Too Many Sunsets (Prince Caspian)

Aslan's Howe

The Narnians, Prince Caspian and the Kings and Queens walk through the forest. Peter walks with Caspian discussing their battle options.

"Well, it's good you have troops, but we need some fortifications. Somewhere to train..."

Trumpkin walks with Nikabrik and Trufflehunter.

"So? What are they like?"

"Malcontents, complainers, stubborn as mules in the morning".

"Oh, so you like them, then".

"Well enough".

Lucy smiles at Reepicheep from behind having listened in on the dwarf's conversation. 

The troop comes to a clearing. Before them lies an open field. At the far end, stands a tall dome-shaped rock formation. 

They continue their way to the entrance where they are greeted by Centaurs who stand to attention at either side. The trumpet the arrival of the Kings and Queens. The assembled Centaurs draw they're swords and hold them up ceremoniously. Peter and his siblings step towards the entrance but Caspian waits hesitantly before joining them. 

Inside there are a number of Narnians hard at word preparing weapons for the army. Peter and Edmund scan the room.

"It may not be what you are used to, but it is defensible", Caspian claims.

From across the room Susan peers around a corner, "Peter you may want to see this". Caspian and Peter look over at her and follow her lead.

They walk through the halls and Susan directed them to paintings on the wall. They showed the Prophecy and the lives of the Kings and Queens. One drawing showed all four Pevensies stood by their throne. Peter waves the torch over every drawing and stops when he sees a faded painting. It was of Red Feather. She stood next to Peter. However, the colour of Peter had not faded like the painting for Red Feather. An image of her hawk formation flew above the two of them. He stared at the painting sadly. 

"It's us".

Red Feather turned the corner. She halted immediately when she recognised who stood before her. Peter couldn't believe his eyes. He lowered the torch in his hand and slowly stepped towards her. 

"Red?" He spoke softly.

The others turned to see Red Feather. Lucy smiled in pure happiness.

Peter passed the torch to Edmund and rushed to Red encompassing her in a bear hug. Red was still in her stupor and didn't know how to react. She almost bowed before Peter lifted her into his arms. He burrowed his head in to her neck. After a few seconds, Red wrapped her arms around Peter and hugged him back just as tightly. 

"I've missed you!"

Red Feather couldn't seem to form her words properly, "and I, you".

Lucy rushed up to Red and gave her a hug. Susan and Ed did the same.

"But how are you here? Wouldn't this make you like a thousand years old", Edmund joked.

"Aslan always said that the connection between Peter and I was stronger than we would ever know", she looked at Peter, "I guess that might have something to do with it". She smiled. 

Peter took Red into his arms again, wanting nothing more than to be with her. Red smiled at him but there was an unwelcoming feeling that she didn't deserve his embrace. 

Lucy continued to look at the paintings on the walls, specifically a painting of Mr Tumnus by the lampost. 

"What is this place?"

Caspian looked at them, "you don't know?" He took the torch off the wall and led all of them further into the tunnels. 

They walk down a flight of step to a dark room. As they walk into the room their torches cast a shadow on a broken Stone Table. Caspian walks to the side and lowers his torch into a trough, igniting a circle that went around the perimeter.

The fire reveals the delicate carvings of Narnians decorated on the walls. Their eyes follow the fire and their eyes widen at the centre of the pillars as a carving of Aslan sits proudly in front of them. The room now fully lit, the Pevensies marvel at the ages old tomb. Lucy walks up to the Stone Table. She places her hand on the cracked surface.

"He must know what he's doing", she says somberly.

Peter looks up at Aslan and after catching eyes with Red he turns to his siblings, "I think it's up to us now".

The Narnians and the Kings and Queens gather in Aslan's tomb. Peter speaks to the crowd.

"It's only a matter of time. Miraz's men and war machines are on their way. That means those same men aren't protecting his castle".

"What do you propose we do, Your Majesty?"

"We need to start planning for–" 

"We need to get ready for–"

Peter and Caspian awkwardly stare at one another as they speak over each other. Peter glares at Caspian. He backs down, nodding defeated. Red Feather played with the edge of her sword whilst looking up at the two. 

Peter continues, "our only hope is to strike them before they strike us".

"But that's crazy. No one has ever taken that castle", Caspian interrupts.

"There's always a first time".

"We'll have the element of surprise", Trumpkin said.

"We have the advantage here!" Caspian defended.

Susan voiced her thoughts, "If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely".

"I, for one, feel safer underground", said Trufflehunter.

"Look, I appreciate what you've done here, but this isn't a fortress. It's a tomb".

"Yes, and if they're smart, the Telmarines will just starve us out" Edmund spoke.

"We could collect nuts!" The Squirrel interjected.

"Yes and throw them at the Telmarines– Shut up", Reepicheep scolded the squirrel. "I think you know where I stand, Sire". 

Peter looked to Red Feather for guidance. "I'm sorry Peter. But the Telmarines are powerful in number not just the might of their war machines. Even with half of Miraz's men gone, the other half still outnumber us three to one. I cannot bear to see innocent Narnians murdered again". She paused and looked down. With a heavy sigh Red continued, "but if it is what you and everyone decide, I will gladly follow you into battle. It is my duty". 

Peter looked at her conflicted. He didn't want her to follow him only out of duty but he truly believed his plan would work. And he dearly wanted to prove himself to Red.

"If I get your troops in, can you handle the guards?" Peter spoke to Glenstorm. 

The Centaur looks over at Caspian before replying, "or die trying, my Liege".

"That's what I'm worried about".

"Sorry?" Peter turned to Lucy.

"We're all acting like there are only two options. Dying here or dying there'.

"I'm not sure you've really been listening".

"No, you're not listening. Or have you forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter?"

Peter's jaw tightens and his eyes look cold. "I think we've waited for Aslan long enough".