Note: Only one more chapter after this, a fairly short one to warn you in advance (sort of an epilogue).

Chapter 32


Edmund pulled at his vest, growling as he fumbled with the ties. Another ceremony – this one to deal with the Telmarines who were refusing to live in harmony with the Narnians – meant that he had to wear yet another fancy outfit. He and his siblings, well, mostly Susan, had found the most Narnian Telmarine formal clothes available, but they were still not as comfortable as usual Narnian fare. Edmund really hoped, for Caspian's sake, that the Narnians brought back the old way of dressing as well.

Finally looking presentable, Edmund decided that the introduction of comfortable clothing should be near the top of Caspian's priority list. A list Edmund was conveniently writing for him. Pulling out the small notebook, Edmund began scribbling. Honestly, he wouldn't have to be doing this if Caspian wasn't thinking Edmund would always be there to tell him all the things he needed to know and do.

Unfortunately, after the two days since speaking with Glozelle, Glenstorm, and Hwella, Edmund was beginning to think that Caspian was actively avoiding the mere idea that the four Pevensies would not be staying forever and ever. Any time Edmund tried to broach the subject, talk about the future, Caspian waylaid the conversation to ask about this or that aspect of ruling. Edmund would actually have been proud of Caspian's blossoming deflection abilities – a useful trait in a king – if it weren't for the fact that they were being used against him.

"Ed?" Looking up, Edmund blinked. Caspian leaned against the doorway wearing…Edmund went back to his notes and scribbled: Do not ask fauns or older Telmarine ladies for fashion advice. Tunics should not look like dresses. He paused, chewed at the end of his quill, then underlined 'not' twice.

Finished, Edmund shut the book on the table. "Is everything about ready?"

Caspian nodded, but his eyes were looking at the notebook, curiosity shining in them. "Lucy is waiting for us in the green study; but I can't find Peter or Susan."

"They're in the courtyard. Speaking with Aslan." A pit formed in Edmund's stomach when he thought of it. Something was happening, something important, and Edmund had a sinking feeling it had to do with the upcoming ceremony. Caspian, though, was apparently not disturbed. He was too busy trying not to show his intrigue over what Edmund had been writing. Edmund picked up the book. "It's for you, you know. For after we…"

"I should probably go tell Peter, Susan, and Aslan that we're ready. Wouldn't do to be late for this." Before Edmund could even respond, Caspian had disappeared out the door.

Yes, definitely avoiding the subject. Edmund placed the book back on the table before heading down to the green study to find his little sister.

~*~

"Narnia belongs to the Narnians, just as it does to men. Any Telmarines who want to say and live in peace are welcome to. And for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers."

Caspian was certainly getting better at speaking to crowds. Edmund approved of the gentle, uncondemning tone the new king used; after all, many of the Telmarine who would likely take the offer to leave were not bad people. They had just had their world turned around, with everything they and their families had known for generations being torn down at an incredibly fast pace. Many were just too set in their ways to live comfortably among the Narnians.

Edmund tuned back in to hear Aslan announce that the Telmarines were brigands from…their world? The Pevensies looked at each other, shocked. They had never really considered that others beside themselves had ever entered Narnia after its creation; they had just assumed that the humans inhabiting this world were descended from the first king and queen of Narnia, Frank and Helen.

Frowning, Edmund looked out into the crowd as Aslan told them that the island he would return the Telmarines to was a fair land and a good place to start anew. The Telmarines he knew were not very adventurous. It would take a good leader and a brave man to be the first to enter an unknown world.

Or a brave woman. Lady Prunaprismia, holding her baby, stepped forward. She trembled slightly, but her voice was sure and strong as she said, "We will accept this offer." She spoke for herself and her son, as well as for her father, Lord Scythley, who accompanied her.

Edmund winced at the hurt in Caspian's face as Prunaprismia walked towards him and Aslan. "Aunt…" He was likely going to reassure her of her welcome in his kingdom and home. Maybe even plead with her to stay, and perhaps try and be a family since they had already reconciled over Miraz's death.

Prunaprismia, though, cut him off with a hand to his cheek. "It must be, Caspian. For there to be peace in Narnia, for you to be safe, we cannot stay." Pulling back, she gave him a sad, but encouraging, smile. "Rule well, Caspian."

Prunaprismia and Lord Scythley turned to Aslan. "Because you have spoken first, your future in that world shall be good," he told them, and he breathed on them in blessing. Both humans stood straighter and, as the great tree in the yard opened, they walked towards it without fear. Prunaprismia stole one last glance at Aslan, and stepped into her future.

Their disappearance startled the crowd, who began murmuring suspicion and discontent. How did they know the lady, her child, and her father had not just been killed by this strange lion? The murmuring grew louder, enough so that Reepicheep volunteered to take some of his own people through to prove Aslan's honor.

Edmund, however, felt his stomach twist as he saw Peter and Susan exchange looks between themselves and with Aslan. Suddenly, Aslan's mentioning that the Telmarines were being returned to their world was looking more pointed. His fears were confirmed as Peter spoke up, his voice clear and firm. "We'll go."

Hearing Lucy suck in a pained breath, Edmund laid a hand on her arm. "That's it then?" he asked, though it was more of a resigned statement.

Peter turned to him and Edmund's heart clenched to see the sadness in his eyes. "Our time's up here." The look he gave Susan made Edmund think there was more going on. But Peter put on his unruffled royal face, and walked over to Caspian. Removing Rhindon from his belt, the High King presented his sword to the new king of Narnia. "After all, Narnia is in good hands now." That was truly what mattered; not their own wishes, but that their people and land would be well cared for. It seemed Peter had realized that again and, despite his sadness at leaving Narnia, there was no despair as there had been before.

Caspian, though, looked close to devastation. He tried to remain calm as he took Rhindon. "I will look after it until you return." Edmund could tell Caspian wanted to believe they would return in his lifetime, despite the millennium that passed before; in fact, Edmund was hoping the same thing, that he would have another chance to see his friend.

Which was why Edmund's breath caught when Susan spoke. "I'm afraid that's just it. We're not coming back."

Edmund was glad Lucy was able to ask, "We're not?" even if her voice was low to keep it from trembling. His own voice was lost at the thought of never seeing Narnia again, never seeing Aslan. This couldn't be happening. Edmund had been prepared to leave Narnia, leave his friends. He didn't think he could ever be ready to live without even the hope of seeing his home once more.

Peter, though, was quick to try and lay their worries to rest. "No, you two will return." Glancing at Aslan, he continued, "At least, I think he means you to."

Edmund did not think this was much better at all. Return to Narnia without Peter and Susan? Lucy seemed just as confused and, as always when she needed help, she turned to Aslan. "But why? Did they do something wrong?" While Edmund could think of many mistakes they had made, he and Lucy had made their own fair share. And besides, Aslan had forgiven them; there shouldn't be such a punishment.

Aslan, though, allayed their confusion: "Quite the opposite, dear one, but all things have their time. Your brother and sister have learned what they can from this world. Now it is time for them to live in their own." Still not sure he understood, Edmund knew he had to trust Aslan that this was right. It was just…he was just so afraid that this would break Peter again; it had been bad enough when he still had hope of returning.

Edmund's fear must have been evident, because Aslan, after giving Edmund a reassuring smile, turned to look at Peter, compelling Edmund to follow his gaze. "Ed." He looked up at his older brother who came over to him, taking one of Lucy's hands in his and placing the other on Edmund's shoulder. "It's alright. We'll be alright. It's not how I thought it would be." There was a strange light in Peter's eyes, and Edmund knew he was still missing something. Peter, however, just smiled and, instead of enlightening them, only said, "One day, you'll see too. But for now…just know it's alright."

There was a plea in Peter's last sentence. A plea for them, for Edmund, to trust him. Edmund bit his lip, but nodded. He had decided to trust Peter again, and this would be a start. Edmund was rewarded with a warm smile. "Come on," Peter told them softly, and they moved as one…to say goodbye.

Susan was already saying her own farewell to Caspian, presenting him her horn just as Peter had given his sword. Caspian, who had handed Rhindon to Lord Glozelle for safekeeping, took the horn and bowed, swearing to her that he would keep it safe and use it wisely. Susan dipped her head in response, and turned to speak with the other Narnians who stood nearby.

Caspian barely had time to hand Glozelle the horn when Lucy threw her arms around him. "Be safe, Caspian. And don't be hesitant to use my cordial if it's needed."

Smiling, Caspian hugged her tightly before releasing her. "Fare well, my lady." Lucy gave him a tearful smile before moving over to say goodbye to Trumpkin. Peter went with her; giving Rhindon to Caspian was all the farewell needed for them.

This left Edmund and Caspian facing each other and not really knowing what to say. Caspian finally broke the silence. "It isn't fair." His dark eyes were a mix of anger and sorrow. "What is the use of gaining a throne only to lose my family?" Losing his aunt and cousin, and the potential for family there, was hard; losing those he had come to see as siblings, particularly Edmund, might be even worse.

Edmund knew Caspian's frustration and knew there was not much he could say to comfort him. So he simply said, "Remember Lesson One." Trust Aslan and seek his will in all things. As much as even Edmund still didn't understand, as much as it hurt to leave Narnia, he had to have faith that it would work out for the best. Because Aslan willed it.

Caspian's head lowered. Edmund could practically see him struggling with that same faith. When Caspian reached a decision, it could be seen in how he set his shoulders, and how his eyes burned with determination – and with holding back tears. "I will remember. I will remember all you have taught me, and try to be worthy of the trust you have given."

"I know you will." Edmund held out his right hand, and Caspian grasped his forearm tightly. In a quick motion, Edmund used the grip to pull Caspian into a half-hug. "Take care of yourself, brother."

Caspian nodded into Edmund's shoulder before pulling back. His voice was thick as he spoke. "And you, brother. Until we meet again." Edmund felt his own throat close at the faith in Caspian's words. And it only tightened more as he moved to stand with Peter, Susan, and Lucy.

Taking one last look at Narnia, at his friends and adopted brother, at Aslan, Edmund turned to the door in the great tree. He glanced at Peter, who smiled and held out his hand. This time, Edmund took it.

Then Susan took Peter's other hand and Lucy took hers, and the three of them looked to Edmund. Breathing in, Edmund began walking and was the first to step out of Narnia, into the air…and back to the underground station in London.