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... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: It was supposed to be a simple diplomatic trip to Telmar. They had been guaranteed safe passage. It was all a lie.

A/N: If you have not read the first five stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakening, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, and Rekindled), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Twenty-One: Waiting

26 Lenisgale 1007

Edmund paused just inside the door to Kat's study. Her back was turned to him as she set a fresh candle in the window. She didn't seem to be aware that he was watching while she lit the candle then touched her fingers to the glass and quietly commanded, "The candles are burning, you two, now let them guide you home."

How did she find more faith than everyone else that Oreius was alive? How did she trust that both Oreius and Peter would escape Telmar? He didn't know, but shame crept into his heart as he realized he hadn't been nearly as trusting in Aslan's ability to protect both Oreius and Peter and bring them home. He silently withdrew from Kat's quarters and walked through the corridors, noting just how many candles were shining in the Cair's western windows.

He lost track of where he was walking until he found himself standing in the hall of remembrance in front of the display of broken blades. Gazing at the blades testifying to acts of great courage, he remembered all the times Peter had chased after him, hoping against hope that their enemies had left him alive long enough for Peter to rescue him. And he remembered those times when he had raced to save his big brother before it was too late. All those times had been challenging, yes, but the hardest thing he ever experienced was waiting. It was easy to trust that Aslan would keep Peter safe when Edmund himself was doing something, spearheading the effort to bring the great lummox home. But, waiting…it was so much more difficult to be unable to do anything to help bring Peter home and trust that Aslan will find some other way to bring his brother and maybe even Oreius back as well.

A box of candles caught Edmund's eye and he took out two candles. He stared at them, running his fingers over their waxy surfaces, until he noticed several soldiers entering the hall of remembrance. They bowed when they saw him. Edmund gestured toward the box, "Are you setting the candles in the western windows?"

One of the soldiers, a Satyr by the name of Pythian, bowed his head, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Edmund gave a curt nod as he set the two candles on the table then lifted the box, "All right then, let's get these set up and lighted." The soldiers didn't comment about the two candles he put aside or about his sudden decision to help in setting up and lighting all one hundred and ninety-eight candles that were in the box. Once again, Edmund thanked Aslan that Narnians were willing to accept their sovereigns as they were and even if they didn't always understand their actions.

Finally returning to his quarters, Edmund took the two candles he had set aside and placed them both in his parlor window. He took a lit taper and carefully lit the first candle, "Aslan with you, Peter. May this light guide you back home to us. And, please don't do anything too stupid." He lit the second candle and whispered, "Aslan with you, Oreius. May this light guide you back home…and bring Peter with you."

He stepped back and observed the cheery flames dancing in front of the window. Returning the taper to its proper place, Edmund looked at the candles again. "I'm sorry for not having as much faith as I should. Aslan, guide their steps. Give them Your strength and lead them through the traps of our enemies. Bring them home, Aslan. Just bring back my brother and the one who is as a father to us. And, Aslan, help me to wait upon You, Great Lion."

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A/N: Please Read and Review! Yes, I know I'm prolonging the torture of the last chapter's cliffhanger, but I promise Peter and Oreius will be back next chapter and it will be another long one. Look for the next chapter on Monday. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.