The Path of the Brave [Edmund Pevensie]

Chapter III: A Deal

"You may find Narnia a more savage place than you remember."

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"Have you ever been on the woods alone?"

 "No." Alex had started walking parallel to the coast. Caspian had been out alone for too long. She had no idea what could have happened to him after blowing that damn horn, but she had made a promise; she had to protect him. And that promise she intended to keep.

"Have you ever been on the woods whatsoever?" Edmund asked. The group followed her closely. They seemed to be intrigued by her stubbornness.

"Once... This morning," She hugged her own body. Despite being spring, the breeze was starting to make her cold.

"Oh, God." She could hear Susan mutter.

Alex could hear her, but still she decided to continue her journey. Seeing her mind was fixed on leaving, Lucy caught up to her. "It'll get colder at night. You'll freeze!"

"Then I should hurry." Lucy stopped dead on her tracks, as the girl kept walking. Peter pat her back, it was a good try. 

The blonde boy gave a couple of large steps, his sword hanging at his side, and started walking next to her. "Listen, we were sent here for a reason. We need to know what is going on, and I guess we appeared on this beach because of you."

That last phrase made her stop and look at him in the eyes. "My friend Caspian called you here, not me. And now he's lost, maybe even dead." She could feel some tears approaching but did not let them get that close. "I don't know why you are here. I'm sorry, but I can't help you until I find him."

She turned around and kept on going. "But-!" The blonde boy tried again.

"Don't, Peter," Susan grabbed him by the arm. "Leave her alone." They all turned around, at least they had tried. Maybe this time, destiny had guided them in the wrong path. Maybe Narnia didn't want them to come back, and it was all just a huge mistake.

Edmund turned around, looking to get a final glimpse of this strange girl. Why were they sent in her way? Why was she so important? "Wait." He said, making the others slow their pace, as he saw the girl running towards them.

"Wait!" The Pevensies turned at the sound of the girl's voice, who was now closer.  She let herself catch a breath before talking. "If you help me find my friend... Then, together, we will help you." Alex extended her hand at Peter who, apparently, was the leader of the group ("High King" title and all). "Deal?"

He directed a short look at his siblings, and with reassurance, turned back to her. "Deal." They shook hands, sharing a small smile. "But first, we need to get you some dry clothes."