༄ 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒙 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 (𝑽𝑫𝑻) ༄

Chapter 21: Aslan's Country

After all the arrangements had been made, the three royals clambered into a longboat. Ana, Eustace, and Reepicheep joined them. Reepicheep had been looking forward to the journey all his life so he wasn't going to pass on the opportunity. But fortunately for him, Caspian did not refuse his offer to go with them.

As they approached the water, Ana noted white water lilies were floating on the sea. From a distance, they made the water appear white. The air was clear and she could feel Aslan's presence before they saw any signs of land. Reepicheep told them the water was sweet but Ana saw that it was clearer and fresher than any other body of water. Almost like it was pure.

Ana and Lucy sat next to each other, the rudder between them. Lucy kept it steady while the two Kings rowed the boat. Reepicheep was at the front of the boat, eagerly awaiting their arrival. Eustace sat directly in front of the two girls with his back to them. He occupied their time by telling them how he shed his dragon skin.

"So, what was it like when Aslan changed you back?" Edmund asked.
"No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it myself. 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," Eustace explained and Ana smiled a little. "Being a dragon wasn't all bad. I mean, I think I was a better dragon than I was a boy, really. I'm so sorry for being such a sop."
"It's okay, Eustace," Edmund assured him. He looked at Caspian and then back to his cousin. "You were a pretty good dragon."

His comment caused everyone to either laugh or smile. Even Eustace, though he did duck his head a little in embarrassment. Everyone agreed that being a dragon had been good for him. It seemed to have transformed him in more ways than one. Ana shook her head fondly before looking out across the horizon. She could see a beach in the distance.

As they drew closer, Ana suspected that she would have to say goodbye to her friends again. Not only that but she wouldn't see them for a long time. If they left now, Ana had a feeling that they would not return to Narnia. And there was one thing she wished to do before they were gone for good. She merely hoped Aslan would let her.

"My friends," Reepicheep announced as they sailed through the lilies, "we have arrived."

Caspian and Edmund had to turn to look while the others stared ahead. The sight before them was beautiful and indescribable. There was a large wave that spanned the whole beach, as far as the eye could see. It was a continuous wave, never quite reaching the ground. Just above the froth of the wave, Ana could see treetops and the tops of mountains. She thought she could make out a few waterfalls as well. The wave was just a barrier. Something else lay beyond.

They all climbed out of the boat. Caspian and Edmund pulled it safely out of the water. Ana glanced around, scanning the shore for any signs of Aslan. She didn't see Him, but that didn't mean He wasn't there. He always revealed himself in His own time.

As they walked towards the wave, Eustace was the first to see Him.
"Aslan," he stated. Everyone turned to look behind them.
"Welcome, children," Aslan spoke, circling to stand in front of them. "You have done well. Very well indeed. You have come far, and now your journey is at its end."
"Is this your country?" Lucy asked.
"No, my country lies beyond," He answered, turning his head to look over the wave.

It was then that Ana realized everyone had to make a choice. They would have to decide to go to His country and leave everything, everyone, behind. Or to continue in their current life. Without much thought, Ana knew what her decision would be. But she couldn't be sure what the others would choose.

"Is my father in your country?" Caspian spoke up.
"You can only find that out for yourself, my son. But you should know that if you continue... there is no return."