Several talking birds had brought word that King Lune of Archenland and some companions were riding towards Cair Paravel. Queen Lucy was relieved to hear that Lune was safe and quickly agreed to ride out with Prince Corin to greet his father. They rode out accompanied by two talking leopards and three centaurs including Lucy's good friend Eveningstorm.
After an hour of riding, they saw King Lune who was accompanied by Lord Dar and Lord Colin. The stopped in a clearing near a stream to exchange greetings, news and hugs. Lune was delighted to see his son and glad that he was safe. Prince Corin and the Narnians were eager to hear Lune's story. The good king had been out hunting with many of the lords in the court when Rabadash attacked the castle. They had ridden back but the Calormene's had overrun the city and the Archenlanders were outnumbered. Lune and his companions had tried to rescue as many people as possible. Lord Darrin and Lord Col had stayed back in Archenland to organize resistance while Lune came to Cair Paravel to consult with King Peter and King Edmund.
Corin and Lucy escorted the Archenlanders back to Cair Paravel and led them to the great council chamber where the kings were meeting with their most trusted advisors. King Peter immediately leapt to his feet and came to embrace King Lune. King Edmund followed right behind him.
"I never would have imagined such treachery. The Calormenes have long haunted our borders but I never would have imaged a royal prince who feasted with us and met us in tournament would have launched such a cowardly attack" said Lune.
"We will do everything possible to assist you in driving out the Calormenes and re-build Anvard" promised King Peter.
"I did not doubt that for a moment, my friend" replied Lune. "But tell, what of Queen Susan. Is your lady sister safe?"
King Edmund replied "Not yet. But we are developing plans to rescue the queen as well as battle plans. Come, King Lune and my lords, your wise words will be welcome at our council."
Prince Corin immediately pulled up a chair next to his father, King Lune. He was relieved when no one said he should leave the council room.
The High King resumed his seat at the head of the table. The Narnian Council table was a bit unusual in that it was not a normal flat table. One section on each side was built higher than normal so it was comfortable for centaurs to stand behind while another section was lower so some of the smaller talking beasts such as Mr. Beaver and Mr. Fox could be comfortable. Other sections were average high for humans with comfortable chairs. Several perches were located near the table for talking birds. A large map of the known world was in the center of the table.
King Lune asked "What can you tell us of your plans so far?"
The High King replied "King Edmund has already made some excellent arrangements with our allies."
Edmund quickly explained that both Galma and Terebinthia had sent letters to the Tisroc that their ports would be close to Calormene trade until the Calormenes invadors left Archenland and Queen Susan was safely back in Narnia. Galmain and Terebinthian ships were already patrolling the seas close to Archenland to help ensure that Calormenes would not use the ocean to land more troops. Ships from the Lone Islands were on their way and should arrive within two days to assist with patrolling the seas.
"Your Majesties, what about the Kingdom of the Seven Isles" asked Lord Dar.
King Edmund smiled as he replied "We have not heard any response from Seven Isles. They certainly are not joining the Calormenes but I think King Connor is still bitter that Queen Susan was not interested in his suit last year."
Peter dryly added "I am sure, brother, that your swift defeat of King Connor at last year's tournament is also a bitter memory."
Edmund added "And then there was your defeat of him at the Terebinthia tournament several years ago as well as our tournament in 1010. But hopefully he will recognize the danger of the Calormenes extending their empire north and will join our battle."
Edmund continued saying: "We have called out every possible warrior in Narnia. Some have come to fight that have not fought since the battle with the White Witch. Our troops are ready to ride to Archenland with you, King Lune, as well as protect our other borders."
King Lune asked "Are you thinking that an attack on Anvard makes sense or to cut off supplies and starve the Calormenes out of the castle? Either way I fear for civilians still in the castle. I fear they have already been sorely abused by the Calormenes."
King Peter replied "We have discussed several plans but we are here to assist you, my royal friend. Let us discuss what strategy is best to free your country with minimum harm to good people."
The Narnian commanders- Orieus the centaur, Ravenstorm the centaur, Prince Galen of Lone Islands and Lord Peridan, who had been born in Archenland, - discussed different options. The kings, lords, talking beasts and creatures debated merits of the different plans. The lively discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Eol the Eagle who carried two letters in his claws.
The great talking eagle bowed his head and said "King Peter. A Calormene messenger was bringing these letters from Tashbaan. I bade him to stay outside the gates of Cair Paravel and here are the letters."
King Peter opened the first letter and frowned as he read it. King Edmund got out of his seat and leaned over his brother's shoulder.
"I can't believe the Tisroc would expect us to accept such a ridiculous idea" declared Edmund.
"Oh please" asked Queen Lucy, "what does the letter say, my brothers. Is our sister safe?"
"The Tisroc" said Peter, "claims he knew nothing of Prince Rabadash's plans. He says that quote 'Rabadash must have been enchanted by the Queen Susan and lost his senses'." Peter laughed and then continued "While he deeply regrets the action of his son, as a matter of policy he cannot withdraw his troops or abandon Anvard which he hopes we will accept as a new part of his empire."
Edmund read over Peter's shoulder "And he hopes that the marriage of Prince Rabadash and Queen Susan will result in a greater friendship and more trade opportunities between our nations – is he insane or a fool?"
Peter picked up the second letter and opened it. After reading just a few sentences he began to laugh.
"Peter, what is it? I really can't imagine what is so funny" said Queen Lucy who was clearly worried about her sister.
Peter answered "This letter is even more foolish. The worst Calormen drabble about how Rabadash is the delight of the queen's eyes and she never want to leave the blest city of Tashbaan. However, this section at the very end was written by Queen Susan."
"What does it say, your Majesty?" asked Mr. Fox who was getting elderly and was very worried about Susan.
Peter read the end of the letter out loud: "Dearest brother, I beg of you not to go to war on my behalf –blood has already been shed which saddens my heart. Prince Rabadash has kindly agreed that Lady Nola and Lady Deidre may return to Narnia after our wedding. Please send an appropriate escort so my faithful ladies are safe."
The High King put down the letter on the table and said "I don't plan to go to war to rescue Queen Susan although I do plan to go to war to help King Lune drive the Calormenes out of Archenland."
"King Peter, you aren't going to abandon Queen Susan! How could you?" asked Prince Corin
Peter replied "Do not fear. We will rescue the queen with the help of Aslan and the sacred horn not by open war."
The High King then stood up and said in a firm voice: "I believe your Majesties, my lords and good knights that our plans are finalized. King Edmund, Prince Galen and General Orieus will lead the Narnian troops to help Archenland. Queen Lucy will stay at Cair Paravel and coordinate with our allies at sea. Master Glendon will ride with a small troop to protect our Northern border while Master Ravenstorm will do the same at our Western border."
There was a moment of silence and then King Lune asked "Will you not be coming to Archenland as well King Peter?"
King Peter shook his head and said: "Nay, I will be going to Tashbaan to escort home Lady Nola, Lady Deidre and Queen Susan."