Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't...

Summary: The Four have fought for almost three years to remove the scars Jadis left on Narnia. Now the time has come for Narnia to look beyond her own borders. An Archenlandish lord brings warning of rebellion. But who among men can be trusted?

Chapter Two

The young queens were holding court. Lord Armin stood off to the side and in the shadows of one of the columns framing the length of the Great Hall. He braced a forearm against the column, almost bored. It had been five days since he gave the Four his warning. Despite the range in creatures who sought the meditation or blessing of the Four, he had yet to see anything of a true challenge be presented to the young sovereigns. Even the current case they were listening to, a simple squabble over a Bruin's favorite fishing hole being overrun by a flock of nesting Geese, was no great challenge.

Indeed the younger of the two, Queen Lucy, kept having to place a hand over her mouth to hold back giggles if he assessed things rightly. Armin's gaze shifted to the elder Queen. Though she had more decorum (not to mention beauty) than her sister, the Gentle Susan still seemed to rely heavily upon counselors and the child next to her. An older Centaur was present as were the Faun and Raven who had been at his audience, all three observing and perhaps hinting to the queens as to the proper solution. He glanced at the court scribe but it was not the foolish Centauress. Instead, a large Orangutan sat upon a mound of pillows, a bowl of oranges and peaches beside him, as he scribbled notes.

Armin's gaze returned to the queens. He shook his head a little. No, it was impossible for those with such youth and inexperience to be prepared for the coming storm. He watched until the two queens rose, dismissing the court. Following at a discreet distance, he observed the sisters with their heads together and then the younger clasped her hands together, pleading, while the elder shook her dark head. Curious. He edged closer, attempting to hear the discussion, but then a large hand clamped down on his shoulder and spun him about with as much ease as if he were as scrawny a lad as the Just King.

He bit back a retort as he met dark eyes that shone with suspicion. The General glared down at him. "What do you here, Lord Armin?"

"I was stretching my legs and saw the Queens. I was about to offer my services to them and to inquire as to the health of their royal brothers. The Kings have not been present at the banquets. I hope they have not taken ill. Children are easily susceptible to illness, after all."

The Centaur's expression was impassive though a hint of suspicion still lurked in his eyes. His voice gave away nothing as he stated, "The Kings are not ill. Nor are you welcome to approach any of the Four without requesting an audience. It would be for the best, Lord Armin, if you limit your wanderings about Cair Paravel. We do not wish visitors to become lost."

Armin bowed his head, knowing the Centaur General would expect nothing less than compliance. He did not wish to rouse more suspicion after all. "Of course. I am pleased to hear the Kings are not ill. Pray excuse me, General." He walked away. He needed to be careful. A few days more of observation and then he would send the awaited message.

OOOOOOO

"My Queens, should you not be at your archery?"

Lucy looked up and then beamed at the Centaur as she eagerly sprang out of her chair. "Are we late, Oreius?"

The General regarded her with grave solemnity but, after almost three years, she could see the slight hint of amusement in his expression. "Almost, My Queen. Aida and Merrywithers are waiting for you, Your Majesties. I will escort you to the archery field."

Lucy noticed the worried look Susan cast toward the Centaur. She skipped around to her sister and squeezed her hand. They were worrying about Peter and Edmund again. Then she grinned up at Oreius. "Do you think Merrywithers will let me try her bow this time?"

"I do not think that would be wise, My Queen."

"Oh, but I'm much taller than the last time I asked." She rose on her toes to prove her point (since Oreius might not have noticed her growth spurt considering he towered over all four of them), still walking. "See?" She tripped but the General caught her and gently put her back on her feet. Lucy giggled. "Thank you. I am taller though. Did you see?"

The Centaur sighed but the corner of his mouth twitched and Lucy beamed. "Yes, I have noticed you have grown some. However, you are still not big enough to handle the bows used by Centaurs."

"Merrywithers' bow is twice your size, Lucy. You would hurt yourself if you tried to use it."

"But it used to be more than twice my size, Su," Lucy pointed out with a mischievous grin. "I am taller now."

Her sister finally laughed and rested a hand atop of her head. "Yes, you are but for now I think it will be far better if you only use bows that are your size."

Lucy nodded her silent agreement, knowing they were right. It wasn't until they had nearly reached the archery field that she remembered what she had wanted to ask the General. "Oreius, what were you talking to Lord Armin about?"

"I merely reminded him of the protocol required for guests, Queen Lucy."

She looked up at the Centaur. Peter and Edmund complained about the rigorous training schedule, especially whenever he made them visit the points of the compass, but she knew they knew Oreius only pushed them because he wanted them to stay alive no matter what challenge Aslan gave them. And she knew Oreius loved all four of them. Although she didn't think he would ever admit it out loud. She slipped her hand into his large one. "Oreius? Don't you like Lord Armin?"

The Centaur stopped, his dark gaze travelling from her to Susan, and then he lowered his voice. "No, My Queens, my like or dislike for the man is not the matter. But whether he has an agenda is of great concern. I am certain he does and now I must determine its nature."

Susan placed a hand on her shoulder. "We will be cautious, Oreius. And it shouldn't be very long before Peter and Edmund return."

Lucy sighed, reminded once again of the grand adventure her brothers had gone off on without her. Really she should have gone too. The sea and its islands were hers to look after. "I wish I could be with them in the Lone Islands."

"Lucy!" Susan's horrified gasp came out in a whisper and then her elder sister darted a wary glance around them. "You mustn't say anything."

Oreius looked grave as he leaned down so as to better look her in the eyes. "Your sister is correct, My Queen. We must be cautious and guard every word we speak whenever there is a chance someone might be spying upon us. Your brothers have gone hunting. Their quarry is not of import for the court or any visitor."

Lucy nodded, subdued. "I'm sorry. I will be more careful, I promise."

The Centaur gave a curt nod as he straightened. "Very good. Now, to the archery field, My Queens."

OOOOOOO

A/N: Please Read and Review! Hmmm, interesting. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.

A/N2: To clarify, Sea of Deceit is not part of the ALitD universe at all, so Kat never existed and most of the worldbuilding in that series does not apply to this story. :)