Whisked Away

60. The Death of King Caspian

Shifra's POV
Rilian mounted his horse outside the cave and we headed to Cair Paravel in all haste. No words were exchanged as we rode and flew fast. Rilian's brow was furrowed in worry as we went fast, but just as sunrise began to paint it's colors across the sky we arrived at the palace gates. Courtiers were only just starting to mill about as we crossed the gate threshold.

Rilian dismounted as I landed on my feet. "See to this horse, if you will," Rilian requested of a groomsmen passing by. The next few hours passed in a haze of frantic pacing on Rilian's part and a lot of explaining on mine, but soon we saw Caspian's ship just over the horizon. Everyone began to gather together to greet their king.

Trumpkin joined us at the water's edge as the ship grew nearer and nearer. Rilian's hands trembled as he watched it come closer and closer. The sweet sound of silver trumpets echoed over the water from the approaching ship as the sailers threw out ropes. The ship was tied fast and music began to play from the crowd. It was a solemn, yet triumphant music that reminded me of songs played after a bloody yet won battle.

A long ramp was set up so people aboard could come back to the ground, but no one apart from a lord a did not recognize. He knelt down and bowed to Rilian. Rising to his feet, he whispered quietly so we were the only ones to hear, "He is not well. We fear our great king's life has come to it's end, my lords and lady."

"Bring him down to us," I whispered, fear creeping into my voice. The lord went back on ship and soon four knights began to come towards us. Caspian lay in a bed that was being carried by the knights, but he appeared as though he was soon to fade. Rilian knelt and embraced his father, who blessed him in response.

"Shifra," his cracking voice uttered, "Promise me to look after my boy."

"Of course Caspian," I whispered, kneeling beside Rilian. Caspian grasped my hand and raised his head to say something else, but his head fell back. Tears filled Rilian's eyes and a sob was let out of his throat.

"No, father!" Rilian exclaimed, grabbing onto his arm. "Father..." My own eyes had filled with tears as I grabbed hold of Rilian's hand in comfort. The emotions were too much for me, so I turned and flew over the crowd away from everything. My eyes shut as I flew, but when I opened them I was in a forest, but something in the air told me I was thousand of miles up.

I walked carefully through and came across a stream. In the bed of it lay the body of Caspian. Chocking on a sob, I fell to my knees by his side. "Caspian," I grieved, tears dripping from my golden eyes and into the stream. Soon I heard three pairs of footsteps behind me. I looked up to see Eustace, Jill, and Aslan all with tears in their eyes.

I fell back to grieving, completely collapsing unto Caspian's chest. "Son of Adam," Aslan's voice ordered, "go into that thicket and pluck the thorn that you will find there, and bring it to me." Eustace's footsteps told that he did as was requested. "Drive it into my paw, Son of Adam." A splash was heard, but in my grieve I knew not from where. I looked up and saw Caspian beginning to change.

His wrinkles smoothed and his beard shorted. His hair changed back to it's original brown locks and he looked as he had when I had first met him. Letting out a cry of joy, I embrace him. He softly kissed my head and held me in his arms. It felt as it had all those years ago before our memories had been wiped. I pulled back and looked him full in the face. He wiped away my tears and stood with my help.

Reluctantly he let go of my hand from when I had helped him stand and embraced the lion. He turned next to Eustace. "Why! Eustace! Did you reach the end of the world after all?"

Eustace went forward to embrace him, but drew back, hesitating and asking, "Look here I say. It's all very well, but aren't you...didn't you?"

"Die?" I supplied, wiping away the rest of my tears.

"He has died. Most people have, you know. Even I and General Shifra have. There a few who haven't," Aslan added.

"You've died?" Jill asked, looking at me curiously.

"Story for another time," I replied shortly, but trying to still sound kind.

"Sir," Caspian asked, "I must ask, is Lilianduil here as well?"

Aslan shook his great head. "Upon her death she was returned to the sky as a star where she shall live out the rest of Narnia's years."

Caspian swallowed. "Is it strange that I am frightened to see her?"

"Well you had a whole other fiancé without your or her knowledge, so I'd say it's understandable," Eustace replied. I merely chuckled as Caspian looked back to me with a smile.

"Child," Aslan broke in, looking directly at me, "You are needed to help with the ruling of Narnia and Archenland."

"Aslan, who needs my help more?" I asked.

"Rilian and the twins have both suffered greatly. I cannot say who needs you more," he replied. I nodded and began to walk off to stare over the cliff.

"Then this is goodbye," I whispered. Turning back to face them all, I added, "I shall miss you all." I embraced them all and flew down from the cliff into Narnia.

Rilian was in the throne room with Zyan and Zyanister and all three looked up upon my entrance. "Sorry for my tardiness," I apologized.

"It's alright," Rilian replied, "We were just discussing defense."

Zyanister cut in, "If Calormen realizes that both Archenland and Narnia now sit without a king we are doomed. They have always wanted our lands."

"We need to make an agreement now," Zyan put in, "Archenland and Narnia have always been great friends. I should like for that to continue."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Rilian replied, shaking hands with the two princes.

"I think all three of you shall make great, wise kings," I said, "Like your fathers." A look of pride and maturity came into all three faces before I added, "I shall split my time between both countries until one of you has no more need of me, for I shalt be able to keep it up forever, but I will always be there if you have need of me."

We discussed sending out scouts to keep an eyes on Calormen and about their coronations. "Showing up at your coronation would be a good show that the bound between our countries is far from broken," Zyanister commented.

Rilian nodded and replied, "I would be honored, and even more so if I might return the favor." Both nodded and soon we all separated for dinner and then the two boys for Archenland.

Zyan and Zyanister were both crowned kings of Archenland and Rilian was crowned as well. All three ruled with the wisdom and honor of their fathers and their reigns passed without issue for the entire expanse of their reign. Peace crossed the entirety of the northern countries and their families were always friends. Zyan and Rilian also married and had children, but Zyanister remained unmarried.

Zyan had twin boys named Cori and Corian after his father and uncle and Cori ruled after him, for Corian refused to do so. After the twins he had a daughter named Evangelic, who eventually began queen of Narnia alongside Rilian's son. Rilian's daughter also began queen of Archenland as Cori's wife.

After two years, Archenland no longer had need of me, so I took over the role of Narnia's General once again and led my life as I had for so many years before. Peace carried on for many generations until the sixth king after Rilian came to reign. That was when everything had changed.