Disclaimer: I don't own The Chronicles of Narnia.

Hello again! I hope you all are enjoying this story so far! There will be humor and action in this chapter, so I hope you all like it as much as I do! :) I would like to say thank you to ilovetoread38 for reviewing; I like hearing what you have to say! All right, well here is chapter 3!

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Chapter 3: Two Kinds of Surprises

"Well, shouldn't you rest for a bit?" Susan questioned.

"I'll be okay," I assured.

"But how are we to get him up the hill?" Lucy wondered. Hill… what? There was a hill? I looked at my surroundings for the first time. Sure enough, there was about a fifteen to twenty foot slope. Setting sunlight glinted off the tall trees around us, a light breeze making their leaves bounce. A thought suddenly hit me.

"How are the… horses?" I asked.

"They're fine; Lucy used the cordial on Bill," Edmund explained. Good, my trusted steed was all right. I had another question.

"Did I fall down that slope?" I inquired, my voice getting stronger. My siblings exchanged worried glances.

"You don't remember?" Susan wondered.

"I remember rolling; I just didn't know it was down a hill. Everything happened so quickly," I answered.

"Yes, it was down that hill. After you got shot again so did Bill; he fell first. Then you fell off of him and down to here. As soon as Edmund and Susan fought off our 'visitors,' I rushed down after helping Bill. We were all so scared you were seriously injured," Lucy explained. Now I really felt bad. I hated seeing Lucy so worried. But at least now I knew why I couldn't stop rolling earlier.

"Well, I can walk up the hill with your help," I said, returning to the original subject. Susan gave a light chuckle.

"We'll have to see if you can stand up first, Peter," she pointed out. I guess that could be an obstacle, I thought to myself. Leave it to Su to be practical.

"Come help me," I said. I began to push myself up into a sitting position, which wasn't the smartest thing to do. My ribs harshly opposed my movement. I clutched my side, bending forward, shooting more pain up my injury. Edmund rushed to my aid, as did Susan and Lucy. He pulled my free arm over his shoulder, keeping me upright. I leaned into him, taking a moment to breathe.

"Sorry about that," I apologized, once the pain subsided enough.

"Don't apologize. Just be careful, Peter. Don't overwork yourself," Susan put in. I nodded. She pulled my other arm over her shoulder.

"Are you ready to stand?" Edmund questioned.

"Yes," I replied. So they gradually pulled me up. My ribs burned with renewed pain. I bit my tongue, trying not to scream. Lucy must have seen my discomfort.

"Peter, it's okay. You can yell. We won't think anything less of you for it," she stated. I still kept my mouth shut; they didn't need to think I was any weaker than I already was. I had reached my full height, regretting that I didn't rest for a few minutes. This was absolutely horrible. Stabbing pain took over my whole torso, making it much more difficult to breathe. I felt myself begin to sway, my knees buckling beneath me as I didn't receive enough air. The only thing keeping me from falling completely to the ground was Susan and Edmund.

"Relax, Peter. Breathe!" Edmund exclaimed. I took in a sharp breath, killing my already hurting ribs. It was nearly impossible to get enough air to satisfy my lungs when my injury was scorching like this. Though it was very hard to accomplish, after a short episode of struggles I allowed myself to relax. I gripped Ed's arm for support.

"Are you all right?" Lucy asked. Lucy. Oh Lucy, I wish she wouldn't have seen that. I gave her a weary smile.

"Yes, I'm okay," I assured. Whether I was telling her or myself more, though, I wasn't quite sure. I reached my full height once more, this time expecting the pain waiting for me. It didn't seem to hurt as much now; I stayed fully upright.

"Do you think you'll be able to walk?" Edmund questioned.

"Yes, I can try," I answered.

"Okay, Ed and I will move first, then you follow," Susan said. I nodded in agreement. So my two siblings took a step forward, perfectly in sync. I matched their movement, pain piercing my ribs. I hissed, but then gained my composure.

"You okay?" Lucy wondered.

"Yes, I'm fine," I replied. Edmund and Susan took another step, me following. I showed no sign of discomfort, holding it all in. We continued this process for a few minutes, the pain then catching up with me. I hesitated for a moment before taking another step, trying to replenish my breath.

"Peter, we're not even a third of a way up this hill and it's already been a good five minutes. I don't think you can make it the whole way up. We don't want you straining yourself either, or wasting your energy just on walking," Susan pointed out. I took her words into consideration. Not only was I wasting my energy, but I was wasting their time as well.

"Sorry, Su, but how else am I supposed to get up here?" I questioned. Edmund cut in.

"We'll carry you," he offered. I was caught off guard, most definitely surprised. What? No way was I going to let them carry me. They had already seen me unconscious; I wasn't going to be mortified any more.

"No thanks, Edmund. I'll manage," I said, brushing off the ridiculous thought.

"Peter, as the other king of Narnia and as your brother, I will not allow you to experience more pain. Susan and I will have no problem getting you up this hill," Edmund put in, the look in his eyes convincing. Goodness, why did he have to be so stubborn?

"Ed, I'd really rather not have my younger siblings carry me up a hill that I am capable of getting up by walking," I added. Edmund gave me one of those 'you're-in-pain-and-you're-trying-to-hide-it-for-our-sake' looks that I seemed to get often.

"I don't think Lucy would like to see you get up this hill any more than you already have, am I right, Lucy?" he asked, raising an eyebrow mischievously. He had to bring Lucy into this, didn't he? I looked at my youngest sibling. She stared at me, genuine worry set in her eyes.

"Edmund is right, I don't like seeing you hurt," she declared. I sighed in defeat.

"Fine, you can carry me," I said, though I still very much disliked this idea. Edmund smiled, knowing that he got his way. I gave him a light smirk. He chuckled, amused.

"Now how are we to do this, Ed?" Susan questioned.

He pondered for a moment, and then said, "You take his legs, and I'll take the rest of him. Peter, lean fully into me," he instructed. I did so, feeling strange at the loss of support from Susan.

"Susan, lift up his legs. Don't worry, Pete, I won't let you fall," he assured. I felt my legs come out from under me, and then Edmund's grip on my torso grew stronger. He didn't touch my ribs, though, and for that I was grateful. They were already hurting badly enough. I felt his hand brace against my back. I sighed, knowing that this was the most embarrassing situation that I had ever been in.

"Sorry, Peter," Edmund put in, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

"Don't apologize, Ed. Just wait until something similar happens to you…" I trailed off. He just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Nope, I don't believe your brain is capable of thinking up something quite this humiliating," he responded.

I just left it at that. When I quarreled with Ed, he had always had the better of the remarks. Witty comments came natural for him. He just smiled at me, content. Susan shook her head, muttering something like "immature brothers." I gave a slight grin. Su had never really been the type to joke around with; she was more of a serious, straight-forward person.

They started walking slowly, but it was much faster than the rate we were going earlier. I only winced when the ground became uneven and I was jostled around. But for the most part, it wasn't as bad as it was annoying. Every time Ed and I made eye contact his face contorted into a sly smile, while I'm sure my expression looked irritated. All was done in good nature, though; Ed and I would never intentionally hurt each other, not after everything we had gone through together in these past few years. As we neared the top of the slope, I saw the four horses lying in the grass. My siblings took a few more steps, and then there was level ground beneath us.

"Peter, do you mind if we lie you down for a moment?" Susan wondered. I shook my head. In fact, I was grateful. I didn't want to be in their arms any longer than I had to be, for obvious reasons. So they carefully lowered me to the ground, a child-like grin taking over Edmund's facial features. I exhaled lightly, shaking my head at him. Lucy sat beside me, stroking my hair. I smiled at her and she grinned.

"Thank you, Lucy. You're the best," I declared, emphasizing on the last word, glaring up at Edmund. He just snorted and turned away. Lucy gave me a disapproving glance.

"No, Peter. You are the best. Don't tell me I'm wrong, either. You're always too modest," she put in, poking my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile at her. She was just as modest as I was.

"Thanks, Lu," I said, even though the whole occurrence was meant as a joke. Lucy was serious, though, and I really did believe she was wonderful through all of the day's previous events. I heard footsteps coming in our direction. I stared upward, seeing Susan towering over me. That would take some getting used to; I had always been taller than her.

"Well, Peter, do you think you can ride on Bill for a while? We can rest as often as you'd like," Susan inquired.

"Yes, I should be fine," I replied. Edmund kneeled down beside me and I slung my arm over his shoulders. He helped me sit, the pain suddenly rushing back. I clenched my teeth but didn't yell. Edmund gave me a worried look, back to his serious attitude. Lucy patted my arm affectionately. Susan got down to my level and I used her as support as they helped me stand. It was painful, but I couldn't say I didn't expect it. Lucy led Bill over to us and somehow they helped me onto him. It hurt, but I was rather used to that now. I patted Bill's head, letting him know I wasn't mad at him for today's earlier events. He neighed, understanding my gesture.

My three siblings mounted their own horses, Avery, Zylar, -Phillip had been feeling a bit under the weather- and Midnight. Avery and Midnight were Christmas gifts for Susan and Lucy from Calormene suitors seeking their courtship. Lucy was only eleven at the time; I couldn't get over the thought of her dating someone at that age. To my relief, though, both declined but the suitors insisted they keep their gifts. Lucy, of course, was delighted to have another horse (she was the animal lover of the family) and named it soon afterwards. Though none of the horses we were riding were of the talking sorts, they were still very useful and respected.

"Okay, Narnia is approximately a day and a half away going in the southern direction. If we take as many breaks as I'm guessing we will, I'd say we'll be to Cair Paravel in nearly forty-eight hours," Edmund explained.

"That sounds like a fair judgment to me," I put in.

"Let's do get moving, shall we? It is starting to get dark, you know," Susan pointed out. We all nodded. Edmund took the lead, leaving Lucy and I in the middle with Susan at the rear. The ride wasn't too bad, except for the fact that I was being jostled around, disrupting my ribs. I only winced every now and then; the pain was becoming more and more tolerable. Plus Lucy was beside me, and I didn't want her to worry.

We rode until the moon was high and the stars were shining brightly. I glanced at my youngest sibling, who was stifling a yawn. It was then that I realized how tired I actually was. My eyelids felt like they were being overworked as I tried to keep them open. My body was filled with exhaustion, most likely due to all the rubbish I went through today. Lucy must have noticed.

"I think we should rest for a while. We're all tired, especially Peter," she declared.

"Okay, let's rest over there in that small meadow," Edmund suggested. I could barely make out the small expansion of grass he was talking about. We reached it in a couple minutes time, they getting off their horses before I. Bill halted to a stop as I swung my legs off his side. I hopped off, my ribs feeling overly stiff. I gingerly clutched them and staggered over to Edmund.

As he helped me stay vertical he asked," You okay?"

"Fine," I muttered, feeling like an idiot for not waiting on one of them to help me. I let out a yawn, feeling the tightness in my torso. Ed lowered me down and I made myself comfortable on the ground. I heard a ruffling sound near my body.

"Here, Peter, use part of my dress as a pillow. I'm sure you don't want to rest your head on the ground," Lucy offered. She had pulled part of her dress over to the side and scrunched it up as if to make a cushion.

"You don't have to, Lucy," I replied.

"No, it's fine, honestly. It's the least I can do," she pointed out.

"Okay," I gave in. I lifted my body and she scooted the fabric underneath me. I lowered myself, and her dress felt very pleasant under my head.

"Thanks, Lu."

"No problem, Peter."

"All right, everyone. I say that Edmund and I should take shifts being on the lookout while you two sleep," Susan suggested. Lucy didn't object, but I, on the other hand, had something to say.

"You two don't have to do that. Honestly, I can stay up and keep watch as well," I put in. Susan shook her head.

"No, Peter. You, more than all of us, need to rest. You'll need energy over the next couple of days," she protested.

"Okay, okay. Just… be careful. Let me know if anything seems out of the ordinary. Just because I'm injured doesn't mean I can't be useful in a battle," I added. Edmund and Su nodded.

"Now go to sleep, Peter. Don't worry about us," Ed declared.

"Okay, good night," I said uneasily.

"Night."

"Sweet dreams, Lucy," I whispered. I could tell she was already asleep, for she didn't say anything back. I closed my eyes, waiting for the tiredness to invite me in. It did, oh so slowly it seemed…

I awoke from an unexpectedly peaceful sleep to a fast-paced pat on my shoulder. I groaned, not wanting to get up, but then I remembered that something could be wrong. I opened my eyes, seeing Edmund staring down at me.

"Peter, something's out there. I heard footsteps and the faint sound of armor clashing," he explained in a hushed tone. I looked around and saw Susan stringing an arrow onto her bow, and Lucy was holding tight to her cordial. I put my hand on the hilt of Rhindon, sitting up. I myself heard a rustling noise in the trees. Consequently an arrow sailed past Edmund and me, fortunately not hitting anyone or the horses. I quickly stood up, not caring about the pain in my side. I unsheathed Rhindon, holding my prized possession in front of me.

"Show yourselves!" I yelled into the mysterious darkness. Who were these people? Were they the same as earlier? More importantly, why were they trying to kill us? After a moments' time, I saw seven men run towards us, bows and swords at the ready. They were fully clad in armor as well. One of them shot an arrow once more. We dodged and it ricocheted off a tree in the distance. Aslan was without a doubt taking care of us. Susan shot one of her arrows, piercing one of the men. Her precision was as near to perfect as one could get. He fell, never to rise again. The men charged, six on three. It would be four, but there was no way I was letting Lucy fight.

A man struck a blow at me, but I clumsily avoided it. This was taking a serious toll on my ribs, but I would fight as long as I had to. I would protect my family, no matter how much pain I was experiencing. He swung at me again, I blocking. I swung hard at him before he had a chance to recoil from the previous, slashing him deeply across his chest. He fell in defeat. The thought of killing someone made my insides churn uneasily. I had fought in plenty of battles, but I had never gotten used to taking a life.

I glanced at Edmund. He had just taken down a man as well. Susan was holding her own, too. Then the pain caught up with me. I clutched my side, wincing and gasping. I checked my surroundings briefly while trying to catch my breath. There were only three men left alive. One Edmund was battling; another Susan was getting ready to shoot. The last one I couldn't find. I turned around.

"Lucy!" I screamed. The man strung an arrow, aiming straight at her. I heard her shriek as her gaze met the man's. I sprinted as fast as my legs could carry me to my youngest sibling. I heard a sickening twang as the arrow flew. I jumped, knocking Lucy out of the way. I felt the arrow strike my arm as I landed cruelly on my ribs, Lucy somewhere underneath me.

"Peter!" came her muffled yell. The sound faded, as did my vision.

"Lucy…" I muttered, the darkness sweeping me away.

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A/N: In case any of you were wondering, Peter's horse is named Bill because of a funny thing that happened between my friends and I in our History class involving a horse figurine that we had named Bill. Therefore, "Bill" was created. Long story. :) Okay, well, please review because I would like to know what you think of this story so far! :) Thanks!