1 | War of Hearts • Edmund Pevensie

seven

007 | ❝Ivory will do it.❞

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 Jadis was able to use the sleigh for a good while before the snow had thawed completely making it hard to get around in the sleigh. Edmund had begun to feel warmer, that much was obvious to Ivory since he was no longer shivering like he was before. The sleigh suddenly came to a harsh stop and the dwarf yelled at the reindeer to keep going but it was no sure, the sleigh wouldn't budge. Finally, the dwarf gave a huff and jumped out of the sleight. "Don't sit staring, fool!" Jadis said turning to look at Edmund. "Get out and help."

Edmund did as he was told, a splash was heard as his feet hit the ground, the snow had melted fast leaving only behind water for the green grass and gorgeous flowers. Edmund helped the dwarf move the sleigh out of a muddy whole the two getting back in the sleigh began to move again. Still, it wasn't long before the sleigh stopped again. "It's no good, your Majesty," The dwarf said. "Can't sledge in this thaw."

"Then we must walk." Jadis said.

"We shall never overtake them walking," The dwarf said a hint of annoyance in his voice Ivory wondered if her mother had heard it. "Not with the start they've got."

"Are you my councilor of my slave?" Jadis said. "Do as you're told. Tie the hands of the human behind it and keep hold of the end of the rope. And take your whip. And cut the harness of the reindeer; they'll find their way home."

Ivory and Jadis both got out of the sleigh, the young girl watching as the dwarf did as he was told releasing the reindeer and moving to tie Edmunds hands behind his back. Once it was done, they had begun to walk in the direction they believed Aslan's army to be. Jadis knew she would need time to gather her troops and she would as soon as they found a clearing.

Ivory walked behind the dwarf, Jadis behind her. As they walked there were times when Edmund would slip on the wet ground and the dwarf would whip him telling him to get up and move. Behind them, Jadis, would yell, "Faster! Faster!" to the annoyance of Ivory.

"Mother, does he really have to whip Edmund, the ground is wet."

Jadis didn't answer her but Edmund had turned to look at her with a grateful look. When the snow and ice had completely melted away and the air was warmer, she noticed the look of aw Edmund had on his face as he looked around, he brand new Narnia before his eyes. "Mind your business!" The dwarf said tugging on the rope.

"Faster! Faster!" Jadis said once more. It was growing dark; they would have to settle soon.

"This is no thaw," The dwarf said, it had been a while of walking and the grass was so green, the flowers were blooming, and the birds were singing. "This is spring. What are we to do? Your winter has been destroyed; I tell you! This is Aslan's doing."

"If either of you mention that name again," Jadis said. "he shall instantly be killed."

...

When they finally came to clearing Edmund let himself fall to the ground to rest. He was too tired to care about anything at the moment. Ivory stood beside her mother and the dwarf. "They must have reached the Stone Table by now your Majesty." The dwarf said.

"Perhaps the wolf will smell us out and bring us news." Jadis said.

"How can we be so sure he will come back?" Ivory asked looking over at Edmund. "If his siblings made it to the Stone Table, they are with him."

"Your Majesty, the princess is right. It cannot be good news if the wolf returns."

"Four thrones in Cair Paravel," Jadis said. "How if only three were filled? That would not fulfill the prophecy."

"What difference would that make now that he is here?" The dwarf said.

"He may not stay long. And then—we would fall upon the three at Cair."

"You really believe he will leave three of the prophecy pieces alone? I doubt it." Ivory said. "Not when we have one of them."

"It would be best to keep this one." The dwarf said kicking Edmund in the rib causing the boy to groan in pain. "For bargaining with."

"Yes! and have him rescued." Jadis said in anger. "We'll kill him on the Stone Table, as it has always been done." Ivory's eyes widened and she and Edmund looked at each other.

"Mother you can't kill him!" She cried out without thinking and Jadis turned to look at her with anger in her eyes. Ivory had no time to react when her mother slapped her across the face hard, she was sure it would leave a mark.

"You dare say what I can't and can do!" Jadis said anger growing in her voice. "I am the Queen! I say what is to be done, and if you want to disobey you can tie yourself up along with the prisoner."

Ivory shook her head, she felt like a coward, not brave enough to stand up for Edmund who she had grown fond of. Her hand was on her cheek the sting from the slap enough to make her cry, but she wouldn't in front of her mother. "Tie him to the tree." Jadis said the dwarf moved to do it. "Not you." She said turning to look at Ivory. "Ivory will do it. You will call out for my troops, tell them to meet us here we need to be ready."

Ivory nodded her head taking the rope the dwarf had still been holding on to in order to keep Edmund from running away. Edmund stood up following the girl as she led him over to a tree. She then began to wrap the rope around the tree and Edmund until there was no rope left. She secured it and dropped to the floor in front of him.