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.

Special Chapter Disclaimer: I don't own "Amazing Grace," it belongs to whoever owns the rights to the lyrics, which still isn't me.

Chapter Fifteen: Prisoner...Again

Jambres kept an expectant watch for nearly an hour until finally the ragged band of Werewolves, two prisoners, and one Muhuru arrived at the shadowed entrance to his northern lodge. He looked over the group with a callous and calculating eye before turning to the two leaders, "Well, Isak, Brutus, I increase your own natural speed and yet you still manage to return here late. Have you an explanation or shall I simply punish you?"

He could see both Werewolves struggle with the urge to snarl at him, but only Isak answered. "Our...apologies, Sorcerer Jambres but Lady Medea warned us against making the use of spells too obvious. The Narnians would be...wary of following if the sorcery was too...obvious, or so Lady Medea said."

Jambres straightened to his full height and nearly shook with rage, "Medea! Medea told you what to do! I am the one you serve now, not Medea! My sister gifted your service to me, which means you do as I tell you not her! I wanted you to get here well before the Narnians arrived!"

Brutus raised his head, "But, Sorcerer Jambres, the Narnians didn't realize we took the two Humans until well after we set out for your lodge. They may follow, but they will not catch up for a long time."

Jambres tightened his grip on his staff, trying to control his temper, but he only half-succeeded. He pointed his staff at the Werewolves hanging towards the back of the group and spat a single spell. An eerie black glow emanated from the staff until it launched at the Werewolves who fell gagging and convulsing as the spell essentially smothered them beneath the black glow. Jambres raised his staff and pointed it threateningly at Isak and Brutus. "You had best hope they are still far behind you or I shall inform Medea that every last one of her generous gift of fifty Werewolves were unfortunately killed in the skirmish instead of just half, understand?"

The Werewolves gave a curt bow and Jambres waved for them to leave, "Put the prisoners in the room next to my study, then prepare to further delay the Narnians if they should arrive before I have finished." He walked up to his study and carefully started laying out some of the tools he would use to encourage Katerina Alambiel to return to his control. He was surprised to see the Muhuru looming just inside the room when he turned from the table. Jambres hesitated when he noticed that the Muhuru was between him and his staff. He was not stupid, contrary to what Medea, and even Mother at times, believed, after all he knew he needed his staff to best focus his powers into a perfect and deadly weapon without owning or coming into skin-to-skin contact with an intended victim...or enemy. Therefore, he nodded to the Muhuru in an almost congenial manner. "Something troubles you, Muhuru Herensuge, that you seek me out?"

Herensuge stared at him with his orange snake-like eyes while his brow ridges crinkled and his slotted nostrils flared. It had always amused Jambres that Herensuge looked more like a dragon than the female Muhuru, especially with his horns, fangs, and the reddish-brown coloring of his scaly hide. While both genders shared a draconian snout, Herensuge's was the most pronounced and, unlike the female, he had no hair on his head. Herensuge's snout opened and his fangs glinted faintly in the candlelight as he finally spoke, "Sssorcerer Jambresss, you gave Chusssi a different mission. Where isss ssshe? Where isss my Chusssi?"

Jambres eyed his staff with longing for a moment before he looked at the Muhuru, "Well, I ordered Muhuru Chusi to deliver a message to the Narnians concerning a ransom for their High King, but I'm afraid it didn't go as planned. It seems the Centaur General is very much a cruel creature who took the opportunity to rid himself of an enemy, and I regret to inform you that Chusi did not survive her encounter with General Oreius."

The Muhuru took a step back then, in the blink of an eye, he had pinned Jambres to the far wall as he held him up by the throat with one gloved hand. "You sssent my Chusssi to her death! I will kill the Centaur ssslowly and with pleasssure, but then I will take from you what you promisssed usss when you tricked Chusssi into your ssservice. Underssstand you my wordsss, Sssorcerer Jambresss? I will take it all!"

As quickly as the Muhuru had grabbed him, he released Jambres and returned to standing near the door of his study. Jambres rubbed his throat then pointed at the still-seething Muhuru, "Just remember, Herensuge, it was the Centaur General Oreius who killed your mate not I. Kill him and you will receive your deserved and promised reward. Now leave, I have work to do." The Muhuru snorted and snapped his fangs at Jambres, but he withdrew from the study. As soon as he left, Jambres retrieved his black staff and kept it within easy reach as he sat down at his desk. There was one thing he wished to record before he turned his attention to entertaining his distinguished guests. The rest could wait until he had confirming information and a report of success to add to his notes.

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"The first rule of survival is to stay alert, but the second rule is just as vital: change the rules of the game when it is necessary to do so."

She stared up at her mentor as he towered over her, "Wait you are telling me to follow the rules until it's no longer convenient, and then I should just make it up as I go, right?"

Her mentor laughed, "You are complaining because I tell you to do something that you, in particular, do all the time? Yes, use what we are teaching you to the best advantage, which includes breaking the rules of survival. Something you happen to excel at, Katerina Alambiel. Of course, if you break the rules at the wrong time, you shall fail and probably get yourself killed for good measure, and then I shall be insulted and furious that you allowed such a feat to be accomplished. However, choose the right time and even the worst situation can result in a successful attack or defense. Now get up and we'll try this again."

Katerina Alambiel opened her eyes a crack and peeked at a room with stone-lined walls and floor with wood pillars randomly spaced along the walls. She could feel her heartbeat speed up as the similarity this room shared with the Monster's old horrific lair slammed into her. She squeezed her eyes shut again and focused on forcing her frayed control to subdue the flashbacks and the underlying terror that now tried to choke her. She could not afford to indulge in such emotions, not here and not now, Peter needed her to have a clear head. Her eyes shot open as she remembered she had last seen the High King with one of those nathracha olc of assassins holding Rhindon point down over his chest right before the other one held a powder-covered rag over her mouth and nose while four Werewolves held her still.

She sat up and nearly slumped over again as the room swayed and a throbbing headache reminded her of its presence with a painful jab. She carefully braced her hands against the floor and scanned the room until she finally spotted Peter curled on his side. She was relieved to see he was still breathing, but fear ate at her when she noticed how sickly pale he looked, probably from blood loss. She needed to find away to keep their captors' attention all on her, otherwise she sincerely doubted he would live through any type of interrogation their enemy intended to use on them. He wasn't strong enough, but God willing she would be strong enough for both of them, God willing.

She frowned as she realized that neither Peter nor herself were bound in any way, it didn't make sense for her to be unbound. Peter may have been wounded, but she had only been drugged. She did not like how easy it seemed to be, after all once the drug or spell or whatever it was wore off, it would be simple to take Peter and sneak out of here. Too simple, too easy, something was wrong but it was difficult for her to pinpoint what that something was with her mind still a little hazy. She braced herself again and shoved hard enough for her to stagger up to her feet, but when she tried to take a step towards Peter, she fell to her knees.

The room swam, but not for as long as when she first sat up. She hoped that meant the effects of the drug or spell where dissipating. She gathered herself to try again when a cold laugh caused the hair on the back of her neck to stand up as it echoed through the room. "Well, Alambiel, it seems you are even more resilient and stubborn than I had first suspected. To be able to cast off most of the effects of that particular enchantment in less than four hours is very impressive and rare, even most Narnians have difficulty coping with it. Except for the Centaurs, adults at least, and some of the older, stronger Nymphs. Of course, I've not had the chance to test it on a Human before. I wonder if the boy will demonstrate similar resilience, hmm, perhaps not in his current state though."

Katerina slowly turned her head to look over her shoulder and saw the Sorcerer Jambres for the first time. He was tall, at least an inch or two over six and a half feet, and he was muscular but not bulky. His shoulder-length hair was jet-black but his goatee and mustache were steel-grey, while his skin was a pasty, almost dead, white. His voice gave her chills but his eyes terrified her. Jannes had been insane in addition to being evil and it had given her a much-needed advantage, Jambres, on the other hand, he was definitely evil but there was only cunning intelligence in his cold dark eyes. He scared her and she knew it would take more than simple distractions to defeat this sorcerer.

She forced herself to speak with a careless disregard for the sorcerer staring at her with an almost greedy expression. "You must be Jambres. There are ways to make a better impression on your guests, you know. Perhaps next time don't send the invitations via Muhuru assassins and filthy Werewolves, hmm?" She glanced over the room's bare walls then raised an eyebrow at the sorcerer, "Also, have you considered a new decorator? At least, Jannes made sure his furnishings just screamed 'I am an evil sorcerer' a bit clichéd but at least he did something with the space."

Jambres started laughing and it sent another wave of chills over Katerina, "Ah, you are very entertaining, Alambiel. Of course, I do apologize for the Werewolves' less-than-gentle conduct towards you. However, you didn't leave me with much of a choice after the Centaur kept interfering with the Muhuru's attempt to contact you on my behalf. So, you see I had to take somewhat drastic measures to gain a, shall we say, private meeting with you."

Katerina stared at him, "If all this was to meet with me, why bring him?"

"The boy? Well, I have another business matter to settle with him and the convenience of the two of you traveling together was too good to overlook. Don't worry, we have plenty of time to discuss things in detail before and after I finish dealing with him. Now, perhaps we should start with some easy quest-" Jambres cut himself off suddenly and crossed the room to stare down at her. "No," he breathed then he jerked her chin up forcing her to look him in the eyes. "No, this cannot be! You aren't the right age. You are…you are too young! That fool Jannes brought you here too soon. No! This is why we have been having such difficulty with-" He cut himself off again and stormed from the room.

Katerina stared after him in confusion, then she was distracted from the sorcerer's odd behavior by the sound of Peter coughing and groaning in pain. She staggered to her feet again and this time she made it to his side. She carefully checked him for bleeding or any new wounds. Finding nothing, she carefully rolled him over onto his back and lifted his head to rest in her lap. She placed one hand against the side of his face and the other on his unwounded shoulder. She closed her eyes and prayed that the Narnians had been able to find their trail and were even now on their way to this place. She sighed and then she started to hum quietly. Peter's fretful movements stilled to some extent as she hummed and then she softly began to sing,

"I am always there

When you're lost and lonely

Don't despair

Keep the faith if only

Because I am there for you

I am here with you

Don't be afraid, don't let go

Take a step of faith and know

I am here with you..."

She trailed off when she heard a frustrated yell and looked up as Jambres slammed the door open and stormed over to the center of the room. He was carrying a black staff with him now and flashes of black flames skittered over the length of it. "Stop that singing! I know why you chose that song, Alambiel."

She frowned at him, "Perhaps you would prefer this one instead?"

"Amazing Grace, oh how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

Through many dangers, toils, and snares

I have already come;

'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home."

Jambres snarled and the black flames crackled over the staff as he swung it around to point at her. "No! Stop singing or shall I just kill him now?"

Katerina raised her hands, "As you wish, I didn't realize my choice of singing material would be so problematic for you. No need to be overeager with the killing. I won't sing anymore, okay?"

Jambres fumed then he swung his staff upright again, "We shall have to see if you can continue to display such sarcastic wit when I have finished questioning you, Katerina Alambiel, hmm? Let us begin."

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Peter struggled to open his eyes, but it seemed a futile effort. It felt like his entire body had just been drained dry of energy and strength. The right side of his chest and his right shoulder were radiating pain to the extent that he couldn't bring himself to try to move. Instead, he decided to lay still and figure out what was going on as best he could without giving away that he was conscious. He remembered trying to follow the imposter after she stabbed him, the missing necklace had been conspicuous but he honestly wouldn't have thought anything of it if she had not reacted by stabbing him. Peter figured he must have passed out, but he had heard someone singing. Was it only a little bit ago? He didn't know.

He tried to keep his breathing steady as he twitched and another wave of pain washed over him. Then, the sound of a strangled cry caught his attention and he subtly turned his head towards the sound and peeked out from under his eyelids. Peter nearly forgot himself and gasped at the sight that greeted him. A tall man was standing in the center of the room while pointing his staff at a figure crumpled on the floor. The man snarled something, the staff glowed then flashed, and the figure started to rotate in a slow circle. The man snarled again and then the figure stopped rotating and instead bucked in pain and let out a strangled cry.

Peter's eyes suddenly focused on the familiar deep golden hair then she turned over confirming his horrified suspicion that it was Katerina Alambiel. Her hands were trembling and he guessed she was in a lot of pain already, but she pushed herself back up to her knees and faced the sorcerer. "Jambres, I have...nothing to tell you. Torturing me won't change that fact."

Jambres lowered his staff until it was right in front of her face, but when she didn't flinch away, he raised it again. "Hmm, I suppose you're right. However, I do have another source of information who will certainly prove to be more knowledgeable than you, my dear Alambiel. Pity, how after six months of perfect behavior and you still aren't trusted by the Narnians." The sorcerer suddenly paused and then a gleeful expression crossed his face, "Ah, but my dear, it seems our other guest has finally awakened and now he will be able to join in on our little game."

Katerina looked at Peter then she turned back to Jambres. "He will not cooperate and he is not strong enough to withstand your games. Leave him out of this, you leithscéal folamh-i gceannas ar Asarlaí leathcheann!" (empty-headed excuse of an idiot Sorcerer!)

Jambres glared down at her and then he backhanded her across the mouth. "You angering me will not save him, Alambiel. Now, we've much to discuss. Shall we begin?" Peter sent up a silent prayer for protection as the sorcerer began a sadistic game of torturing first Katerina Alambiel then himself in an attempt to break one or both of them. Aslan, I don't know where Oreius and the others are, but please let them find us before it is too late. Please, Aslan, help us.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! A good, long chapter to make up for the short ones. Poor Katerina, Poor Peter, Jambres has got them and he's not playing nice at all! Review if you want them to get a break! ;) Click the little review button below and let me know what y'all think.

A/N2: The first set of lyrics Kat sings are my own invention.