Heart of the Wise

11. To Stay or Return

The Telmarines retreated to the bridge. They got halfway before stopping. They'd noticed Lucy, who drew her dagger and smiled. Aslan appeared and Sopespian stared a moment longer before looking around and back before yelling, "Charge!"

The Telmarines charged towards Aslan and he roared, causing the Telmarines to stop. The water began moving, and then shot up to form a river god. He lifted up the bridge and soldiers fell off. Sopespian stood alone on the bridge and swung his sword wildly as the water came crashing down on him. The Telmarines managed to climb out from the water and handed their swords over to the Narnians. Peter, Susan, Edmund, Isabel and Caspian knelt before Aslan.

"Rise, kings and queens of Narnia," Aslan said and the Pevensies rose. "All of you."

Caspian looked up nervously. "I do not think that I am ready."

"It's for that very reason that I know you are."

They heard solemn music and a few mice walked up carrying Reepicheep on a stretcher. Lucy walked up to him and gave him a drop from her cordial. He let out a breath and sat up. "Oh, thank you, Your Majesty."

He saw Aslan and said, "Oh, hail Aslan! It is a great honour to be-"

Reepicheep tried to bow, but stumbled forward. Isabel caught him so he wouldn't fall and he gave her a nod before realising his tail was gone. "I am completely out of countenance. I must crave your indulgence for appearing in this unseemly fashion." He looked to Lucy. "Perhaps a drop more?"

Lucy shook her head. "I don't think it does that."

"You can have a go."

Aslan fought a smile. "It becomes you well, Small One."

Reepicheep turned back and said, "All the same, great king, I regret that I must withdraw. For a tail is the honour and glory of a mouse."

"Perhaps you think too much of your honour, friend."

"Well, it's not just the honour. It's also great for balance... and climbing... and grabbing things."

Aslan smiled as the other mice drew their swords and placed them to their tails. Preepiceek said, "May it please your high Majesty, we will not bear the shame of wearing an honour denied to our chief."

The Great Lion let out a laugh. "Not for your honour, but for the love of your people."

Reepicheep's tail grew back and he said excitedly, "Oh, look! Thank you, thank you, my liege! I will treasure it always! From this day forward, it will serve as a great reminder of my huge humility."

Once again, the lion let out a laughand he went on to say, "Now, where is this dear little friend you've told me so much about?"

Trumpkin looked at him nervously and slowly walked over before bowing. Aslan roared and Trumpkin shook in fear.

Lucy smiled. "Do you see him now?"

Isabel gave Reepicheep a light smile. "He is certainly quite majestic."

They made their way to Caspian's castle. There were fireworks going off and Caspian walked into the courtyard and noticed Aslan talking to Peter, Isabel and Susan. The eldest girl seemed to have a solemn expression, which concerned him.

After a moment, Caspian said, "We are ready. Everyone has assembled."

The Telmarines and Narnians were all gathered together outside. Caspian spoke to his people. "Narnia belongs to the Narnians just as it does to man. Any Telmarines who want to stay and live in peace are welcome to. And for any of you who wish, Aslan will return you to the home of our forefathers."