Disclaimer: Again, I don't own Narnia or the surrounding countries…
SugerHighNutcase: Thanks, the fun stuff will start soon.
Death's Executioner: Thanks for the encouragement and the tip about the reviews, I figured it out.
Capegio: Glad you like it!
Aislinn Haligh: I love the sibling interaction too! And I'm glad you liked Ed's line in there…
Jillie: Sorry about the comma thing, I don't know the comma rules very well…
KateLilly: Sorry, maybe you should see a doctor ; )
Borders
Chapter 2
The next morning, as Lucy walked into the Great Hall for breakfast, Tumnas pulled her aside.
"Your siblings are in the Council Chambers," he said "They wanted you to join them as soon as possible."
"Is there a problem?" she asked, snagging a piece of fruit off the nearest tray as they walked.
The faun hesitated and glanced around the hall. "Perhaps, my friend. Their majesties said they would inform you upon your arrival. I believe the High King did not want to cause any unneeded chaos."
Lucy frowned and walked toward the Council Chambers, just down the corridor from the Great Hall. She pushed open the door and found Peter and Edmund pouring over numerous maps, as Susan pulled a few more off the shelves.
"What's going on?" the young queen demanded
Peter glanced up at her. "The giants have crossed the border. They're attacking the Narnians."
"What? But I thought you gave them a good trouncing last summer!" she said
"Apparently it wasn't enough for them." Edmund said dryly.
"Why didn't anyone wake me?" Lucy asked "I should have been informed immediately."
"The messenger arrived early this morning," Peter replied distractedly "Normally you're up before now, and I thought you'd be up soon, so I had Tumnas watch for you. If you weren't up soon, Susan was going to get you."
She nodded and looked at the map of Ettinsmoor. "Where are they at?"
"Here." Susan said, pointing "They crossed the River Shribble, and attacked the Marshwiggles in the Northern Marshes."
"Are the Wiggles alright?"
"Some are." Peter said grimly "Others are injured badly. Oreius and the centaurs have gone ahead, you know how skilled they are with healing. And I know your cordial would do wonders for them, Lu, but we'll hold off on that for a bit. That's a precious gift and not easily replaced.'
Lucy frowned "Peter, these are our people! I can't sit by and let them be killed!"
"You won't, Lucy." Edmund soothed "But we can't risk you taking you or it into battle. Suppose we you dropped it, and it smashed? Or suppose a giant stepped on you?"
Like that can't happen to you boys. Lucy thought, her frown deepening. "So what can Su and I do, if we're not joining you boys?"
"Susan stays here." Peter said firmly "I'm not leaving Cair Paravel unprotected with giants tramping about. You'll come with us and, camp a safe distance away. All the wounded will be sent to you."
Lucy thought for a moment, and then nodded. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as possible."
Peter managed to hold a council of war, and ride out the gates of Cair Paravel well before noon, a portion of the Narnian army behind him. Edmund was waiting one more day for the Narnians who were coming from the southern borders, and any troops King Lune sent to aid them.
They rode hard through the night and stopped briefly for a rest at dawn, near Owlwood. And that was where Edmund and Lucy found the charred remains of the camp two days later.
AN: hehe…
