See The Castle Loom [2]

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I stood there, jaw dropping. They were coming, in numbers and forces that were far greater than ours. They had catapults and warriors. All in uniform movement. I felt for Edmund's hand and grasped it. This would be harder than the battle of Beruna for sure. Peter and Lucy came up behind us and I could feel the tension rising. We needed to plan. Now.

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"That's your plan!" Trumpkin cried. "Sending a small girl to the darkest parts of the forest alone!" I had to agree with him that it didn't sound extremely hopeful. But we needed Aslan, there was no way we would be able to beat these Telmarines without him. "It's our only chance!" Peter defended, echoing my thoughts. "And she won't be alone." Susan added. Trumpkin looked to Lucy, his expression softening. "Haven't enough of us died already?" Lucy gave him a sympathetic smile. "Nikabrik was my friend too." Trufflehunter - the badger sighed. " But he lost hope. Queen Lucy has not." I smiled at him, someone understood. "Then I am coming with you!" Trumpkin said matter of factly. "No, you are needed here!" Lucy replied. I nodded. "Your majesty, if I may." Capsian interjected. "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer, but as a king, he is summoned to the traditions and expectations of his people, there is one, in particular, that may buy us time." I looked at the Pevensies and then back at Caspian. "Then tell us."

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Edmund and I walked through the field in silence. Me carrying a white flag of peace, Edmund a scroll. "Why did I let you come with me again?" He said, looking at the soldiers in our path ahead. "Because I invited myself and you couldn't refuse me? Edmund, I am not letting you go alone to the enemy camp! Especially THIS enemy camp!" He groaned. "I am a King, Alex, I do know a thing or two about diplomacy. I don't want you to get hurt, we don't know what he might do." He looked at me solemnly. "Then surely, it would be better to face them together!" I retorted. He sighed in defeat and I mentally got ready for what was about to happen.

"We wish to speak with Miraz under the flag of peace." I said confidently. The guard looked at me and then took us inside the camp, sending one of his fellow men to deliver the message. Once they were ready for us we walked into a tent full of nobles.

Edmund unrolled the parchment, clearing his throat, "I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by lecture and by conquest, High King of Narnia and Emperor of the Lone Islands. In order to prevent the inevitably shed of blood, hereby challenge you, Miraz, to single combat upon the field of battle, the fight shall be to the death, the reward - total surrender,". I looked forcefully at Miraz "Tell me, Prince Edmund - ". " - King. It's King Edmund, actually. But the just king, Peter's the High King, I know it is confusing" Edmund corrected. I nudged Edmund, giving him a smirk. "Why would you risk such a proposal when our army could wipe you out by nightfall?" Miraz continued, ignoring the whole prince/king/high king ordeal. "Haven't you already underestimated our numbers? I mean, only a week ago, Narnian's were extinct," Edmund questioned. "And so you will be again," Miraz threatened. I scoffed "Then you should have little to fear about a little duel." I suggested, trying to push his buttons. Miraz laughed uneasily, "This is not a position of bravery,". "So you are bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?" Edmund pushed, following our plan. "I didn't say I refused," Miraz replied, before snapping at the other lords, "I'm not avoiding anything,". Edmund put a hand out in front of me, glaring as Miraz started to wave his sword around. Miraz then pointed his sword towards the two teens, "You better hope your brother's sword is sharper than his pen,"

We walked out triumphant but also worried, we both knew that this duel would be ugly and that if it went wrong, Lucy would have little time to find my father. "King Edmund, Lady Alexandra!" A voice called. We both turned and saw a Telmarine guard running at us. "Your majesties, please! Take me with you! I want to fight with the Narnians!" He pleaded. I looked him up and down, he was not a lot older than myself and had shaggy brown hair - very unlike the Telmarines. I could tell that he used to laugh a lot by his smile lines. "How do we know that you are not a spy?" Edmund asked hesitantly. I nodded, this could go very badly for us if he was. "I swear on Aslan's stone table that I am no spy. I need to flee from the ranks of Miraz. My father and mother were killed by him and I need to get away before I suffer the same fate!"

I looked into his eyes and saw the hurt and desperateness they portrayed. "What is your name Telmarine?" I asked coldly. "My name is Rider and I am no Telmarine. I am a Narnian, I have learned your tales and heard the legends. I am willing to risk my life to help you overthrow Miraz." I looked at Edmund and could tell he was convinced. "You may come with us. But be warned Rider, any hint of your wrongdoing and you will be gone." Edmund threatened. Rider thanked us and walked with us to the How. "I must warn you Rider, I can not guarantee that the others will be so forgiving. I expect you to prove your worth to them." I said, the coldness in my voice not completely gone.

A/N

Guys!! Four more chapters to go!!! Ahhh!! I can not believe that Book 2 is nearly done!! Thank you so much for all of your support and thoughts! Just to let you know, I will be doing a book three and it will be coming your way soon!!! But more about that in my next A/N . I hope you like Rider as I am planning on him becoming a much more prominent character!

See ya soon!

Cat