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P E T E R
It's funny how our day went from dull and boring, to interesting...In fact, interesting doesn't even being to describe it.
Somehow, we've found ourselves performing a rescue on a fellow Narnian. Now, I'm soaking wet, having just retrieved him from the water to the safety of the shore and watched as Lucy made quick work in removing his binds with her dagger.
I let out a groan in annoyance as I shook the water out of my hair and wrung my clothes out. We've just gotten a change of clothes too- and found our weapons, which I was sure was going to come in handy.
"Drop him?" The dwarf demands as he pulls off his gag, "That's the best you can come up with?"
Susan and I exchange a glance, "A simple thank you would suffice." My sister sasses.
"They were doing a fine job drowning me without your help."
"Maybe we should have let them," I argue, promptly shutting him up.
"Why were they trying to kill you anyway?" Lucy asks.
The dwarf sighs, "They're Telmarines, that's what they do."
"Telmarines?" Edmund glances at him in confusion, "Here in Narnia?"
"Where have you been the last few hundred years?"
Lucy chuckles sheepishly, "It's a bit of a long story."
I feel his gaze follow my sword as Susan hands it to me before his eyes darts between the four of us.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," He groans, "You're it? You're the Kings and Queens of old?"
"High King Peter," I introduce myself, holding out a hand for him to shake before adding, "The magnificent." If Nerissa were here, she would most definitely be rolling her eyes.
"You probably could've left out the last bit." Susan shoots me a look.
"Probably." The dwarf chuckles.
"You might be surprised," I say drawing my sword.
He simply laughs, "Oh, you don't want to do that, boy."
"Not me," I say as I turn to Edmund, "Him."
Edmund draws his sword as I offer mine to the dwarf, hilt first.
My brother smiles at me when the tip of the sword falls into the sand as soon as he takes it. I shoot him a chiding glare, one of Nerissa's golden rule popping into my head: Never underestimate your opponent, never let your guard down.
This seems to be a prime example for the reasoning behind that rule as the stranger suddenly knocks Edmund's sword away and takes a swing that my brother barely dodges.
Clearly taken aback by the sudden attack, Edmund tries to regain his composure, only to be hit square in the face.
"Edmund!" Lucy yells in worry as he stumbles back.
"Aw, you alright?" The dwarf mocks.
The two circle around in an intense face-off, before Edmund's opponent, makes his next move, swiping his sword towards Edmund's feet. Edmund jumps and the sword slices through the sand instead.
Edmund finally pushes forward, meeting his opponent's blade. With a few more quick attacks, Edmund manages to disarm him, causing him to fall back.
"Beards and bedsteads!" He exclaims, "Maybe that horn did work after all."
"What horn?" Susan asks in confusion, having just discovered that she'd lost hers.
Hope flickers in my chest, "Perhaps it was Nerissa. Maybe she's found your horn."
"The Phoenix Archer?" The dwarf's face falls, "I hate to be the one to break this news to you, your Majesty. But it's been said that the Archer died in the fire of Cair Paravel. She hasn't been seen since she ran into the castle to save the Narnians trapped inside. We assume it's because she never made it back out."
It was known to the people of Narnia what Nerissa meant to name. Despite Nerissa's initial fears, the Narnians took the news well. They loved that their King and their Warrior were seeing each other.
There's no way our people would lie about something like this. My thoughts were confirmed as I glance at his face that showed nothing but sincerity.
I fist my hands, suddenly overcome with the overwhelming urge to punch something.
"So, it's just a rumour, then?" I grit my teeth so hard that Susan looked worried that they might break, "Until I find someone who can confirm it, that's all it will be; a rumour."
I turn on my heels before I do something I regret. They certainly didn't deserve to have me lashing out at them.
"Peter," I hear Susan calling as I stomped off.
"Leave him, Susan." I faintly hear Edmund answer, followed by, "It's Nerissa we're talking about."
My heart is racing by the time make it to the edge of the cliff. I close my eyes taking a deep breath in and out, my mind replaying the dwarf's words over and over again. She never made it out.
For sure, Nerissa would make her presence known if she was still around. Especially during a time when our people needed a leader.
Just like that, my mind starts wandering to dark places. What if they're right? What if she really was gone. Maybe it's time I prepared myself for the worst.
I shake my head, just the thought of it makes my heart feel as if someone has taken it and smashed it against the wall, leaving it to shatter in a million and one pieces.
"Just so you know," Edmund's voice sounds from behind me. I've been so distracted by my own thought I didn't even notice him approaching, "I think you're right. Nerissa's tougher than that. I'm sure she's out there somewhere." He says, "We'll find her."
*
N E R I S S A
Night has fallen upon the magical land of Narnia. The centaurs have led us to the deep end of the woods- which had made Caspian evidently nervous, judging from the amount of sold sweat he was emitting- but I had faith in the people of Narnia. They wouldn't harm us, not without reason.
"All this horn proves is that they've stolen yet another thing from us!" Nikabrik yells.
"I didn't steal anything," Caspian says, but the Narnians start to protest.
"Our homes!"
"Our freedom!"
"Our lives!"
Caspian looks crestfallen, "You hold me accountable for the crimes of my people?"
"Accountable and punishable." Replies Nikabrik, "Perhaps the Archer should be, too. It seems she has turned her back on us Narnians in favour of the Telmarines instead!"
I let the accusation roll over my head, keeping my cool and continuing to assess the situation.
Reepicheep surprisingly jumps to our defence, "That's words from you, dwarf. Or have you forgotten that it was your people who fought alongside the White Witch, who- may I add- the Archer help defeat!"
"Let's not forget that the Archer was once part of the Witch's army," Nikabrik rebuts, "I'll gladly do it again if it rid us of these barbarians!"
"Then we are lucky that it is not in your power to bring her back!" Trufflehunter stats, "Or do you want us to ask this boy to go against Aslan?"
The sea of Narnians continued to roar.
"Enough!" I hardly need to raise my voice for silence to fall upon us, "Arguing will lead us nowhere. I understand your concerns, but if we stand here berating someone just because he's a Telmarine, how much better are we than them?"
"Easy for you to say, Archer. You're one of them now." Nikabrik scoffs.
I turn my gaze to him, "Believe what you want, but I've always stood with Aslan."
"If I may interject, great Warrior." Trufflehunter says and I nod for him to continue, "Some of you may have forgotten, but we badgers remember well," He starts, "Narnia was never right except when a son of Adam was king." He says.
His words ringing in my ear. As much as I trusted Caspian to lead, it felt wrong replacing Peter and the other Pevensie siblings like that.
"He's a Telmarine! Why would you want him as our King?" Nikabrik protests.
"Because I can help you," Caspian says, glancing at me and I give him a nod in encouragement.
He puffs his chest, "Beyond this woods, I am a Prince. The Telmarine throne is rightfully mine. Help me claim it and I can bring peace between us."
"It is true. The time is ripe. I watch the skies, for it is mine to watch as it is yours to remember, badger." A centaur steps forward, "Tarva, the Lord of Victory, and Alambil, the Lady of Peace have met, and here a son of Adam has come forth to offer us back our freedom. And behold, we have back with us, our warrior." The centaurs bow and a sense of nostalgia hits me.
"You're putting your trust in the traitor to bring us peace?" The dwarf spat as a few Minotaurs roared in agreement.
"I have never betrayed Narnia." I hissed, growing frustrated, "And never will I ever, betray my home. Don't have me confused for your people, dwarf. Staying in the Witch's army was a necessary evil for us to get an upper hand. Remember that the next time you want to accuse me of things I haven't done and have no intention of doing."
"You speak of yourself to be so loyal and yet you trust in this Telmarine?" The dwarf spits, pointing angrily at Caspian.
"I do, with my life." I say, "Caspian here and his father found me buried under the rubble in the ruins of Cair Paravel. If they were like the others, do you really think I would be standing here in front of you right now? I believe Caspian has proven that he will be the one who brings peace upon Narnia again." I stare pointedly at Nikabrik, "I served the Kings and Queens for decades, are you really going to question my judgement?"
That seems to render the dwarf speechless, snapping his mouth shut.
"Is it possible? Do you really think there could be peace? Do you? I mean, really?" A squirrel asks from up in the trees.
"Two days ago, I didn't believe in the existence of talking animals, or dwarfs, or centaurs," Caspian says, "Yet, here you are. In strength and numbers, we Telmarines could never have imagined. Whether this horn is magic or not, it brought us together. And together, we have a chance to take back what is ours."
"If you will lead us, then my sons and I offer you our swords." Glenstorm states as the centaurs drew their blades, holding it firmly in from of them.
"And we offer you our lives, unreservedly." Reepicheep and his army bows.
"Miraz's army will not be far behind, sire," Trufflehunter informs.
"If we are to be ready for them, we must hurry to find soldiers and weapons. I am sure they will be here soon. We also need somewhere we can use as a camp." Caspian gulps, glancing at me.
I smirk, "I know just the place."
A/N: Here's an extra chapter (just because I, too, can't wait for Nerissa and Peter to reunite)! Hope you enjoyed! ð