When the Youngest Goes to War

by Evia Wingjade

A Golden Age fic. What happens between the Pevensie's when Lucy decides she is old enough to go to the front lines of the Narnian battle-field? She wants to save lives, but will her siblings let her risk her own? Probably complete, though there might be a sequel. Rated K plus, as Peter remembers some war-time unpleasantness.

5. Chapter 5

When the Youngest Goes to War 5

The next morning's breakfast was subdued. Peter asked them all to be present for the War Council two hours later. After they rose from the table, Edmund thought he would search out solitude, to think of battle strategy to present to his king and their Army's leaders. He found, however, that he could not concentrate. Pinpointing the source of his distraction, Edmund went in search of his elder sister.

He found her in the stable, grooming her favorite mare. It was a dumb-beast, of course. No one in Narnia would try to stable a Talking Horse.

"Su," Edmund called from several yards away, so as not to startle her.

"Hello Ed," she greeted, glancing at him, though she did not pause her work on the horse. Edmund moved closer, leaning against the door of the next stall, which was empty. He stood in silence while Susan finished caring for her mount. Edmund helped her put away the brushes and combs she had used.
"It's alright Ed." Susan said, and he finally met her eyes. "I understand. I don't like it, but I do understand. You support Lucy just as you do Peter and I. It's only fair."

"What will you do, alone here?" Edmund asked quietly. It had come to him well after he spoke to Peter that with the three of them gone to battle, Susan would be alone and frightened.

"I expect I will do what I have always done," She replied calmly. "I will see to our people, those who are not fighting. I will see to the care of the wounded who can be moved this far."

"I should have asked Lucy if she'd spoken to you, when she came to me." He apologized, eyes fixed on the floor. Edmund could not honestly say he was sorry for supporting Lucy, but he was heart-sore to have hurt his elder sister in the doing of it.

"No you shouldn't." She countered gently. His head jerked up in surprise. In searching her eyes he found understanding. "She came to you because you are, of all of us, clear minded even when you wish you were not. I would have been angry, and forbidden her to go. I would have forced her to defy me, only to realize later that she was right. You were both right. "

"Thanks, Su," he responded quietly. They walked back to the castle in companionable silence, parting ways with a kiss on the cheek, knowing they would see each other again all too soon, to discuss the coming battles.