Caspian, all alone, sat on the edge of the How, legs dangling perpendicularly from the stone ledge, finding comfort in a slight shade it provided from the glaring sunlight overhead. He overlooked the thick forest in front of him, his breathing synchronised with the harmonic calls of the cicadas hiding in the greens, which was beginning to echo in his ears, not bothering to tuck in the edge of his tunic peeking slightly from his pants and smooth out his slightly tasselled dark hair.

Distinctive footsteps began to crush into the dried moss behind him and around he turned, before being greeted with a sheet of rough fabric of beige that almost brushed the ground. He shifted his gaze upwards, recognising instantly the small, jolly eyes and the button like nose of his professor. A small smile played on his lips as Cornelius plopped his plump figure beside Caspian, sinking into the carpet of moss under him. They sat in silence, comfortable and peaceful, their gaze fixed on the mass of leafy giants across the field.

"Why did you never tell me about my father?" asked Caspian, tearing his gaze from the trees to look at Cornelius.

The professor pressed his lips into a straight line, the look of concentration etched on his weathered features as he thought of what he should say in reply. Caspian didn't get impatient. He was too used to his Professor's ways. A wise man he was, always thinking of ways to make the best of the situation. After a time that was a fair bit longer than someone would take in a normal, everyday conversation, Cornelius finally spoke, his voice low and hearty. He was of an old age after all, with a long, white beard and wrinkles of wisdom to go with it.

"My mother was a black dwarf from the northern mountains" he began, pausing as Caspian nodded his head slowly in acknowledgement.

"You're like Carmelya" stated Caspian.

"True, that is. The difference lies in the fact that I was much more fortunate then her, not getting caught and all. I was a very lucky man. So was my father. I risked my life all these years so that one day, you might be a better king than those before you"

"Then I have failed you" he replied, running the rough fingers he'd acquired due to all his hard training through his long, wavy hair and diverting his eyes shamefully.

"Everything I told you, everything I didn't, it was only because I believe in you. You have a chance to become the most noble contradiction in history - the Telmarine who saved Narnia" said Cornelius.

Caspian felt a smile come to his lips as his remark sank deep into himself, added it to the collection of things in his heart that kept him going.

"I believe you've seen Carmelya" sighed Caspian, changing the subject.

"It must have been hard for her, and for you"

"You're quite right, as you've always been" chuckled Caspian. "As much as I was confused the first time I met her again and shocked that she no longer knew who I was, she must be going through a lot more as compared to me. Do you think she'll remember some day?" asked Caspian. Though you could clearly see his smile vanishing, the joy in his eyes was still distinctively visible.

It wasn't the type of happiness that made you laugh and your lips to curl up, but the kind that only existed deep down withing you, the type you would feel the moment you find your long lost friend when you've always thought she was gone and never coming back anytime soon.

***

Peter, all alone, sat on the edge of the Stone Table, one of the most historic and important objects in Narnian history, staring at the carving of Aslan right in front of him - the Great Lion, the only true ruler of Narnia. He knew that very well. He was the High King after all. In addition to that, he could never forget the moment Aslan pounced right on Jadis to save him from getting his head sliced off by her. Just the thought of it sent a chill down his spine that seemed to electrify every vein in his body.

The frustration he felt was wrecking his mind as he stuggled to find composure in himself, which was almost impossible in a time of war - especially without Aslan by his side to guide him this time. Half of his army faced their death in the bloodpool back in Miraz's castle, and Aslan was still nowhere to be found. Inside, he placed all the blame on the Lion, hoping to ease the guilt he felt for letting all this happen; for he knew his leadership was the one to be questioned.

He stared, long and hard, at the huge carving illuminated by the dull, orange glow of the fire, whcih casted small shadows on areas where protrutions blocked out the light. Light travels in a straight line he remembered Susan emphasising to him once. He didn't really enjoy school as much as Susan, you know, especially after he'd been to Narnia before.

With a light shuffling of feet, someone sat down beside him, snuggling closer to him and leaning on his shoulder. It can't be Susan, and it DEFINITELY won't be Edmund. He told himself, smiling, just a bit.

"You're lucky, you know"

"What do you mean?" asked Lucy.

"To have seen him" he replied, shrugging. "I wish he'd just give me some kind of proof"

Lucy bit her lip. "Maybe we're the ones who need to prove ourselves to him"

"Well-"

"Pete, you better come quick" informed Edmund, cutting Peter off. The two Pevensies whipped their head around to see their brother, panting slightly, worry on his features. Never had they seen Edmund looking so distressed, and they knew, at once, that a dreadful something had happened. Peter grabbed Lucy's small hand in his and followed behind Edmund closely.

They emerged on the open ledge of the How where Caspian, Cornelius, Amethy and Susan were already gathered on, adjusting their eyes to the sudden, blaring rays of the Narnian sun. In pure horror they watched - Telmarine soldiers in thousands, or even tens of thousands marching in an eerie sync and full armor towards the How, replacing the original green scenery with dark blue, their finely polished weapons and shields reflecting the sunlight into their eyes.

Gritting his teeth as the feeling of pure hatred washed over him at the sight of Miraz riding at the front on a fine horse, Caspian noted that his helmet was a bright shade of pure gold - an identification for the King.

"We need a plan, fast"

With the Narnians all gathered around the Stone Table, the game of war had soon began. Maps were rolled out across the surface, everyone taking turns to device a solid plan. For a moment or two the silence with an exception of an occasional murmur of the Kings and Queens was deafening, and it was until they announced the root course of action did Trumpkin begin his protest.

"Cakes and kettledrums!" exclaimed Trumpkin. "That's your next big plan? Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the forest, alone?" he emphasised the last word for effect, his eyes growing wide with fear and worry. Amethy stepped up so that she was now on par with the Dwarf.

"If you'd ask me, I'm standing with Trumpkin on this. I mean, what the hell are you thinking? You've seen the number of soldiers in the army outside. There may be many others ambushed in the woods just waiting for the perfect moment to strike" argued Amethy.

"It's our only chance" explained Peter.

"And she won't be alone" said Susan, hooking her arm around Lucy's and smiling down at her.

"We need you here, Susan" Peter told her, scanning the room. "Amethy will go with Lucy"

"What?"

"No!"

Edmund and Caspian disapproved at the exact same moment, at the exact same split second Peter's words left his lips. The amused Narnians gazed their way, some desperately trying to hold back their laughter as the two of them exchanged disgusted looks.

"I'll go. With Lucy" Amethy declared, before she skipped her way over to Lucy's side, making sure not to make any eye contact with Edmund or Caspian. In other words, she literally ignored their "exaggerated protectiveness" as she called it.

"But... haven't enough of us died already?" asked Trumpkin as he stepped towards Lucy, his voice trembling slightly, his eyes glazed with a shimmer of tears.

"Nikabrik was my friend too, but he lost hope. Queen Lucy hasn't, and neither have I" Trufflehunter added.

"For Aslan" said Reepicheep, holding his sword up.

"For Aslan" a Bear repeated, puffing his chest, pride rich in his voice.

Peter looked at the Gallant Mouse, then the Bear, giving each of them a firm nod and an encouraging smile. Then Trumpkin spoke again, this time to Amethy.

"I'll go with Lucy instead"

"No, we need you here" Lucy said kindly before Amethy could reply, reaching up and patting Trumpkin on the shoulder lightly.

"We have to hold them off until Lucy and Amethy get back"

"If I may..." started Caspian, looking at Peter from his spot on the steps of the Stone Table. Nodding, Petee indicated his permission for him to continue.

Caspian stood up, gesturing to the Narnians. "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer, but as king, he is subject to the traditions and expectations of his people. There is one in particular that can buy us some time..." here he paused again.

"And what will that be?" asked many of the Narnians.

"Single combat" finished Caspian. Peter, for once, began to nod at Caspian's suggestion.

***