A/N - I'm rebelling... and going to rant at all my readers (feel free to stop reading this and just get on with the story), I emailed my tutor on Tuesday evening last week telling her I was planning to go into uni to see her (not exactly round the corner). Getting no reply before the weekend I assumed this was fine... No, she emails me back at 10am telling me she's doing interviews all afternoon, by email! Good thing I checked in the morning rather then just setting off after work at 1pm like I'd planned! And the most annoying thing is still to come... oh yes, I gave her 2, not 1 but 2 phone numbers to contact me on... did she try... no... no missed calls or messages on my mobile and no message coming through from the receptionists at work! ARGH!

Really wishing I could nip into Narnia now but alas, I don't own Narnia so can't just wander in as I please...
Please enjoy! And Please please reivew (Thank you 'guest' for your review(s?))

Chapter 14 - Capture

I found my way quickly to the armoury which was only lightly defended by two Free Telmar fighters who I quickly and quietly disposed of. Once inside I donned a protective leather tunic and arm greaves and stocked up on arrows and a few throwing knives, I was going to have to fight my way to Caspian so I was going to need all the help I could get and a little luck thrown in for good measure. As I made for the door I caught a glimpse of something gold, flashing across the swords and polished steel, always just out of sight. I smiled, I wasn't alone after all.

The sound of running footfall warned me only seconds before four men burst into the armoury. "Someone got here before us, those Telmars are still warm, they can't be far away." Whispered one of the men, a voice I recognised.

I stepped out from my hiding place behind a rack of armour, an arrow notched in readiness but my bow string was loose in my hand. "Harriot?"

The four men spun to face me, their makeshift weapons of wood and broken metal raised before recognition and relief flooded across their faces.

"Ariadne." Said Harriot stepping forwards and embracing me warmly, "How did you escape?" he enquired as he stepped backwards and began inspecting the nearby swords.

"I got lucky, but they have the King." I replied, "There was nothing I could do." I hung my head, feeling ashamed of myself for the first time since being attacked in the Kings bedchamber.

XXX

Parareepit jumped nimbly atop the raised roof of a sleeping Telmar residence and looked towards the castle where there was little noise but a deep sense of anger, and bloodshed. By chance he had been running an errand but there was no mistaking the smell of blood and muted cries coming from the castle. He quickly calculated the fastest route and made for the high walls surrounding what was supposed to be the Kings safe hold.

XXX

"That's the problem with civil wars." Explained one of the Loyalist men who now accompanied the infamous Archer, "You never know who is on which side."

"Ilius warned me of his suspicions but there wasn't enough time to send word." Whispered Harriot as they stalked the empty corridors of the castle. "Chances are, they've taken him to the throne room. There's a hidden door at the back behind the throne, this way."

XXX

I followed the soldiers as they made their way towards the door, as we edged down the corridor our suspicions were confirmed. Angry voices floated up to us from the chamber beyond.

"Why do you owe her such a loyalty? Why does she deserve your silence?" Hissed the harsh voice of the Lord Commander.

"Why are you so desperate to find her?" was the King's reply, the smirk in his voice obvious, "If you're not scared of her then why bother?"

"Enough!" shouted the Lord Commander. His exclamation was followed immediately by a jingling of chains, and a groan. "Gag him until he decides to say something useful."

I reached for an arrow but Harriot grabbed my arm.

"That's not going to help him. You kill the Lord Commander and they'll kill the King. We need a plan." He hissed urgently, not releasing his grip on my arm.

I looked through a small hole in the wood of the door. King Caspian lay on the floor, most of his exposed body covered by a sheen of sweat and blood, a guard had stepped forwards and was tying a length of cloth over his mouth, muffling his pathetic groans further still. 'Hang on, just hang on.' I thought to myself before looking back to Harriot and nodding.

XXX

The Lord Commander pulled Caspian onto his knees as the guard finished gagging him. "You know, I don't think you've turned out to be such a great king after all." He whispered before allowing the King to slump back to the floor.

He stalked back to the throne and seated himself as if he were already the king. King Caspian lay motionless on the floor before him, save for the laboured effort of his chest rising and falling. The Lord Commander smirked to himself, this was easy, Caspian had left too hastily in his bid to save The Archer and had left his castle wide open for infiltration. He mused on his success for a few minutes before a quiet noise from behind his broke into his thoughts.

XXX

The plan was going perfectly, if you take into account that my capture was part of the plan, Harriot and his men had hidden before I opened the door, luring the Lord Commanders men towards me. As they approached I took my chances and loosed three arrows at the approaching men, the first two hitting their targets, the third flew wildly off course as I was attacked.

"The Archer My Lord." Called one of the soldiers.

My part of the plan was done for now, it was all up to Harriot if the King and I were going to come out of this alive.