Inspired a bit by "Faithful John", a fairy tale by the Grimm brothers, and a bit by the legend of Damon and Pythias. This is a second version of the story, with some change. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Note: there may be some characters' death but, as I said, this is inspired by a fairy tale, so don't worry. This is not slash, mind well, just brotherly love.

This wouldn't be possible without the amazing Eryniel Alasse, whose editing job improves my writing a lot. She also inspires me and helps me with my grammar. So a huge thanks to her for giving me her precious time! You guys should go and read her stories, since she is not only an amazing editor, but also a great author!

Disclaimer for the whole story: I own nothing. Narnia belongs to C S Lewis and I'm very grateful to him for creating such a wonderful universe.

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King Edmund was far quieter than usual – that much was obvious to anyone who looked closely. The folk of the castle were worried about him, certainly, and more than a little curious as to his shift in temperament. However, they knew their king enough to say that no matter the underlying problem, it would not affect the welfare of the kingdom. They didn't know how the Just King solved all the problems that cropped up on a near daily basis, but along with his siblings, he managed to do handle all. And even if King Edmund was absent minded right now, his sisters could easily handle whatever problems might come their way. Perhaps his concerns were about the High King, who was off at war but it was a relatively straightforward and one sided campaign, without any Narnian mortalities yet.

It was the fifth year of the Rule of the Four, and the sons and the daughters of the prophecy proved themselves to be a true bliss to Narnia after the years of winter, especially for the bond they shared with each other. The most evident, untouchable, and unwavering bond was the one between the kings. It was a vital one indeed, one that manifested itself in particular in times of war. The loyalty and love that the two brothers had for each other was a balm for the people's hearts. How fortunate Narnia was to have them! They had brought summer, victory, peace, justice and prosperity.

Edmund's thoughts were far grimmer than those of the Narnians, though. He was waiting a report from his spies, but this delay was distressing. Peter was – or was going to be – in trouble; he was certain. This campaign was too easy, almost reminiscent of a diversion. Why was his intelligence so silent? What had happened?

Edmund sighed softly. There was no point in worrying so much – it be a better use of his time to do something productive. He should better go and train with his twin blades and perhaps find other daggers and knives to hide on his person; there could never be enough on hand.

As he was turning to leave his chambers, a travel-worn and weary Sparrow appeared in his open window, feathers ruffled but eyes alert. "Your Highness, I managed to overhear an alarming conversation. We need you in disguise, for King Peter is in great danger" the bird said, scarcely pausing for breath.

"I wouldn't have been offended by a denial of my suspicions," the young king complained aloud, bringing his hands to hide his face. His shoulders trembled a bit, but when he faced his flying subject once again – who was watching at him with his head reclined, a curious look in his bright little eyes – the king seemed calm and emotionless. Peter might need something from him, so he couldn't allow himself to grow anxious, not when at last he would have known more. The knowledge would have been painful, but every news would have been welcomed. The last thing the fifteen-year-old could bear was being uninformed about his beloved ones' fate. He had been withdrawn so far, because he feared he would have overreacted at anyone, due to his concern. The Sparrow respectfully urged him, "Every second is vital, your Highness. We'll talk on the road."

Edmund sighed wearily, but complied with the Sparrow's request. It wasn't the first time that he had been asked to go on a covert mission.

He rang a bell and asked the Faun who appeared to immediately summon his royal sisters, requesting that they hurry and enter his chamber without being announced. Then he casually leaned against the fireplace and pushed an andiron. A secret vanity appeared, one in which he kept an additional supply of clothes. Edmund picked from it some poor clothes to wear and some more smart clothes to bring with him, since he didn't know which plan he would have better follow.

He put his cloak on and turned his back to the door to look at himself in the mirror. In that very same moment, he heard a cry and a steel clang: "What are you doing here, intruder? Turn slowly and keep your hands in sight!"

He smiled recognising Susan's voice and for once, he did what he was told and turned to face his sisters, each of whom had a dagger in their right hands, Susan's one being smaller than Lucy's since the Gentle Queen kept her knives in her hair, while the Valiant Queen was used to keep hers in her breast.

Upon seeing his face, the sisters flushed slightly and lowered their weapons, returning them to their hiding places in their hair and clothes. Edmund smiled at them, urging them to both have a seat while he mulled over how to break this monumental piece of news to them. Finally, he sighed and called in the Sparrow, deciding that the bird could repeat what he had told him.

While the Sparrow was briefly explaining why the High King could have needed his brother's support and trying to not alarm the Daughters of Eve at the same time, Edmund went to his study, sighing internally at the mountain of paperwork upon his desk. He quickly – and rather sloppily, he thought resignedly – signed the most important documents and prepared some letters to delay some meetings and visits. Coming back to his room, he found two worried and tense sisters. His heart beat faster at the sight.

"Please be careful, Edmund. We like having two brothers," said Lucy. She looked at him in distress, but he could tell that her gaze was far away on the Beruna battlefield.

"And that means you're not allowed to put yourself in danger," added Susan sternly, but a tear in her eye gave her away.

"In any useless danger, that is," the three of them finished together, identically wry smiles on their faces. They knew each of them would have chosen their siblings over themselves.

The Queens and the King lead towards the stables through a secret passage, hidden by a tapestry, where a winged horse was carrying a girl and a boy holding an apple. They decided the girls would have covered up Edmund's absence with an excuse, then they walked silently and gravely, with Aslan in their minds and hearts: He would lead and support them.

In the stables, Edmund hugged the girls wordlessly and then saddled up a mute horse and rode away. The Sparrow sat on his left shoulder, whispering in his ear.

"The new Narnia's allies and their Lord, the ones saved by His Majesty during this campaign, mean to do great harm to Narnia. An evil warlock is helping them. We are helpless."

"But why me?" Edmund asked, feeling rather confused by this entire turn of events.

"Forgive me, my King, but a son of Adam was required. We'll protect you but we can't let this happen."

"Nor can I. So what is the matter?"

"First of all, the war was fake – they have never been in danger. It was a way to draw Narnia's sovereigns' attention. We cannot warn the High King because he is heavily – even if discreetly – kept under watch. We tried several times but failed." The Sparrow studied the Just King's reactions, but he could only see a deep, focused frown on his face, so he kept explaining.

"And another King of Narnia would warn them that we know King Peter would be in great danger. What can we do? We thought that maybe, Your Majesty, that you could infiltrate the enemy and befriend with the warlock or the Lord... They fear the Animals, but you are a son of Adam, so..."

"No," Edmund interrupted. "They wouldn't be so naïve. I agree with you, we have to do something. But we have to do it without arousing their suspicions and risking an open war. If a warlock is helping them, we'll easily be defeated."

Then he added to himself, If I enter the castle, it certainly won't be as a noble guest.

"We are nearly there," the Sparrow said, interrupting his meditations.

"Thank you, my good friend. Go now – it's better if no one sees us together."

With a nod, the Sparrow disappeared. Edmund dismounted and drove his steed away.

TBC