Disclaimer: Everything is C.S. Lewis's!

Set a little bit before the final battle in Prince Caspian. This is going to be a series of four or five people interacting with Edmund, I think. R&R, if you will!

Reclining slightly against the stone of the structure, Edmund gazed out at the expanse of open land just beyond Aslan's How. He could see some of the Narnians out honing their battle skills in the field. He caught sight of his younger sister practicing her dagger-throwing skills. Lucy was a natural. Every time, without fail, the knife struck dead center in the target. He smiled and closed his eyes, remembering the first time she had shown him the dagger.

"Father Christmas gave it to me," Lucy said proudly, brandishing it for Edmund to see.

He carefully took it and ran his fingers over the blade. "It is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship."

Handing it back to her, Edmund saw a look of deep thoughtfulness cross her face. "Do you suppose Father Christmas ever goes back into England? Maybe he is not entirely made up in that world."

Never ceasing to be astonished by how much his little sister could think, Edmund frowned as he thought. "I don't know, Lu. Maybe he does. For those people who are worthy of gifts from him, like you, and Susan, and Peter."

Lucy put the knife away and looked carefully at Edmund. "Maybe it's not because we were worthy, Ed," she said softly. She knew it bothered him immensely that he had betrayed them. "Perhaps it's because we needed material objects to help us fight the Witch, and you did not. You already had what you needed—you just had to find it."

Smiling, Edmund hugged her once. Though young, she always knew exactly what to say.

A rustle of leaves beside him made Edmund jerk and open his eyes. Lucy sat beside him, grinning. "I saw you sitting up here. How are you?"

Her eyes sparkling in the late afternoon sun made her look young, but wise. Edmund knew how smart his little sister was. "I'm fine, Lu. Just thought I might take a break from all of the chaos before the battle."

Glancing out over the Narnians preparing for battle, Lucy shook her head slightly. "It's really going to happen, isn't it? There isn't anything we can do to stop it."

Sighing, Edmund answered, "There is nothing left that we can do. If the Telmarines have their way, the Narnians are doomed for sure. But if we can get Caspian back to his rightful place on the throne, things will sort out."

Lucy nodded once, and sat quietly for a few moments. Edmund knew she was thinking hard. "If only Aslan were to show up…" she said slowly.

Edmund knew Lucy, and she was not a liar. If she had seen the great lion, then she had seen him. His only regret was that he had not seen Aslan as well. But Aslan always had a plan, as Edmund had learned over the years of ruling Narnia, and it was best to simply let things happen as they did. "I know what you mean. Maybe he'll come. We'll just have to wait and see." He gave Lucy a small smile.

She returned it and got to her knees. "I don't suppose you're interested in finding some supper, are you?"

Remembering that he hadn't had the opportunity to eat yet today, Edmund replied, "I'm famished."

As Lucy rose to her feet, the bottle of cordial landed in the soft moss beside Edmund. He picked it up and studied it for a long moment.

"Here, wouldn't want to lose this," he said, handing it to Lucy.

She let him place it in her palm, but kept a watchful gaze on his face. "No, I wouldn't," she said quietly.

He stood and looked down at her. She suddenly hugged him around the waist, resting her head against his chest. He placed his chin on her head, letting the memories of that day flood his mind. An overwhelming pain, darkness clouding his vision…and then it was gone. He had opened his eyes to see his three siblings looking back at him. Though Peter had swiftly pulled him into an embrace, the first face he had seen had been Lucy's. Her eyes were bright, overjoyed to see her older brother alive.

Lucy's stomach growling loudly caused them to break apart, laughing. "Let's see about that dinner, shall we?" Edmund asked.

"Sounds perfect," Lucy said, leading the way down the side of the How.

As Edmund followed her, he knew he owed Lucy his life, and he would protect her with his all in the coming battle.