Disclaimer : I've said it before, geesh give a girl a break. I do not in anyway own Narnia or any of the characters, shame really.

Replies to Reviews :

Erin MB – Thank you! Was it long enough for you? I'll try and make all my chapters from now on about that length.

Red Ranger Chick – Thanks! This to make up for the Drama you had to read through earlier, but don't think that I've gone soft you can expect some more nail biting (I hope) chapters, so please keep reviewing.

LadyLyriss – Thank you I'll work on my grammar, and thanks for making an exception with the AU thing.

Chapter Five

The courtyard was filled with the sound of horses' hooves clattering on overgrown cobbles in the misty evening light. Peter and Edmund had ridden ahead of the party, first to cross the new bridge that stood in place, linking Cair Paravel to the mainland. It had been decided that the main army would remain on the other side while the Kings, Queens, Reepicheep, Doctor Cornelius and Trumpkin would stay in the ruins.

Everyone had been told of Aslan's departure, but only Peter and Edmund knew of his warnings so everyone else wondered why they did not just attack Miraz when he was down. Though they respected and trusted the High King's decision, they were a little dubious, even Susan and Lucy. Peter was still worried that he would fail everyone, despite reassurances and threats of violence from Edmund who was beginning to tire of Peter's depression and lack of self-assurance. He was used to being able to count on his brother to be a rock of confidence and optimism but ever since the battle against Miraz Peter was suffering a lapse of these qualities and everyone had noticed.

Dusk fell quickly and everyone retired to their rooms, Peter was in what used to be his old study. The room was largely intact except for a section of the roof that had caved in, even some of the windows still held glass panes. The desk and other furniture had rotted away, including the doors, the stone work was still sound even if the ornate patterns and carvings had been eroded. Peter was on his balcony, looking out to sea like he used to, he was perched on the balustrade, one leg hanging down over the side and his eyes closed. The cold sea air blasted him and the cries of the seagulls serenaded him, it was the perfect night, almost.

Peter was still troubled by his failure against Miraz and the responsibility Aslan had given him. He dreaded that he would let everyone down and that the trust they gave him was misplaced. His ultimate fear though, was that because of him, someone like Edmund or Caspian would die. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if that happened. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if that happened and he decided to do all in his power to stop it from happening. These thoughts and fears kept him up half the night until he finally laid his head down and slept. He wasn't alone though, mere yards away another King was awake with insomnia.

Edmund was also up and he was stood at a huge window in what used to be Susan's parlor, his old room was completely uninhabitable, the roof was nonexistent as was part of the wall. He was facing the Narnian mainland, with the black woods, then the Great river, and then the mountains which led to Archenland and then onto Calormen. But Edmund wasn't interested in any of this as he stood at the window, his mind was on the imminent war and how Peter was faring, though it was mainly the latter which kept him up. He could understand what his brother must be feeling but he couldn't help him. Now he understood how Peter must've felt when Edmund always came to him for advice, reassurance and comfort, the difference being of course that Peter could give all those things, Edmund couldn't. So he was at a loss as what to do. He could ask Lucy or Susan but he didn't want them to worry anymore then they had to. He wished he could ask Aslan but he wasn't there, if only there was someone. It clicked and Edmund thought it over and over, it was perfect, well not perfect but it would have to do. Relieved and confident about his decision he left the window and went over to the cot that had been set up for him, as usual he was snoring heavily within moments.

TBC…

Authors Note : Sorry it's so short but I have the ultimate curse of writers block and then of course I have school. I don't know how long until my next update but I'll to at least have the next chapter in the next month. As always please review.