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: 21 Yule 1006 will see the first lunar eclipse to occur on the Winter Solstice in four hundred years. Enemies of Narnia rejoice! For the time of the Golden Age will come to an end with the spilling of royal blood and Jadis will be revived!

A/N: If you have not read the first three stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakening, Shadowed, and Revealed), I highly recommend you do so. However, if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Twenty: Cause for Alarm

The wind was picking up again. A storm was coming; perhaps it would even build into a blizzard. Oreius grimly considered it just another reason to find Alambiel, pull her out of the trouble she jumped in, and get out of the mountains as fast as possible. He had to reach her and get her away from the Werewolves before moonhigh on Winter Solstice.

Oreius rounded a corner then halted and slid a one-handed sword free. He was being followed.

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Peridan barely suppressed his surprise when Captain Ardon stopped dead in his tracks and raised both hands as a sword rested at his throat. The sword was removed before anyone could react and then a large shadow detached itself from the pre-dawn gloom. The General surveyed them for a long moment before focusing on the Kings, "You brought nine soldiers and left the rest to safeguard the Gentle Queen."

It was not a question and Peridan once again could not discern how the Centaur felt about their presence. He prepared himself for the argument that was certain to ensue if General Oreius ordered them to go back. The General flicked his tail as he sheathed his sword then turned toward the trail again, barking a single order over his shoulder, "Double-time."

Peridan saw the Kings exchange looks then they fell in right behind the General and just in front of Ardon and himself. General Oreius kept them at the double march for several hours. In Peridan's opinion, the General was answering the question he had asked him in Anvard, not that he would make mention of it until after they returned to Cair Paravel. He doubted the General would tolerate even the slightest mention of anything personal at this time.

The sun had just begun to cut through the clouds when King Edmund ventured to break the silence, "Why did the Werewolves take first Susan and then Kat as captives?"

The General didn't glance back as he answered, "The Fell are trying to take advantage of the eclipse that will occur at moonhigh tomorrow."

Peridan didn't understand the significance of that statement and, apparently, neither did the Kings as King Edmund sounded more than a little puzzled as he asked, "What does that mean?"

Captain Ardon was the one who answered, "This is the first lunar eclipse to occur on Winter Solstice in four hundred years. It is a time of powerful magic and there are spells that are reserved for such times as they would require too great a price at other times. This is especially true of dark magic."

King Peter stiffened slightly, "Is that why Susan said the Werewolves were discussing her as a sacrifice?"

"Yes." The Centaur's answer hung heavy in the air until he continued. "It seems most likely that the Fell are attempting to bring the White Witch back to life through a dark magic ritual. And, if it is like most of the powerful dark rituals, it would require a blood sacrifice...royal blood is the most powerful blood that can be used in such rituals."

Peridan frowned as he realized what no longer made sense, "If they took Queen Susan to be a sacrifice, why would they allow a trade? Especially with Dame Sepphora, she is not a royal after all."

Peridan watched as the General finally looked over his shoulder and nodded to Captain Ardon, "She has released the five from their oath."

For some reason, Captain Ardon's face darkened before he looked from the Kings to Peridan, "They agreed to the trade because Dame Sepphora is of royal blood."

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Susan shivered as the cold of winter seemed to sink its claws even further into her. Her temple was pounding, making it difficult to concentrate, but she still knew that she shouldn't feel as cold as she did. Caia was talking to her but she felt like her head been wrapped in layers of cotton. She was so very tired. She just needed to rest her eyes for a moment. So very tired...

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Caia shook Queen Susan's shoulder harder, "Your Majesty! Susan! Susan, you must wake!" There was no response. The Centauress felt Queen Susan's cheek...she was freezing in spite of being bundled in a cloak and blankets atop that...she must have been exposed to the bitter cold too long. The healer hurried forward at her gesture and confirmed her fears. They had to get Queen Susan to Cair Paravel.

Caia looked around at the other soldiers, "Make a litter and pull out all the blankets we have. We must keep the Gentle Queen warm." They worked swiftly, settling the Gentle Queen onto the litter and then piling every last blanket they had over her. Two of the lighter Wolves and one of the Foxes attached to the patrol who had met them an hour ago hopped onto the litter after the first blanket had been laid over her, snuggling as close as possible to the Gentle Queen while being mindful of her injuries, giving her the warmth of their combined body heat. Caia prayed it would be enough as four of the Centaurs picked up the litter and they set out at the fastest pace possible.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! Okay, so the Kings and Peridan just found out about Kat being a royal. What do you think their reactions are going to be? And, Susan...well, I couldn't let her off the hook completely...it wouldn't be fair. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.