A/N: Okay this by far has to be the weakest chapter I have ever written, but it is neccessary for the rest of the story. Please don't judge me too badly...I tried, didn't I?

Anyway, I'm really in love with Peter/Edmund AU stories right now, if you know any good ones please message me! I'm thinking about doing a future Peter/Edmund AU one..but I don't think so. Anyway please review!

I can feel his approach
Like a fire in my blood
I need a hero
--I need a hero by Bonnie Tyler

I was only a few yards away from the cabin when I was tackled by an auburn haired girl. Tears marked her face and I gently wrapped my arms around her form, burying her face in my neck as I knelt down.

"Oh Lucy, what's wrong?" I whispered, my lips pressing against her hair.

"Peter! Peter, did you hear?" She cried softly, her arms winding around my neck. "The king's servant is injured! A master attacked him! Oh Peter, I pray it wasn't James. He was so nice!"

"It's alright, Lu. I'm tending to James myself, he will recover with time." I smiled gently, though my own insides churned with worry.

"You're tending to James!? Where is he? Oh Peter, I must see him!" She pulled back, clumsily wiping away her tears.

"Do the masters know you're out here?" I suddenly whispered and when she shook her head, I shook my head at her. "Lu, one injured body is enough. I can't have two to tend to."

"But..."

"You'll see James soon enough."

"Oh Peter, I'm worried for him!" She pulled away completely, her eyes turning away from me. "Can I not see him now?"

"If the slave masters found out…" I shook my head, biting my lower lip and glancing around. "Lu, you better not."

"Aren't we excused if we're with James?" Her eyes suddenly snapped to mine. "Where were you this morning?"

"With James. I suppose you're right. Go ahead, he's in that cabin."

"Oh thank you, Peter!" She hugged my waist and then sprinted to where I had pointed her.

I could only chuckle, turning and walking in the other direction. I was easily recognized as the slave from the field and no one bothered to stop me, only passed by me and continued their business. When I finally did reach the cabin of the slave masters, I jogged up the steps, my shoulders slumping forward and taking on a submissive form. They glanced at me when I entered the building, my eyes shooting downwards.

"What is it you want?" One snarled to my left, a hand going out to strike me on my cheek.

"The king's servant needs tending to." I dared a glance to the one in front of me. "He needs bandages."

"Ah, you're the field slave." He whispered, standing to his feet and making his way over to a desk. He pulled out a few bandages, dirty and rotten, and handed them to me. "Clean him up well, the last thing we need is a complaint from the king."

"Yes, sir."

The owner to my left stood up, his hand going to my chin and lifting it up. "I think this one here is mine. I purchased him in Calmorne…yes, yes, he's mine."

Several snorted, one even standing to his feet and gesturing widely with his hands. "You think every slave that walks through that door is yours."

"I purchased a good number of them, I'll have you know." His breath smelled of spice and liquor, and I pulled away, my nose scrunching in disgust. "I remember this one for his beauty!"

"Fine thing indeed, fine thing indeed." They mumbled and I trembled with fear. Never good when they call you beautiful. It always led to something worse.

"But he's a half-breed!" I felt spit land on my chest and I snarled, my head snapping in his direction.

A slap was delivered to my left cheek and I whimpered.

"Release him; he needs to tend to the servant." A sensible one spoke up.

"Wouldn't want to keep him from his lover for too long." I recognized the voice of James' opponent, the one that had beat him on the field, striking him down without mercy and I snarled.

"Is that true, boy? You sleeping with the king's servant?"

"Probably is, the little whore."

"Hush now, send him back."

I pulled away from the foul breath of the man next to me, squeezing the bandage in my hand and making my way out the door, their laughter filling my ears. I didn't know how, or when, these rumors had gotten started, but they confused me. I chose to ignore them once more, and jogged towards James' cabin. I was outside the door when I heard my sister's soft voice and James' ragged breathing.

I opened the door, it banging closed behind me. Lucy jumped and looked up at me, her sigh of relief filling the silent room. "Peter! Peter, please hurry! He's losing so much blood!'

I furrowed my eyebrows, kneeling down next to his bed. "James?"

"Exaggerating, I swear." He smirked, his bruised eyes not even cracking open. "It's barely anything. Just painful."

I smirked. Of course James would be fighting even when he was injured. "Lucy has every right to worry. You look to be severely injured."

"Looks and feelings are completely different subjects, my friends. Unbutton my shirt; I'll take care of the rest." He ordered, his eyes fluttering open to look at me.

I raised an eyebrow, but nodded and went to unbuttoning his shirt. My fingers were clumsy and awkward, sliding over the slick material. I was half-way done, when I was suddenly aware of his intense gaze on my face. I looked up to him, his face on my eyes. I blushed, finishing my unbuttoning and sitting back as he sat up. Lucy's face scrunched in worry as he gasped in pain, his cuts openly bleeding.

"I hate whippings. Honestly." He ran a finger over the cut on his stomach, hissing the entire time. "Dreadful…"

"It's not your first time receiving them." I mumbled, the words coming out as a statement instead of a question.

He glanced up at me, his eyebrows gathering together. "What? How…how did you know that?"

"Swimming today…I saw the scars on your back." He looked troubled for a minute, before turning his attention back to his wounds. I took that as a sign to continue. "You were a slave once?"

"Yes…in a way I was." He muttered, gesturing for the bandages which I handed him. "Not like you though."

That caught Lucy and me's attention, both glancing at each other, before staring at him. "What?"

"I was a slave by choice." He closed his eyes, wrapping the bandage (which was a struggle) around his defined abdomen, hissing in pain the entire time.

"By choice?" I watched as Lucy reached over, helping him finish wrapping his stomach (where a good number of the cuts were located).

"Yes, yes. It was a consequence of my actions." He turned to look at me. "Can we not talk about this, please?"

I nodded, biting my lip as I watched him struggle to lie back down. "Lucy, fetch him some water from the well."

She did so, her swift feet scurrying out the door and down the steps. I waited till she was gone and then turned back to James, concern shining bright in my eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, stop sounding like my sister, Peter." He laughed, wincing somewhat in pain.

"Your sister frets over you?" I smirked, moving back so my back rested against the side of the other bed.

"Like a mother. It's absolutely awful. I was once le-helping to lead a campaign up north and a winter storm came in. We were all stranded and by the time they found us, we were all half-frozen and starving. Well anyway, I caught this awful sickness and was bedridden for weeks." He chuckled at the memory. "Su-my sister never left my bedside and she demanded I drink my fluids and eat my vegetables. Like a mother."

I smiled, my hands folding in front of me. "You led a campaign?"

"Helped to lead one, yes."

"What was it for?"

"The Free Narnians." He scowled. "They were pillaging villages and causing a riot. We went up there to resolve the issue."

"Free Narnians?"

"Those against our new rulers." He closed his eyes, his breathing now calm. "Don't think they're worthy to rule."

"From what I've heard, the king and queen have led us to peace." I set my jaw in concentration. "Why would they be against them?"

"Well they're mostly against King Edmund, not Queen Susan." He suddenly turned his eyes toward me, locking onto mine and staring intensely. I was almost…afraid of his intense gaze. "After all…who would want a traitor as their king?"

I suddenly remembered his hip, and sure enough, it was there when I glanced at it. "Your hip…"

He closed his eyes, his mouth going slack again. "It's nothing..a suffering taken for our traitor king. Though he truly deserved it."

"That's a rather rude remark, James."

"It is the truth." He turned back to look at the ceiling. "You may stay here today if you please."

"The slave ma-"

He laughed, his eyes turning to me. "Have you not learned that they bow to me and not the other way around? You are excused as long as you are with me."

I smiled, relief flooding my system. "Then I wish you would never leave."

He smiled almost sadly at that. "I must leave soon, Peter."

"What? Why?"

"We're returning to Cair with Chec and a few other masters to discuss the treaty with the Table of the Lion."

"Are you on the Table?"

"Yes. I am an advisor of the king."

I sat back again, my eyes slipping shut. "Do you have to use words like 'thee', 'thou', and 'thy'?"

He scowled heavily, his mouth working into a frown. "Unfortunately."

"Do you take classes there?"

"Yes. History, literature, mathematics, language, etiquette, archery, armory…" He listed them off on his fingers, his frown deepening with every word.

"You're very fortunate, you know." I suddenly mumbled. "To be able to have that kind of education."

"I suppose."

"Really, you are. I wish I knew how toread."

"Well, when you're freed, I will teach you myself." He smiled, his eyes turning to mine again. "I have talked all this time, answered all your questions, yet I know nothing about you."

"We'll get to me later. Your stories are far too fascinating." I cocked my head to the side, crossing my ankles. "Battles. Have you been to any battles?"

He laughed shortly, his smile lighting the room. "I have fought hundreds of battles, my dear friend."

"Well, um, which was the most difficult?"

"Definitely the battle against the Giants."

"What happened?"

"Well, it's a rather long story."

"I have time." I smirked, holding my hands up. "Remember, I'm excused as long as I'm with you."

"Well…it was two years ago, sixteenth night after my birthday, when we heard of the Giants invasion on our borders. King Edmund was troubled by this, afraid that they would cause damage and wreckage to our villages, so he saw to it that it was dealt with immediately. An army was needed and so I-Edmund sent a servant west to gather an army. When the servant returned, he brought dire news. The Giants had already destroyed in an entire village on their way south, and many lives had been lost. The situation was suddenly much more urgent than any of us had come to imagine. We set out, the army and us, north, hoping to intercept the Giants. However, some Black Dwarfs had sided with the Giants and attacked us when we weren't prepared. They took out several of our knights and we were forced to flee.

"Unfortunately, we fled right into the midst of the Giants themselves. We fought valiantly, but were forced to retreat not soon after. King Edmund and I were trapped with several Giants surrounding us. I was able to get an arrow into one's heart, and as you know, Giants are not terribly intelligent, they gathered around his dead body, granting the king and I enough time to escape. We scaled the cliff side, until one got hold of my ankle and pulled me down. My head hit a rock, and I received a minor concussion, but I knew it was dying like this or die fighting. I picked the latter, and stood to my feet and grabbed my sword. I took down three, before I blacked out from blood loss. I had broken eighteen bones, strained thirteen muscles, and lost a good amount of blood, but I made it out alive.

"Moral of the story, don't fight Giants." He finished, his breath calm.

I sat in shock for a minute, my jaw slack. He smiled at me, and I just opened and closed my mouth for several seconds. When I finally regained my breath, I breathed the word, "Impossible.".

He smirked, "One would think."

A moment of silence passed, before he spoke again.

"Anything else?"

"The king." I tore my eyes away from him. "What is the story behind his treason? You mentioned he was a traitor."

"Ah yes." He looked saddened for a minute. "He served the White Witch, that's it."

"But why? Isn't she evil?"

"He didn't know at the time, but he probably still would have done it, knowing him."

I frowned. "So he betrayed Narnia?"

He opened his mouth to reply, before shutting it quickly as Lucy jogged into the room. "Peter!"

She clumsily handed James a jug of water, her face glowing radiantly as she threw her arms around me. "The king has granted us three meals a day! And even more, he told us we should be freed within a week!"

James choked on his water, coughing as he sat forward. His voice was hoarse when he spoke, "A week!?"

"That's what the king announced." Her smile turned into a frown. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Lucy." He gritted his teeth. "Our king is a fool."

"James, you must not say such a thing about our king!" She scolded him and my lip twitched into a smirk.

"She's right, James." A young boy's voice called. "There is no use in insulting Aslan's rulers."

We turned to see the King of Narnia and his guards standing in the doorway.

"There is no use making promises you can't keep." James hissed.

Edmund frowned, moving past me to stand by James' bed. James struggled to his feet, wincing in pain, before stretching to his full height. He towered over the king by at least four or five inches. He smirked as the king cowered away.

I swallowed thickly, unsure of what was going on. James suddenly grit his teeth, bending down to whisper in the king's ear. I didn't hear or understand what he said, but the king look frightened.

James pulled away, calling for me and I clumsily followed him, Lucy behind me. We were still unsure of what we had just witnessed when we stumbled into the stables.

My sister stood stock still, he mouth open as he saddled his horse. He turned to smirk at her. "Have you ever been to the village, Lucy?"'

"No. No, I haven't." She stammered.

"What do you think about visiting it?" He smiled as both of us froze in place. "You can ride with Peter. Peter, you can take Philip again."

My face split into a smile and I tugged Lucy's hand towards the stall door. She immediately threw her arms around the chestnut's neck and Philip chuckled.

"Oh Peter, he reminds me of Joshua!" She turned to look at me and smiled. "Joshua had a lighter coat though, it was almost gold!"

I smirked, until I saw James' face, he had gone chalk-white in the face and his eyes distant.

"James?"

He shook his head, smiling at me. He helped Lucy saddle Philip, before holding the horse still as I swung up onto his back. He lifted Lucy up behind me, her arms winding around my waist.

James walked back to his black stallion, swinging up onto the fiery dumb animal. He gently kicked the horse, sending it into a canter.

"He's quite handsome." Lucy whispered as he rode out the door.

"Lu, you're too young to be thinking of him like that." I scolded, kicking our own horse into a canter.

"I know, I know, but it makes me wonder," She glanced up to where he rode ahead of us, "if he has anyone..."

I smirked, my own curiosity setting in. I couldn't help but notice the slaves' tired expressions as they looked up at Lucy and me. I had been one of them two days ago, hopeless, depressed, and tired. I suddenly felt unworthy, pulling my horse to a trot then a walk. Slave masters glared at me, their eyes clouding over in rage. James slowed his horse, turning to look at me over his shoulder.

"Peter, what's the matter?" Lucy whispered from behind me.

I felt my throat constrict. Here I was, happy, hopeful, and rested. They were suffering. I was supposed to be suffering with them. Several of the slaves just turned their dead eyes back to the field, and suddenly I couldn't breathe.

"Peter, please." Lucy whimpered. "I want to go to the village. Just once!"

I nodded, sending one more sympathy look to the slaves before signaling the horse forward. I came up to ride alongside James, ignoring his concerned eyes. He cantered ahead of us, his dark hair blowing in the wind.

The trees started to lessen and soon the dirt trail turned to dust, and spread out into an open area. Voices and bounced through the area. The market was teeming with happiness, carefree attitudes, and life.

"Hello! Hello! You want necklaces! I sell for very little!" A dryad called towards a young faun, gesturing widely with her hands.

"Bread! Freshly baked bread! Very good, very cheap!" A dwarf cried.

Lucy smiled, waving to people as we passed them.

"Oi! King Edmund!" An owl fluttered down to where James rode ahead of us. "Oi! Gather everyone, it's King Edmund himself! Come from Cair Paravel, he has! Gather around! Gather around!"

"No, no." James laughed. "I am not your king, I am his bodyguard. I'm sorry for the confusion."

"No, no. Some joker you are, King Edmund!" A squirrel cried, his tiny fist pumping into the air. "Joy, joy! The king brings laughter to us!"

"No, my name is James." He scowled. "There are no similarities between him and I."

"King's servant?" A small faun in the corner spoke.

"Yes."

"Hurray! The king's servant is here!" A gruff man mumbled. "We should bow down to him, yes?"

"No bowing is necessary, my dear friend. I come as a commoner."

"A king's servant is no commoner."

"I am." He swung down from his horse, leading him over to me before taking the lead of Philip.

I swung down, helping Lucy from the saddle. She immediately tugged my hand towards a stand. Everyone chuckled, returning to their stands and laughing as my sister touched everything there was to touch. Her joy spread throughout the market, and I couldn't help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

"Enjoying yourself, Peter?"

I turned to look at James, my mouth twitching into a smile. "Thank you for bringing us here, James."

"Yes, yes. Have you taken the time to look over the swords?" He gestured to a stand behind me. "They are of high quality. Fine blacksmith..."

I turned to look at the row of swords, hanging from an iron holder, running my hand over each of the handles. "They are quite lovely."

One caught my attention and I pulled it off the rack, twisting it in my hand. It was of heavy metal, requiring a good amount of arm strength to hold it, and its handle was woven of gold and silver. Aslan's name was engraved into the side of it. My eyes scanned it again and I smiled. "This sword is lovely."

"Bastard sword from Archenland." The seller leaned forward, elbows resting on the table he had set up. "I'll lower the price, seeing as how you are the servant's friend."

"I can't…I'm sorry." I very carefully set it back in its place.

"How much?" I heard James ask.

I whirled around on him, my hand going to grip his arm. "James…I can't have a sword…I don't even know how to use one."

"I'll teach you." He mumbled, his hand going to the inside of his tunic.

"Three forty, no lower." The seller pulled the sword down from where I had hung it.

"Three ten, no higher." James pulled out a few coins. "Peter, pick a scabbard."

"You're joking." I mumbled. "James, you are not buying me a sword."

"I believe I am, pick a scabbard."

"No."

"Pick a scabbard or I kill myself."

"You wouldn't do that."

"I would."

"Prove it."

"Pick the scabbard and I'll kill myself with your new sword."

"Kill yourself with your own sword."

"No."

"Why not?"

"I like my swords. Now, pick one."

I frowned, my arm going to point at a leather scabbard with gold lining. "That one."

James nodded, purchasing the scabbard and sword. The sword was handed over in its sheath and I stared at it awkwardly in James' hands. He handed it to me, watching as I awkwardly hung it around my waist. The weight felt foreign against my hip, and the sword's scabbard banged against my left leg. I toyed with it while we walked over to Lucy, still feeling strange with it.

"You'll get use to it." James smirked, watching as I messed with it.

I looked up to the twin swords hanging at his hip, and I frowned. "I don't think so. I can't use this anywhere, nor can I carry it around."

After another hour or so of just looking around, James bought a small wooden charm necklace for Lucy. On the charm was an engraved picture of Aslan's face, jaw open in an eternal roar. I felt the weight in the fold of my trousers, the weight of the medallion James had given me. The weight against my hip was still foreign, but I chose to ignore it for the meantime.

"Thank you so much, James!" Her small arms wrapped around his figure, clutching his waist happily.

"You're quite welcome, my dear friend." James whispered happily, his own arms winding around her.

"The sun is setting." I observed, turning my blue eyes back to James. "We should be getting back or we'll miss the meal."

"Good idea."

We mounted our horses again, turning and riding back towards our personal hell. I felt the happiness once again leave me and I slumped slightly.

"Peter…something's wrong." Lucy whispered. "The air is…frightening."

"What are you talking of, Lucy?"

My question was in no need of being answered though, for the second I stepped back into the slave camp, all my questions were answered. Women sobbed brokenly, hugging their loved ones. Children were trembling with fear and slave masters themselves look frightened. I dismounted in a hurry, leaving Lucy to the horse as I jogged to a trembling child. I heard James behind me, his breath quickening.

"What's wrong? What has happened?" I asked, pulling the child's head into my neck.

The young girl sobbed, her shaky hands clutching my sides. "They're making us fight!"

"Fight in what?"

"Dear child, please explain." James knelt down next to us, his eyes flashing concern.

"The king…Chec…they have declared war against each other. All slaves are required to fight."

The air around me froze and I turned to look at James, trembling in fear of what I would find. He stared, open-mouthed, at the child. His eyes turned to look at me and they clouded over instantly.

"I can't…I won't…I can't…fight you." He stammered, standing to his feet. "The fool!"

"Excuse me." I gently patted the child on the back, before standing to my feet. "We won't fight each other, will we? The king…he…he won't make us do that."

James didn't reply, but turned briskly on his heel and stormed towards one of the cabins. I looked back at Lucy and saw the soft tears that poured down her cheeks. "Oh, Lu."

She dropped the lead of Philip and James' horse, stumbling over to me and wrapping her arms around my waist. "Why? Why would the king do such a horrible thing?"

I didn't answer. I didn't know how. I couldn't fight James. Not after all he had done for me. I couldn't do it. I wasn't…I couldn't…I wasn't able to.

"You fool! Aliken, you dumb animal!" Edmund screamed, his hand curling into a fist at his side.

Aliken jumped, turning around and holding his hands up. "Your Majesty, Chec decl-"

"I don't care what that scum said or did! You were supposed to stand up against him! Our country cannot afford a war, especially against our own people! I will not fight the people I am freeing! You are a fool!"

"Your Majesty, Al-" Rackel tried, his hand raising up in peace.

"Silence! I will not fight these people! You were supposed to consult things with me before deciding! How could you be so stupid, Aliken!?" He sat down on the bed, digging his fingers into his temples. "You dumb, dumb, dumb fool."

"King Edmund, I'm sorry. I can't undo it!" The decoy fell upon his knees, hands above him in a silent request for grace and mercy. "Please forgive me!"

"I can't…I won't fight Peter!" He hissed, his mouth snapping shut when he realized what he had said.

"Peter, sir?" Rackel raised an eyebrow, his eyes still cast on the decoy at the king's feet.

"A friend…" He mumbled, before looking at his feet. "Rise, Aliken. Send word back to Queen Susan about the war. Have her gather the army and set out west four days from now. Aliken, you will stay here and try to convince Chec otherwise, we take our leave in two days time. Do you understand?"

"Yes, your Majesty."

"Aslan, help me." He whispered. "I am at a loss at what to do. Please, help me."

A/N: Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And remember message me if you know any good AUs! And also some people have had some confusion on each chapter, so at the end of each chapter is a summery. Read it if you don't understand something:

Summery:

Previously injured James (Edmund) tells stories to Peter of his times in Narnia. Notices he alters each story to fit his alter ego, James. The 'king' (Aliken) announces (while Peter is w/ Edmund) that all the slaves will be freed within a week. Enraged, James (Edmund) whispers something inaudible into Aliken's ear. (Edmund is upset becaue a week is not enough time to free hundreds of slaves and so he is angry at Aliken for giving the slaves false hope). To clear his mind, Edmund takes Peter and Lucy to the village market, where he purchases a sword for Peter and a necklace (similar to his medallion) for Lucy. The sun starts to set and Peter is worried they will miss dinner (the one meal they are served) so they set back to the camp. Upon arriving, they find everyone struck with fear at fighting in the war. Peter and Edmund realize that this means they must fight, possibly kill, one another. Filled with blind fury, Edmund hurries to see his decoy, screaming at him in anger for making such a move without consulting him. After yelling at him, Edmund angrily declares "I will not fight Peter!". At this point, Edmund (as well as the audience) starts to see just how much he cares for Peter. He finally comes to accept what has happened and takes action.

At the end he prays to Aslan because he is torn. War is the only answer, yet it means killing those he is trying to free and possibly his future lover.