Drinian would lead half the fleet out after the retreating enemy. The other half would linger at the shore, waiting for the King to take their helm once he was on his feet again.

Narnia would begin to feel safe again. The borders would be firmly in their own control again. The throne would not fall into crisis because the young king was not dead.

It still felt very far away as Caspian lay in bed, breath shaky and occasionally hacked, eyes struggling to stay properly focused on Anne's face.

"I need... to go back."