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IN THE ROOM WHERE the Stone Table lay, centaurs stood at the entrance while The Pevensies and a few other Narnias were gathered around a the table. Eliza sat beside an obviously stressed Edmund, her head on his shoulder as he anxiously played with his fingers.

Trumpkin scoffed, "Cakes and kettledrums! That's your next big plan?" He said in utter disbelief, "Sending a little girl alone into the darkest parts of the forest alone?"

Peter nodded firmly, pursing his lips together, "It's our only chance." He replied, Eliza's heart was racing, but she felt odd calmness as she leaned against her brother.

Susan stepped forward to stand beside Lucy,
"-And she won't be alone." The older girl added.

Trumpkin rolled in eyes, "Haven't enough of us died already?" He asked, his voice strained as if hoping for another possibility.

Trufflehunter sighed, "Nikabrik was my friend too, but he lost hope." The badger stated sadly,  "Queen Lucy hasn't. And neither have I."

Reepicheep raised his sword, "For Aslan." The mouse spoke up, his tiny voice creating a ripple of replies and repeats.

Peter looked down at Eliza, and offered her a hand, as she stood to her feet, dusting off her clothes. "We have to hold them off until Lucy and Susan get back." The girl concluded, "Our weapons are in no comparison to the Telmarines but we have the upper hand here- guerrilla tactics. We know this place better than they do- let's use it to our advantage".

Peter smiled proudly at his little sister. It was times like this that he realised that Eliza didn't need her older brother to look out for her anymore- and Peter's heart hurt at the thought. He watched the girl resume her spot on the steps beside Edmund, when Caspian cleared his throat.

Caspian looked around the room, "If I may..." The boy began, "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer. But as king, he is subject to the traditions and expectations of his people. There is one in particular that may buy us some time."

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EDMUND AND ELIZA walked alongside Glenstorm, and Wimbleweather (a giant- who was actually quite friendly, despite his very intimidating looks.), as they trekked through the grassland surrounding the How.

Eliza glanced at her brother as they walked through the Telmarine camp, into the tent where the lords and Miraz were sitting awaiting the four. Wimbleweather and Glenstorm waited outside the tent acting as guards, while Edmund and Eliza entered the tent.

Without sparing a singular second, Edmund unrolled the scroll, "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 boy recited.

"The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender." Eliza finished, with a blank and monotonous voice as Edmund rolled up the scroll, and let it hang by his side.

Miraz chuckled, "Tell me, Princess Eliza and Prince Edmund—" the Telmar king began.

"King."

"Queen."

The twins both interrupted, making Eliza raise a knowing brow at the lords and Telmar King. He couldn't belittle them, no matter how hard he tried- They were both equals. Miraz looked taken aback, "Pardon me?" He questioned, as if he didn't hear them the first time.

"It's Queen Eliza actually." The girl stated, her hand still resting the hilt of her sword, making a few of the lords shift uneasily.

"And King Edmund. Just king though. Peter is the High King. I know, it's a bit confusing." Edmund rambled with a small smile.

Miraz blinked, as if wishing the boy to shut up "Why would we risk such a proposal when our army could wipe you out by nightfall?" The Telmar King asked smugly.

Eliza chuckled lightly, "Haven't you already underestimated our numbers? Only a week ago, Narnians were extinct." She replied, glancing around the long table.

Miraz's eyes bored into the girl, "And so you will be again." He continued, as he confidently threatened them.

Eliza shrugged, "Then you should have little to fear." She answered quite snarkily, raising a brow once again at the King of Telmar.

Miraz laughed, "This is not a question of bravery." He chortled between laughs.

Edmund looked directly at the Telmar King , "So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?" He asked, His tone laced with mock.

Miraz froze while his men all looked at him expectantly, the man snapped out of his pause, "I didn't say I refused." He added hastily.

A Telmarine Lord, shifted in his seat, "You shall have our support, your majesty, whatever your decision." He spoke lowly, while Edmund and Eliza stood patiently.

Another Lord turned in his seat to face Miraz, "Sire, our military advantage alone allows us the perfect excuse to avoid—" he started, only to be cut off by Miraz standing up and drawing his sword.

"I am not avoiding anything!" Miraz hissed, lifting his sword into close proximity of the lords face. Eliza's smile dropped slightly- this wasn't a King... no ruler makes their people scared.

Sospespian gulped, "I am merely pointing out that my lord is well within his rights to refuse." He said weakly.

A guard from the corner, looked up and Eliza recognised him as Glozelle, the second in command to lord Sospespian. "His majesty would never refuse. He relishes the chance to show his people the bravery of their new king."

Miraz pointed his sword at Edmund and Eliza, the latter had crossed her arms tiredly, watching them all bicker. "You had better hope your brother's sword proves sharper." Miraz stated, making the twins smile maniacally.

Eliza and Edmund turned on their heels and walked out of the tent, closely followed by Glenstorm and Wimbleweather. "That went well." Eliza remarked, her voice trailing off as they exited the Telmar camp.

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"YOU READY PETE?" Eliza asked, as her and her two brothers walked side by side through Aslan's How. All three of them were fully dressed in armour and equipped with their swords.

"Ready as I'll ever be..." Peter nodded, and with that, the three walked out of Aslan's How earning supportive cheers from the surrounding Narnians.

Peter drew his sword from his sheath and steadily stepped forward into the wide open stone area. Miraz followed, stepping forward into the circle. The two raise their swords and begin to circle each other, waiting for one another to make the first move. Eliza watched with a stone face, showing no emotion, but on the inside her heart was pounding out of her chest, making her feel sick to the stomach.

"There is still time to surrender." Miraz spoke loudly, his shield drooping a bit lower, revealing more of his helmet.

Peter smirked, "Well, feel free." He retorted, making the twins smirk proudly at their older brother.

Miraz snarled, "How many more must die for the throne?" He taunted, "Or were your troops not enough."

Peter hissed angrily, "Just one." He said firmly, earning silent cheers from his siblings. Eliza prayed to Aslan, that in some shape or form they would win because she didn't know what she'd do if they didn't...

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OwO!

I finished the rest of this act earlier this week and I can shamelessly say that I sobbed like a baby while writing it.

Don't forget to comment and vote, babies. I love you all,