Chapter 3

Edmund shivered in the cold darkness, despite the warmth of Peter beside him, his arms around him. They lay in the slave quarters around midnight. The air was frigid, even with the breath and body heat of the other slaves packed so closely together.

At the shiver, Peter tightened his grip on Edmund. Sighing, he spoke.

"Maybe I should give you my blanket for tonight, Ed, you're freezing."

"So you can freeze yourself? I think not, brother mine. Keep your blanket, if not for your happiness then for mine."

Peter sighed again but nodded, holding Edmund still tighter in both an attempt to comfort himself and provide warmth for his brother.

Edmund coughed wetly. "Pete?"

"Yes?"

"Do you…. Do you suppose we'll ever get out of here?" The words came in a rush. "Do you suppose Susan and Lucy think we're dead?"

Peter mulled over his answer to the question. It was apparent to him that the last thing Edmund needed was the truth, even if his brother didn't realize that himself.

"Yes, I do think we'll get out," he lied. "At the very least you will, Ed, I'll make sure of that. As for Susan and Lucy…" He considered again. "They may be under the impression that we're dead, but I also believe Oreius, at the very least, will look for us for a few more days. We've been here two weeks, he won't have stopped looking."

Silence fell over the two of them.

Then at last, Edmund spoke again.

"Do you…do you think they'll end up killing us?"

"The 'masters'?" It was a stupid question, but in the end, who cared?

"Yes, of course. Do you think they'll kill us?"

"I won't let them kill you, Edmund." There was no doubt in his tone.

"What about you?" His brother started to shake, suddenly seeming very young. "You won't let them get you, either?"

"No, no," he soothed. "Of course not, Ed."

"I don't want to lose you!"

"You won't." His voice was low, calming. "I would never leave you, Edmund. Why don't you get some sleep now? You're overexciting yourself."

Edmund nodded slowly against Peter's chest, and closed his eyes. Peter watched as his brother slowly fell asleep.

He didn't know how much longer he could keep up those lies.