Disclaimer: all is property of C.S. Lewis, of course ;)
A/N:
All of you are simply so amazing! Thank you so very much for all your
reviews and continued support. It means a great deal to me and I'm so
excited that this is on many of your favourites list. Thanks a
million! A quick thanks to MelanieEden, who has started the official
Ivaylo fan club (grins) Go to her profile for more information
I am SO sorry that I kept all of you waiting! I really didn't mean for that to happen, but mid-terms and FanFiction made me wait for awhile. However, I did get you a chapter and it's a decent length. And look for about a chapter a day now :)
As always, reviews, comments, suggestions, fav parts/characters are always extremely welcomed and so very much appreciated:)
Chapter Twenty-One: Reunion
Edmund was speechless, staring at his older brother in shock. Peter looked like he had been through hell, but he was very much alive. He wore a light-blue tunic, dark-blue leggings, and soft black boots. Both of his hands were bandaged around the knuckles and Edmund didn't doubt there were more bandages beneath his brother's clothes. A deep-purple bruise adorned the left side of his face and a healing cut ran right below it, near his eye. I – he's –
"Y-y- you idiot!" he sputtered, not really knowing what to say. He felt a mixture of emotions: anger, relief, shock, and others he couldn't describe. Peter's eyes went wide at Edmund's declaration but he said nothing. In one swift movement, Edmund walked over to Peter and gripped his tunic in a white-knuckled grip. He glared up at his brother. "Y- You worried me half to death! You act all heroic one night and then - then you're gone in the morning! What the bloody hell were you thinking! I thought you were dead! We were attacked and I saw your torn tunic and – and – what was I supposed think!" And then all at once the anger was gone and Edmund had thrown his arms around Peter's waist in a fierce hug, burying his face in his brother's chest, sobbing.
He felt his brother flinch and then wrap his arms around Edmund, hugging him tightly. "Edmund," he whispered, burying his face in his younger brother's hair. They sank into a large, cushioned chair and Edmund never let go of his brother, tears streaming down his cheeks and dampening Peter's tunic. Thank Aslan he's alive…Peter you are such an idiot but bloody hell – I don't know what I would have done if you had died.
"Ed," rasped his brother but Edmund didn't loosen his hold, his eyes still shut tight. "Ed." A bit stronger. Gentle hands touched Edmund's arms, carefully pushing him away so that Edmund had to open his eyes and look up into his brother's tired face. Peter gave him a soft smile and Edmund choked back the fresh tears that threatened to fall. "You were holding a bit tight."
Surprisingly, Edmund managed to find his voice and choke out, "Sorry."
"It's all right."
Edmund looked at his brother, unable to find the right words for what he was feeling. Finally, he just sputtered, "Y- you're such an idiot, you know that?"
Peter chuckled and then winced, placing his hand on his side. "Yes, you've mentioned it."
Edmund frowned. "What happened to you?"
"Nothing."
"Peter," said Edmund, exasperated. "I think we both know you're hurt."
"I just got a bit banged up, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
"I don't believe you," said Edmund and reached for the edge of Peter's tunic.
"Ed, I'm fine, honestly!" said Peter, trying to prevent Edmund from lifting up his tunic but Edmund swatted his hands away.
Edmund gasped as he saw the white bandages covering nearly every inch of skin on Peter's torso. Where there weren't bandages, Edmund could see dark-purple bruises forming. "Peter!" Edmund stared up at his older brother, who winced. "What the bloody hell happened to you?"
"I should ask the same thing about you," replied Peter, frowning, looking over Edmund's appearance.
"I asked first," retorted Edmund stubbornly, dropping Peter's tunic and sitting back against the armrest, wincing as he did so. "Talk."
Peter sighed and shifted slightly, leaning against the back of the chair. "I suppose I have no choice?"
"None. Now stop stalling."
"Shouldn't you be resting?"
"Shouldn't you?" retorted Edmund.
"You are so stubborn."
"And you aren't?"
"Ed –" sighed Peter, running a hand through his hair.
"What? Tell me what happened before I –"
"Before you what?" asked Peter, arching an eyebrow.
Edmund paused. "I'll tell you when I figure it out. Now just tell me what happened or I'm not letting you out of this chair." With that said, Edmund set his legs over Peter's and crossed his arms over his chest, giving Peter a challenging look. He ignored the pain that resulted in this movement, needing to know what had happened to his brother to cause him such pain. When I find out who did this to Peter, I swear I'm going to kill them.
Peter was quiet, looking at Edmund's legs across his lap and then moving his gaze towards the open windows. After a few minutes, he finally spoke. "First promise me you won't do anything rash," said Peter, noticing the dark look in Edmund's eyes.
"I'm not promising anything," said Edmund, scowling. "No one hurts my brother and gets away with it."
Peter managed a small smile. "Now who's the one trying to be heroic?"
"Don't you try and turn it back on me. And you're stalling again."
"Just promise me, all right?"
Edmund was quiet for a long while until he finally muttered, "Fine." Or not. I don't care what Peter says, they deserve to pay for what they did.
"Thank you." Peter took a deep breath, wincing as he did so. Edmund's frown deepened but he didn't say anything, waiting for his brother to continue. Peter looked out the windows and said, "That night that I disappeared, I was out walking and before you say anything –" Peter held up a hand to quiet Edmund. Edmund closed his mouth, frowning. "- I didn't leave the camp. The Watches knew where I was. The next part is blurry because all I remember is a flash of green and then blackness. When I awoke, I was somewhere in the forest, tied to a tree. I remember a man in black and he said something about how pathetic our Watches were because they couldn't even detect the simplest of magic."
I wonder if it's the same man that we ran into, thought Edmund but didn't say anything, wanting his brother to continue.
"Anyhow, suffice it to say that the two days I was with that man and his wolves weren't some of my better ones." Edmund frowned at the look of pain in his brother's eyes. "We were in the mountains when we encountered a company of men fighting their own battle with some of the Witch's remnants. It turns out that they were Archenlanders. There was loads of confusion and I don't remember that much – a man pulled me out of the fray – Lord Colin I believe. He must have thought I was an Archenlander – I honestly don't know – I blacked out after that. When I awoke, I was here, in Anvard. King Lune was sitting next to my bed and informed me that his men had rescued me and that I had been unconscious for over a day since they had brought me here. When he was content that I was well enough, he began asking me questions – who I was – how I ended up with the man in black. That's when I explained to him about Narnia and the four of us. He sent Lord Colin and his men searching for you and it was a matter of luck that they ended up finding you, Ed."
So that's how King Lune knew so much, thought Edmund, frowning as he looked at his lap. What did that man do to my brother? I'll find him…somehow…and I'll make him pay. His gaze narrowed as he thought about what he could do but his mind wouldn't cooperate with him. His headache had returned and he reached up, touching his fingers to his temple, wincing. Bloody headache.
"Ed?" asked Peter, concerned, reaching out to touch Edmund's shoulder.
"I'm fine," said Edmund, waving off his brother's hand. Truth be told, he wasn't fine. Everything was spinning and he shut his eyes, trying to make his head stop pounding.
"No, you're not. Come on, we need to get you cleaned up and then you need to sleep."
Edmund managed to glare slightly at his brother. "Oh, and you don't? Besides, how exactly to you expect to do that when you can't get up?"
Peter looked thoughtful and then in one swift motion, he scooped Edmund up into his arms, standing. "Like that," smirked Peter, looking down at his brother.
"Hey! Put me down!" protested Edmund, but he was too exhausted to struggle very much.
Peter winced slightly as Edmund tried to get out of his arms. "Ed, I don't care what you say. You need tending to."
"Peter – gah!" cried Edmund, letting out a cry of frustration as his brother carried him towards one of the doors. "Just – just put me down! I'm fine!"
"Rosa?" called Peter, ignoring his brother's protests.
A young girl hurried into the room, looking at Peter. "Yes, my Lord?"
"Draw a bath please," said Peter and Rosa curtsied before entering the bathroom.
Edmund heard the sound of running water growing louder as Peter carried him towards the bathroom, limping slightly. By now Edmund had given up struggling but he was glaring at the ceiling. Peter, you bloody idiot! You're hurt too – Edmund winced as Peter set him down finally, feeling sharp stabs of pain run through his body. Edmund glanced at his brother and saw the pain in his brother's eyes as Peter placed a hand against a wall for support. Edmund frowned. Idiot.
"I was perfectly capable of walking, you know," said Edmund, glaring slightly at his brother but it wasn't out of anger. He sighed and looked around the bathroom, seeing Rosa slip out of the room. It was very different from his bathroom in Cair Paravel. For one, all the walls were solid and covered with brightly-colored tapestries. Edmund's gaze fell on the large tub near one wall and saw that it was filled with sudsy water.
"You wouldn't have listened if I hadn't carried you," said Peter, looking at his younger brother.
"Not an excuse."
Edmund saw the flicker of pain in his brother's eyes as Peter straightened. But it was gone as soon as it had come, replaced by calm features. "Ed, are you going to be all right to take a bath?"
Edmund narrowed his gaze. "If you don't go out that door this minute –" He jabbed a finger towards the door and winced inwardly as that sent a fresh wave of pain through his arm. "I'm going to figure out some way to make you shut up and rest. I'd be quite useless if I couldn't bathe myself. Now go."
Peter looked unsure. "But your injuries – "
"- are not as bad as yours. Would you stop acting Peterly for one bloody second and just go?"
Peter arched an eyebrow. "Peterly?" There was a hint of a smile on his face.
"Yes, Peterly. My word for you – noble, heroic, and stubbornly idiotic."
Edmund could tell that Peter was ready to collapse, especially after straining himself by carrying Edmund to the bathroom. Peter chuckled softly and was quiet for a few moments before sighing. "All right, but yell if you need anything."
"Out." Edmund gave him a pointed look.
"Fine, fine," said Peter with a small smile, shaking his head. He left, closing the door behind him.
Edmund shook his head, sighing. He really is going to get himself killed one of these days. Moving as slowly as possible, Edmund undressed and gingerly removed his bandages, wincing at the sight of the multi-colored bruises that adorned most of his torso. There were tiny cuts everywhere, including a burning one across his cheek. He carefully climbed into the tub, sliding down into the warm, soothing water. Leaning back, wincing slightly, he closed his eyes and allowed his muscles to relax.
He lay like this for quite some time, thinking. I'm just glad he's all right…I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't been safe…He looks like he's gone through quite the ordeal. King Lune seems like a good chap and he did take care of my brother, so he can't be that bad. Lord Dar respects him and thinks highly of him. His thoughts wandered, drifting back towards Cair Paravel. I wonder what Susan and Lucy are up to right now? With all those other lands out there – I wonder if anyone has visited yet. Probably not. Lord Dar said that until he had run into my company he had believed, like the rest of Archenland, that Narnia was just snow and ice. I wouldn't be surprised if the other lands think that too. Though I do hope the girls are all right and nothing has happened. It seems that Peter and I got ourselves into quite the situation – and who knows what that man in black is going to do? We never found Lord Dar's brother – perhaps Darrin wasn't with Peter – but then where would he be?
He drifted in and out of consciousness, sleep beckoning him. He was far more exhausted than he realised and his body was beginning to shut down on him. Figuring that he probably shouldn't fall asleep in the water, Edmund climbed out of the tub and dried himself with one of the towels, moving carefully over his injuries. He looked around, wrapping his towel around his waist, and spotted a jar of healing salve and fresh bandages sitting on a wooden table. Probably what they used for Peter.
Edmund walked over to the table and opened the jar of salve. He rubbed it over his bruises and injuries, wincing as it stung in his healing cuts. When he was finished with the salve, he took the bandages and wrapped them around his torso as best he could. It wasn't the best bandaging job, but he wasn't about to ask for Peter's help. He needs to think about himself for a change, thought Edmund.
Edmund left the bathroom and stopped upon seeing the sight that lay before him. Peter was sprawled out on the canopy bed, fast asleep and, for once, Edmund didn't see pain in his brother's features. Edmund smiled softly. Knew he was exhausted. Moving silently, Edmund walked over to the wardrobe and opened the door as quietly as he could. Finding a pair of trousers and a long sleeping shirt, Edmund changed into them, moving slowly to minimize the pain each movement caused.
Edmund draped his towel over the back of a chair and padded over to the bed, climbing onto it. He picked up a pillow and gently placed it under Peter's head. His brother mumbled something, shifting, but didn't wake. Edmund draped part of the blankets over top his brother and once he was satisfied that Peter was comfortable, he lay back against the pillows. He watched his sleeping brother for a few moments before exhaustion took its toll and Edmund slipped off into a deep slumber.
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Edmund woke to the delicious smell of roasted meats and herbs. He smiled, taking a deep breath and then grimaced. Bad idea, he thought as he touched a hand to his aching ribs. He blinked his eyes open sleepily and sat up slowly to see quite the feast laid out before him. At first he thought he was dreaming, for a table had been set up at the end of the canopy bed, laden with every sort of food dish that Edmund could think of.
Then he realised that Peter wasn't lying next to him and his heart began to beat quickly. "Peter?"
"Here."
Edmund breathed a sigh of relief, looking over to see his brother standing up from a chair. Peter crossed over to the bed, taking a seat on the end. "Don't scare me like that."
"Sorry." Peter gave him a soft smile and motioned to the food. "King Lune had his servants bring this up for us. He said that after what we had gone through, we shouldn't be moving around very much. He wants us to eat our fill and then let one of the servants know when we're finished. They'll bring King Lune here, for he'd like to speak with both of us."
Edmund nodded. "All right." His stomach rumbled and they both laughed lightly, Edmund wincing at the twinge in his ribs.
"Ed?" asked Peter, frowning.
"My ribs are healing," said Edmund. "Don't worry so much. Now let's eat before it gets cold." Edmund shifted over to the end of the bed and began to heap a plate full of as much food as he could manage.
Both boys were quiet as they began to eat their supper. Edmund glanced at Peter as he took a bite of chicken. I know I sound like a right sap but I couldn't be happier right now, thought Edmund as he took another bite of his chicken, chewing thoughtfully. Thank Aslan that my brother is alive. Even if he still is as stubborn as before.
Peter scooped another serving of potatoes onto his plate and continued to eat.
"I can't believe we've only been gone just under a week," said Edmund, sipping his juice. "It seems like quite a bit longer."
Peter nodded, swallowing what he was eating. "I know what you mean." He paused. "Ed – what happened up there in the mountains? How did you get hurt so badly?"
Edmund finished off his supper, setting the empty plate on the table. He leaned back against the bedpost, wincing as he did so. When he was finally in a semi-comfortable position, he said, "After you disappeared, we began searching for you. We had just forded the Great River when we were attacked by wolves."
Peter's eyebrows rose. "Wolves? The Witch's wolves?"
"Are you going to let me continue or are you going to keep interrupting?" asked Edmund, folding his arms over his chest. Peter gave him a sheepish smile and Edmund just sighed, but he was smiling as well. "Anyhow, we were attacked by wolves. However, these wolves weren't on Her side at all. Their leader was Ivaylo – his brother Velvel is the one who helped to kidnap you. I spoke with Ivaylo and he agreed to help us find you. Ivaylo and his pack led us towards the South –"
"Wait, you trusted those wolves?" asked Peter incredulously. "How could you know if they weren't just lying?"
Edmund gave Peter an exasperated look. "Peter."
"I just don't understand, that's all."
"You never met Ivaylo, there's no way you could understand," said Edmund, his words coming out a bit sharper than he had intended. Peter winced and Edmund sighed. "Look, I never said I trusted them. I just said that they helped us follow your trail. Without them, we would never have reached the Pass between Narnia and Archenland and never run into Lord Dar and his men."
"Lord Dar …" mused Peter. "I think I remember King Lune mentioning him – he had gone after his missing brother. That's why King Lune and his men were out there when they were attacked."
Edmund nodded slightly. "Yes. We were attacked and Lord Dar and his men helped us. I don't really remember that much of the battle, but I do remember when Ivaylo saved my life." Edmund gave Peter a look that said, 'See? Not all wolves are bad'. "The battle wasn't going well – it was the day before I met Lord Dar. I remember fighting a Minotaur and he definitely was winning. Then I saw a blur and next thing I know, Ivaylo had knocked the Minotaur away, finishing him. I saw him save a lot of our company – Avedis the Faun among them. He risked his life, Peter," said Edmund seriously, "to save mine and many others. He and his pack are not like Her wolves."
Peter gave him a small smile in response, quiet for a few moments. Edmund could see him considering everything and knew that after what his brother had gone through with Maugrim, it was no easy task to accept that Ivaylo was decent. Finally, Peter gave a brief nod. "Then I am grateful to Ivaylo for doing that. Are the wolves still with you?"
"Are you going to let me tell my story or not?" asked Edmund, arching an eyebrow.
Peter chuckled. "Just go on."
"Fine. Now – where was I – oh, right. Anyhow, when I woke up I met Lord Dar. He explained about how he was out searching for his brother, Darrin, and that his company had encountered our battle. He really is a good chap. Reminded me of Dad." Both boys were quiet for a few moments, thinking about their father. England was so very far away and it was beginning to feel more like memories. Finally, Edmund spoke up, continuing, "He agreed to join companies, since the trail for both you and Darrin seemed to be going along the same path. While we were riding, he explained to me about all the other countries. I don't even remember half their names," chuckled Edmund, "there are so many!"
"I would hope there would be more," said Peter, smiling. "I wonder if Lucy and Susan have encountered anyone from those other lands yet?"
"I don't think they would," said Edmund. "Lord Dar said that until they ran into us, they thought that Narnia was a land of snow and ice and that Talking animals were just myths. Imagine their surprise when they met our company." Both boys laughed at this.
"It would have been funny to see the looks on their faces," said Peter and Edmund nodded.
"I know."
"So what happened after Lord Dar joined up with your company?"
"Well, nothing really happened for awhile. We were just talking – I think we were in Archenland by then, I don't remember – but then we were attacked by another remnant group." Edmund looked down, swallowing, remembering quite clearly the panic and pain he had felt during that battle. "That's when I found a torn piece of your tunic," he said quietly. "I didn't know what to think –" His voice choked slightly. He felt a hand on his and looked up to see Peter giving him a soft smile.
"Ed, I'm here and very much alive."
"I know, but still." Edmund sighed, looking out one of the windows towards the forest beyond.
Peter withdrew his hand from Edmund's, leaning back, and both boys lapsed into silence.
After a few moments, Edmund spoke again, "That battle was one of our toughest yet." Edmund looked at his brother. "That man in black that you spoke of – I think it was the same one that we ran into. He had some sort of magic power – it reminded me of Her." Edmund shivered, swallowing. "Lord Dar fought him but he disappeared. Then I don't remember much – I blacked out."
"You do realise that if that man is the one who kidnapped me and the one who fought you – we've got a far more serious problem on our hands than just hunting down the remnants of Her army."
Edmund nodded. "I know. That's one thing that worried me about all these attacks." He looked down at his lap, thoughtful. "They were far too organised."
"And what of Ivaylo and his pack?"
"Velvel was there in the battle – Ivaylo fought him. Like I said, I don't really remember everything too clearly. When I woke up, it had been over a day since the battle. Lord Colin and his men had arrived by then and that's when we were told that King Lune requested our presence here."
"I'm glad that they found you. Incredibly lucky – I wouldn't be surprised if Aslan hadn't helped out in some way."
Edmund nodded, smiling softly as he thought about the Great Lion. "Me either."
"Did Ivaylo come with you here, to Anvard?"
Edmund shook his head. "No. They agreed to only follow the trail – not go out of the way." He paused. "You know, I miss that wolf though. He really helped us and though I can't say he was the most pleasant wolf to be around, he always made things interesting."
"What did Orieus have to say about you taking the aid of wolves?"
"He wasn't very happy about it, of course. But it didn't matter, because we needed the help."
Peter chuckled. "You standing up to Orieus – that would be quite the sight."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Edmund, arching an eyebrow.
"Nothing," said Peter, still chuckling. "You both are so stubborn."
"And you're not?"
"What does that matter?"
"I don't know." Both boys laughed and Edmund winced as his ribs gave another twinge. "Stop making me laugh."
"Sorry," apologised Peter, smiling.
"It's fine."
At that moment, there was a knock on the door and both of them looked over as the door opened, revealing King Lune. They made to get up but King Lune held up a hand, chuckling. "No need, lads." He shut the door and pulled up a chair next to the bed, in which he sat. "I trust that you have rested and eaten your fill?"
"Yes, your Majesty," said Peter. "Thank you."
"Good," said King Lune with a smile. "Now, I know that I had said that you need merely to let my servants know when you were finished, but you will have to forgive an anxious old King." Both boys smiled at this. A real King…blimey, thought Edmund, still smiling. He felt a little nervous, unsure as to how casual the King would be. He seemed very friendly when I first met him – hopefully I don't mess anything up. "I have spoken with the Lord Dar and he has explained everything to me thus far. I come to ask what you plan on doing, now that you have reunited."
"We hadn't really thought about it," said Peter honestly.
"Before any of this happened, we were tracking down the remnants of the White Witch's army," said Edmund.
"Yes – those are the creatures that we encountered in the mountains," said King Lune. "It was not expected for we had no knowledge of these remnants. It does concern me that they have moved into Archenland."
"Have you heard anything about a man in black?" asked Peter.
King Lune shook his head. "Nay. Lord Dar told me that you had encountered such a man in the mountains, but he knows not who this man is either." His face looked grave. "I fear that we have not heard the last of him."
Peter nodded, looking thoughtful. Then he frowned. "Our sisters need to know about him, just in case. He might stay near this border but if he really is organising the Witch's army again, or an army of his own, the rest of Narnia could be in danger as well. We need to get a message to Cair Paravel to warn them of what could possibly happen. I can send Shadowclaw for he can move at night and through the trees. Your Majesty, is the only way to Narnia through that Pass?" asked Peter.
King Lune nodded. "Aye."
"I hate to send him through there," said Peter, glancing at his bandaged hands before looking back up at King Lune, "what with all the attacks that have happened."
"He'll be a lot safer than any human," pointed out Edmund.
"True," said Peter.
"Who is this messenger you are sending?" inquired King Lune.
Peter smiled at the King. "He's the leader of our Panthers."
King Lune chuckled. "It will take me time to become accustomed to your Talking animals."
"It was a bit of a shock for us as well," said Peter, chuckling softly.
"Well," said King Lune, standing. He smiled down at the two boys. "I am sure you will want to send your messenger as soon as possible and will not want to remain cooped up in this room. If you go down this hall to the right and take the stairs at the end, it will lead to the inner courtyard. This is where you should be able to find the majority of your company."
"Thank you, your Majesty," said Peter with a respectful bow of his head.
"Think nothing of it, lads." King Lune looked at Edmund. "I must say, when your brother told me of four children sitting upon the thrones of Narnia, I was surprised. But after the Lord Dar told me of your bravery and skill as a leader, even at your young age, I was proven wrong. You are a better King than most." Edmund felt his cheeks flush at the compliments and he couldn't explain the feelings that stirred inside him at those words. King Lune looked between the two brothers. "Later, I wish to speak with you of your plans. We have a common interest in this man in black, and I believe we could work out something that could benefit us both." He smiled. "While you are here in Anvard, make yourselves at home. We can meet tomorrow morning in my Council chambers. Ask any of the servants and they will be able to direct you there." He gave a slight nod to both of them. "Until then, rest lads and feel assured that you are safe here in my home."
"Thank you, your Majesty," said Peter, smiling.
King Lune nodded and turned, leaving the room.
Edmund and Peter turned to each other. "A good chap," said Peter. He frowned, looking at his bandaged hands. "I do hope that Susan and Lucy are safe."
"I'm sure they are," said Edmund. "Besides, Cair Paravel is quite a ways away from here."
Peter nodded. "Yes."
"Peter." Peter looked up at his brother. "Stop worrying so much!"
"I can't help it."
"Yes you can. Let's go." Edmund climbed off the bed, ignoring the twinges his injuries sent through his body. "You're coming with me." Edmund ushered Peter into a standing position.
"Where are we going?" asked Peter, confused.
"First to find Shadowclaw. Then exploring." Edmund grinned. "Come on." He turned, walking towards the door and opening it.
Peter just shook his head, chuckling as he followed Edmund, limping slightly. "You never stop, do you?"
"Never," said Edmund, still grinning. They both laughed as they left the room, shutting the door behind them.
So...what did you think?
:D See! No cliffy!
To define the word Peterly, according to myself and Capegio: someone noble, heroic and incredibly stubbornly idiotic (grins)
I appreciate your patience and waiting. Hopefully I didn't disappoint you! But at least the brothers are back together. Now we just need the girls, right? (grins) I've got plenty in store and trust me, they're not out of the woods quite yet.
We were in need of some brotherly love and fluff, so hopefully I've appeased you :)
And now you know what happened to Peter, or at least as much as he was willing to tell Edmund. Next chapter you'll get an update on Susan and Lucy, so don't worry ;)
As for the man in black and his amulet hm...(grins) I suppose you'll have to wait to figure out that one
Also, with King Lune's speech, I'm just going to go off how he talks in Horse and his Boy and keep it simple :D
