Narnian Year 1013

Thirteenth Year of the Reign of Peter the High King

It was winter in Narnia. In the beginning and middle of the winter, there had been several festivals to keep the court lively. The last few weeks had been cold and dreary. The seas and mountains were impassible so there were no visitors and many of the Narnians had retreated to their cozy homes in the countryside. The castle courtyards and grounds were windy and cold with a constant ocean storm surrounding the peninsula. Queen Melina was ready for her first Narnian winter to be over. Terebinthia usually had a much milder winter that was also a bit shorter. She was weary of winter and her pregnancy was also tiring. Her babe was due in two months and spring should arrive in a month. She was eagerly awaiting both events.

Queen Melina was curled up on a couch near the large fireplace in the Queens Parlor. She had a book in her hands but was having trouble concentrating on reading. Queen Susan and Queen Lucy were playing cards at a nearby table with their old friend Master Tumnus and Lady Deidre, the sister of Lord Peridan and Lord Donan. The kings were in the library discussing strategies for dealing with the Northern giants who had conducted a raid last month. The doors between the rooms were open. Melina could hear Peter and Edmund along with War Commanders Prince Galen, Lord Peridan and Master Ravenstorm and several knights including Ravenstorm's brother Glenstorm and his son Cloudstorm. She could also hear the voices of Galen's younger brother Gearalt and Peridan's younger brother Donan.

Master Tumnus, who had hearing much sharper than a human, put his cards down and said "Your Majesties, something is amiss."

A moment later, there was a clatter as the centaur Master Skygazer entered the library. "King Peter, King Edmund, my lords, there is grave news from the Shuddering Woods."

Both Queen Susan and Queen Lucy rose from their seats and went into the library. Queen Melina struggled to rise off the couch and Master Tumnus came to assist her. He is so kind thought the young queen as she got to her feet. The middle-aged faun offered his arm and escorted her to the library. There was a commotion of voices in the library.

The High King stood up. "Silence my lords. We must ride within the hour. Prince Galen will organize a party of knights and warriors. Lord Peridan will organize supplies. Master Ravenstorm please send out a call to any talking horses, unicorns, great cats and fighting birds that can easily join our party on the way."

Queen Melina grabbed Queen Susan's arm. "Dear sister, what is happening?"

Queen Susan replied "There has been a grievous attack by some wolves and ogres. We tried to hunt down all the White Witch's army but a few escaped. It has been at least five years since any of the fiends have been seen. Last night, they killed several good talking animals and wounded others."

Melina said "But this could be taken care of by any of these good knights. Why are Peter and Edmund going to ride out?"

Susan replied "I also wish they would not go but they would never send others in their stead. It gives Narnians great comfort and security to know that the kings will ride to their defense."

Melina moved away from Susan towards her husband with fear in her eyes. Peter took her hand and said "Melia, come with me while I change into armor."

As they walked up the grand stairs, Melina said "I don't understand why you are going. Cannot Galen and Peridan and Ravenstorm take care of such matters. In Terebinthia, a king would not be placed in such danger."

Peter shook his head. "That is not our way, my love. They are my knights and I must lead them. I cannot ask them to face a danger that I am not willing to face. Besides after we destroy these evil ones, I must see the wounded Narnians and families of the dead. They rely on us for protection and we have failed to keep them safe."

Almost an hour later, Queen Melina stood in the Hall of Statutes with Queen Susan saying farewell to the knights. Melina was wondering where Queen Lucy was when she saw her sister-in-law walking down the stairs with her brothers. Both kings were in armor with swords, shields and daggers. She was stunned at the sight of Lucy also in armor with a bow and a quiver of arrows and in her belt, a dagger.

King Edmund approached and kissed both queens on the cheek. "Fare well and be safe, my brother" said Susan.

Melina embraced Edmund and then asked "Lucy is riding with you? She is fighting as well? Why?"

Lucy came over and embraced Melina. The young Queen said "Do not worry Mel. I have ridden to war for years. I would not feel right if I did not do my part to help defend Narnia. It may be difficult to believe, but Susan used to ride to wars as well."

Queen Susan replied "It was many years ago. I always found it distressing but there was a time when it was necessary. Now we have good knights to defend us and ride out with our brothers. I am not needed."

King Peter finished giving orders to Master Glenstorm, the younger brother of Ravenstorm, who was remaining to guard the castle. He approached the queens.

Melina embraced her husband. "I will worry until I hear the battle is over and all is safe. I do not know what I would do if thou did not return to me."

Peter kissed her and said "I will return. Do not fear. By the Lion's Mane, thou will see me in a week. We will send word by as soon as we achieve victory."

He kissed his sister's cheeks. "Su, take care of Melia in my absence." Queen Susan replied "I will my dear brother. Be safe and well."

As they watched the kings, Queen Lucy and human knights mount their horses, both Queen Susan and Queen Melina shivered. The centaurs and humans on horseback trotted out of the courtyard. The castle was silent but for the whistling wind.

A few hours later, Queen Lucy was thinking that perhaps Susan had the right idea in staying in the warm castle.

The High King rode up and said "I was just thinking about the first winter in Narnia after the defeat of the White Witch. Do you remember how some creatures worried that the Witch had returned because winter had returned? We had to keep traveling around the country to reassure everyone that all was well and that spring would soon come back."

Lucy smiled and said "Yes. I remember being tired of riding in the cold weather that winter. And, I was only nine years old and not very good at riding yet!"

Peter replied, "I remember trying to convince you I could ride out by myself but we all ended up going even Susan."

Lucy answered "Well, I always feel better when we are together. It is hard to imagine anything can defeat us when we are together."

Edmund rode up and said "Look! Swallowpad approaches."

The great raven was circling above and within a moment landed on the branch of a nearby tree.

"Greetings your Majesties and my lords" declared the loyal raven.

"What news do you bring good friend?" asked the High King.

"There are four ogres and two dozen wolves. They are about three miles due west and they are heading towards the mountains," replied Swallowpad.

"Lead on, friend" said the High King. He then called out to his companions: "There are four ogres so we will use our second battle plan. King Edmund, Prince Galen, Lord Peridan and myself will each lead an attack on an ogre in the formation we discussed. Master Ravenstorm will lead the attacks on the wolves. Good knights and warriors move into position behind your battle leader. Queen Lucy, Mistress Eveningstorm and Mistress Dawna fall to the back and prepare your bows. In Aslan's name, let's ride swiftly before the fiends reach the mountains!"