Chapter 6

"Here we are; Dark Island," said Caspian. "What do you think is in there?"

"Our worst nightmares," said Edmund.

"Our darkest wishes," replied Caspian.

"Pure evil," said Drinian. "Archers! Prepare yourselves!"

Eustace and Jill were flying above Dark Island and the ship.

"Here it is, my friends," said Reepicheep, who was standing on Eustace's head. "Our battle awaits!"

Eustace's eyes got wide and he started to fly away.

"Whoa! Eustace, stop, stop!" Reepicheep said. The dragon stopped and Reepicheep climbed on his muzzle. "I will not accept surrender! A noble warrior does not run from fear! Look at me! Look at me when I'm talking to you!"

Eustace looked at Reepicheep and growled. "I am a mouse. You…you're a dragon! You've got scales, you breathe fire! C'mon," he said as he drew his sword. "Let's meet our destiny!"

He's right, Eustace. Jill replied. We have to face our fears sometime. Come with me.

Eustace agreed, and soon was flying into the island.

"No matter what happens here, everyone standing before me has earned their place on the crew," said Caspian. "We have traveled far, facing adversity and can do it again. So now is not the time to fall to fierce temptations; be strong, never give in! Our lives depend on it. Think of Aslan and Narnia."

"For Narnia!" the crew shouted. With that, they sailed into the island.

Green mist swirled around them and the ship creaked. "I can't see a thing," Drinian told Caspian. "This fog's too thick."

You are a great disappointment to me. Green mist swirled around Caspian with the image of his father. If you call yourself my son, then act like a king.

Edmund, come with me. The image of the White Witch swirled around Edmund. Be my king. I'll let you rule.

"Go away."

You can't kill me. I'll always be alive…in your mind.

"No!"

Suddenly, they heard a voice. "Go away!"

"We do not fear you!" Caspian shouted.

"Who are you?" replied the voice.

Edmund took his flashlight and looked over the edge. On a rock was a man holding a sword. "Keep away!"

"We will not leave," replied Caspian.

"You will not defeat me!" replied the man, wielding his sword.

"Caspian, his sword!" Edmund shouted.

Caspian looked over the edge of the boat and saw the man. "Lord Rhoop?"

"You will not harm me!" yelled Rhoop.

"Stand down; let's get him on board!"

Rhoop turned around and saw a dragon grab him and put him on the ship. Eustace flew away.

"Be calm, my lord. We are not here to hurt you. I am your king, Caspian."

Rhoop turned around and fell at Caspian's feet. "Caspian? My lord, you should not have come; there's no way out of here!"

"We have the sword; let's go," Edmund said.

"Let's turn her about, Drinian."

"Aye aye, sir."

"Do not think!" yelled Rhoop. "Do not let it feel your fears or it will become real!"

Edmund had a strange look on his face. "Oh, no."

"Edmund, what did you just think of?" asked Lucy.

"Oh, I'm sorry." He ran to the edge of the boat and looked out. The boat rocked, and a giant sea serpent reared out of the water.

Eustace and Jill flew toward it. "Don't let me down, Eustace!" Reepicheep yelled. "No fear, no retreat!" Eustace blew fire at it, but the sea serpent grabbed him by the teeth. "For Narnia! Take that!" Reepicheep said as he dug his sword into the serpent. He then grabbed a rope and swung towards the boat. Eustace, free from the serpent's grasp, flew around the boat, only to be caught again. The serpent threw him against a rock, and Jill and Eustace blew fire at it, causing it to go in the ocean.

"I'll kill it!" yelled Rhoop, and he threw the sword at Eustace. The sword sank into Eustace's backside, and he roared in pain.

Eustace! Jill cried, but it was no use. Eustace was flying away.

"No, Eustace, come back!" yelled Lucy.

"Turn this ship about!" yelled Rhoop as he went for the wheel, but Drinian punched him and knocked him unconscious.

Eustace was flying towards Ramandu's Island, followed by Jill. He landed on the beach with a crash and didn't move.