𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇
⸻ Cordelia Winterbourne's ordinary life with her mother was shattered by the onset of war, prompting Cordelia's mother to make a gut-wrenching decision by sending her daughter away for a while to keep her safe.
However, fate had a di...
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The sudden awakening and the unexpected presence of a Dryad in the room caught me off guard.
"Be calm, my princess," she said. "I bring dire news from the Daughters of Eve." She paused briefly before continuing, "The King of Narnia has passed away," she declared, delivering a shocking revelation that left me utterly speechless.
"What?" I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible amid the stunned silence that followed the Dryad's announcement.
Stepping out of the tent after changing from my nightwear, I immediately noticed the absence of the two girls who had shared the tent with me.
Oreius and the Pevensie boys gathered around a small table, atop which lay a map of Narnia. Sorrow and hopelessness etched their expressions as they deliberated.
As they became aware of my presence, their heads turned in my direction.
"Is it... true?" I asked, my voice faltering slightly with emotion.
They remained silent, merely nodding in confirmation. I hesitated for a moment before positioning myself beside the brunette Pevensie.
"You'll need to lead us now, Pete," Ed said to his brother, who seemed uncertain and hesitant.
"Peter, there's an army waiting out there, ready to follow you," Ed persisted, noticing his brother's wavering resolve.
"I can't," Peter responded.
"Aslan believed you could," I interjected, catching Peter's gaze.
"And so do we," Edmund added, emphasizing our trust in him. Peter glanced between us, particularly at his brother, with whom he hadn't shared a strong bond from the start, yet seemed to find belief in his words.
"The Witch's army is approaching, sire," Oreius declared, prompting the question, "What are your orders?"
Eventually, Peter commenced outlining his plan after studying the map for a brief moment.
Once the plan was settled, we dispersed to don our armor, preparing for the impending battle.
Struggling with the unexpectedly heavy armor, I managed to tie my white locks, which fell to my shoulders, into a French braid.
"Hey," I responded, trying to hide my nerves with a chuckle as Edmund's voice startled me a bit.
"Hey," he greeted back, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Be careful out there, alright?" he expressed, his concern evident, prompting a smile from me in response.
"You too, wouldn't want you dying in battle," I joked lightly, trying to lift the mood with a low chuckle.
"I won't," he assured with a slight smug smile.
"You better not, Pevensie," I replied, my tone more serious this time. I began walking, Edmund following as we headed towards the position Peter had assigned us, atop the hill, while he and Oreius took the front lines.
In silent anticipation, we stood, our emotions unspoken. It was evident that each of us harbored nervousness, contemplating the potential outcomes of the impending battle. There was no need for words as we pondered the worst-case scenarios that could unfold during the conflict.
In the distance, we could discern the presence of Jadis and her allies. They stood in position, awaiting the signal that would mark the commencement of the battle.
From my position at the front line, I observed Peter glancing back at his brother and me. He nodded in our direction before facing forward once more, drawing his sword and raising it high into the air.
The Narnians erupted into cheers despite their apprehension. In the distance, I noticed Jadis' allies initiating their advance.
"Here we go," I whispered, my voice barely audible amid the escalating tension.
As I observed, Edmund unsheathed his sword, coinciding with a tingling sensation in my right hand. Glancing down, I witnessed the gradual formation of the crystal ice sword, accompanied by swirling snowflakes dancing around it.
As a griffin suddenly emerged from above us, soaring into Jadis' allies, Edmund lifted his sword, pointing it at the enemy.
Peter's initial strategy unfolded successfully as the griffin dropped a rock on the adversaries. I prayed to Aslan that Peter's plan would continue to succeed until the battle's end.
Peter quickly departed from his position, mounted on a white steed, accompanied by Oreius at his side. The Narnians, stationed behind them on the front line, followed their lead, engaging in battle, while we observed the unfolding events from our vantage point atop the hill.
Time seemed to slow down as Jadis' allies clashed with the Narnians below.
Though I longed to rush down and aid them, I adhered to Peter's directives, recognizing that our plan's success relied on following through with our strategy.
As I focused on the battlefield, a distant, faint roar reverberated in my mind. Initially brushing it off as mere imagination, a sudden chill raced down my spine, causing me to shake my head in an attempt to regain my focus.
Returning my attention to the unfolding events, I saw Edmund, sword raised, directing a command to a centaur wielding an arrow, "Fire!"
The centaur's arrow struck the Phoenix, enveloping it in flames, and the creature soared into the midst of the battle, igniting a fire in the center.
Edmund and I exchanged glances, smiles forming on our faces, witnessing the success of Peter's plan once more. However, our fleeting celebration was abruptly interrupted when the polar bears ridden by Jadis intervened, extinguishing the fire and clearing a path toward the Narnians.
From a distance, we observed Peter and the other Narnians beginning a retreat.
Without delay, Edmund, the beaver, and I swiftly descended the hill, catching sight of our signal, and moved to another position in anticipation of Peter and the Narnians' arrival.
Adhering to our strategy, Edmund remained atop the hill, while I joined the Narnians, ready to charge at the enemy. Although Edmund had previously protested against Peter's plan, he eventually concurred, placing his trust in his brother's judgment.
In the blink of an eye, two Minotaurs came thundering toward me. Without a moment's thought, I swiftly slid beneath them as they brandished their hefty axes, seizing the opportunity to thrust my weapon through one of their chests as I regained my footing.
It was rather surprising to find I possessed such an ability, but amidst all the uncertainties in Narnia, I refrained from probing further into it.
As one Minotaur lay defeated, the second one paused for a moment, locking eyes with me before resuming its charge.
With a smug smile, I deftly slashed my sword through his chest, relishing the victorious moment.
