Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for the greatness that is the Chronicles of Narnia. But the character Caitlin, as well as her friends at home and the Otter family, are mine.
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Chapter 3: Supernatural Aid
King Caspian X sat atop his throne in an empty castle. It was white and shining, with a glistening glass ceiling and dwarf-fashioned sculptures looking so real that they could have stepped off their pedestals and it would not have surprised him in the least.
No lords chattered about frivolous matters in their respective chairs, no servants attempted to stuff him full of wine or food, and not even Sir Reepicheep counseled His Majesty in the matters of honor or chivalry, as he was prone to do whether Caspian liked it or not.
Of course, the lack of all these habitual annoyances could be attributed to one phenomenon: King Caspian X was asleep. Very deeply, serenely, and most enthusiastically asleep.
In his slumber, King Caspian sighed deeply and stood up from the high-backed throne to walk around the castle without bartering landowners or foreign emissaries shadowing his steps. His footsteps echoed melodiously around him as he traipsed down silent hallways and into silent rooms, marveling that he had nowhere to be, no schedule to follow. After what felt like hours, he decided to go down to the gardens he knew would be flourishing in what could only be his new Cair Paravel. Gone were the dark passageways and foreboding slate walls of his uncle's fortress, instead replaced with majestic white columns and sunny halls built for dancing and feasting.
As he walked, Caspian imagined that his Cair Paravel must be just as divine as it had been in Narnia's Golden Age.
Finally, his feet brought him to the edge of the gardens and Caspian absentmindedly picked a rosy apple from one of the many trees that lined the eastern wall. Out, into the sunshine he went, taking in the sea breeze by the lungful. He crossed to the seawall, leaning over to glimpse the foamed edges of waves reaching farther and farther up the white sand as the tide came in.
"My son."
Caspian's hand dropped his apple at the deep voice that seemed to rumble through his body, and the king whorled around to face its owner.
Aslan surveyed the young man with calm features and a soft grin before padding his way over to the seawall. "You have done well for Narnia, King Caspian."
The young king bowed, attempting to hide his joy at seeing the Great Lion again. "I have only done what you requested, Aslan, though I must admit to missing you since you left us."
The Great Lion smiled. "And I have missed you, my son."
Caspian returned his smile and glanced fleetingly at the sea. "Is this vision a signal to start my journey across the Eastern Seas?"
"No, my son. More time must pass before Narnia is able to give up its king for such a long while."
Inwardly, Caspian was disappointed, since he craved to see beyond the sandy beaches of his kingdom, but he quickly dismissed the feeling. "Then you are returning to us?"
The Lion's face fell a small bit, and he looked out to the sea and beyond its horizon. "My meeting you here, Caspian, is not to signal my return. You and I are speaking because someone is in dire need of your aid."
Caspian blinked. "Forgive me, Aslan, but many people are in need of my aid."
Shaking his mane a bit, Aslan continued. "This is a higher calling than that of quarreling diplomats or disputed borders. All of those tribulations are temporary, while the task I am giving you ensures Narnia's continued restoration and prosperity."
The young king took a deep breath and ran a hand through his dark hair. "I…can appreciate that this undertaking is of utmost importance, and I am always devoted to the wellbeing of Narnia. My advisors, however, will not be so fond of the idea, I think. What am I to do about them?"
The Lion smiled at Caspian. "You are their king, my son. They must trust that your judgment is sound."
"Very well, Aslan." Caspian said. "Who is it that I am to seek out?"
Aslan nodded slowly. "A Daughter of Eve was brought here much like the Kings and Queens of Old were so long ago. She is in need of your protection."
Caspian frowned in confusion. "How am I to find her?"
The Lion chuckled lightly. "This I cannot tell you, for that is part of your journey, my son. You must make haste, however; she will be in need of rescue if you do not reach her in time. You know your lands, King Caspian; what do you think is the best way to find her?" the lion said cryptically.
Considering, Caspian tried to meet the Lion's eyes. "Once I find this Daughter of Eve, what am I to do with her? Is she to be kept locked away, out of danger? Is she to become a Lady of the court or some such thing?"
Aslan shook his head and faced the young king. "You must bring her here, to Cair Paravel."
"Cair Paravel?" Caspian asked skeptically. "But it is not yet fully rebuilt…"
"It is not the new Cair Paravel that should interest you, my son." Aslan said. "Your answers are within the Golden Age's Cair Paravel. Your Daughter of Eve's purpose lies under the ruins of Cair Paravel."
Caspian nodded resolutely and stood the tiniest bit straighter. "Very well, I shall find this Daughter of Eve and ensure that both our fates are amended."
"Within you is the bright future of Narnia, my son. I cannot imagine a better man to have undertaken such a task." The lion's voice began to sound farther and farther away, more surreal as everything blurred around them.
"When will you return, Aslan?" Caspian said hurriedly, beginning to feel himself stirring in bed and waking up.
"It is not for you to know, my King." Aslan began to fade, as did all of Cair Paravel, but Caspian clung to the last words of the Lion as he opened his eyes to bright sunshine lighting his bedchamber.
He sat up slowly in bed, limbs still heavy with sleep even if his mind was alert as could be. He was pushed for time, Aslan had said, to find this Daughter of Eve in all of Narnia's vast forests and villages, unless he wanted to risk this Daughter of Eve's safety.
Obviously, the issues of court would have to be set aside for close to a month, depending on the return journey. Caspian smirked, realizing that he would be able to free himself of affairs of state, if only for a little while.
Without further consideration, his swung his legs out of the bed and began to dress. There was much to be done.
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Well, I hope you guys got your Caspian fix for now? Loved it? Hated it? Tell me! Love, Fausta