Back in the Wardrobe

Chapter 1: Sinking Feeling

"I'm so happy for you!" Lucy exclaimed, seeing the ring on Elizabeth's left hand. The family had known the proposal was coming, but that still did not diminish the joy it brought.

"Well, how could I say no to my king?" Elizabeth teased, eyes shining with joy.

"Why did you have to remind him of that?" Edmund asked under his breath. No one but Susan heard him and she covered to mouth to stifle a laugh.

"Yes, how could you say no?" Peter teased, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze." But as High King, I ask that we kindly shift the topic to one that is just a little more pressing. Tomorrow will be five years since we were last in Narnia, and four years since Elizabeth came to us. Isn't anyone worried we will not be going back?" Peter asked with concern.

"We will go back. We have to go back," Susan said firmly, though it was clear from the look in her eyes that these words were more to reassure herself than anyone around her.

"Just because you and Caspian are in love doesn't give us the guarantee we will go back," Edmund said quietly, knowing her thoughts and trying to ground her ideas.

Susan gave Edmund a small look, before sighing sadly. "I miss our real home. Not here, but there."

"I do too." Elizabeth's voice was filled with longing. "I was born and raised there. Archenland and Narnia are the only lands I truly know."

"I'm fine. I do miss Aslan though," Lucy said. Those around her knew she wasn't fine with this, not truly at least, but they were growing tired o her easy acceptance.

"Lucy we all know you're fine and dandy because you have your precious Nathan, but some of us just want to go back to stay," Edmund said.

A silence fell around the room. The last thing Edmund said was true. They all wanted to be back, never to return to England. You see, they hadn't wanted to leave. But Aslan had told Susan and Peter that if they left, they would be back once more, and that it would be in a time when Narnia would most certainly need them.

"Which reminds me," Lucy broke the silence that had fallen, "Nathan is coming over this afternoon."

Edmund rolled his eyes. He still thought Nathan was a no-good two timer. But Lucy apparently didn't get that vibe, so he didn't bring it up.

"And you couldn't have told us sooner? Now I have to clean, the house is a mess. And what will I serve for supper? Lucy can you run down to the market for me? I need a roast and fresh vegetables," Susan asked, frazzled, and mother-like.

"Wow Susan, you are really starting to sound like mom. But sure, I will go down there," Lucy said.

Lucy skipped out the door, humming a random tune. She was blinded by her 'love' for this boy and so she didn't notice the look Susan sent Edmund.

Once Lucy was well down the road, Peter spoke up. "Sue, there is a new roast in the ice box. What was the real reason for sending her away?"

Susan looked to Edmund. He nodded. "Well, Peter, Edmund and I have been talking. We both think Nathan has been seeing someone behind Lucy's back."

"Then you also noticed. Elizabeth and I were discussing this earlier. We are worried for her," Peter said.

"But how can we make her see he is a liar and a cheater?" Edmund asked. "Or would you prefer me to teach him a lesson?"

"Edmund, can you go a week without fighting, please?" Susan asked. "Or debating? You nearly got yourself banned from the market when you got in that debate with the owner's son and a fight broke out."

"Hey! That guy bumped me first!" Edmund protested. Peter had fought when he returned from Narnia the first time. Why shouldn't he the second?

"Yes but that didn't mean you had to break his arm!"

Peter watched Susan and Edmund for a while, before stepping in. "Okay, okay. Can we once again get back on the topic?" Peter asked.

Susan and Edmund settled down.

"Thank you. Now, Elizabeth, do you remember anything more of what Aslan said?" Peter asked.

You see, when Elizabeth had come into their world, she only remembered a few words. Now they had a few sentences.

"I'm sorry. I don't remember anymore.... Wait a minute! Oh yes! Susan, Caspian refuses to marry!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Really?" Susan exclaimed happily.

"Oh yes! Something about waiting..." Elizabeth started. But she was interrupted by Peter.

"Did anyone else get this sinking feeling? Like something awful just happened?" Peter asked.

The rest of the group looked between each other.

"Was it a heavy feeling in your heart? Because I felt it too, then," Susan said.

Elizabeth's heart started to race. She looked around, then collapsed.

"Someone call a doctor! Hurry!" Peter shouted.

But then Elizabeth's eyes snapped open.

"Don't! I remembered!" She exclaimed, "When the Kings and Queens of old return, and sit upon the thrones. The reign of terror will cease to exist, brought down by the girl with the sword."

"Reign of terror? That can't be Caspian..." Susan trailed off, realization hitting her like a bullet through the heart. "He must be gone... Isn't he?" Susan whispered.

Peter nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry sis."

Susan burst out sobbing. "He can't be dead! I'm sure he is just injured or missing...or SOMETHING!" she exclaimed hysterically.

"I'm so sorry," Elizabeth said. She hugged Susan, and both girls wept.

"He was my best friend," Edmund said, his voice filled with emotion. He joined the girls in tears.

Peter retreated quietly to his room. He pulled something out of his dresser, and walked out to the main parlor, were the crying members of the family were.

"Susan," Peter said gently. His sister looked up at him, what little makeup she was wearing streaming down her face. "I think you should have this."

Peter handed her Caspian's coronation ring. "H-how did you get this?" She asked as she started to calm down after the shock of seeing her brother holding something belonging to her love.

" Before we left, and I told Cas... him to look after my sword, he gave me it to give to you some day when you were in need of comfort. This seemed like a good time to do so."

Susan started crying again. She placed the ring on a small silver chain and tucked it into her dress, as the ring was too big to fit her finger. "Thanks Pete," She whispered.

Lucy skipped back into the house. "I got the... What happened?" Lucy asked, worry and concern growing on her face.

"He's gone," Susan whispered.

"Are you sure? What would make you think that?" Lucy asked.

Elizabeth told her what had happened.

"I'm so sorry Susan," Lucy hugged her sister.

Then the phone rang. "I guess I better get that," Peter said.

Peter walked into the kitchen. "Hello... This is he....What do you mean?.... When..?.... I see... Yes, well we will be there tomorrow... Good bye." Peter hung up the phone.

"You look worse. Now what?" Edmund asked.

"Professor Kirke is dead. We are to go collect what he left us tomorrow."