Dear Susan,
I must admit I was rather surprised to receive your letter this morning as we are so close to the enemy. Apparently saying you have a letter from Queen Susan for the High King bears some weight, for the sentries all let the messenger through when I know they've stopped others. I must confess I'm not quite used to having so much authority. This morning as Edmund and I were meeting with the generals everyone was saying so much at once I couldn't think. When I shouted for quiet, I was surprised by instant silence. I could see in their eyes that they were all afraid of displeasing me. I can't think of a time when I told you lot to be quiet and you actually listened.
It's evening again, and we are now on the eve of battle. We will get up before dawn to make preparations, and we will ride out at first light in the hopes of taking them by surprise. Oreius wanted to do this in the middle of the night, but I had some misgivings about leading a charge in darkness, and Edmund pointed out that dawn is no friend to these creatures, that they prefer the night. Really, he's becoming so perceptive it's astonishing. I have done my best to teach him better swordplay, and I think he's improving on his blocking and the use of his shield, but still I worry. I promise to keep both eyes out for him tomorrow, one for you and one for myself. I would like to keep him in a boardroom, or in negotiations, but I fear that keeping him at home will be a difficult task. He's so eager to fight. I wonder sometimes that he feels he needs to prove himself, whether to atone or—though it may sound arrogant—to live up to me. Either way, he was so eager to do something that I let him inspect the troops. He's making some satyrs laugh right now.
And speaking of Edmund, I'll try to get him to write to you, but I don't think I'll have much luck hugging him! The only time he let me do that was when he was still incapacitated from his injury the White Witch gave him.
I'm pleased to hear that you and Lucy are well. Do make sure that Lucy's keeping warm enough. I often find myself up at 6 in the morning, and the air is still chilly. Lucy is probably so excited to be outside and exploring I doubt she thinks to dress warm enough. I've had letters from Lucy, but when you read this, please give her a hug from me (far easier for you to do!). Also, please give Mr. Tumnus my thanks for keeping her company; I know she needs it. By the way, try not to get too much blood on that tapestry.
Keep well and happy. They say that Narnia is a small country, but it seems very large when you and Lucy are a week's ride away, particularly since we swore we'd stay together. My hope is that we will all be safe together soon; I shall hold on to that as I fight tomorrow.
Your brother,
Peter