Oh, yes, that's right. Here I am starting yet another story when I've got so many to finish... I have to sort my priorities, I think. It's another what if story, and this is how it goes.
Caspian wishes to have a glimpse of our world, even for a few minutes. At the end of the Silver Chair his wish is granted. What if he had yet another wish and dream? What if he wanted to have the chance to live a life with the people he thought the closer thing he had to family and be part of their lives back in the Golden Age?
Well, here's my version of the matter and I hope you like of find it interesting. I hope it's not been done before and if it has... well, doesn't matter!
I'll say this once and for all, I DO NOT OWN THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA AND NEVER WILL!
Eustace Clarence Scrubb and his friend, Jill Pole, stared impatiently at the young man. His previously merry and beaming smile was replaced by a skeptical frown and his shimmering, laughing eyes had darkened mysteriously, indecision written all over his face. He was clearly caught in the torturous web of a great dilemma and both children have had their share of such.
He felt their gazes letting go of his form for a brief moment once in a while as their orbs went back and forth, traveling between him and the Great Lion. It was a tough call and the choice was preclusively up to him, and him alone. He so badly wanted to choose both options, but he knew that whichever he selected, he would eventually regret not picking the other one. Or perhaps he was wrong and fooling himself?
"I say, five minutes cannot be compared with weeks or months or maybe even years you'll pass if you choose the latter." Eustace broke the silence and offered him his counsel which he very much appreciated. It was helpful indeed. "I know I'd want to choose the latter. Our world is nothing much anyway. And after all, aren't you a bit curious to learn the wondrous things you read in books at first hand? To actually witness them? Not many have such an opportunity."
"Actually, I think he's the very first person whom has such an opportunity. To travel back in time I mean." Jill added, looking as much impelling as her friend and to the young man, it seemed as if she wished she were him, she wished she were the one traveling back in time, through history. Maybe the children were right. And Aslan probably had a reason for leaving the matter up to him.
"How long will my stay last in that world?" he addressed the wise Lion. Aslan's golden, big eyes lit up warmly and approvingly and he smiled in a way only a lion can smile. The protective, comforting aura his smile caused upon the man refreshed him, made him take a deep breath and taste the savor of the magnificence of the nature surrounding them. He had not felt this alive for quite a long time; alive and happy.
"I cannot tell for sure yet, King of Narnia, though I do know it depends on you and the way everything will unfold there." The Great King's answer was and Caspian knew that was the only answer he would get from Aslan. He glanced at the portal that would take the two kids to their world, a splash of uncertainty and yet confidence overwhelming him. Deep inside him, he had already made his decision though he was not willing to admit it yet, out of fear of making the wrong choice.
"Come on, Caspian, we all already know what your choice is going to be. You might as well just confirm it!" Eustace exclaimed, playfulness radiating from his cheeky face. "Come on, we don't have all day! While we're still young, –meaning Jill and myself, since you are not as young as you look!-"
Caspian pursed his smirking lips and nodded at last. "You're right, you all are." He said after a moment, turning his expectant gaze to Aslan's direction.
"You wish to travel back through time, then, child?" he requested in his gentle, fatherly voice so to be certain of the young man's final decision. "So be it."
When Caspian nodded with a confident smile, Aslan smiled back and guided the two children to their own world. But not of course before Caspian bid them farewell for what he thought would be the last time. He was glad he had met with Eustace again and that he had made Jill's acquaintance. Those two kids had saved his kingdom and most importantly his son and he would forever be indebted to them.
He regretted he didn't get to spend more time with Rilian, he had not seen him in ten years after all, a fact that had lead him to the deathbed sooner than expected. The knowledge of him becoming a great and wise King of Narnia was a relief, however, and filled his chest with pride and love. Eustace told him Rilian was his father's son and he appreciated those words in an extent no one could ever describe. He would remember them for as long as he lived his second life and after it, in Aslan's Country.
Once Eustace and Jill left them behind, to enter their world, Aslan blew his hot, sweet breath on the portal and even though Caspian could not see any difference, he knew something had changed about it. Obviously the place behind it.
He inhaled a deep breath, telling to himself he was doing the right thing. He was realizing a childhood fantasy and a life's wish, after all. He was feeling like a child whose dream was being realized anyway. The excitement was bubbling in his chest, threatening to explode. The Golden Age, Narnia's era in which the people lived in peace, magic and prosperity while little matters ever troubled the Empire High King Peter and his siblings had built. And he was about to enter that period and live with them, learn things that had been torturing his head for too long and meet with people he had missed and people he was curious to know about.
"Son, pluck a switch off that bush." Was Aslan's request and the man did as he was told.
The moment it was in his hand, the switch turned into a magnificent, long, sharp sword, one that matched his second best sword which Eustace had succeeded in breaking during the battle with the Sea Serpent. He chuckled contented, glancing at it before he swished it and cut the air with it, as a test of its sufficiency. "Thank you so much, Aslan. It's wonderful. I'll guard it with my life."
"I figured it might come in handy. But it's supposed to be the one guarding your life, not the other way round. Thus the reason of me offering it to you." The Lion replied kindly before stepping aside and letting him walk through the portal.
Caspian inclined his head and walked before the portal, but hesitated just a second and turned to face Aslan once more. "You have a plan for me doing this, a reason, don't you?"
"I am only granting you the wish your heart most craves for, my son." He merely answered and Caspian was surprised by the reply, since Aslan always had a reason."You deserve it, King of Narnia, you have earned it. I have been watching you; I could see your deepest wishes. You pushed away those wishes and desires just to be a great King to your people. And you have done well, Caspian. Very well, indeed."
Caspian felt honored to receive such words from the Great Lion but he knew them to be true. He had indeed almost abandoned everything, just to get what his heart ached for. He remembered clearly that day before the entrance to Aslan's Country, the majestic, endless wave that never stopped rushing upwards. He could remember how tempted he was to make his way through its sweet water and find himself in said country just to see his father again, to know he had not failed his expectations. But upon recalling him being Narnia's King and that he had people awaiting for him, he backed away, not wanting to let everyone down, including his father by abandoning everything that was given to him.
There was also that other time, a day or two after his coronation ball, the day the Kings and Queens of Old left him alone to rule a country. He had almost rushed after them through the portal; they were the true family he had never had, the ones who had supported and helped him. At the time, he recalled the deep passion nestled in his heart, the love he felt for the Gentle Queen and he recalled her being one of the reasons he almost left everything behind back then. But looking upon Aslan's face of disapproval and yet silent comfort and reassurance, he thought of the people and kingdom he was given again and ordered his feet to not follow the Pevensies' footsteps and his eyes to be averted from their departing figures.
Yes, the former King of Narnia remembered intensely the sorrow he felt upon their departure, the loneliness and the heartache. Susan's absence was the one he felt the most as a hole had been created in his chest and would not go away even after three years. But then, the Lady Lilliandil appeared in his way, her radiant beauty equal to the one of the Queen of Old and he had been instantly mesmerized. As he started spending days with her, he grew more and more sure of her being the perfect choice, the perfect lady to become his Queen. His admiration and affections grew swiftly into love of every kind and so did hers. His love for the beautiful Queen Susan was smoothed away by her soft touch and sweet kisses.
However, there were the nights when he would find himself wondering what would have happened if Susan had stayed. He knew he would have made her his Queen and loved her with all of his heart and soul, his very being. And he was still longing to see her again, at least for a moment. Lilliandil was aware of the soft spot he had for Susan but didn't try to help him forget or anything. She knew it was natural for first loves always remain incised in one's heart. She had once offered him the choice of letting him see the Gentle Queen, though he never learned how she would do that. But he had refused, not wanting to hurt his wife and confuse himself.
But now, after so many years, when he had thought his heart had forgotten the love it held for Susan, he found himself anticipating to meet the beautiful Queen again, to spend time with her. He found himself hoping though he knew not what for. He would have to discover for himself perhaps.
"Having second thoughts, my son?" Aslan's soft voice shook him out of his mixed thoughts.
Caspian shook his head. "Not at all, Aslan. Just getting surer of my decision. And I'm ready now."
"Good." The Lion stepped before him and blew his warm breath on him, courage and certainty putting a smirk of confidence on his face as he glanced at the portal. "I shall be watching over you, son. I know you will do well in that world as well." And with those last words, the Lion stepped aside again and he, after lowering his head saying silently farewell, he walked through the portal, confidence, certainty and merriness guiding his each step.
A golden, blinding light forced him to shut his eyes and course to a stop.
But when he fluttered his eyelids open once more, he found himself in the dark of the night on a beach. He knew that beach, it was the coast below the magnificent castle of Cair Paravel, beautiful and enchanting as ever. Memories of the countless times he spent on that beach, feeling the warmth of the golden sand beneath his feet and the kissing light of the entrancing afternoon sun all over again, memories intrigued by the velvet waves and their serene, soothing melody as they collided with the sandy soil.
He twirled around and looked up at the great cliffs. There it was, standing in its radiant glory, the residence of Narnia's four greatest monarchs. It was even greater and imposing than the way he had rebuilt it, he had not done it justice after all, no matter what Aslan said. Curiosity to familiarize himself with the interior of the castle overtook him and he started seeking the way that would take him up.
It was not long before he found a flight of stairs made out of marble which led him to the front courtyard of the castle. He smiled delighted at the beauty of it all but wondered how could his ancestor have managed to destroy such a magical place. But he had to thank Caspian the Conqueror for taking over Narnia otherwise he would have never been its King, nor would he have met the Kings and Queens of Old.
"Excuse me, young man, are you looking for someone? Can I help you?" an old woman got in his way and offered him a willing smile of kindness. He was at first taken aback to see a human in the Narnia of the Golden Age and he realized that many people and Narnians alike were moving around hastily and in frenzy, but he then remembered that a great number of Archenlandians had moved in Narnia and so had some people from the Seven Isles and beyond.
He smiled to himself, he must have seemed lost and like a fool to those passing him by, with that idiotic smile of admiration and his uncertain steps. "No, thank you, ma'am. Now if you'll excuse me, I must keep going." He grinned apologetically at her and inclined slightly his head and she curtsied before continuing on her way.
After marveling at the beauty of it all a bit more, he finally entered the castle and realized it was identical to the way he had rebuilt it, though it seemed more alive and fairytale-like to his eyes. The colours of the walls and mosaics or paintings were as vivid as ever, all of them cheerful, delighting one's heart while the planters on each corner of every entrance gave the place a more exotic aura. Still, he felt like home though weird, for he knew no one else but its rulers, whom he had yet to meet.
Upon entering the great throne room, he realized there was a celebration going in the castle. He accidentally bumped on people dancing or serving but no one seemed to take actual notice of him, except some women and girls whose eyes fell upon him. He felt weird being so young again and attracting women's gazes in a different way than the one they did for a respectful King of old age. But he grinned to himself and kept going, walking across the room.
He had not yet reached the four thrones he so anticipated to see with his own eyes when a young girl, no older than seventeen years old accidentally bumped on him, pushing him as violently as to make him collide against the hard wall. He rubbed his head as a momentary dizziness distracted him for a moment and he felt a light hand on his shoulder while a chirpy, soft voice kept on mumbling apologies.
"It's all right, I'm fine." He uttered after a while and turned to look at the girl. A gasp of surprise escaped his lips the moment his eyes fell upon the girl's face. Gray-blue, piercing eyes shimmering under the glowing torch light, giving away her playful, chirpy character. Blushing cheeks that proclaimed the fact her face was already decorated by a sweet, almost bashful but shameless shade of rosy pink while her perfectly shaped roseate lips were threatening to break into a smile of any kind. Her light-brown hair dropping softly on her shoulders in playful ringlets while wreath of small florets of violet lilies and velvety white daisies was resting on top of her head.
"Lucy?" he requested merrily and almost smacked himself when seeing her shocked expression and widened eyes. But of course she did not know him and was not used to strangers calling her by her first name!, he told to himself angrily. "I mean, Queen Lucy."
"Who are you, sir?" she requested gently, a frown of puzzlement and perplexion replacing her apologetic smile. He had to strain himself not to smile at the inquisitive expression of her face. Sweet, innocent, little Lucy, curious about anything and everything and determined to learn about them. How he had missed her. They had grown even closer during the voyage on board his prideful Dawn Treader. He remembered how fond she was of the Narnian vessel as well, always comparing its virtues and grace with the Splendor Hyaline. She was thrilled to be on board a Narnian ship and journeying across the seas, looking to quench her thirst for adventure and mysteries, just like her brother Edmund.
He cleared his throat and stood in a proud manner like a gentleman. "I am Caspian X of Telmar, Your Majesty. I have come-"
"Are you a guest of mine?" she cut him off and despite her efforts to look proper and to disguise her excitement, she couldn't hide the shimmering enthusiasm from her revealing, clear eyes. Not from someone who already knew her anyway –but she wasn't aware of that'. "Oh, it matters not. You are very welcome if you're not here to… to cause my eldest brother's fury with any…requests of any kind."
Caspian knew perfectly well what she meant by that. He had heard the Pevensies speaking many times of how easily the High King was infuriated by men who wished to court Susan or Lucy. "Don't you worry, Your Majesty. The purpose I have come to your magnificent Castle is nothing of that sort, rest assured." He smiled his crooked charming smile and saw the usual timid blush of Lucy's whenever she got flattered. "But with all due respect, may I inquire as to the occasion?"
"Oh." She exclaimed surprised and her eyes traveled across the massive hall for a moment before she replied. "It is actually a celebration for my birthday." She informed him kind of disappointed and puzzled. But she seemed to instantly forgive his ignorance when remembering he was but a stranger.
"Oh, Your Majesty, please, do forgive my ignorance and rudeness. My best of wishes for a blessed and long, happy life." He gave her a wide smile as he bowed in respect and apology. Lucy smiled her usual grin of timid enthusiasm whenever she made a new acquaintance she liked and looked bashfully at her entangled hands before her.
Caspian raised a brow. He had never seen her acting in such a manner. He got the idea she was actually flirting with him through her battering eyes and bashful, wide smiles and he wanted to get out of that situation. The image he had of Lucy in his head was the one of a girl no older than 14, innocent, with no interest in matters such as this. It felt weird to have her flirting with him discreetly but obviously.
"What is going on here?" a deep voice made them both jerk their heads –Lucy to her right and Caspian to his left- in startle. A man around his thirties, Caspian reckoned him to be 28, wearing a wary frown approached them. He had long golden hair, the same length as his was, and a golden beard. His piercing blue eyes, as clear as the sea after a storm, made him feel kind of ashamed, though he knew not, as they focused accusingly on him, burning his tanned skin. But what gave away his identity was the golden crown resting upon his halo of small curled locks of hair. It was magnificent just like the man's title. "Who are you?"
Even though a great deal older and different looking, he felt like the very first time he met him in the woods. He wished they would not have a duel again. Despite their not so close friendship, Caspian and Peter had grown to be good friends after the Narnian Revolution and he felt relieved and happy to see the High King again. Had Peter known who he was, he would have laughed at him for growing a beard but he bit his tongue and kept that thought to himself. "I am Ki- Caspian, the Tenth of Telmar. You must be High King Peter."
"I am indeed." He replied coldly. Caspian noticed the protective and almost possessive arm he had wrapped around his sister's waist and had drawn her closer to him. Well, he had to convince him he was not there to court his little sister, though being Susan's courter was an idea much appealing to him. Surprised by himself, he cleared his head from those thoughts and focused on the very cautious and suspicious High King of Narnia. "What business brought you to my kingdom?"
Caspian noticed with a hidden funny look, Lucy's roll of eyes at her brother's words. "Actually, I wish to have a private audience with you, Your High Majesty."
"To save you the trouble, sir, I am to inform you that I shall not permit your courting neither of my sisters. And now I must ask you to leave otherwise-"
"No, no, no, no! Your Majesty, you have misinterpreted my intentions. The type of request I wish to make is entirely unlike one of courting your sister." He hurried to cut him off even though he knew it was rude to interrupt a King's speech. He could not let him imagine the worst for him otherwise he would not be accepted and would not win their trust and faith. "I wish to serve and protect Narnia as a Knight."
"A Knight? You wish to be a Knight of the Noble Order of the Table?" Peter's hold around Lucy's waist relaxed and he looked more at ease though as inquisitively cautious as before.
"Well, I would be honored to be one of the Knights of the Noble Order and I am certain I can prove myself. My skills in swordsmanship are one of the best in my land –I usually fight with two swords or a sword and daggers- and I can handle more than sufficiently a crossbow and perhaps a longbow. I've had…a good master." He muttered to himself, remembering with nostalgia the few times Susan had been so kind as to share with him her knowledge and her techniques of the art of archery.
But yet again he shook those memories away, surprised with himself. It's been too long since he last got so many memories of his time with Susan and he wasn't sure what to think or feel. "And I am excellent in horseriding." He felt foolish, praising himself in such manner but he had to convince the High King. "I give you my word, should you give me a chance and test me, I shall be proved worthy to be part of the Noble Order."
The King arched an intrigued brow and his piercing eyes traveled their way up and down his figure. Had he not been who he is, Caspian knew that Peter would have been circling him pensively by now. "You do not need only fighting skills, sir. You have to prove your loyalty to our kingdom and worthy of our trust in you. And it is not an easy task to be accomplished. The Knights constituting the Order are all chosen by my brother, King Edmund and myself, and we are both greatly strict and demanding judges. We do not wish traitors among us, sir Caspian."
"And I can assure you, Your Majesty, I am not a traitor. The love I hold for your land is the one a man holds for his home. I am willing to do anything to defend and protect it as well as Your Majesties, my King." He inclined respectfully his head while saying that and saw the faintest hint of acquiesce in Peter's sea-blue eyes. The King folded his arms on his chest and took one last look at him.
"All right, Caspian of Telmar. You shall have your chance but after my brother and sister's return." He announced him in a guarded manner and was about to leave.
"Wait, Your Majesty, you mean King Edmund and Queen Susan are not present?"
"That's right." Lucy got in the conversation. Peter gave her a hard look but after a pleading grimace of hers, his stiffened expression softened and he smiled faintly at her, leaving the discussion up to her. "Our brother and sister have gone on business in Calormen after the Tisroc's invitation. It's been nearly two weeks now and I reckon they'll be back in three maybe four days time."
Caspian's lips shaped a perfect, round 'O' as illuminative understanding dawned on him. Yes, he did remember the siblings mentioning something about a trip of the two middle Pevensies in Calormen after the Tisroc and his son invited them. With a soft smile, he remembered the excitement written all over Edmund's face as he narrated the way things unfolded and the two nations, Narnia and Calormen, ended up battling near Archenland with Narnia defeating Calormen of course. But what was the reason? Caspian wondered with a frown.
"You know, sir Caspian, I must apologise on behalf of my brother. Please, do forgive his rudeness, he's a little upset since our sister's departure." Lucy spoke in a low voice, looking out cautiously for Peter, not wanting him to listen to her words. "You see, he never really trusted Calormenes but his mistrust in them grew even deeper when Rabadash insisted upon his marrying Susan. He was forced to leave Narnia, saying that he had changed his mind on the matter but Peter –and Edmund for that matter- are not convinced. And now that she's in Calormen… well, you understand… he had made it clear he did not wish for her to follow Edmund but he never really could stop our sister when she sets her mind on something. Well, nobody really understood her reason of wanting to follow Edmund but I guess she'll tell us upon her return."
Caspian listened carefully her words, proceeding the information and trying to connect it with what he already knew. And suddenly he remembered everything and he almost gasped as realization hit him hard like a massive rock. Rabadash, the Calormene Prince who wanted to force Queen Susan into marrying him and declared war when she and Edmund escaped. He had to stop that, he had to do something. Aslan had a reason to send him at that specific time and place. He had to find a way to go to Calormen.
"Uh, are you all right, sir?" the Valiant Queen looked concerned at his sudden change of mood. Sweet Lucy, always concerned even for people she hardly knew, always trying to be of comfort to them.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Just a little weary…" his voice trailed off, as he realized he had no place to stay.
"Oh." Lucy only said, looking uncertainly away, biting her lips. She was obviously in the middle of a thinking process. "We have spare rooms upstairs, if you need a place to stay."
"Oh, that would be convenient indeed. I can assure you, I shall find another place to stay first in the morning." He bowed in gratitude.
"Nonsense. You shall stay here as long as you need. Cair is quite great a castle, you shall be of no trouble to anybody." She assured him and after they said their goodnights and she promised him another audience with the High King, she had a servant lead him upstairs to his future accommodation.
To tell the truth, he had lied to the Queen. The first thing he would try to do the following morning would be to seek for an audience with King Peter so to have permission to go to Calormen. He did not know how or the reason of him having to go there, but he would go nonetheless. The Gentle Queen of Narnia was in danger and only he knew what was to happen. And he would prevent it.
All right, what do you think? Is it worth to be written or should I forget about it? :P I am kind of fond of this story I have started here but without your support it's nothing... So tell me what you think in a review :D I swear the story is much better than it looks!
Thanks for reading :)
kate xxx
