Disclaimer: All characters are not owned by me and are used without permission solely for the entertainment of fan-fiction readers.

Author's Note: The moment for battle approaches, but things continue to go wrong. Caspian must realize his true place before he can lead his troops.

Chapter 1: Comprehension

Caspian stood inside one of the cave's tunnels. Only the low light of a nearby torch broke the darkness within it. He stared solemnly at the drawing of the Kings and Queens of old. How had they done it? It was said that their rule was the Golden Age of Narnia.

It was so frustrating. Every time he thought he was doing what was right, it would run afoul. He only wanted what was best for everyone, but it was so hard to decide. He wasn't used to this much responsibility. How could he be King if he couldn't even lead his people in battle?

The young Prince sighed, laying a hand on the cold stone wall. He leaned against it, trying to relieve the burden of this great task that had befallen him. He lowered his head in thought, trying to weigh out the possibilities, searching for the right path to follow.

How could he know which was the right choice? He held in his hands the well being and future of the Narnians. He could not fail them again.

He was startled by the footstep of someone approaching. He turned to see Nikabrik standing next to him. The dwarf was gazing at him with a peculiar expression upon his face. It was dark and he couldn't tell, but it wasn't one to Caspian's liking.

"Are you so glad of that magic horn now, boy?" the Black Dwarf said suddenly, his voice dripping with disdain.

Caspian was surprised by his tone.

"Your Kings and Queens have failed us. Your army is half dead. And those that aren't will be soon enough", Nikabrik continued.

The Prince was annoyed by his taunting, "What do you want? Congratulations?"

The dwarf smiled at him, "You want your uncle's blood? So do we. You want his throne? We can get it for you".

He stared at the Prince for a long time before walking past towards the tomb. Caspian's eyes followed him, the significance of the offer sinking in. He was intrigued and followed silently.

Once they entered the tomb's giant arch, Nikabrik continued, "You tried one ancient power. It failed. But there is a power greater still. One that kept even Aslan at bay for nearly a hundred years".

The dwarf looked out over at the Stone Table. Caspian's eyes followed his gaze. Suddenly, he heard movement from behind the rocks. Pulling his sword out, the Telmarine searched the room, ready to attack.

- - - -

Caspian could hardly believe what had occurred. He hadn't meant for this to happen. He thought he had found an answer, and instead he had found something far worse. He had almost released the White Witch upon them all. Her charm and enchantment had tempted him.

It had almost cost everything.

He stared down at the fresh cut on his hand, the blood still not fully dried from it. But it did not sting as much as the look that the others had given him, especially Susan. How could he have been so stupid?

But her eyes, they had been so mesmerizing.

"One drop of Adam's blood and you free me. Then I am yours, my King".

The White Witch was very persuasive. Except, Caspian wanted nothing to do with her. She represented everything they were fighting against. But when she had reached out to him, he had felt as if a spell can been cast upon him. There was no control over body or mind. He was bewitched.

"STOP!" Peter had screamed.

A fight had ensued. With the werewolf, hag, and Nikabrik fighting against Peter, Edmund, and Trumpkin. All the while, the White Witch's hand was getting closer and closer to Caspian. Hunger etched across her face and her eyes shone bright.

She was ever so close.

"Get away from him", Peter yelled, pushing Caspian away from her reach.

"Peter dear, I've missed you. Just one drop. You know you cannot do this alone".

Her spell was cast over Peter in a matter of moments and now he was dangerously close to the outstretched hand.

Suddenly, the White Witch screamed, pierced through the heart by a sword's blade. It had saved them all from certain doom. To bring Jadis back would have been . . . the end. The ice came crashing down to the ground, revealing a wild eyed Edmund, his sword heavy in his hand.

"I know, you had it sorted", the younger King had said.

He turned and left the room, leading their eyes to Susan, who now stood in the doorway. Her eyes were wide with disbelief. She stared at the two young men and shook her head, turning away in disgust. They had almost compromised everything they had been striving for! She turned on her heel and stormed out after her brother.

Both Peter and Caspian hung their heads in shame. The Telmarine Prince was almost in tears, horrified by the dead he had almost committed. He looked at Peter, embarrassment etched on his face. Peter gazed back, equally embarrassed. They looked away from each other.

"I suppose it's not to late for an apology, is it?" Peter had said after a long silence.

Caspian's head shot up at this, "I am the one who should be apologizing. I could have brought about our demise if you had been but a moment longer".

Peter looked at him, "You could not have known the extent of the White Witch's power. It stems from cunningness and deceit. Even the strongest of men could not resist her charm".

"But I was always told that she was the worst enemy of all. That she was a tyrant ten times worse than Miraz could ever be. I should have known. I should have been stronger", Caspian cried out.

"Peace Caspian. All is forgiven and forgotten. Let us be friends again", Peter said with a smile.

The Prince smiled back and bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. A frown slowly crept upon his lips though.

"I fear that others will not be as forgiving as the High King", he said solemnly.

"They will understand. Give them time".

Caspian stared out onto the plain that stretched out in front of the How's entrance. The sun was in the midst of rising over the horizon. He had not been able to sleep that night. There were too many thoughts troubling his mind.

Professor Cornelius appeared, sitting beside him on the rocks of the cliff's side. Caspian glanced in his direction, but the Professor was gazing out at the woods beyond the plain.

"Why did you not ever tell me about my father?"

The professor looked up at him, "My mother was a black dwarf from the Northern Mountains. I've risked my life all these years so that one day, you might be a better king than those before you".

Caspian looked down at the rocks at his feet, "Then I have failed you".

"Everything I told you. Everything I didn't. It was only because I believed in you. You have the chance to become the most noble contradiction in history. The Telmarine who saved Narnia".

It was then that something dawned upon the young Prince. This was all much greater than him. This was not about his vendetta against his uncle. It was about saving the people of Narnia and uniting a land torn in two. Miraz was standing in the way of that.

Caspian understood his place now.

- - - -

The plan was in place now. Caspian had helped with that.

He knew that his uncle could not refuse the offer of single combat with the High King. He was obliged to follow the traditions of the Telmarines as their new king. It would buy them the time they needed in order for Lucy and Susan to find Aslan deep in the woods.

The Prince had been skeptical at first, but in his heart he knew he must have faith in Lucy as she had in Aslan.

Leading faithful horse, Destrier, Caspian slowly strode through the tunnels deep within the How. There was a back entrance, which would lead Queens Susan and Lucy into the woods and onward in their search for Aslan.

The Queens were waiting for him. Susan was clad in chain mail under a leather bodice, along with her bow and quiver full of arrows. Lucy wore a cloak over her dress and a determined look on her face.

The Telmarine Prince helped the two young ladies up upon his horse's back, then set to tightening the stirrups, placing their feet into them one by one.

"Destrier has always served me well. You are in good hands", he said, looking up at them both.

Lucy grinned, "Or hooves".

The prince chuckled. He looked up at Susan, his face now serious. He was still ashamed of his actions in the tomb earlier and hoped she could forgive him.

"Good luck", he said softly to her.

He had been growing fond of her. At first, he has been taken by her stunning appearance. No Telmarine woman or girl had features such as Queen Susan. Her skin was exquisitely pale and brought out her striking blue eyes.

Yes, no Telmarine could contend with Queens Susan's unique beauty. But it was her strength and courage that surprised and captured him the most.

The young Queen looked away from him. She was still angry with him.

"Thanks", she said coldly.

Clearly, recent events were still in her mind. Caspian could not blame her animosity towards him. Perhaps a peace offering? He reached for the horn that was tied to his belt.

"Look, maybe it is time, you had this back", he said.

Susan's features softened, appreciating the gesture.

"Why don't you hold onto it. You might need to call me again", she replied.

Caspian's demeanor lightened considerable. She had acknowledged him. It was one step closer to forgiveness.

If it was one thing that troubled Susan most, it was being on sore terms with anyone. She was glad to be on speaking terms again with the prince.

But, before Caspian could express his gratitude, Queen Susan had kicked Destrier into a gallop, and they were gone. The sound of hooves died off, and the prince stood there, looking at the tunnel they had disappeared into.

Would they complete their task safely?

- - - -

So here I begin to introduce a little Caspian/Susan action. But things won't turn out like you think. I don't want this to turn into another "Oh no not another Susan/Caspian fic", so things will happen a little differently than in the film. Hope you enjoy. R&R!

- Lady Artemis -