ROYAL WEAPON ◇ NARNIA

Chapter 11

When Peter, Edmund and Riona walk out of Aslan's How, the Narnians cheer them on where Peter draws his sword and steps forward.

Miraz steps forward and they begin circling. "There is still time to surrender."

"Well, feel free." Peter says.

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

"Just one." Peter says before he pulls down his helmet and jumps at Miraz. They begin fighting. The two armies cheer.

Peter hits Miraz in the back. Miraz knocks off Peter's helmet, and then his coif. Peter swings low, and cuts Miraz's leg.

Miraz glances at Glozelle who is still holding the crossbow. Miraz swings, and Peter falls over but quickly recovers. Miraz trips Peter, and then steps on his shield. Peter yells.

The bulgy Bear beside Riona gasps as she bites her nails nervously.

Miraz swings, but Peter rolls out of the way. Peter keeps rolling and blocking. Then he stops and Miraz trips.

Both quickly get up, breathing heavily. Peter looks over Miraz' shoulder.

Riona follows his gaze to see Caspian and Susan riding up.

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

"Five minutes?" Peter asks.

"Three." Miraz corrects him.

Peter and Miraz limp back to their sides as Caspian and Susan approach them.

"Lucy..." Peter trails off.

"She got through... with a little help." Susan answers.

Peter turns to Caspian. "Thanks."

"Well, you are busy." Caspian says.

Miraz walks back to his side and throws his helmet down. "I am sure you won't let it get that close again."

Peter looks at the How and says to Susan. "Better get up there, just in case. I don't expect the Telmarines will keep their word."

Susan hugs Peter and he winces.

"Sorry."

"It's alright." Peter says.

"Take care." Susan walks away.

Edmund turns to Peter. "Keep smiling."

Peter raises his sword and forces a smile whilst the Narnians cheer.

On the other hand, Glozelle tightens a bandage around Miraz' knee and he winces.

Peter holds his arm and groans. Edmund looks at it and bandages his arm. "I think it's dislocated... What do you think happens back home if you die here? ... You know, you've always been there. I never really-AWW!"

"Be careful, Ed!" Riona complains.

"Save it for later." Edmund says to Peter ignoring the Royal Weapon that the high king shakes his head when offered his helmet.

Miraz also pushes away his helmet.

They walk out to the fighting area again. Peter attacks quickly, but Miraz parries. Miraz starts hitting Peter with his shield. Peter falls, and Miraz runs towards him. Peter blocks and then trips Miraz. They both recover. Peter knocks Miraz' sword out of his hand.

They continue fighting, Miraz using his shield. Peter tries to stab Miraz but fails. Miraz knocks Peter's sword out of his hand. Miraz tries to slam his shield into Peter, but Peter catches it. Peter twists Miraz' shield behind him. Miraz elbows Peter in the face and then pushes him into a pillar. Miraz picks up his sword and swings, but Peter blocks it with his vambraces. Peter stands up and punches Miraz' wounded leg.

Miraz yells and falls down, dropping his sword. "Respite! Respite!"

"Now's no time for chivalry, Pete!" Edmund yells but Peter hesitates.

Miraz holds up his hand preparing for the blow when Peter lowers his arm and starts walking back to his side.

After Pete's back is turned, Miraz grabs his sword and runs towards Peter.

"Look out!" Riona yells.

Peter dodges just and time, grabs the sword, twists it around, and stabs Miraz beneath the arm. Miraz gasps and falls to his knees. Peter, holding Miraz' sword, hesitates again.

"What's the matter, boy? Too cowardly to take a life?" Miraz asks Peter.

"It's not mine to take." Peter looks at the Prince. Caspian steps forward, and Peter hands Miraz' sword to him. Caspian slowly raises the sword.

"Perhaps I was wrong. It seems you have the makings of a good Telmarine king after all." Miraz bows his head.

Caspian raises the sword, screams, and stabs... the ground. "Not one like you. Keep your life, but I am giving the Narnians back their kingdom."

Caspian walks away and the Narnians cheer.

Sopespian walks over and helps Miraz up. "My king."

"I will deal with you when this is over." Miraz says to him.

Behind Miraz' back, Sopespian pulls out Susan's arrow. "It is over."

Miraz gasps and falls over, the arrow sticking into his back. Sopespian runs up and takes Miraz' sword. "Treachery! They shot him! They murdered our king! To arms!"