The Just and the Wise

Chapter 29

Caspian, Edmund, Eustace, Lucy, Reepicheep and I get in a rowboat and sail towards the island in the distance. As we row, the scent from the delicate white flowers lingers in the air, and a soft breeze blows in our faces. The water is a deep, romantic blue, and the bright sun shines down on us, hitting the water under the lily's and giving the allusion of sparkling water.

"So what was it like," Edmund breaks the silence and looks at his cousin, "when Aslan changed you back?"

We all look to Eustace as he sits with his elbows on his knees. A faint smile crosses his face, and I think it's the first genuine smile I've seen come from him.

"No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it myself," he explains, "then he came towards me. It sort of hurt, but it was a good pain. You know, like when you pull a thorn from your foot."

I smile and nod, remembering how it felt to be healed by Aslan after the Battle of Beruna.

"Being a dragon wasn't all bad," Eustace chuckles, "I mean, I think I was a better dragon than I was a boy, really. I'm so sorry for being such a sop."

I laugh and give Eustace a small hug, and Lucy smiles at her cousin.

"It's okay, Eustace," Edmund says with a smile, "you are a pretty good dragon."

We all smile, and Reepicheep scurries to the front of the small boat.

"My friends, we have arrived!"

Caspian and Ed turn around to see, and I catch my breath at the magnificent sight before us. A massive, glorious, blue wave surges above the sandy beach, but it remains steady and does not crash down as a normal wave would. The whites of the wave roar loudly but peacefully, and the sun reflect off the surface. A slight rainbow forms above the wave, and full, white clouds drift in front of the silhouettes of mountains behind the wave. It's beautiful. It's perfect.

We run aground in our little rowboat, and Caspian and Ed jump out quickly after Reepicheep. Eustace gets out next, and Edmund comes and holds out a hand to help me out of the boat. I smile and take his hand, using him to stabilize myself as I get out.

"Remember the last time Ed helped you out of a boat, Y/n?" Lucy asks with a giggle.

I throw my head back and laugh, and Edmund smirks at me.

"I'm still convinced you were faking," Edmund kisses my cheek sweetly, "We've all seen that you're plenty coordinated."

"Whatever," I roll my eyes and take Edmund's hand in mine, and we walk towards the wave before us.

We stand in a straight line before the wave, and Eustace turns his head to the side.

"Aslan," he says, and we all stop and follow his gaze.

"Welcome, children," the Lion speaks, sending a miraculous feeling through my bones, "you have done well. Very well indeed. You have come far, and now your journey is at its end."

Aslan walks around and stands before us, and the Pevensies and I glance at each other.

"Is this your country?" Lucy asks with a puzzled look.

"No," Aslan replies, "my country lies beyond."

Caspian's eyes trail up the huge wave before he looks back at Aslan.

"Is my father in your country?" He asks.

"You can only find that out for yourself, my son."

I look at Caspian and see the sorrow in his eyes.

"But you should know that if you continue," Aslan explains, "there is no return."

We all watch Caspian mull over his decision, offering him supportive looks. He walks forward, and I tighten my grip on Ed's hand, afraid to see one of my best friends go. He squeezes back. Caspian sticks his hand into the wave, letting the sweet water run over his skin before pulling it back. He turns back to us with tears in his eyes, and I feel my heart ache for him. Caspian walks towards us again, and I can't help myself but run to hug him.