Narnian Year 1012 - Twelfth Year of the Reign of Peter the High King

Queen Lucy leaned over the railing of Narnia's grand ship the Spendour Hyaline. Strands of her blond hair, carefully braided, were beginning to blow around her face. Her dangling gold and emerald earrings swayed with the breeze. She was wearing an elegant green dress and a gold circlet set with small emeralds on her head. Her skin was slightly tanned from being outdoors and there was a sprinkling of freckles across her lovely face. She heard a familiar footstep and turned with a merry smile. The High King Peter was wearing fine mail and a red knee length cloak. A gold circlet was his only obvious sign of royal rank. A sword and a dagger were belted on his side. He was, however, dressed for ceremony not battle.

The High King smiled and said "A beautiful sight, sister."

Lucy replied "Indeed Sir, I am so looking forward to being back at Narnia and seeing Susan and Edmund. It is unfortunate they couldn't have accompanied us on this trip"

Peter answered "It would have been lovely Madam, but we all agreed that it would always be best if one of us remained at Cair Paravel. Our brother was so annoyed by the trade proposal from Calormene that I suspect he enjoyed responding to the Calormene ambassadors more than attending the Terebinthian King's coronation and tournament."

Lucy laughed merrily. "Sir, thou are correct. It is certain that our royal brother took quite delight in making counter proposals to the ambassadors. I suppose it is rather like a game of chess to dear Edmund." Lucy added "I am not sure if our sister had such fun in Archenland. I was surprised that given her love for grand occasions, that Susan chose to stay in Archenland to comfort King Lune and Prince Corin."

Peter replied "Our sister was always close to the late queen and grateful for all of her advice and guidance after we came to our thrones. The responsibility for Cair Paravel was quite a lot for Susan to take on at such a young age and the late queen was always kind and generous in her advice."

Lucy sighed and said "Yes, we shall all miss the dear queen of Archenland but you are correct, Sir, that Susan shall miss her the most."

Lucy gestured and said "Look, Sir, Queen Susan is walking down to the quay now and dear Master Tumnus is with her. I am glad they journeyed back safely. Oh it will be so good to see them and share all our stories."

Peter said "Here are the Terebinthian ambassador and his countess. Let us greet them and then prepare to disembark dear sister."

The High King led Queen Lucy over to Count Augustus of Milano and his wife Countess Melissina. The middle-aged Terebinthia couple were standing with Prince Galen, one of Narnia's Commanders. They were gazing towards the wharf and looking at the assortment of creatures gathering to welcome back the High King Peter and Queen Lucy. It was, Lucy admitted, an impressive sight for someone not used to Narnia. Humans made up less than a quarter of the crowd gathering. There were centaurs, fauns, naiads, dryads, dwarfs and talking animals including dogs, foxes, panthers, eagles, ravens, badgers, beavers and river rats. Queen Susan stood near the front wearing a blue dress and cloak. Her long dark brown hair was drawn back on the sides and held in place by a silver circlet set with sapphires. The rest of her hair hung down loose past her hips and was blowing in the sea breeze.

Countess Melissina asked "The lovely lady in blue is Queen Susan, correct Your Majesty? I met her several years ago."

Peter replied "Indeed, my lady, and Her Majesty will be delighted to welcome you and the Count."

The Count asked: "Is your brother King Edmund at court?"

Peter answered "To the best of my knowledge, sir ambassador, but it is a beautiful day and our royal brother may be out riding."

Prince Galen who had been standing by quietly, commented "When in Narnia, it is difficult to not spend a beautiful day in the woodlands. I look forward to the chance to accompany thee on a ride soon, cousin."

Lucy was started for a moment and then remembered that the Count's mother was the cousin of Galen's father. Prince Galen had been part of their court for seven years. Sometimes she almost forgot that the handsome knight was the younger brother of the current Grand Duke of the Lone Islands. The Grand Ducal family has for several generations been quite prolific and as a result, Galen had noble relations in most of the western countries.

Galen added "I would wager that if King Edmund is out riding, my youngest brother Prince Gearalt is accompanying him."

Prince Galen and Prince Gearalt were the fifth and sixth sons of the previous Grand Duke. They were sent to the Narnian court for a brief stay and after the death of their father, both decided to pledge their service to the High King and remain where there were many more opportunities for adventure. Prince Galen had proved himself a skilled warrior and had become one of Peter's trusted advisors. Three years ago, King Peter had appointed him as one of the three War Commanders for Narnia's army. His younger brother Prince Gearalt was close to Lucy's age and had great wit and was a skilled horseman. Lucy thought Gearalt was a bit reckless and sometimes made jokes at inappropriate times but she enjoyed his company as did Edmund. Lucy gazed at the shore and thought that it was wonderful to be home and she couldn't wait to see Susan's reaction to the decision Peter made in Terebinthia.