Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing associated with The Chronicles of Narnia (which really bums me out). Only original characters are mine.

AN: Quick note: I won't be following the movie (or books) word-for-word, but my story will remain true to the general ideas, for the most part. I will be adding my own occasional little twists and turns to the plot, so I hope no one will flame me and say that something is out of place, doesn't follow the movie lines exactly, or whatnot. Thanks, and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 2: Pulling a Few Strings:

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that getting aboard the Dawn Treader was going to be harder than I thought. This wasn't because I wanted to go, but because I began to realize that perhaps I shouldn't go.

The reasoning for this was simple, and it took some time for me to it to hit me. First of all, would my being on the Dawn Treader change what was supposed to happen? Second; if I did change something, would it be for better, or worse? But most important of all: would Aslan want me to go on the journey, or remain in Cair Paravel?

In the end, I decided to take one small experimental step forward, and try to become friends with Lord Drinian, if only because he seemed like a good man in the books and on film. And since he was such a close friend to Caspian, I decided to use my 'social connections' to be introduced to him.

At first, my request puzzled Caspian, but it pleased him that two of his friends would finally meet, so it was no trouble getting my way. Caspian merely offered to bring His Lordship to tea one day, and that was it.

Not surprisingly, I rather liked Drinian. Like the TV and film versions, he was a man of forty, tall, with a fine head of brownish-blond hair, blue eyes that were full of intelligence and perceptiveness, and a serious, but handsome face. What charmed me the most was the humorous glint deep in his eyes; and the quirk in his mouth, one that told of a man who could see the seriousness and humor in all things.

He was a very kind, understanding sort of man, too. He didn't patronize me because I was a woman who could fight, and when I showed interest in ships and sailing, Drinian proceeded to tell me everything he knew about the sea and of the navy's newest ships.

And that was when I received my first tour of the Dawn Treader.

I'd been on few ships or boats in my life –actually, I'd been on three, and I didn't have fond memories of any of them. Two of the ships had been tours of real navy ships made of metal, with giant guns on the decks and cramped areas down below. The third had been a small sailboat of my uncle's that had given me claustrophobia and seasickness in less than five minutes.

The Dawn Treader, however, surpassed all of them, particularly in elegance and beauty.

As portrayed in the film, the figurehead was of a dragon, with a dragon motif running all throughout the exterior of the ship, right up to the tail at the stern. The finest wood had been used for it, and the best artists had come to decorate not only the outside of it, but the inside as well.

Being a good friend of the King, I was shown only the better parts of the ship, and got nowhere near the crew quarters or kitchen/galley areas. Thus, I was guided around the King's and Captain's sleeping areas; the small, quaint room reserved for the King's page or cabin boy; and finally, to the King's large meeting chamber.

What I saw in the meeting room was a delight for anyone's eyes. Like in the film, there were beautiful murals all along the walls, which had elegant wood designs separating and framing them. The wood had been carved to resemble growing tree branches, and each had been polished to a perfect sheen. On the far left wall, above the fireplace, was a large golden bronze image of Aslan, who had a kind, but firm expression as he gazed out into the room, almost as if he were watching over and protecting everyone in the room.

The murals were the most beautiful and detailed I had ever seen. One was a painting of the grown up Pevensie siblings riding through the forest, and over them was written, 'Once a King or Queen of Narnia, Always a King or Queen.' From there I could see that Caspian had decided to carry out his dream of having historical events painted somewhere, because every bit of wall space was covered in images from the Golden Age. I could see Mr. Tumnus in the winter forest discovering Lucy by the lamppost, the light from it illuminating them perfectly. Another depicted the trek through the winter woods with the Beavers as they tried to get to Aslan's camp, where their army awaited them. Another showed Peter slaying a wolf to save his sisters. There were no images of the battles they fought, but instead there were paintings of the old Cair Paravel, as well as the great throne room with the four siblings seated there in all their royal regalia.

"Wow," I breathed, staring intently at the paintings.

Drinian chuckled. "The artists are more than pleased with their work, and will no doubt be grateful for the praise of the King's close friend."

Blushing, I turned and saw, to my astonishment, that some of the greatest treasures of Narnia had been put in places throughout the room. There was Queen Susan's bow and arrows, as well as Queen Lucy's cordial and dagger. In a tall, narrow cabinet with a glass front was King Peter's sword, but on a shelf in its own awkward cradle was…

"A flashlight?" I said, incredulous.

Caspian looked at me in surprise. "You know what it is?" he asked, picking it up. "King Edmund left it here on his last visit, and though I have see him use it, I have no idea what it is or how it works."

Smiling, I picked it up and clicked the switch. The metal was heavy and shiny, and the light worked perfectly. It was rather odd, though, to be handling something that would be considered a mint-condition antique in my own time.

"We call it a flashlight," I said, placing it back in its place. "It brings light to dark places, after all other lights go out." Okay, it was cheesy to use a Lord of the Rings quote, but it kind of fit the moment.

Drinian nodded. "Your world must have great magic to create such things."

I almost fell over in shock. "What?" I gasped, my face going pale as Caspian came to hold me steady. Who had told him that I was from a different world? I hadn't told anyone other than my close group of friends about where I was from, and here Drinian was, bringing it out into the open!

"It's alright," Caspian tried to soothe me. "It is something the entire Court has guessed at for some time. They all know that there is something very different and very special about you, Ali, and it's become clear that you are not from this world."

As much as I wanted to glare at him, I couldn't. "Well, it was bound to come out sooner or later. But you could have at least told me about it!"

Drinian shook his head. "You spend too much time in the library, my lady," he stated with a slight frown. "You should get out more often, perhaps mingle with the court during festivals and balls. It isn't right for a lovely lady to be shut away so much."

"I have no use for such events," I retorted, standing proudly on my own two feet and pulling my arm out of Caspian's gentle grip. "I can't dance; the courtiers have no idea how to treat me; and I refuse to have people smile, snivel, and bow at me as though I were someone important. I also have no need for empty conversations with people I don't know, or with people who only respect me because I saved the King's life. There's more to me than that, and if others can't see it, then they are fools, all of them."

Drinian stared at me, and shook his head. "But they cannot know you if you do not try to get to know them. You should give them a chance."

"The women in court are pretty butterflies with no conversational topics I care about," I frowned at him. "The men outside the army have no idea what to make of a female who can fight, and when I try to speak of something historical or of significance, they are shocked that I am far more educated than they thought. It's ridiculous!"

Caspian, meanwhile, was giving me an intense look. "Then perhaps it is time to change that," he softly commented, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder. "I remember that males and females in the other Narnian races are well-learned, so why not try and educate the human women as well?"

I smiled at him. "A most excellent idea," I agreed, "But that can wait until after your voyage. You can start mass educating people after you've kept your word to Aslan."

Both men laughed as I led them both out the door and onto the deck. "So, when do you set sail?" I asked as Caspian escorted me down the gangplank.

He shrugged. "Most likely within the next two months. We have been at peace for a while now, and I think that with Trumpkin in charge, everything should be well while I am away."

This was probably the best time to mention how I wanted to sail east with him, but something inside me told me not to. Instead, I held off and let my two escorts lead me around the docks, which were bustling. Now that we all lived near the sea, it was far easier to get fresh seafood, and the chefs in the palace were beyond thrilled –they loved cooking the fresh crabs, lobsters, clams, and other shellfish brought in, as well as the saltwater fish.

And since we were a safe haven for ships, merchants came and went frequently, bringing in goods from up and down the coast, as well as our neighboring allies. Having so any incoming goods pleased everybody, not just the courtiers, and the city was now full of beautiful, exciting things.

However, even though the docks were super-busy, being preoccupied with work didn't prevent people from bowing to Caspian as he passed. A few even dipped their heads towards me, which was embarrassing. Caspian found it amusing, though, and I had to keep myself from smacking him in the arm –it's never a good idea to embarrass your friend (and king) in public.

The hike back up to the palace was a long one, and all uphill, so by the time we got there, I was more than ready for a nap. While Caspian and Drinian headed off to do…whatever guys did, I went and flopped down on my lovely soft mattress, where I was asleep within minutes.

Normally, I don't dream when I nap, but this time was the exception.

After I had closed my eyes and let my mind wonder, I somehow found myself in a picturesque forest, one that looked very familiar. Even though it had been three years, I quickly recognized the place where my whole adventure started.

I was in Aslan's Country, and that was either a good thing, or a bad thing.

Part of me began to panic, my mind immediately listing all the things that I had done right, the things I had done wrong, and the numerous things I wanted to ask, but probably wouldn't get an answer to. And just when I thought my brain would explode from all of those thoughts, Aslan appeared.

Well, he didn't appear, exactly –he walked into the green glade I had been standing in, an air of majesty, understanding, gentleness, and a touch of fierceness that came with simply being a lion. His golden eyes were focused on me, and I could swear that he was bigger than the last time I'd seen him.

'Maybe that part of the movie was true,' I pondered as he stopped in front of me. 'He once told Lucy that every year she grew, so would he. Is that the case here? Have I grown as well?'

I suppose I was pretty much the same, but I could feel that I was also different. I had been in Narnia for such a long time, and it was bound to have an effect of some kind on me. But was it for better or worse?

Swallowing my nerves, I fell to my knees before the great Lion, bowing my head so that I did not have to look at his expression. My heart in my throat, I heard him pad over to me, and saw his forepaws stop in my line of vision. Swallowing again, I kept my head down and prayed that he didn't snap my head off for having done something that upset him.

The sound of his soft chuckle calmed my nervousness a bit, and as my heart dropped from my throat back into my chest, I felt a rough tongue lick my forehead. Closing my eyes, I felt a blissful calm settle over me, melting away my worries and fears.

"You have done well, Ali," Aslan said in his soft, noble voice. "I am happy with the efforts you have made during your stay in Narnia."

I felt my heart leap with joy, only for it to drop back down again at his next words. "However, your task is still not finished."

'Of course it isn't,' I thought sarcastically, head still bowed.

"Come sit with me," Aslan said, paws vanishing from my line of sight.

It was an order, but a gentle one, so I didn't feel any dread about following him. Hurriedly getting to my feet, I caught up with the Lion and followed him into the forest of his Country. We stopped again in the glade that he had led me to on my first visit, and as I sat on a nearby stone, he sat back on his hunches and looked at me closely, golden-brown eyes not leaving my face as he spoke.

"Caspian is soon to set sail for the task that I have set upon him," he said, watching me closely. "You must be with him when the ship leaves port."

Uh, yeah, easier said than done! There was no possible way Caspian was going to let me go with him on this adventure, especially not after what had happened during the battle with the Calormen armies. Even if I told him that Aslan wanted me to go, there was the chance that he might try and think of an excuse why I shouldn't go.

I froze my thoughts. On the other hand…he did owe me a really big favor, and this was going to be a very big favor.

"I…think I can manage that," I slowly replied. "Although, Caspian isn't going to be happy about my going…"

Aslan chuckled, a warm sound that was like spring sunshine after a rain. "The young King cares about you very much, Ali. You are quite possibly the only person he trusts as much as he likes and respects."

The redness of my cheeks made him smile. "He likes many people, respects few, and trusts even fewer. You have been a great support to him, and he knows that you would not ask for something such as this if it were not important. It will take some convincing, but he will eventually allow you to accompany him."

I winced as I remembered something. "Well, as much as I agree with you on that, there will be the matter of my being the only female aboard the ship."

The Lion shook his mane. "Do not worry about trivialities," he chided me. "Focus on the more important things first." He rose to all four paws. "Now, I believe it is time for you to wake and prepare a sound speech to give Caspian, before it is too late for them to plan your joining them on their quest."

"Absolutely not!" Caspian cried, getting to his feet.

We were in his private study, and I had just requested a private audience with him. Since this was only the second or third time I had made such a visit, the clerk who took such requests had been surprised and confused. However, since I was the King's friend (and a bit of the local heroine for saving his life), the man didn't hesitate to bring me to Caspian's attention. As of this moment, I had just finished a very short, straight-to-the-point speech to him, and gotten his reaction to it. Needless to say, it was as I expected.

Sighing, I rolled my eyes and tried to keep hold of my patience. "For goodness sakes, Caspian, I'm only telling you what Aslan himself told me! I have to go with you when you sail. It's what Aslan wants!" My eyes narrowed as I glared at him. "Are you really going to disobey Aslan's orders?"

I could tell he was tempted to do so, and the look on his face surprised me –it was one of anger, fear, desperation, and just a touch of panic, a combination I had never seen him wear before. Caspian was usually calm and collected, and seeing him like this was very unusual.

Blinking at him, I finally realized why Caspian was so fearful of my going: he was afraid I was going to be seriously hurt –or worse, die.

Stepping up to him, I put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I can't and won't promise that nothing will happen to me," I said to him in a soft voice. "It will be a dangerous voyage, and things can occur. But Aslan himself told me that I was to accompany you, and I would not disobey him for the world."

I squeezed his shoulder, stopping his protests. "If you try to keep me here, I would only find a way of sneaking aboard when you aren't looking," I firmly told him. "I'll find a way, and I know for a fact that there will be others who would help me do so. Please, Caspian; let me do this."

He shook his head. "No. I…I can't bear the thought of something horrible happening to you again, Ali. You almost lost your life two years ago because of my foolishness. I am sorry, but I cannot condone this."

Closing my eyes, I sighed. I really didn't want to do this, but I had no choice. "Then I must call upon you and your honor." I opened my eyes to see him grow pale at my words. "I call upon the debt that is owed to me. My price for saving your life is to join you during your quest to find the Seven Missing Lords."

A wide range of emotions danced across his face. He would not back out of his promise, not when he owed me so much, but I knew he was going to be very angry with me for asking this of him. I could already see the anger and hurt on his face, but I could not back down now. Aslan wanted me to go on this quest, and I would do it.

"I don't want to hurt your feelings, Caspian," I whispered, guilt hanging heavily on my heart, "but it is necessary. I must do this."

As he paced the length of his study, I could see that he did not like being trapped into this. "You don't understand, Ali," he said, a hint of pleading in his voice. "We do not know what dangers we may face on this journey! It has been generations since anyone has sailed to the Lone Islands, and no one can remember when the last ship sailed for the waters beyond them. We are literally going into unknown territory!"

Well, it was unknown to them, but not to me. There might be instances where I would have no idea what was coming, but I knew most of the major things that would happen, and would be a valuable asset to them. I would never tell Caspian that I had such knowledge, of course; that would require way too much of an explanation, and most of it wouldn't make sense even to me, the person it was happening to!

But I had to go with him if I was going to help, and he was only making things more difficult by arguing with me about it. Heaving a heavy sigh, I looked him square in the eye and said, "Caspian, Aslan wants me to go, so I'm going. If you have a problem with his orders, take it up with the Lion himself. Maybe he'll visit you while you're asleep, and then you can have a nice talk with him about why you won't do as he's asked."

I then turned and left, not waiting for him to give me an answer.

There is a wonderful proverb that I've always admired: be careful what you wish for –you might just get it.

That is exactly what happened the night following my argument with Caspian. Apparently Aslan took my sarcastic remark to heart and paid the King of Narnia a brief visit. I have no idea what the Lion said to him, but the next day, Caspian came to visit me in the library to tell me that the Dawn Treader would be leaving in two months for the sea, and that if I wanted to go, I had to be ready by then.

And even as he finished that last sentence, Caspian turned and he stalked out of the room with a very angry scowl on his face.

I, of course, took no joy in this victory. Caspian was angry with me, and I could only hope that Aslan knew what he was doing. The Lion rarely – if ever – made mistakes, and I had to have faith in him and what he asked of me.

So, with a sigh, I went to find my mentor, Professor Cornelius, to tell him of my upcoming adventure.

AN: Review?