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The End Of The Line
Chapter 7
Erins POV
I heard a knock at the door. "Who is it?" I asked.
"It's me." Lacey called back.
"Come in." I replied.
She opened the door and walked in, closing the door behind her. She looked me up and down and sighed. "You look like daddy." she said.
I looked her over. "And you look like mum." I said.
She walked closer. "Do you think we're ready for this?" she asked.
"I don't know. I suppose we'll find out." I replied.
"Is it wisdom going into battle not knowing?" she asked.
"I'm looking at it from dads point of view. He was twelve when he first went into battle. He could barely hold a sword let alone use it. Yet he and Uncle Peter fought. And they survived. So I suppose we can." I replied.
"But dad was also mortally wounded. If it hadn't been for Aunt Lucy's cordial, he would be dead. Don't you remember them telling us." she said.
"Then I suppose we just have to trust Aslan." I said.
"But Erin, would dad want us to do this? And what about mum? What will they say when they find out?" she asked.
"I don't know." I replied.
She sighed. "I just can't stand the thought of disappointing them."
"I know. I feel the same."
"So what do we do?"
I took a deep breath. "We fight. And do the best we can." I replied.
She closed her eyes for an instant and when she opened them I found a new fire in her eyes. "You're right. We can do this." she said.
I nodded. "We can. And we will."
Before we walked outside, Rilian stopped us, including Loudwind.
"Loudwind, I want you to be a witness. For years I have been asked who my heir will be when I am gone. I have found my heir. Actually, I have found my heirs." Rilian said.
Lacey and I exchanged a glance. Loudwind nodded.
"Prince Erin and Princess Lacey are the ones who I wish to take over should I pass away." Rilian said.
"King Rilian. We are honored. But that place should be taken by your own children." I said.
"That's the problem. I have no children and am not even married. Your father and mother were a king and queen. When I'm gone you should take your rightful places. As King and Queen of Narnia." he said.
I looked back at Lacey. "It's not my place. You're the firstborn. It's yours." she said.
I looked back at Rilian and nodded. "As you wish." I said.
Rilian smiled and nodded. "Now that that is settled, let us go forth." he said turning back to the door.
Battle was so much more ugly than I had ever thought it might be. The stench of blood was almost overwhelming. And everytime I glanced over at Lacey I thought her own blood was on her, but I would soon realize it was another mans.
I heard Rilian call the retreat.
Quickly I grabbed Lacey's arm and pulled her the way the other Narnians were going.
When we arrived Loudwind was trying to convince Rilian to stay back this time.
"I'm near my time. And I am quite ready. I wish to see my father again. And my mother." was Rilians reply. He then looked over at me. "Besides. Narnia is in good hands." he said.
Every Narnian looked at me. Oh yes, very comforting.
I felt Lacey put her hand on my shoulder and looked at her. "You'll be fine." she said.
I took a deep breathe and nodded.
Soon we were back in the midst of battle.
Kick. Thrust. Turn. Block. Breathe. Repeat.
It seemed an eternity until the enemy finally surrendered. I felt absolutely exhausted, and as if I could collapse right there. But I managed to walk over to Lacey, a wide smile on my face.
"We did it." I said.
She smiled. "Yes we did." she said.
We soon found that Rilian hadn't survived.
I wasn't sure if I should be extremely excited, or extremely nervous. I was going to be King. But I wanted dad to be here. I wanted mum to be here.
Just when I was ready to decline and drag Lacey home, she put her hand on my shoulder.
"You can do this." she said.
I gave a faint nod of my head, and tried my best not to visibly shake.
"The coronation will be a month from now. It will give time to prepare." Loudwind said.
I looked down at Lacey. "What if we go back... what will happen then?" I asked.
She shrugged. "Things worked out last time when Aslan pulled Uncle Peter, Aunt Susan, Aunt Lucy, mum and dad back." she said.
"What if I'm not ready? What if... what if I fail Aslan?"
"The only way you can fail is by not trying."
"Your sister speaks the truth."
I gasped and turned around when I heard Aslans rich voice. "Aslan!" I exclaimed.
Lacey smiled wide and threw her arms around the Lions Mane.
He chuckled and pulled his paw around her.
I couldn't find it in myself to do as she had, so I instead bowed.
"Rise, King of Narnia." He said.
I looked up. "Am I truly ready?" I asked.
"Oh yes. Both of you are." He replied.
Lacey nearly fell backwards. "Both?" she asked, eyes wide.
Aslan chuckled. "Surely you did not expect your brother to rule without a queen." He said.
Lacey opened and closed her mouth a few times. "But. . . we're siblings. . ." she said.
Aslan chuckled once more. "Your father and his siblings ruled together. It does not matter if you are married or not." He said.
Lacey still seemed shocked, but less so.
"A month from now is too far. The coronation will be held tomorrow." Aslan said. He breathed on us both and any doubt I had felt was instantly gone. We would make it. And we would make mum and dad proud.