Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't...

Summary: He had been chosen to serve Aslan and the Four, but how does a Centaur who has spent his whole life resisting the White Witch's tyranny learn to accept one who betrayed their hope in the prophecy?

A/N: This is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe, but this two-shot can be read as a standalone.

Chosen Part One

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So, this was what Spring felt like. I hadn't experienced a true Spring since I was a very young colt. Watching the soldiers moving through the camp, I could tell I was not the only one enjoying the sudden presence of a season we had once feared would be lost to us forever. A single day of Spring and it tugged at my earliest memories, but I had little time to indulge those memories. I looked back down at the maps covering the table as Cletus...Captain Cletus continued identifying likely places the Witch would set up her camp. I kept my face impassive as I listened but I already knew there would be little we could do even if we knew exactly where Jadis would place her base camp. The numbers were not in our favor and it would be a foolish waste of lives to attack her army in their home camp. We needed to draw her into a battlefield that would allow us to change the battle to one that would favor our own numbers. Cletus suddenly looked up and grinned, "Perhaps, by the time the rest of our scouts determine where the Witch has hidden herself, you will have your armor, General."

I smirked at the Faun Captain, "Since you've narrowed it down to only fifteen possible sites, I shall probably have my armor well before you reach a consensus."

Cletus shared the amusement of Ardon and Alithia that I still had to collect my armor from Baumur after he took it yester morn. Why the Black Dwarf had insisted on taking the armor from the smiths among my own people, I didn't know other than perhaps he had decided to add the making of the armor for the Centaur Aslan had appointed general to his personal list of boasts. I would see about fetching my armor after we finished narrowing down the options for Jadis' camp, maybe by then Baumur would give it up without my having to physically wrest it from the stubborn Dwarf. Looking at the areas Cletus had just marked I instantly eliminated six of the sites for the single reason that they were too far from Beruna. I was going to ask one of the younger Satyr lieutenants by the name of Alaois about another site when the sound of the sentry horn distracted me from my intent. Bianor was the sentry on duty and Aslan himself had instructed him not to sound the horn unless he spied the Four coming with their escort. Word of this had spread through camp, which would be why everyone was moving to the center of the camp...to see the ones who would fulfill the prophecy and defeat the Witch.

For a brief moment, the thought came that I might move down the path and see the prophesied Four with my own eyes before they even approached Aslan. However, I knew my duty and my place was to stand before the tent of my King and wait for the Four to approach. Cletus and the other officers currently gathered around the table all rearranged themselves so they stood on the near side of the table, while I took the few steps necessary to stand in front of the tent where Aslan yet remained. He would come when they asked for Him. I could not see them yet but I could see the large crowd following their wake coming closer. When they finally came close enough for me to see them, I shifted my stance but that was the only hint of my surprise I allowed myself to show. They were oddly dressed and younger than I had expected...my gaze settled on the youngest Daughter of Eve and I corrected myself. They were much younger than I had expected and- I nearly let my dispassionate façade slip when I saw that only three stood in front of me. Where was the other Son of Adam? We needed him if the prophecy was to be fulfilled.

I watched in silence as the Son of Adam quickly conferred with Beaver and then with the eldest Daughter of Eve. She darted a nervous look at me before whispering a reply to her brother, who looked up at me with eyes that were both determined and unsure as he carefully...awkwardly...drew his sword in a rough salute. This Son of Adam had no experience with swords that I could tell by looking at his grip and how he held the sword out away from him...and we expected battle in a matter of days...

The Son of Adam continued to meet my gaze as he declared their intentions, "We have come to see Aslan."

I heard the gathered crowd gasp at the Son of Adam's words, but I said nothing. Instead, I looked from them to the Great Lion's tent...out of the corner of my eye I saw them turn to face the tent as well. I hid my amusement when I noticed the colt was still holding his sword out, ah well, he would learn. The children seemed a little confused as to what we were waiting for, and this confusion seemed to grow when they saw the assembly bow in the manner of their individual species. I also bowed low in respect and love for my Lord and King. They had called for Him, now He would come.

I remained bowed as Aslan emerged from His tent and welcomed the three Humans and their escort. Then He asked the question that had been burning in the back of my mind since I first saw them. "But, where is the fourth?"

I straightened from my bow as the Son of Adam, Prince Peter, rose to his own feet and answered, "That's why we're here, Sir. We need your help." The ones who were supposed to help us defeat Jadis now asked Aslan for His help. I did not like where this conversation was heading or what it would mean for the prophecy.

The eldest Daughter of Eve, Princess Susan, added that they had a little trouble along the way. Trouble? Of what sort? Perhaps Sherket should have joined with the Beavers as their escort...her presence might have deterred whatever mischief had befallen the fourth.

The crowd gasped in shock and I was hard-pressed to keep my own emotions from showing when Prince Peter stated that the White Witch had captured their brother. If the fourth was indeed captured, then there was almost no hope for the prophecy to be fulfilled, Jadis surely would have killed him out right or perhaps added him to her stone garden. I carefully watched the children's faces as Aslan asked the question I so desired to ask myself. "Captured? How could this happen?"

There was a moment of hesitation and the eldest two dropped their eyes. I knew then that the fourth had not been captured. And, my anger at the situation began to burn higher as Beaver finally answered, "He...betrayed them, Your Majesty."

No. My anger flared hot and as the crowd already stirred in uproar at the news, I allowed my calm façade to slip and I harshly spat the words, "Then he has betrayed us all." The three Humans turned towards me and, ignoring the fact that my words had only provoked the already tense situation, I made no effort to hide the fury I felt. Too many had died already. Too many...like my father who had led the rebellion during the majority of the Winter and ultimately died still hoping the prophecy would come true. Now because one of our prophesied saviors had turned to Her, not captured but a willing traitor, his work and the work of so many fallen comrades would go to waste. I wanted no more traitors and no more innocent lives lost because of their ilk.

I would have said more, but then Aslan turned to me with a silent reprimand mixed with understanding in His golden gaze. "Peace, Oreius." He continued as He turned back to the Humans. "I'm sure there's an explanation." I dropped my gaze as shame now warred with anger. I was still furious at the news, but I knew better than to allow my emotions to gain control over me in this type of situation.

The elder two tried to take responsibility for their brother's action...a noble but futile gesture. I said nothing as my Lord Aslan assured them that everything would be done to save their brother but also warned it would not be easy. Taking a traitor from Jadis would definitely be a difficult task, but I trusted that Aslan had a plan...because He knew I didn't.

Aslan dismissed the audience, and I watched in silence as several Nymphs, a few female Leopards including Sherket, and Alithia came forward to lead the Princesses to one of the tents while a couple of Fauns happily guided Prince Peter to another tent so the royals could refresh themselves. Cletus and the other officers were also dismissed to attend to their own duties, but I stayed. My Lord nodded His head towards the tent and I followed Him inside. As soon as the flap fell behind me, He turned and regarded me with solemn eyes. I bowed my head, "Forgive my outburst, Your Majesty. I should not have allowed myself to lose control." If I did not regain the control my father had drilled into me throughout colthood, I feared I would not be fit to fulfill the position Aslan appointed me to only days ago.

"Son of Narnia, I chose you to be the General of My army for a reason. That reason has not changed. I know why you said what you did, Oreius. Your anger is righteous and justified. However, when you swore to serve Me, I warned you that it would not always be an easy road. The four thrones of Cair Paravel will be filled, Peter will be the High King and his brother will also be King."

He paused and I knew immediately that I was being granted the opportunity to make the ultimate decision of whether I could tolerate serving under a King who was a traitor. I already respected Prince Peter for though he had been unsure of what to do, he had pressed forward with determination and I could see the makings of a great leader in him. But, his brother...I did not have an answer yet, no I would not make my final decision until after I had a chance to measure Edmund myself.

I silently inclined my head to the Great Lion, who then smiled. "Now, I believe you must see a Dwarf about your armor." His amusement seemed to grow as I shook my head at the thought of forcing Baumur to give up my armor. All thoughts of armor and Baumur fled when my Lord Aslan added, "You should also bear in mind that the Princes are both in need of training. That is your task for the morrow."

I was already assessing and dismissing various training exercises by the time Aslan and I left His tent. Prince Peter was the eldest of his siblings and he held his sword much like a young foal newly introduced to the blade...I did not hold much hope that his younger brother would be any better nor was I even sure if he would be willing to listen to instructions. I briefly locked eyes with Prince Peter as he emerged from his tent and joined Aslan, but I did not say anything before leaving them for my own tent. Grabbing a tunic, I pulled it on as I went to find Baumur. I passed by the tent where the Princesses had been led and I could hear the Nymphs chattering even more enthusiastically than usual then I heard Alithia asking about a cordial. I hid a smirk as I realized that the cordial must have some type of healing property otherwise Alithia would not be so interested.

It was almost a pity that Tuulea was not in the camp because I knew she would have loved to have the chance to sweep the Princesses under her wings...perhaps it might have helped her a little more with the loss of her sons to Jadis' stone collection, something she had never fully recovered from. However, she and Stonebrook were both buried in the work of guiding the tribe with the aid of their fellow elders. In the past, I always had to wonder who I would find missing, turned to stone, or executed when I returned from traveling across Narnia. However, I knew that Jadis would be focusing her efforts on the army here at Beruna and would leave off her usual tactic of terrorizing the tribe whenever she thought we had grown too bold in our defiance...or so I hoped.

It took the better part of fifteen minutes for me to first claim my armor from Baumur and then stand there waiting as he and five other smiths swarmed around me checking and re-checking how my armor fit until they were finally satisfied. I resisted the urge to groan when Baumur realized he didn't know where my helmet was and cursed one of his apprentices before sending the hapless Dwarf to find it. Not even a moment later, I heard a horn sounding a distress call. I didn't hesitate before wheeling around and charging through the camp toward the horn. Several other soldiers joined me including the Leopard Sefu and the Cheetah Esmae. I spotted Aslan just ahead of me and ahead of Him, I could see Wolves circling Prince Peter. I unsheathed a one-handed sword, wielding it in my left hand as I galloped down the incline and across the stream toward the royals.

Recognizing Maugrim, I twirled my sword as I reached Aslan, who had pinned the other Wolf, I would not allow Maugrim to kill Peter. I had to hide my surprise when Aslan stopped me with a single command. "No. Stay your weapons. This is Peter's battle." I quickly lowered my sword to block the other soldiers' approach. It galled all of us to stand by and watch as Maugrim taunted Peter. I was ready to rush in if things turned against Peter, but I couldn't help despairing a little over his form. Clearly, he had absolutely no training. I once again adjusted the training regimen I would implement the next morn. Maugrim leapt forward and I tensed as I watched Peter raise his sword right before the Wolf landed on him.

Both Maugrim and Peter lay motionless on the ground. I would have moved forward, but for the staying glance Aslan sent me. I breathed a small sigh of relief when the Princesses pushed Maugrim off their brother and Peter sat up only to be smothered in their embraces. Looking down at the Wolf Aslan had pinned during the fight with Maugrim, I recognized him as Vardan Windwolf. Aslan released him and Vardan fled with a whine, then Aslan looked up at me. "After him. He will lead you to Edmund." I nodded then raced after the Wolf with the swiftest soldiers.

Bianor and Cletus caught up to my group before we fully left the camp behind and we eagerly pursued Vardan as he led us straight to Jadis' encampment. Night had fallen by the time Vardan raced into the outskirts of the Witch's camp. They were so arrogant that none would presume to attack them that they were lax so there were only a scant handful of guards. Sefu raced ahead of me and tackled a Boggle while I drew both of my one-handed swords and charged to the tree where I could see Ginarrbrik holding a dagger against a bound prisoner's throat, it could only be Edmund. He was a truly vile Dwarf to torment a child in such a way. I halted in front of them and held one blade against Ginarrbrik's throat while Bianor untied Edmund. As soon as Bianor pulled Edmund away from the tree, I advanced a step. Ginarrbrik tensed thinking perhaps that I would ignore honor and kill him. I was more than a little tempted for his cruelty was well known to me, but instead I forced him to stand against the tree and I sheathed my swords so I could tie him in place. As one last token, I snatched up Ginarrbrik's dagger and used it to pin the tip of his hat to the tree. I hoped Jadis appreciated the creativity we had displayed in breaching her camp.

Turning back to Bianor, I found myself staring into a pair of dark, haunted eyes as Edmund gazed at me with no small amount of apprehension. I nodded to Bianor and he released Edmund who I then scooped into my arms before wheeling around to race away from that place and back to camp where Aslan awaited our arrival. I had thought myself prepared for everything that could happen on the rescue, but there was one thing I had not been prepared for in any sense. Before we even cleared the outskirts of the Witch's camp, Edmund looked up at me again with those haunting eyes and whispered, "My family?"

I softly answered, "Safe and waiting for you." I had no sooner finished speaking than Edmund went limp in my arms and for a moment I feared his injuries had been worse than I suspected, but then the starlight illuminated his bruised face and I realized that he had fallen asleep in my arms. He had no reason to trust me. The very Son of Adam I had denounced as a traitor slept peacefully in my arms, trusting that I, a stranger, would carry him safely to his family and to Aslan. In that moment, I was undone and I knew I would gladly and faithfully serve Edmund as my King as much as I would serve his brother and Aslan.

The sky was beginning to lighten to the grey of the pre-dawn hours by the time we returned to the camp. I carried the still-sleeping Edmund to the healer's tent where Alithia took charge of him and began checking him for hidden injuries. By the time Alithia finished her examination, it was nearly sixth hour and dawn had come. Edmund looked at me expectantly, "My family?"

I gestured for him to follow me as I replied, "Soon. First, Aslan wishes to see you." The colt lowered his head slightly but I said nothing just placed a hand on his shoulder as we walked past the tents to the ledge where Aslan sat watching the sunrise. When we paused a few feet away from the Great Lion, Edmund gave me an unsure look and I nodded encouragingly before I gave him a gentle push forward. Aslan turned to face us and I bowed in respect before He dismissed me. I did not need to hear their conversation. Walking down the hill, I noticed Prince Peter emerge from his tent as I drew even with it. I paused as he looked at me with eyes full of silent questions that I knew revolved solely around his brother. I said nothing, just turned to look back over my shoulder at where Aslan and Edmund stood on the ledge quietly conversing. I waited until Peter followed my gaze then I continued on my way. I had much to do in the next hour, which included once again adjusting the day's training regimen for the Princes, locating a worthy sword for Edmund, and I needed to figure out how exactly I was going to apologize for my outburst the day before with the one I accused as yet unaware of my actions against him. Aslan help me, it would not be easy in the least.

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Please Read and Review! So, this is a two-shot that's been bugging me for a while, hopefully you enjoyed this glimpse into what was going on inside Oreius' head the first time he meets the Pevensies. The next chapter will feature an apology and training for the boys. Click the huge review button below and let me know what you think about this story.