Here's the last chapter! There will be an Epilogue, though. It's important to wrapping up the storyline, so stick around for it. That will be up tomorrow or the day after. Promise. :]

Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Narnia is not mine. This wonderful series is the property of C.S. Lewis.

Negotiations

Chapter Nine

Sopespian grunted and looked down at his chest. Protruding from his chest was a single arrow. Blood soaked his tunic where the arrow had shattered his ribs. He dropped the sword that was mere inches from the great lion's heart. He had been so close. Toppling off of his horse, his limp form fell into the river, being carried away by the gentle current.

Susan's face was stained with tears. She lowered her bow and glanced at Aslan. She expected a frown, or maybe a shake of the head, most certainly not a smile. The corners of the Gentle queen's delicate smile lifted slightly; a small gesture. She wasn't proud of the lives she had claimed today, but understood that it was not in vain. The lives that had been stolen away by the arrows from her bow had been taken for her baby brother; for Edmund. And that made all the bloodshed worth it.

The Telmarines were looking fretfully at one another. Their king was dead. Should they fight? An ornately uniformed soldier pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket and tossed it to the great lion. Glozelle.

"Telmar surrenders," he declared. The soldiers behind him dropped their weapons immediately. His forlorn gaze landed upon Caspian. "We seek your forgiveness, my prince. We welcome your leadership if you wish it so."

Caspian's jaw dropped and he stared at the Glozelle. His brothers were ready to start anew.

"It is my duty to defend my people, even if the one thing they need protection from is their king. I hope I will be the man you believe me to be."

The Telmarines seemed at peace with this decision as their stances and faces relaxed and timid smiles lit up their worn features. He could only pray that he would be what they needed. Casting an encouraging look at his people, Caspian transferred his concentration back to the mighty lion.

"Kings and Queens of Narnia, step forward," Aslan beckoned them in a cavernous voice.

Lucy dashed toward him, grabbing her sister's hand once across the bridge and tugging her toward Aslan. Not far behind, Peter and Edmund emerged from the crowd of soldiers, stepping carefully over the mass of arms that lay abandoned by the Telmarines. The four kneeled before Aslan, heads dipped low in respect.

Nodding at the siblings, Aslan turned to the crowd. "All of you." His eternal eyes met the dark brown eyes of Caspian. A grin, wider than any that had ever graced his face before, spread and he forced himself to keep an even pace as he approached the monarchs. Bringing himself to his knees, he had never been so delighted. After all this time, it was his turn to take control of his country. Stealing a look at the Pevensie's, he knew that he had a lot to live up to.

"Rise," Aslan commanded and they did. "Well done, my children. Narnia will not forget the sacrifices given and the bravery displayed by you; by your people."

"Aslan, why didn't you show up sooner?" Peter asked with genuine inquisitiveness in his voice.

"Things never happen the same way twice, Peter." Aslan responded. The Magnificent king sighed and looked to his feet, as if the answer had been obvious. "Edmund, come forward." Edmund's head shot up, seeming surprised that he had been addressed directly. With some difficulty, he willed himself forward, his body screaming at him for every little movement. There was no hiding the numerous wounds now. While he had survived the fighting, the white strips that wound around his body did not.

"Scars tell a story and remind us of our mistakes and our triumphs." Edmund's wounds began to sew themselves shut and his ribs repositioned themselves properly in his chest. The bruises faded, transforming his skin back into his tanned and freckled flesh and the charred skin on his abdomen sizzled and scabbed over into nothing but a pale disfigurement of the skin, barely reminiscent of the letter it was meant to represent.

"They are not battle trophies, but a tale that has been engraved into our skin. Never forget that tale, for it is unique and remarkable," Aslan lifted the boy's chin to look at him. "Keep your head held high, my son."

Edmund was pulled back to his siblings and immediately surrounded by the small arms of Lucy. She squeezed him as tightly as she could, pressing the air out of his lungs. "Edmund!" she shouted. "I've missed you so much. Don't ever leave me again."

Susan threw herself against him, sobbing and relieved to have him home again. "You had me awfully worried. Are you alright?" Edmund patted her back warmly, returning the hug whole-heartedly. He had missed his family so much. Placing a soft kiss on each of his sisters' heads, the Just king turned to Caspian.

"You have my infinite gratitude. You kept them from harm when I wasn't around to fill that duty myself."

"But you did. Your country fell to pieces without you, Edmund. You are the glue that keeps them together," King Caspian replied.

Edmund laughed and turned to the sky. A single cloud drifted across the sky, dark and heavy with rain. "Not anymore. A new dawn is on its way. Caspian, bring the rain to this devastated land. Narnia doesn't need a prince right now, it needs a king."

The men and beasts cheered and howled for their kings and queens. An almighty roar rumbled and ripped from Aslan's chest. Telmarine and Narnian alike celebrated, dancing around the trees. The trunks rattled as they awakened from their slumber. The vibrant and endless sky reflected the high spirits and the grass began to stand up straighter. Narnia had their king again.

I know it's short, but there will be more!
If you have any suggestions for new stories or anything to add to this, let me know.
Thanks so much!