Meanwhile, Narnia had been suffering tremendously. Oppression was widespread, and those who had been able to escape Saruman’s hordes had vanished entirely, staying hidden in a complex system of underground tunnels and lairs that served as a base of operations for the Resistance Movement, which had successfully thwarted the enemy’s ability to know their location (though treachery was suspected among their ranks). And the oppression in Narnia was made worse by the fact that Saruman had appointed his most loyal allies to the seat of governance.
The elves of the North, once a peaceful people and loyal servants of Aslan, now pledged their allegiance to Saruman the Wise. Having suffered severe persecution themselves in times past, they sincerely came to believe that Aslan had forsaken them, and that their only means of survival was to turn to Dark Magic, which they had engaged and used to their advantage quite successfully. Blood Elves they called themselves, and revenge was at the forefront of their minds.
Now sitting at the throne of Cair Paravel was a very beautiful and yet very vicious elf – her beauty and charm were often the downfall of many an unsuspecting foe, for the cruelty that lay in her heart was buried deep, her fury unleashed only when the time called for it. It was for this cool head and her extreme knowledge and intellect that Saruman had appointed Grand Magistrix Jaela as regent over Narnia. Cair Paravel was infested with elves, who commanded the armies and maintained the regular slave-trading business with Calormen.
So it was one morning, what would have been called a “very fine day” had the oppression not been there, the Grand Magistrix had left Cair Paravel with a circle of guards to confront a band of rebels that had gathered outside the castle (the knowledge of their presence had been gained by paying off a traitor). In the woods, there was a band of about 100, consisting of Telmarines, fauns, beavers, badgers, dryads, naiads and other natives of the country, all wielding weapons. They had successfully deposed of a band of orc guards and had freed captives who were on their way to be sold to the Calormenes, but now their hearts sank upon seeing the Lady as she approached them.
“And what is the meaning of this insurrection, my fine citizens?” she mocked, gazing at them as rooted her elegant staff into the soft ground.
“Getting rid of oppressors and restoring peace to Narnia, for Aslan!” and all of them began to shout “For Aslan!”
“For Aslan! For Aslan!” the Grand Magistrix mocked again. “Tell me where is your Aslan now? I don’t see him here among your ranks…I don’t see him setting his people free. If he loved you and cared about you that much, don’t you agree that he would have long ago set you free from your fancied oppression?”
The group got quiet suddenly. One of the fauns stepped forward, wielding a club. He stood tall and proud, staring the Magistrix in her two glowing green eyes. “Aslan is always with us…and just because we cannot see him moving now, He is on the move. He will set us free from your tyranny.”
“That’s a delightful fairytale!” Jaela took a few steps forward towards the faun. Holding her head up high, she sweetly and softly spoke again to the rest of the group. “I am willing to offer those of you who feel oppressed a chance at freedom and at reward. Your lives will be enriched if you but acknowledge my reign. Aslan never would have offered you such great rewards, such promise and hope as I now freely give you. Who among you will step forward, and be free?”
Many in the group were getting nervous now. Some began to step forward, but the faun who had stepped forward scowled, “Away with you, witch, and with your foul sorcery and twisting manipulation! You lie, and no matter what happens to us this day, YOU will not escape what awaits you!”
The Grand Magistrix drew herself up – her hands began to work rapidly, and in the next moment a fiery ball of energy shot forth from her hands and engulfed the faun. A few moments later, nothing but ash remained where he had stood.
“Is there any other fool here among you that wishes to contend? Let them step forward now.” Silence ensued…some stepped forward and kneeled before her, while the rest bolted and fled, but it was already too late. A band of orcs had successfully maneuvered behind them, and trapped them, slaying those who ran.
The traitor, a badger, stepped forward. “I have led them to you, my lady, as you have requested of me.”
Jaela smiled at him…she took a few steps towards him, then before anyone could breathe she had unsheathed a dagger and had stabbed him through. She whispered to him, “I can’t have traitors in my midst…there is no telling what they may attempt to do next!”
One of those who had fled had been able to flee the scene successfully, and he watched the rest from a distance. “Aslan, save us…”
