Disclaimer: The Dawn Treader and her crew are Lewis's. No malign intent towards Caspian – the REAL Caspian – is indicated by this AU.
[…]
The Mouse stood on the ship's railing, trembling from his tail-tip to his whiskers. His jaws were worked into a stiff scowl, and his clawed fingers twitched as if he would reach for his sword, but at the moment he had no use for it.
"To shirk one's duty," he squeaked, "is the work of – a coward." It was the strongest word his heart knew.
A sailor, one of the last to return to the ship at the Star's island, mumbled something reluctantly.
"Speak up, man!" Reep demanded, spinning on one foot to face him. The sailor flushed, but mustered himself to answer.
"He was a good man," he said hoarsely. "I don't care what you say, he was a good man and a good leader and – and – he left with all the best in mind, he did. Meant to see Aslan. Meant no harm to the rest of us. An inspiring man."
Reepicheep bowed stiffly, not deigning to give a verbal response.
Lord Drinian was gazing past both of them, watching a flash of golden hair retreat into the distance.
"A good man he was," he said softly. "I thought him a good king. But I have to wonder, how inspired the folk back home will be."