Chapter 8: Eustace's Choice

The crew of the Dawn Treader celebrated as Dark Island was destroyed. Caspian and Edmund made up, and Lucy thanked Aslan for help. Lord Rhoop was glad to be out of that evil island.

Jill picked up Eustace on Ramandu's Island and she flew him to the ship. Eustace that was a very brave thing you did back there, when we fought the sea serpent.

"Thanks," he said.

When I saw you injured, I didn't know what to do. You flew to the beach and were almost dead. I didn't want to lose you. Then Aslan came and…well, you know the rest. What I'm trying to say, Eustace, is that I…I love you.

"I love you too, Jill. But you're a dragon and I'm human."

I'm sure we can find a way to change you back to being a dragon…that is, if you want to.

"Let me think about it."

When they got back to the ship, everyone praised Eustace for being brave and completing the task. Even Reepicheep told Eustace what a good dragon he had been.

When they were done celebrating, Reepicheep tasted the water. "It's sweet! Sweet! We must be close to Aslan's Country!"

They were. In front of them, thousands of white lilies covered the water. Eustace, Edmund, Caspian, Lucy and Reepicheep got in a longboat and started rowing. Jill flew above them.

"So, what was it like?" asked Lucy. "When Aslan changed you back?"

Eustace sighed. "No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it off myself. Then Aslan came and tore it off. I think I was a better dragon that I was a boy."

"You were a pretty good dragon," Edmund told him.

"My friends," said Reepicheep. "We have arrived."

They got out of the longboat and came to a sandy beach, where the water was going upward on both sides. They walked along until the saw a shadow behind them and turned around. Aslan stood in front of them.

"Aslan," said Eustace.

"Welcome, children," said Aslan. "You have done well. You have come far, but now your journey is at an end."

Is this your country?" asked Lucy.

"No; my country lies beyond." He turned his head to look at the towering water, and Lucy could make out mountains behind it.

"Is my father there?" asked Caspian.

"You can only find out for yourself. But once you enter, there is no return."

Caspian walked to the towering water and put his hand in it. After a few seconds, he withdrew it and walked back to the group.

"You're not going?" Lucy asked.

"I don't think my father would be very proud if I gave up what he died for me to do. I have a kingdom, and subjects. I promise to be a better king."

"You already are," replied Aslan. He turned to the Edmund. "Children?"

"Actually, I think it's time we went home," said Edmund.

"What?" exclaimed Lucy. "But Edmund, this is our home."

"So is England. We have friends and family there, Lucy."

Reepicheep cleared his throat. "Your Eminence. Ever since I can remember, I have always dreamed of seeing your country. I've had many 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 with the joy of seeing your country with my own eyes."

Aslan smiled at Reepicheep. "My country was made for noble hearts such as yours no matter how small their bearers are."

Eustace walked up to Reepicheep. "I don't understand. Will I not see you again?"

Reepicheep smiled. "It has been an honor to fight alongside a noble warrior. Goodbye, Eustace, Edmund, Lucy." He walked up to the water and tossed down his sword. "I shan't need this anymore." He sat in a coracle and started rowing. Before long, he was over the waves and out of sight.

Aslan turned to Eustace. "Before I send you home, I would like to ask you something."

"What is it?"

Aslan looked at Jill, who was standing just a few feet away. "When you were a dragon, you fell in love with this female dragon, Jill."

"Yes, it's true. I love her, and she loves me."

"Then I offer you a choice: you can either go home with your cousins or you can stay here as a dragon with Jill."

Eustace stared at Aslan, and then looked at Jill. She seemed sad that she was the only dragon in existence. Eustace remembered how happy they'd been together and realized that if he left, she would be heartbroken. He turned to Aslan, his decision made. "I choose to stay here in Narnia, or, if you'll let us, in your country."

"Eustace, are you sure?" Edmund asked.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Very well then, Eustace." Aslan roared, and Eustace felt the transformation beginning. Gold scales covered his body, scutes covering his chest. His tailbone pushed out into a tail, and his arms and legs thickened with muscle, the knee joints reversed themselves, and he was on four legs. His hands and feet became paws, fingers merging together to become four and toes becoming three and his nails became claws. Wings sprouted from his back as his clothes reduced to shreds. His neck elongated and his face pushed out into a muzzle, teeth sharpening into fangs. Horns pushed out of each side of his skull as spikes ran down the length of his back. He grew in size and his eyes moved slightly to the sides, narrowing into slits. His ears became three spine fans. With that, the transformation stopped.

Eustace ran to Jill. I love you, Jill. Will you be my mate?

Of course I will. I love you too, Eustace.

Lucy turned to Aslan. "This is our last time here, isn't it?"

"Yes. You have grown too old, but do not fear. I will be watching you always."

"How?"

"In your world, I have another name. You must learn to know me by it. That is why you were brought into Narnia; that by knowing me a little here, you shall know me better there."

"Will we see you again?"

"One day, dear one." He roared, and a passage appeared in the water. Edmund and Lucy walked toward it and turned around. "We'll miss you, Eustace."

I'll miss you, as well.

They walked into the water and disappeared.