make it right ➞ edmund pevensie; the chronicles of narnia [editing]

THIRTEEN.

"so be careful to use the words I love you."

-

THIRTEEN.

CADY FALLS BACK INTO HER ROUTINE FOUR DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT. No one in the How seems to want to address how she had scared the Kings and Queens so badly with her transformation. She feels more comfortable hiding by the water now, practising how to change from fins to legs and back to fins.

Edmund has been incredibly understanding, visiting her every night to accompany her with a small collection of books that Doctor Cornelius has borrowed to him. He tells stories to her of the Golden Age, different from the wild and savage land where magic roams free that she lives in now. "Best swordsman of Narnia," he had told her one night, when they came back from a sparring session that Edmund won again, without surprise. And she had cracked a smile because of course, Edmund is one to push his way through a battle, his sword a barrier that no one dares to cross. He is sharp: teeth, tongue, and blade. She thinks she's lovesick, when his hazel eyes twinkle like the constellations glimmering in the night sky and a rare smile usually reserved for her dawns on his face.

Some time at midday, Cady feels a trembling in the earth that sends a shiver of unease up her spine. "Cady?" Her brother's voice comes from behind the ajar door and she snaps her book close and tosses it on her bed.

"Is something wrong?" She asks, joining his side as he leads the way down the corridor.

"You have to see this." Caspian shakes his head and brings her outside, joining the Pevensies on the archers' point.

Then she sees it. Endless rows and rows of Telmarine soldiers marching across the grassland in unison, stopping a quarter way down.

Her eyes widen. Uncle Miraz leads his troops forward, riding his unmistakable white horse as he flaunts his troops. There are catapults, groups of calvary, and enough soldiers at his disposal to wipe out all the Narnians.

"Oh, dear heavens," Peter breathes, emerging from behind to stare at the troops.

And to think they stand a chance.

x

CADY FIDGETS IN HER SPOT NEXT TO EDMUND, legs tucked underneath her chin and listening carefully to Peter's plan with a small group that gathers in the meeting chamber.

"Cakes and kettledrums. That's your next big plan?" Trumpkin exclaims. He points at Lucy. "Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the first? Alone!"

"It's our only change," Peter replies, crossing his arms.

"And she won't be alone," Susan adds, taking Lucy's hand.

"Haven't enough of us died already?" Trumpkin questions, eyes softening in sadness. Cady gulps, remembering the Narnians they left behind during the failed seige on Telmar Castle.

Trufflehunter stands up. The badger's words are stern when he answers, "Nikabrik was my friend too, but he lost hope. Queen Lucy hasn't, and neither have I."

Reepicheep draws his sword, holding it across his chest. "For Aslan," he announces.

"For Aslan!" Bulgy Bear exclaims, standing up.

Peter nods knowingly at Lucy, who gives him a tight-lipped smile.

"Then I'm going with you," Trumpkin states, looking at Lucy.

"No, we need you here," the queen replies.

Peter says, "She's right, we have to hold them off until Lucy and Susan get back."