Chapter 2

The Hunter Meets The High King

Edmund was still in shock from the confrontation with the wolf – or was it a werewolf? He didn't know – and so it took him a long time to reply to the man. But then he remembered he was a King of Narnia and found his voice.

"I say there" he said loudly, for the man was standing some distance away. "Who are you?"

"One who has no fight with Narnia, that is sure" said the man, and Edmund knew he must have been able to hear him when he shouted out that he was King.

"What are you doing lurking in the woods like that?" Edmund demanded. He took in the man's rather unkempt appearance and then asked, "Are you a friend or enemy of Aslan? And where did you come from?" For he did not appear to be of Archenland, and he certainly was not a Calormene.

"I was not lurking. I am hunting" said the man. "And though I be not from these parts, I say again, I have no fight with Narnia, nor of Aslan".

Edmund, quite naturally in fact, was suspicious, because although this man had just killed a wolf, there was no saying he was not a werewolf in man-form. He narrowed his eyes at the man, and said, "If you are not from these parts, for what purpose are you here?"

"To live peacefully with my family; that is all" the man said. "Now if I may be so bold, Your Majesty, oughtn't you be going to find the rest of your party? Like I say, these woods aren't safe for a lad your age".

Edmund was about to respond with an irritated remark about how though he was young he was still a King, when they heard some barking and voices to their right. "Edmund!" came Peter's voice on the wind.

"That is them" Edmund said. He saw the man was about to move off, and held up his hand. "Please, do not leave yet. My brother the High King should like a word with you, I think".

It was a few moments until the first Dog burst into the clearing, shouting, "He's here, King Peter! He's here! Hullo! Who's that?" And he stood there for a moment, sniffing the air, for though he could see the strange man, dogs, even Talking Dogs, rely on their noses more than anything.

Edmund noticed the hunter looking rather uncomfortable, but fairly interested in the Dog. He wondered if the man had not been around many Talking Beasts before; after all, if he really was from afar the Dog must seem strange to him, just as the Beaver had to Edmund and his siblings all those years ago. But before any further words could be spoken, Peter came upon the scene, followed by the Leopard and a few Dwarfs.

"Ed! There you are" he said. He saw the man, and instantly his composure changed from that of a concerned brother to that of a king. "Greetings, Stranger. I am the High King of Narnia; might I enquire your name and your errand in our land?"

The man's face was stony, but the boys both thought that may have been because he wasn't used to being in the presence of Kings – even boy Kings.

"Haroun is my name" he finally responded. "My errand is to seek food for my family. I happened upon your brother just as this creature was about to maim him".

"It's true, Peter" Edmund said. "It would have killed me. But he shot it dead before it could reach me. Look, my sword didn't even touch it".

"Then that is good news" Peter said. "We earnestly offer you our gratitude, on behalf of all of Narnia, for saving the life of King Edmund". He brought the hilt of his sword to his chest in salute to Haroun, and the man gave a small bow.

"None should die if death may be forsaken" he answered. "Whether he be King or pauper".

"True words, friend" Peter replied. "And in further show of our gratitude, we shall bestow gifts upon you; if you will answer us only a few more questions". For there were quite a few things that Peter needed to know, of course.

"Aye" Haroun said. "But if Your Highness does not mind me saying so, the hour is late and the sun will soon be low. Does your party have lodging for the night?"

"We sleep under the stars" said one of the Dwarfs. "Our lodging is where we set camp".

Haroun looked almost shocked, if he hadn't been trying so hard to be polite. "If you please," he said, "may I invite you to spend the night in my home? Our village is meagre but our fires are warm and our homes are safe".

Peter and Edmund exchanged quite a surprised look.

"Village?" Edmund repeated. "There are no villages near here".

"There is mine" Haroun said. "You will all be greatly welcomed. And it is far safer than sleeping out in the open. It's too dangerous in these parts; far too dangerous".

"Again you speak the truth" Peter said. He glanced at the faces of the others in his company, for their eyes were all on him. Every Talking Beast was happy to give its opinion on any matter, but they would always look to the High King first. To them he was very wise and brave, no matter how foolish or cowardly Peter occasionally felt, and anyway, we all know that Talking Beasts are very loyal and do not change.

"Very well then" he finally said to Haroun. "We shall accept your offer and take lodging with you tonight. Is your home far?"

"A short walk" Haroun replied. "And if we spot any game on the way we might find we will return to the village with food for the women and children just as the sun is setting".

"It's settled, then" Peter said. "Take us to your home".