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

Summary: Sacrifices must be made in order to save Narnia. But who must make them?

Chapter 3: Battle for Narnia

Susan had never agreed with this plan. And now, as she watched Caspian riding towards the How, she was even less fond of it.

Edmund and Peter had been surprised by Caspian's ingenuity at using one of his own customs to buy them some time. Perhaps this young Telmarine was more than they gave his credit for. To Peter, it was sort of a relief to know that the future King of Narnia had a good head on his shoulders.

"Alright, so we use Caspian's plan to keep Miraz busy, but we need to have a plan for when the actual battle takes place", Edmund said.

Susan looked confused, "But if Peter wins the duel, won't they be forced to surrender?"

Peter and Edmund both stared at Susan. But Caspian was the one who spoke.

"My queen, I do not find joy in admitting it, but the Telmarines are not known for their honesty. I would not trust them to keep their word for a second", he explained.

Peter and Edmund nodded knowingly; reminded of all the troubles they once had with Calormen.

"So how do we know we can trust you to keep your word?" Susan asked pointedly.

The room grew eerily quiet. Many eyes looked from Caspian, then back to Susan.

Caspian looked hurt by the comment, "Queen Susan, I would not like to think of myself in the same league as my uncle and his men. I would rather you consider me a friend of Narnia, one true to his word".

Susan studied him for a moment, "I suppose we shall have to".

Peter glared at his sister, "Must we continue to fight amongst ourselves? Save your anger for the Telmarine soldiers, Susan".

Susan nodded, suddenly embarrassed by her suggestions. She didn't know what had come over her. All the young Queen knew was that she wanted to know more about the dark haired Prince.

"I apologize for my boldness", she said in a low voice.

Caspian brushed the apology aside, "There is no need to apologize. You have every right to question my motives. As a Telmarine, I must accept that my reputation precedes me. I can only hope that my assurances will suffice in demonstrating my loyalty".

Susan nodded.

Peter coughed, "Well now that that's out of the way, let's get back to the battle plan. Edmund and I have been discussing a possibility in giving our troops the upper hand".

Caspian raised an eyebrow, "And what is that?"

Peter nodded for Edmund to explain.

"Right, well, these caves go out for hundreds of feet. And they're all held up by columns of rock. I think that if we somehow were able to knock these columns down, we would be able to trap Miraz's troops above".

Everyone stared at Edmund. It was a very risky move. Not only would it require many to accomplish this plan, but it would also put many lives in danger.

Peter spoke up now, "We will need someone to lead this underground attack who won't lose his head during it".

"I will lead it", Caspian blurted out.

The High King shook his head, "Somebody else".

"Do you not believe me capable of it?" the Telmarine asked, offended.

Peter turned to the prince, "It's not that. I just don't think it would be wise to put you in that position when we are so close to getting your throne back".

But Caspian would not hear of it, "You and Edmund are more valuable leading the troops above ground. The both of you have more years of experience in battle than I have of life. That is something we cannot afford to lose".

Peter looked to Edmund and they exchanged a look. It would be a great risk, but it was their only option.

"I hope you know how to count", Peter said.

Caspian grinned.

Susan looked incredulously at the both of them, "Are you mad?"

The two of them looked at her.

"He'll be killed! After all we've been through, all the blood that has been spilt. It's all been to put Caspian into his rightful place! And now you're going to send him off to his death?" she said in a high pitched voice.

Caspian was warmed by her concern, "I shall be fine".

Her eyes pierced his, "Well don't expect me to like this! You're all mad, the lot of you!"

Susan watched as Caspian disappeared within the rocks of the How. She had to have faith that everything would turn out alright. But with each moment that passed, and still no sign of Lucy, their chances grew slimmer. A low rumble brought her attention back to the battlefield.

The Telmarine cavalry had begun its charge. Hundreds of soldiers on horseback galloped towards them. Susan narrowed her eyes, calculating the distance. She turned to Trumpkin and nodded at him.

"Archers ready!" she shouted.

They waited.

"Steady!" she commanded.

"Stay with them!" added Trumpkin.

A horn blew and that was the signal.

"FIRE!"

A cloud of darkness filled the sky as hundreds of arrows flied towards their targets. Susan watched as many Telmarine soldiers fell from their horses, but not as many as she had hoped. It showed that her archers where inexperienced in battle. She could only pray that the boys' plan would work.

Suddenly, the ground near the center of the battlefield began to give way. The earth cracked open, swallowing several cavalry solders within. Soon, a huge gaping hole had formed. Out behind it came Narnian troops, led by Caspian, much to Susan's relief. It was time to do her part.

"NOW!" she shouted, and another stream of arrows was released into the air.

This time, they were more accurate, as their marks were much closer and easier to see. Peter raised his sword and the rest of the Narnian troops charged at the Telmarine cavalry. Susan saw that the Narnians were overpowering their enemy. But it would be short-lived.

The Telmarine foot soldiers were on the move and beginning to close in on them. They were horribly outnumbered. Peter knew that there would be no hope to win this battle without Aslan. Susan watched in horror as they moved in to surround the Narnians. There was nothing left to do except to pray that Lucy had succeeded.

"Back to the How!" ordered Peter.

Caspian and Edmund turned their horses and led the troops back to the stony entrance of the historic monument. But the Telmarine generals had other plans. Catapults were released, slamming into the cliff side of the How. This caused an avalanche of rocks to come crashing down, blocking their only escape.

"Brace yourselves!" shouted Susan as she and the other archers were rocked by the impacts.

Some of the creatures were unfortunately caught under the rubble that showered from the catapults. Peter watched horrified as his people were crushed by the boulders. A rockslide on the cliff caused some brush to become uprooted. Somehow, Susan got knocked over by some of it and was caught off balance, falling over the side. Thankfully, Trumpkin was able to grab hold of her hand as she fell.

Even so, Peter gasped as he watched his sister dangle dangerously high above the ground. Caspian ran up beside the High King, an anxious look on his face as he too watched Susan helplessly. Trumpkin was able to swing the queen safely over to a ledge. Both young men sighed in relief. Peter gave Caspian a queer look before turning back the rest of his troops.

This was it, their last stand. There was no escape now, no turning back. Peter and Caspian stood side by side, determined in their stances. Edmund ran up to join then, a crossbow in his hand. Susan had managed to climb down from her ledge and stood between her brother and Caspian. The young Telmarine looked at her meaningfully, words on the tip of his tongue.

But Peter raced forward, his sword out ahead of him. Caspian and Edmund followed closely behind. Susan, confused by her exchange with the prince, ran after them.

- - - -

Relief. That was what everyone felt. It was over. Lucy had succeeded, and Aslan had brought the trees and the nymphs back to life. They had won the battle. Peter grabbed his brother into a tight embrace, elation over both their faces. Lucy came running to her sister and hugged her, delighted to see she was alright.

Caspian watched as the siblings had celebrated the victory. Peter came up to him and held out his hand.

"You're not so bad with a sword . . . for a Telmarine", he said.

Caspian beamed, "You are not so bad yourself . . . for a Narnian".

The two monarchs had embraced each other as brothers.

Edmund came up and clapped the prince on the back, "Good job mate".

Trufflehunter looked up and smiled proudly at him. Trumpkin also shook his hand. Reepicheep bowed gracefully. Lucy hugged him. Then Susan approached him. The Prince straightened, having had to lean over to embrace the younger Queen.

"I knew you were the better man. Well done Caspian", she said.

Caspian bowed slightly, "Your words give me great pleasure, my Queen".

They were all unaware of Aslan's approach. Peter was the first to notice and he nudged Edmund, who tapped Susan's shoulder, but Lucy had already run up to him. Caspian merely stared.

Magical creatures, Kings and Queens of old, moving trees, water gods, and now a magnificent talking lion. A few weeks ago, he had only read of Narnia in books and now . . . he was among them. It was almost more than the young Prince Caspian could believe. He was at a loss for words.

Peter, Edmund, and Susan all dropped to their knees in reverence to the great lion. Caspian quickly followed, feeling awfully out of place.

"Rise Kings and Queens of Narnia", said Aslan.

The Pevensie siblings all rose, but Caspian remained still. He bowed his head lower, hiding his face and the uncomfortable look on it.

Aslan studied the Telmarine Prince, "All of you".

Caspian looked up at the lion, embarrassment and hesitation on his face.

"I do not think I am ready".

Aslan smiled, "It is for that very reason that I know you are".

The Prince took in the lion's words and stood up slowly. Susan could tell that Caspian still did not feel his place was that of King. He would have to grow into the role. But of that, she was sure he could.

- - - -

It had been a glorious return to Miraz's, or rather now Caspian's, castle. The Telmarine people greeted the Narnians as true heroes. The Prince looked nothing less than regal in his fine silks as he rode Destrier, the Telmarine crown upon his head. He was followed by Peter and Susan, both also clad regally in bright colors. Lucy and Edmund looked much older now that they were wearing their Narnian finest.

That night a great feast was held and the Telmarine and Narnian people celebrated side by side. The Kings and Queens enjoyed themselves immensely, with the four Pevensies feeling very nostalgic and reminded of the marvelous days when they had ruled at Cair Paravel. To top off the night, a brilliant display of fireworks had lit up the night sky, much to the pleasure of Queen Lucy.

The next day, Aslan called upon Prince Caspian to gather his people in the main square of the town. The Prince followed his directions, and soon they were all gathered, awaiting the great lion's words.

Caspian began, "Narnia belongs to the Narnians, just as it does to man. And Telmarines who want to stay, and live in peace, are welcomed to. But, for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers".

The crowd murmured. One man spoke up, "It's been generations since we've left Telmar".

"We're not referring to Telmar", said Aslan, "Your ancestors were sea faring brigades; pirates run aground on an island. There they found a cave, a rare chasm that brought them here from their world".

At this he motioned towards the Kings and Queens, who looked at each other, confused.

"The same world as our Kings and Queens. It is a good place for any who wish to make a new start", Aslan finished.

A long silence filled the crowd. No one seemed to want to go. They were skeptical about what this lion was offering them.

"I will go. I will accept the offer", said one man, who had been a general in Miraz's army.

Caspian nodded to him.

"So will we", said Miraz's wife, carrying her son. Her father followed them.

"Because you have spoken first, your future in that world shall be good", proclaimed Aslan.

And with that, the great tree that had been behind the monarchs began to turn, revealing a gateway. Aslan reassured them with a nod and the three walked through, disappearing from sight.

A gasp came from the crowd, and Caspian blinked several times to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. More murmuring followed and a cry came above the voices.

"How do we know he is not sending us to our deaths?" someone demanded.

Reepicheep stood forward, "Sire, if it would help, I will take eleven mice through with me at a moment's notice".

Aslan smiled at him, "That will not be necessary, brave mouse. If it is proof they need, then I shall go through the portal. I am no longer needed here".

Peter stepped towards Aslan, "We can go if you wish. I know that our time here is limited, and it would be best if we left now".

"No dear Peter, it is still not your time yet. You are needed here so that you may help young Caspian along the path of being King. He will need your wisdom and guidance in the coming times", Aslan offered.

Peter nodded, somewhat ashamed of not thinking about what was best for Narnia. He was still out of practice in being High King.

With that the great lion nodded to them and to Caspian, before walking through the portal. He vanished and another great gasp left the crowd. Afterwards, many willingly passed through the portal to their new home, and in the end only a few handfuls of Telmarines remained.

Caspian on the other hand, was somewhat relieved that Peter's offer had been refused by Aslan. Not only because he greatly enjoyed the company of the Kings and Queens. He knew that their aid would be invaluable in the undertaking of his responsibilities as King. No, it was mostly because he secretly desired to have more time with Queen Susan.

- - - -

And so begins the AU beyond the movie verse. More Susan/Caspian ahead, along with other adventures. Hope you enjoy. Reviews keep me typing!!

- Lady Artemis -