Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: The General's mission had most certainly not anticipated this most unexpected arrival.

A/N: This story is part of my A Light in the Darkness universe. It is set at the end of ALitD: Glistened. And contains some spoilers for that story if you haven't read it. Enjoy!

An Unexpected Arrival

Part Four

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4 Greenroof 1015

Dawn was finally lightening the sky as I allowed my pace to fall once more into a steady walk, catching my breath although I didn't dare stop save for a handful of times to slake my thirst and check on my fillies. Alternating between canter and walk had been my best solution since I didn't dare trot for fear of jostling Alambiel and the foal too much. And galloping had seemed too much invitation to overheating myself far too soon.

We were less than twenty leagues from Cair Paravel, thank Aslan. However, with the dawn, the heat only grew worse. I stopped beside a small stream that was completely dry. The Naiad healer who normally called the waters home had no doubt fled to the Great River, which was too far out of our way. I'd hoped to receive some early help for Alambiel as she had grown ever quieter over the hours.

"We will not be able to stop here for long, Chéadsearc," I murmured softly as I walked on in an attempt to find a shadowed area we could rest in even without being able to cool down at the stream. "Still I believe I can reach Cair Paravel before it grows too late in the day. Perhaps even as soon as second or third hour. Certainly, no later than fifth or sixth hour should you require a longer rest around noon."

There was no answer. I quickly looked down at her. Her eyes were closed and she looked far too pale. I could see she still cradled our daughter but she'd rearranged the tunic turned blanket when I first stopped so the filly's bare skin touched her own. Both of them had turned their faces toward me. The foal's eyelids fluttered, reassuring me slightly.

"Alambiel? Sweetheart, can you hear me?"

She didn't answer or even stir. I bitterly wished the stream had not dried up and that the healer was near at hand. Something was wrong with Alambiel…most likely because of the birth and even more likely because she'd been forced to rely on my decidedly poor skills. Aslan, please let me bring her to help in time.

Abandoning all thought of rest, I shifted my grip around Alambiel to ensure there would be no danger of Selene coming to unintended harm. Alambiel's own movement of our little foal to hold her against her upper chest further aided in keeping the filly secure. Then I ignored caution and pushed myself back into a canter without care for the heat.

Alambiel did not have time for me to continue at the slower pace. She did not have time for me to waste. Nor did she have time for me to arrive at Cair Paravel late in the day. I feared to do so would force me to raise our little filly without her dam and that was a fate I would fight as long and as hard as possible. Aslan, give me strength!

The prayer remained constant and unchanging as I pressed on through the woods. I ignored the sweat and lather forming as I pushed myself from cantering to bursts of galloping. I could not take a leisurely approach. I could not stop for rest or for water. She did not have the luxury of time and I could not fail her or Selene. Not again.

My muscles ached and my lungs burned when I finally heard a Gryphon's cry from above. Thank Aslan, I was close to Cair Paravel and to aid. The familiar shadow swept over me but I didn't slow. I couldn't stop. Not yet.

Her breathing was growing fainter and I was reminded of the horrible night three months past when I had carried Alambiel in desperate need of a healer. I had almost lost her and Selene both at the time. This would not happen now. I would not allow it, not if it was in my power to prevent it.

Ignoring the burning and the heat that parched each breath even as I took it, I forced myself to gallop. Cair Paravel's white walls gleamed ahead of me, wavering in the heat as I blinked stinging sweat out of my eyes. The gates were open, thank Aslan, and I galloped through them without thought of slowing.

Someone shouted my name as I raced across the courtyard but I didn't let it distract me. He wouldn't be of any help to my fillies. My iron horseshoes rang out against the marble floors as I entered the Cair and raced through the halls. Then a new voice called to me. Feminine. The barest hint of relief flitted through my mind when I saw Alithia racing toward me as a Bird darted away from us. Her eyes widened as she looked from me to Alambiel though I did not think she could see Selene. She pointed to the left. "The healers' wing. Now."

I didn't argue. I only galloped where she pointed, not slowing until I skidded into the healers' wing. Tanith and Heracles were both present as were a number of apprentices who paused in their work of manning the large fans meant to keep the wing cooler. All of whom stared with alarm though Heracles and Tanith covered their shock quickly. Alithia gestured and I quickly carried Alambiel to one of the raised beds.

I ignored the tremor in my arms as I carefully lowered Alambiel to the bed, Selene still tucked against her chest and shielded from easy view. Alithia sent the other healers scurrying and I looked down in dismay to see blood staining both the blanket and Alambiel's skirts. More than there had been when I first noticed she was still bleeding during one of our early rests.

"When did she begin bleeding?"

"I'm not certain. She said it coincided with the pains growing worse, which was before I found her." I blinked sweat out of my eyes before I braced a hand against the bed, steadying myself as I added, "Yesterday."

Alithia looked away and Tuulea entered through the drapes I hadn't even noticed being pulled close. At the Black Elder Nymph's inquiring gaze, Alithia murmured, "Miscarriage."

I shook my head slowly. "No."

"Oreius, there's been too much time," Tuulea said quietly, her expression grieved. "The potion won't save the foal at this point. I'm sorry."

I started to shake my head once again then stopped when black spots filled my vision. "No. Not a miscarriage." Raising my left hand, I tugged the blanket's edges back to reveal the filly cradled beneath her dam's hands.

Alithia gasped as Tuulea hurried to the side of the bed and then gently moved Alambiel's hands. I bit back an instinctive protest as she took the foal. Instead, I forced myself to watch as she raised her to eye level. "Did you name her?"

"Selene."

Tuulea nodded. "How old is she?"

I started to answer only to realize I had lost track of the hours. "She was born between first and second hour this morn."

"It is half past tenth hour now," Alithia murmured before she called for Heracles. When he pulled back the drapes, she gestured to me. "Help him before he collapses." When I shook my head slowly in silent protest, she ignored me as she continued, "Tanith, bring everything we use for new dams. Artus, Marigold, bring towels and send a runner to alert the Four that both the General and the Princess Royal are here. Heracles, take your charge."

I moved back reluctantly, allowing Alithia to take my place by Alambiel's side. Realizing abruptly that Tuulea was carrying my daughter away, I ignored Heracles' attempt to guide me in favor of following the Nymph. "Tuulea."

"I know what to do for early foals," she assured me without slowing. "But you must tend to yourself first. Or you will collapse and Alambiel shall tease you for the next decade. Heracles."

The other Centaur grabbed my shoulder, pulling me to a halt as Tuulea swept my little filly away. More healers streamed into her wake as she called various names whilst others ran ahead of her. I didn't have the chance to see where she went as Heracles shouldered me to another corner of the main room with laughable ease. I could only pray that both of my fillies had been brought here in time.

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"Oreius, please pretend to attend to what I say or you are no better than Sirs Wolfsbane and How," Heracles grumbled.

I barely turned my head to meet the healer's faintly frustrated gaze as I gulped the last of the seventh glass of water he'd made me drink in the last half hour. I'd shed my armor and submitted to the healer's inspection to determine that I'd not torn any ligaments or muscles in my race to bring my fillies to aid. Despite my exhaustion, I had indeed avoided any true injury. Now though I wanted nothing more than to know I had not been too late for them. The junior healers and apprentices were bustling in and out of the drapes concealing Alambiel from my sight. With no hint as to how she fared. Handing him the cup, I stamped my hoof. "I have cooled down and drank my fair share of water, Heracles. I wish to know what is happening with my wife."

He merely refilled the cup. "It takes time to attend to such matters properly, especially given the circumstances. You will only be in their way if you attempt to go there now."

Knowing he was likely right gave me no comfort. I fixed him with a stern look. "Where is my filly? If I cannot attend her dam, show me where she is at the very least."

Heracles hesitated before he handed me the cup once more. "Oreius… You must prepare yourself for… Foals born so early… They do not always survive, no matter our efforts. They are simply too weak. And you described complications with the filly's birth…"

I hated the words and the weight of truthfulness they carried. I drained the cup to ensure no further protests on that matter before I stated firmly, "All the more reason for me to be with her."

He hesitated a moment before nodding. "Given the circumstances, your presence might help the foal more."

He didn't trouble himself to explain further before he gestured for me to follow. I did not care so long as he took me to my daughter. We went down the hall from the main room of the healers' wing, past several open rooms until we reached the only closed door nearly to the end. My patience was not strong enough to wait beyond Heracles opening the door and I hurried past him. The room was hot compared to the hall but I didn't care as I spotted Tuulea leaning over a raised table. There were three other healers assisting her, blocking my view of the table and the foal.

I needed to see her, my Selene. Heracles' cautious warnings echoed more loudly in my ears and filled my heart with greater dread than all the times I'd heard the harsh horns of the Northern Giants. What if she wasn't strong enough to survive the early birth?

Moving closer, I barely paid attention when the other healers noticed my approach. All that mattered was they parted, allowing me to better see the table. I could just see Selene lying on her back but I couldn't tell yet if she was…well. Other than a proper cloth nappy, she was naked as Tuulea used the same short wooden horn against her chest that I'd seen her use to monitor the foal's heartbeats while Alambiel carried her.

Tuulea opened her eyes then removed the horn as she straightened. "Her heartbeat is strong. However, I do not like the sound of her lungs."

As one of the other healers transcribed the observation, I looked from Tuulea to my daughter. Her eyes were closed but she was so small as to make Tuulea's hands appear large as the Nymph gently held her still before she pressed the horn to her belly and listened once more. This check didn't seem to take very long as Tuulea removed the horn once more then nodded. "Our main concern remains her lungs and her weight. Chava, go check on Alithia's progress with Alambiel."

The Nymph standing closest to us immediately spun and ran out of the room. Finally Tuulea turned her attention to me, dark eyes measuring. "At least you look less likely to join the rest of your herd as my patients. Though I strongly advise you not to go galloping in the middle of this heat again."

"Heracles has already given that suggestion," I murmured before glancing down at the little filly. My voice softened further as I forced the question I wished I had no need to ask. "Will she survive?"

Tuulea laid a hand on my forearm, her expression kind but far too solemn for my liking. "Your Selene is very early and the complications of the cord being around her neck as well as the circumstances of how Alambiel came to deliver her are…of concern. However, there is hope." She picked Selene up then surprised me by pressing the foal against my chest. "Hold her here. It will help keep her warm and comfort her through whatever pain she might feel."

My heart tightened as I carefully supported Selene's rump with one hand and easily covered her back with the other. Though she didn't squirm or squeak, her mouth pulled into a tiny smile as I looked down at her. Tearing my gaze away from her was almost as much of a feat as reaching Cair Paravel but I needed to watch Tuulea's face. To see whatever she might not be telling me.

She spoke first, however. "Was Alambiel able to nurse her?"

"Twice." I frowned as I recalled Alambiel's worries. "But not for very long. She said Selene was a little…sluggish and tiring quickly. And that her milk wasn't flowing as she wished."

Tuulea nodded and another of the healers left the room. "There are several ways to help a dam's milk supply flow properly. We can resolve that easily enough. It is good that Selene was able to nurse, no matter how briefly. Early foals often struggle with their energy but there are simple ways to help there." Her gaze dropped to the little one and a faint smile appeared. "How did she come by her name?"

"Alambiel insisted on naming her after my dam," I rumbled. "I did not argue."

Her smile widened then she sobered. "Selene is around eight to ten weeks early from when she should've been born. This means she will face challenges, especially given the weakness of her lungs and the fact that she currently weighs less than four pounds. Nymphs normally weigh between five and a half to nine pounds at birth."

"How soon will she gain the weight she needs?" I glanced down at my little filly. Then I realized Tuulea wasn't speaking. Looking back up to find the Nymph studying me with a sober concern. I flicked my tail as I murmured, "What haven't you told me?"

"She is a foal born two months before her time," Tuulea said softly. "The cord being wrapped around her neck caused some distress as did Alambiel's treatment at the hands of her abductors…though the first time was far worse. Dams who go through stressful experiences are more prone to premature births…and to the foals dying. However, with the cord, it is very likely that Alambiel would've suffered an early birth even if she had remained in Cair Paravel. Though there is a strong possibility that the result would've been a stillbirth in a sennight or even a fortnight."

She hesitated before reaching out to stroke Selene's thin layer of dark hair. "She needs to survive her first week. She needs to survive her first month and then to her original arrival date. After that we focus on her surviving the first year. I am not seeing immediate signs of distress in her save for her lungs but it could take up to five or even six years before we truly know how she will fare." She rubbed her thumb against Selene's cheek then added, "Foals suffering a low birth weight are very susceptible to a great many ills and their survival is…more difficult. It would be less favorable if she'd been born last month in Fairdawn when Alambiel was still in her sixth month."

Lion help us, it sounded as bad as some of our strategy meetings during the northern campaign. "But there is hope?"

Tuulea smiled faintly. "Aslan brought you and Alambiel together so she wouldn't have to deal with the early birth of her foal alone. And to save Selene. You did well."

Looking down at my tiny filly, knowing now how greatly the odds had been stacked against her, I did not feel as though that were true. The numbers were against her survival. I rumbled partially to myself and to the filly, "Numbers do not win a battle."

The faint smile turned into a wider grin as Tuulea patted my bicep. "I think those are among the best words of wisdom a sire has shared with his newborn foal I've ever heard. And you are correct. The odds of a battle do not always guarantee the victor."

She turned away to fetch the horn once more then had me adjust my upper hand so she could place it against the filly's back. She nodded. "Good. Her heartbeat is even steadier and her breathing as well. Keeping her in contact with your skin as well as Alambiel's will be one of the things that helps during this first week especially." She paused then added, "Although I will have to find a wet nurse to assist."

"Doing so will break Alambiel's heart," I pointed out. "Being able to handle everything is far more important to her with Selene. You know that, Tuulea."

"The arrangement will only last for as long as Alambiel is unable to produce enough milk for the foal." She gave me an arch look as she added, "And I know quite well how much Alambiel wants and needs to be able to do for her daughter. I would not suggest it if it weren't necessary."

Thinking of how much Alambiel had suffered, how much she had wept for lost opportunities especially with Amatus, I could not bring myself to wholeheartedly agree. Alambiel needed to be able to care for our daughter for her own sake as well as the foal's. Meeting Tuulea's gaze, I flicked my tail before speaking. "You said there were ways to easily help Alambiel with her milk. If she is recovered enough to nurse the foal, can you not avoid bringing in another? Then it would not be necessary, would it?"

Tuulea was silent for a long moment before she finally nodded. "Very well, if Alambiel is awake and her milk flows properly, a wet nurse won't be needed."

Thank Aslan. I bowed my head. "Thank you, Tuulea."

The door suddenly opened and Tanith looked from me to Tuulea as she spoke. "Oreius, Alithia is requesting that you and Tuulea come see Alambiel."

"What is the matter?"

Tanith's gaze dropped to where I still cradled Selene against my chest. "She is awake and your presence is required. You should bring the foal."

A new flicker of worry sparked at her words. That this was a summons for farewell. Aslan, please let it not be so.

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I tried not to worry or to jostle Selene as Tuulea and I followed Tanith back to the main room. Most of the healers who had been attending either foal or dam were now waiting outside the drapes. Something I found…concerning. Every eye that turned to our progress inevitably fell to where I still held Selene against my chest and their expressions brightened to a one.

The feel of her tiny body against mine managed to bring a sense of comfort despite my concerns for her dam's wellbeing. I rubbed my thumb against Selene's head before I ducked through the drapes. What had I been expecting to see was most certainly not the sight of Alithia pinning Alambiel to the bed while my wife grabbed her arms. There was a touch of exasperation in Alithia's voice as she spoke. "Alambiel, you are not getting out of this bed. Stop attempting to do so."

"You took her away from me," Alambiel hissed. "I don't care what happened, I have to see her."

As she started to struggle, Alithia leaned more heavily against her shoulders. "Alambiel, look at me. We took the filly only so we could check her. You know this is how things are done when a dam and newborn are brought in under distressed circumstances. You know this. She is with Tuulea and she will be brought back to you. However, I cannot allow it until you have calmed down." She paused then added softly, "You and Oreius are as dear as kin to me. I am not going to lie to you about your filly, Alambiel. I promise."

Tuulea held up a hand before I could speak or move closer to show Alambiel that I'd brought Selene. Instead, she moved to stand next to Alithia as she said, "Alambiel, you must be still."

"Where's my baby?" Alambiel's voice broke as she added, "Please let me see her, Tuulea."

Casting a quick warning glance toward me, Tuulea reached out to smooth Alambiel's hair. "You will. Alithia had you drink a tea to help your milk so you can tend to your little filly's needs. Now stop annoying Alithia and be still. Then you will be able to hold Selene and allow her to attempt another feeding. And see Oreius though you haven't asked for him."

Alambiel's grip on Alithia finally slackened. A touch of pique entered her voice, however, as she grumbled, "Oreius is fine. He's always fine even after doing things he very much shouldn't."

I chuckled in spite of myself. "Your regard is always reassuring, Wife."

"Have I ever told you that you should make more noise, Husband?" Her dry murmur accompanied Alithia and Tuulea helping her to sit more upright as they adjusted pillows to support her.

"Frequently," I replied simply as Alithia finally stepped back, allowing me to move to the bed. Alambiel had closed her eyes. She looked pale and her hair was damp from being washed. She'd been changed out of her clothes into a robe. I was so grateful she was showing spirit again. "Alambiel?"

She opened her eyes and then froze as her gaze landed on where I still held Selene against my chest. I didn't wait for Tuulea or Alithia to say anything. I immediately bent down then carefully placed Selene into her dam's hands. The little filly squeaked and waved her little fists in protest until she was settled against her mama's breast. Warmth filled my heart to overflowing as I watched our daughter root around until she finally latched on and started suckling. The sight gave me hope for her.

Tuulea hovered during the feeding, carefully checking both Alambiel and Selene. She also instructed Alambiel thrice to tickle Selene's feet to encourage her to stay awake and keep nursing. When the little one finally seemed sated, Tuulea helped Alambiel arrange her robe so she could hold Selene against the center of her chest once. I smiled to see Selene grasping her dam's hair in one tiny fist as she slept.

Unable to resist another moment, I carefully set my hand atop Alambiel's. My thumb brushed against Selene's head. Tuulea smiled at us. She hadn't told Alambiel everything she'd already revealed to me about Selene's challenges and the struggles our little filly needed to conquer, no doubt knowing that Alambiel was not ready to hear it. Not in this moment at least. And for now I would gladly hold the knowledge on my own until Alambiel was ready.

"Alambiel, you and Selene will remain here in the healers' wing for the next few days. I want to make sure you are both faring well before I let you return to your quarters and that there are no difficulties with the feedings." Tuulea paused then added with a soft smile, "I shall instruct Leeta on everything she needs to ensure is ready for that move. A meal will be brought for you both."

Then she stepped through the drapes, allowing us the semblance of privacy even though I knew there would be any number of ears listening for any hint of distress. Still I didn't let that trouble me as I bent close to my fillies once more, raising my free hand to stroke Alambiel's hair. My wife's gaze was fixed on our daughter's face as though she feared she would vanish if she looked away. I knew the feeling all too well. I tried to speak only for the words to fail as my heart grew too full to be properly expressed. Instead, I pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Selene's head before kissing Alambiel.

The taste of salt in our kiss testified to her tears but still she smiled as I drew back. An overwhelming sense of joy still stole the words from me as I rested my brow against hers, gazing down at where our little daughter, our Selene, lay securely beneath our hands. Thank You, Aslan, for allowing us to see her and to hold her. Please give her the strength needed to thrive, Great Lion.

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A/N: Please Read and Review!