A/N - The usual begging for forgiveness at the very slow updates. I'm down to only having revision left to go now before my final exams, then its only my practical skills log... which will be the death of me... So at least for the next few weeks the updates should be a little quicker... not that that will be particularly difficult (sorry again).

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 welcome to my new readers and thank you for the reviews I've received so far, please keep reviewing! Also there is a poll on my profile about a potential follow up story, the style will be a little different to this one with old and new characters for me to play with.

Chapter 16 – Harriots Rescue

"From what we could see there was only ten guards within the room itself, plus the Lord Commander." Explained a voice quickly.

"But what about outside, guarding the door."

"Six men, two on the door and two at either end of the corridor." Said Parareepit as he revealed himself to the group, jumping onto the foot of the bed. "The Lord Commander seems to have stretched himself a little thin, a great number of his men lay dead and only a few small groups patrol the corridors.

Harriot smiled at the mouse, "Nice of you to join us Parareepit. Now, as I was saying, we saw only ten guards but they've certainly positioned men on the door behind the throne now, so it might be that he's pulled his forces back to the throne room and surrounding corridors rather than patrolling the whole castle."

One of the men shook his head. "This is madness, we're going to be killed!"

Harriot took a step towards the man, "Your King is in that room, along with The Archer, the girl who is foretold to unite all of Narnia once more. If we die trying to rescue them then at least will die knowing we have done all we can for our King and for Narnia." The man shied away, taking a step back and looking to the ground. "Does anyone else want to leave? You're welcome to take your chances with the Lord Commanders men."

A ripple of pride spread through the men as they digested Harriot's passionate words. Each man in turn placed their hand on their chest as announced their allegiance to Harriot and the King.

"A nice sentiment but I personally would rather not die, which is why I have sent word to the Old Narnian Company and also to Ariadne's NUP comrades. Reinforcements will arrive at daybreak." Said Parareepit as he repositioned himself on Harriots shoulder.

"That could be too late." Hissed Harriot

"Perhaps, but it is a risk we shall have to take." The mouse switched his focus to address the full crowd of soldiers, "The Lord Commander is a showman, no doubt he wishes to flaunt his success to the people of Telmar. An assembly has been called at dawn and he will appear on the Royal Balcony, my guess is he will have The King and The Archer with him. We will make our move then."

XXX

Dawn broke quietly, seemingly unaware of the night's battle as light filtered in through the stained glass windows of the throne room. I nudged the King back to wakefulness as our guards moved towards us, he'd fallen asleep quickly, no doubt the blows to the head affecting his mind and body.

We were hauled to our feet as the Lord Commander approached us, a smile on his face. "Would you care to join me while I address my people? Your Majesty I think the gag should stay in place, as for you girl, if I hear a single solitary word from your lips…" he glared at me, not finishing his sentence but allowing the threat to hang over me like a dark cloud. I nodded my understanding. "Well then, up to the Royal Balcony it is."

We were marched from the throne room, the Lord Commander leading followed by King Caspian who staggered his way between two guards then me and the remaining guards bringing up the rear. As we entered the reception room leading onto the balcony I could hear the murmur of the crowds below. No doubt they had picked up on the battle overnight but had no idea of the true extent of the damage.

The Lord Commander stepped out into the dawn sunshine without a moment's hesitation, the noise of the crowd reducing almost instantly. "People of Telmar, I have come before you this morning to inform you of the events which transpired overnight. My forces have taken hold of the city and you should now consider yourselves under my leadership." He beckoned his guards forwards, dragging me and the King along with them. "As you see, The King and The Archer are my prisoners. I have won the city by right of war."

Gasps spread around the crowd as the King and I were pushed out onto the balcony. Many women began crying and whispers began to circulate. Caspian made no attempt to hide his shame at his position, chained and gagged and at the mercy of the Lord Commander, his posture reflected his mood entirely.

Shouts began to sound from the crowd below, growing in intensity rapidly, "Long Live the King! Long Live the King! Long Live the King!" I looked towards the Lord Commander, the fury he felt evident on his face. King Caspian however fell to the floor at my feet, his exhaustion apparently overcoming him, or that's what I thought until I felt a hand reach down the outside of my right leg and remove the dagger hidden within my boot.

Looking out to the crowd I saw that a number of fights had broken out between the people of Telmar, many of whom seemed unusually well armed, and the Free Telmar soldiers. A cry rang out from within the reception room behind me and soldiers quickly appeared on the balcony, soldiers wearing the deep blue uniform of Caspian's Loyalists.

Caspian jumped to his feet with an unexpected burst of power and determination, taking the entire gathering by surprise as he buried the dagger into the gut of the guard closest to him. The Lord Commander came to his senses quickly, unsheathing his own dagger and pulling me close to him as a shield, his dagger against my throat.