Author's Note: Here's Chapter 1! Enjoy and remember to leave a review! This chapter will be from Peter's point of view.

Also just to let you know of the ages of our characters.

Peter: 20 years old

Ceri (dwen): 18 years old

Tara: 7 years old

Lucy: 16 years old

Disclaimer: None of the characters, locations or names which you recognise belong to me! All honours and the greatest respect to CS Lewis.

The Promise- Chapter 1

"My King!" called out the Captain of the ship, knocking on my cabin door; "land has been sighted! The city of Tashbaan is ahead!"

I rose from my bunk, rubbing my eyes so as to get rid of the sleep that had taken refuge there over the night.

Leaving the cabin, I looked up to find the sky was overcast and gloomy. Despite this, Lucy's face was like a ray of sunshine.

"Peter!" she bubbled, gesturing for me to join her on the forecastle deck.

"Morning Lu" I said smiling.

"Oh Peter! I thought you were never going to wake and to think you would have missed that view!"

She leaned over the prow and pointed towards the distance where the city was looming closer and closer. Tashbaan truly did look magnificent from a distance, with its golden domes, sprawling gardens and palaces, but unlike Lucy I could never get excited about our visits.

"What's wrong?" she asked, scrutinising me with her bright blue eyes.

"Nothing" I lied; "I just haven't quite woken up yet."

"You know" she snapped, her eyes flashing with irritation; "it would be nice if you realised that I am not a child anymore and treated me as your equal! By Aslan's Name Peter, I am just as much a queen as you are a king and I wish you would respect that!"

She turned to leave, but I grabbed hold of her arm before she could go far.

"I'm sorry Lu" I said wearily; "I just- I just don't like coming here. There's something off about this city and I can't quite put my finger on it!"

Lucy's face softened and she took my hand and held it close.

"We're rulers of Narnia Peter, not the world. No matter how hard we try, we can't get rid of every evil in this world! We just have to try to make things better for our own country and hope for the best for the others. Calormen has many faults, but it also has many beauties that even our own dear Narnia cannot reach!"

"You are right of course!" I agreed.

"Try not to let it worry you" she chided; "and Peter, go and clean up, you smell!"

oOo

We came ashore in small groups of fours and fives, with myself and Lucy leading the way. The sun had managed to break through the thick layer of clouds and was shining down on us with renewed fervour.

"Blast this heat!" complained Lucy and swept her auburn hair over her shoulder.

I knew how she felt, I myself had begun to perspire and around me I could see the crew panting and puffing as we made our way up the steep hill to where Tisroc's son was waiting for us.

He was surrounded by a large group of slaves advisors. What drew the eye though was the cluster of young women that clung to him, clad in revealing, brightly- coloured clothes and jewels.

"Welcome Narnian friends!" he greeted holding out his arms; "I welcome you warmly to the great city of Tashbaan! Tash himself has blessed this visit!"

"We are most grateful for your kind invitation. We would like to thank the Tisroc in person for his kindness." I said dutifully, taking on the role of King Peter the Magnificent.

"The Tisroc (may He live forever) is currently attending a meeting with the lords of the surrounding areas, who have arrived in Tashbaan for the great feast! These litters here have been provided to transport Queen Lucy to the palace. You my King, may ride beside me on horseback."

"Oh I would much rather join you on horseback!" piped up Lucy

"My Queen" Prince Rabdesh responded, bowing his head respectfully towards her; "It would be neither safe nor appropriate for you to join us. There are many unseemly types in Tashbaan, who I would not wish for you to encounter. Please, heed my words and ride in the litter."

I could see my sister was ready to protest, but I nudged her discreetly in the ribs and gave her a warning look.

"Very well" she agreed, picking up her skirts and making her way over to the waiting litter.

Prince Rabdesh rushed to her side and helped her up the steep steps of the litter.

"I am sorry my Queen, but it is for your own safety."

oOo

The Great Palace of Tashbaan was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever set my eyes upon. The gardens were immense, with tropical plants and trees spreading out endlessly, only interrupted now and then by an extravagant water feature.

The building itself took my breath away. Gold was the ruling feature, gracing the great domes, the walls and the furnishings. The rooms were bright and airy, with magnificent views of the surrounding city and the Great River form which we had arrived.

There was a soft knock on the door of my chambers and Lucy entered. She had swapped her Narnian gown for breeches and a loose blouse.

"Leave us" she instructed the Calormen servants that had been appointed to me.

"I don't know whether your garb will be acceptable here Lu"

She shrugged nonchalantly and walked over to the balcony and leant over it, staring down at the sprawling city.

"What is it?" I asked, joining her and wrapping my arm around her shoulders.

"I feel very strange, like I'm being watched"

"We're safe here Lu"

"But you're the one that said that you don't trust this place!" she pointed out, turning to look at me with wide eyes.

"If this is about the ride up to the Palace, then I would think about it. You know how Calormenes are towards women and we have to respect that"

"I know, it's just I feel so small and unimportant; almost trapped!"

"Well I for one" I said kissing her lightly on the forehead; "am desperate to get out and explore!"

"But we've seen Tashbaan dozens of times!"

"Yes" I agreed; "but I want to see the real Tashbaan! The markets, the hustle and bustle of the city; everything!"

oOo

An hour later, my wish had become reality and we were walking through the old town, with Prince Rabdesh as our guide. His reluctance to let us walk unprotected round the city, led us to arrive at a compromise, with a group of soldiers guarding our party.

I was walking side by side by the Captain of our ship, having a very interesting conversation about various sea battles that had taken place over the years. As Captain Castor was explaining a rather complex battle tactic, I let my eyes wander over the other member of our party. I was shocked to find Lucy walking with Prince Rabdesh. It seemed they were having a very animated conversation, as her eyes were shining bright with enthusiasm and she was making fast gestures with her hands. The prince's face had been graced with a smile and now and then he would remark on something she said.

Almost at once though, Lucy stopped talking and she came to a sudden halt, her eyes wide with fear.

"Peter!" she called and rushed to my side; "Look Peter!"

I looked towards where she was pointing and immediately understood her horror. Not ten steps away, a slave market was taking place. At least a dozen slaves were set on a podium; their clothes dirty and ragged, their faces gaunt and malnourished and their expressions, their expressions were ones of complete surrender.
"Oh Aslan!" gasped Lucy suddenly; "Peter what are they doing?"
A little further off, a cart had arrived and more slaves were ushered out. Last, came out a young woman who was clutching the hand of a young girl. The moment she stepped onto the ground, the young girl was ripped away from her.
"Tara!" I heard her scream; "No! Tara!"
A knife was put through the child's chest and the young woman began to scream and weep. She rushed over to the body of the young girl and cradled it in her arms, covering herself in the blood of the child.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lucy slap Prince Rabdesh around the face as he tried to stop her from running to the aid of the woman.
"She's a Narnian you swine!" she sobbed
Looking again at the woman, I knew Lucy was right. Her complexion and hair was fair. Even her garb, which was covered in blood and grime was distinctly Narnian.
Ignoring Prince Rabdesh's protests, Lucy and I rushed over to the weeping figure.
"Get away!" she cried when she saw us; "I won't let you take her from me!"
The child was dead, that was sure. An angry spark lit itself inside me and I drew my sword, rounding on the nearest slave trader.
"On your knees filth!"
"Milord!" he quivered; "I beg of you! I was only doing my job! We had no use of the girl she was too young! No one would have bought her!"
I lifted my sword above my head, rage bubbling inside me, my vision red. I was about to bring the sword down, when Lucy stayed my hand.
"Leave him Peter! He has done no wrong!" she cried; "There is no law against slavery in Calormen!"
I looked at the woman at my feet, her eyes wide with the realisation of who I was. She clutched the young girl's limp body to her chest and her breathing was laboured with grief.
"I will buy the woman!" I said suddenly, turning to the slave trader.
"The market has no yet begun Milord!" he replied greasily
"You will do as His Majesty bids!" said Prince Rabdesh suddenly, approaching and causing the surrounding crowds to drop to their knees.
"My Prince I did not realise!" said the slave trader.
"Spare me your excuses!" Rabdesh spat; "Do as His Majesty says.
The ropes around the woman's waist were cut and she was heaved to her feet.
"Take your hands off her!" Lucy hissed.
Soon enough the crowds began to disperse and the slave traders left after their payment had been given to them. The poor woman was sitting amongst the filth on the road again, with the child's head on her lap. Tears were streaming down her face and she seemed to be singing to her softly as she stroked her hair.
"What's her name?" Lucy asked softly, crouching down next to the woman.
"Tara"
"And your name" Lucy continued.
"Ceridwen"