King Edmund the Just was in the practice yard at Cair Paravel with several knights and the Archenlander princes. Lord Darrin and Lord Dar of Archenland were instructing their princes in swordsmanship while the Narnians practiced against each other. Queen Lucy and Lady Aravis along with Mistress Eveningstorm the Centaur and several dwarfs were practicing archery nearby. Although he had skillfully fought a battle less than two weeks ago, Edmund liked to practice at least twice a week. Besides the physical exercise, it kept him mentally prepared for battle. As he took one last swing at Sir Brynn, his opponent of the moment, he hoped there would be no battles for the near future. After this summer, Narnia could use some peace. He expected his brother Peter the High King to return within a few days. They had received news that Peter's raid against the giants on the Northern border had been successful and the giants had signed a peace agreement to pay tribute and not cross the border.

The young king looked up as he heard a shout and saw Cloudstorm the Centaur galloping across the lawn towards the practice yard. An exhausted Talking Eagle was flying along side him.

Lucy exclaimed: "That is Eol the Eagle who fought with the High King. Why is he here in such a state?"

Eol the Eagle cried out: "I bring grievous news, your Majesties. Treachery by the giants. After our peace agreement, the camp was attacked by five young giant rebels. The High King was badly hurt. Commander Ravenstorm asks that Queen Lucy ride for the camp swiftly with her magical cordial. Without the cordial, Lady Stargazer says the High King will die."

Lucy gasped and went pale.

Edmund turned and said "Go swiftly sister. Change your clothes and get the cordial. We will leave immediately and ride hard."

Lucy picked up her skirt and ran towards the castle.

Edmund headed towards the castle as well. "Lord Brandon and Sir Brynn, will you ride with us? We only need to carry basic supplies since we will have to ride through the night. If we can find Talking Horses, we will be able to travel even more swiftly. Go see which Talking Horses are at the castle and willing to come with us. Gather light supplies. Eveningstorm and Cloudstorm, will you come as well?"

There were protests from the other knights begging to come as well. Prince Cor and Prince Corin begged to come as well.

Edmund firmly shook his head. "I know you would all gladly assist, but I want the party small and swift."

Queen Susan and Queen Melina were in the courtyard and already heard the news. "Edmund, are you riding to the camp?" asked Susan.

Melina said "I am coming with you."

Edmund shook his head "Nay Melina, you must stay here."

Melina stared at him and replied "My place is by my husband's side. I must go with you."

Edmund caught her hands and said "No Madam. Your place is here where you are safe. We must ride fast. Even if you were not with child, it would be difficult for you to keep up. If you come with us, you will slow us down and we must reach Peter as soon as we can. We cannot afford any delay if we are to save the High King. Besides, Peter would never forgive me if anything happened to you or your baby."

Lord Peridan rushed down the stairs. Edmund turned to him and said "My lord, you will stay here and guard the queens and the castle."

Peridan replied "Please your Majesty, I would ride with you."

Edmund again shook his head. "Nay, friend. There has been too much treachery these past weeks. One of Narnia's war commanders must remain here."

Peridan replied "Let me ride with Queen Lucy and you remain here. The danger of the treachery is from the giants. You should remain here. We should not risk three royal siblings."

Edmund said "I am riding with my sister. You must stay here, my friend. I am not changing my mind so there is no reason for further discussion."

Lucy re-appeared. She was wearing a hunting outfit and warm cloak with her bow and arrows on her back and her cordial and dagger at her waist. Her long hair had already been braided for archery practice. She quickly embraced both Susan and Melina. Lord Brandon and Sir Brynn appeared on Talking Horses accompanied by two other Talking Horses. Eveningstorm and Cloudstorm were waiting near the gate.

Prince Cor and Aravis recognized their good friends and cried out "Bree and Hwin. Are you going to the camp?"

Bree proudly replied "Yes, we are glad to be of service to our new king and queen."

Edmund mounted Bree while Lucy mounted Hwin. Edmund said "My thanks Bree for your assistance. I hope you can race to the camp as well as you raced from the Calormen desert."