Disclaimer: all is property of the amazing C.S. Lewis.

A/N: o.O Wow. Just wow. You all are so amazing! (gives hugs and biscuits) Thank you so much for all of your reviews and glad you're all in for the long haul! (grins) I have official done it. This story, at only twenty chapters, is the longest Narnia story on FanFiction! (dances) (is still in shock)

This chapter – by the title, I think we can safely assume a certain character will be introduced, that I know many of you are waiting for:) Also, there's a bit of angst here in the beginning, so be ready.

As always, your reviews, comments, suggestions, fav parts/characters are extremely welcomed and so very much appreciated!

Chapter Twenty: Anvard

Edmund swallowed, still staring. I – no… He staggered to his feet, stumbling forward and falling onto his knees beside a shredded piece of dark-green clothing, stained with blood. He turned it over in his hands and saw the remnants of an embroidered golden-lion. Peter! He choked back a sob, his chest constricting and his heart wrenching in despair. The icy-blue magic he had seen was pushed to the back of his mind, his only thoughts on his brother. Peter – bloody hell, why! He gripped the torn cloth tightly, his knuckles turning white as he shut his eyes in an effort to hold back his tears. You can't be dead! I won't believe it! I won't!

The sound of the battle suddenly came back in full force and an icy-blue flash of light brought his attention to what was happening around him. His heart pounded in his chest and he swallowed. It- it can't be Her. She's dead. Aslan defeated her! But no, it wasn't the White Witch Jadis. Still clutching the remnant of Peter's tunic in his hands, Edmund looked around and spotted Dar in a full-out wrestling match with a dark-haired man dressed in black armor. Around the man's neck was a shining, dark-blue amulet hanging on a silver-chain. Edmund saw another flash of icy-blue magic and Dar was sent staggering back. So he – some sort of sorcerer…who? Dar picked up his fallen shield, throwing it up just in time to block the man's sword-attack.

Dar yelled as he rushed at the man, narrowly escaping another blast of magic and hit the man directly in the chest with his shield. From Edmund's position a short distance away, his heart leapt up into his throat as the man conjured up an icy dagger, reading to stab Dar. "Watch out!" yelled Edmund and Dar glanced at Edmund in surprise.

It was in this brief moment that Dar was momentarily distracted and the man would have succeeded in stabbing him if Orieus had not leapt in just in time, swinging his sword at the man's head. However, the man dodged Orieus' swing and there was a brilliant, blinding flash of icy-blue light.

Edmund threw up his hand to shield his eyes and when the light had faded, he brought down his hand and gasped. He's gone! Where did he go? It seemed both Dar and Orieus had the same thoughts as they scanned the surrounding forest for any sign of the dark-haired man. It appeared that the man had been the leader of the attack, for as soon as he had disappeared, the Ogres, winged beasts, and other creatures ran off into the forest, chased by several Centaurs.

His heart thundering in his chest, Edmund fell back into a sitting position, holding Peter's torn tunic in his hands. He stared, breathing hard, at the point where the man had disappeared. Peter…where are you? He felt hot tears threatening to spill forth and swallowed. Velvel was here – you had to be here – But even as he thought this, he knew his brother was nowhere nearby. Edmund looked around the clearing and saw bloodied, exhausted soldiers, but no Peter. Peter…

He slowly stood, grimacing in pain, feeling dizzy and worn out. He never loosened his hold on the cloth in his hands, looking at it in despair.

"Your Majesty, are you all right?" asked a concerned voice and Edmund looked up to see Orieus standing in front of him, looking down at him. Edmund just stared at him blankly, holding out the torn, bloodied fabric. Orieus' eyes went wide and he reached down to touch it, but Edmund snapped his hands back, clutching the fabric tightly against his chest.

"No," he choked out, "It's all I have."

Orieus' features softened as he looked at him. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice quieter. "Come with me and have your injuries tended to."

Edmund shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. "No. Take care of everyone else. They need it more than I do." Peter, please – please – please be all right. Aslan …you've got to help him. I'd do anything to have him here with me. Please. He choked back a sob, feeling tears trickle down his cheeks.

"But your Majesty –"
"No!" Edmund looked up at Orieus, breathing hard and wincing as a twinge of pain shot through his ribs. "They need to be taken care of. Leave me."

A flash of anger crossed Orieus' face and he looked ready to argue but instead he took a deep breath, and said curtly, "As you wish." He turned and walked away.

"Lad?" Edmund glanced up to see Dar standing only a few paces away, looking extremely exhausted and battered. A nasty gash above his left eye dripped blood down the side of his face, creating a path through the dirt that smudged his cheeks. Dar walked closer, setting a hand on Edmund's shoulder. "You need rest."

Edmund shook his head slowly, looking back down at the cloth in his hands. "I can't," he whispered. "Not while Peter's still out there – he needs me – I can't stop."

"I also wish that we could keep going to find our brothers, lad, but we're only human," said Dar gently. "Our companies are badly injured and we have to rest. It'd be best if you rested and allow someone to tend to your injuries. It'll do us no good to be worrying about your health when many others are in need of our attention."

Edmund looked at Dar, who was gazing at him sternly but also with concern. Edmund thought about his words, knowing he was right, but not wanting to admit that he was hurting terribly and was so exhausted he could barely remain standing. "Yes," he said finally. "You're right, Sir."

"Good. Come with me," said Dar, placing a hand on Edmund's back and gently ushering him towards the rest of the company. Edmund felt the dizziness hit him within only a few steps and then the ground rushed up to meet him.

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When Edmund regained consciousness, he sussed that his exhaustion had finally taken its toll. Lying on blankets and pillows, he could barely move, and kept his eyes closed, not having the energy to open them. A right mess I've managed to get myself in…I can barely move and now I'm just going to hold everyone back. Peter, I'm sorry – I'm sorry I couldn't be strong enough to keep going – I'll find you, I swear. He sighed and winced at the pain that resulted in that slight movement.

Finally, he opened his eyes and looked up at the tent that he was in. He lowered his gaze to his body, which was half-covered by a blanket. His torso was a mass of bandages and though his head wasn't wrapped anymore, he still had an awful headache. His right hand was closed in a tight fist around the piece of Peter's tunic. Peter…

The sound of rustling cloth caused Edmund to turn his attention to the entrance to the tent. The tent-flap was pushed aside as Dar entered, walking over and taking a seat next to Edmund on the ground. "How are you doing?" he asked.

"I'll be fine," he lied, managing a small smile. "How long was I unconscious?"

"Quite awhile."

Edmund's eyes flicked over Dar, taking in the man's tired appearance. Dar was still dressed in his armor and didn't look like he had stopped to take care of himself, save for bandaging the cut above his eye. His wavy, fair hair was tussled and he reminded Edmund of Peter when his brother always tried to pretend like he wasn't exhausted.

"Have you rested at all?" asked Edmund, frowning.

Dar gave him a small smile. "Not yet, lad. There are still many things to do."

"Then let me help," said Edmund, moving to get up but Dar placed a hand on Edmund's chest and gently pushed him back down into the pillows.

"No," said Dar firmly. "You've more than proven your worth as a warrior and a King. Don't be foolish enough to think that you're invincible."

Edmund would have laughed at the irony of this if it didn't hurt to do so. Sounds like Peter, he thought. I suppose I can't pull sanity rank here. "All right," said Edmund, but he was already planning on what he was going to do as soon as Dar left.

"That's a good lad," said Dar, climbing slowly to his feet. "The Lord Colin is here with his men and brings word from King Lune. It seems that he wants both our companies back at Anvard and so we will be heading out in the morning."

"But what about our brothers?" asked Edmund, struggling to sit up but failed and fell back against his pillows. "I'm not leaving my brother out here to who knows what."

Dar smiled softly. "We're not giving up the search for them, don't you worry. But there is no way that we can continue like this without re-supplying and resting. Both our companies are strong but that last fight caused several severe injuries. Once we're back at Anvard, we'll be able to have fresh supplies as well as a well-rested company. Then we can start anew and find them."

I've got to talk to Orieus…I don't want to stop! thought Edmund but all he said was, "Yes, Sir. I understand."

"Good. Now rest. I'll have someone bring you supper." Dar turned, departing the tent and leaving Edmund with his thoughts.

I really don't want to stop looking for Peter…but, he thought grudgingly, Lord Dar is right. What sort of King would I be if I forced everyone to keep going, even when they desperately needed rest and medical care? I'm still talking to Orieus, though.

Edmund pushed off his blanket, and, ignoring the pain that shot through his body, he pulled on his boots and stood carefully, setting the torn piece of Peter's tunic with his sword-belt. He found his tunic and slid it over his bandages, wincing as he did so. He moved slowly towards the entrance to the tent. Pushing aside the flap, he peered out to see if Dar was nearby, but he was nowhere to be seen. Edmund stepped out of the tent, closing his eyes as dizziness washed over him. Once he felt steady enough to move, he opened his eyes and began walking in search of Orieus.

-------

He was walking through the camp when he spotted the Faun Avedis trying to wrap fresh bandages around his arm, but failing. "Here, let me," said Edmund, taking the bandages away from a surprised Avedis.

"Your Majesty! Shouldn't you be resting?"

"Shhh," whispered Edmund, putting a finger to his lips. "I'm supposed to but I can't just lay there. Now let me help you." Edmund batted Avedis' hand away and unwound the bandages from Avedis' arm. He looked around for the salve and found a wooden bowl filled with it, sitting on a small stump next to where Avedis stood. "Do you have a damp cloth?" asked Edmund.

"There," said Avedis, pointing with a bandaged hand to another wooden bowl filled with water and a flannel floating on top. Edmund reached over and squeezed out the excess water. Then he began to clean the nasty gash on Avedis' arm, which had started to bleed again. He frowned, trying to clean it as best he could. I wish Susan were here. She always knows how to do these things. Once he was satisfied that it was clean enough, Edmund took some salve and smoothed it over the injury. Picking up the clean bandages, he wrapped them around Avedis' arm. "Is that too tight?"
Avedis shook his head. "No, it's perfect, Sire. Thank you."

Edmund gave him a small smile. "You're welcome." A wave of dizziness washed over him and he swayed slightly.

"Are you all right, your Majesty?" asked Avedis, concerned. He reached out to steady Edmund, who gripped his uninjured hand.

"Thanks," said Edmund quietly. Once his vision cleared, he looked up at Avedis. "I'm fine." He managed to smile slightly. "Really." There was a pause. "Do you know where I can find General Orieus?"

"He should be over talking with the commanders – I think they went in that direction," said Avedis, pointing towards the cliff-side.

"Thank you." Edmund turned and headed in the direction that Avedis had given him.

He found Orieus speaking with Mashera, Arturon, and two of Dar's commanders beside a sheer wall of rock. Edmund waited until the other commanders had left before walking slowly over to Orieus, every step more painful then the next. He clenched his hands into fists and continued to walk. "General Orieus," he said and Orieus turned to him, a flicker of anger, surprise, and then frustration appearing in his features.

"Sire, what are you doing out of bed?" he asked sharply. "You know that you need to be resting."

Edmund ignored this and said, "Lord Dar said that a man named Lord Colin arrived with a message from Anvard. He said that we're to be going there and not looking for my brother." He tried to keep his voice calm but it wavered, his breath hitching in his throat.

"The company is tired," said Orieus. "We're not giving up on looking for the High King, but we're in no condition to keep going at this point. Neither are you."

"I'm fine," said Edmund stubbornly.

"No, Sire, you're not. It is my duty to keep you safe and I can't do that if you're constantly wandering around making your injuries worse. You need to rest or you're going to endanger the entire company tomorrow when we head to Anvard," said Orieus sternly, anger flickering in his voice. "Know that I will speak with Lord Dar and as soon as our company is ready, we will continue the search for the High King." He features softened slightly. "I know that you're worried, King Edmund, but working yourself to the point of exhaustion isn't going to make finding him any easier."

"What about Ivaylo and his pack? They're not going to want to go to Anvard. They were reluctant to even help in the first place."

"If they choose to leave our company, that is something that we'll just have to accept, when and if the time comes. Now get back to the tent and rest, Sire."

Edmund was extremely frustrated at this point and, having always hated being told what to do, he was ready to go off and find Peter himself. Idiot, stop and think. You can't find him by yourself. Besides, Orieus is right. Just think. Edmund took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "You're right," said Edmund finally and turned, walking slowly back to his tent, ignoring the pain that continued with each step.

He was nearly at the tent when he saw Ivaylo walking nearby. Glancing behind him, Edmund didn't see Orieus or Dar, and so he walked over to the wolf leader, stopping a few paces away. "Ivaylo," he said.

Ivaylo looked up at him and bared his teeth. "What do you want?"

"We're to go to Anvard tomorrow. The company needs rest. Will you be joining us?" I really need him and his pack…they've helped us when there wasn't any other trail to be found.

"Our agreement was to help find your brother," snarled Ivaylo, bristling. "Going to this Anvard was not. Do not expect me to be with you when you depart tomorrow." Ivaylo turned, walking away.

Edmund sighed, looking down at the ground, too exhausted to argue with Ivaylo. Nothing is going right. Peter, I really wish you were here. He turned, defeated, and headed back to his tent.

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Edmund looked down at the reins in his hands as they drew closer to the castle, biting his lip. Peter could still be out there…and now we're going clear out of our way to Anvard. How does King Lune even know me? Why would he request my presence? Then his stomach twisted and dropped through to the ground. Oh God…what if – Peter – what if they found him – and he – no, he can't be dead! Not possible! He shut his eyes in an effort to hold back his tears. Think positive, Ed. Perhaps King Lune has heard some word of where Peter is. Then another thought struck him and he sighed. Ivaylo…he left last night with his pack. We'll have the Foxes and the Dogs…but the wolves were invaluable. Now what do we do?

"Your Majesty," whinnied Philip and Edmund opened his eyes, looking down at his horse.

"Yes?"

"Don't be so sad, Sire," he said.

"Call me Edmund, please," said Edmund tiredly and quietly.

"We'll find your brother."

"I wish I had your certainty, Philip," said Edmund, managing a small smile. "I just can't help but think how hopeless it's beginning to seem. My company is hurt, we're going to a place that I've never even heard of, and though I know that Lord Dar is a good man and has good intentions, I can't help but feel that we're giving up too easily. We've lost Ivaylo and his pack – "

"Edmund," nickered Philip. "Why are you acting like you're defeated? It's not like you, and not how your brother would want you to feel."

"How do you know?" retorted Edmund angrily and then he looked down in defeat. "I'm sorry, Philip, I didn't mean to yell at you."

Philip shook his mane, blowing out air from his nose. "I've sussed that humans have many different moods. You need not apologise."

Edmund sighed. "Still, you're my friend and I shouldn't have yelled. I'm sorry. Pax?"

"Of course. Now, think of happier things. A good roll in the soft grass, delicious oats, warm sun, a hard gallop – think of this as an adventure!" whinnied Philip, picking up his pace. "We're going to a new castle with a new King, who must be a good King for Lord Dar believes this, and he is a good chap. To the East! To the rising sun and better days! Why, I bet that this King Lune will know exactly what to do and we'll find the High King before you can blink!"

Edmund couldn't help but smile slightly as Philip continued to chatter happily. He chuckled quietly and winced. "Ouch, Philip, don't make me laugh. It hurts."

"Apologies, Sire."

"Edmund."

"Right. Edmund."

Edmund smiled a bit more at this. "Thank you, Philip."

"Think nothing of it."

They rode in silence and Edmund was in slightly higher spirits thanks to Philip. When Dar rode over to him, Edmund apologised for leaving his tent earlier. Dar waved it off with a smile, saying that it was only natural for someone in his position. Then Dar began to tell him of Anvard and King Lune, giving him wonderful descriptions and stories about King Lune's conquests.

"– and you'll find that he is a most kind-hearted fellow. Queen Adelaide wouldn't have him any other way," continued Dar with a smile as they rode along a wide dirt path. They were nearly at the castle now for the trees were beginning to thin out and be replaced by vast, green lawns.

"He sounds like someone you can count on."

"Quite true," said Dar with a nod. "A good friend and a good King." Then a wide smile split his face and he pointed ahead. "There lies the castle of Anvard."

Edmund followed Dar's gaze and his eyes widened. While not nearly as impressive as Cair Paravel, Anvard was nevertheless stunning. The castle was very old and built of warm, reddish-brown stone, with several towers piercing the cloudy, darkening sky. North of the castle was a high, wooded ridge, blocking the fierce northern wind, and far beyond the ridge towered distant mountains, their tops disappearing into the clouds. Edmund glanced behind him and saw that the sun was beginning to set over the dark-green forest. He turned his attention forward as they began walking on a wide, stone path, framed by beautiful, lush green lawns. The castle towered over them as they drew closer to the front archway. The iron-bared portcullis was raised, allowing Edmund to see into the inner courtyard of the castle. There were many smaller archways surrounding the distant courtyard and Edmund vaguely wondered if there were as many passages here as there were in Cair Paravel.

Just before they reached the gate, a horn was sounded, its clear sound echoing off the nearby ridge. Edmund saw three men walking towards them, the center of which drew his attention. The man walking in the middle had to be the jolliest, fattest, apple-cheeked, twinkling-eyed person that Edmund had ever laid eyes on. He was dressed in ordinary clothes, though richer than most, and he smiled brightly as they neared.

Their company drew to a halt in front of the three men and Lord Dar climbed off his horse, moving to greet the men. "Your Majesty," said Dar, bowing to the man in the center. Then Dar acknowledged the other two men, who smiled in return. "Lord Peridan, Lord Cole."

"Welcome back, Lord Dar," said the man, who Edmund realised was, in fact, King Lune. He smiled warmly, clapping Dar on the shoulder. "I bid you a very heartily welcome."

"Thank you, Sire. May I present King Edmund of Narnia," said Dar, motioning to Edmund, who took this as his cue to climb off Philip.

He carefully dismounted Philip, taking a moment to regain his balance, and walked over to King Lune, bowing his head though it caused him to feel dizzy. "It is an honour to meet you, Sir," he said, lifting his head to look King Lune in the eyes.

King Lune's eyes sparkled merrily and Edmund had to wonder why he was in such good spirits. He felt hope rise in his chest. Perhaps he knows where Peter is! Oh, I do hope so! "The honour is mine. To hear that Narnia is green and well and ruled by four Kings and Queens who have managed to defeat the enchantress brings cheer to my house." Edmund vaguely wondered how King Lune knew this, but figured that they must have sent back a messenger when the Lord Colin had arrived at their camp. "I welcome thee, lad," said King Lune, taking Edmund's hand and giving it a firm, yet careful shake so as not to cause Edmund any more pain. "I am sorry to hear of your misfortunes in the mountains and I bid thee to come with me for I have something that I believe concerns your journey."

"What is it?" asked Edmund, his eyes widening.

"Come," said King Lune, gently guiding Edmund towards the gate. "The Lord Peridan and Lord Dar will see to it that your company is well-taken care of."

Edmund glanced back at Dar, who gave him an encouraging smile and a brief nod. Edmund's gaze flicked to Orieus, who nodded as well. Not having much choice, Edmund allowed the King to guide him through the gate and into the castle.

Many thoughts rushed through Edmund's mind as they walked through the maze of corridors, the stone walls covered in rich tapestries. I wonder what he's going to show me? Perhaps he has someone that knows what happened to my brother! Or knows about that man in black that attacked us the other night. Oh, I do hope that he knows where my brother is. Peter, please be all right. He didn't know what to say to the King of Archenland and thus kept quiet, lost in his own thoughts, his heart beating rapidly. It's my fault that Peter found himself in this mess – why couldn't I have been stronger so we could have kept going? Now Aslan knows where my brother is – what if that awful man did something to him? Aslan – please – please.

"This way, lad," said King Lune, snapping Edmund out of his thoughts. Edmund looked to see that they had stopped in front of a closed door. Behind them were open-arches that looked out over one of the lush courtyards, a cool breeze wafting through the corridor. King Lune pushed open the door, allowing Edmund to step into the room warily.

Edmund looked around the expensively-furnished room, complete with a king-sized canopy bed, a large wardrobe, a desk, and two doors leading off to other rooms. On the far wall were two, tall rectangular windows, which had been opened to let in the fresh air. He heard movement to his right and turned. His eyes went wide as he looked at the figure standing only a few paces away.

Peter!

Apologies for the cliffy. I promise that's the last one for awhile ;)

Look, I did good! I managed to get you the next chapter in the same day (is proud). (nudges OhcEEcho) I won our challenge (grins)

So, what do you think of King Lune? Dar? Who's the man in black? You know I love to hear your thoughts!

For those Ivaylo fans out there, don't worry, our wolf will be back soon enough ;) This was mostly a transitional chapter again, getting us to the next big segment of action.

Citing: description of Anvard and King Lune are from The Horse and his Boy chpts 11 and 15

Let's see… oh yes, Americanisms, the usual. If you see them, let me know. :)

Thanks again for reading! I really appreciate your thoughts :D

Look for the next chpt after next Monday (apologies ahead of time for the delay!)