Disclaimers: See Prologue for more info.

o-o-o

Indeed, it was a sight for the Telmarines to see the talking animals and Aslan, above all else. They surrendered their weapons and returned to the other side of Beruna. But it was the Pevensies, Sam, Frodo, and Caspian that intrigued the Lion most. They bowed before him, but it was Aslan who admitted that Caspian was now the new King of Narnia. King Caspian the Tenth, the one Son of Adam to save Narnia.

He wasn't the only one Aslan helped that day, for Reepicheep regained his tail. Everyone was happy about that. As for Trumpkin, he learned that Aslan existed. A great feat indeed.

As they all headed to Caspian's castle, close to Lantern Waste, Frodo could see a flicker in Sam's eyes. A longing that hadn't shown up before. It was that longing that made him wonder about the hobbit's next move.

When they entered Caspian's castle at last, and went to his coronation ceremony, Frodo's mind thought on Sam often, at least in particular with what they were meant to do now. Narnia was at peace, as he might expect. He just hoped Aslan had something in mind to slake the poor hobbit's thirst and longing. The longing to be home again.

.

Sam wandered down the corridor the day after the coronation. He couldn't believe all the things he had seen. Everything he had witnessed. And yet, through this much adventuring, he couldn't bear the thought of wondering if Bilbo was all right and well. Oh, how he missed him and Gaffer. His heart stayed with Frodo, longing to see that his friend was safe and sound. In the end, it was home that called him and home was where he belonged.

"Sam," Aslan's voice broke through his mind. The hobbit opened his eyes, greeting the Lion with a nod. "I see you are alone. You care for your master."

"Yes." Sam said. He wouldn't leave Mr. Frodo behind. Not like this.

"And yet you long for home." Aslan sighed. "I knew this was coming, and yet there is one task I have left for you, if you are willing. Your journey, I'm afraid, must end here. The second wardrobe is coming to take you home. There will be no one else to see you leave, except for Frodo, myself, the Pevensies and Caspian."

"Why?" Sam asked, feeling a lump in his throat. "Why do I have to leave?"

"Because you long for home. Your journey will end at this point, but Frodo's will continue." Aslan said, concerned for him. "You need not worry. Two more adventurers will come once the Second Wardrobe closes in this world and in Middle-earth's. There will be another way, another access into Narnia, but I'm afraid the wardrobe won't help them then."

"Who are you talking about?" Sam asked, unsure.

"Why," Aslan chuckled, "you will see for yourself when the time comes. But come now, your time is nearly spent in this world."

.

And so everyone gathered in the throne room. A swirl of lights circled behind Aslan and Caspian. The lights revealed the wardrobe, the same wardrobe that Frodo and Sam entered when they first became aware of Narnia. Now it was time to leave.

"I know this is a shock, but one of you is going home today." Caspian explained.

"What?" Lucy asked, quite confused.

"It's time for me to leave." Sam answered aloud, much to his surprise.

"What for?" Lucy asked Aslan, concerned and confused.

"His time has come. He has learned what he can in Narnia and now must return home." Aslan told her, calmly.

"Why can't I go with him?" Frodo asked, troubled.

"Because your journey isn't over yet." Sam said, facing his friend. "I knew in my heart I was meant to be at home. I know you will be well."

Frodo embraced him. "Give Bilbo my thanks. I'll return home when I can."

"I don't think you'll be alone for long, Mr. Frodo." Sam said upon release. "Others will come. For now, good luck."

"And to you, Sam." Frodo said with a warm smile.

Sam heaved a sigh. He didn't want to do this. He didn't want to abandon Mr. Frodo, but this was the right path. He set out with Frodo on an adventure, but all adventures must come to an end. He thanked Miss Lucy, Susan, Peter and Edmund, as well as Caspian and Aslan, told them farewell. Silently, he departed through the wardrobe. Everything was sifting backwards. He stepped outside, past the ajar door and back to the room where he left Bilbo.

There Bilbo was gazing up at him with a warm smile.

"Mr. Bilbo." Sam said, closing the wardrobe door.

"You're not with Frodo." Bilbo cried, astonished. "Where did that lad go? You've been gone for a few seconds."

"He's still in Narnia." Sam answered, opening the wardrobe door again. Only there wasn't anything further in. Just the back of the wardrobe. He couldn't believe it. Frodo was in Narnia without him, and he wasn't allowed to return there. It was a sorry day.

o-o-o

Thanks for reading. :)