A/N sorry the chapters are getting shorter. Thank you again for all who are enjoying and reviewing the stories.
Edmund was out collecting fire wood when he heard hoof beats riding up to the small hut. Perna looked from right next him and swallowed hard. "That's not my father's horse," she said as a dappled mare entered their sight. "My father has a large bay colored charger." Edmund's hand went to his sword instinctively, but she placed her hand in front of him as she squinted hard to get a better looked at the horse. "Wait, that looks like… It's my Mother," she exclaimed. "Why would my mother be here? Something must be wrong. Wait here, out of sight." Edmund watched as Perna ran up to a stunning auburn haired older woman, who was several shades prettier than her daughter. Perna did tell him that her mother was the village beauty. He strained his ears to try and hear her. Even though he knew he probably shouldn't listen, he felt that it was important.
"Perna dear," he heard her mother say. "Your father had become very ill and we need you to return back to our camp immediately. He has some things he wishes to discuss with you." Perna looked at a loss and shot a terrified look in Edmund's direction.
"Now? Mother this is all so sudden," Perna replied in a frantic voice bordering on panic. She knew if she left now she'd probably never see Edmund again.
"Darling, he needs you right now. Don't fuss, his proposition is very promising. I think you should hear him out." Perna searched the trees looking to see if she could spot him.
"Yes mother," she nodded quickly. "I'll be right back; I left my bow in the woods while gathering fire wood. I must retrieve it. You look awfully hungry Mother, why don't you go inside and get some roasted fish and fresh tea from Laia. I'll be back in an instant." Perna's mother agreed and entered the small hut as Perna ran frantically back to the woods. When she found Edmund she flung herself into his arms. "Did you hear any of that?"
"Yes," he replied tiring to smooth her hair. "You must return back to your people."
"You must go too. If I remember from the other day, there was a crossing back in the larger valley. You'll be able to find your way?" Her voice hitched as tears formed in her eyes.
"I will." He said trying to not to say too much. He knew his voice would betray him. "I'm strong enough… My lady I l…" he couldn't finish, she had pressed her lips into his for their final kiss. It was so deep and passionate she thought the world would shatter if they broke it. But all good things have to come to and end, and finally she pulled back and searched his face for a moment.
"I'm not very good with farewells," tears were falling down her cheeks as Edmund looked at her with wide eyes. "But knowing you're alive will always give me strength. Whenever I picture the colors of the ocean I will dream of you."
"I'll think of you whenever I look out across the sea." He kissed her again quickly, and felt a piece of his heart tear away as she turned back toward the hut. He sniffed quickly and wiped the moisture away from his eyes. Tears were reserved for his family alone, and he was never good at dealing with emotions. He was a king, and a knight, he had lost friends and brethren in arms in battle and never cried once. Logically he could rationalize death in battle. It was a great and honorable death. But his mind was still reeling from leavening one of the only women he felt he loved. But she was right; he could find strength knowing she was alive out there, somewhere. He lingered in the woods for a moment as he watched the dappled horse carry Perna and her mother off. Then he slid quietly into the small hut to retrieve his remaining clothing, and a small loaf of seed bread from Laia. "Good luck sir," Laia told him quietly as she patted him on the arm. "My lady Perna will be sad to see you off. But have no fear, she is s strong woman."
"Thank you good nurse," Edmund replied placing a hand on her shoulder. "You have enough food so you can spare this load of bread?"
"I have enough thanks to you! The fishing alone will keep me for several days, and the dried meats will last much longer. Now you take care of your self." He thanked her graciously again and headed off up river. Upon reaching the clearing, as the sun dipped low in the sky, Edmund settled down and made a fire. It's warmth must have attracted some of the animals near by because when he woke up in the morning a couple squirrels scattered off from his camp. A horse was in the clearing grazing on a small patch of withered grass. The horse looked up at him and pulled his ears back. Edmund knew in an instant this was a Narnian horse in fact it kind look like…
"You look like a King I once knew," the horse said in a despondent tone trotting up to him slowly. "But alas my king was killed in battle. And he never looked quite so shaggy or had a beard such as your"
"Phillip?" He asked tentatively knowing it was his beloved horse but trying to not frighten him. "It is I, King Edmund. How good it is to see you old friend." Edmund nearly forgot his loss as the steed approached him. It was a great comfort to see a familiar face.
"King Edmund," the horse repeated in a confused tone. The horse sniffed him for a moment and then got very excited. "Why your Majesty, it is you! By the mane how is this possible? Oh it doesn't matter, praise Aslan for keeping you safe!" The horse then started to cry large tears of joy and laughed as Edmund stroked the horse's soft coat.
"My dear Phillip why are you this far away from Cair Paravel?"
"It's a long story Sire, but I don't mind telling it if you hop on my back so I can take you home."
"Is that all right, we are not riding into battle?"
"Of course it's all right Sire! I would consider it a great honor to return King Edmund back to his family and throne." They set off immediately and at first Phillip was content humming a happy tune as they galloped east. But the curiosity got the better of Edmund.
"Again dear one, how are you so far from the castle?"
"My King, after I thought you dead I could no longer tolerate carrying any other riders in to battle. My old heart couldn't bear another with me. Upon the High King and I's return to Cair Paravel, I asked to be discharged for his Majesties army. Though the High King was distraught with grief, he granted my wishes conditionally. He told me I was no longer obligated to carry riders into battle, but asked if I would be the guardian of King Edmund's Valley, as he called it. The valley where we thought you died became a sacred place. No being could visit without paying honor to the beloved king. Now that you're alive, I can return to service."
"How is my family?"
"Grief still hang over your family, last I saw Queen Lucy was working hard trying to plan a joyous birthday for Queen Susan. It was a wonderful occasion from what I was told, but they missed you terribly. The High King Peter went slightly mad for a period of time I was told. Apparently he wasn't seen in Court for a couple weeks, but I think the soothing care of the queens helped him get thought the roughest patch."
"To think I caused all this much trouble." He said quietly.
"If it is not too bold of me My King, how, by the grace of Aslan, did you survive? We all saw you die in the High King's arms."
"Do you promise to keep to your self?"
"I will take it to the grave My King."
"Much of it I don't remember, I was unconscious. From what I was told, the poison from the sword slowed down my heart and caused me to stop breathing for a period of time. I guess I was strong and fought the poison, but not without help. A lady in the woods found me and healed me with herbs. I fell ill after that, from infection, but she nursed me back to health. She took care of me until my strength returned."
"I hear the wistful tones and sorrow in your voice Sire. There is more to the story than you're telling me."
"It is true Phillip; I did fall in love with her. It was hard not to, she was a fiery one, headstrong and loyal."
"Was she beautiful?"
"More lovely than the wild maidens of the trees and river by half, but we all have our obligation. It felt time for me to return, now that I'm healthy as well—a horse. I will probably never see her again." There was regret and torment in his voice. The horse lowered his head for a moment.
"I am sorry." It was deep and heartfelt.
"Me too dear one, me too. But I am happy to be returning home."
Perna walked into her father's tent and saw him laying very still. She ran towards him and knelt by his bead taking his hand into her. "Dear Father," she said quietly as he opened his eyes. He put his other hand to her cheek.
"Don't fret my Perna," he said gently. "The doctor says I'm getting better. The lack of food has been taking its toll on our people and with a little energy, fighting sickness is difficult. I'll be back to my old self in no time. But look at you, by some grace dear child, you look very healthy. A glow is radiating from your skin." Perna smiled at her father compliment.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, I have a proposal for you. I know your mother and I matched you to General Gaine, who has unfortunately passed away. However, for the good of my- our people I have offered you to another. As of two days ago I have sent my fastest riders to the High King of Narnia and his two queen sisters beseeching them for asylum." Perna looked confused for a moment.
"Are there not two kings and queens?"
"We have received word from our scouts that one of the kings, not the high king, died in battle. Don't worry my daughter. Fate has dealt a good hand, for it was the same king that killed your betrothed." Perna got a strange feeling in her stomach but let her father continue. "In exchange for his help I have offered the High King our best soldiers, and your hand in marriage." Perna gasped slightly. On one hand she could travel to Narnia and possibly see her knight again. But if she were married she could never be his.
"You did this without consulting me first?" She exclaimed her voice bordering on anger.
"You and our soldiers are our best assets, and the only thing we have to barging with. You have your duty to your people, if the King accepts, you will marry him." Her father voice turned strict and held a warning edge to it. "You are my daughter; I have every right to offer you to whom ever I see fit. Your duty is to do as I command you. More of our village die everyday, do not be selfish."
"Perna dear," her mother chimed in a quite by feisty tone. "This is a good offer. I thought you'd be pleased."
"But mother, what if I don't love him," she pleaded.
"Darling, this is a business arrangement for your people; love has nothing to do with it. Marriage is nothing but a contract. Think about it, you could be a queen."