Summer 1014

Once a week, for the past fourteen years, the kings and queens held an open court at Cair Paravel. On that day, any of their subjects could come and speak with them without an appointment. On a beautiful summer day, twenty-two year old Queen Lucy sat in one of the four thrones at Cair Paravel for open court. The twenty-two year old looked every inch a queen sitting in her throne. She was wearing a light green dress embroidered with flowers. Several strands of pearls were around her neck and a carved gold belt was around her waist. A gold circlet set with pearls held her wavy blond hair off her face.

On this summer day, Queen Lucy sat alone. The other three thrones were vacant because her siblings were not at Cair Paravel. She disliked holding court alone. Peter was so calm and sensible. Nothing ever flustered him. Edmund was a skilled problem solver. He had studied laws and could suggest a fair solution for almost any problem. Susan was gracious and always knew the proper response to make any of their distressed subjects feel respected. Lucy often felt she lacked her older siblings wisdom and skills. A few months ago, she confessed her feelings to Peter.

Her eldest brother looked surprised and replied "Lucy, you are kind hearted and compassionate at all times and care equally for the great and the small. Trust your heart my sister and you will never go astray."

Peter's wife, Queen Melina, offered to join her but Lucy told her not to worry. Melina was in the early months of her second pregnancy and frequently nauseous. While Lucy appreciated her sister-in- law's offer of assistance, she was too kind to inconvenience Melina.

Queen Susan and King Edmund had been gone for almost four weeks paying a visit to the court of Calormen. Her eldest brother Peter the High King had ridden off nine days ago to battle the troublesome Northern giants. Many of their trusted courtiers including her dear friend Master Tumnus had accompanied Susan and Edmund to Calormen. Most of the remaining knights had left with Peter. Two young centaurs Master Cloudstorm, son of Commander Ravenstorm, and his sister Mistress Eveningstorm were among the few left at Cair Paravel. They both stood at attention near the thrones but Lucy suspected they were as bored as she.

Suddenly both centaurs turned to face the main door. A delicate looking stag galloped into the room. His flanks were sweaty and he had clearly been racing for hours. He stopped a few feet from the thrones.

Master Cloudstorm declared "Chervy the Stag! Welcome to Cair Paravel. Do you bring news for the Queen?"

Chervy declared "I bring urgent tidings Queen Lucy. Anvard is under attack. Prince Rabadash and 200 warriors are attacking the castle as we speak."

Lucy rose from the throne and came forward. "Master Chervy, do you know if my royal brother and sister are still in Calormen? Some misadventure must have occurred if Rabadash is storming Anvard's gates."

Chervy replied "I do not know your Majesty. A human boy crossed the border with the news but he did not speak of King Edmund or Queen Susan only that Prince Rabadash was attacking Anvard."

Queen Lucy paused for a moment and thought about her options. She had only a few warriors here at the castle but other Narnians could be called on to join her. It was critical to assist dear King Lune. Although she often accompanied her brothers, she had never actually commanded a battle. She felt some fear about being in command and pushed it aside. Master Cloudstorm, Mistress Eveningstorm and others would assist her. She was worried about Edmund and Susan –what could have happened that Rabadash would be attacking Archenland? She pushed those worries aside as well. She needed to focus on assisting Archenland and if Archenland fell, defending Narnia's borders.

The young queen closed her eyes for a moment and then began to issue clear orders. "Master Cloudstorm, gather warriors remaining here at the castle. Mistress Eveningstorm, send out messages to Narnians who can join us as we march for Archenland."

Lady Julianna, one of Queen Melina's ladies, appeared in the throne room. "Your Majesty, the Splendor Hyaline has been seen – the royal galleon is returning."

Queen Lucy replied "The Lion is blessing us indeed. King Edmund and the good lords with him will be able to join us. Master Cloudstorm, have King Edmund's horse and the horses of the lords accompanying him prepared."

Lucy felt relieved. Edmund would be able to lead the battle. The young Queen turned to a Talking Eagle that had been listening nearby. "Friend, will you fly out to the Splendour Hyaline and share with King Edmund what has happened?"

Always considerate, the young queen turned to Lady Julianna and asked: "Dear lady, will you assist Master Chervy in getting some water to drink and some cool towels."

As she headed up to her rooms to change into battle gear, Lucy wondered again what could have happened in Tashbaan that Rabadash would be attacking Anvard.

Lucy stood on the quay wearing dressed in a red tunic and armor. Her long wavy blond hair was tightly braided. Her sister-in-law Queen Melina stood next to her with Chervy the Stag. The instant the galleon was secure, Edmund, in full armor, started down the gangplank followed by a dozen lords and two dwarfs in armor. Prince Corin walked with the dwarfs holding his jeweled dagger in his hand. Queen Susan and the ladies followed behind. Greetings were brief. Lucy was eager to talk with Susan but had to settle for a brief hug and kiss. Susan looked tired and had clearly been weeping. Lucy was grateful Melina would look after Susan while she rode away. Edmund wanted all the information Chervy could provide.

Edmund then began asking Lucy about plans to ride out and was pleased by the preparations already underway. "Let us ride out immediately to aid Anvard" said the young king.

Prince Corin begged "I can come with you, can't I? It would be maddening to stay here when my father and my home are under attack."

Edmund paused for a moment and then said "You may come prince but you must stay in the back of the lines and not cause any worry. Do I have your word?"

Corin replied "Yes, King Edmund. I will not cause any problems, I promise."