There was a point in writing last chapter where I was planning to have the story unfold exactly the same way it did in canon, just with the boys' identities and attitudes flipped. That fell by the wayside as soon as I realized that even in this AU it was still Cor who was prophesied to save Archenland.

But I'd already had a specific plan for one bit and was sorry to leave it behind, so I've written it out anyway.

"Your Royal Highness," said Thornbut, drawing Cor aside, "our march today will bring us through the pass and right to your royal father's castle. We may be in battle before night."

"I know," said Cor. "It's a bit unnerving."

"Well, you needn't feel unnerved," said Thornbut. "I have the strictest orders from King Edmund to see to it that your Highness is not in the fight. You will be allowed to see it, and that's treat enough for your Highness's little years."

Cor stared at the Dwarf for a moment. Then without a word he spun on his heel and cut a path through the crowd.

"King Edmund!"

The king turned from where he had been conversing with his sister.

"I've been told I am not to fight in the battle."

"Aye, such is my command."

"Sire, I must protest this slight."

"Pshaw," said King Edmund. "No one doubts your courage. But a boy in battle is a danger only to his own side."

"Yet it bestirs my mind," Cor retorted, falling into his father's speech patterns as he often did in formality, "that thou thyself at thy first battle wast no older than I."

King Edmund and Queen Lucy looked at each other.

"Nay, I am even the elder by full four years," Cor went on, "with a sword of my own and a prince's training in the use thereof. Thou wast but ten when thou struck at the Witch, with naught but a borrowed blade and an hour's hurried instruction. Dost think it just, then, that I should be deprived of my duty on account of my age?"

King Edmund threw back his head and laughed. "Alas, you make a point both salient and adroit, and it is well-taken. But I have yet the care of you until we have freed Anvard. Supposing I did permit you to fight, and you fell while still in my keeping? 'Twould be a poor repayment of the trust your royal father has shown in me and in Narnia, and no little betrayal of the love between our countries."

"I will take him, brother," said Queen Lucy. "For methinks the prince's training is like to have covered the bow as well as the sword. I doubt not that the Dwarves can find suitable armaments for him, and you know that archers are set away from the clash of battle."

"True indeed, sister mine. Well then, Prince Cor, does this meet with your approval?"

Cor bowed. "It is graciously offered. I accept."