All plans of escape had been flushed from my mind with Lucy's sibling – torture and Susan's petty words; but now they flooded back with renewed clarity and I was more determined than ever to carry them out. I strode towards my chambers with a relaxed manner disguising my turmoil of emotions, whilst I carefully planned these preparations and filed them away in my head. One thing, however, was brilliantly clear in my mind – and that was the fact that Susan had placed a house arrest on me. An informal one, but nevertheless I was sure that Susan (being the efficient and thorough person that she was) would've had the warrant for it written and formalized immediately. This meant that I had to escape as soon as possible, and be as cunning and as stealthy about it as I possibly could.

I stepped out with a new confidence – I had a cunning plan, and it would work. I was sure of that.

But first: I had some things to do. First on the list was visiting Lucy and telling her of my plan. Then I would head back to my chambers and prepare my things for departure and write a note to Susan. I would inform her of my course of action, telling her that I would be safe and well, and that I would be back soon. She would be livid when I returned from my 'adventure', but it would certainly be worth it. Anyway; I would probably obtain at least some brotherly enjoyment from her predictable rage.

Last on the list was visiting Edmund. I had to ask him whether or not he had betrayed me, involuntarily or on purpose. Curiosity burned a dark hole in my mind; whilst anger and fear simmered in my heart. I was irrationally afraid that he had betrayed me, but I knew that Ed wouldn't knowingly give me away, not after what the White Witch had tricked him into divulging. However, this knowledge was of little comfort to me, as it was a fragile detail which I wasn't entirely sure of. But instinct led me to believe that my brother would not sacrifice me again, not after the terrible consequences of his previous behaviour unfolded before him. Edmund was loyal, and true, deep to the very core, and once he realised his mistakes, he would not often commit them again.

So. Telling Lucy. Shouldn't be too hard.

Shouldn't be too hard. Hahahaha.

What an idiot. So naïve, so stupid. Why, oh why, did I think that telling my adoring, doting, loving, admiring, valiant little sister that I was going away for quite possibly a very long month or so was going to be easy?

She cried. She tried not to, the poor little girl, but she couldn't help herself. Well –I was abandoning her. No wonder she was crying. I was her big brother, the one she looked up to for guidance, and protection and that love and care that only comes of being a big brother. Now I was leaving her with an invalid brother, a suddenly very unkind sister and overwhelming masses of duties, lessons, and stressing situations to deal with alone. Susan and I were the closest thing to parents that she had, and we both had left her. Temporarily, perhaps; but it was going to be a very long time for her.

I suddenly felt so, so angry with the world. How could it be so unfair to a young, innocent girl of fifteen? How could Aslan let such a thing happen to such a sweet youthful individual? I shook my head with the unfairness of it all.

However, I forced myself to think calmly, and carried on with my metaphorical checklist.

So: first thing done. Now – preparing myself for the journey ahead and writing a note to Susan.

After consoling my favourite sister, I had returned to my rooms. Now, I gazed around the messy dressing chamber that constituted my wardrobe, and sighed. Where to start?

Well. First things first, I assume. I need a good strong satchel, but lightweight enough to carry all my travelling things easily. Then I would pack a simple change of clothes; a clean linen shirt, fresh jodhpurs and a thick jerkin for nights. A blanket, too, and a small linen bag to hold victuals and the like. I would wear my cloak, the blue one that Susan and Lucy wove as a gift for me last winter. Hopefully, it would help to disguise my appearance, which would give away my status and whereabouts. Finally, I took up Rhindon, resplendent in its red and silver scabbard, from its place of honour on the wall below a life – sized effigy of Aslan, and buckled it to my waist.

Gazing into his painted amber eyes, I kissed my fingertips, and then brought them to his glorious face. I was sure that I was doing the right thing. Aslan had told me so.

Right – now to write to Susan.

I chuckled maliciously. This should be good, I thought.

Something nice and polite to start with, and then breaking the bombshell later on, but with certain frostiness about it. That would probably irk her slightly; which would mean that the consequences would be harsher. But I didn't mind. The future seemed an incredibly long time away.

I sat down, gathered my parchment and quill together and started to write.

Dear Queen Susan,

I regret to inform you that I will be taking a short leave from both Cair Paravel and thus my duties. Therefore, I shall be delegating every last one of my kingly duties to my beloved sister, Queen Lucy the Valiant. She will have full reign over the entire country of Narnia, Ettismoor, the Lone Islands, Cair Paravel, the Seven Isles, Galma and Terebinthia. She will be in control at all times of the throne. Any usurpers of this power will be punished in due course of my return, in the traditional manner.

Queen Lucy is under solemn oath to hold herself to the chivalries, duties, oaths, every and all responsibilities of being Acting High Queen. She will rule the country until my return, upon which I shall resume my position of High King.

I hope this is in accordance with your wishes.

Peter the Magnificent, High King of Narnia, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion, and crowned by Aslan our Lord to the Clear Northern Sky. Written upon the ninth day of June, in the fifth year of Narnia's Golden Age.

That last line was pure gold, honestly it was. She would be so annoyed at that, especially when she had placed me under house arrest earlier that very day. And the titles were a nice touch too.

Leaving the note on my four – poster bed and picking up my satchel, I departed from my chambers, and moved stealthily into the corridor. No – one was about, which was odd; normally, at this time, everyone would be heading in one direction – to the Great Hall, for lunch. I suppose Susan might have held a gathering, to inform the masses of my imprisonment…But what would she say to them, that I had apparently hurt King Edmund the Just so I wasn't allowed to see him? I don't know. Susan had probably thought of something scandalous just to spite me, because for all her gentleness she could be a right dog of the female persuasion at times. And that's putting it politely.

Now. I had to see Edmund.

As I paced my way towards the infirmary (where Edmund was still being 'imprisoned') I pondered the immediate future.

What was going to happen?

Would he react violently, or would he remain composed when I told him I was leaving? I didn't know. I was panicking. What was I going to say to him? "Sorry, Ed; I need to get out for a while. Susan's bugging me, blah di blah di blah. Will you cover for me?" I could hardly do that, could I? Oh, blast it all!

I couldn't think in this state – I was too upset. Wouldn't it be easier if I could just, ooh I don't know, not tell him in person?

I stopped still I was so struck by my genius. My jaw dropped. I very nearly slapped my forehead with my hand, but I stopped myself before I succumbed to the cliqué. It was so obvious; why hadn't I seen it before? I could just write him a note, like I did for Susan. It wouldn't be as informal as Susan's note, but much friendlier. I had left my writing equipment in my study, so I turned around and jogged back to my chambers.

When I returned to my chambers, I once again gathered my parchment and quill and started to write.

Dear Edmund,

I'm going. I don't know where, and I don't know when I'll come back. I'm only really going to spite Susan; you may've heard about my house arrest that Susan's placed on me. I don't know why she's done that, but she may tell you. When I've gotten back, maybe you'll tell me?

I've left Lucy in charge. I know you'll help her rule in my place, and I know you'll understand why I didn't leave you in charge.

I hope you'll forgive me. And I love you.

Your brother, Peter.

It seemed a bit brusque, really. But I didn't think that Ed would mind, not much; he was so laid back, and understanding. He would be alright.

Now – to make my escape. I had to negotiate through a maze of guards and then make my way stealthily to the stables, where I would saddle my warhorse. Then, I would canter unseen through Cair Paravel (well, maybe seen, just to annoy Susan) and make a dramatic and thoroughly brilliant exit from the royal residence.

I beamed, just with my own brilliance.

And I realised I had been right – I was having fun. I had forgotten pretty much everything what with the whole Boy – Scouts-yness of it all. I felt giddy and overwhelmingly happy.

Without hesitation, I once again took up my satchel and sword, and left my apartments. I crept along the luckily still deserted corridors, my hand resting on my sword hilt. I would defend my freedom from anyone who threatened it; and that included any Narnians. But I would not kill them, which I was sure of.

Finally, after many minutes of endless creeping, I gave up and speedwalked.

I got to the stables quite a bit quicker, too.

Well. That was absolutely crap, wasn't it?

Honestly, I mean it. It wasn't very good, was it? But it was quite long, which kind of makes up for it.

And, by the way: WE WON SLOVENIA.

So I've just lost any Slovenian readers I may've had. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it. The chapter, I mean.

NEARLY 2,000 WORDS, PEOPLE!

Tell me what you think, whether it is to stop writing this terrible story or keep calm and carry on.

~pearlsofweird =)