Chapter Thirteen: Lithin

Dear Edmund,

I'm so, so sorry to do this to you again. I'm afraid it can't wait and I hope you'll forgive me, but you're closest to the problem right now.

Word came yesterday from the Beavers that the families of the Lithin Satyrs, the ones that sided with the Witch at Beruna, are being abused by some of their neighbors – intimidation, refusals to trade for food stuffs, refusals to teach the children, and so on. According to Mrs. Beaver the families had nothing to do with the conduct of the Lithin and they're rather desperate. Can you spare a day to ride over there with the troop I'm sending and meet with the families? We just need a little show of force and royal good will around Lithin and with the families. Susan will be heading out there herself the day after tomorrow, but she can't go until Lady Maturin of Terebinthia departs, for the lady is quite touchy about such things as protocol and a bit out of humor to find herself demoted now that there are humans in Cair Paravel once again.

Celer hasn't spotted the Werewulf as of his last report. It seems to have vanished and I'll admit that makes me nervous. Do be careful, Ed. I'm sending Susan with a large escort and they'll take the road through Pillar Wood, not the Dancing Lawn, to reach Lithin. I've also sent word to King Lune to alert Archenland's northern border, but I doubt the Werewulf will leave Narnia.

If you can't make it, I understand and Lt. Silverwing will go ahead and secure the families until Susan gets there. If you can make it, then my heartfelt thanks to the Chief Smith for his assistance.

Love,

Peter

I sighed, folding up the hasty letter as I raised my eyes to the massive Mute Swan cob standing before me. Lieutenant Flenleel Silverwing commanded a small troop of soldiers that waited down by the river. To my delight, Phillip had accompanied them and now stood quietly by. The lieutenant fixed me with his small black eyes and shuffled his webbed feet a little impatiently while beside me, Brickit stood with folded arms and splayed legs. The Dwarf was silently fuming at this third interruption from the High King and I knew he thought Peter presumptuous for sending my armor, neatly wrapped in a bundle and strapped to Phillip's saddle.

"Does he do nothing but pick flowers and write to you all day?"

"Not much. He just runs the country and its holdings."

"Well?" Brickit demanded. "Now what can't the Nancy do without you?"

"Don't call him that. He's your High King and mine as well. I have to go to Lithin. It won't take a day."

"Where?"

"Lithin."

"Say it correctly, Spawn, and like a proper Narnian or don't say it at all. Lit-hin."

Silverwing, who could speak but rarely did so, hissed at Brickit's abrasive mannerisms. More used to the Dwarf, I just nodded, correcting my pronunciation. "Lithin. Thank you."

Brickit glared. "So first you impose yourself on this smithy, eat of our food, seek our good will, and now we're just a home base for you to gad about the countryside and show away."

"I cannot forget that I am a king and have a duty to fulfill." I handed him the letter. "Innocent women and children are being abused and held responsible for the conduct of their Fell kin. Would you have me stand by and do nothing?"

I watched him as he read Peter's words and his anger at me and the sudden appearance of soldiers shifted to anger at the situation. I suspected he had faced similar accusations in the past. Perhaps he still did.

He glowered, handing back the page. "You'll return?"

"I will." An idea struck me. "Why don't you accompany me?"

"What?"

By his expression I knew I had caught him off guard. It was a good sensation. "Come as my guide. I'm not as familiar with this part of Narnia as I would like to be. I need your expertise and I may need a royal witness."

"Use your Horse as a witness!"

"He's not mine. I'm his. Besides, you've already been apppointed."

"I never said I'd do it for more than two signatures worth!"

"And I didn't specify the duration of the appointment."

"Half an hour, you said!"

"It didn't take that long. You still owe me at least five minutes."

He stomped his feet. "I'm going nowhere!"

"Why not?"

"I'm the Chief Smith!"

"Then see how well you've taught the masters and leave them to their own devices for a day. These are women and children, Brickit, and they're being unjustly accused. If you won't come along, I still must go, and I would very much like to be welcomed back here."

When he said nothing in response I just nodded and unstrapped the bundle from Phillip's back. "I'll be right back."

Luckily the greaves covered the nastier stains on my boots. As I unfolded the heavily embroidered tabard I found my crown nestled securely in the stiff fabric. There was also a small pouch that jingled, and when I opened it I was surprised to see a handful of coins: small golden Lions and slightly larger silver Trees. I looked at them with interest because, surprising as it may sound, as monarchs of Narnia money was something that rarely passed through our hands. Everything was provided for us and so we had few occasions to need currency. Peter's thoughtfulness (and thoroughness) made me smile, though I knew Brickit would not be able to keep silent at the sight of the finely wrought armor and crown. Hastily I finished dressing. It wasn't easy to accomplish on my own as I was used to Peter helping me, but I managed. I transfered Shafelm from the everyday leather scabbard I had worn here to the decorative sheath that matched my armor. The sword's familiar weight on my hip was very comforting. I tucked the pouch of coins into my tabard and as I settled the silvery crown on my hair I realized that I had missed its presence.

I was aware of every eye in the place focused solely on me as I walked back across the smithy. The strong colors of my red and gold tabard and glittering mail were strangely bright and flashed in the faint sunlight. I was used to having people stare, but in this setting it felt odd. Brickit, Flenleel, and Phillip were still waiting more or less patiently, and the Dwarf snorted in professional jealousy as he took in my armor. It was very finely made, even he could see as much though he certainly wasn't ready to admit it.

I had my foot in the stirrup and was about to swing into the saddle when Brickit abruptly snapped,

"Fine! Get up on your Horse, Spawn, and make room."

I gave him a dubious look. Brickit scowled and pointed a stubby finger.

"You invited me!"

I grinned, turning my face away and catching Phillip's amused look. I mounted up and Brickit upended a bucket and stood atop it as a mounting block. Gripping his arm, I heaved and pulled him up behind me. He muttered and shifted until he was comfortable, seizing hold of my sword belt at Phillip's first step.

"Don't drop him, Phillip!" I called, taking the reins loosely.

"Shan't," said my friend as he found a smooth and steady gait. Flenleel took to the air and gestured the soldiers to follow.

"Upriver to Aundroe, and then west," grunted Brickit. "And slow down, ya nag, you'll shake me to pieces!"

But Phillip just laughed.