The Guardian of Narnia

XV

Glenstorm and Elvira walked across the battlefield carrying green branches; a sign of peace.

Glenstorm waited outside the tent as Elvira read the challenge.

"'I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and by conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Emperor of the Lone Islands, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the field of battle. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender.'," she read. She rolled up the scroll.

"Tell me, Guardian Elvira, why would we risk such a proposal when our army could wipe you out by nightfall?"

"Have you not already underestimated our numbers? Only a week ago, Narnians were extinct," she countered.

"And so you will be again," he said.

"Then you should have little to fear," Elvira pointed out. Miraz laughed.

"This is not a question of bravery," Miraz said.

"So you are bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?" Elvira asked, smirking.

"I didn't say I refused," Miraz countered.

"You shall have our support, your majesty, whatever your decision," said a Telmarine Lord.

"Sire, our military advantage alone allows us the perfect excuse to avoid-" began another to Miraz. The king stood up and drew his sword.

"I am not avoiding anything!" he said.

"I am merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse," said the Lord.

"His majesty would never refuse. He relishes the chance to show his people the bravery of their new king," said a Commander. Miraz pointed his sword at Elvira.

"You had better hope your king's sword proves sharper," Miraz said. The Guardian smiled in return.

~

Peter, Edmund and Elvira walked out of Aslan's How as the Narnians cheered them on. Peter drew his sword and stepped forward. Miraz stepped forward and they began circling.

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

"Well, feel free," Peter replied. Elvira shared a glance with Edmund, who smirked in reply.

"How many more must die for the throne?" Miraz asked.

"Just one," Peter replied and, pulling down his helmet, and jumped at Miraz. They began fighting. The two armies cheered them on.

Once the five minute mark came, Peter hit Miraz in the back. Miraz knocked off Peter's helmet, and then his coif. Elvira stood from her seat, trying to get a better view. Peter swung low, and cut Miraz's leg. Miraz swung, and Peter fell over but quickly recovered. Miraz tripped Peter, and then stepped on his shield. Peter yelled. Elvira gasped. His arm had to be dislocated. Miraz swung, but Peter rolled out of the way. Peter kept rolling and blocking. Then he stopped and Miraz tripped. Both quickly got up, breathing heavily. Elvira looked over Miraz' shoulder and saw Caspian and Susan riding up.

"Does his highness need a respite?" Miraz said.

"Five minutes?" Peter asked.

"Three," Miraz replied.

Peter and Miraz limped back to their sides.

"Lucy..." Peter asked Susan.

"She got through... with a little help," Susan said.

"Thanks," Peter said to Caspian.

"Well, you are busy," Caspian replied. Peter looked at the How.

"Better get up there, just in case. I don't expect the Telmarines will keep their word," Peter told Susan. She hugged her brother and he winced.

"Sorry," she said.

"It's alright," he replied.

"Take care," Susan said.

"Keep smiling," Edmund said to his brother. Peter turned and raised his sword. He forced a smile. The Narnians cheered. Peter held his arm and groaned. Elvira looked at it.

"I think it's dislocated..." he said. She turned him to face his brother as she took his arm in her hands. "What do you think happens back home if you die here?" his brother sent him a glance, "You know, you've always been there. I never really-AWW!" he yelled in pain as Elvira reattached his arm.

"Save it for later," Edmund said. Elvira cupped Peter's face in her hands and gently kissed him. He returned it and she felt his armoured hand on her cheek. She broke away.

"Helmet?" she asked him. He shook his head. She kissed his cheek one last time and watched as he walked out onto the fighting arena again. Peter attacked quickly, but Miraz parried. Miraz started hitting Peter with his shield. Peter fell, and Miraz ran towards him. Peter blocked and then tripped Miraz. They both quickly recovered. Peter knocked Miraz' sword out of his hand. They continued fighting, Miraz using his shield. Peter tried to stab Miraz but failed. Miraz knocked Peter's sword out of his hand. Miraz tried to slam his shield into Peter, but Peter caught it. Peter twisted Miraz' shield behind him. Miraz elbowed Peter in the face and then pushed him into a pillar. Miraz picked up his sword and swung, but Peter blocked it with his armbraces. Peter stood up and punched Miraz' wounded leg. Miraz yelled and fell down, dropping his sword.

"Respite! Respite!" Miraz croaked.

"Now's no time for chivalry, Pete!" Edmund said. Peter hesitated. Miraz held up his hand preparing for the blow. Peter lowered his arm and started walking back to his side. After Peter's back was turned, Miraz grabbed his sword and ran towards Peter. Elvira grabbed Edmund's sword and parried the blow. She threw it down and jabbed her foot into his injured leg again. He screamed and Elvira heard a crack. He fell to his knees. Elvira looked at Miraz, holding Edmund's sword, looked down at him.

"What's the matter, child? Too cowardly to take a life?"

"It is not mine to take," she replied. She turned to Caspian. He stepped forward, and she handed Edmund's sword to him. She watched as the Prince raised the sword.

"Perhaps I was wrong. It seems you have the makings of a good Telmarine king after all," Miraz said to him. He bowed his head. Caspian held up the sword, screamed, and stabbed... the ground.

"Not one like you. Keep your life, but I am giving the Narnians back their kingdom," Caspian said. Caspian walked away and the Narnians cheered. A Lord walked over and helped Miraz up. Suddenly, there was a gasp. Elvira turned to see Miraz on the floor, an arrow, Susan's arrow, sticking into his back. The Lord ran up and took Miraz' sword.

"Treachery! They shot him! They murdered our king! To arms!"