"Peter." Edmund's cry was soft, but urgent. His older brother hurried to his side to find him studying a dainty crown. It was Lucy's, lying haphazardly on the ground outside the back door. There was no denying it – Queen Lucy the Valiant had been kidnapped. Edmund lifted his eyes to meet his brother's, but these were downcast, worried and angry. With a slightly tremulous sigh, Peter rose, Lucy's crown in hand. Desperately, the young man searched for anything unusual off in the distance. Edmund rose slowly after his brother, assuring him that "we'll find her."
Just then, Susan burst through the door. "They drugged her!" she cried, handing Peter the small, half-empty jar of medicinal powder. One of the centaur guards followed her. "It was the Telmarines," he announced.
Now Peter turned to Edmund. "Suit up and ready the horses, Ed. We ride to Telmar at sundown."
The centaur stepped forward. "The Telmarines are vicious. Their king envies your thrones. He'll kill her if they get a ch—"
"I know!" Edmund blurted ferociously. "We're working on it!" With that, he turned and ran toward the barn, tears glistening in his deep, chocolate eyes.
"Excuse him. He's just scared." Peter's demeanor softened a bit. "You stay here, and make sure the area is well-guarded. All of Narnia must be alert: the Telmarines will soon break their silence, and we must be ready for them when they do."
"What if it's a trap?" Susan's anxiety was not easily hidden. "You and Edmund can sneak around the back way. I'll keep them busy out front."
"You'll need help," Peter informed her.
"I do not," Susan insisted, "but if it makes you feel any better, I'll take some soldiers with me. Oh, and Fynor." The centaur turned to she who had spoken his name. "Keep Mister Tumnus busy here."