King Edmund the Just decided to go riding. His siblings were shocked, for he had just returned from a scene of battle after subduing the giants and had received considerable injuries. Though he had healed well, the High King did not approve of letting him go off alone. Neither did the Gentle Queen. Little Lucy did not see what the big deal was, because though the youngest, she understood better than her siblings the want for freedom Edmund was experiencing.
Together, they managed to persuade the elders to let Edmund go riding in the woods 'only for an hour'. The Just King was understandably delighted and rushed away to get his horse Philip and begin his hour of freedom, privately resolving to return the good turn his sister had just done.
He was riding happily through the forests experiencing real bliss, because ever since he had returned from battle, Susan had been fussing over him far too much, and Peter had been no less. Though he appreciated their concern, Edmund could take no more after a couple of days.
Edmund knew every corner of the forest like the back of his own hand and had no doubt that he would be entirely safe there, especially with his brave horse. He was riding with great speed along a stream when he heard it.
A beautiful song was being sung by someone he could not see. The words he could not understand, but the sound was soothing anyhow. Edmund galloped towards the sound and was astounded when, after parting a few trees he saw her.
A beautiful girl, looking like a mermaid, was the source of this wonderful sound. She looked at him with big astonished eyes, looking slightly frightened.
"What's your name?", asked Edmund.
"Esmeralda", replied the vision of loveliness, and then took off, leaving the young King shocked.
