The party of four humans riding on talking horses and two centaurs galloped through the woods. Queen Lucy looked tired. Her brother King Edmund frowned slightly and turned towards his blond sister.

"Lu, are you alright? It is probably another two hours. Can you ride through?"

Lucy nodded and replied: "As long as Hwin can keep going, I can keep riding."

Hwin replied "Yes, your Majesty. I am weary but I can go on."

Bree tried to steady his own breathing. He had been wishing Hwin would say she needed a break. If Hwin wasn't going to ask for a rest, he certainly would not ask to stop. Of course, he was carrying Edmund who was wearing a chain shirt, carrying a heavy sword and shield while Lucy looked quite a bit lighter.

Bree muttered "Keep breathing, keep breathing."

King Edmund leaned over and asked "Are you alright friend Bree?"

"Yes, your Majesty. I am just reminding Hwin of the importance of breathing during a long journey" replied the stallion.

"Your Majesties, I smell the marshes. We are getting close" cried out Cloudstorm the centaur.

A few minutes later, Bree and Hwin both looked around in amazement as they rode out of the woods and saw the great Narnian marshes for the first time in their lives. They saw a great flat plain cut by channels into many islands. Reeds and tall grasses were waving in the wind but there were no trees in sight. Tent like structures were scattered around on the islands.

Hwin gasped "What are those structures?"

Queen Lucy replied "They are wigwams, homes of the good marsh-wiggles who have lived in these marshes for generations."

"Look. An eagle comes from the north" said Lord Brandon. He pointed to a large eagle flying towards them. By the size, it was clear that it was a talking eagle.

Edmund said "Let's stop for a moment so we can get news."

Bree was quick to stop. He felt the sweat dripping down his flanks. His legs were shaking slightly from tiredness. Despite his own exhaustion, Bree could sense the anxiety in the man on his back.

King Edmund cried out "Eward the Eagle, what word from the north? How fares the High King? Have the giants returned?"

The great eagle replied "The army is still safe. The giants sent a parley to say they wished the peace treaty to hold. The young rebels who attacked us did it without their approval. The High King lives but he is weak. Lady Stargazer asks that you ride quickly."

Queen Lucy said "Then let us ride my friends."

Eward took flight and the horses and centaurs began to follow. They rode without stop until they reached the camp. Queen Lucy swung down from Hwin's back and paused for just a moment to touch Hwin's face and say "Thank you, friend. I will always be grateful for your hard work today."

Stargazer was standing near a tent and gestured to Lucy to hurry. The young queen rushed to the tent and entered. The light was dim but she saw two camp beds. She hurried towards her oldest brother. Kneeling down on the hard ground, she touched Peter's check and said his name. His eyes opened. Lucy was stunned by how much pain she saw in his eyes. She uncorked her precious bottle of cordial. Peter opened his mouth and she poured several drops in his mouth. He swallowed with difficulty. Stargazer handed Lucy a cup of water. She lifted Peter's head and helped him drink some of the water. She laid his head back down and watched anxiously.

Lucy turned to Stargazer. "I do not notice much improvement. I am going to give him a few more drops. Is there an external wound I should treat?"

Stargazer said "There are some minor wounds but his serious injuries are internal."

Lucy carefully gave her brother a few more drops of the cordial. She smiled thinking it was proof how serious Peter was hurt that he wasn't scolding her for wasting the cordial. Normally, he waved her aside, insisting the cordial be saved for serious occasions. Today he drank the magical cordial without protest. Lucy watched anxiously. His breathing was steadier, his skin not as hot. His eyes were still closed. Stargazer reached for the High King's wrist and checked his pulse and then felt his forehead.

"I believe it is working, Madam" said the healer.

Peter opened his eyes. The pain and weariness was gone. He tried to sit up. Stargazer reached out to help him sit up but insisted: "Sire, don't get up too soon. Just sit for a moment and let us make sure you are truly healed." She placed a pillow behind his back. Peter reached out his hand for Lucy's hand. She smiled and returned the squeeze he gave her. He smiled slightly and said "Thank you Lu. You must have rode hard to get here."

Lucy smiled and said "I would ride anywhere to help you dear brother. Rest and let the cordial finish its healing work."

Queen Lucy then stood up. She bent over and kissed her brother's check and said "I will go to Prince Galen and be right back."

Lucy healed the prince and then asked Stargazer "Are there any other serious injuries I should treat?" Stargazer shook her head.

Edmund entered the tent. Lucy smiled at him. Edmund looked relieved as he went to Peter's side. The royal brothers shook hands and talked briefly about the state of the army.

Peter said "I am ready to get out of bed."

Stargazer frowned and said "I think it would be best to wait Sire."

Peter smiled and said "I am not going to jump on a horse and ride off to battle good Stargazer but I think I can at least stand."

Peter rose unsteadily. Edmund reached out and held his brother's arm to steady him. Peter took several steps and stretched his arms.

"Thank you Stargazer for your good care and my royal siblings for your hard ride. If I can get some water and fresh clothes, then I will go out to greet the army. It will reassure them to see me well."

"Yes" said King Edmund, "It will reassure the army. Then you will rest my brother while I organize the army to head back home tomorrow."

A half hour later, Lucy felt much refreshed herself. No maid had accompanied her which would have flustered many royal ladies. However, while Lucy enjoyed the comforts of Cair Paravel, she could also cope in a small tent. She had washed her face and then unbraided her long fair hair and brushed the dust from her hair. She hoped she would have time to wash her hair later. She changed from the hunting outfit she had been wearing into the one riding dress she had brought. A long cloak did wonders to help her feel like a queen. She then went outside. A cheer went up when the men, creatures and talking beasts in the army saw the young queen. She smiled and acknowledged the cheers. The cheers turned into a roar a few moments later when Peter and Edmund stepped out of the other tent. The High King was healed and Narnians rejoiced.