Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: In the aftermath of rescuing Queen Lucy from an evil sorcerer, Katerina Alambiel struggles to find her place while some of the Narnians closest to the Pevensies still question her motives. And, finding herself in the middle of an assassination plot against the High King himself doesn't exactly help her to fit in.

Warning: There will be mentions of torture, murder, and some scary moments. So, this is a mid to high T.

Chapter One: Consequences

19 Twirleaf 1001

The sense of déjà vu was undeniable as Katerina Alambiel found herself standing before the four Kings and Queens of Narnia and their council in the same oval-shaped room as she had when she first arrived in Cair Paravel. She could barely believe it had only been eighteen days ago, after everything that occurred it felt more like a year or two had passed. The image of Jannes' face flashed through her mind but she forced it away as High King Peter began speaking. "Katerina Alambiel, when you first arrived in Cair Paravel you agreed to adhere to a set of restrictions appointed for the safety of Narnia and yourself. Since that time, you have summarily committed the following acts of questionable sanity as you were involved in the kidnapping of our youngest Sister, escaped from the Narnians holding you prisoner, consorted with Werewolves, and were part of a sorcerer's plot to overthrow Narnia's rightful rulers. Each being a violation of the restrictions you agreed to in its own right and together are a veritable and blatant disregard of those restrictions."

Katerina resisted the urge to look over at Oreius when the High King stopped his litany of her crimes and then Queen Susan spoke up in a similarly stern tone. "Furthermore, Katerina Alambiel, we have learned that you have committed the additional acts of planning an elaborate scheme for rescuing our youngest Sister, leading our royal brothers and the soldiers with them to the sorcerer's lair, leaving a trail of your own blood to the heart of the labyrinth as a guide, pretending not only to consort with Werewolves but with the sorcerer as well to lull them into a false sense of security, protecting our beloved Sister from the same sorcerer, averting said sorcerer's plot to overthrow our family and bring destruction to Narnia, and, finally, confronting and killing the sorcerer Jannes." Susan paused and smiled at Katerina before continuing, "Each act in itself would not be enough to counter the violations to the restrictions you agreed to, however, all of them together cast your role in these recent events in a new light. Therefore, it is with utmost sincerity that we offer our heartfelt thanks for saving our Sister and, in turn, Narnia."

Before Katerina could say anything, Lucy jumped into the conversation with a lot less formality than her eldest siblings. "We want you to stay with us in Cair Paravel! Say you will, Kat!"

Katerina smiled in spite of herself as Lucy's excitement was impossible to resist. She looked at Edmund who was giving Lucy a look of mock exasperation. "You just couldn't help yourself for a little longer, Lu?" He turned to Katerina, "Basically, we are formally extending an invitation for you to stay in Cair Paravel and Narnia for as long as you desire to be here or until Lucy drives you crazy."

Peter and Susan both nodded, then Peter added, "Of course, you only have to stay if you actually want to be here. It's a true invitation this time, and you can forget about most of the restrictions except for reporting to Oreius for training and the guards will only accompany you when you leave the Cair or if you are with one or the lot of us. The final decision is yours, Katerina Alambiel."

Katerina titled her head and shrugged, "Well, I actually don't have anywhere else to go and y'all are starting to grow on me, so I suppose I could stay for a while at least."

Lucy cheered and hopped off her throne to throw her arms around Katerina's waist in a surprisingly strong hug. Katerina was still getting use to the idea of hugging and the other touchy-feely stuff that Lucy, in particular, excelled at, so it took a moment for her to return the hug. Lucy finally let go when Peter started talking again, "And, now that Lucy is happy, there is one more thing you need to know about, Katerina. Alaois' military hearing is being held this afternoon, and there will be an opportunity for the wronged party to speak if they wish to do so. Whatever your decision, you need to know that hearing will take place at three hours past noon. Susan and Lucy will be tending to matters of court this afternoon instead of sitting in on the hearing, so no one will think any less of you if you choose not to come."

Katerina slowly nodded, "I understand. Can I give you my decision later?"

"Of course." Satisfied with her answers, Peter promptly dismissed the council and Katerina had another experience of déjà vu when Lucy tugged her out of the room chattering happily. But, Katerina couldn't seem to concentrate completely on the conversation as images of Jannes and of Alaois warred for dominance in her mind. She couldn't help feeling that today was going to be a very long day.

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The mood in the main hall of the army barracks was charged with tension and the normally spacious room felt close as nearly every soldier in Cair Paravel not on duty was present. It would be the joint decision of the senior officers and the kings that determined the fate of Satyr Alaois' career as a soldier, but there was no doubt in Oreius' mind that the decision would have an effect on the entire Narnian army. Nevertheless, he didn't pretend to know of what nature or to what extent the effect would take. After over an hour of testimony by those who witnessed Alaois' actions, including his own testimony, the time to make a decision was nearly at hand. Oreius was hard-pressed to keep his emotions under control as he listened and remembered the abuse Alaois had dealt Katerina Alambiel. He was still furious with the Satyr for breaking both courtesy and the rules binding him not only as a soldier but also as an officer. However, he was also furious with himself for allowing a situation to arise where Alaois had the opportunity to vent his anger against Katerina, it would not happen again.

The Faun Captain Cletus frowned as the last of the witnesses, Captain Ardon, finished testifying. Oreius suspected the Faun was as troubled by Alaois' actions as he was, and he gave him a small nod when the Faun glanced over at him. It was time to allow Alaois to make a defense of his actions or perhaps another would speak on his behalf, though judging by the looks the Satyr was receiving, Oreius did not expect many of those present would be willing to do so. Cletus conferred quietly with Alaois then stepped forward and the crowd stilled as they waited for him to speak. "The Satyr Alaois has chosen not to speak in defense of his actions, and he will instead abide by whatever decision his superior officers and the kings make without protest. However, according to the laws of Narnia, it is allowed for others to speak on behalf of the accused soldier. Are there any here today who will speak for the Satyr Alaois?"

Oreius' suspicions were confirmed when not one of the soldiers present stepped forward or called out. Alaois had lost their respect and, with it, any chance of their support. Even those soldiers who privately believed Katerina Alambiel was a witch would not speak on his behalf because of the beating he delivered to a bound and gagged prisoner and his defiance of the warnings given to him not only by his general but also by his kings. Cletus waited several more minutes then he shook his head. "Since there are none who will speak for Satyr Alaois, it is time for-"

A sudden shout from the far end of the hall cut Cletus off, and then the soldiers parted to reveal Katerina Alambiel quickly walking towards the front of the hall. "Wait! I wish to speak."

Oreius had wondered if Katerina would come, now he folded his arms and watched as Cletus protested. "Lady Katerina, you declined to speak as the wounded party, I'm afraid you cannot speak now."

Katerina stared at Cletus as she answered in a voice loud enough to carry through the hall. "I'm afraid you misunderstood my intentions, sir. I do not wish to speak for myself, I wish to speak on behalf of the Satyr Alaois."

In one statement, Katerina Alambiel managed to create an instant uproar as soldiers passed on her words to others and the majority of the senior officers had same look of shock as Cletus and Alaois. Oreius smirked as he met Katerina's gaze, he wasn't surprised that Katerina had come to the trial only to speak for the one who had injured her. The one thing he had learned in the short time that he had known her was that Katerina Alambiel almost never did what was expected of her in any given situation. She should have come to this hearing as the victim, the wounded party, and instead she comes to speak on behalf of the one who had caused her harm.

King Edmund raised a hand and the clamor instantly quieted, "If Katerina Alambiel has chosen to speak on behalf of the Satyr Alaois, that is her right by law and we will hear her out." He gestured for her to approach as Cletus returned to his place among the senior officers. Then Katerina managed to surprise even Oreius as she stopped next to Alaois with only three feet separating them.

Oreius felt a sense of pride when Katerina held her head up and unflinchingly met the gaze of every one of the senior officers, including himself. She did not shrink back from the challenge she had just given herself, and she spoke with the simple yet passionate confidence that Oreius was growing accustomed to hearing from her. "I know it is not the norm for wounded parties to speak on behalf of those responsible for their injuries, but in this case, I must do so. The Satyr Alaois committed his actions due to the influence of prejudices, fears, and grief. I do not hold him responsible for having prejudices, fears, or grief. I do hold him responsible for allowing himself to be so influenced by those factors that he willingly played the role of a bully and broke his own code of honor. The Satyr Alaois doesn't like me, to say the least, but he's not the first person who has chosen to dislike me nor will he be the last. Personally, I don't care if he likes me or not, and I doubt his opinion of me will be changed by what happens here. I came here to ask you to show leniency when deciding how to punish the Satyr Alaois because I know that he is not heartless nor is he cruel. When his anger cooled enough that he realized exactly what kind of treatment he had dealt me, I saw regret for his actions. That is the reason I stand here today. Satyr Alaois was foolish to allow his anger and grief to control him and to listen to those prejudices and fears, but I believe he can learn from his mistakes and be a better person and a better soldier."

Oreius flicked his tail but remained silent as King Edmund spoke up. "What punishment would you suggest for him then?"

Katerina's gaze never wavered as she answered, "I am aware that Satyr Alaois' conduct has made him inappropriate for an officer and I believe he should be relegated to the ranks of common soldier. However, I would allow for the possibility of his regaining the rank of officer if his conduct improved and he no longer allowed his prejudices and fears to exercise such vast control over his actions. Everyone deserves a second chance, don't you agree? Let this be Alaois' second chance."

Oreius was impressed with Katerina's ability to speak so sincerely on behalf of the Satyr who had caused her such hurt. He knew she had been hurt in her past, the haunted looks that sometimes appeared in her eyes and the scars on her hands made it obvious, but he wondered if her experiences were in some way responsible for her unusual reaction to the situation with Alaois. He knew his fellow officers were struggling to understand the young woman who, by most respects, should be calling for the harshest of punishments, but instead called for mercy and the giving of second chances. Cletus stepped forward and nodded at Katerina Alambiel, who understood it for the dismissal it was and quickly stepped back into the throng of soldiers behind her. The Faun captain cleared his throat, "All have had their chance to speak, now the senior officers will confer with their majesties and a decision will be handed down on the matter of Satyr Alaois."

The senior officers quickly gathered and conferred for several minutes in hushed tones. Once the decision was reached, Oreius was satisfied with the outcome although it had not been the one he originally expected. The soldiers who had been talking amongst themselves stilled and turned to face the front of the hall as King Edmund stood to announce the council's decision. "Satyr Alaois, this council has determined you committed acts unworthy of any officer and in violation of Narnian law and military code conduct. However, because the injured party has spoken on your behalf and asked for mercy, this council has determined the following punishment to be sufficient. Satyr Alaois, you are hereby stripped of your rank of captain and are further demoted from the officer ranks to the rank of soldier. Still, in accordance with the plea made on your behalf, this council has determined to leave the possibility open for you to regain the rank of officer if your conduct is found to be satisfactory and worthy of such promotion by all senior officers. This hearing is dismissed."

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Oreius left the main hall of the barracks and quickly tracked Katerina Alambiel down in one of the empty training yards. He paused and looked her over, trying to decide how much of his concerns were accurate. Most of her wounds received during the incident with Jannes, including those she sustained from Alaois, were completely healed leaving only a few bruises and shallow scratches behind. Alithia had informed him that she believed Katerina was simply a fast healer but she still wasn't eating enough and Oreius himself was concerned by the dark shadows under her eyes. He had waited for Katerina to say something, but it seemed she had chosen to be stubborn so now he would broach the subject. She turned to face him as soon as his hooves hit the stones lining the training yard, "Walk with me."

Without a word, Katerina fell into step with him as he led them away from the training yard and into one of the lower terrace gardens. They walked in silence until Oreius felt they were far enough away from any listening ears. "Katerina Alambiel, what is the first rule of survival?"

She gave him a puzzled look before answering, "To stay alert."

Oreius nodded then he stopped and stared down at her, "So, tell me, how do you intend to stay alert if you continue to neglect your health by not eating and not sleeping? All the training in the world will do you no good if you aren't strong enough to lift your sword. I have no intention of losing any of my students to stupidity, and I'm certainly not going to lose my newest student before she has the chance to prove herself because she won't take care of herself." Oreius allowed the sternness in his voice to fade a little as they started walking again. "Which is why I brought you out here. I want to know why you aren't sleeping or eating, Katerina Alambiel, and then I will find a way to help you."

Katerina played with the golden pendants of the lion and cross around her neck before she sighed, "I'm afraid to sleep. I keep having nightmares and I don't want to have them anymore so I've been staying up until I'm too exhausted to do anything but sleep. But, it doesn't always work and I have the nightmares anyway and then I wake up terrified and exhausted."

"What are your nightmares about, Katerina Alambiel?"

Katerina shuddered, "I keep dreaming about the Monster from my past, but then he morphs into Jannes when I killed him. He always says "Esti" but then he looks back at me and tells me I'm a murderer and just like him. When I try to argue, he just points to the blood on my hands, and then he laughs as I see other people appear and call me a murderer before they turn their backs on me. Before you ask, the other people are usually you, the Kings and Queens, and sometimes a few people from my past. After I wake up from the nightmares, I can't go back to sleep, Oreius. I'm too terrified of what else will happen if I close my eyes."

Oreius placed his hand on Katerina's shoulder and turned her to face him completely. "Listen to me, these nightmares are lies. You are not a murderer, Katerina Alambiel, you defended yourself against Jannes who was a murderer and was trying to kill you. That is self-defense and no one will say otherwise. You are nothing like Jannes, which you just proved at the hearing." He tightened his grip on her shoulder slightly as he watched tears form and the haunted look reappeared in her eyes. "You are not alone, Katerina Alambiel, and I promise you that I will never turn my back on you. I will see if Sherket is willing to stay with you tonight, so she can guard your dreams and remind you that you are not alone." Katerina smiled slightly and nodded her agreement to the plan as she swiped away the few tears that had escaped though the haunted look had not yet faded from her eyes. Oreius clapped her on the shoulder and led her back to Cair Paravel. "Come, let's get you something to eat. You are too thin, enough so that Alithia cornered me in the armory yesterday just so she could complain about how she can count your ribs from across the room and I agreed with her, so you need to eat more. And, you will eat more even if I must stand watch over every meal to make sure you eat every bite that is placed before you."

He smirked when Katerina gave him a wide-eyed look before she muttered, "Well, I think I just found my appetite so that won't be necessary, though you'll probably do it anyway."

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A/N: Please read and review! I need to say now that my mad updating schedule from the last story won't be replicated to the same extreme with this story, but I will update as quick as I can. Click the little review button below and let me know what you think about this chapter and the interactions between Katerina and the others.