Hi everyone, this chapter's a little short, and not as up-to-par with the first two, but hopefully there's something emotional in here. Thanks for all support! Everyone's been really good to me, I'd like to give them a thanks and a imaginary cookie.

And a special thanks and imaginary cookie to this anonymous reviewer:

Randomcat

Read, Enjoy, and Review!

King Edmund's Case:

The Mysterious Death of Lord Cane

Chapter 3: The Vision, the Verdict's Outcome, and the Urgent Message from King Lune

Suddenly a wave of pain washed over Edmund and he knows it isn't because of his injuries or his concussion(s).

...

"Bind him… Move through the… Keep that blindfold on, idiot! We can't let him see where we're going! The spell… lets him see but barely hear…" A warbled voice speaks.

"But why do we even have this… boy?" Another distorted voice.

"Lord Cane had sent a… to him and... it contained all of the… until he talks," A swift kick to the ribs, "We won't be able to… and for all we went through to… Now, go… and they should be reaching Glasswater Creek soon, make sure to position the… so they don't even get the chance to get to Glasswater Creek and… Got it?"

"Yes, Master."

"Good, leave. Go… so Darrin knows his place." Footsteps walking away, "Let's play Healer, shall we? But without the healing, just the part where I…"

A slice across the chest and abdomen and a scream…

...

Edmund lets out a scream and he feels like his heart's going to burst with the way it's hammering in the confines of his sternum and spinal column.

"Sire! What's wrong?" Oreius is immediately at his side, Dar just beside him.

"I–I think I just heard and felt some things that Peter's going through." Edmund gasps, still taking in air from the sudden "vision".

"My lad, if may, what was happening?" Dar asks carefully, "You don't have to tell us now or at all for the matter, but it would be nice to know. Either way, it's your choice." He says when he sees the look in Edmund's eyes.

Edmund nods, taking a deep breath he starts, "There was a garbled voice, saying things about destinations, but I couldn't quite understand it. It had said to keep 'him', I think that's Peter, blindfolded or else, I think he's talking about me now, I'll see. Something about a spell that would let me see what was going on, even though it was pitch black, and I could barely hear what was going on. Then another distorted voice asked why they even had Peter. Now this is where it gets confusing, the first voice says something about Lord Cane sending something to Peter that contained something. This is probably what got him kidnapped by these persons, and then the voice said to position something at one place before we reach Glasswater Creek, they're waiting there, to ambush us I think. But I don't know what for," Edmund says, then he realizes that this is the part he's a little more than reluctant to tell, "The voice said, 'Yes, Master.' And then the first voice said something on checking on someone else, I think it was your brother, Lord Dar, because the first voice had said, 'Go… so Darrin knows his place.'" Dar's eyes darken, "Then it sounded as if someone were leaving. T–Then the first voice said something about playing Healer, just without this one part, I didn't quite hear it. Then it felt like a white-hot knife was slashing me open." Edmund shudders, "Then there was a scream, I think it was Peter's." He rubs his arms, "If what I felt was a fraction of the real thing I can't imagine what Peter's going through." His eyes moisten, but he wills it away, "We'll find our brothers, Dar. We must, from what it sounded like Darrin must've been in the same state as Peter's. Knowing this we'll carry on with a new vigor and determination, you agree, no?" Edmund looks at him with all of the might of Aslan in his eyes.

Dar nods, "No doubt about it," He says just as determinedly.

Oreius has silently left after this, feeling he is intruding, and decides to go gather the Council and come for Edmund and Dar later.

"Wait, where's Lord Cane now?" Edmund asks, recalling that he'd been mentioned in his "vision".

Dar looks as if he'd had the same recollection, then his eyes take on a sad look, "You know him, he was always in and out of the castle." Edmund notices the way he had said "was", "He was a spy for us, one of the very best, always taking of the underground affairs and secret dealings. Almost a sleuthing detective like you when you deem something worthy enough for a case." Dar says, his turquoise eyes flashing as they give Edmund a concerned and slightly deprecating look at this fact, for it had just nearly gotten the boy killed, "About a month ago, about half a fortnight give or take actually just before Darrin had gone to investigate, he was murdered, we don't know by who. Apparently, he'd been onto something big by the looks of it, but we never found out. His body… Well, we've preserved it for now…" Dar says slowly, continuing he says, "You know how he was Cole and Colin's long lost brother, right? Well, they don't know he's dead. They're visiting the Seven Isles, something to do with a favor they'd owed the King Dreyik of Grayilad." Dar sighs.

Edmund imagines what it would be like to find out that a long-lost brother who he hadn't been reunited with until only a mere three years ago was dead, he doesn't like what his imagination shows him.

"They're going to be devastated," Edmund murmurs sorrowfully.

Dar looks the same way, if not more deploringly.

"I know," He sighs, the two Lords are like brothers to him, he feels the same way about them as he does Darrin, and he had felt the same way about Cane before he'd been killed.

Edmund's eyes harden and he looks at Dar, "I've decided, I'm going to finish this case."

Dar looks at him, shocked, but that quickly turns to anger, "What are you talking about? There's no way! You were almost drowned last night because of two assassins that a vengeful Calormene Lord that sent when he had broke out of the jail you put him in! And if these people were enough to take Peter and kill Cane then what makes you think you're capable?" He asks calmly, his voice betraying his calmness by rising on some parts.

Edmund gives him a look that he only uses when he's "King Edmund the Just", "That's just it, Cane sent something to my brother, because of it his life's in danger, so is your brother's. And you've said it yourself, when I see a case that I think is worthy than I take it, and I can clearly see this case begging to be solved. If Cane was killed for it, what makes you think more won't? And I was taken by surprise, those assassins weren't traitors in my eyes a few days ago, they were fellow Narnians, friends who I'd trusted with my and all of the people and Narnians here's lives." says Edmund, a blaze in his eyes, "Things go wrong, but that's life, Lord Dar. You have to learn to either let it get to you, or to take charge and do what you must and want, or else you're never going to get to where you want to be." He states.

Dar sighs, knowing that all is lost when Edmund has that look in his eyes and he speaks with so much conviction and determination.

"Fine," Dar speaks, weariness in his voice, "Just try not to get into or create trouble. Oh, what am I saying? Trouble always finds you, or you (un)knowingly create it." Dar sighs again.

Edmund sees this and gives him a smile, albeit small, but a smile, "I know I get on the nerves of quite a good number of people, sorry, it appears that you're one of them. Can't help it, though." He says slightly apologetically.

Dar gives him a look, "Listen, lad, a lot of people care about you for being you, and you're worth more than you know. That's what you need to learn, don't sell yourself short. That's the reason why I'm so reluctant and discommending about this; I know King Lune would be as well. And your sisters, especially Peter. Along with Cain and many others."

Edmund gives him a look, "Well, if Lord Cane was here then we wouldn't be in this situation," He says then sighs, "But, thanks for the information…" Then he quotes softly, "'It's easier for others to forgive you, than for you to forgive yourself.'"

Dar gives him a small smile, "Cane's favorite saying, he used to tell you it when you were thinking of the past and he was there to reprimand your self-destructive thoughts." He says, "Just remember this, Edmund, don't sell yourself short, there's too many people who value you in their lives for you to that to yourself, three in particular." Dar says, rising, "If you need something, call for someone, they'll surely come." He says before leaving, a deeper meaning in his words.

'I know you're right, it's just a little hard to believe, that's why I usually keep myself from thinking these thoughts. But I guess it's high time someone told me,' Edmund thinks, eyes staring at the ceiling of the tent.

He lay there for who knows how long thinking about Dar's words and thoughts he dare not think before, and he found himself getting a clearer state of mind as he thinks over things.

"Sire, the Council is gathering, are you able enough to attend?" Oreius asks, coming into the tent.

Edmund gives him a half-hearted glare, "I am indeed, it's about high time we discuss everything over, and possibly decide the verdict of the two traitors." Then his eyes widen in realization, "Tunkum and Citrine, how are they taking it? Blast, why didn't I think of it before?" He groans in frustration, leaping out of the hammock successfully–through many years of practice–he ignores the stabs of pain in his sides and the way his head pounded when he moves and grabs the first tunic that reaches his hands from his satchel, it's red with black undertones. Hastily putting it on he dons his silver crown that awaits him on a pillow by his satchel and starts tying on his sword-belt. "Come on, Oreius! We don't have all day, I'd like to speak with Tunkum and Citrine before the Council is adjourned." He says, swiftly walking past him.

'Typical of Sire, ignoring his own injuries to aide another's.' Oreius thinks, he gently pushes Edmund back to his upright state in order to quell the swaying of the boy's equilibrium. 'Well, tries to ignore his injuries.' Oreius thinks dryly as the boy stumbles again.

"Sire, Tunkum and Citrine are the other way." Oreius says patiently, Edmund blushes a little and lets Oreius take the lead.

He leads them to a red tent with a gold-detailed decoration of Penthos, a/the daemon of grief, mourning, and sorrow. It made sense that they would be in that tent, no one has died, but it's almost as if someone had.

"Tunkum, Citrine, may we come in?" Edmund asks, not wanting to intrude on anything personal and wanting to give them a moment to ready themselves.

"Of course, Sire, we've been expecting you, if you were able." A voice, Tunkum's, sounds from inside.

Edmund smiles softly when he hears Citrine's voice say, "Of course he'd come, able or not, as long as he can get his feet moving he'd come for a situation like this."

Going through the tent flap he's greeted by the sight of Tunkum hugging Citrine, eyes red and slightly puffy from crying.

"Are you two feeling alright?" Then Edmund face-palms, wincing at the pounding in his head it brought, "Of course you're not alright!" Edmund scolds himself, he looks at them apologetically, "Here's a better question: How are you feeling?"

Tunkum gives him a small smile, Citrine as well, her's a little smaller.

"I feel horrid, angry, sad, ashamed." Tunkum says, all of the mentioned emotions bleeding through his words.

Citrine nods her agreement, Edmund looks at the two, "It's expected that you would feel that way, thanks for telling me truthfully as well." He says with a small smile.

Citrine gives a wet snort, "With all due respect, Sire, you would find a way to get the truth, us liking it or not, it's better we answer you honestly than going through that process."

Edmund laughs at that, then winces, "Don't make me laugh, it hurts."

Citrine immediately leaves Tunkum's embrace, "What's wrong? Where are you hurt?" She asks, not having been able to have done Edmund's healing last night because she'd been too distraught.

Edmund shakes his head, "It's nothing." He says.

"Sire, I think we have a right to know, our brother and sister harmed you, we need to know." Tunkum says, his voice surprisingly strong.

Edmund sighs, "You already know about the sides, it just stings a little when I laugh, and I had a concussion as well so my head can pound a bit. The only thing that they added to it was temporary paralyzation and a second concussion, minus the drowning bit." Edmund answers.

Tunkum's eyes darken and Citrine pauses her inspection of Edmund.

"Sire, I'm extremely sorry." Tunkum says in defeat, his head hanging in shame.

Edmund looks at him in confusion, "Whatever for? And you shouldn't lower your head, you might crick your neck." says Edmund, giving him a soft smile on the last words.

Tunkum tries to smile back but it doesn't work, "It's my fault that this happened, if I had been more–" He starts.

Edmund looks at him sharply, giving him a "King Edmund the Just" look, "Were you the one that sent Tankum and Selene to the Calormenes?"

"No, Sire!"

"Were you the one that sold them to Taabardeesh?"

"No, Sire." says Tunkum less fiercely, sensing where this is headed.

"Were you the one that trained them to be assassins?"

"No, Sire."

"And were you the one that got Taabardeesh arrested, in thus resulting in Tankum and Selene breaking him out of jail and him giving them the mission to assassinate me?"

"No, I'm afraid that was all you, Sire."

Edmund gives him a wry smile, "And were you the one who threw me against a tree and then threw me into the Rush River?" He asks, his smile gone.

Tunkum's hands ball up into fists, "No, Sire."

"Then nothing's your fault," says Edmund simply.

"But, Sire, if I had just noticed or something, this wouldn't have happened!" Tunkum protests.

Edmund shakes his head, "There was nothing you could've done to expect this, I for one, didn't even know that Taabardeesh had broken out." Then he puts up his "King Edmund the Just" look again, "Thinking these thought are poisonous as treason, but they're treason against yourself. Don't let those thoughts overcome you, Tunkum." He looks at Citrine, "I haven't forgotten about you, the same goes for you. You haven't been vocal but I know you feel the same way." Then he looks at the two and gives them a smile, "May Aslan guide and protect you through these times, never lose sight of what's important to you, especially your love for each other." He says, kissing their foreheads, as is the tradition when blessing someone. That's the only way he'll allow someone to kiss him or vice-versa.

Turning, he leaves with Oreius to the Council tent.

"That was well-handled, Sire. Peter will be proud." Oreius comments.

Edmund doesn't look embarrassed or blush a little as usual, "Thanks, Oreius, but there was nothing to handle, they just needed to see it from a different perspective." Then he looks a little flushed, "Do you really think Peter will be proud?"

Oreius gives him a light smile, "Yes, Sire, I would not have said so otherwise."

Edmund nods, "We have to find him and Lord Darrin, kill the people that took them, so we can take care of the disturbance in Glasswater, and then I can solve Cain's last case. It'll be the least I can do for all the man's done for me in the past." He says.

Oreius frowns, "I only agree with the finding High King Peter and Lord Darrin part," He says.

Edmund sighs, "I guess we can weed out the good people from the people that took Peter and Lord Darrin, then we can do the rest." He says with a satisfied smile.

Oreius frown stays, that isn't what he'd meant. But before he can say anything they reach the Council tent.

"Alright, let's summarize everything that's happened then start discussing it, then I'll decide the verdict for the two traitors." Says Edmund, immediately silencing the discussions that were taking place when he'd walked in.

"This party, from Narnia, had been assembled to go take care of a disturbance in Glasswater Creek. On the way we encountered the offspring of a Fell Beast and a Wyvern, it's species name is Fellvern thanks to Virges, that night we made camp and held a Council meeting. Discussing the Fellvern, figuring that the Fellvern was part of the problem and that there was something bigger than what we'd thought at first at large. My brother, High King Peter, and I had a slight disagreement. When I'd retired to our tent I'd discovered that he had the start of a Fall Fever, deciding to get someone to check it in the morning I fell asleep. In the morning I was awoken by Tankum," murmurs and whispers passed through the Council, "He had said that Peter had gone missing, he'd gone for a walk in the night and had never come back. Few things happened before Selene came to tell me that Oreius had gathered the Council," more murmurs and whispers at Selene's name, "At the Council we discussed the disappearance of my brother, deciding groups for searching and staying at camp I wrote of our situation to me sisters. I received a letter from them in return and soon Sunwing had the report that there was a group of creatures heading towards our part to attack. After gaining a few injuries Lord Dar and the Archenlanders showed up and helped us immensely when we were on the verge of losing." Edmund flashes a grateful look at the mentioned Lord, "After a couple of not-so-important events, I had finally retired to my tent, courtesy of Citrine." He smiles, even though the half-Dryad half-dwarf isn't there, "It was in the night that the two traitors, Tankum and Selene, had come into my tent. After a few exchanged words they had managed to paralyze me with a drug soaked into the gag they used, draping a cover over me after binding my hands and feet for precaution they exited through the camp, using the excuse that Tunkum was dead and they were going to bury him." Edmund's eyes darken, "More words were exchanged after I got my second concussion, then deciding that we had talked enough they threw me into the river. From there I was rescued by Lord Dar," He gives him another grateful look, "I don't remember much, because my concussion had started to talk, apparently," He gives Oreius and Dar a look, "I'm quite the handful when I have a concussion, and it was worsened by having two." A few chuckles are heard, "When I'd woken up Lord Dar and I decided that our parties would travel together, since both of our brothers are missing and there was a disturbance near Stormness Head that had drawn Lord Darrin's attention. I received a vision, what I've drawn from it is that Lord Cane had sent something to Peter and that's what has gotten him kidnapped, Lord Darrin is with them. I'm afraid that from what I've heard is that neither is in good shape, and the person(s) that have them have something planned for us before we reach Glasswater Creek." Edmund finishes. The whole reason he'd explained everything was for the Archenlanders' convenience and to freshen the memories of the Council. "And from this we can start the discussion." He says.

"What is our course of action for this?" Gnomekorr asks.

"We continue on our way to Glasswater Creek, we'll see what happens on the way there, we just have to be cautious. They could attack us at anytime." Edmund answers, "Lord Dar, do you agree?"

Dar nods, "Simple, but I like it." He smiles.

"Sire," Umbraclaw, the one in charge of the Panthers, starts, "Do you think that these persons are the disturbance at Glasswater Creek and Stormness Head?" He asks.

Edmund shakes his head, "This is a different thing entirely, this involves the case that Lord Cane had been working on before he'd been murdered, these people have something to do with this, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it as soon as we take care of the disturbance in Glasswater Creek and get Peter and Lord Darrin back." He says, "You know the group of creatures that had attacked us? They're the most likely things to be the disturbance." Reasons Edmund.

"Sire, did you just say that you were going to finish Lord Cane's last case?" Virges asks, her sharp mind had picked up the realization from Edmund's carefully chosen words.

Edmund sighs, thinking he should've known better than to have tried to have hidden it, "Yes, I am. As soon as both Peter and Darrin are safe and we've taken care of Glasswater Creek." He answers.

There are a numerous amount of protests, "But, Sire, you can't!" or "Think of what happened last night, we can't lose you!" or "Why? There's no need!"

Edmund puts a hand up for silence, "Whatever this case may involve, I will deal with it. It has taken not only my brother, but Lord Dar's brother. Along with that, a close friend of mine was killed, he had sent something to Peter containing something vital. Like it or not, it's my business as much as Peter's, and it's the least I can do for Lord Cane for all that he's done for me. And if his life was taken, and Peter and Lord Darrin are being harmed, what reason is there to think that no one else will be harmed, possibly killed?" He asks, dark chocolate eyes looking at everyone and thing in the tent, challenging them to answer. "Exactly," He states, "Now, there's other things to be done, meaning the verdict of the two traitors, Tankum and Selene." Oreius leaves the tent and comes back with an Archenlander and a Faun holding the two mentioned traitors.

Tankum looks at Edmund loathingly, "Shouldn't you be at the bottom of the riverbed by now?" He asks.

A fury of nasty remarks and reprimands are bombarded at the Faun from both Narnians and Archenlanders.

"So, My King," Selene sneers, "What justice are you going to bestow upon us?" More shouts of fury.

"Enough!" shouts Edmund, making everything completely silent, "For the act of kidnapping and attempted murder against a Narnian Monarch you two are branded with the title of traitors, and the verdict will be…" His voice staying even with every word, "Banishment, from Narnia, Archenland, Galma, Terebinthia, the Lone Islands, and the Seven Isles. You have until the next sunset to leave this country, if not, you will killed on sight." He says. He's never condemned anyone to death and isn't about to start now, everyone deserves a second chance, like he had. "Umbraclaw the Panther and Tayunas the Faun will escort you to the Fords of Beruna and from there you must continue on your own." Umbraclaw and Tayunas nod. "Goodbye, Tankum and Selene, may Aslan watch over you." Says Edmund, knowing it will have little effect on the two.

"Goodbye, may you die an agonizingly painful and slow death, King." Tankum leers at him.

Edmund sighs when the barrage of furious death threats and reprimands are shot at the two again but this time with a renewed vigor and more fervid lividness.

Selene only grins at him, "You know it's too bad the Witch got you first, I wouldn't have minded deflowering you myself." A lascivious and deriding look on her features, Edmund freezes and almost faints from shock that she knows.

All of the shouts suddenly vanish as if they'd never been said; all eyes are on Edmund, shock varying on each expression, save for Virges's, her's is sorrowful.

"Edmund," Dar gulps, "What does she mean?"

"Isn't it clear enough?" Edmund snaps, everyone in the room, save for the two traitors and Virges, winces at the tone, "The Witch had taken my virginity when I was with her, she'd erased my memory of everything and I only found out a few days ago about this." Then he glares at the smirking Selene, "Are you happy now?"

"Very," She licks her lips, looking more like a minx than a half-dryad half-dwarf.

Umbraclaw and Tayunas didn't want to keep Edmund in a rough spot any longer and immediately start to haul the two traitors out of the tent. When they were gone the tense silence is very much palpable.

"There's nothing more to be said," Edmund says, nothing coloring in his voice, "We'll move out when Umbraclaw and Tayunas get back, until then, you're not to bother me. You're all dismissed." He finishes, turning on his heel and leaving before anyone can say anything.

Oreius and Dar exchange glances, immediately following after their clearly internally distraught King.

"Sire," Oreius starts.

"Don't, just go." Edmund says from where he's laying on his hammock.

"Now, lad, that's just a bit rude." Dar frowns.

Edmund whips his head to look at him so fast he almost gets whiplash, he's experienced it, painful as bloody hell.

"I think I have a right to have a little time to myself when a traitor revealed a secret I'd only just found out about to my whole party and yours!" Edmund snaps.

"Lad, I understand your anger, but you have to talk about it to someone. Frankly, we're the closest two people that won't tell anyone about this." Dar says, trying to be soft.

Edmund suddenly gives him a shaky smile, "I'm not angry, Dar, far from it. I'm scared, frightened, worried out of my wits, defensive maybe, but I'm not angry." He says, his voice quaking slightly. "Even though it's been four, five days since I found out, I've had thoughts that made me think that I deserved it. The punishment worse than death for a traitor like me: torture and the taking of my innocence."

Oreius's eyes blaze, "You have no idea what you're talking about! You're our King, you may've had a rough start, but that's what makes you such a pride-bringing and amazing person, let alone King!" He says fiercely.

Dar smiles, "I agree with the man– er, Centaur. Remember what I'd told you before, Edmund. Don't sell yourself short."

Edmund looks at them in shock, then he looks down and says, "I know, it's just a little hard to believe at times. I don't talk to anyone when I have these thoughts because I don't want to be weak, I need to prove myself. And going to someone every time I have a self-destructive thought is proving myself as an uncertain, whiny, little brat instead of the certain, decisive, and understanding King that I need to be." He confesses, this is something he's only ever told Lucy before. Susan would've kept asking him if he was alright and Peter… Well, Peter would do everything in his power to keep him from having these thoughts and wear himself thin while doing this and taking care of other things that already exhaust him till his battery life is 0%.

Dar's eyes soften, "Lad, there's no reason for you to do this, surely if you talked to one of your siblings they'd understand, and they'd be able to help you. True, these thoughts are plaguing but they don't last forever, if you talked to one of your siblings these thoughts will surely disperse in a faster time than if you try to fix them yourself." He says.

Oreius nods, "I may not be the best Centaur to talk to, but I always keep what needs to be kept secret a secret, I'm also not the best with advice but I say what I think needs to be said. And I think I've said all I can but this: Believe in yourself and remember your family. They'll always be there for you, as will I and all of Narnia." He says, bowing, taking his leave.

Dar chuckles at the Centaur's antics, "See what I meant? There are many people that value and care for you being you in their lives." He says, a twinkle in his eyes.

Edmund nods mutely, taking everything in, then he says, "I'm sorry, Dar." He whispers.

Dar shakes his head, "What you needed has been given, now maybe you can go after what you're heart desires."

Edmund give him a small smile, "That would be getting Peter and Darrin back so we can take care of the disturbance and then Cane's last case."

Dar sighs, "Even when you're down in the dumps you're adamant about this."

Edmund laughs, "You can only expect it– Ow, don't make me laugh, it hurts." He winces.

Dar chuckles, then asks, "Are you going to leave your tent or are you gonna stay?"

"I'll leave, need to apologize." Edmund says, sitting up.

"The Council's probably back to whatever they were doing before," Points out Dar.

Edmund mutters something then says, "Oh well, there's still things to be done, people and Narnians to help." The two walk out and see a sight they'll never forget:

Peacocks of all colors: blue and green, red and gold, white, purple and silver, orange and black, and more have all gathered in front of their camp.

A Peacock with a blue and green base but has a white-gold-detailing tail steps forward and bows.

"Greetings, my name is Vishnu, I am the clan leader of the Chandra Clan. What brings you to this part of the forest of the Dancing Lawn?" He asks politely.

Edmund smiles at the peacock, recalling messenger that had brought the news that this part of the forest belonged to the Chandra Clan.

"I am King Edmund," He bows, "And this is Lord Dar, Head of King Lune's military." He bows.

Vishnu does a sweep with one wing as a bow, taking Edmund's hand he kisses it, making sure not to stab it with his beak, "An honor it is to meet you, Your Highness."

"And you, Lord Vishnu." Edmund says.

A white peacock with a rainbow-colored tail steps forth when Vishnu beckons her, "This is my wife, Lakshmi."

"Pleasure to meet you, Lady Lakshmi." Edmund bows, kissing her wing.

Dar smiles at them, "As to your earlier question, we're here because we're on our way to Glasswater Creek. We have a business to do there."

Edmund nods, "Well, then do you know of the people that have the remains of a camp and are waiting for something just a little ways ahead?" asks Lakshmi.

Edmund says, "Something like that, we knew there was an ambush waiting for us, we just didn't know where." He says, then smiles at the two, "But thanks to you, My Lady, we do now. Would you like something in return?" He asks.

Vishnu and Lakshmi exchange looks, "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you mind making sure that everyone knows this land is ours? We've had to fight constantly to keep it safe, we're currently up against a tribe of Vultures. It would do us a great relief if you would tell that we own this land." Vishnu replies, some weariness showing on his features.

Edmund grins, "Even better, we'll take care of them ourselves, find them a territory where they can reside, and I'll make sure to make a map of Narnia and mark down who's territory is where. Yours will be in there I assure you this." He says.

Vishnu and Lakshmi's eyes shine with gratitude, "Oh, thank you, King Edmund!" They croon, their clan crooning something in Peacock as well.

"Think nothing of it, if any of my siblings were here they'd agree." Edmund tells them.

…

Edmund and Dar plop down on the ground of Edmund's tent, covered in beak-bites and feathers.

"We did it, after a torturous screeching and picking-at-our-flesh session, we did it!" Edmund grins at Dar.

"It was wise giving them the land between near Cauldron Pool, considering the fact that they're Bearded Vultures. But it was odd that they'd tried to settle in the forest, since they're mountain birds." Dar comments.

Edmund looks thoughtful, "Well, they could've been living somewhere in the mountains near Archenland and when they'd heard that the Witch's reign was over they tried to migrate to where they originally were, and the topography could've changed so they wouldn't have really understood the way back and had thought that all of Narnia was forest and river so maybe they'd tried to settle where the Chandra Clan was." He suggests, but then frowns, "That's a pretty weak explanation though, well, some things are better left unexplained." He says, shaking his head and shower of feathers fell out.

"They liked your hair, didn't they?" Dar asks amused.

Edmund smirks, "I think Susan's the only one who doesn't like it, knowing her she'll want to keep the back short and the front short-medium (AN: Think of his hair in Prince Caspian). I sort of like her style, but this one's much better in my opinion."

Dar looks as if he's imagining the look on Edmund, "You know, she's right." Edmund looks at him in disbelief, "She is! The style suits you better now than your current one, your current one is one you should wear when you're in your twenties." He comments.

Edmund sputters then sighs then mutters something, stomping over his satchel he grabs the dagger inside and the silver comb he never uses. He stomps over to a surprised Dar and shoves the items into his hands then turns around and sits in front of him.

"What's this now, lad?" Dar asks amusedly, already knowing the answer.

"Susan's almost always right when it comes on how to look for hair and clothes, and I trust you, you've never told me a lie." Edmund replies, "And don't start lying now by saying you don't know how cut hair, I remember you saying one time that you cut your own hair, which isn't so bad-looking." Edmund says.

"It's nice to know my hair is moderate." Dar chuckles, from that he set to work. The outcome is actually better than the starting material. "There, finished. And might I say that your sister and I were right." He grins at Edmund.

"Mirror, I need a mirror." Edmund says, then goes over to his satchel and shuffles through it until he finds one, taking it out he looked at his reflection. His eyes widen, "You two weren't right at all!" He exclaims, Dar frowns, "You two were bloody right!" Dar looks at him with a raised eyebrow then laughs.

"Lord Dar!" An Archenlander comes into the tent, Sean Gawain, he's the same age as Edmund and training to be a knight, "We've gotten a message from Anvard." He says, stepping forward and he hands him the letter. He grins awkwardly at Edmund, "Hello, Ed, you feelin' alright?" He asks, he and Edmund had met when Edmund and his siblings had first visited Anvard.

Edmund nods, grinning back, "What do you say to a little sparring match a little later? We haven't had one in ages."

Sean smiles, "Love to, mate." He winks before leaving the tent.

Dar starts to read the letter aloud,

"Dear Lord Dar,

There is urgent business that you, your party, and King Edmund along with his party, need to come to Anvard for. Do not fear, there is nothing wrong, only something urgent. I would also like to discuss some other pressing matters along with the urgent business, and do tell King Edmund to not get his knickers in a twist, he'll be pleasantly surprised when he sees the urgent business.

Sincerely,

King Lune of Archenland" Dar finishes.

"He makes it sound as if I were a girl with the way he specifically put, 'Do tell King Edmund to not get his knickers in a twist,' I haven't even seen a pair of knickers, except for that one time with Susan…" Edmund huffs, then shudders at the last part.

Dar chuckles, then asks, "So you're coming with us then?"

Edmund nods, "The letter specifically says to come, and maybe he knows something about Peter and Darrin's condition." Then his eyes widen in realization, "What about Peter and Darrin? How are we supposed to rescue them if we're going to Anvard?" He asks Dar.

"King Lune knows of our situation, this must be extremely important if he's going to call us to Anvard." Dar remarks, "I'm going, I trust in King Lune." He says.

Edmund sighs, "I guess I am as well, but this had better be extremely important."

Dar nods, "I'm sure it will be."

…

The trip to Anvard was quite uneventful, surprisingly. When they arrived they found that Lune was tight-lipped about letting Edmund know the reason for why he should've come. So Edmund obediently followed Lune into the castle and who is now leading him to a certain room in the castle.

Lune opens the door, revealing a grand guest bedroom, the door to the balcony is open, letting the Sun's red-gold rays filter into the room as it sets and the cool mountain breeze. But that's not what get Edmund's attention, it's the figure standing in front of the fireplace.

Edmund's breath catches in his throat when he recognizes the figure, and he utters one word,

"Peter."

Thanks for reading!

And for those who like this I'll make a prequel, the story of Edmund's first case. That one involves a murder and is set around the time Cor is kidnapped.

And for Edmund lovers you have got to check out the story, The Way Things Are. It's by A Amelia Black, the story is amazing! And she's the one who inadvertently inspired me to write this story, along with the story Miscreants and Murderers by King Caspian the Seafarer.

Love you all, have an AWESOMESAUCE day!

Serena-loves-Angst