Chapter 14

One of the boats was lowered and a group consisting of Jamie, Caspian, Lucy, Edmund, Eustace and Reepicheep headed onwards, into a sea of lilies. Caspian and Edmund took the oars as Eustace described what happened to him. 'So what was it like, when Aslan changed you back?' Edmund asked.
'No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it myself.' Eustace replied. 'Then he came towards me. It sort of hurt, but it was a good pain. You know, like when you pull a thorn from your foot. Being a dragon wasn't all bad. I mean, I think I was a better dragon than I was a boy, really. I'm so sorry for being such a sop.'
'It's ok, Eustace.' Edmund confirmed. 'You were a pretty good dragon.' The group all shared a smile.
'My friends, we have arrived.' Reepicheep announced.

The boat ground on the sand and the six jumped out. A tall wave reared up in front of them, as they walked towards it. They thought they were alone, until Eustace noticed another. 'Aslan.' This caused the group to stop and look around.
'Welcome children.' The lion greeted them. 'You have done well. Very well indeed. You have come far, and now your journey is at its end.'
'Is this your country?' Lucy asked.
'No, my country lies beyond.' Aslan replied.
'Is my father in your country?' Jamie's head jerked up to Caspian at his question.
'You can only find that out for yourself, my son.' Aslan told him. 'But you should know that if you continue, there is no return.'

Jamie and the others watched as Caspian walked towards the wave. She knew that it was all he had ever wanted, to see his father, but it still broke her heart to think that he would leave her. Caspian ran his hand through the wave, before removing it and turning back to them. 'You're not going?' Edmund asked as Caspian walked back towards them.
'I can't imagine my father would be very proud that I gave up what he died for. I've spent too long wanting what was taken from me and not what I was given. I was given a kingdom, a people, the love of my life.' His eyes locked with Jamie's, who smiled at him. He turned to Aslan. 'I promise to be a better king.'
'You already are.' Aslan confirmed. 'Children?'

Lucy looked like she was going to take the offer, but Edmund stopped her. 'I think perhaps it's time we went home actually, Lu.'
Lucy turned to her brother. 'But I thought you loved it here.'
'I do.' Edmund replied. 'But I love home and our family as well. They need us.'
Then Reepicheep cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. 'Your eminence, ever since I can remember, I have dreamt of seeing your country. I've had many great adventures in this world but nothing has dampened that yearning. I know I am hardly worthy, but with your permission I would lay down my sword for the joy of seeing your country, with my own eyes.
'My county was made for noble hearts such as yours.' Aslan replied. 'No matter how small their bearers be.'
'Your majesty.' Reepicheep bowed to the lion.

'No one could be more deserving.' Caspian said.
'Well, I…' Reepicheep began.
'It's true.' Edmund agreed boing to Reepicheep, who returned the favour.
Lucy walked forward and crouched before the mouse. 'May I?' she asked.
'Well, I suppose just this…' He never got to finish his sentence, for Lucy had scooped him up into a hug. 'Goodbye Lucy.'
Lucy set Reepicheep down and Jamie came up to him. 'It won't be the same without you Reep.' She said.
'I'll miss you too.' Reepicheep replied. 'Please tell Peepiceek that he now takes command.' Jamie nodded and she too hugged the little mouse, before standing and moving over to Caspian, who put an arm around her.
Eustace then moved forward. 'I don't understand.' He sounded tearful. 'Will I not see you again? Ever?'
'What a magnificent puzzle you are, and a true hero. It has been my honour to fight beside such a brave warrior and a great friend.'

Reepicheep bowed to Eustace, before turning and scampering towards the wave, where a small boat was waiting for him. He drew his sword and stabbed it into the sand. 'I won't be needing this.' He pushed off and jumped in. the small boat made its own way up the wave. As it crested Reepicheep looked back one last time, before looking eagerly forward.
When he had gone Lucy turned to Aslan. 'This is our last time here, isn't it?' she asked.
'Yes.' Aslan replied. 'You have grown up, my dear one. Just like Peter and Susan. '
'Will you visit us in our world?'
'I shall be watching you, always.'
'How?'
'In your world I have another name. You must learn to know me by it.' Aslan told her. 'That was the very reason you were brought to Narnia. That by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.'
'Will we meet again?' Lucy asked finally.
'Yes, dear day.' Aslan confirmed.

Aslan roared and a hole was ripped open in the wave, no doubt leading back to England. The three cousins joined Caspian and Jamie. 'You're the closest thing I have to family. And that includes you Eustace.' Caspian patted the boy's shoulder, before hugging Edmund.
Jamie turned to Eustace. 'Maybe you weren't so bad after all.' She said, before hugging him. Edmund then came up to her. 'It won't be the same Ed, each time you left I looked forward to your next coming. But there is no next time.' The two hugged tightly before Edmund went to say goodbye to Aslan and Jamie had to say goodbye to Lucy. 'Luce, you were my best friend, and the one who understood me. Take care of yourself.'
'And you.' Lucy replied tearfully as the girls hugged for a long moment.

Crying, Lucy hugged Aslan one last time, before she, Edmund and Eustace made their way to the hole in the wave. Eustace turned back. 'Will I come back?' he asked.
'Narnia may yet have need of you.' Aslan replied cryptically.
Once inside the wave the three looked back, as water closed around them and they were gone. Caspian held Jamie close as tears streaked down her cheeks.

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