then why's he sneaking around the gardens in the daytime?"

"To have tea with Lucy and to repair the damage you did to his home." Edmund shook his head slowly. "Now I want you two to listen very carefully. The two of you cannot go around accusing anyone who doesn't smell familiar of being Fell or spies. Sophocles has not tried to murder you. All he did was scratch your noses because you were sticking them where they didn't belong and digging up his home. You've been bothering him for a year now and I've had enough. Bother Sophocles again and I'll have to let the General put you two back in basic training and he'll probably assign members of the Windwolf pack to be my new guards."

"We won't bother him again, Alpha!"

Remus nodded, wagging his tail enthusiastically as he leapt to his feet and bumped Edmund's hand with his nose. "We promise! We promise! We'll only bring you the real traitors and spies!"

Edmund worked hard not to smile. "All right, I'm trusting you both to keep your word and not forget this time. Now I have to go to another meeting. I want you two to go inspect the largest training yard and make a report about the creatures who visited it in the last three hours, from newest to oldest scents mind."

"Yes, Alpha!" His Wolves yipped in excitement then tore out of the room. Remus stepped on Bast's tail as he went and just avoided the Tigress' reprimanding swat.

"No running!" Edmund called after them, knowing it was too late to even hope they would listen to that particular admonishment. Peter snickered and Edmund glared at him. "This is all your fault."

"Mine?" His brother placed his thumb on the center of his chest while gazing at Edmund inquiringly.

"Yes, yours," Edmund retorted. "You're the one who gave them to me. All the headaches their antics have caused me are your fault, you great lummox."

Peter's mouth twitched and then he snickered. "But, they really just want to please their alpha. And you're always saying you need to practice being diplomatic."

"No I don't!"

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't!"

"Yes, Edmund, you do."

"No, I don't!"

"Your Majesties." Oreius waited until they were both looking at him before he continued, "I will set scouts to watch for the return of Dame Seppora's patrol. And you are late for your meeting."

Edmund cleared his throat then nodded. "Thank you, Oreius." He shoved Peter lightly. "Come on before you get us into trouble."

"Me? I rather thought that was your Wolves' specialty." Peter sidestepped before he could elbow him.

The brothers jostled each other as they walked down the corridor then Edmund shoved his brother a little harder. "I hope you're not planning to give Thalia food poisoning for your anniversary, Pete."

"She likes my cooking. Why don't you believe me?"

Edmund looked at him then deadpanned, "Because I've tasted your cooking. Not to mention it's just bad manners for the High King of Narnia to give his wife food poisoning in some misguided attempt to be silly and romantic and all that flimflam."

Peter shook his head. "I say you're just too picky when it comes to food, Ed. Besides, I have something very nice planned for our anniversary already so I don't need your input, brother mine." He paused and gave him a little grin. "Besides, you're the one who decided to threaten your Wolves into behaving by mentioning a year-old suggestion."

"I didn't threaten them. I just…capitalized on their intense rivalry with the Windwolf pack." Edmund smirked. "Besides, I never said it was a recent suggestion. And if it keeps them from digging up Sophocles again, so much the better."

His brother nodded thoughtfully then laughed.

"What?"

Peter grinned. "You know they'll probably just find some other cantankerous Badger to dig up and bring to you."

"Lion preserve us!" At his brother's laugh, Edmund feigned one of his own…until they rounded the corner and he stuck his foot out to trip Peter before he dashed past him, snickering.

"I'll get you for that, Pevensie!"

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

13 Sunbend 1009

He was glad for the dull burn in his arms and shoulders and back as he continued to swing the ax, chopping the wood logs into a more manageable size for the fire. A single lantern sat on the woodpile, shining bright and undaunted as Markus continued chopping firewood in spite of dark around him. He needed to expend energy somehow and he cared not to take up his katana. Not yet, at least. Oberon's latest challenge to him continued to ring in his ears but Markus grit his teeth against the urge to go back inside and ask the crazy old man how what he said could be true. How could the Lion want him?

"Impossible," he growled under his breath and swung the ax with more vehemence. Impossible, yes. And very foolish. How could one who had served evil for so long, had allied himself so closely with the Fell that he declared himself to be of them, be redeemed by the Lion? It was different with the dark-haired king. Aslan had a special fondness for the fallible children of Adam and Eve. Constantly showing them mercy undeserved even when they did not realize it. He was not one of them, though. Nor was he of Narnia. He was of Charn like Jadis. There could be no redemption for him. He had fallen too far and he knew it.

Then why? Why did he not leave? Oberon had made it clear that he was not a prisoner and was free to leave whenever he chose but still Markus found himself lingering. His injuries long healed and yet he lingered. Why?

"I want to understand." He spoke the words aloud, finally admitting the truth that had been following in his shadow for so long. Yes, he wanted to understand why Oberon continued to instruct him on Aslan and His ways, on why all were considered worthy in His eyes no matter how worthless and pitiful their lives might be or at least appear to be. And…and he wanted to understand why Aslan continued to spare him. Why did He spare him and why would He call him?

"Chosen you He has, that be why. But still refuse the stubborn one does to hear truth."

Markus buried the ax head in the stump and turned to face Oberon. The crazy elder's eyes twinkled as he lay one gnarled finger along the side of his nose. "Now thinks Oberon be Markus ready to hear, to see, to choose."

"I can't be chosen." His argument sounded weak to his own ears and his heart wrestled with his mind. Yearning wrestled against knowing. "I've done too much."

"No." The hand that landed on his shoulder was gnarled but still possessed strength. Oberon squeezed then repeated, "No. Only too much if Markus refuse. The gift offered Aslan has will not leave, not before his choice Markus makes."

He looked out into the darkness, panting slightly from exertion. "Every gift I have used against Him. Every time I have set my will against His, striving to eliminate His light in His servants. I cannot make up for that, Oberon."

He winced at the sharp blow from the staff and reached up to rub his skull, wondering at the absence of a knot. Oberon poked him in the chest with the end of the staff. "None make their past sins and failings up. And asks for this Aslan does not. He knows! Knows He trials and temptations and sufferings! Knows He and mercy He grants. Even to a star, tumbling down from heavens, Aslan mercy shows. From the skies banished he was but humbled and penitent to Aslan he returned. Uses him the Great Lion does to give messages, friendship, and guidance as he can."

"That is different."

"How?"

Markus opened his mouth to set forth the list of faults, of crimes that kept him too low to even look upon the Great Lion. But he had already looked upon the Great Lion…twice. Twice he had looked upon the Great Lion, twice his life had been in his Enemy's paws, and twice his life had been spared. When he had been the enemy, Aslan Himself had looked upon him with mercy and spared him, giving him one more chance to… To choose to accept Him? To accept His proffered mercy? To accept the invitation to be one of His chosen?

He staggered at the realization. Rough wood dug into his shoulders as he leaned against the woodpile, head down. He stared at his hands and realized it had been over two weeks since he had attempted to call for his magic. He had been too preoccupied with the questions and the conversations about the Great Lion. Aslan. A Name he no longer despised. Had not despised since he first began to listen to Oberon's words. Now the Name called to him, intrigued him, and made him yearn cautiously for more. But to hope for more would be to admit that Oberon was correct. He, Markus of the Fell and once of Charn, had been chosen by the Great Lion and offered the chance to choose to accept His invitation.

Falling to his knees, Markus raised his head just as the dawn's pale light began to peek over the trees. "What must I do?"

Oberon knelt in front of him, placing one gnarled hand on his shoulder and the other against his chest. "You must choose and accept. In here." He patted Markus' chest. "The choice will Markus take on long road, dangerous. No more look back. Forward look to Aslan. Aslan no more sees evil, fallen path, Markus no more sees. Past lessons take but not guilt. All forgiven and gone."

He could hardly believe it. How could it be that Aslan who was all that is good and pure and light would simply look no more on his past sins? Because…because that was mercy and that was grace. Markus looked up at the lightening eastern horizon. He still did not feel his magic, that perhaps was gone forever, but it no longer mattered for he felt something far greater, far more humbling and inspiring. He felt Aslan's presence in the glade, even though he could not see the Great Lion, and he whispered, "I choose You. Make me Yours, Great Aslan."

The burdens of so many years, of so many sins and all he had done in Jadis' name, in the name of the Fell, and in his own name, fell away. The fear and unease that had long plagued him retreated and that hissing, sly voice wailed once then was silenced. Markus remained on his knees as the light grew beyond that of the dawn. He did not see Aslan but he heard His voice clearly, "Welcome, Markus, My son. Tarry with Oberon and learn from him for a week's time. Then ask Oberon what you must do next. Be of good courage, Markus, and remember you are Mine."

Then the light faded to that of the pink and orange tendrils curling across the lightening sky. Markus saw Oberon watching him with a father's pride shining in his brown eyes. He drew a deep breath as he rose to his feet and then bowed. "Teach me, please."

"Feed her."

Markus paused at the enigmatic response and then turned to see the little doe had indeed returned for her morning feed. He smiled slightly then scooped some feed corn out of the bucket resting next to the wood pile and held it out to her. "Here, Lily." He had dubbed her that after coming across her standing in the middle of a lily pond and had heartily avoided examining the reason he had given the vulnerable little doe any name at all. The doe twitched her tail then delicately picked her way toward him. She bumped his hand, swiveling her leaf-like ears, and then remained content to munch on the feed corn while Markus idly stroked her long graceful neck.

Oberon chuckled as he pulled out his pipe and lit it. "Before Markus pretty Lily knew his heart changing. Approach she would not if Markus smelt of danger and threat." He blew out a ring of smoke and then added, "Lesson one."

Markus smiled. The peace felt so odd but it was welcoming after so many, many years of turmoil. He wondered what it was Aslan wanted him to do after this week of learning. Whatever it was, he was certain that he would do it gladly.

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

A/N: Please Read and Review! Those Wolves! And Markus' journey just took another interesting turn, don't you think? I hope it inspires you to remember why we celebrate Jesus' birth tomorrow, not simply because He was born but because His birth heralded the end of the age of separation from God's holiness. The Babe in the manger brings hope because we know the end of the story, His birth was the beginning of the Life that has brought and continues to bring thousands hope and light in the midst of the darkness of our world. I am going to try for another chapter by Christmas proper but if not, I hope and pray all of you and your families have a very merry Christmas this year. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.

A/N2: Merry Christmas Eve!