Sorry that Chapter 3 was so short! I didn't realize actually how short it was until I submitted it and then previewed it..sorry...but chapter 4 will be much longer! Just a heads up: I am a college student on winter break...i go back to school on tuesday. This story will NOT be abandoned, because I love it so much, but updates will be slower. Until I leave I'm trying to submit as much as I can. Anyways...

Chapter 4

LUCY'S POV

Lucy awoke in a dark cellar that smelled positively awful and had rats scowering the ground for any spare food crumbs. She didn't know how she had gotten there, the last thing that she remembered was crying out for Edmund as he was taken somewhere, even though the men said it was only for a moment. She knew they were going to hurt him. She sat up quickly, and instantly regretted it. Her hand automatically went to her head as sharp pain invaded her skull, daring her to scream. Her breath caught up in her chest. Her hand had touched something wet. After bringing it down for examination, her fears were confirmed. Those men must've done something to her, for her head was covered in blood. Tears came to her eyes as she remembered Caspian being sold away to an old looking man. Although the man looked to old to personally do him harm, she could never be quite sure. She had certainly not expected to be captured and sold today. She remembered the way those men had been looking at her, the disgusting comments and peverted eyes. She shook in fear. She did not remember what they did to her. She only hoped it wasn't the worst. Lucy stood to look around, and groaned as dizziness and nasuea overtook her, forcing her to slump against the wet, stone wall.

"Lucy?" A scared whispered voice came from the shadows, causing her to jump. She continued to cry as she saw her brother, battered and beaten, sitting up against the wall opposite her. Edmund's head was also covered in blood, and he had several more random patches of blood on his body, soaking his clothes. His clothes were torn from a struggle, and dirt clotted in the wound on his head, as if he had been thrown to the ground quite a few times. A heavy sob escaped Lucy's throat as she dashed over to her brother, and threw her arms around him. She didn't want to think about what they did to him, her, or Caspian. Her heart ached at the thought of her sold best friend. The hope remained in her heart that Caspian would find a way to her, rescue her. She prayed that it would not be long before she was once again swept into his strong arms, leaving her feeling breathless and utterly safe. Edmund rested his hands gently but firmly upon her shoulders, and drew her away so that he could look her over. The hands holding her began to shake as he took in the blood that was starting to dry on her head, and the tear on her shirt that she hadn't noticed. She winced as one of his hands moved down slightly, and put pressure on a bruise she had not discovered.

"What did they do to you?" He spoke the words in a pained voice. As if part of him didn't even want to know. She shook her head, a single tear rolled down her cheek. More fell as her brother hurriedly swept it away and kissed her forehead.

"I-I don't know." She found that she could hardly speak. Her throat burned, screaming for water. Her stomach growled, they had not yet eaten today. They had been waiting until food was found in Felimath. Edmund took her by the shoulders once again.

"Lucy. You have to be honest with me. I know it's hard to talk about but if they...you know. I need you to tell me." She shook her head once more.

"I speak the truth Edmund. I honestly don't know. I don't remember anything after they dragged you away. They must have hit me in the head and I passed out. But I really don't know what happened after." Edmund's face looked contorted with anger and pain. This answer was not good enough for him. He stood, lifting her easily with him. He looked over his shoulder.

"Do you feel...sore?" She shook her head. Her cheeks turned rosy with her blush. She knew what he was asking.

"Not in the way you're asking." Edmund sighed and nodded.

"Okay well. That bruise on your arm. You didn't know it was there. Check and see if there are others on your legs or anywhere they shouldn't have touched." She hated these questions. They were awkward. But she did want to know. So she had Edmund turn around as she inspected herself thoroughly. Other than bruises on her arms and the blow to her head, Lucy was relieved to find that there was no indication that anything else had happened. She tapped Edmund's shoulder telling him to turn around.

"They didn't touch me. I'm almost positive." Edmund let out a sigh of relief and pulled her into a hug. Lucy felt a sense of saftey and calm at being with her brother at a time like this. But she still feared for Caspian. He had already been sold off. What if his buyer was a cruel owner? What if he beat him? Edmund seemed to sense her worry.

"Caspian is strong. He will be alright. I know he'll do whatever it takes to find his way back to you," His words soothed her, but didn't entirely suffice her worry. In an attempt to strip the thoughts from her mind, Lucy pulled out of Edmund's embrace and observed the cellar they were being held in. It was hopelessly dark and dirty. The only light emerged from a foot wide window too high and small to be an escape route. She was about to attempt to climb up and see where they were when she heard a key turn in the lock to the cellar door. She jumped with a gasp and Edmund grabbed her and pulled her behind him. The man called Pug emerged. Lucy had to use all her strength to stop Edmund from attacking the slave trader.

"If you ever as much as lay a finger on my sister again-" Pug held up a hand to silence him. He laughed maliciously at Edmund, regarding him as a mere child, and walked forward so that he was within inches of his face.

"Time to go to the market."

I really tire of being dragged around like a knapsack, Lucy thought as she was pulled up onto a small stage held above a group of twenty or so men holding small purses of coins. She looked upon other captives in pity who wore "sold" signs around their necks, and were being held by their new owners. She looked all around, but there was no sign of Caspian or the man who had bought him. Her heart sunk even lower. She saw several of the buyers nudging eachother and pointing to her, nodding their heads in approval. She heard several wolf whistles shot in her direction, and felt Edmund struggle next to her. Lucy just stared at her feet, praying to Aslan to let this nightmare end. Pug grabbed her arm.

"Alright settle down, settle down. Here we have a little maiden, I'd say around thirteen."

"Fifteen." Lucy corrected through her teeth.

"Fifteen. Fifteen and already looking capable to please any man. Who will start the bidding?" As Lucy heard cries of offers, she saw two men draped in cloaks walk up behind the crowd, and start to make their way closer to the stage. At first she thought her eyes deceived her, for she was going on no food or water. But she would recognize those warm eyes anywhere. A small smile graced her lips. She knew he would come. She looked over towards Edmund, whose eyes also rested on Caspian, looking hopeful.

"One hundred and fifty crescents for the little lady! Can anyone top it?" Pug cried. No one answered. The man who gave the bid smiled in anticipation, his eyes lying sickeningly on Lucy. A "sold" sign was placed around her neck, and Lucy gasped as she was shoved forward into the arms of the man who had bought her. The man leaned down and spoke in her ear.

"I cannot wait to take you home. Make proper use of you." Lucy gasped in anger, she could no longer take this kind of treatment. She spit in his face, making the man cry in disgust and anger. Before she could react the man smacked her across the face. Her eyes darted to Caspian, who had the darkest look in his eyes that she had ever seen. Lucy gasped as the man unexpectedly grabbed her head and attacked her lips with his, and shoved his tongue into her mouth. She felt as if she would get sick, the taste was awful and he smelled as if he had been bathing with pigs for months. She pulled away and slapped him across the face. His face returned to anger as he lifted his arm again as if to hit her once more, before a flash of silver made him cry out and turn away. Lucy sighed in relief. Caspian had swung his sword at the man, slicing his arm. He reached forward and pulled Lucy away from her owner forcefully, and threw a sword to Edmund, who began his attack on Pug. More members of the crew appeared out of cloaks that Lucy had not even noticed, and Caspian handed her her sword as well. She moved towards her buyer, but halted when Caspian grabbed her shoulder. He wanted to take him on. She nodded before moving away and fighting others. It wasn't a long fight, for many of the slave buyers had no weapons with them, and surrendured instantly. Edmund got Pug to surreneder after causing serious damage to his stomach. The lead slave trader lie on the stage, holding his gut and moaning while the other hostages to be sold stepped over his body and ran away. After everyone else's surrender, Caspian was still attacking the man who had bought Lucy. Lucy tried to intervene but Edmund held her back, telling her to let Caspian handle it.

"You filthy man! Touching a young girl in that manner! And against her will. I have a right mind to end your life right here!" Caspian spoke in between blade strokes. He looked the least bit tired and the dark look in his eyes from before remained. He focused on nothing but making the man pay for touching Lucy. The man looked absolutely terrified, fighting back only to protect himself.

"I surrender! I surrender!" He kept shouting in a high pitched voice. Even with this, Caspian still attacked the man. Lucy was sure he was going to kill the man.

"Caspian!"

"Caspian, STOP!"

Members of the crew shouted to him to halt his attack. But he would not. He shook his head at them as if saying "no" and continued. Lucy had never seen him act this way. She took her sword firmly in hand and jumped in between the two men, fending of the blades that came at her. She pushed Caspian away and held her own against the disgusting man.

"You surrender?" She asked the man, wanting to confirm it. He shook his head yes. His eyes darted back to Caspian every few seconds, fearing he would attack again. Lucy nodded, lowering her sword. The man turned and ran away. Letting it go, Lucy turned back to Caspian.

"He surrendered. Why didn't you-" She was cut off as he scooped her up into his arms. His entire body was shaking violently. He kissed the top of her head before burying his face in her hair.

"Oh Lucy, I'm sorry it took me so long to get to you." His arms tightened, if that was even possible. Lucy sighed, she felt safe once more. This was not one of the embraces she was used to receiving from Caspian. This one was much more frantic, more protective, as if he was afraid to let her go. She buried her face in his chest, tears fell from her eyes. Being back with him made her heart ache even more than when she was away. She felt this way everytime Caspian was near, everytime he would pull her close.

"I'm alright. I'm fine." She tried to assure him. He placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her back just as Edmund had done before, looking her over. He immediatly noticed the gash on her head, and stroked his fingers over it gently before bending slightly to place a kiss to the wound. His eyes traveled down, hoping not to find anything else. To his relief he didn't. I'll have to hide the bruises on my arms... His eyes darted back to hers.

"They didn't...?" Lucy shook her head no. With this, Caspian once again pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

"I'm so sorry Lucy-love. I failed to protect you." She shook her head in disagreement.

"This is not your fault. It's no ones fault. Those men are filthy swine," She turned her head and made a disgusted face as she regarded the slave traders staring back at her, most still looking fearful for there were swords still pointing at them in case they decided to attack. Caspian chuckled at her comment. He reached forward and tenderly stroked her brown hair from her face.

"Thats my Lucy." She felt her cheeks turn pink as he kissed her forehead once more. After this moment of bliss, Lucy was snapped back into reality.

"Wait, that man didn't hurt you did he?" Caspian chuckled once more, pulling her close and staring into her face.

"No, Lucy-love. Upon leaving with my buyer he told me I had no reason to fear him, and that he had bought me for my face. Upon my questioning he specified to tell me that he bought me because he looked like an old friend of his, my father." Lucy's eyes snapped up to his.

"So he's...?"

"Yes. He is one of the Lords. Lord Bern. When I told him who I was, he apologized with great sorrow, and vowed to help me rescue you. He released me and allowed me to gather the crew so that we could plan an attack. He told me of a green mist, a sort of sacrifice. Said that those who were not deemed worthy of being sold were put on a boat and fed to it, no one knows where it takes them. He also gave me this," Caspian held up a rusted sword, it shone no more, but looked as if with a great deal of care it could be magnificent once more. "He said it was a gift from Aslan, and that each of the Lord's were given one." Lucy processed the information while Drinian drew closer to speak to Caspian.

"Did he say where the other Lord's may be, sire?"

"Yes, he did. He said the other Lord's intended to continue sailing, in hopes of finding the mist and stopping it. He said their next intended stop would have been Ramandu's Island. North of here." Drinian turned to the rest of the crew.

"It looks like we have a heading. Get back and help the rest of the crew load the boats with the food found on the other island. Go on now!" Drinian ushered the rest of his crew away, including Edmund, who left Lucy after a squeeze on her shoulder. Drinian turned back to where Caspian was still holding Lucy close. His eyes rested on the Young Queen.

"Today, your majesty, I can truly say that I underestimated you. You were very strong. Nice arm," He winked at her before bowing to the both of them, and following the rest of the crew back to the boats. Lucy laughed and turned to Caspian.

"I believe that was actually sincere," She joked, Caspian let out a laugh and shrugged. Lucy stared into his eyes for a moment, the dark, cold look was gone from them, and he was now staring at her with warmth and something else she did not quite recognize. She sighed softly, she had missed him. The warmth of his eyes, the security of his embrace, and the gentle calm she received when he would absentmindedly stroke his fingers softly over her back as he held her, like he was now. He stirred unknown emotions in her that made her nervous and shy, but also made her feel as if she could accomplish anything, try anything, and not be fearful because he would always be taking care of her. He ripped her from her thoughts as his hand came up to rest on her cheek delicately.

"You're sure that you're alright, Lucy-love?" She felt her heart flutter and the tips of her mouth pull into a smile. The nickname never made her happier than it did now.

"Yes, I'm alright." Caspian nodded, and released her from his arms but grasped her small hand in his larger one swiftly. He led her back to the others in silence.

CASPIAN'S POV

Caspian sat behind his desk in the study, discussing with Drinian and Edmund their next venture. Drinian landed his hand on the map, indicating their location.

"We are here," he pointed just past the Lone Islands, "and Ramandu's Island is here." He pointed to a place on the map labeled accordingly. "Two more islands lie in the path from the Lone Islands to Ramandu's. Even if it was the intention of the Lord's to ultimately end in Ramandu's shores, it is likely they stopped at these two islands in search of food. I recommend we dock at both of them before looking to the island of the Lord's intention, sire." Edmund kept speaking with Drinian about the plan, but Caspian merely nodded his agreement. His eyes were directed elsewhere. Lucy had entered the room in her white nightgown (his shirt), looking hopeful as if she had not interrupted. Caspian smiled warmly at her, and ushered her inside. She looked nervous, she was biting her lip shyly in a ridiculously adorable manner. Her reddish brown locks had been washed and was now dry, hanging in its usual gorgeous waves and curls cascading down her back and over her chest, reaching her waist. Drinian gave her a short bow.

"I am sorry, your majesty, but I must be off." Lucy nodded her head to him, smiling gently. The two seemed to be getting along better since his comment to her on Doorn. After his exit, Lucy turned to her brother and friend.

"You two going to bed?" Edmund looked at her confused at this random question.

"I'm not Lucy, I slept when we got back on the boats because I'm keeping watch in the nest tonight," Edmund said wearily. He didn't seem thrilled about this. Lucy looked disappointed.

"Oh, alright." Edmund stared at her for a few more seconds, still confused. Eventually he stood, and walked over and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Speaking of which, I must go to my post now. Goodnight you two." Caspian and Lucy said a final goodnight to Edmund before he left the room, closing the door behind him. Caspian's eyes traveled back to Lucy, the golden lighting in the room illuminating her face delicately and making her look of an angel. He brought his thoughts back into check, I shouldn't be thinking of her this way. She's far too young. Even though he knew it wasn't true. Many husbands in Narnia were as much as ten years older than their wives. He would only be five. Wait, husband? Where did that come from? He questioned his thoughts as Lucy took a few steps forward. His heart softened. She looked troubled, even scared. He stood, making his way around the desk to stand closer to her, longing for a reason to pull her into his arms.

"What troubles you, Lucy?" She opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated, shutting it again. Caspian saw this, and took her hand in his, trying to relax her. It worked.

"I just-I went to sleep. And woke from the most horrible nightmares. I was back on the island, and you hadn't come for me. That man took me back to his home. And he..." She couldn't finish, a single tear trailed down her cheek. Caspian quickly whiped it away. He took her face in his hands.

"But I did come, Lucy. Nothing could have stopped me from coming for you. Nothing like that will ever happen to you. I promise." His heart felt heavy as he thought about her, waking up in a cellar, finding that she was hurt. Wondering where he was. He didn't want to think about what happend on Doorn when she was out of his reach. Lucy looked up at him, and gave him a watery half hearted smile.

"I know. I knew you would come for me. I'm just being silly." Caspian shook his head with disagreement, pulling her close, kissing the side of her head. He leaned closer, and whispered into her ear. "You're not silly. Perhaps a tad hyper at times. And short enough to be a classified dwarf, but never silly." He pulled back and laughed, guarding his face as she smacked his arm. He felt warmth in his chest as her melodic laugh rang in his ears. He felt triumphant. He had wanted to make her laugh, and it worked.

"Jerk." She scoffed, keeping a mad look on her face. But after his intensive goofy stare she broke into a smile after a few moments. "Thank you Caspian. I think I'll sleep better now." Lucy stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him. He sighed, wrapping his arms around her in return, letting one hand stroke through her soft locks.

"Sleep well, Lucy-love. If you have another nightmare, just come to the room Edmund and I share, don't hesitate to wake me." She felt heat come to her cheeks before she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you Caspian. Goodnight."