Author's Note - Thank you all SO much for all the reviews! I really appreciate it! :D

Sorry for not writing as promptly as usual. :P I had to write a paper in 4 days (including studying for it, which took 3 of the 4 days. It was about Uganda, Africa, and in case you wanted to know-I think it went well!). Then I was just being lazy. Sorry!

Chapter 4 - Desperate

We walk to the edge of the line of trees and get a plain view of the How. There are young centaurs playing on and around the stone patch in the middle of the empty valley stretching out in front of us. My heart sinks at the sight. This was supposed to be a safe place; a sanctuary from the Telmarines, hidden in the ground; but now it will serve as a barrier, trapping the innocent Narnians inside...

A hand against my cheek tugs me out of my revere. Instinctively I flinch away, and then curse my startled weakness. My dislocated shoulder screams in pain at the sudden movement, adding to the aching soreness that was already engulfing me. I turn to glare at Jadis, her arm still outstretched and mirth shining in her eyes.

"Oh, Peter." She coos, running her slender fingers through my tousled blonde hair. I stand stock still and look her straight in the eyes. "What's wrong?"

I bite back the insult I want to throw at her, knowing it will only make everything worse. I hate her. I hate her so much.

She grabs my hair in her fist and tugs me forward. My eyes start tearing up, but I don't make a sound. She can't control me, and I won't satisfy her sick hunger to see my frustration.

"I asked you a question, Peter." She hisses, tightening her grip on my hair.

"And I didn't answer." I say in a calm, cold voice.

"You'll learn soon enough." She growls, pushing me backwards. I stumble but quickly regain my footing. The werewolf grabs my bound wrists and pulls me back toward him. "Dwarf!" Jadis barks.

Nikabrik quickly comes forward and bows. "Yes, my queen?"

"Go into their shelter and have everyone come out here." My blood runs cold. It's time...It's time. Aslan, please...

"Yes, my queen." Another respectful bow and Nikabrik is running across the empty field and towards the How.

I can feel the color draining from my face and my eyes widening in terror, but I can't stop them. My heart is beating furiously and I feel light headed. Here I am, helpless, while a trap is set up for my subjects...My family...Oh, Aslan...My family...

My mind is racing as I panic. There's nothing I can do. Nothing. Here I am, tied up and at Jadis's mercy. It's sick, it's unfair. I hate it. I hate it all. I wish Caspian hadn't called us out of England and into Narnia; if he hadn't then we would be safe at home. True, I would still be miserable - but my siblings would be safe, and that's all I care about now. I was so selfish in England after we left Narnia the first time. I should have been taking better care of my family, not getting into fights.

Shame overwhelms me as I think about it. But it's true; I failed. Edmund kept on trying to get into the army - I knew it; noticed every time he would mysteriously disappear. I knew exactly what he was trying to do, and yet I turned a blind eye. What if he had gotten in somehow? What would I have done then? Just watch as my little brother went to fight in a battle that he had no business in?

I promised Father a long time ago that I would help the family - keep them safe. Now look where we are; the people I care about most, unknowingly so close to their end...

I hear distant footfalls, and know time has caught up with me. I look up and see them all coming out of the How - Caspian, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, Reepicheep - everyone. Nikabrik must have said they were to all come. I'm relieved that I can see no young subjects with them. Most of the Narnians who have been staying at the How are old enough to fight, but few have younger kin.

The large group makes it to the cement square in the center of the field, and the young centaurs that were playing stop their game and join the ranks of Narnians curiously.

"Are you ready, little king?" Jadis whispers into my ear. I hadn't even noticed her moving toward me - I was too transfixed on my thoughts and watching my friends and family.

I realize I'm shaking. I'm terrified; but not for myself. I don't care what happens to me, I just want my family to be safe.