A/N: The Lion's Call (which happens to be one of the best Narnia websites ever) was hosting their 31st writing contest, and the challenge was to "write an adventure for Reepicheep", the valiant Talking Mouse who fought for Prince Caspian and sailed with him to the World's End. At first I felt rather stumped; I've never been very good at writing battles or anything like that. My strength lies in writing about what I know and can relate to, especially when it comes to emotions, family, and knowing the Great Lion. And that set me thinking: Was Reepicheep always as brave and fearless as he was in the Chronicles? Did he ever know what it was like to be terrified? Alone? Helpless? And what was he like as a youngster? What kind of predicaments did his poor mom have to deal with when he got TOO fearless? So I wrote this story, in hopes that those questions would be answered and I could perhaps catch a glimpse into Reepicheep's past.

I was planning to write a short, sweet one-shot like everyone else (which is partly why all the chapters are a little on the short side), but my imagination had other ideas. Before I knew what had happened, it had run off again and turned into an eight-page story, and all I could do was to try and keep up with it. Which I mostly have, execpt for the very last chapter. I am currently struggling with the dreaded curse known as "writer's block". Aargh. I know what I want to write about, but the words just aren't coming out properly...

Anywho, read and enjoy! (And review, if you don't mind.)

Dedicated to my Grandpa (one of the best writers ever and part of my inspiration), who has waited quite patiently for this (among other things I need to update). I love you, Grandpa!

And now, without further ado, I now give to you...

Knights Never Cry

Chapter 1: Mortal Combat

"En Guarde!"

"Take that, you villain..."

Reenameek smiled as the clamor of mortal combat reached her ears. She swept the last of the dust out her burrow, then went to deal with her two boys. Skittering back through the dim tunnel and into the den, she soon caught sight of the bright, cheery fireplace and the dancing shadows of two brave knights. The clack of wooden swords grew fiercer.

"Surrender, poltroon, or I'll run you through!"

"Never! I'll—ow! Hey, that wasn't fair!"

"It was too, you coward…"

"—Was not, you big bully! I'll tell mother that you…"

"Now, now, boys," laughed Reenameek. "I think it's high time you ended this duel and called it a draw. You both should be in bed."

"But Mama," the smaller mouse squeaked in protest, his tiny whiskers quivering, "Reepicheep wasn't being fair! He got me before I had a chance to get up again!" His mother put on the gravest face she could muster and clucked her tongue.

"Dear me, Peepicheek; is that so?" He nodded fervently. Reenameek turned to her eldest son. "Reepicheep, it this true?"

"Yes, Mama," he said sheepishly, "but I still won, didn't I?"

"You might think you did," said his mother gravely, "but if you did so by dishonorable means, you haven't really won at all. And attacking your brother without giving him a proper chance to defend himself was indeed a most dishonorable thing to do. Remember, you are slightly older and bigger than he is." Reepicheep thought about this for a long moment, then turned to his brother and swept a chivalrous bow.

"I apologize for my…dishonorable behavior," he piped grandly. "I do hope I didn't hurt you badly." Peepicheek returned the gesture, trying hard not to grin.

"I accept your apology."

"And now, off to bed," said Reenameek, pushing her sons ahead of her into their bedroom. "It is growing quite late, and you both need your sleep." The two of them crawled obediently into their bed of grass and fur and nestled into the soft material as their mother tucked a warm blanket over each. She laid a gentle paw on both their foreheads and softly spoke their goodnight blessing:

May the Lion bless you and keep you in His mighty paws
May His love shine ever upon you
May He guard your minds from evil dreams
And fill your hearts with peace
This night and always

She kissed them both and whispered, "Good night," and left them to dream of slaying dragons and saving damsels in distress…

A/N: Again, I apologise for the length of this chapter (or lack, thereof). Chapter 2 is already written and ready to be posted...but I won't do that until I get at least three reviews that are at least three sentences long. Yeah, that's right...I CHALLENGE YOU! Muahahahaha!! I have enabled annomynous reviews now so people who aren't registered can review, too. (That means you, Grandpa! HINT HINT) :-)

Okay, now to challenge my writer's block to a duel...