Oh blarney stone! I didn't realize when I replaced the author's note chapter it wouldn't allow anyonet to review. So I have no idea if anyone actually read chapter 9 or enjoyed it...

Anyways, now this chapter is shorter!! I'm sorry! I have SO much I want to happen, I'm really trying to move it along...I want the updates to be more frequent so they might be shorter.

Also, I am awful at writing action and adventure based tales. I am much more of a thoughts/musings writer...so I apologize if my story is weak in that department...I'm really trying! I figure the only way I get better is to actually practice, huh?

Please let me know what you think! I'm so sorry for the lack of Peter/Edmund in this chapter. Don't worry--next chapter shall be chock full! Also, we need to get Peter and Nell in the same atmosphere, don't you think? Still trying to work out logistically how that shall be done. Anyways, I really hope you enjoy this update and thank you for sticking with this story!!! I love you ALL!!!!!

Have a blessed night!!!

-o-

Tomkin felt his throat in his stomach as his feet hit the cold ground one after the other in a repetitive rhythm that only fueled his anxiety and terror. How had he ended up here? When, in the course of his life, had his decisions lead him to this very moment, to the path that would no doubt lead to his early death?

Tomkin let his eyes drift over to the imposing man beside him. He didn't know his name but that didn't really bother Tomkin at all. In fact, if the pair never spoke one word to each other that would suit him just fine. The man was Tomkin's guard, one of King Threylin's men that had been assigned the task of escorting Tomkin on his death journey. That's what Tomkin had decided to call this entire thing; his death journey. If he ever lived to pen a memoir one day that would be the darling little title and if grandchildren ever sprouted from him they would he would read it to them by the firelight and it would be just the coziest little scene…

Oi, shut up, Tomkin told himself. Even his mind was getting on his nerves. It had been three days since he'd been tortured into oblivion and bloody hell was he sore. He'd never felt his limbs ache like they did in that moment—he did not even wish to imagine what he looked like. This morning when he and Imposing Guard on Death Journey (Igdeej for short, as he had gotten to calling this horrid man) had stopped at a stream for a drink of water Tomkin had expertly avoided his reflection. Judging by how badly his body hurt him he was positive he looked nothing short of a lanky, ginger monster.

"Erm," Tomkin muttered out, cursing himself when he realized he'd be engaging in verbal communication with this man. It was his goal along the route to not do so. But then he also was hurting terribly and if he didn't stop walking soon he was pretty sure he'd pass out from pain.

"Sir? How—how much farther?"

If there were anything in his stomach Tomkin was sure it would have come up right then. His heart was hammering wildly in his chest as he awaited the answer from the man beside him who was silently trudging forward. In the silence that only lasted about a second Tomkin had a chance to glance over at him. He wasn't really old—in fact, he was probably only ten or fifteen years Tomkin's senior, but the rough skin around his eyes and the harsh lines in his face gave him the appearance of being much older. There was a long scar extending from the corner of his left eye to the corner of his left mouth. He carried his sword out and forward, causing Tomkin to tremble just a little bit inside.

"Threylin's orders were for you to keep your mouth closed," the guard hissed out, his eyes never once straying from straight ahead. Tomkin swallowed thickly and felt his knees almost buckle beneath him.

They'd been traveling for two days straight. After Tomkin had somewhat recovered from the harsh beating he'd received Threylin had sent this man and himself quickly on their way…thus beginning, as Tomkin so dearly referred to, as his Death Journey. He had never experienced pain quite like this and he thought it a bloody miracle he'd managed to keep going with so little to eat each day and sleeping directly on the ground. He wondered for a moment if death was more appetizing a state than what he currently was in.

Honestly, if he thought about it, this was not the way he pictured himself going out. He figured it'd be when he was older, probably from some disease as morbid as that sounded. Tomkin was not one to think about death very often—he was a more day to day kind of fellow, but ultimately he just figured he'd catch some disease from the filth that he lived in and just…will, kind of go out. Nell always told him he had no imagination, but honestly, did he really want to imagine his own death?

This—this was loads worse. He was literally walking to his death. As if it was an old relative or something he was going to meet for tea. Where had his life gone wrong? Well, he supposed it had gone wrong the minute he was born but that was beside the point…

He briefly wondered what his father would think. After all he was a servant supervisor…but really, would he do anything at all? Would he notice? It's not like they spent loads of time together.

No…no one would come looking for him because he was terribly alone. Well, except for this creepy old guard man but really he wasn't much company anyway…

Suddenly said creepy guard man came to a halt and Tomkin was thrown for a minute as he stumbled to a stop. He glanced over at the guard, who was squinting in northern direction. The gray skies above them swirled and made Tomkin's stomach church but the possibility of stopping for the night gave him hope enough to remain standing for the time being.

"We have arrived," came the gruff voice from the guard. Tomkin couldn't help but feel simultaneously relieved and terrified. He thought he was going to pass out but the promise of what stood before him—

No. There was no reason to be happy at this moment. He was in too deep and Tomkin realized at once he was drowning.

They had finally arrived at Narnia.

-o-

She was anxious and there was no getting around it.

Nell stood as still as she could, holding the deadly bow and arrow in her hand, desperately trying to hit her target. She could feel Susan's eyes boring into her back, silently willing Nell to finally, finally make a decent hit. To say she felt a bit of pressure would be quite the understatement. Nell wanted to make Susan proud—she wanted to impress the gentle queen but she was sure she would just let her down.

"Your stare is not helping," Nell said out of the corner of her mouth, biting her lip as she squinted her eyes.

She heard Susan let out a breath. "Sorry. I just—I have a feeling abut it this time, Nell. I think this is the one."

Nell didn't respond but instead silently wished Susan hadn't said that at all. It only made her all the more positive that she was going to miss, yet again, her target. The pair was in a field not far from the palace, spending the rare sun-filled October afternoon shooting against the wind. Nell had been feeling utterly useless these past few days and Susan, sensing her discomfort, had offered to give her archery lessons. While at first Nell felt a bit weary she had finally complied. She didn't think she could take another day hiding in the library or sitting in her room fretting over Peter and Edmund.

But Nell was terrible. There was absolutely no getting around it. She was curious to try her hand at sword—she'd seen Lucy sparring with a young centaur boy not too long ago and was itching to try her hand at the weapon. Even if she proved useless by that she'd force herself to learn something. She was not going to allow herself to merely waste each day while Peter and Edmund and thousands of others risked their lives for the safety of Narnia. She needed to learn to fight—the realization had landed on her not three days before. As she was sitting with Susan in a study, Susan gently helping Nell with her penmanship skills, it had dawned on Nell abruptly that it was essential she learned to fight.

She knew Susan and Lucy were brilliant warriors—she'd been in Narnia long enough to learn of their history. She knew that Threylin was ruthless and blood hungry and that not only were Bailethians cruel but as were their allies, Rewlians. She felt a sense of foreboding deep within her blood as the days crept on by—sooner or later, she felt she would have to fight. And she needed to be ready.

Which was why she was currently aiming her weapon directly at the target mere yards away. Nell stood in the silence, her the bottom of her grown whipping about her feet, her curls tied back with a piece of twine and for a moment she actually felt it, it was so close, yes this was the one, perhaps the bow was her friend after all—

"WORD! SUSAN! NELL! WORD!"

Bow and arrow came cluttering down to the ground as Nell jumped nearly a foot in the air, suppressing a shriek of surprise as she turned to see Lucy hurling herself toward them, her wind and gown whipping wildly in the wind. Nell took a deep breath as she felt her heart hammer wildly in her chest. Who knew such a loud voice could come from such a tiny human being?

"Lucy what on earth?" Susan asked incredulously and Nell thought for a moment she saw a bit of frustration in her eyes. Well, she couldn't blame her—Nell had been so very near to actually doing something right when it came archery.

Lucy finally stopped in front of the two women but didn't waste any time in catching her breath. She quickly brandished two scrolls in front of them, a smile so wide on her face Nell thought it was surely going to dance off.

"Word—we've…word…Peter…Edmund—"

"Goodness!" Susan exclaimed, cutting Lucy off and Nell was quite grateful for it. The young queen looked as if she would pass out had she not paused in her speech to gather her breath. Nell watched Susan take one of the scrolls and her heart rate sped up again. Peter, she thought and immediately a pair of brilliant blue eyes were swimming around her head and she could nearly hear his voice and it was all so very much.

She wished for the millionth time that day that this all were not happening, that he could be safe in Narnia with his family. Even if it meant that they never would have met. (Because, honestly, if it wasn't for this entire mess Nell would never know the kings and queens even existed…but perhaps that would have been better).

"Nell," Lucy said, drawing her attention as Lucy held out the second scroll to her. Nell knit her eyebrows in confusion. Spotting this Lucy tried to hide a mischievous grin but failed miserably.

"It's for you," Lucy said. Susan and her sister made eye content, both secretly grinning while Nell felt beyond elated. Actually, no, elated wasn't precisely the correct word. More shocked, relieved, embarrassed, nervous…so much turbulence was present within her. A human being simply shouldn't be able to feel this much at one time.

Lucy gently tucked it into Nell's hand. "Well go on—read it. I don't think I need to say who it's from."

"Thank you," Nell said in a soft voice. She realized she'd much rather be able to read the letter in the solitude of her bedroom but was too impatient to wait to read it. She glanced at Susan and Lucy. Both were quickly reading their own letter. Neither had screamed nor broken into sobs so Nell thought it was safe to feel a little more at ease as she sat down on the grass, tucking her feet behind her. She gently removed the wax sealing and held her breath as the scroll fell open. Finally, she thought.

Dear Nell (Gnome Sprite Inhabitant of Narnia),

Only joking. I know you're glaring at the parchment after reading that. Almost glad I'm not with you to feel the scorch of it. (Alright, that's a blatant lie…it's much more fun teasing you when I can actually be present to see the fruits of my labor).

I hope I find you doing well...our troops are continually advancing forward to Bailetha and still await word from Threylin's troops. I cannot divulge too much information through this letter. There is always a danger of letters being intercepted but I do wish you and my sisters to know that our standing, as it is, is good.

Have you fallen even more in love with Narnia then? I would think Cair Paravel would be much more peaceful with the absence of myself, Edmund and our troops. I hope Susan and Lucy aren't bossing you around too much…(It'd be wise to not show them that part…only kidding, again).

I hope to hear back from you Nell. It doesn't quite feel like we've already been out here two weeks, has it? Take care…And oh alright, I'll say it, I miss you…a bit…there is no one for me to bug around here. Ed is too busy bugging me. Alright then—stay out of trouble, will you?

Thoughtfully yours,

Peter.

Nell smiled softly as she finished reading the friendly, albeit short, letter. It was beyond a relief to have heard from Peter but the guilt that stabbed at her pounding heart made threw her harshly back to reality. No! She would not allow herself to have any seedling of hope in regards to the High King's affections. The fact that she even entertained the slightest idea of Peter in anything close to a romantic fashion was beyond preposterous. For one—well, he was called the Magnificent! And she was just…Nell…servant girl runaway.

What a foolish girl she was. Didn't she know no man could ever truly love her, let alone the High King of Narnia?

Lucy's words suddenly flashed through her mind as the said queen called for Nell to follow Susan and herself back up to the palace for dinner.

"I just pray you realize how much you are worth."

Well didn't Lucy realize that Nell wasn't worth anything at all?

And then it happened. It was fleeting, only a moment, so sudden and quick that Nell almost swore she hadn't actually heard anything at all. It was a rumble—a deep, low growl that escalated into something so very close to the roar of a lion that it made Nell literally jump and shriek. She looked wildly about her, her eyes wide, her chest rising and falling with her rapid breathing. Immediately Susan and Lucy whirled on the spot just before they reached the courtyard, both alert. Susan had even begun to reach for her bow and arrow.

"What? Nell—are you alright? What is it?" Lucy asked frantically, watching Nell as she felt her heart almost shoot out of her chest.

Nell didn't say anything—she literally could not form words. She swore she heard a lion's roar…but it…it couldn't be…anything…could it?

Aslan? Nell couldn't stop the thought from forming even if she wanted to. But the minute it formed it disappeared and left a hollow mocking noise in Nell's mind. Nell wasn't even sure Aslan existed—right? No…it must have been a figment of her imagination…

"I'm—I'm fine," Nell said shakily, closing her eyes briefly. "Just…hungry is all."

"We'll be eating shortly, are you sure you are alright?" Susan asked, her eyes pouring into Nell's and for a moment Nell almost said it—almost wondered aloud at the sound she had just heard. But it was a moment that passed and Nell just nodded.

"I'm sure."

She felt Lucy's eyes on her as they continued into the palace. The young queen was far too observant for her own good. "I was saying that while it is good news to hear from Peter," Lucy said. "It is still a bit unnerving to have had no word from Threylin. At all."

"Do…do you think he's planning something more than just a war on Narnia?" Nell asked, wondering if the Rewlyian men allied with Bailetha were scheming something horrible…something beyond comprehension. "Bailethan and Rewlyian troops would certainly be capable of horrors I don't want to even think about."

"It is possible," Susan agreed, leading the way to the long and lavish dining hall. Nell hated how quiet Narnia was these days…all that could be heard in the darkening day was the click of all three women's boots. It was most disconcerting.

"I just have a terrible feeling about this," Susan continued and Nell noticed her pace had picked up a bit. "Oh how I wish Peter would have allowed me to come along! I don't understand it—they need me! Threylin's troops are twice the size of ours. Why wouldn't he have let me come?"

There was silence as the three girls thought for a moment and then Nell felt dread spurn in the pit of her stomach—a dread and realization that she hated and wished had never seeped into her bones.

"Because he knew," Lucy said softly, her eyes frightened and glassy. They stopped walking in the corridor, looking at one another timidly and worriedly.

"Peter knows Narnia is up against something darker and more evil then we first expected," Lucy said and Nell couldn't help but shudder a little at the words. "He knows the chances of …death…are great. Even if you are a good warrior, Susan…it's…it's too risky."

Susan shook her head. "I don't care!" Nell had never heard Susan raise her voice like that and decided immediately she didn't like it. She could hear the pain and conflict in her voice and it tore through Nell's core. "I want to be with them, Lucy. I want to be with our brothers, I want to fight alongside them…even if I die doing so."

Just as Lucy opened her mouth to say something the large door along the corridor slammed open and one of Peter's councilmen came rushing in, looking flustered and confused.

"Your majesties!"

Susan immediately came forward, followed by Lucy and then Nell. "What is it?" she asked at once, concern beginning to etch across all of their faces.

"Come quick!" The councilman breathed, eyes practically on fire. "There is a runaway solider from Threylin's troops! He says he needs to speak to you all at once!"

"What?" All three girls gasped. Immediately Susan and Lucy took the reigns on the situation, running with speed lightening after the councilman, Nell hot on their heels. She couldn't believe this! A runaway soldier from Threylin's army? What was he doing in Narnia?

Nell finally rounded the corner after the queens and what she saw awaiting in the center of the grand hall made her practically faint from disblief.

There, in all his lanky and red-haired glory, stood Tomkin Awlyn.

-o-