Authoress's Note: The last chapter is here! Only a brief epilogue remains after this. After sixteen years, it has finally come home. Thank you to everyone who has read it through. I am so grateful for your encouragement and readership. I will leave a few notes at the end regarding how this story fits in with the books. I also am planning a sequel, which I will post the prologue to in the coming days. Thank you again, and enjoy.
Disclaimers: standard disclaimers apply; no copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter the Fifty-Fifth: The Voyage Home
15 Mayblossom 2077
The Jewel of Archenland's prow cut through the green water, throwing off sprays of droplets that sparkled in the early summer sun. Lilting music showered from the ship's quarterdeck, a rain of trilling flute notes. The sweet tones of a lyre joined them, together weaving a joyful tune that lightened the hearts of its hearers. The Archen ship spent the winter months at Ramandu's Island. The time of rest in that sacred place's peace did her weary crew much good. The mild winter passed with soft, pleasant snows and many a torchlight feast at Aslan's Table. Galen and Lyra walked at length in each other's company, conversing with the aged star and his daughter, or simply contentedly watching the East towards Aslan's Country. When the early spring flowers began to dot the soft grasses, Captain Torin turned his thoughts to the sea. By the middle of Lenisgale, the Jewel was repaired and re-provisioned, and the winds prevailed steadily from the East. After warmly farewelling their kind hosts, the Archenlanders and Narnian eagerly set sail for home.
Setting course for Coriakin's island, the Jewel passed to the South of the Witch's island, which they could see only as a splotch of dread darkness on the horizon. The ship fell silent until it passed out of sight, as all thought grimly of the great battle and those who lay dead there. Continuing onward, the ship made good time to the island of the duffers. The old wizard welcomed them with remarkable geniality, and they lingered several days in his company. But before too long, the Jewel set sail again. They made for the Dragon's Island, where they briefly stopped to resupply the ship. The island still kept a foreboding silence, and the ship's company were only too glad to leave it for charted waters. After much consideration, they decided to sail directly for Archenland rather than stop along the way in the Lone Islands or Terebinthia.
"It would be best, I think," the princess pointed out, "if we could avoid contact with other vessels. We do not know what state the political relationships of Archenland are in. We may return to a nation at war."
"Aye," Captain Torin agreed, "it would be unhappy indeed to survive the wilds of the Eastern Seas only to flounder unknowingly into a wartime port."
Instead, the captain and navigator settled on a course that would take the ship North around the major shipping lanes, then curve South to Ramstowne. It would take them near enough to the Seven Isles to harbor at need, but, if not necessary, the ship could proceed to Archenland along the little-traveled Narnian coast.
The weeks slipped by in pleasant uneventfulness. Galen and Lyra spent many hours with the captain and various officers to craft a cover story for their voyage. The ship's navigator carefully created a second ship's log, falsified to track the fictitious account of their journey. The fleet was to have been severely damaged in battle with the Dragon, which sank the Valiant and crippled the Huntress. Blown off course to the far North, they wrecked on the coast of a forsaken archipelago and spent the winter repairing the Jewel. The true logs and charts were sealed up carefully and entrusted to the Narnian's care.
The officers spent many long hours drilling this story into the sailors' heads, quizzing them at random to recite some part of it and cross-examining their errors. Some elements of their fantastical voyage would leak out and live on, Galen knew, in the form of sailor's tales and sea yarns, but the true purpose of the voyage and its outcome would remain safely secret. The sailors who endured their hardships and fought at his side were faithful to their sovereign and to him. So, with mercifully little event, the Jewel of Archenland found itself three months from Ramandu's island and skirting the coast of southern Narnia.
Galen and Lyra's laughter followed the last notes of their jaunty duet. A smattering of applause came from aloft.
"How comes your new composition, my friend?" The Archen princess asked, her eyes twinkling.
"The Air for Aslan's Country?" he responded, a thoughtful smile playing on his face. "It is newly finished, I think."
"Are you going to make a lady beg, sir knight?" she pretended to pout.
"Never, my love," he chuckled, then lifted the flute to his lips. A moment later, soft and vibrant notes touched the air. They began gently, but grew steadily in strength: Wildness and beauty, joy and longing, all balanced in striking proportion. It pierced the heart with yearning and yet filled it with contentment. And when the last note faded, Galen looked up to see tears shining in his lady's eyes.
"Only the skill of a Narnian could craft such magic," she breathed, and he smiled wistfully. The ship around them had fallen unusually quiet, the contemplative awe the song inspired still lingering.
"Sail ho!" A sharp cry from the fighting top broke the silence. "Off the port bow!"
The first officer hastened to train his telescope in that direction, and Lyra and Galen quickly joined him.
"Her rigging isn't Calormene," Barstowe reported. "That much I can tell, but she's a man-of-war for certain."
"What flag?" Captain Torin's measured tones called to the lookout.
"Unclear, sir, but she's turning to intercept," came the prompt reply.
"Hold course," the captain ordered evenly. A few minutes passed in a tense calm as they waited for the ship to approach.
"She flies the green ensign, sir!" The lookout called down excitedly, and a cheer went up from the crew.
"Hoist our colors!" Torin commanded with a smile. "Let's set our countrymen yonder at ease.
In a few moments, the green and gold pennant fluttered to the top of the mainmast. In seeming response, the other ship turned parallel to their course. Presently, Galen could see a line of signal flags run up the halliard.
"She identifies herself as the—" the signal officer paused to rifle through his book, "H.M.S. Alerion, sir. Sloop-of-war, Captain Fardan commanding. She asks our identity and fleet attachment."
"Answer with our number, ensign. As for the rest," Torin paused, a mischievous spark in his eyes, "fly the Lily."
"Aye, sir," the ensign answered energetically. In a few moments, the princess's standard unfurled at the mizzenmast's peak. The effect on the Alerion was immediate. She turned sharply to port, filled her sails, and sped back over the horizon.
"Well!" Barstowe huffed, and his superior laughed.
"Set a course to follow her, commander," Captain Torin instructed. "I think we spooked her, but she'll be back, with fleetmates to boot."
"Aye, sir," the first officer acknowledged, then began to bark commands.
The vessel turned smoothly onto a southeasterly course. The Alerion proved herself a fleet-footed scout, and within two hours she returned with two heavy frigates. They took station to the windward, while the Alerion approached to hailing distance.
"In the name of the king," a voice shouted across the water between the ships, "identify yourself if you be not phantom."
Captain Torin raised a speaking trumpet to his lips.
"We are His Majesty's ship Jewel of Archenland," he answered proudly, "flagship of Her Royal Highness Princess Lyra. By Aslan's Grace, we have come home."
"You gave my men quite a fright, your highness," Admiral Lord Hunt laughed jovially over his brandy glass the next evening. "Flying the number of a lost ship and the flag of a lady presumed dead? A Calormene trap, surely."
"I quite understand their concern, my lord," the princess answered with twinkling eyes. She, Galen, Captain Torin, Captain Scott, and Commander Barstowe joined Thunderfist's senior officers around the table in the generous wardroom of the massive flagship, finishing an excellent meal as the evening deepened. The Jewel sailed nearby, amply protected by the admiral's substantial fleet as they completed the final leg of their long journey. The Jewel's party already regaled their fellow countrymen with the modified version of their adventures. Even altered to protect their voyage's mission, the story made a thrilling tale.
"We rejoice at your return, my lady," the Thunderfist's captain added, "and soon all Archenland shall rejoice with us."
"Tell me, Admiral, to what do we return?" Lyra's voice sobered. "The tensions with Calormen reached a concerning level when we last had contact with the civilized world. Is the kingdom at war?"
"Thankfully not, my lady," Admiral Hunt answered. "Tensions have moderated somewhat since last year. The king responded sternly to the Terebinthian attack on your highness's person and the resulting death of the queen's brother, as well as to news that Calormene slavers targeted Archen sailors. Together with your highness's presumed death at sea, which made the Tisroc's immediate demands moot and provided space for more reasonable negotiation, a tenuous peace was achieved."
"That is good to hear," his sovereign answered.
"We still maintain heightened vigilance and presence in all neutral waters," the Thunderfist's captain added. "Our fleet returns from an anti-piracy mission and a fleet-wide exercise."
A thoughtful silence prevailed for a few moments, and then the princess stood. Reflexively, the men rose as well.
"If you will excuse me, gentlemen," she spoke graciously, "I will take a turn on deck before we return to our ship. I recall that the view from the Thunderfist's quarterdeck is remarkable."
"Of course, my lady," Admiral Hunt answered, bowing politely. The other officers did the same, while Galen joined her after bowing his own farewell.
Once they reached the quarterdeck, the Narnian offered his arm, and they began to walk as they had been long accustomed. The flagship's tall quarterdeck indeed afforded a sweeping view of the sea and the many white sails of the surrounding fleet.
"I am relieved that Archenland is not at war," his lady sighed.
"Aye, indeed," Galen agreed.
"I worry though," she trailed off.
"Of what?" her knight's brow furrowed.
"War was averted because I was presumed lost. Now that I return, perhaps the Tisroc will renew his demands for my hand. We may find ourselves where we were before."
She shuddered, and he patted her hand.
"A good reason for a short engagement, then," he teased. "He can hardly claim your hand when it is already given."
"Indeed," she chuckled. "Though I suppose he could try to have you killed."
"Let him try," Galen laughed, a mischievous but deadly gleam in his eyes.
17 Mayblossom 2077
"My lord," a servant's voice cut into Ayden's sleep. "My lord," the voice insisted.
"What time is it?" The crown prince growled irritably.
"The second hour after midnight, my lord," the man answered. "A messenger arrived from Ramstowne a few moments ago with urgent news from the fleet."
"Very well," Ayden sat up, passing a hand over his weary face. "I'll be there shortly."
In five minutes' time, a distinctly grumpy prince received the messenger in a nearby council chamber. A marine lieutenant by his uniform insignia, the dusty-cloaked man's intense glance belied his controlled bow.
"Lieutenant Randal, your highness, H.M.S. Alerion."
What news?" the prince inquired shortly.
"My apologies, your highness, for the late hour," the messenger answered. "I bring an urgent message from Admiral Lord Hunt." He proffered a sealed envelope.
Ayden took it, broke the seal, and scanned the contents mechanically. His breath caught in his throat as he read.
"Lion's mane!" He whispered, looking up with wild eyes. "Is this true?"
"Aye, sir. I saw her highness myself."
Lyra's brother shouted triumphantly, dropping the letter in his haste to call a servant.
"Prepare my horse immediately. I ride in five minutes," the prince ordered breathlessly. "And take this man to the king and queen, never mind the hour. Tell them I've gone to Ramstowne."
"Yes, sir," the servant answered, confused but obedient. The prince did not stay to hear his reply.
Galen and Lyra spent the last night of their voyage aboard the Jewel dining with its officers—their friends—once more before they disembarked. They reminisced on all their adventures, finding that endings are bittersweet, even when hoped for. After dinner, they went on deck and assembled with the crew. Not unlike the princess's birthday the year before, they planned to make a festive evening with many songs and tales. But before the fiddler took to his bow, the sailing master stood.
"By your leave, captain," he spoke, cap in hand, "I have something to say on behalf of the whole crew."
Captain Torin readily assented.
"Your highness, Sir Galen," the sailing master turned to them each with a bow. "We are honored to have served on this voyage—all of us, to a man. You led us well through great adventure and great peril. And though few will know the full measure of your valiant deeds, we will never forget. We all pray that Aslan's blessings follow you wherever you go."
"Thank you," his sovereign stood. "Thank you, all," her voice trembled a little. "Because of your faithfulness and your courage, our home is safe from its greatest peril; perhaps, indeed, it is well that it will never know its danger. But your kingdom will always keep your names in honor."
The sailing master and the crew behind him bowed deeply.
"Though I am a foreigner among you," Galen added, "You welcomed me as your own and fulfilled with me the sacred trust of my order. No words can properly express my gratitude, and I pray Aslan's blessings will also be with you to the end of your days."
Lyra looked to her knight and smiled gently. She could hear a steadiness and authority in his voice that spoke of an abiding peace. He carried Aslan's Country with him, she thought.
In the solemn pause that followed, a triumphant cry sounded from the lookout in the crow's nest.
"Land ho!"
A resounding cheer answered him, with many rushing to the rails to catch a glimpse of the shadowy headland that was their first sight of home in almost a year.
"We've had tears enough, now," the captain broke in jovially. "Strike a tune, my lads, for we'll be home by morning!"
18 Mayblossom 2077
Ayden paced anxiously along the top of the Ramstowne fortress's tower, telescope in hand, as the morning dawned clear and bright. The rosy sunlight illuminated a host of ships anchored in the bay. As he scanned the water's surface, one frigate's sails unfurled and billowed as they caught the breeze.
"There she is!" The prince exclaimed, a broad smile lighting his countenance. "She's coming in to dock now!"
Beside him, the garrison commander and the harbormaster observed their sovereign's joy with good-natured amusement and, indeed, shared it.
"Docking slip 14, my lord," the harbormaster supplied unasked.
Tossing the telescope back to him with a grin, Ayden hastened down the stairs and towards the wharf. In his haste, he did not bother to find a horse (his own was taking a much needed rest after the marathon from Anvard) and fairly ran down the road. The port bustled with activity as it prepared to receive the fleet, and he pushed past many a perplexed longshoreman in his headlong rush. At last, he reached the correct docking slip, and the Jewel maneuvered into its berth as the prince caught his breath. Far too slowly for his liking, the sailors secured the ropes. As soon as the gangplank fell into place, the prince dashed aboard.
"Ayden?" A familiar voice called from the quarterdeck.
"Lyra!" he exulted, smiling broadly as he took the steps two at a time. Laughter erupted from the nearby officers and crew as the prince reached the quarterdeck, swept his sister up, and spun her around. "Welcome home!"
"Thank you," she answered, laughing as she embraced him tightly.
"And it is well to see you too, my friend!" Ayden grasped Galen's hand enthusiastically. "Aslan's mane, it is well to see you all returned."
"And we return in success," the Narnian answered the unspoken question.
"That is well indeed," the Archen prince nodded solemnly.
"Welcome aboard, your highness," Captain Torin drew near now and bowed.
"Captain," Ayden turned back to Torin, "We ride for Anvard within the hour. Let your first officer see to the ship and let your men go to their families for a few days. You will ride with us and report in person to the king and queen. I expect orders will come soon summoning the remainder of your officers and crew to Anvard."
"Very well, your highness," the Jewel's captain answered. "I'll return momentarily."
"By your leave, my lady," Captain Anderson spoke from behind them. "Let my men and I continue to escort you to the journey's end, if you will."
"Happily, captain," Lyra answered with a smile.
"And so much the better," her brother added, "because I've arranged no escort and would hear fully of your adventures anyway."
"Thank you, your highness," the marine bowed. "I'll ready my men."
By the end of the following hour, suitable horses arrived from the Ramstowne garrison, and the party bound for Anvard readied to depart. The bustle of port arrival activities halted as Lyra and Galen prepared to leave the ship. With bosun's flutes twittering, the whole ship's company drew to attention to farewell them. The princess curtsied and the Narnian knight bowed deeply before turning and walking down the gangplank to the dock below.
Over the next two days, the party made a comfortable journey through the Archen forest, which the fullness of springtime arrayed in lush green. Lyra's brother let no time go to waste, demanding to hear every detail. They happily obliged him, telling of all that they had seen and endured.
"You mean to tell me that it was Juliana? All this time?" Ayden exclaimed.
"Indeed," Lyra answered wryly. "But much, much worse."
"I imagine so," her brother answered wryly. "Aslan help us if that dreadful girl joined with the White Witch. Pity we let her go."
"I think all is as it should have been," his sister responded thoughtfully. "The Grand Vizier would have awakened the White Witch otherwise without our knowledge or ability to stop her before it was too late."
"Aslan provided a way," Galen added quietly, as they rode on through the trees.
Later, as the party made camp, the prince drew Captain Torin aside.
"Captain," he spoke softly, "pray tell me all that happened after the Green Witch was vanquished. Lyra speaks lightly, but her vagueness is telling. Our Narnian friend's grave silence even more so."
"You see shrewdly, my lord," Torin answered. "Those were evil days."
The weathered naval officer filled in the details the princess omitted, and her brother went pale when he realized how close she had come to death.
"You mean he's been to Aslan's Country?" Ayden hissed, glancing back at Galen, who sat beside Lyra before the newly-kindled campfire. "And he came back?"
"Aye, my lord," Torin answered evenly. "He went expecting to give his life for her, and he succeeded."
"Lion's mane," the prince whistled.
"She could not wish for a more devoted husband," the captain commented.
"I beg your pardon?" The prince stared.
"They've been engaged since Christmas, my lord," Torin supplied, a twinkle in his grey eyes.
"Have they?" Ayden put his hands on his hips. "Well," he muttered, "thank you for your candor, captain."
"My pleasure, your highness," Torin bowed, then returned to the fire and the supper that warmed there.
As the evening deepened and most of their company retired, Galen withdrew to allow his lady some time with her brother.
"I have missed our talks, Ayden," Lyra spoke as they sat around the waning fire. "I'm so happy to be home and to see you that are well."
"Likewise, dear sister," the prince answered solemnly. "Captain Torin told me all that you endured. I am grateful to Aslan that you are well and returned to us."
"I am glad he explained. I did not wish to withhold the full story from you, but it is difficult to relay."
"I understand, Lyra," he patted her hand. "I also understand that congratulations are in order."
"Told you that too, did he?" She laughed, blushing.
"Naturally," he asserted teasingly, but then sobered. "Are you happy with your choice, Lyra?"
"More than I can tell," Lyra smiled. "Besides you and father, he's truly the best man I have ever known."
"Then I am satisfied," Ayden grinned, and his sister embraced him, laughing.
"Now," said she, "tell me everything that's happened since I've been gone. What antics have our Parliament been up to?"
The next morning, Ayden took the opportunity to saddle his horse while Galen did the same.
"Captain Torin told me what you did to save my sister's life," the prince spoke quietly as they worked, but did not bother trying to sound casual. He turned towards the Narnian and met his eye. "Thank you for honoring your word so well. When I asked at your embarkation that you protect her, I could not expect half so much as you gave."
"I would have done the same, even had I not given you my word," Galen answered solemnly.
"I know," Ayden answered. "And I will thus be happy to have you as brother."
The Narnian smiled broadly and took the hand he offered.
"Perhaps, as we ride, you might tell me something of Aslan's Country."
Wistfulness glimmered in Galen's eyes as he nodded. "Happily."
By the time the afternoon sun streamed through the treetops, the towers of Anvard came into sight. The princess spurred her horse to a gallop, and with grins aplenty her companions followed suit. Soon, the princess dismounted in the Anvard courtyard and flung herself into her parents' waiting arms. The king and queen welcomed them all with joy.
"Your highness," Captain Anderson bowed, and Lyra turned to face the faithful marine, whose men lined up crisply behind him. "By Aslan's grace, our duty is complete."
"Indeed it is, captain," the princess answered, "and I will remain ever-grateful for your protection."
"A pleasure I would gladly repeat, my lady," he bowed again, and she inclined her head before turning and entering the castle.
Mercifully, the king and queen had not called the court to welcome them formally, allowing the travelers to rest a little before joining them for dinner. In closed chambers, Lyra, Galen, and Captain Torin told the Archen monarchs all. Indeed, Ayden did not regret to hear the adventures a second time. Captain Torin took the initiative to speak of the later days of their voyage, both to spare the princess and her knight the difficulty and to ensure that his sovereigns understood the fullness of what transpired.
The next morning, Galen sought out the king alone. The Archen monarch welcomed him into his council chamber and bade him sit.
"Good morning, Sir Galen," King Lorn spoke warmly. "I am joyful for you in the completion of your mission and for your happy return to Archenland."
"Thank you, your majesty," the Narnian inclined his head. For all his vanquished perils, he felt anxious still.
"What reward can I offer you for all that you did in the service of my daughter?" the king asked.
"Your majesty, I did what was in my heart to do, and I demand no reward for it," Galen answered gravely. He held the king's even gaze for a moment, then stood and kneeled before him.
"But I would entreat you, most humbly, to grant me the honor of adopting Archenland as my home, accepting my service to your majesty as my king, and," he continued, adrenaline coursing through him as he forced his voice into steadiness, "to forgive my audacity in begging for the greatest treasure in your kingdom—the princess's hand in marriage."
The king regarded him silently.
"You ask much, indeed, Sir Galen," Lyra's father answered at last. "As for your service, it is happily accepted. You have more than earned the most honorable knighthood Archenland can bestow. But, as for the greater request, I would ask you to give a fuller account."
"I love your daughter with all my heart, my lord," the young knight answered simply. "We faced death together, and I would face life in the same way." His voice faltered a little, then he looked down and withdrew a bright blue ribbon from his tunic pocket. "I can give but poor account, I fear, but perhaps this may speak well of me," Galen paused in reflection. "Lyra gave me this token of her favor when I competed as her champion in the Seven Isles tournament. The trust it represents is precious to me beyond measure, and I wish only to spend each day making her happy, keeping her safe, and loving her well. She is a companion dearer to me than my own life and worthy of all my life and love."
The young knight spoke in quiet earnestness, his voice thick with the fullness of emotion welling up in his heart. King Lorn's face softened as he regarded his daughter's suitor.
"Captain Torin met with me earlier and spoke highly of all your deeds, not least those that saved my Lyra's life," the princess's father spoke at last. "As much as I shall rejoice to call you my countryman, I shall rejoice the more to call you my son." Tears welled up in his eyes as he smiled softly. "Rise," he held an entreating hand, and Galen stood. "Go to her and tell her you have my consent. Indeed, Captain Torin, I think, would lodge a formal protest if I did otherwise."
Galen obeyed, smiling broadly, and bowed to his king.
"I have seen enough in her eyes to know it is her will to wed thee," the king's voice mingled joy and melancholy, "but send her to me anyway when you have finished your rejoicing, that a father may indulge his sentimentality."
"With pleasure, your majesty," Galen bowed again, then turned and hastened in search of his lady.
30 Mayblossom 2077
A week to the day since the merry return to Anvard, the royal court stood assembled in grand array in the castle's great hall. Green and gold ribbons festooned the pillars, and fresh flowers bedecked the doors and windows. Every lord and lady lined the hall, dressed in their finest and bubbling with anticipation of the grand knighting ceremony to follow.
"I heard that Sir Galen slew a dragon," Lady Paulette whispered to her friend, Lady Trelain.
"He's probably the reason they had to face a dragon at all, given that he destroyed the Stone Knife and invited Aslan's retribution," Lord Trelain huffed in response, still carrying his grudge.
"Piffle," Lady Paulette retorted.
Their voices fell silent at the clear ringing of the heralds' trumpets. As the notes died away, two long columns of men entered the hall, Captain Torin and Galen at their head. The officers and crew of the Jewel, along with the survivors of Valiant and Huntress, marched through the hall behind them in unison and lined up on either side. The sailors and marines had traded the worn clothes of their long voyage for crisp white trousers and new green tunics. For the Narnian's part, he added a fine, Archen-green tabard embroidered with the golden gryphon to his armor and ceremonial cloak. He took his place just to the left of the dais and turned his eyes towards the doors.
The trumpets blew another flourish. This time, Ayden and Lyra entered side by side, followed by King Lorn and Queen Layla. The assembly bowed in their turn as they passed.
"That's a lovely dress," Lady Trelain murmured. "She always did look well in white."
Niusha, who sat nearby in a chair holding her sleeping one-month-old daughter, happened to glance at the Narnian knight and, upon noting the misty expression on his face, smiled knowingly at her husband, who stood beside her. Reaching the dais, the prince and princess took their customary places beside their parents' thrones. The king and queen took their seats, and a hush fell again.
"My lords and ladies, friends all," the king began. "We welcome you to a celebration much hoped-for. Our daughter, the Princess Lyra, returns to us out of the North seas. Today, we honor all those whose courage and valor brought her safely home."
"On the fourteenth of Greenroof last year," he continued, "as the princess and her escort completed their diplomatic visit to the Governor of the Lone Islands, Narrowhaven fell victim to the attack of a fearsome Dragon, the likes of which none have seen since the days of King Gale of Narnia. Sir Galen, a Narnian knight himself, in all the fine tradition of his nation, challenged the Beast and wounded it sorely. Princess Lyra, leading a company of Archen marines, joined battle, and together, they drove the evil worm from Doorn's shores. Alas, the great Dragon seized Sir Galen alive in a crushing claw and took him captive in its mad flight to sea."
Gasps could be heard from the more delicate ladies of the court.
"H.M.S. Spearhead took prompt pursuit, followed by the H.M.S. Huntress, H.M.S. Valiant, and H.M.S. Jewel of Archenland. With unswerving seamanship and fortitude, Commodore Torin lead his fleet into unknown waters to recover their comrade and ensure the Dragon would not live to further threaten the innocent. The Dragon fell upon the Spearhead, foremost in pursuit, and set its rigging ablaze. Captain Williams saved his ship, and it returned, crippled, to Narrowhaven. After many days' chase, the Dragon, sickening from its wounds, fell within range of the remaining ships. In fearsome battle, the Valiant perished in fire, but the Dragon fell by the skillful bowmanship of the Archen sailors and the sharp swordsmanship of Sir Galen, whom they pulled alive from the sea where the beast fell."
The assembly waited with bated breath for the remainder of the tale.
"As the Jewel and a crippled Huntress struggled against the wind to return, a fierce storm swept them far into the North. The Huntress wrecked on the rocky shore of a deserted island, while the Jewel remained afloat, but heavily damaged. There, the stalwart survivors salvaged their remaining ship and wintered until they could return to us."
"Captain Torin," Queen Layla spoke, as she and her husband stood. "Come forward."
The weathered Archen captain obeyed, kneeling before his king and queen. A squire offered the queen the hilt of her sword, which she took up.
"In the name of Aslan and in the presence of all Archenland, I dub thee Sir Joshua Torin, knight of the Noble Order of the Anchor and Admiral of His Majesty's Navy."
Enthusiastic applause filled the hall as the queen gently tapped the flat of her blade on each of his shoulders.
"Rise, Sir Torin."
The Jewel's commander stood and bowed deeply, his face flushed with gratitude, before returning to his place.
"Sir Galen of Narnia," King Lorn spoke in turn. "Come forward."
Galen ascended and knelt before the king.
"Is it your wish to become a citizen of Archenland?"
"It is, your majesty," the Narnian knight answered evenly.
"And do you pledge your service to the Archen crown, with all the loyalty of your mind and body?" The king asked gravely.
"I do, your majesty."
"For your courageous deeds, steadfast heart, and selfless valor in the service of the Princess Lyra, we gladly accept your service. Therefore, I dub thee Sir Galen Dragonsbane, knight of the most noble Order of the Bear," King Lorn solemnly tapped Galen on each shoulder with his sword. "Rise, knight of Archenland."
The applause echoed off the walls as he stood, bowed to the king and queen, and returned to his place, where he met his lady's smiling eye.
"Princess Lyra," her father spoke when the hall quieted. "Come forward."
His daughter approached and curtsied.
"For valiant service to the Archen crown and her subjects, it is our honor to bestow upon you the medal of the Archen Star."
It was Galen's turn to lead the enthusiastic applause as his lady returned to her place.
"For each of the officers and crew who stand before us today," Queen Layla continued the ceremony, "we thank you most humbly for your service. Come forward and receive the proper recognition of your valor."
The two lines of men stepped forward and approached the dais in pairs. The king and queen themselves pinned a small medal engraved with a golden dragon to each one's tunic. With the number of men, it took some time before the task was complete, but the Archen monarchs were determined to omit no one.
At last, the final sailors returned to their places in the line. A hum of whispers renewed as the assembly anticipated the ceremony's end and the food that usually came with it.
"Friends," the king raised his voice, and the whispers ceased. "We have one remaining task before the royal court adjourns. Sir Galen?"
The newly-minted Archen knight approached, with the crown prince and Admiral Sir Torin at his side.
"My king," he bowed deeply, "I humbly declare to your majesty and the Royal Court my suit for the hand of the Princess Lyra."
Shocked exclamations rippled through the hall, with not a few chortles of excitement and surprise. The sailors, for their part, smiled knowingly and joyfully.
King Lorn turned to his daughter and stretched his hand to her. She ascended and took it, with Niusha standing beside her.
"Is it your wish, my dear daughter, to accept Sir Galen's suit?"
"It is," she answered, smiling radiantly.
"Then happily I give you leave," her father responded, taking her hand and placing it in Galen's. He turned back to the young knight. "Will you, Sir Galen Dragonsbane, on your honor and by your oath, pledge your life and love to the Princess Lyra to be her faithful husband as long as you live?"
"I will with all my heart, your majesty." Galen gazed at his lady, her hands in his, and tears prickled in his eyes as he answered. "All my love, all my loyalty, and all my strength, I pledge to thee, my love, as long as I live."
Several ladies could be heard sobbing quietly into their handkerchiefs, including Lady Trelain, whose husband elbowed her to compose herself. The king turned back to his daughter, his eyes also glistening with tears.
"And will you, Princess Lyra, on your honor and by your oath pledge your life and love to Sir Galen, to be his faithful wife as long as you live?"
"I will," she answered, beaming, and looked at her knight. "All that I am I pledge to thee, my love, heart and soul, for every day hence."
"Then, under the authority of the laws of Archenland, I declare you husband and wife," King Lorn spoke joyfully.
"Huzzah!" A great cheer went up from the Jewel's sailors as Galen took his lady in his arms and kissed her.
"My lords and ladies, citizens of Archenland, I give you Sir Galen and his lady, the Duke and Duchess of Castlebay."
"Oh, father!" Lyra exclaimed, turning and embracing the king tightly. "You didn't tell me you were going to do that."
"No, I didn't," King Lorn smiled fondly at his daughter before she resumed her place beside her husband. Her hand returned to his arm, and they bowed to the assembly.
"The Royal Court of Archenland stands adjourned," the king spoke when the applause died down. "Minstrels, pray repair to your instruments, for the night shall not outlast our merriment!"
31 Mayblossom 2077
Dawn found the once-Narnian knight and his lady walking in the familiar glen. The rising sun lit the mountain above them with rose and set the waterfall alight in shimmering cascades. Lyra wrapped her hand fondly around her husband's arm as they walked along the banks of the pool.
"It feels strange to be back here, after all that has happened," Galen mused.
"Indeed. In many ways, our adventure began here," Lyra concurred. She took a deep breath of the green, tangy forest air as they sat beneath the willow and watched the water go by. "It is well to be home."
After a moment, she looked up to see her knight's gaze drifting off, his brow furrowed.
"What troubles thee?"
"Every moment with you is Aslan's gift, my love," Galen answered. "I am grateful beyond words and joyful beyond hope to spend the rest of my life at your side. It could have turned out so differently," his voice caught as he spoke, and he closed his eyes with a shudder, remembering the bitter days spent at her would-be deathbed. But when he returned his gaze to her face, her cheek's rosy bloom dispelled the pallid vision.
"Oh, my dear," Lyra reached up to brush a tear from his cheek. "This is no day for sorrow. I am whole and well because of you, my darling husband."
The newlyweds rested a moment in the comfort of each other's embrace, giving silent thanks. The green Archen grass bent gently in the morning wind, and Lyra ran her hand through it absentmindedly.
"I'm afraid you'll have to teach me what my new title means, my love," Galen puzzled self-consciously after a little while.
"Well, to begin, the Order of the Bear is the order of knights devoted to protecting the royal family," she answered. "Appropriate to your deeds, I think," she commented with a mirthful glimmer in her eyes.
"So it would seem," he chuckled. "I shall most happily fulfill that duty to you, your highness, for the rest of my life."
She smiled at him before continuing.
"And Duke of Castlebay I think you'll like even better. Castlebay is an estate to the north of Ramstowne. Close enough for comfort but not too close for comfort. We can walk every morning on the shore and see the sun rise from the sea. It is a good place for us to make our home."
"His majesty is most thoughtful in his wedding presents." Galen smiled broadly. "I shall treasure that I may look now and then towards Aslan's country."
After a few thoughtful moments' pause, Lyra asked the question she had hesitated to ask for many months.
"Did—" she hesitated, "did Aslan say why He was returning you to Ramandu's Island?"
"Yes," her knight answered contemplatively. "As His Father, the Emperor-over-the-Sea returned His life to Him on the Stone Table, Aslan returned my life to me and gave me a choice. I could remain in His country with my father or return to the mortal world and to you."
"How could you make such a choice?" She marveled.
"My father will still be there when I return," Galen smiled, a heavenly glimmer reflecting momentarily in his eyes. "And besides," a note of levity entered his voice, "I preferred to be reunited to him when I could introduce you properly as his daughter-in-law."
They laughed, and Lyra shook her head at her husband's teasing.
"'Tis a happy adventure Aslan has given us now," the Archen princess smiled.
"It is indeed, my love. I am grateful to be seeking it with thee," the Archen knight answered, drawing his wife close and kissing her.
Authoress's Note: Now, a brief word on how this story fits in with Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Most of the phenomena that the Jewel encountered in the Eastern Seas actually come from chapter 4 of Voyage of the Dawn Treader:
"While all this was being done, Caspian missed no chance of questioning all the oldest sea captains whom he could find in Narrowhaven to learn if they had any knowledge or even any rumors of land further to the east. He poured out many a flagon of the castle ale to weather-beaten men with short gray beards and clear blue eyes, and many a tall yarn he heard in return. But those who seemed the most truthful could tell of no lands beyond the Lone Islands, and many thought that if you sailed too Far East you would come into the surges of a sea without lands that swirled perpetually round the rim of the world—"And that, I reckon, is where your Majesty's friends went to the bottom." The rest had only wild stories of islands inhabited by headless men, floating islands, waterspouts, and a fire that burned along the water. Only one, to Reepicheep's delight, said, "And beyond that, Aslan's country. But that's beyond the end of the world and you can't get there." But when they questioned him he could only say that he'd heard it from his father."
As a result, the voyage of the Jewel is the source of many of these sea yarns that Caspian heard hundreds of years later. The official records, of course, would show the Jewel's voyage nowhere near the utter east, which remained unexplored as far as all public knowledge was concerned. Given the secrecy required, not even the Archen monarchs in power in Caspian's time would have known the truth.
Thank you again, dear readers, for seeing the story through. I'd love to hear what you thought.