Block,parry,parry,thrust, parry. The dual could have gone on forever but I quickly finished it by using Draca to flip Edmund's sword from his hands leaving him weaponless. "Dead" I said, holding Draca to Edmund's throat. "You're getting much better" I complemented. "I guess you not using your wings didn't help my chances" he joked. The sun was setting on the training field and many were packing and cleaning up for the day. "Come on. We better head back and change so Susan won't scold us for being so sweaty and dirty" he said,picking up his sword. "Yeah Mr. Sweats-o-lot" I joked. "That's King Sweats-o-lot to you" he said,laughing.
"We are expecting a guest tomorrow" Peter announced during dinner. "Who?" Lucy asked. "The Duke of Archenland,his wife, and daughter". "Ooo. What's his daughter like?". "I don't know much about her. She's 15 like Edmund and almost Autumn but that's all I know". I noticed Edmund's gaze. I saw anger,annoyance, and confusion. Well I really hope this duchess isn't some high strutting,nose lifting brat.
*The Next Day*
The next day I was excused from waiting to meet the Duke and his family because Aslan requested the night before (In my dreams) to check up on the red dwarfs that live in a large hill South of Cair Paravel (Thank you Aslan so much). I dressed like I always do. Crimson shirt,black pants and boots, sword, and a black cape. Chrismo ,who was one of my guards/watchers and my personal best friend as an animal, walked me outside. "So what's this about" the fox asked, watching her put her spellbook (She got her spellbook from Father Christmas the first Christmas after they had been crowned. Each spell was given to her by Aslan himself) into her bag. "These red dwarfs are threatening violence on a group of black dwarf. Aslan wants me to lighten their prejudice". " And if they don't? ". " Then Aslan wants we to use a spell that will turn them into black dwarfs until they accept that they are the same flesh and blood". "Cleaver". I smiled and started saddling Ayianna, who was my personal horse. " I suppose I can't come along?". " Sorry. But just in case things get a bit rough I want you to stay here. Before they get mad enough to turn you into a fur hat". Chrismo nodded. " Good luck". " Thanks. I should be back by tomorrow" I said and galloped again.
*The Next Day *
I was riding home from my quest with the red dwarfs. Most agreed with my talk about how we're all the same, but some I had to use a spell on. I was definitely dirty and sweaty. I had a few bumps and bruises but nothing I couldn't handle. I was a mess but all of Cair Paravel knew I got messy but it didn't bother them. They actually enjoyed it. Susan would occasionally scold me for my appearance but no too often.
I finally came within sight of Cair Paravel. I took Ayianna to the stables to brush her and take her w ware off. "Thanks for accompanying me" I said to Ayianna. " It was my pleasure Protector Autumn". " I told you it's just Autumn" she chuckled. When I be was done, I went through the stable to find Philp , Edmund's personal stead. I finally found him "Philp" I said in a horse whisper. " Protector Autumn you're back". " Yeah. Um have you seen Edmund? ". " Sorry no. He took me on dawn patrol but I haven't seen him since". " Okay thanks".
I ran into Lucy in the hall. She squealed and hugged me. " Where is everyone? " I asked her once we broke apart. "Peter has another meeting, Susan is busy with preparations for the festival, and I am going to have tea with Mr. Tumnus. Oh and I don't know where Ed is. He's bee a bit busy". She twirled around and skipped off to tea leaving me to search for Edmund.
I looked in his room, the kitchen, the training gounds, the library, I cheaked the stables to see if he had taken Philp for a ride but Philp was still there. I looked in the throne room, empty halls, and everywhere else I could think of.
I decided to take a break so I found a comfortable branch to sit on in an apple tree in the garden. I leaned against the bark of the tree. Then I heard laughter. I knew that laugh anywhere. It was Edmund's laugh but then I heard a shrill giggling. I saw Edmund slowly walking through the garden with a red-haired girl clinging to his arm. He made no effort to push the arm away. They walked further into the garden and I skillfully jumped to the ground. They didn't notice me but I came up behind them and cleared my throat. They turned around. Edmund had a releaved look on his fac but the girl looked furious. " What do you want?" she asked. " I was looking for Edmund". " King Edmund" she stated. " You have no right to talk to the king so formally". " I'll speak to him as I please". " I, Dutchess Amberylla of Archenland could sentence you to treason for such high disrespect". I rolled my eyes and walked over to Edmund, who was trying very hard not to smile. I gave him a strong hug and he hugged back. I had missed my best friend during my trip truly but something forcefully grabbed me by the neck and pulled me away from Edmund. " You dirty barbarian! How dare you force yourself upon King Edmund!" Amberylla screeched. I rubbed my neck from where she grabbed me. I looked at Edmund. His eyes said "Help me out of this and I'll explain". " Ed. You have that letter you have to send today". " Oh right" he said, playing along. "I'm so sorry Lady Amberylla. I have a pressing matter to attend to" he said, kissing her on the back of her hand. She batted her eyelashes and then glared at me. " If I ever find you never his majesty again, I will be sure it's the last thing you do" she threatened and walked off.
"Sorry about that. Peter wants me to keep her happy so that she can stay in Archenland's good books" he said once Amberylla was out of hearing range. "It's okay. I am a bit of a mess" I said, gesturing down towards my dirty clothes. " I bet she didn't know she was talking to Queen Autumn the Loyal. Protector of Narnia. Best swords woman in Narnia, and personal best friend of King Edmund the Just. Sword of Narnia. The Wand breaker. Count of the Western March. Duke of the Late...". "Well aren't you all high and mighty" I said, stopping him in mid-sentance. "I bet you can live a week with her" I said, trying to ease his thoughts. "Just bet her parents aren't thinking of something else". "Do did Peter make you escourt her to the ball this week?". "No I got excused for that" he said smiling. "How? Are you going to escourt Susan or Lucy?". "No I said I was going to take you".
Silence.
"Me?". "What's wrong you ashamed to go with me?" he said sarcastically. " 's ...just...". "Just what?". "Forget it. Have fun with her. I have a feeling I'll be saving you alot this week" I joked. "She's already to close for comfort". I nodded my head towards Cair Paravel. "Come on. It's almost dinner time and I have an excuse to miss it, but of course I would love to see the look on her face when she finds out who she tried to strangle". "Lucky".