SMOKE SIGNALS

The Battle of Deliverance

The sun was past its apex when Edmund and Peter emerged from the How. Cahira and Glenstorm turned to face him as the Narnian army cheered in thunderous cacophony. The visor of Peter's helm was up, his face a mask of stoic determination. The dueling grounds were within what might've at one point been some sort of structure-though now the tallest remains were ornate stone pillars. The ground beneath them was stone as well, in contrast to the green fields that surrounded them.

Miraz and his Marshals sat directly opposite the Narnian forces. Cahira had been watching them for the past twenty minutes as the Telmarine King prepared for the battle. They had been pointedly ignoring the Narnians with a smug aloofness, but now turned towards them with the entrance of the High King. Miraz muttered something to Glozelle before standing as Peter approached.

Peter drew his sword from his scabbard, and the Narnians erupted into renewed applause. He turned for a second before entering the list, catching Cahira's gaze with the slightest of nods. She gripped her own sword at her waist as she nodded back with a small smile. She'd never let her face show it, but her nerves were causing her stomach to tie itself into knots. All she could do now was watch.

The two combatants approached each other, swords raised as they circled each other.

"There is still time to surrender," Miraz taunted.

"Well, feel free," Peter replied, cool and collected.

"How many more must die for the throne?"

"Just one."

Peter lowered his visor before hoisting himself off of a collapsed pillar. The swords of the two connected in a flash of silver, and the armies broke into thunderous cheers as the duel began.

Peter swung again, but Miraz blocked his sword with his shield. He drove it forward, hitting the High King in the face and sending him reeling for a moment. Cahira's knuckles were white as she gripped her sword, and she could hear Edmund's breath hitch from beside her.

But Peter followed up quickly, slicing with his sword and forcing Miraz back a few paces. For a moment, it looked as though the fight would be over already. Peter stabbed again, and Miraz was forced to throw his full height and weight into avoiding the blade with his armor. It looked as though he still got a feel for the force of the swing, as he cried out even as the blade glanced against his armor.

The two circled each other again. Miraz had obviously not fully accounted for Peter's skill. It looked as though he was sizing him up a second time. With a roar, he swung again, but the High King ducked underneath it, slicing at his chest armor.

Cahira gasped as Miraz hit Peter again in the face with his shield, this time knocking his helm and coif fully off of his head. He barely jerked his head back in time to avoid a quick, lethal slash to his neck. But Peter wasn't one to be on the losing side for long. In a flash, he sank low, cutting into the flesh of Miraz's thigh where it was not covered by armor.

The armies cheered for first blood. Miraz gritted his teeth, and Cahira caught him casting a quick glance at his General. He only cocked his head in response, but the exchange left her uneasy. They were plotting something. Then again-when weren't they?

Cahira turned her attention back to the duel just as Miraz swept his sword against Peter's shins, causing him to tumble to the ground. He recovered quickly, though, standing up and thrusting at Miraz. The Telmarine parried his strikes and kicked at his legs, sweeping them out from under him. Peter fell to the ground again, and this time Miraz was ready. He stepped down hard on the edge of the High King's shield. There was a harsh, grinding crunch as Peter's arm bent further than it was meant to. Cahira's stomach turned violently.