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Just and Magnificent	By : SubOrbital Category: A through F > Chronicles of Narnia Views: 11258 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Chronicles of Narnia, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Just and Magnificent

V1.2: True Love Knows No Bounds

This story contains slash and deals with slight incest. Rated PG.

This is my first Narnia fanfiction. It is intended to be maybe a couple chapters long. Maybe a little more. I hope you enjoy. This first chapter takes place in moments that run parallel to the movie. This chapter branches off into my own little Alternate Universe. Warning, bring a tissue. There are three volumes of this story, and the first contains seven chapters. I hope you like what you've read so far. Please review if you do!

This story is set in the movieverse of Narnia.

Title: Just and Magnificent

Volume 1 - The Price of Redemption

Chapter: 2 - True Love Knows No Bounds

Author: suborbital

Pairing: Peter/Edmund

Summary: Peter feels Edmund's betrayal deeply, and begins to wonder when it was that Edmund first started to resent him. Now he must face his own realizations in order to save Edmund, as well as Narnia.

Disclaimer: C.S. Lewis owns the characters. I just love them!

Warnings: Incest, slash. Romance. Movieverse. Slight AU.

This is my first Narnia fanfiction. This is the second chapter. Please review!

HOLLOW CEREMONIES

The coronation for the three Pevensies was full of pomp and ceremony. An occasion full of proclamation and joy. At least for everyone except the eldest Pevensie. The newly crowed High King, Peter the Magnificent, along with Queen Susan the Gentle, and Queen Lucy the Valiant. It seemed to Peter that all had quickly forgotten the sacrifice that many of their own had made in the battle with Jadis. Including his … Edmund.
Edmund’s funeral was a relatively small affair. Aslan had insisted that those who had fallen were not mourned, but celebrated. Peter could see the logic in the great lion’s thinking, but still he wanted everyone to remember how important Edmund was. At least now Edmund had his redemption. All who doubted his valor were now the first to show their respects at his funeral.
Peter did not believe it was much of a funeral. It wasn’t worthy of his Edmund. Sure, Susan cried like a mother who had lost her child. Lucy grieved like a child who’d lost their best friend. Even Aslan seemed to grieve over Edmund’s loss. Peter could not bring himself to shed a tear at the service for his brother. He was still too bitter and angry. And he feared that if people saw his tears, they might see more than he cared to show them. They might see … the true nature of a love he’d only just realized all too late.
It was only in the quiet of night, alone in his chambers, that Peter let himself feel the full effect of Edmund’s death. It was then that he would cry himself to sleep and wish for once that Narnia had never come into their lives. For it was Narnia that took his brother away.
The funeral for Edmund and those who had fallen in the Battle of Beruna was strange and surreal for Peter. Edmund’s body was taken from him along with the bodies of all those who had fallen with him. Aslan had simply said to Peter that Edmund and the fallen were taken to Salei Barion to be buried. The ancient land of history’s recollection.
As Peter stood with the great lion overlooking Cair Paravel, he pondered the decision for the fallen to be buried elsewhere. Especially Edmund.
“Aslan, why did you take Edmund from me? And the others. Why can’t their loved ones grieve for them here?” Peter asked.
“Their blood was spilled in battle. Their blood was spilled for Narnia. Their presence here would bring great sorrow for the sheer numbers of fallen. Their deaths were also of great significance. And for those we grant the fate of heroes and the selfless in Salei Barion. A fate not given lightly, Peter. Edmund found the peace and redemption he couldn’t in life, Peter. Do not grieve for him.”
“Very well, Aslan.” Peter sighed, “Very well.”
“Susan’s grief is different to your own, Peter. She grieves as a mother for a child. Your grief is different.”
“It is, Aslan.”
“Tell me, Son of Adam. Why do you hide your true feelings from those you care most about?”
Peter found himself speechless. Aslan seemed to know from the moment Peter arrived in Narnia, just how he truly felt toward Edmund. Yet Peter had never come out and admitted it. Aslan would always gently prod Peter to say how he truly felt, yet Peter never spoke. Aslan would sigh in disappointment, just as he did so now, and Peter would leave Aslan’s side. Only this time, Aslan spoke before Peter could walk away.
“A love that is pure is not wrong, Peter. It is the thing we all aspire to have. It is the fire that burns in our souls. In Narnia, there is nothing as great. Nothing as powerful. Even in death, true love that is pure … and just, will never fade. It can summon the fallen from beyond the realm. You would do well to remember that, Son of Adam.”
“Yes. And it will be mine till I die, Aslan.” Peter said turning to leave the lion, “Of that I am certain.”
TRUE LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS
The days soon passed into weeks for Peter. Weeks that become months. Months that became unbearable. Peter hoped that with each day the pain in his heart would subside. That he would overcome his grief for Edmund. He found that he could not so easily get over losing his brother, and so much more.
Today in particular seemed more difficult than most. Susan had found herself a particularly respectable suitor. One that Peter did not feel inclined to behead. As Peter sat watching them at dinner, he was reminded of something he would never have. The way they would share glances and smiles. Lucy seemed thoroughly impressed with it all, but Peter simply found it unbearable. So much so that he excused himself from dinner under the guise of an upset stomach. Shaking off the concerned attention of both his sisters and his minders, Peter took his leave and returned to his room.
As soon as he reached his room, Peter burst into tears. He slammed his door shut and screamed out. His hand covered his chest as if to ease a physical pain that tore through his heart. He slumped to his knees and wept uncontrollably.
“Oh, Ed …” Peter cried.
“It’s a beautiful evening, don’t you think so, Peter?” Said an all too familiar voice.
“Ed …”
Peter couldn’t believe his ears. And when he looked up, he couldn’t believe his eyes either. There in front of him as plain as the moon in the sky, stood Edmund. Edmund stared out at the night sky, turning only to smile at Peter.
“Hello, Peter.” Edmund said with a warm, subtle smile, “Have you missed me?”
“Oh, Ed.” Peter cried in disbelief, still down on his knees, “You can’t be real. I saw you die. I held you after your body had gone cold.”
Edmund smiled again at Peter. This time it was a smile filled with sadness and regret. Peter wanted to jump up and grab Edmund, but found he was simply numb with disbelief.
“Peter, why are you so sad? Because of me? How long has it been since you lost me? You can’t grieve forever, Peter.”
“I can if I want to!” Peter cried.
“I’m ok, Peter. I’m happy now.” Edmund said with a reassuring voice.
“Well good for you! I’m miserable. Why couldn’t you wait just a little bit longer?”
“It’s ok, Peter. It wasn’t your fault.”
“It’s all my fault, Ed. It’s all my fault.”
“I love you, Peter.”
Peter felt the words like a stake through his heart. They took his breath away, because he knew just how true those words were. Somehow he knew Edmund wasn’t here, and yet whatever Peter was seeing, it was Edmund. Was their connection so strong that even in death, Edmund could touch Peter’s soul?
Peter could not stave off the tears that flowed freely from him. He doubled over with his palms pushing into the cold floor. He sobbed as he moved ever so slowly forward, not once taking his eyes off Edmund. He was afraid that if he turned away, Edmund would disappear.
“Ed … I miss you so much.”
“How much?” Edmund asked, turning away from Peter.
“More than you can ever imagine.” Peter sobbed, “More than I could ever tell you while you were here with me.”
“So tell me now.”
“Why?” Peter snapped almost angrily, “What difference would it make?”
“It might make you feel better.”
“Nothing will make me feel better!” Peter yelled, “Ed … I’m … so miserable without you. I’m lost, Ed.”
“Well we can’t have Peter the Magnificent feeling lost now, can we? The High King can have anything he wants. Isn’t there anyone who makes sure you’re happy?”
“I don’t want to be happy. I don’t want anything.” Peter cried as he held his head in his hands, “I can’t do it, Ed. I think of you every day. I can’t do it. I just want to be with you.”
“Peter … you have to be strong. Narnia needs you.”
“What about what I need? I’m sick of what Narnia needs. It’s because of Narnia that …”
“That what?”
“That you’re gone, Ed! You’re gone!” Peter yelled, finally standing to his feet.
“I’m right here, Peter.” Edmund soothed as he stepped closer to Peter.
“You’re a ghost, Ed. You’re haunting me.”
“Would you like me to leave?”
“No!”
“What would you like then?”
Peter’s tears fell no more. He grew silent with thought as he seemed to understand what Edmund was asking of him. He realized this might be his only chance to tell Edmund what he should have done when he was still alive.
“I would like to tell you what I should have before you died.” Peter said resolutely, “I love you, Edmund. My heart is empty without you. All I want is to hold you. To … love you. I love you, Ed. Do you understand what I mean when I say that?”
“You love me?” Edmund asked, with a surprising amount of hope Peter thought, particularly for a ghost.
“I love you.”
Peter felt a weight come off his shoulders with his admission. Though it was long overdue, the feeling of relief was overwhelming. Peter almost felt a peace, now that he’d finally told Edmund the nature and depth of his love.
“Don’t you feel better now?” Edmund asked with an almost cheeky smile.
“What?”
“Aren’t you glad you finally told me?”
“Ed …” Peter said as he stepped toward his brother, “I’d give anything to have you really here, Ed. I don’t know how I’m going to live without you. I’m not letting go, Ed.”
Peter didn’t know what he was doing. He didn’t understand what was happening. He stepped toward Edmund as his stomach welled up with butterflies. He stretched his hand toward Edmund’s face. His heart raced as he hoped upon hope that he would be able to touch Edmund and somehow, he’d be here with him.
“Peter …” Edmund said in a soft voice, tears forming in his eyes.
Edmund raised his hand and slowly moved it toward Peter’s. Both had a look of fear and anxiety in their eyes, as if they knew what would happen. The moment their fingers were meant to touch, Edmund began to fade. His body slowly dissipated until he was a collection of white petals that somehow held the shape of Edmund.
“I’m sorry, Peter.” Edmund’s voice whispered on the wind.
“Ed!”
“I love you, Peter.” Edmund whispered as the petals gently blew out through Peter’s window.
“I love you, Edmund.” Peter said as he sunk back onto his bed.
For hours, Peter sat on his bed without moving. It wasn’t till Lucy came in to check on him that he finally moved. Before Narnia, he might’ve believed he was going mad. But somehow he believed Edmund had truly come to him. Was their love so strong that it could transcend death, if even for a fleeting moment? Is that what Aslan meant?
Each night for the next thirty days, Peter waited in his room at exactly the same time. He hoped that Edmund would return to him, for even a small moment. Yet with passing day, Peter began to lose hope. And finally, he began to wonder if perhaps Edmund had visited him only to help Peter move past his grief. In a surprising development, Peter actually found it slightly easier to get on with his life. At least he had finally been able to tell Edmund how he truly felt. Perhaps now they could finally both have peace.
PETER THE MAGNIFICENT, HIGH KING OF NARNIA
Peter sat on his throne, listening absentmindedly to the latest news from his royal advisor, Rask the Fox. He’d been High King for a year, and he found the job to be incredibly uninspiring. Yet he took his duties seriously and tried his best to be as courteous and diligent as possible. Over the last year he’d struggled to find any meaning in his life. Susan had found herself several suitors, but was still to decide on one in particular. Peter made sure to thoroughly investigate each of them for virtues worthy of his sister. Lucy took it upon herself to spread as much joy around the kingdom as she could. She tended to the sick and wounded, brought fun and laughter to those who lacked it, and generally made herself a very popular little queen.
The Battle of Beruna was long over. It was a page in history that most had long turned. Yet there were times when he could not easily forget that day. It was not just Peter who had lost someone close, but most citizens of Narnia knew of many who fell on that grave day. Even the army itself was struggling to rebuild it’s numbers.
Peter had not seen or heard of Aslan since his departure not long after the coronation. For all intents and purposes, he was the ruler of Narnia. He could have everything he ever wanted, but he found himself wanting very little. The only joy he found was in making the lives of his subjects better, and keeping Narnia safe from it’s enemies. He believed this day would be as uneventful as the rest. Filled with politics and matters of state. Though one report caught his attention and he broke from reading the newest law proposal to listen more intently.
“What did you say?” Peter asked Rask.
“We’ve had strange reports coming from the Western Woods. Sightings of strange creatures. Disappearances. Our forces there are investigating. There is a dark presence in the West, Majesty.”
“Keep me informed.” Peter said with concern, “I don’t like the sound of this. If someone is making a move on Narnia, that would be the place to start. We cannot afford another war.”
“We have no reason to believe anyone is invading Narnia. But there is cause for concern. Perhaps a few stragglers from Jadis’s defeated army are just trying to cause trouble for us.”
“Let us hope so, Rask. Send a griffon patrol to investigate and come back with anything they find. Something does not sit well with me about these events.”
“I will do as you ask, Majesty.” Rask said with a bow, “I shall take my leave of you now, Lord.”
“Old friend, when will start calling me Peter?” Peter smiled
“When the stars rain down from the heavens, Majesty!” Rask called back as he dashed out of the throne room.
“Peter?” Susan called as she entered the throne room.
“Hello, Su.” Peter said greeting his sister with a warm smile, “Is everything ok?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing, Peter. Did I just see you smile? Tell me it isn’t true. Peter the Morbid is what they’re starting to call you. You always seem so sad.”
“I’m fine, Su.” Peter reassured, “I just … have much to tend to. Narnia is a land in need of guidance, and it is my duty to provide that. I have little time to devote to myself.”
“Of course, Peter. But it’s more than that. It’s Ed, isn’t it? It’s almost exactly one year to the day we lost him. Do you still blame yourself?”
Peter’s head fell at the mention of Edmund’s name. It had become less and less frequent to hear his name being spoken now. Sure, he was still remembered with a plaque in the throne room, but there was little else to remind anyone that Edmund even existed. But for Peter, he could never be forgotten. Yet he too was guilty of sometimes pushing the thought of Edmund to the recesses of his soul, because to think of him only caused him pain.
“It’s been a year since we lost him, Peter. Surely he wouldn’t want you to grieve forever.”
“You don’t understand, Su.” Peter sighed, “And … it’s better you don’t. But thank you for your concern. I am fortunate to have you around to watch over me, am I not?”
“You most certainly are, High King.” Susan smiled, “The ball this evening to mark our first year on the throne is the perfect occasion to bring you out of your melancholy. I have lined up several beautiful women who would be simply perfect for you, Peter. And even a few men. Narnia is very open, don’t you think?”
“And what of you, Su? Will your suitors be worthy of your attention?” Peter asked with a smirk, “Because if not, I shall cut off their heads.”
“Peter!”
Peter laughed and found the sensation quite liberating. Susan was right. It had been over a year since Edmund’s death, and he could not grieve forever. He wasn’t sure whether Susan knew the nature of Peter’s grief, but in his own mind, she knew. The way she looked at him with understanding and no contempt, he couldn’t believe she was ignorant to his feelings. It was the same way with Aslan. Peter could tell Aslan knew exactly how he felt toward Edmund. And even after Edmund’s death, he would subtly urge Peter to admit his feelings. Not once sine Edmund’s death had Peter spoken of his love out loud. It remained within him. Yet he knew the time was coming when he would have to put that love aside and open himself to the possibility of something new. Either that or wallow in his grief forever.
“Tonight I am certain will be miraculous for you, Peter. You might even have a good time!” Susan laughed before she turned to leave, “Ed would want that, don’t you think?
WHEN MASKS BEGIN TO FALTER
Cair Paravel was alive with festivities. All in Narnia were invited to join in the celebrations. Peter could not help but enjoy himself among the company of so many of his subjects. He found himself being thanked for things he could barely remember doing. Yet he took the time to speak with all who came to meet him. The ball was proving to be a smashing success and Peter made a point to thank Susan for forcing such a wonderful time upon him.
Peter smiled on as Lucy danced up a storm on the dance floor, along with Mr. Tumnus who found the intricacies of the waltz rather difficult. Susan was busy being gracious and welcoming to her guests, as well as staving off the attention of potential suitors. As Susan herself had told Peter, she was far too busy to trouble herself with suitors. She had a kingdom to look after.
“Su!” Peter called as he crossed the dance floor to meet her, “Susan!”
“Yes, Peter. I’m having a wonderfully good time. Are you?” Susan beamed.
“Su, you look wonderful. And tonight is a huge success. But why I haven’t I seen you dancing with any of your suitors yet?”
“It does them good to wait for me. Besides, I have more important things to do, like catch up with the Beavers. I haven’t seen them in months. But I’ll do you a trade, Peter Pevensie.” Susan said with a smirk, “I’ll dance with any suitor you see fit to point to. As long as you dance with anyone I point to.”
“Very well, Susan. But do try to point to someone who won’t treat me like I’m royalty.”
“You are royalty, Peter.”
“I know, but it gets so awfully old, Su.”
“Very well. You choose first.”
“Him.” Peter said pointing to the Ambassador from Archenland, “He isn’t royalty, but he is a very fair and virtuous man. I would think I have no reason to chop off his head.”
“Peter …” Su frowned, “Now it’s my turn. Male or female, I wonder. I choose … her. Princess Eris of the Shian Kingdom. Isn’t she something?”
Peter looked in the direction Susan was pointing. His eyes caught the attention of a stunning beauty he had never laid eyes on. Silky brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and coppery skin. Peter found himself staring at her, something he couldn’t remember doing in a long time. Susan nudged Peter along and hurried him to dance.
“My lady, may I have this dance?” Peter asked as he held out his hand.
“It would be my honor, High King.” Princess Eris said with a bow.
Peter found he quickly got along with this new princess. They danced and laughed, reveling in each other’s company. Peter found himself becoming quickly intoxicated by this woman. For the first time since Edmund’s death, he looked at someone and thought … perhaps.
“You are a wonderful dancer, Majesty.”
“Well yes, I used to practice with …” Peter began to say before he overcome with a memory.
He was home again in England. He and Edmund had ‘borrowed’ one of their parent’s fancy new radiograms. Peter stood holding his hand out to Edmund, who took it with a small bow. Peter laughed at the gesture but proceeded to teach Edmund the wonders of dancing.
“Edmund, you have to concentrate.” Peter laughed as he held his hand to the small of Edmund’s back, “Are we going to do this properly or not?”
“Peter, you know no matter how often you teach me, I will never be as good a dancer as you.”
“But you need to learn, Ed. So you can woo those wonderful girls at school.” Peter teased as they moved slowly around the room, “Just follow my lead.”
Peter could have sworn that Edmund was simply getting worse with each lesson. He couldn’t understand why after all his teaching, Edmund was still just as terrible as the first day he’d asked Peter for a dancing lesson.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you enjoyed these little dancing sessions of ours, Ed.”
“Well that would make you awfully clever, Peter.” Edmund said with a cheeky smile.
Peter remembered that day as if it were yesterday. That was the last lesson he ever gave Edmund. It was just before Edmund had kissed Peter by the stream. It was before everything changed between them.
Peter came back to reality with a devastating jolt. He found the enjoyment he was recently having with Princess Eris was quickly fading. Yet he did his best to keep up the appearance that he was enjoying his time. It would do no good to upset the young woman.
“You must be tired.” Peter said as they paused their dance, “Can I get you a drink, mam?”
“That would be simply wonderful, Majesty.” Princess Eris said giving Peter a small kiss on his cheek, “How gentlemanlike of you.”
“Please, call me Peter.” Peter smiled before he turned around.
Peter began walking toward one of the drink servers when his attention was caught by a new guest. It was someone he hadn’t seen before. And though there were many people he had never seen before, Peter at least had some idea of where these people had come from.
Peter stopped in his tracks as he studied the guest. This guest wore a mask, like many who attended the ball this evening. What struck Peter as odd was that this guest wore all black and looked almost like a knight. The more Peter studied this guest, the less he looked like a guest and the more he looked like an ambassador or soldier. Someone who had perhaps come on other business, and simply arrived during the ball. Yet the more Peter stared, the more he felt ill at ease with this stranger. Their presence unsettled him greatly. They seemed to goad Peter with their accusing stare, as if they knew him somehow.
“You there!” Peter called out to the stranger, “Who are you?”
Peter approached the knight who turned to walk away. Something inside Peter told him he needed to stop this stranger and learn their business at the ball. Before he could track them, they disappeared into the crowd.
“Oreius!” Peter yelled, “Oreius!”
Oreius quickly galloped through the guests to Peter’s side. Peter pulled Oreius aside so as not to cause a scene. The centaur could see the urgency in Peter’s eyes and stood ready to move.
“Majesty, what troubles you?”
“There was someone here just now. A knight. A knight in black armor wearing a mask. I saw no insignia that could identify his allegiance. I don’t know, Oreius. Something just doesn’t feel right. I want you to track him down and identify him. I could just be overreacting, but he looked like someone who had something to hide.”
“As you wish, Majesty.” Oreius said before he galloped away.
“Is everything ok, Peter.” Princess Eris asked as she touched Peter’s arm.
“Yes, everything’s fine. Let’s get you that drink, Eris.”
THE SMELL OF WAR AND FEAR
Peter did not hear from Oreius for a week after the ball. With each day that passed, he feared that he had led his loyal general into a trap. With each day he sent another scout party after Oreius, and each day they came back empty handed.
“He would not have stopped tracking them until he either found them or … failed. I knew there was something not right with that knight.” Peter cursed.
“Oerius has survived many dangers before, Peter.” Susan said reassuringly, “He will return safely.”
“I don’t like this, Su. I fear this could somehow be related to the reports we’ve been getting from the Western Woods. Narnia is under threat.” Peter said pacing back and forth.
“I notice Princess Eris has not left Cair Paravel all week. Is there something you wish to tell me, Peter?” Susan asked with a mischievous smile.
“Peter has a girlfriend, Peter has a girlfriend!” Lucy snickered, “Are you going to fall in love and get married?”
“There is nothing untoward happening, I can assure you.” Peter remarked, “And besides, I have more pressing concerns. I have no time for ‘girlfriends’.”
“Peter, Narnia will not fall apart if you decide to have a life of your own. She is wonderful, isn’t she? I chose her specifically for you. I made sure she was perfect for you.” Susan insisted.
Susan was interrupted by the sound of clanging hooves. Oreius the centaur galloped into the throne room, causing Peter to burst with a smile.
“Oerius!” Peter yelled with joy as he rushed and greeted the centaur with a hug, “My friend, where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you.”
“I could not return until I had completed your request of me, Majesty.”
“Well next time, I won’t send you anywhere unless it’s with a bloody full battalion.” Peter smiled.
“Majesty, I’m afraid I bring dire news.” Oreius said seriously.
“King Peter!” Rask yelled as he ran into the room as fast as his four paws would carry him, “I bring dire news!”
“Ok, so whose news is more dire?” Peter asked half jokingly.
“Narnia is under siege!” Rask gasped as he caught his breath, “The Western Woods are being annexed! What was left of Jadis’s forces have regrouped and surprised us with an attack on the western capital. The reports we were getting in all had to do with her forces plotting to overrun Narnia’s west. They call themselves the Army of Kjell. They’ve issued a statement claiming that as a land without a proclaimed ruler, it is free for their taking. They’ve declared war on the rest of Narnia and are already massing a force between ourselves and the western woods. We can’t get through to aid our citizens.”
“This cannot be happening.” Peter said in a panic, “War?”
“I’m afraid it gets worse, Majesty.” Oreius said with dread in his voice, “That Knight you spoke of. He rode faster than I could keep up with. I tracked him to the northern bounds of Narnia. He leads an army, Majesty. I could not get close enough without giving away my presence. I could only see them from a distance, but their numbers almost match ours.”
“Are they friend or foe?”
“With your permission, I will return to them with an envoy to attempt diplomatic talks. I fear they are a foe, but we must be certain. All I do know is they are marching from the North. They could be on Cair Paravel in a week.”
Peter stepped back and sank into his throne. Lucy and Susan were equally distressed. Peter knew the day would come when he would be called to arms, Aslan had told him as much. Yet he did not believe it would come so soon. He believed he would have at least a few years to strengthen Narnia’s position.
“We cannot fight a war on two fronts. We can’t afford to split our armies. Oreius, I cannot allow you to leave. I need you here with me to help organize our defense. Send word to our forces … prepare for war.”
BATTLE OF THE WESTERN WOODS
“Here we are again, Oreius. What will it take to wipe these demons from our lives?” Peter sighed, “We will have to try and win this battle as soon as we can, so we have time to regroup before the northern army reaches us.”
“I believe in you, Majesty. You will lead us to victory, I am certain.” Oreius said with no doubt in his eyes.
“Once again, for Narnia.” Peter said as he raised his sword.
As Peter looked out at the Kjell army, it was almost a mirror image of the army he fought at Beruna. The only difference is both armies were a little smaller, and Jadis was not here. Though for that matter, neither was Aslan. Peter knew this would be a battle he would have to win without Aslan’s help.
Peter signaled the griffons to begin the forward bombardment. In mere moments, Peter was signaling the advance of the cavalry and forward infantry. Soon the battle was in full swing. Centaur clashed with Minotaur. Cheetah clashed with Leopard.
Peter quickly learned that the Kjell Army had a few tricks up their sleeve since the last time he’d fought them. Just when Peter believed the victory would be Narnia’s with little bloodshed, the Kjell army unleashed their unknown weapon. An army of reptiles the likes of which Peter has never seen before. Giant creatures with fearsome jaws filled with jagged teeth. Eyes like blood, bodies the size of a half dozen centaur, and the speed of cheetahs. They tore through the Narnian ranks, ripping Peter’s army apart. They decimated the Narnian army and forced Peter to signal a retreat to higher ground.
It was almost identical to the Battle of Beruna, only this time, Peter didn’t have Aslan arrive with an army to help him. Peter knew he would have to buy his army time to regroup and find a way to fight these new threats.
“Order the Phoenix to burn a three deep firewall between us and the Kjell! They don’t have Jadis to break through this time! Oreius, fall back to camp!”
THE FALLEN ARMY
The taste of defeat was bitter in Peter’s mouth. He believed his time as Narnia’s ruler could be coming to a premature end. The Kjell Army continued to press further into Narnia while Peter had forced a retreat, hoping to give his own forces time to tend their wounded and plan a new offensive strategy.
“The unknown army from the north continues to march on us, Majesty. It will not be long before they take Cair Paravel.” Oreius said as Peter held his head in his hands, “We have sent envoys to offer diplomacy, but none have returned. The northerners are fearsome. They have not stopped once for camp. They march without rest. They do not stop to eat. Their entire army wears dark armor. I am beginning to fear them more than the Kjell. At least with the Kjell we know what we are up against, Majesty.”
“Aslan, we need you.” Peter whispered, “What shall we do?”
“Only you can give us that answer, Majesty.”
“We cannot fight a war on two fronts. But perhaps we can force a three way battle and hope that the Kjell and Northern armies turn on each other as well as us. The enemy of my enemy is my friend after all. Perhaps then we can use the confusion to flank the Kjell army and push them into the center of the battle. We’ll use the Phoenix Guard to drive the Northern armies into the center and use a pincer movement to force them into battling each other. That will give us better odds in dealing with whoever survives that encounter.”
“If we march on the border between the Western Woods and the Northern Plains, both the Kjell and the Northern Armies will reach us at the same time.”
“Very well, Oreius. Make it happen. We march now. We’ll also need to bring our Archers in tighter to take on those beasts the Kjell unleashed upon in our last battle.”
Peter put his plan into action and forced a night time march toward the border of the Western Woods and the Northern Plains. His army could not survive another battle, even with a retreat. This battle would decide the fate of Narnia under his rule.
By the time dawn comes, Peter has rallied his armies one last time, with the Kjell due to arrive in less than an hour. The Nothern armies will follow at roughly the same time. That gives Peter less than an hour to survey the terrain and plan his battle strategy with his lieutenants.
Unfortunately for Peter, the Kjell Army arrived earlier than expected. They caught the Narnian Army ill prepared for their surprise attack, led by the new reptile faction. This time Peter expected the new reptile attack. He had already planned for the archers to move tighter in and target any and all reptiles.
The battle was as fierce and bloody a battle as Peter had ever fought. He sickened at the sight of blood, and wondered if he could ever feel joy after seeing the horror of battle up close. And for all their efforts, the Narnian Army still found themselves outnumbered and outflanked. Instead of pushing the Kjell Army in between themselves and the Notherners, Peter had found his army pushed into the middle.
“Signal the Phoenix Guard to move in now! We’ll use them to keep the Northern Armies out because we’re no longer able to pincer the armies together!” Peter yelled.
With a look of horror on his face he turned back to see the Phoenix Guard had failed to light a firewall behind them. The Notherners blotted out the horizon with their numbers. Peter knew even Aslan couldn’t resurrect a victory here.
Peter resigned himself to a fate suffered to Edmund exactly a year before. He signaled the order to retreat so that as many of his subjects could return to their families in the hope of escaping Narnia before the new rule came into effect. He wasn’t surprised however when no one ran to save themselves. Everyone in his army continued to fight on. It inspired Peter to continue to fight to the very end.
He found himself face to face with a minotaur general who had led the Kjell Army against him. Peter battled the general to a standstill, and was so intently caught in the battle that he did not even anticipate the spear fly at him from behind. It pierced his left side below his heart and ripped through the front. A spear thrown with such force that it had ripped through all his armor.
Peter fell to the ground as the Minotaur raised it’s axe. Oreius charged the Minotaur off his feet just in time to save Peter from a quick death. All nearby Narnians surrounded Peter as he struggled to crawl along the ground. He felt his eyes growing heavy and fell on his side, his life fading from him. Even when the spear was ripped from his body, and Lucy rushed to him with her fireflower cordial, he didn’t believe it would make a difference.
“The Nothern Strangers.” Lucy cried as she nursed Peter, “Peter, I think I should like to go home. Can we go home now?”
“I’m sorry, Luce. I can’t take you home.” Peter moaned the cordial barely seemed to make a difference.
“It’ll work, Peter. We can’t lose you too. We lost Edmund. We can’t lose you too. I got to you in time, didn’t I?”
“I should’ve left you at Cair Paravel.” Peter groaned as he barely managed to hug his sister, “I’m sorry, Luce.”
“Peter …” Lucy cried as she buried her face in his chest, afraid to look as the Northern Army marched over the horizon.
Peter looked to either side of him. On one side, the Kjell Army fought his own Army. On the other, the Northerners marched with no fear in their step. They were now well within Archer range and Peter could see them preparing to unleash hell from the skies.
He covered Lucy in his arms and wished Susan were with him. He knew if they were to die, he wanted it to be together. He looked up as the sky was filled with arrows from the Northerners. At the same time, the Northerners rushed the Narnians with their cavalry.
“Cover yourself, Lucy.” Peter gasped as he pulled himself to his feet, “I’m afraid I’m going to go down fighting. I just hope they spare you the fate I will suffer.”
The Dark Knight himself seemed to target Peter. Peter stood ready as the knight charged at him on his horse. The sky was filled with arrows that were rapidly descending toward the earth. Peter steeled himself and ran at the knight. He heard the knight cry out and knock Peter off his feet.
Peter cursed and pulled himself to his feet again. He was greeted with the sound of cheering. He looked up and realized the Northerners had charged straight past the Narnians. In fact, all the Northerners arrows had flown straight over the Narnian and hit the Kjell Army.
“They are our allies!” Peter cried in tearful joy, “They came to aid us!”
“It appears so, Majesty.” Oerius said as he trotted awkwardly to Peter’s side, “But just because the attack the Kjell, does not make them our friends. They may simply have chosen to attack them first.”
“Nonsense. Not one Narnian has been harmed by them. Not one. That says something, Old friend. Come, we must aid them!” Peter yelled, “Flank the Kjell and draw them in!”
A FALLEN KING
Peter thrust his sword into the ground and leaned on it for support. Even with Lucy’s fireflower cordial to heal his gaping spear wound, he was still in great agony and exhausted. However, all that was overshadowed by sheer joy at seeing his Narnian Army erupt with glorious cheers. The battle had been won. The Kjell were defeated. Peter knew the battle would have been lost were it not for the help of the Northerners.
As Lucy and Susan both fussed over him, Peter watched the Northerners turn and leave the battle without a word. Their army was one Peter had never seen the likes of before. They had not spoken one word. They did not cry or scream in battle. They simply fought, and fought hard. When the dust settled, the Northerners picked up their dead or wounded and prepared to march back the way they came.
“Peter, where did this army come from?” Susan asked as she watched the Northerners, “There is something strange about them. They refuse our aid. They come and fight without saying who they are or why they aid us. They ask for nothing in return. They wear armor that hides their faces, but it’s obvious that under that armor, many of them look like creatures of Narnia.”
“I know, Susan.” Peter said, noting that the Northerner’s centaur were obvious even with armor, “But they are perhaps from a part of the world we have not explored.”
“Wherever they come from, we cannot let them go without giving them our thanks, Peter. We must feed them, shelter them.”
“Of course, Su.” Peter said looking gratefully upon his sister, “You are right. Although from what I hear, they’re not much for eating or sleeping. I will speak to them myself. Narnia will thank them.”
Peter called for his trusty unicorn and mounted him before Susan could say another word. He rode hard towards the head of the Northerner’s Army, where there was no obvious flag bearer or leader. He had trouble figuring out who he should speak to on behalf of Narnia. In the end, the Dark Knight who he had seen at Cair Paravel was the one he singled out.
“You there!” Peter yelled as he rode up alongside the dark knight, “I wish to give you thanks on behalf of myself, Peter the Magnificent, and from all of Narnia.”
Peter felt awkwardly put out when his proclamation received no reply. It did not register even a response. The knight continued on his horse without even turning his attention to Peter. Being High King, Peter wasn’t used to such disregard. He found it both amusing and perplexing. Even if he were not High King, he would still be surprised at this army’s lack of any kind of emotion or speech.
“Please, tell me your name. To whom do you serve? What nation do you come from? Did Aslan send you to aid us?” Peter asked desperate for any kind of answer, “I implore thee. At least let us care for your wounded. Let us provide shelter so you can rest your weary, food for your hungry. It is the least Narnia can do for your aid.”
Peter realized he was getting nowhere fast. The Northerners continued to march on in spite of all his pleas. He grew both frustrated and anxious as he kept pace with the dark knight. Yet something kept telling him he had to get their attention. He needed them to stop. He needed to know who they were and thank them properly for their aid, before he could let them leave. In desperation he screamed out the first thing that suddenly popped into his head.
“Please, Knight. In the name of Aslan, I ask thee to stop!”
Peter almost fell off his unicorn when the dark knight stopped suddenly. The rest of the Northerners continued to march on. Still the dark knight did not turn to acknowledge Peter. He simply stopped moving. Peter realized that somehow this army responded to the authority of Aslan. At the very least, that meant their allegiance was to the great good of the world, as were all creatures who pledged to Aslan. As Aslan’s chosen, he had authority in Aslan’s absence. Perhaps that is what had finally stopped the dark knight. Perhaps that is what would stop the rest of the army.
“In the name of Aslan, I command all of you to stop marching!”
Finally the Northerners came to a sudden stop. Peter breathed a sigh of relief. He could see Oerius and Susan watching on anxiously for any sign of trouble, but he waved at them not to worry. He turned his attention to the dark knight. He was determined to get answers.
“Why won’t you speak to me?” Peter asked, “Have I offended you somehow?”
Still no answer. Peter did not want to resort to what he thought were abuses of power, but he couldn’t let this army leave without knowing who they were and who they served. His curiosity was too great.
“I serve Aslan. I am High King Peter of Narnia. I command you Knight to tell me who you serve.”
“They serve me.” The Knight said with an unearthly tone in his voice.
“I knew it. Then I command you to tell me who you are and why you have come to aid us?”
Finally, the knight turned to Peter, causing the High King to shiver in fear. He knew he had angered this knight with his commands and orders. He could feel the glare through the knight’s helmet. The knight grabbed his helmet and practically ripped it off before he threw it in Peter’s lap. Peter was about to snap at the knight when he realized who he was looking at.
“I am King Edmund the Just! Ruler of the Fallen Army of Beruna!” Edmund shouted at Peter, “We come to finish what we started and rid Narnia of Jadis’s influence once and for all. Her evil is vanquished. Our task is complete. I come because you summoned me from Salei Barion. And now that is where we return. So that we may finally rest in peace.”
“Ed!” Peter cried in disbelief, “Edmund!”
Peter saw anger in Edmund’s eyes the likes of which he had never seen before. Peter couldn’t think properly. This wasn’t some nighttime visit from Edmund. This wasn’t half a dream. This was Edmund, plain as day and right in front of him. But how? Before Peter could say another word, Edmund snatched his helmet back and put it on. He charged his horse into a gallop and left Peter numb in disbelief.
When Peter’s senses finally came back to him, he kicked his unicorn into a gallop and rode as hard as he could. He tore through the hills after Edmund but quickly realized somehow he’d lost him. Edmund had long disappeared, and now the Northerners continued to march on without him.
“Ed …” Peter cried, “Come back, Ed. Edmund!”

TO BE CONTINUED - FACE YOUR FEAR
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Just and Magnificent