Author's Note: Narnian Character Challenge #27

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, ideas, etc from the Chronicles of Narnia.

I stood calmly on the southern shore of the island, watching the sailors ready their ship for sailing. They would be gone within the hour; I could see that easily, even without my visions to guide me. I sighed heavily, and then turned as I heard a soft foot-fall behind me.

There stood Caspian, that king from beyond the seas, from Narnia. My heart began to flutter in my chest at the sight of him, and I had to struggle to appear normal.

"Lady," Caspian began, before pausing, "I still do not know your name," he realized.

I smiled at the words. Had he just realized that? I wondered briefly what he had been thinking of me as, just Ramandu's daughter?

Caspian looked to the ground, obviously embarrassed, although the lack of knowledge was not his fault, but mine. I had withheld my name for a reason, a vow I had made to my mother so many years before.

"May I know your name," Caspian asked curiously.

I considered it for a moment. To give my name would be to give my heart. Caspian would not know this; none knew this save my father and mother, and the stars. But perhaps it was time. I had seen myself, many years ago, sharing my secret, although I did not see who it was. Was it Caspian? Was the time now?

My vision began to shimmer as my sight revealed a glimpse of the future…

There is a ship, a familiar ship, with a dragon's head at the front and rich purple sails. The Dawn Treader. I see the men of the ship, yes, and Lucy, all gathered together to listen to Caspian. What is he saying?

I hear him as if from far off, at first too soft to hear, but gradually louder, until I can understand him.

"…To you, my Lord Drinian, I entrust this ship, bidding you sail to Narnia with all the speed you may, and above all not to land on the Island of Deathwater."

I may be able to hear the words, but truly, I do not understand them. Why would he entrust the ship to the Lord Drinian? It makes no sense.

I listen with growing unease as Caspian directs Lord Drinian to ensure that a new King of Narnia be chosen upon their return.

"But, sire," interrupts Drinian, "are you abdicating?"

"I am going with Reepicheep to see the World's End," says Caspian.

I feel a stab in my heart, and the vision vanishes…

I found myself standing once more with Caspian on the southern shore of the island, Caspian awaiting my reply.

"No," I said softly, "I shall wait until you return to tell you my name."

"Then, Lady," said Caspian, disappointment and curiosity showing in his eyes, "I hope to speak with you again when I have broken the enchantments."

And I looked at him, and smiled, wondering if he truly would.

I stood upon the eastern shore, watching the ship until it disappeared from sight. My father joined me, standing quietly at my side, watching the ship long after it left my vision.

"Do not cry, my child," he said softly, when even he could see no more. "He will be back."

"How?" I asked bleakly. "I do not see it."

He looked up to the sky, up to where the stars waited patiently behind the sunlight for night to come.

"The stars foretell it. Four shall stay at World's End, but Caspian will return."

I wiped the tears from my cheeks, heartened by his words.

"He will return," I repeated softly to myself. "Caspian will return."