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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

Face Your Fear

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

Title: Just and Magnificent

Chapter: 3 - Face Your Fear

Volume 1 - The Price of Redemption

Author: suborbital

Pairing: Peter/Edmund

Summary: In this chapter, Peter hunts down Edmund to learn the nature of his return, and his swift departure. Susan is forced to lead Narnia when more of the dark threat is revealed.

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

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

FEAR YOUR DESIRE, EMBRACE YOUR DESTINY
Peter had not spoken one word on his return to the Narnian camp. Though Susan and Lucy both tried to ask him what troubled him, he could not speak to them. He couldn’t tell them that he’d just seen Edmund in the flesh, without first understanding why he had returned. He also did not want to give them the false sense that Edmund would return to them, when in his heart, he feared the opposite.
Instead, Peter plotted to hunt Edmund and the Northerners down before they could escape Narnia and return to Salei Barion. Edmund’s words were not lost on Peter.
“I come because you summoned me from Salei Barion. And now that is where we return. So that we may finally rest in peace.”
Peter knew somehow that if Edmund was allowed to leave again, he would not be able to return. Peter remembered now Aslan’s words and now understood what he meant when he said the Fallen of Beruna were reserved the fate of heroes. Somehow Aslan knew they would be needed to aid Narnia once more and finish the task they’d begun a year ago.
“Majesty, what troubles you?” Oerius asked as he trotted alongside Peter.
“Oerius, did you notice anything about the Northerners that seemed … familiar?” Peter asked as he raised his eyes to meet that of the Centaur.
“Many of our soldiers felt a kinship to them that could not be explained. But we could not see their faces. They all had armor that covered most of their bodies and faces. But they were creatures of Narnia, of that I am certain, Majesty. But who do they serve? Why did they aid us?”
“They are the Fallen Army.”
“Fallen Army, Sire?” Oerius asked with confusion.
“Of Beruna.” Peter said with a somber face, “The Fallen Army of Beruna.”
The magnitude of Peter’s words were not lost on Oerius. He lost many friends in the battle with Jadis. Friends he believed were long dead. The notion that he had fought beside them a year after their deaths was simply mind blowing for the centaur.
“All of them were of Narnia? Who led them? How is it possible?”
“They were led by … Edmund.”
“King Edmund, Sire. Remember, Aslan declared he should be remembered as a King regardless of his death before the coronation.”
“I am starting to believe that Aslan knew Edmund and the Fallen Army would return. That he made sure their bodies were taken to Salei Barion in preparation for this. But I still do not understand how. What magic is powerful enough to raise the dead? What do you know of Salei Barion, Oerius?” Peter asked intently, “I need to know before I figure out how we can bring them back and keep them with us. I fear if we let them cross into the north, they will be lost to us forever.”
“If they are … dead, Majesty, should that not be the best thing?”
“To let them rest in peace? They have had no peace since the Battle of Beruna. Edmund said they would finally have peace. That it is because of me that they returned. That somehow, I summoned them. I can’t figure it out, Oerius. And perhaps I am simply being selfish, but I do not wish to let them go. I need answers, Oerius. Summon Rask to me, please.”
“As you wish, Majesty.” Oerius said as he left the tent, soon replaced by Rask the loyal fox.
“Sire, what is it you would have me do?” Rask asked with a bow.
“Tell Susan I have important business to tend to. It cannot wait. She has the kingdom until I return.” Peter said as he suited himself up as if he were going to battle yet again.
“Majesty, forgive me for saying … but are you not weary from battle?”
“Some things are too important to let pass by, no matter how tired one is.” Peter said as he adjusted his armor, “Find out all you can on Salei Barion. I must know the nature of that place and it’s connection to the hereafter and realm of the departed. Do you understand me, Rask?”
“Yes, Sire. Is there anything else I can do for you, Majesty?”
“You can wish me luck.” Peter said with a smile, “For I have something I have not held for a long time, Rask.”
“What is that, Sire?”
“Hope.”
Peter left his tent with Rask still at his side. He motioned for the fox to follow him as they made their way through the Narnian camp to the Griffon’s nest. Night was well upon the Narnian camp, which Peter was glad of. It would give him an opportunity to slip away without alerting his sisters and triggering their tendencies to fret over him. They often made him feel like anything but the high king of Narnia. Something he secretly appreciated.
“Rask, when you have gathered the information I require, inform one of the griffon and send them north to find me. I am going to find the Fallen Army of Beruna.”
“Beruna … by the …”
“Indeed, Rask. I should require your discretion in this manner. Only you and Oerius are aware of the Northerner’s true identities. Perhaps now you understand the seriousness of my task for you. If you do not hurry and help me find a way to … keep them here, we will lose them forever, I fear. They have died once. We should not be so quick to condemn them to death again. Not while there’s still hope. And as long as they are within the borders of Narnia, there is always hope.” Peter said as he stopped before the mighty griffon, Seeko.
“Seeko, I need your eyes and your wings.” Peter said extending his hand to the bird, “I have a mission for you and I.”
“As long as I can have my eyes and wings back when you are done. I quite fancy them, Sire.” Seeko said as he knelt down for Peter to climb abord, “The winds are foul tonight, Majesty. It will be a bumpy ride.”
“You’ll just have to concentrate on flying, instead of being smart then, won’t you?” Peter grinned, “Rask, hurry and do as I ask of you. We may need all the information you can find. Seeko, let us depart before anyone knows I’m missing.”
Peter felt a rush of air as Seeko powered high into the sky. Peter closed his eyes and held on tight, still not quite used to flying. And even after several journies via a griffon’s back, Peter still hated being airborne. However, he knew he couldn’t risk losing the Fallen Army of Beruna by traveling on horseback or unicorn. The griffon was the fastest way to travel in Narnia. At least the fastest Peter knew of.
“I so very much hate flying.” Peter gasped, “But it must be done. You’re the best tracker I have, Seeko.”
“To where do we fly, Majesty?” asked Seeko.
“After the Northerners. Track them, Seeko.”
“Their depature was quite sudden, Majesty. Who are they?”
“Well, I suppose you will know soon enough. They are the Fallen Army of Beruna. Led by Ed… King Edmund the Just.” Peter sighed, closing his eyes, “There is much I do not understand. But I must find them and speak with King Edmund before they reach the borders of Narnia. They do not stop to rest, Seeko, and they march hard. We must find them soon.”
“Then hold on tight, Majesty. We fly like the wind!” Seeko cried out as he soared low and fast, “We will find them!”
QUEEN SUSAN THE GENTLE, UNDERESTIMATE AT YOUR PERIL
“What do you mean he’s gone?” Susan asked Mr. Tumnus, “Where?”
“I’m not certain, Majesty. Rask did not tell me.”
“Rask? Where is he? Where is Oerius?”
“They have returned to Cair Paravel to speak to the Seers. For what, I am not certain.”
“Well trust Peter and his little club to go off on some mission that’s probably frightfully important. And then just leave Lucy and I out of it like we’re incapable of anything except being … girly. Need I remind him who has the swiftest bow in Narnia?” Susan said as she paced back and forth, “This will simply not do.”
“Queen Susan!” Mr. Beaver called out, “Majesty!”
“Mr. Beaver. I’m so happy to see you.” Susan smiled sincerely, “Is something troubling you?”
“Yes! Something troubles me indeed!”
“What is it?”
“The battle. The Kjell Army. It was all a distraction, Queen Susan.” said Mr. Beaver emphatically.
“A distraction from what?”
“The true evil. The nameless evil. While we was fighting against those bleedin’ monsters, they was taking over Cair Paravel!”
“What?” Susan yelled as she jumped to her feet, “Whatever do you mean, Beaver? Who? How?”
“They’re in the capital as we speak! An Army that walked right by us in broad daylight. They have the shroud of invisibility. One of the prisoners spilled everything he knew. He says… ” Beaver said in his typically dramatic tone, “The nameless evil has come to turn Narnia on it’s head. To destroy all that is good and holy. They’s gonna make the hundred year winter look like a fairytale!”
“Settle down, Beaver. We have overcome all evil that has been dealt to us.”
“But Majesty, they’s know that the prophesied four is broken. That’s why they come through the Western Woods. That’s supposed to be the domain of your brother, the fallen King Edmund. Remember the prophecy when you first came to Narnia? It said that the four … four of you, two sons of Adam, and two daughters of eve will lead Narnia into a golden age and stop all evil. But Edmund died and the prophecy died with it. Don’t you see?” exclaimed Beaver.
“Edmund’s death … it changed the prophecy?” Susan asked with foreboding on her face.
“It did, Majesty. You were supposed to herald the Golden Age of Narnia. But when he died, it all changed. It’s all wrong, Majesty. It’s all wrong.” Beaver said anxiously, “What shall we do?”
Susan felt her heart rise up in her chest. The Narnian Army was in no shape for another battle. Especially one against an enemy with a shroud of invisibility. Of all the times for Peter to go off somewhere without telling her where. And what if Beaver was right about the prophecy? Had Edmund’s death changed so much of Narnia’s future?
“Majesty, if I may be so bold. Where is King Peter?” Beaver asked.
“I am not certain, Beaver. Why?”
“Because the prisoner who told us about this plan to take Narnia, he said this nameless evil was going to separate the royal blood and do away with you one by one. You have to stay together. The safest place for you all is together. Right here where we can all see and protect you. I won’t let anyone get you, Majesty! I won’t!”
Though it was the oddest time to do so, Susan laughed. She found Beaver’s dedication an endearing quality. He had been a loyal friend ever since their arrival in Narnia, and Susan found his presence ever so comforting.
“Well then I best make sure you stay by my side, hadn’t I?” Susan smiled, “We mustn’t fret, Beaver. It will do us no good. We will find a way.”
“Cor blimey.” Beaver said exasperated, “Now I know’s why you’re the queen. You’s a born leader, you are. Cool and calm, that’s you, Queen Susan.”
“We must take a step back, analyze the situation and assess it from a logical position.”
“Logiwhat?” Beaver said throwing his hands up.
“Mr. Tumnus. I wonder if you would be so kind as to send some of our fastest griffon after Peter.” Susan said with a small nod, “And send Lucy to me. Prepare the army to march.”
“At night?” Mr. Tumnus asked, “We could be vulnerable.”
“If Cair Paravel is in danger, we dare not wait.”
“Queen Susan, please be careful. You could be playing right into their hands. Maybe we should wait for Peter. You’re stronger together, Majesty. This could be exactly what they wanted you to do. They want you separated. You could be in danger right now. King Peter could be in danger right now …”
A FOUL WIND INDEED
Peter held on for dear life as he and Seeko were thrown about in the air like dolls. The wind had picked up so much that even Seeko could not get a controlled flight. Peter had urged Seeko to continue, knowing that the more time that passed, the greater the risk he would lose Edmund again. That solitary thought consumed him.
“Come on, Ed. Where are you?” Peter whispered to himself.
“Majesty, this wind is foul!” Seeko cried as rain began buffeting his wings, “The rain is too heavy. We must land!”
“No!” Peter yelled through the increasing storm, “Press on, Seeko!”
“This wind … it tracks us. It won’t let me out of it’s stream, Majesty. I can’t keep going.”
Peter knew Seeko was right. Somehow they were being hunted by the wind. Something was keeping him from Edmund. Could it be Edmund himself? Could the deep magic be telling him that Edmund was lost to him?
Soon the rain was so strong that Peter could barely see. Seeko struggled to fly, and began faltering under the force of the wind and rain. Finally his strength faltered and he lost control for an instant. An instant long enough for him to spin in mid air, causing Peter to lose his grip on the griffon and fall from the sky.
Peter screamed as he seemed to fall forever, unsure of which way was up. His mind spun until slowly he began to lose consciousness. He braced himself for death and thought of his sisters, hoping they would be strong without him. His last thought was of Edmund, and hoping that if he was to die now, that Edmund and he would finally be together in death. For he was certain that Edmund was marching towards his resting place. Perhaps now Peter would be with him. Perhaps.
A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM
Peter woke up safe in his bed, home in England. He rubbed his eyes and smiled, wondering how he could have had such a vivid dream. A dream filled with fauns and centaurs and witches and even … a lion. He couldn’t wait to tell Edmund.
As Peter stood up he remembered how frightful his dream was at the end. It was such a vivid dream. A dream that was filled with excitement, but also incredible sadness because Edmund died. And he realized that he loved Edmund more than he should. Peter thought that was such an irresponsible dream to have. Love Edmund? How inappropriate. He’d make sure not to tell Edmund that part of his dream.
Peter realized Edmund wasn’t in his bed, in the room they both shared. Perhaps he was already eating breakfast. Peter couldn’t wait to speak to him. He had this overwhelming need to speak to Edmund or he would simply die.
“Edmund!” Peter called, running downstairs, “Ed!”
Much to Peter’s great relief, he found Edmund sitting at the breakfast table with Lucy and Susan.
“Mother isn’t here, but she said to remind you to clean the chimney.” Edmund said with toast in his mouth, “I’ll help you, Peter.”
“Of course you will.” Peter said as he hugged Edmund from behind, “You always do, don’t you, Ed?”
“What’s got into you?” Edmund asked giving Peter a strange look.
“Nothing, Ed. Nothing at all.” Peter said closing his eyes, “Everything’s just perfect.”
Peter opened his eyes to see Edmund tilt his head to smile at him. It was the subtle, almost shy smile that was only Edmund’s. Peter smiled back at him and felt compelled to do something he’d never thought about doing before. Something Edmund had done to him long ago. Edmund seemed to have the same idea, but seeing as Lucy and Susan were in the room he settled for nuzzling his nose against Peter’s. Without saying the words, Edmund’s body language spoke volumes.
“He belongs to me, Little King.” Spoke a voice so cold, Peter couldn’t help but shiver.
Peter stood up with a fear in his heart. A voice so cruel and emotionless at once. A voice Peter believed lived only in his dreams. He turned around and his whole world began falling around him as he saw the face of winter’s cold. Jadis, the White Witch stood before him with a cold stare in her eyes.
“He’s still mine.” Jadis remarked rather cool, “You’ve kept him from me until now. But when he reaches the realm of the departed, his soul returns to me! Once a traitor, damned forever! And I’ll have you too, Little King. For you too are a traitor. You betrayed his heart. And for that, you belong to me!”
“No!” Edmund yelled as he pushed Peter aside, “You can have me, but you can’t have him!”
“Then come to me, Edmund.” Jadis said extending her hand, “Come to me and rest your weary soul forever. Do not be afraid, Edmund. I forgive you.”
“I’m sorry, Peter.” Edmund said as he took Jadis’s hand, “You can’t stop it.”
“No!” Peter yelled.
Peter woke with a start, realizing his dream of a dream was just that. Narnia was indeed real, and somehow he’d escaped death again. He was unsure of his surroundings. All around him was dense forest. He could barely see the sky through the trees. It was morning now, yet he could hear no birds chirping. No insects made a sound. The forest was eerie and endless, with no sign of life at all.
“Hello!” Peter yelled, “Can anybody hear me?”
“I hear you, Son of Adam.”
“Aslan!” Peter yelled as he turned to see Aslan walking toward him.
The Great Lion strode toward Peter with a regal step. Peter was relieved to see the lion, for it had been a year since they’d last spoken. He always felt safe when Aslan was near. Perhaps now things would finally be set right.
“Aslan, what’s going on?”
“Evil hunts you, Peter. It has set its sights on you and will not rest. Even Jadis hunts you from her realm of the departed.”
“She wants Edmund.” Peter said with fear, “She says when he returns to the realm of the departed, she’ll claim him for being a traitor. But he’s not a traitor, Aslan. He died for Narnia.”
“Battles rage on in ways you cannot imagine, Peter. Even now Jadis continues to hunt Edmund. But take solace in the fact that your brother redeemed himself with the ultimate sacrifice. He died for you, Peter. He died for Narnia. She cannot have him unless he gives himself to her.” Aslan said “Even in death, she reaches her hand out to fill Narnia with fear and darkness. I pulled you from your dream, or she would have claimed you. For now, you are safe. Safe with me, and safe with him.”
“Am I still dreaming?” Peter asked as he looked around him.
“Yes, Peter.”
“What must I do, Aslan?”
“Peter … there are things I could not tell you. Things you would not have understood.” said Aslan, “Things that have affected the course of history, and change the future as we speak.”
“Edmund. The Fallen Army. What’s going on?”
“Peter, Edmund should not have died that day. His death changed the future of Narnia. It broke the bond of the four and because of it, the Golden Age will never be.” Aslan said gravely.
“But he’s alive! I saw him!”
“No, Peter. There are things I did not tell you. The Fallen Army was sent to Salei Barion once Edmund died. I knew with his death, the future would change and the fallen army would be needed to return to Narnia once more. Salei Barion is a place reserved for exceptional people under exceptional circumstances. People whose death was premature. People who are in the wrong time. Heroes who will be called upon to rise again. For them, the peace of death is halted and they are neither alive nor dead. I knew this day would come when evil would return to Narnia and try to undo what we accomplished one year ago when we defeated the White Witch.”
“I don’t understand.” said Peter with confusion in his eyes.
“I had their bodies taken to Salei Barion, Peter. But it was you who summoned them to Narnia. The Fallen Army are bound to Edmund. And Edmund is bound to you. But you only have one opportunity to use them in this world before they return to Salei Barion and complete their journey to the realm of the departed. Edmund came to you because you called to him. Do you not remember? I cannot tell you how you summoned him. Only you can answer that. Remember what I told you, Peter. True love defies death. But a love that is hidden or denied, is no more powerful than a whisper. However, a love that is free and pure has the power to bring life.”
“I … told him I loved him. I remember. He came to me and I told him.”
“Yes, Peter. Now you are beginning to understand. But there is little time, and still much for you to do.” Aslan said with a sigh, “There is still hope for Narnia, Peter.”
“That’s why he came. Because I told him, isn’t it? That was the key to the deep magic? But … is it in my power to keep him here, Aslan?”
“I cannot give you that answer, Peter. You must remember, that you are toying with the natural order of life. The deep magic does not afford miracles easily. It is miracle enough that the Fallen Army have returned to help you save Narnia.”
“And now they have completed their task, they’re leaving! I can’t lose Edmund again, Aslan. I would rather die and be with him, than live and be without him. He fills my every waking thought. I thought it wrong and tried to deny it, but I can do so no longer. I will follow him into death if that is the only way that we can be together.” said Peter before he was cut off by Aslan’s mighty roar.
“Narnia needs you, Peter. The Fallen Army believes their task is complete. They were deceived, as you were. The true evil is now at Cair Paravel. It slipped right by you as you fought the Kjell Army. Now it ransacks Cair Paravel and threatens to send Narnia back into an age of evil even more fearsome than the hundred year winter. It is a nameless evil. It is what sent you hurtling from the sky. It is what has separated the four true rulers of Narnia. You do not have Edmund for long, Peter. I have placed you at his side, Peter. I cannot intervene after this. Edmund is out of my reach. Only you can reach him, Peter. You must march with him back to Cair Paravel before Queen Susan’s army is defeated and she is killed. The four of you must reunite if you are to defeat this evil and save Narnia. Only the four of you can begin the Golden Age. You must complete this task before Edmund leads the Fallen Army back to Salei Barion.”
“I understand.” Peter said with both exhilaration and despair.
“You must hurry, Peter. Remember, only when the four true rulers of Narnia reunite, can evil be defeated and the Golden Age begin. This task will not be easy, Peter. To win this battle, you must face your darkest fears. To win this battle, you will have to release Edmund. If you do not, then Narnia will fall and so will all who dwell within it.”
“Release him?”
“Face your darkest fears, Peter. If you do not, Edmund will not know peace and Narnia will fall. Now, awake, Son of Adam. Awake and free Narnia!”

TO BE CONTINUED - The Path to Glory

Peter and Edmund come face to face. Susan fights to save Cair Paravel from an ever revealing evil.

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Just and Magnificent