As I walk this great unknown,
Questions come and questions go.
Was their purpose for the pain?
Did i cry these tears in vain?
I don't want to live in fear.
I want to trust that you are near.
Trust your grace can be seen
In both triumph and tragedy
  -I Have This Hope by Tenth Avenue North
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Edmund watched Luna silently as she brought them food. For once it was warm soup with fresh bread.

"This is good." He stated, handing her back the bowl. She smiled slightly and nodded.

"Thank you. Don't tell anybody I gave it to you. They'll kill me." She said softly. Edmund nodded. She left.

Over the past few days they had become good friends with her when she came to either bandage their wounds, or feed them.

Mannix did his nightly torture. Edmund's back was nearly numb from all the lashes as was Peter's.

Recently it had been so much more worst. They blindfolded them.

Everything hurt so much more when it was dark.

When it was over Luna came back and usually gave them medicine for the pain and then bandaged their wounds.

"Luna. You're amazing." Edmund stated one night when she brought them warm goat's milk to calm them down after a very rough night, Edmund knew that wasn't allowed but she brought it anyways.

She just nodded in return.

"Luna, you've never told us your child's name." Peter stated. Luna smiled softly.

"Marci." She replied.

Edmund smiled.

"Lovely name." He said. She didn't respond and kept working. Edmund noticed she was coughing alot but he didn't say anything.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The next night, Luna silently came in. She had water and stew. Edmund ate it silently and just when she took the bowls back the tent door opened. Mannix walked in, looking furious.

He yelled a few curses and slapped her with all his might. She didn't even respond and silently held a handkerchief to her bleeding nose.

"Brat! How dare you feed them hot food!" He growled. Shoving her to the ground, she curled into a ball as he repeatedly kicked her. She was crying now. Edmund closed his eyes and tried to block out the sounds it did no good he heard ever kick and every cry.

"I let you keep the girl child! This is how you treat my kindness? With treason!" He screamed she sobbed and grabbed the end of his robe, nearly hystericallly.

"No! Don't kill her! I'll do anything please don't touch her! I promise I'll do anything to her!" She screamed, begging desperately. He began to leave she followed him.

Suddenly a third figure came in. He watched her leave, pity in his eyes. He looked back at Edmund and Peter, who were watching with tears in their eyes.

In a quick motion the figure cut their bonds.

"Godspeed, my kings." He gave them both cups and they drank. Instantly they both felt better. Their backs were no longer marred. They were healed. Edmund glanced at Peter, both had confused expressions. The figure had disappeared...