He ruled his country with wisdom and justice. She ruled his heart with love.

(O.K this starts where "The Horse and his Boy" left off, so if you have not read it, you need too!)

The Archenland hot sun blazed down on a young king and his horse, who were preparing to leave and finally go home to their country.

"Soon I'll be home in Narnia. Seems like an eternity since I've been there," thought Edmund as he saddled his horse. It had actually been only three months since he left his home to escort his sister, Susan, to Tashbaan. The whole thing had resulted into an awful war with the Calormines. The war was now over and they were finally able to leave.

"Come on, Ed," came Lucy's impatient voice. "Quit daydreaming or we'll never get home!"

"Are you ready?" he asked

"Well are you?"

"Yes"

"Then I guess I'm ready too."

Edmund helped his sister on to her horse and then mounted onto his. King Lune and his family all came out onto the steps to say goodbye. Behind Edmund and Lucy were their small band of Narnian court members who had traveled with them and they too were ready to go home. They all called out their go farewells to one another.

"Goodbye! Thank you for everything!" said Lucy

"No, thank you. Were it not for you and your brother, we would have never have gotten through this war," said King Lune. "And so I thank you."

"I'm glad we could help," Edmund said shaking the King's hand. The small band waved their goodbyes and rode off into the long hot sun. They had just gotten through the gates of Anvard, when Crown Prince Cor, Prince Corin, and Lady Aravis ran up to them.

"You won't forget me? Will you Queen Lucy?" cried Aravis. "You and your brother are the first real friends I've ever had!"

"Of course, I won't forget you!" said Lucy who never forgot anyone she met.

We'll write to you. All three of you." said Edmund. With that taken care of, the three children waved goodbye as they went through the gates and into the Pass into Narnia.

"What do you mean your first real friend? I thought I was your first real friend!" Cor shouted angrily at Aravis

"Oh, don't you get foul with me!" snapped Aravis. "You know what I meant!"

"Just stop it, you two! I can't take much of this any longer!" cried Corin

"I'm glad we left when we did," sighed Philip with relief as the three children started into a row. I couldn't take much more of Tashbaan either. Although I must say that Calormen hoses are rather...well...charming," he finished quickly.

"What...what are you getting at, Philip?" asked Edmund a little gleefully.

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all," said the horse trying not to look in his masters eyes. Edmund dropped the subject, but not without catching a glance at Lucy who was trying to stifle a laugh. The group rode on into the mountains where it became considerably cool. They then broke for lunch and after an hour they saddled up and continued with their journey. Soon the sun was beginning to set and just over the horizon, they could see the top of Cair Paravel gleaming over the entire country.

"Almost there," thought Edmund. "I'm almost home."

As they rode on, Lucy suddenly got a worried expression on her face. "What is Peter going to say if he finds out that we went into battle without even consulting him first? He might be really mad," she said.

Edmund thought for a second and then said. "Well, Peter doesn't have to know everything we did while he was away? Now Does he?"

"I suppose your right," giggled Lucy. And together they rode into Narnia. They were finally home.