A/N - Two chapters in two days! All this goes to show is that I have skived off writing my assignment while the writing bunny finally got his act together and filled in the gaps in the story!
Again, shamelessly asking for more comments, I can write better stories if you tell me what you do and don't like. Even something as small as what you think of my original characters, do they seem believable? Do they fit in? Please guys? :-(

Again, I don't own anything other then the general storyline and my original characters (Although if someone will sell me Ben Barnes then I will gladly take him off your hands! I don't care who he is at the time, i'll have him :P)

Chapter 11 – Surprise

The Kings horse trotted up beside me before slowing to a walk. "So, Ariadne Astrum, The Archer. How exactly did you get mixed up in all this? Your weapons mark you as being a warrior rather than an innocent girl caught in the fighting."

I scowled at him as he described me as a girl. "My family have always followed Aslan. All of the men in my family were killed when they were forced into service for the Usurper Miraz, but I could not sit idly as the Free Telmar Movement gained a foothold in the…" I paused, trying to find the right words, "in the weaker hearts of Telmar. I couldn't join your loyalist on account of being a woman, so I disguised myself and joined the Narnian's United in Peace movement."

"But you were captured, Harriot told me you were trying to reach me." Finished the King.

I nodded, "I was part of a group of fighters on route to meet with you. We hoped to ally ourselves with you, fighting on Aslan's behalf."

"I see. Is that still your wish?" I nodded again. "I shall see what can be done." Replied the King, pausing before he continued, "I know this may be hard for you, but did you overhear anything while you were with our enemies?"

"Nothing of use My Lord. They were careful to keep me away from any such discussions, I knew I was to be part of a trap for you, but that is all I know. I'm sorry I have lead you into danger." I hung my head

"You did no such thing." Replied the King softly, "Call it bad luck if you will but do not blame yourself. The Free Telmar Movement flout the normal rules of battle to say the least, they are persistent and heavy handed and will not listen to reason." The King sighed lightly, "Forgive me, this fighting has taken its toll on us all."

We rode together for a while longer, discussing each of the warring parties. First, The Old Narnian Company who fiercely opposed that a Telmarine held the throne, no matter who he may be or what he had done. Then, The Free Telmar Movement who believed that the Narnians were being given excessive rights considering their 'wild nature'. Before lastly, The Narnian's United in Peace group who believed that peace was possible by supporting the rightful King whom they believed to be King Caspain X.

Shouts erupted around us and horses reared at the sudden noise and movement as men burst from the undergrowth on all sides forcing me to cling to my horse, my lack of balance becoming obvious as it panicked and reared, not knowing which way to turn. With my vision still blurry I relied on my ears to tell me what was going on. I heard the King shouting commands and Harriot calling me, giving me direction.

A dark figure spooked my horse as they made a grab for the reins causing my horse to bolt into the woods, away from the fighting. Soon my horse slowed and steadying myself in the saddle I reached for my bow, pulling it and an arrow from the quiver on my back. I shot at the shapes in the woodland, hoping that I would hit my mark, the figures dropped to the floor one by one and I began to relax, pulled my horse around and made back towards the noise of the battle.

I screamed in surprise as I was pulled from my saddle, instinct sent me reaching for my dagger which I sunk deep into the man's chest. He instantly released his grip and fell to the floor, clutching his bloodied chest. Breathing deeply I hid myself against the trunk of a large tree, my horse was gone and my bow lost amongst the branches littering the ground, I clutched my dagger and waited.

XXX

The noise of the battle slowly subsided, I heard footsteps headed in my general direction and sank further into the tree. Once again I cursed my lost vision as I stole a glance around the trunk; the approaching men could be from either army, merely dark shapes on a green backdrop. The footsteps slowed, moving more cautiously, nearing my hiding spot. I leapt to my feet, raising my dagger to the level of a man's throat and attacked the nearest source of noise. Steadying myself on the man's shoulder I pressed my dagger against his neck, stopping his companions in their tracks.

The figure quickly dropped his sword and held his hands out in surrender. "Ariadne." They said carefully making me hesitate, my dagger still pressed against his neck. He stood silently for a moment as his companions began to form a circle around us before moving his left hand slowly towards my dagger, holding my wrist gently but firmly as he moved it away from his neck. "You're OK, we're not going to hurt you."

I resisted his movements before his strong grip forced me to drop my dagger. "It's alright, you're with friends now." He said soothingly, holding my wrist tightly as if to steady me. I suddenly recognised the voice of King Caspain and went to move away in shame but as I stumbled I instead found myself pulled into his comforting embrace.