Redemption: Chapter 4- Navin by the Sea.

Aslan brought Susan, Solon, and Anna into the tent of the camp's leader, Lord Navin. Aslan leaves them after he tells Navin what they are doing. However before they talk to Navin, they are fed a hearty breakfast. When they are nearly finished he comes into the tent they are dining in and he sits on a chair near them.

"Well," he began. "I never expected the fate of our people to be decided by two young women who are foreigners, and you Solon, raised as a page in the palace. Aslan certainly has a peculiar sense of humor."

Susan looked him squarely in the eye and responded in an uncharacteristically firm voice. "This is no laughing matter Lord Navin, your people are split into different factions and are willing to kill each other just so that a leader can be chosen."

"I know, and I am willing to submit to what you say, because that is Aslan's will, however, there are some who will stop for no one. They are going to tear this land apart until their leader is crowned king."

"You mean Sire Ladren and his followers." Solon stated gravely.

Navin's face fell, and his expression darkened. "I should explain the state of things more for you ladies." He paused and exhaled deeply. He didn't want to tell the story of his people to them, but he knew he had no choice. "A very long time ago my people came from another land and they established their kingdom here. We flourished and when we elected a king it was his family that ruled. So it was for many centuries, and things were very peaceful. However our last king disappeared twenty years ago along with his wife. King Aradon and Queen Salara left no word as to who was to be the next leader. So for awhile we held out hope that they would return, but within the year we found the remains of King Aradon, he had been murdered. We investigated it but we couldn't find any evidence as to who would have killed our king. Suspicion was greatest towards the Queen's brother Sire Ladren and the King's brother Lord Radzarin. The real fight for the throne began about a year ago, which was when Aslan told us all to leave the palace until he dealt with our problems. So we've lived in separate camps since then, awaiting his decision."

Anna looked at him thoughtfully, thinking over what he had said. "Why are you fighting for the throne? I understand that Ladren and Radzarin are relatives of the King and Queen, but what about you?"

"I am Ladren's older brother," Navin answered sorrowfully.

"What happened between you that makes you so sad," Susan asked gently.

He looked into Susan's gentle eyes with his own piercing blue eyes. "We had an argument, and he told me that he would rule this kingdom at any cost, no matter how many lives it took. He also said that he would kill all of the talking animals and fantastical creatures that live in this realm. I told him that I would kill him myself before he did that. So he said that he would make sure I would die first then. After that we parted, and we haven't spoken since."

Susan's eyes filled with tears. "That's horrible. The last time I saw my brothers and sister we fought as well, it wasn't so serious, but still."

"Such things are better left unspoken. Now however, you have to start your travels to the other two camps to see if you find them worthy to rule."

"So far I think you may be the best choice," Anna said with a smile.

"Ah, but you judge too quickly," Navin replied. "You have yet to meet the other two to determine what they are like. Do you have anything to ask me before I send you to the othres?"

Susan thought for a moment and then said, "No, but I'm certain that we will meet again."

Navin got up and inclined his head towards them, so they did the same. "I shall look forward to seeing you again then," he said.

He then kissed the hands of Susan and Anna before leaving the tent. They followed, and two centaurs led them out of the camp to where Aslan was waiting. The centaurs bowed deeply to Aslan before returning to the camp. Then the two females sat on Aslan's back while Solon walked, and they went north towards Lord Radzarin's camp.

"You can't want to marry him," King Peter exclaimed. Queen Susan just looked at him with a frown.

"I love him Peter, and an alliance between Calormen and Narnia would benefit us all."

"Rabadash is a fool," King Edmund muttered. "I fear this will only bring us trouble."

"Why can't either of you see that this may not be as bad as you think. Lucy, please help me." Susan looked at her younger sister, but Lucy was just as firm as her brothers had been.

"I don't think it's a good idea. However, we should allow things to progress as they are. Queen Susan is right, our two peoples would benefit from an alliance. We can be careful as we proceed, but we should trust that Aslan is the one controlling all things."

"Well said Queen Lucy," Peter replied. "However, what if go back to the land we came from? If we have spouses and children here, what would happen to them?"

"I hardly recall anything from that land, we should accept that this is the only place we are meant to be," Susan stated simply.

"Fine," Peter said, tired of the argument already. "Do as you wish. We can only hope that it is Aslan's will."

"Then it is agreed," Edmund began. "We shall go to Tashbaan next month to discuss his proposal."

"Thank you, my fair consorts," Susan replied with a smile. Then they hugged, because they would still care for one another, no matter what decisions any of them made.

TBC...

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Anyway, thanks for the reviews: csifreak04, Alia G. L.
Rendia- I actually thought about making Aslan have another form, but since the stories are a Biblical allegory I thought about what other creatures are shown in comparison to Christ (that would be who Lewis was referring to) and none others are really used, except for a lamb. I wanted to use a dragon, but that's the opposite of Christ in the Bible, so I stuck to the lion.