Edmund and Peter were lying on the grass in front of the How under the warm Narnian sun. Edmund was watching as Susan tried to teach a brigade of archers how to properly hit a target. They had been at it for hours and so far she was not having any luck. Yet, Susan was the Gentle Queen and so her patience did not run low. However, the patience of the Just King was not quite the same. Edmund was bored. Decidedly and utterly bored. Normally he would have challenged Peter to a sparring session- the best way the two Kings had to pass the time. However, today, Peter had decided that it was a perfect time to start snoring peacefully. He looked the calmest Edmund had seen him since they left Narnia and Edmund could not bear to wake him. Peter had been angry ever since they had been sent back to England. Shunning everyone who tried to help, he wasn't himself anymore. He took out all his frustration on those around him, but especially his younger brother, who did nothing but silently let him.

The worst thing of all, in his sibling's opinions', was that Peter had lost his faith in Aslan. Nevertheless, ever the loyal brother and King, Edmund stood by his brother, even when he did not agree with his decisions. Sighing, Edmund rolled over onto his side and gazed at his sleeping brother. Edmund thought back to everything that happened since the four had arrived back in Narnia. His thoughts trailed to one certain Prince instinctively. The young Prince Caspian had done much in helping the Narnians start to claim back their country. From the start however, Peter treated Caspian like he was the enemy, and Caspian, for the life of him, could not understand what he had done that was so wrong. Edmund tried to explain to Caspian that Peter was not himself, that he had the most difficult time out of all of them adjusting to life back in England and that he would soon be himself again. Yet, the look in the young King's eyes told Caspian that Edmund himself was so sure. It wasn't until an incident a few days ago that involved an arrow to Edmund's leg, crying, comforting, and a lot of self blame on the High King's part, did the air clear up between the two brothers. And it was then that something in Peter changed and Caspian saw the true High King.

A light throb of pain in Edmund's upper thigh brought him once again to the present. He gave a small smile despite the pain. It was worth the injury, he thought, if it meant saving his brother from both the enemy and himself. Edmund gave a chuckle as he thought back to the expression on Caspian's face as he walked in on the middle of that particular shouting match. Obviously no one had told the Prince that it was best to stay out of the two brothers' way when such argument was occurring. It had taken quite the convincing to assure Caspian, that no, the two King's would not kill or maim each other in any way. Thinking of the young Prince, Edmund suddenly got an idea. He had yet to see Caspian's swordsmanship and thought that now was as good a time as any to test it. Edmund got up and looked towards a pile of weapons that was sitting near by. It was no secret that the Just King preferred duel swords instead of sword and shield in any sort of battle. He debated with himself on whether in this particular sparring match he should use two swords and decided that he might as well get in the practice. He walked over to the swords and looked for a suitable one. Suddenly, a loud din erupted, coming from the archers, as two of them got into a scuffle. Yes, Edmund thought, this was a perfect time to test Caspian.

"What are you doing?" asked Peter's voice behind him. The angry voices had woken the sleeping king. Edmund picked up a sword that was relatively the same size and weight of Shafelm and replied,

"Well, you were asleep. So I thought I would go see how our prince is with a sword." He lightly tossed to sword in a flip, catching it by the hilt with the grace and ease of a seasoned warrior.

Peter gave a knowing smile at his younger brother as he eyed the dark haired boy's extra sword,

"That's a fine idea," he said, "but is it really fair?"

Edmund's signature smirk curled his lips and a mischievous sparkled came to his eyes as he turned to go find Caspian in a silent, we'll see. Peter gave a laugh feeling quite sorry for the Prince and closed his eyes once again for much needed sleep.

Edmund found the Prince in question sitting on a low rocky ledge, staring out into the expansive Narnian forest. Edmund approached the older boy,

"It is beautiful, is it not?" Edmund asked smiling down at Caspian. Caspian startled, reached for his sword before he realized who had spoken. Flushing slightly, he replied softly,

"Yes, it is," he paused, thinking of the old tales he had heard, "Was what Queen Lucy said before true? Were the trees really alive once before?"

Edmund looked gravely out at the all-to-still forest. He could feel the lump rising in his throat as he thought of the Narnia he once knew.

"La," he nodded, "They used to dance." He whispered, quoting his little sister. Prince Caspian gazed with wonder at the legendary King. He knew of the struggles and hardships the Kings and Queens had faced during their reign, and he knew of the glory of old Narnia.

"Perhaps," Caspian mused, "if we can give the Narnians back their home, the trees will dance again?"

Edmund gave a fond smile at the Prince's hopeful tone.

"I would like to think," he agreed. They sat in silence for awhile.

"I do not think I'm ready to lead an army," Caspian suddenly confessed, "let alone a county."

"It is terrifying at first," confided Edmund, "but with experience, you will learn."

"Learn, yes, but I do not think I will ever get used to it." The older of the two said.

"You never do, you just have to do what you feel is right, and hope that it turns out to be for the best," sensing Caspian's hesitation, he said, "Do not worry so much about it now. When the time comes, you will know what to do." There was a brief moment when none spoke, then, Edmund's voice took on a lighter teasing tone, "But I do have one question." He smiled at Caspian's slightly frightened expression. "How do you expect us to help you take on an army, when we have not even seen you handle a sword?"

Caspian was at a loss of words,

"How…"

Edmund offered a hand to Caspian,

"A sparing match," was all he said. Caspian gulped nervously at the prospect of going against a King of Old but he took the offered hand to help himself up. Edmund lead him to a clearing surrounded by trees on three sides.

"I do trust you know the rules…?" Edmund asked drawing Shafelm. Caspian eyed the two swords that were held in Edmund's hands apprehensively. Edmund, noticing this, offhandedly explained,

"I find this more preferable. I have never liked fighting with a shield," he smiled to himself, getting lost in his memories, "Not even when I first started training." Caspian looked surprised. He had heard stories of the King's swords master-the battle toughened, and overly protective, General Oreius-and was shocked that he would have ever let one of his kings fight sans shield. His confusion must have been evident on his face because Edmund hastened to continue,

"Of course, I still had to learn how to properly use a shield. But I always used duel blades in the battles we fought if I could." Prince Caspian looked at the young king in awe. How he would love to hear about the famous battles from the one who had fought them himself.

"Please your majesty, could you tell us about them?" asked a small, excited, and squeaky voice, expressing Caspian's thoughts. Startled, both King and Prince looked around them. In the trees, they found a dozen or so energetic chipmunks and squirrels looking eagerly down at them.

"Oh yes! Please tell!" came a chorus of shrill pleas. Amused Edmund glanced at Caspian,

"Well, if you do not mind…" he raised an eyebrow.

"If you must, your majesty," was Caspian's reply as he fought back a smile.

Grinning at Caspian, Edmund gave a submissive nod. He sheathed Shafelm and, stabbing his extra blade in the hard soil, flopped down next to it. Gesturing, he invited the small woodland creatures, and the Prince, to come closer and listen to his story.

"It started about seven months into our reign…"

A/N: The start to my first full-fledged story! I'm actually not to sure where I'm going with this. I did have it all planned out but plans change so…I'm sure it'll come to me. But for now, please review and tell me what you think.