A/N: Hello! I apologise for such the long gaps between updates, I am working on multiple writing projects and have had to prioritise. However, I am still determined to work on these stories when time allows, so for now please enjoy this latest chapter and thank you all for your support! AA
The sun was almost unbearable as it radiated down on the armies below. The desert breeze caused a mini typhoon of sand to blow between the ranks, forcing many to avert or cover their eyes. The mix of bright coloured banners of Crimson, Emerald and Amber were a welcome sight amongst the dreary colours the desert wasteland provided. Each displayed a coat of arms, the mighty Golden Lion and spirited White Stallion stood united on one side, while the glaring God Tash stood on the opposite dunes, like a dark omen for all to see.
The armies of Narnia, Archenland and Calormen had gathered in the Great Desert, tensions between the nations had risen in the last few years and now that Narnia and Archenland had reformed the old alliances of centuries passed, the Tisroc had reason to be nervous.
A tent had been erected in the no man's land between the two armies, there the rulers of each Kingdom and their closest advisors would sit and meet, under a flag of truce. While their loyal soldiers waited out in the baking sun with bated breath, wondering if war would be declared or averted as they watched as eight riders each rode out from the ranks of the gathered forces and moved towards the tent.
"I don't like this," Edmund muttered, his dark hair a welcome match with the silver crown and olive-green tunic he had decided to wear.
"It was the best decision, meeting in the desert means neither side can prepare an ambush," Peter replied with a sigh, his blonde hair, accompanied by a golden crown shone under the desert sun, while his electric blue eyes matched with his sapphire-coloured tunic.
"I agree with King Edmund, this location is far too close to Tashbaan," Peridan interjected as he looked at the Calormene forces with worried grey eyes. His blonde hair was almost the same shade as Peter's and his choice of a sky-blue tunic meant that from a distance, people could almost confuse him for the High King himself.
"It also makes it hard for us to conceal our numbers and we have too few compared to the Calormene army," General Oreius added, as he galloped alongside, his obsidian-coloured hair now showing specks of grey. The old Centaur had remained a loyal solider ever since he had met three of the Pevensies in Aslan's Camp and he had not left their side since.
"General, I remember you once telling me that numbers do not win a battle," Peter teased with a smile at the memory.
"Well, I'm glad to see that your memory is better than mine, Your Majesty," Oreius replied with a chuckle.
"Peter made the right decision, this is neutral ground and therefore the ideal place for such a meet," Lucy declared wisely, her long brunette hair blew in the slight desert breeze, while the silver flower patterned tiara gleamed atop her head, clashing with the fiery orange gown she wore.
"Thank you, Lucy, you see little brother, I made a good choice," Peter said smugly, which caused Edmund to stick his tongue out in a very unkinglike reply.
"Boys, can we not squabble when we're about to discuss peace terms with a warrior fuelled Empire," Susan scolded, once again forced to play the mother figure to her brothers. Her dark raven hair draped her shoulders like an ebony waterfall, while her golden tiara of ornate honey flowers beautifully complimented her scarlet and gold gown, which only enhanced the rumours of her beauty.
Together they had ruled Narnia for six years, in relative peace after the last of the White Witch's followers had been defeated and forced into the Wild Lands of the North several years previously, while her castle, which had served as a symbol of tyranny and evil for a hundred years had finally destroyed. They had then made strives to strengthen their ties with other Kingdoms, as treaties had been signed with Archenland and the Seven Isles, while the Lone Islands, which had been isolated during the Long Winter, had now been restored into the Narnian Empire.
Together they halted their steeds just outside the tent and dismounted as one. They stood shoulder to shoulder, a family of monarchs united to the end, while next to them Lord Peridan stood with King Lune of Archenland, a seasoned ruler and warrior who faced the tent with a grim look, and a younger Knight who spat into the sand before them, almost as if the very air had left a foul taste in his mouth.
"I smell treachery in the air," Caden grumbled, his fingers dancing over the hilt of the sword at his side.
Caden was King Lune's nephew and one of the greatest swordsmen Archenland had to offer. His loyalty to his country was unparalleled and his young handsome face and golden-brown hair left many maidens desiring the presence of his company. Yet his hatred towards Calormen was well known, for it was his father, a well-respected Knight in his own regard, who had lost his life during a skirmish with Calormene calvary.
"We must hope that the Tisroc's desire for peace is genuine, for ours is and it will remain so until we receive just cause," Peter stated firmly, which caused him to receive a strange look from the King of Archenland.
"Forgive me King Peter, I too share your wish for peace, but you are still new to the politics of the Calormenes, they take to warfare as a bird takes to flight," Lune replied, his look was strong and unwavering, for he too shared the hatred of the Calormene people.
Peter just stared back, his eyes a storm of concern as Lune proceeded into the tent, closely followed by Peridan, Caden and the Pevensies. There the Tisroc of Calormen and his Tarkaans awaited them, each one was dressed in silk robes and wearing jewelled encrusted turbans, showing the wealth of the southern lands.
Tisroc Kartir was stood in the centre of Tarkaans, woven in golden robes that befit his status. His ink black eyes watched them all carefully as they stood across from him, his intentions unreadable as a Calormene herald stepped forward, and with a deep bow to both parties announced the new arrivals.
Once they had been introduced, the Pevensies, along with Lune, Caden, and Peridan each gave a deep bow to the Tisroc, who bowed in return along with his Tarkaans, although all the bows were stiff, which showed none of them were happy with these peace negotiations.
They then took the seats that had been offered to them as the herald gestured towards the Tisroc and began his introduction.
"Humble guests, I introduce The Great Tisroc Kartir of Calormen, The Blood of Tash, Emperor of Telmar and High King of the provinces of Dosnii, Einuo, Femvissi and Vierneige,"
The Tisroc and his Tarkaans bowed deeply and then moved forward and took their seats, none of the other Calormenes were rewarded with an introduction as was their custom, for in Calormen only the Tisroc is presented in such a manner.
The Pevensies and the Archlanders watched as the Calormenes settled into their seats, their eyes searching for any signs of treachery. Off to the side, General Oreius stood ever vigilant, his hand on his sword and his eyes alert for any danger that may befall his charges.
Calormene slaves rushed forward with goblets of water, the Pevensies and the Archlanders gave kind smiles to them, but they grimaced at the fresh wounds which covered their faces, obviously afflicted by the orders from some sadistic Tarkaan.
The Tisroc watched his guests stone faced, causing all to stare back in anticipation for him to forgo peace and immediately order their deaths. However, none were prepared for what happened instead as a loud booming noise made them all flinch as the Tisroc threw his head back and let out roaring laughter.
The Pevensies watched on bemused, surprised by the reaction. The others however, looked on with narrowed their eyes, obviously thinking his laughter was a form of mockery and not of mirth.
"This is truly a meeting for the ages!" The Tisroc bellowed, a wide smile visible behind his black, bushy beard.
"It is my Lord Tisroc," answered Peter, his smile presented kindness and grace, yet his siblings knew that it was a mask, one he had adopted early in their reign. The High King of Narnia had made a name for himself as a remarkable diplomat and his face never showed his true feelings while in the presence of foreign rulers and dignitaries.
"Never before has the blood of Tash and the children of Aslan sat down and discussed terms of peace, today we make history," The Tisroc exclaimed, although it seemed his courtiers did not show his excitement, as they all wore cold expressionless looks, ones that made the Pevensies and the Archlanders nervous.
"It's a shame you couldn't have appreciated that sentiment sooner, maybe then the blood of my people would not have been spilt," Lune spat, rage present behind his eyes.
The Tisroc stopped laughing and stared at Lune dumfounded, the Tarkaans all growled in unison and the Pevensies held their breath as they prayed to Aslan that Lune's bluntness would not begin hostilities.
"What about the blood of our people?" "What about the Calormene lives your soldiers took?" a young man to the Tisroc's left fumed in reply.
All eyes switched to him, he wore a cream-coloured turban, which was dotted with exquisite rubies and incorporated with a solitary white feather. His face was handsome, his tanned skin and black goatee made him the definition of exotic and mystique and his position next to the Tisroc showed him to be an important member of the Calormene court.
"May I present my son, Rabadash, Crown Prince of Calormen," The Tisroc informed, his tone uninterested and appeared absent of any pride.
Lune and Caden stared him down, as warriors of their nature would. Rabadash, for his credit looked right back, not once unwavering. He gave a mock bow of his head to them and then turned his attention to the Pevensies.
His calculating eyes passed over Peter and Edmund, immediately sizing them up, but then his eyes fell on Susan, and they widened. Lust and want shone brightly within them and Susan found herself turning pink under his gaze.
"We can agree that lives have been taken by both sides, but if we continue this, all it will do is add more to the list of dead our Kingdoms already share," the Tisroc said, bringing all eyes back to him, all except Rabadash who kept his firmly on the young Queen across from him.
"What about the justice that they deserve?" Caden demanded, almost seething as he glared at the Tisroc.
"All men walk a fine line between justice and revenge, but one must be careful to not allow their desire for justice to become a mission of vengeance," the Tisroc replied, his eyes not leaving Caden's.
"And what about my son?" "Should I seek justice for him, or should I settle with vengeance?" Lune demanded, staring down the Tisroc with eyes full of fire.
The Pevensies looked towards Lune with sympathy, for they all knew the tragic fate that had befallen his son when a treacherous member of his court abducted the young Prince and smuggled him out to sea. Lune had pursued, but his son was never found, and a heartbroken King had taken great measures to protect his last remaining heir Prince Corin, who by now was a happy and talkative six-year-old, from who he suspected was behind the kidnapping, Calormen.
"I assure King Lune, I was not behind the disappearance of Prince Bor,"
"His name was Cor!" Lune roared as he thumped his fist down upon the table, sending many goblets flying and causing several Tarkaans to jump to their feet and draw their swords. A motion which was copied by the Archlanders, while the Pevensies watched on in horror.
"I apologise for my mistake; I was not responsible for the disappearance of Prince Cor, and you have my deepest sympathies. Now please, let us put away our swords and retake our seats before it is too late to turn back," The Tisroc pleaded.
The Archlanders were silent as they watched their King as he took a dee breath before slumping back into his seat, his eyes showing his anger and heartbreak. The Tisroc watched him, making sure that there would be no more outbursts before he turned his attention to the Pevensies. His calculating gaze swept over them, and all four could sense that they were being assessed.
"Let us not forget that war has also been waged many times in the past between Calormen and Narnia. In the years preceding the reign of the Queen Jadis, our armies battled one another relentlessly, both sides suffering heavy losses," He continued, his eyes passing between the four.
"Narnia has no desire for war, our land suffered enough during the Long Winter, peace is what we want," Peter replied firmly, his words clear and true. All of them had seen how much the land had suffered under the White Witch's grasp and none of them wished to see it suffer again.
The Tisroc was quiet at that, he clasped his hands together in deep thought and just stared at all the people across from him, seeming to weigh up the options which now lay before him. His silence seemed to stretch on forever as the tension became thick in the air.
"Very well, I am open to the discussion of peace terms, let us begin,"
And with those words everyone released a sigh of relief before the hours of deliberation began between the two sides. Arguments and shouting matches persisted throughout the negotiations and there were times when it seemed the drawing of swords was imminent. Eventually both sides agreed on a peace treaty that all the monarchs of the three lands signed. All had agreed to non-aggression pacts with no soldiers being allowed to cross the border between Calormen and Archenland, though Lune had refused to remove a garrison of troops at the fortified town of Willoughby which sat on the Archenland-Calormen border, a decision which the Tisroc unenthusiastically agreed too.
Trade routes were also opened up by sea and road, allowing all three nations to benefit from each other. Finally, all agreed to return to the same spot, on the same day in the next year to ratify the treaty once again, with all three promising to maintain peace during that year. Both sides then bid their farewells, remounted their steeds, and marched their armies back home.
The chatter was happy among the Narnians and the Archlanders, war had been averted and despite apprehension on whether the Tisroc would keep his word, both nations agreed that a peaceful solution was the best outcome for all, and they all looked forward to the years of peace and harmony that could only grow from here. Although Lune's mood had not improved as they marched back across the Archenland border.
"He was lucky I didn't decide to skewer that man where he stood, I know he was behind the plot to kidnap my son and one day I will make him admit the truth to me!" he vented from where he rode beside Peter, who looked at him with concern as Caden came trotting up on the other side of his uncle.
"Did you see his son?" "Have you ever seen a more pampered peacock then Prince Rabadash?" Caden asked them.
"A Peacock?" "I would say his son is a Donkey!" Lune proclaimed gaining a few laughs from his troops marching behind.
"For now, let us focus on the peace that we achieved here today, the justice for your son will come when Aslan deems it so," Peter replied, giving the older King a comforting smile.
Lune returned the smile and nodded and together they led their armies made their way further into Archenland. However, all had failed to see the lone rider who had followed them since the Great Desert. His face hooded and cloaked, a sword sheathed at his side and a bow strung to his back.
As the Narnians and Archlanders marched back to Anvard, their moods cheery and upbeat, with a few songs now filling the air, the rider followed at a slower pace. He could not join in with happy demeanour of the army, for he knew that despite one war being averted, another had already begun.