The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 2008

In the somber hours preceding dawn on a cloudless Narnian night, under the darkening influence of a lunar eclipse, Lady Prunaprismia (Alicia Borrachero) gives birth to a son within the foreboding walls of a castle. Meanwhile, General Glozelle (Pierfrancesco Favino) hastens to share this joyous news with Lord Protector Miraz (Sergio Castellito), only to reveal his true intentions: to dispatch young Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), the rightful King of Narnia and tenth in line from the illustrious Caspian I, whose conquests centuries prior had led to the Telmarine invasion and subsequent domination of this mystical realm.

As fate would have it, Doctor Cornelius (Vincent Grass), a stalwart ally and mentor to Prince Caspian, refuses to stand idly by as his young friend is brutally murdered. With stealth and urgency, he rouses Caspian from slumber and hastily guides him toward the hidden passageway concealed within an ornate armoire, whose secret compartment opens onto a mysterious corridor. Just as Caspian disappears into this covert path, Glozelle appears with his cohorts, armed to the teeth with crossbows, which they proceed to fire wildly into Caspian’s empty bedchamber, showering the air with harmless goose feathers.

As the dust settles, Cornelius hastily equips Caspian for a perilous journey ahead, presenting him with an ornate ivory horn and cautioning him to blow it only when all hope seems lost. With this solemn advice ringing in his ears, Caspian flees the palace and gallops into the foreboding Shuddering Woods, pursued by Glozelle’s relentless posse. As night falls, Caspian’s pursuers hesitate at the treacherous threshold of these dark woods, allowing him to momentarily escape their grasp.

However, his respite is short-lived, as he soon finds himself tumbling from his mount after a fateful collision with an overhanging tree limb. Before he can regain consciousness, two mysterious creatures – dwarves with striking features, one sporting fiery locks (Peter Dinklage) and the other bearing raven-black hair (Warwick Davis) – converge upon him. As they approach, the redheaded dwarf readies his sword, urging his companion to “take care of” Caspian’s would-be slayers. Meanwhile, Caspian, in a desperate bid for salvation, grasps the ivory horn and blows a mighty blast before the black-haired dwarf delivers a crushing blow, sending him crashing into unconsciousness.

As the veil of time lifts, Susan Pevensie (Anna Popplewell) finds herself in 1942 London, attempting to evade the persistent advances of a schoolboy. However, her sister Lucy’s (Georgie Henley) sudden summons draws her away from the hustle and bustle of the Strand Underground station. Upon arrival, they encounter Peter (William Moseley) and his brother Edmund (Skandar Keynes), who are embroiled in another pointless altercation on the platform. The commotion is soon interrupted by two Home Guardsmen, their whistles piercing the air as they demand order and maturity from the group. As the four Pevensies sit together on a bench, Peter laments being treated like a child, still reeling from his recent reign as High King in Narnia. Edmund tries to bring him back down to earth, reminding him that, despite their adventures, they are indeed children. Susan’s words of caution about reconciling themselves to life in England fall on deaf ears, as the group is suddenly beset by a strange and inexplicable sensation.

Lucy cries out in distress, claiming something has pinched her, while Peter and Edmund begin to suspect each other of mischief. It is then that Susan realizes that magic is at play. The group joins hands, and as an Underground train thunders past, the walls of the tube station disintegrate, revealing a stunning cavern beneath a sunlit sky. The children shed their school uniforms and indulge in playful revelry on the sandy beach, their laughter echoing off the ancient ruins.

As they explore the promontory, they stumble upon the unmistakable remnants of Cair Paravel, once the seat of their joint rule after their victorious battle. Meanwhile, at the Telmarine castle, Glozelle and his troops return from a skirmish, bearing a mysterious figure draped over a horse. Miraz is eager to confirm Caspian’s demise, but Glozelle’s revelation that this is not the body of the rightful king, but rather the red-headed dwarf who dared challenge him in the Shuddering Woods, sends shockwaves through the castle.

As the tumultuous council session convenes, Lord Sopespian (Damian Alcazar) vehemently asserts that Miraz is an untrustworthy individual. Miraz’s belated arrival sparks a heated exchange with Lords Scytheley (Simon Andreu), Donnon (Predrag Bjelac), and Sopespian, who level scathing accusations at the absent Caspian. The timing of this confrontation is particularly insidious, as it coincides with the birth of Miraz’s son. In an attempt to deflect blame, Miraz conveniently suggests that Caspian has been kidnapped by Narnians. To “prove” his theory, he orders Glozelle to lead in a bound and gagged red dwarf, which only serves to further fuel tensions. Miraz then issues a brazen declaration, vowing to find Caspian and complete the conquest of Telmar, even if it means decimating every tree in the Shuddering Wood.

Meanwhile, back at Cair Paravel, Edmund detects the telltale signs of an artillery barrage, which serves as a stark reminder that Narnia had indeed been invaded centuries prior. The children’s investigation leads them to a treasure trove of forgotten relics, including four trunks containing their original regalia and armaments – save for Susan’s missing horn. Lucy is overcome with sorrow as she realizes that every friend they once knew in Narnia has long since passed on. Peter, however, remains resolute, donning his sword and silver shield emblazoned with the red lion, and declares that it is imperative for them to uncover the truth behind the centuries-long silence.

Their search is soon interrupted by a small wooden rowboat, piloted by two Telmarine soldiers, which drifts down the Great River. As they prepare to dispose of the bound red dwarf, an arrow suddenly pierces their vessel. An outraged Susan (Susan) orders them to release him, and as Peter and Edmund rush into the water to rescue the dwarf, Susan fires an arrow at one of the soldiers, causing the other to abandon ship. The sudden turn of events sets the stage for a perilous adventure, as the Pevensies must navigate treacherous waters to uncover the truth behind Narnia’s long silence.

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Initially, the diminutive Trumpkin is less than appreciative towards Peter and his companions - until he realizes they are in fact addressing the revered monarchs of yore. To illustrate this point, Peter allows Trumpkin to engage in a brief skirmish with Edmund. Although Edmund requires a moment to regain his footing, he ultimately disarms Trumpkin, leaving no doubt as to the outcome. “It seems that horn may have had some unexpected efficacy,” Peter quips, as Trumpkin’s skepticism begins to wane.

Meanwhile, Prince Caspian stirs deep within the eerie Shuddering Woods, where he unwittingly eavesdrops on a hushed conversation between Nikabrik and Trufflehunter, a wise and venerable badger. The two discuss Caspian’s fate with grave concern, prompting him to attempt to confront Nikabrik. However, Trufflehunter swiftly intervenes, silencing both combatants and calmly demanding that Caspian identify himself. With his story unfolded - a tale of fleeing from the treacherous clutches of his uncle, likely a usurper - Caspian’s words impress Trufflehunter, but fail to sway Nikabrik.

As tensions escalate within the castle walls, Miraz seethes with anger as he confronts Cornelius, brandishing the crimson arrow recovered from the lifeless body of one of his soldiers. He presses for information regarding Queen Susan’s fabled horn, his ire palpable. Cornelius, resigned to his own fate, reveals that the Narnians once believed the ivory horn held the power to summon the Four Kings and Queens. Miraz, still unsatisfied, orders Cornelius arrested - an edict that sends Lord Sopespian into a rebellious reverie with Glozelle, only for Miraz to swiftly silence such dissent. He dispatches Glozelle to Beruna, accompanied by a contingent of troops, to reinforce the forces constructing a bridge across the Great River at that crucial juncture. “We must find Caspian before ‘they’ do,” Miraz declares ominously, his attention then shifting to Sopespian as he requests a cryptic historical briefing.

As Trumpkin and the four children navigate the river’s currents, their guide regales them with tales of Narnia’s once-verdant past. He laments that the trees now stand mute, Aslan having seemingly abandoned the land along with its inhabitants - a notion that Lucy is forced to confront when she encounters a formidable bear, which Trumpkin ultimately dispatches with swift and calculated precision.

As the three companions - Caspian (Ben Barnes), Nikabrik, and Trufflehunter - venture deeper into the treacherous Shuddering Woods in search of other Narnians, their journey is disrupted by an unexpected threat. Trufflehunter’s cautious nature clashes with Caspian’s urgency to find allies, leading them to stumble upon a Telmarine search party. With their lives hanging in the balance, they barely escape certain death at the paws of a cunning and deadly creature lurking beneath the underbrush. As the dust settles, this seemingly insignificant beast emerges from its hiding place - Reepicheep (Eddie Izzard), a tiny but formidable mouse warrior with a penchant for valorous declarations.

Reepicheep’s initial instinct is to deliver a swift justice to Caspian, but Trufflehunter’s timely intervention sparks a chain reaction of events. The revelation that Caspian is the horn-blower sends shockwaves through Reepicheep’s otherwise unyielding convictions. As the tension dissipates, a contingent of centaurs arrives on the scene, drawn by the same celestial call that brought them together.

Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Peter’s impulsive decision to lead the party down a seemingly futile pathway is met with skepticism by Trumpkin, who has a deep understanding of the terrain. The party soon finds themselves at the edge of a precipitous canyon carved out by the relentless River Rush, its once-existent crossing now reduced to a mere memory. Amidst this stunning backdrop, Lucy’s eyes lock onto an otherworldly presence - Aslan (Liam Neeson), the majestic God-king of Narnia. While her companions remain oblivious to the divine visitor, Lucy’s unwavering faith in her perceptions is tempered by Edmund’s knowing nod, a reminder that his previous skepticism had led him down a path of regret.

As the moon casts its silvery glow on the land, Caspian faces a tumultuous gathering of Narnians who are torn between embracing him as a friend or condemning him to oblivion. The stalwart Reepicheep (his eyes blazing with indignation) queries Nikabrik about the Narnians’ history under the malevolent White Witch; Nikabrik’s response is telling, revealing his preference for an alliance with the dark forces of old rather than submitting to Telmarine dominance or forming a bond with Caspian. Trufflehunter, his voice laced with disdain, chastises Nikabrik, reminding him that the Witch’s dark magic cannot be revived and that Caspian’s acceptance would mean forsaking Aslan’s guidance. The air is thick with tension as the Narnians’ cacophony of discontent erupts into a chorus of angry cries.

However, Caspian’s words of wisdom soon quell the tempest, as he reminds his audience that, as a rightful king, he can bring about a lasting peace between Telmarines and Narnians. Glenstorm, the stalwart centaur leader, reveals that an extraordinary celestial convergence has convinced him that this is the perfect moment for such an alliance. With Trufflehunter, the centaurs, Reepicheep’s murine tribe, and other Narnian creatures lending their support, Caspian wins over the trust of his newfound allies.

Meanwhile, the Pevensies and Trumpkin set out to traverse the revered Ford of Beruna, only to discover it occupied by a construction crew led by Sopespian and Glozelle. The scene before them is one of industrious chaos: trees are being felled, trebuchets are being constructed, and a bridge is taking shape. Susan’s astute observation suggests that this may not be the safest crossing point.

In response, the quintet regroups at the spot where Lucy had her mystical encounter with Aslan and asks her to reveal exactly what she saw. Her protests of their condescending attitude aside, Lucy suddenly plummets through a layer of loose vegetation – only to find herself at the threshold of a hidden ledge that will enable them to descend safely to the river’s edge and cross it.

As the moon casts its silvery glow over the campsite, Susan stirs Lucy awake, their conversation unfolding like a whispered secret. Lucy’s eyes flutter open, her mind still hazy from sleep as she asks her sister why only she can behold the majestic form of Aslan, while Susan remains oblivious to his presence. The revelation that Lucy shares with Susan is one of bittersweet longing - the transition back to life in England proves arduous, a constant reminder that their time in Narnia was merely a fleeting dream. As they drift off into slumber once more, Lucy’s subconscious stirs, transporting her to a mystical realm where she encounters a rare and wondrous sight: a dryad, its ethereal essence conjuring memories of their bygone adventure. And then, Aslan stands before her, his towering presence imbued with an otherworldly wisdom as he whispers, “Things never happen in the same way twice.”

The stillness is shattered when Lucy’s footfalls echo through the campsite, only to find herself surrounded by her brothers and sister. But her reverie is short-lived, as she embarks on a solo journey, convinced that Aslan’s majestic form lingers before her - until Peter’s stern warning silences her, revealing instead an armed minotaur, its horned visage a far cry from the benevolent forces they once knew. The air is thick with tension as Peter cautiously approaches, only to be confronted by a sword-wielding stranger. Just as all seems lost for these erstwhile enemies, Lucy’s plaintive cry pierces the air, halting the impending clash in its tracks. As she gazes upon the assembled throng, she beholds an unprecedented sight: centaurs, fauns, satyrs, minotaurs, badgers, and wolves - all united under a banner of peace, their ranks swelled by a novel addition: talking mice.

In this moment of revelation, Lucy’s mind may or may not conjure memories of the tiny heroes who freed Aslan from his bonds at the Stone Table, an act that earned them the gift of speech. The implications are far-reaching as Peter’s eyes widen with recognition, for standing before him is none other than Caspian, the Telmarine prince-in-exile. As introductions unfold and alliances are forged, the reunited party, accompanied by a retinue of Narnians, sets its sights on their stronghold: Aslan’s How, built atop the hallowed site where the ancient Stone Table once stood. It is here that Glenstorm’s centaurian tribe greets Caspian and the four Pevensie siblings with an arch of swords, a symbol of their unyielding unity in the face of uncertainty.

As Miraz, the ruthless Telmarine king, interrogates Glozelle at the bridge site, the seeds of chaos and rebellion are sown. The mysterious theft of weapons and armor by Reepicheep and his band of mice serves as a wake-up call for Miraz, who demands that Glozelle make an example of those responsible for the heist. Glozelle’s proposal to execute three of his men sets the tone for a reign of terror, while Miraz’s declaration that Caspian has turned renegade and abandoned his rightful claim to the throne of Narnia marks a turning point in the war between light and darkness.

Meanwhile, Peter, Susan, Lucy, and their party find refuge at Aslan’s How, a sacred place where they discover the original Stone Table, still bearing the scars of Aslan’s resurrection. The fresco portraits of themselves and Aslan serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to ensure the Pevensies’ return to Narnia. However, Peter is unmoved by the symbolism, instead focusing on the practicalities of their situation. He knows that they have been discovered by Telmarine scouts and that it’s only a matter of time before Miraz’s army descends upon them.

Undeterred by Caspian’s skepticism about the feasibility of attacking the Telmarine castle, Peter outlines his plan to strike at the heart of Miraz’s power while his troops are occupied elsewhere. The argument between Peter and Caspian highlights the differing approaches to leadership, with Peter advocating for a bold and decisive approach, while Caspian recommends a more cautious and defensive strategy.

Lucy, ever the voice of reason, intervenes to remind her companions that they should seek guidance from Aslan rather than relying solely on their own strength. Her words serve as a timely reminder that, in times of uncertainty, faith and wisdom are essential components of any successful endeavor. As the stakes grow higher and the shadows deepen, the Pevensies must navigate treacherous terrain to ensure their survival and the fate of Narnia.

The ill-fated assault on the castle unfolds with devastating consequences. Caspian successfully rescues Doctor Cornelius, his trusted mentor, but then squanders precious time confronting Miraz and his wife over the tragic demise of his father. Miraz candidly acknowledges his role in King Caspian IX’s assassination, a confession that not only shames him before Prunaprismia but also underscores Caspian’s critical failure to open the castle gate at a pivotal moment. The repercussions are dire: half of the invading force is slaughtered, trapped, and helplessly succumbing to crossbow bolts, while the remaining troops can only stand idly by as they too must make their escape under duress. Glenstorm is particularly devastated, having witnessed the brutal loss of at least half his sons in the chaos, and he is later forced to convey this heart-wrenching news to his wife upon the battered forces’ return to Aslan’s How.

Meanwhile, Lucy remains uniquely positioned to tend to the wounded, including Trumpkin whose life hangs precariously in the balance without her powerful medicinal cordial. However, Peter and Caspian become embroiled in a heated dispute over their failed plans and the validity of Telmarines’ place within Narnia’s borders. It is only Edmund’s timely intervention that prevents the two leaders from engaging in a deadly duel at the very gates of Aslan’s How, thereby sparing the lives of those who have suffered so greatly during this calamitous invasion.

As Miraz solidifies his claim to the throne and forges pacts with various lords from Beruna, Tashbaan, Ettinsmoor, and the island of Galma, Nikabrik suggests to Caspian that he place his faith in a more ancient power that once proved formidable even against Aslan himself. This mysterious force is embodied by a werewolf (Tim Hands) and a hag (Klara Issova), who boast an unparalleled reserve of endurance and hatred, vowing to guarantee Miraz’ demise and much more besides. The hag then proceeds to inscribe a mystical circle with her gnarled fingernail, conjuring forth the jagged remnants of a crystal sceptre while chanting an eerie incantation. With a sudden flourish, she plants the sceptre on the edge of the circle, triggering the manifestation of an icy monolith in mid-air. Within this block, the long-dead White Witch (Tilda Swinton), also known as Jadis, materializes, her eyes gleaming with malevolent intent. “One drop of Adam’s blood, and you shall free me, and then I am yours, my king,” she whispers, her voice dripping with seductive allure. Nikabrik and the werewolf seize Caspian, prompting the hag to inflict a gruesome wound on his palm in order to extract the precious blood.

Just as this dark ritual is about to unfold, Peter (alongside Lucy, Edmund, and Trumpkin) bursts onto the scene, clashing with Nikabrik, the werewolf, and the hag. Nikabrik comes perilously close to slaying Lucy before Trumpkin intervenes, striking down the treacherous figure. Meanwhile, Edmund proves himself a skilled warrior by distracting the werewolf and ultimately dispatching it with a single, decisive strike. Peter, however, missteps by charging forward, only to find himself trapped within the mystical circle. Jadis’ charms then ensnare him, whispering sweet nothings in his ear: “You know you can’t do this alone.” Before Peter succumbs to her wiles, the icy monolith shatters, and he gazes upon Edmund, who has cleverly dispatched the block with his sword. In a moment of quiet triumph, Edmund waits for Peter’s gratitude – an acknowledgment that never comes – before finally remarking, “I know: you had it sorted.” This poignant exchange marks the second time Edmund has rescued Peter from Jadis’ clutches, exacting revenge in kind for her earlier treachery.

As Peter’s eyes are finally opened to the truth, he concedes that Lucy has been right all along - she possesses a profound understanding of Aslan’s essence and can lead them to his presence. Peter grumbles about Aslan’s lack of tangible proof, but Lucy counters by suggesting that perhaps Aslan was patiently awaiting the Pevensies’ demonstration of faith and courage. Meanwhile, Caspian engages in a poignant conversation with Cornelius, who implores him to embody the paradoxical ideal of a Telmarine savior - a noble contradiction that will ultimately redeem Narnia.

As Miraz’s troops flood across the newly constructed bridge spanning the Great River, they converge upon the How, accompanied by four lumbering trebuchets. Peter seizes this opportunity to unveil his next strategic move: he dispatches Susan and Lucy on a perilous quest to delve deep into the Shuddering Wood in search of Aslan’s guidance, knowing that only Aslan can offer them salvation in their time of desperation.

Caspian counsels Peter that Miraz harbors a weakness, one that stems from his royal responsibilities - he must uphold the customs and expectations of his people. Caspian proposes exploiting this vulnerability by challenging Miraz to a duel, which would grant them a reprieve from the impending battle. Thus, Edmund dons his original royal armor and strides confidently into Miraz’s camp, bearing a written challenge from Peter to engage him in single combat.

Miraz’s lords attempt to dissuade their king from accepting the challenge, insisting that he is within his rights to refuse. However, Miraz’s pride refuses to yield, driven by a desire not to back down in front of his assembled nobles - a decision that Lord Sopespian has been secretly manipulating.

As Susan and Lucy depart on Caspian’s stalwart war-charger, the latter offers to return Susan’s ivory horn, but she declines, stating, “You might need to call me again” - a cryptic remark that piques Lucy’s curiosity. Susan has neither the time nor inclination to elaborate on the mysteries of romance to her still youthful sister.

As Peter and Miraz clash among the ruins outside the How, Susan and Lucy ride partway into the Shuddering Wood before Susan sends Lucy on ahead, then turns to confront a Telmarine patrol armed with her bow and arrows. Despite valiantly killing three enemy warriors, Susan risks her life when Caspian arrives at the last moment to rescue her, whisking her back to the How.

As the dust settles on the battlefield, Peter and Miraz lay battered and bruised, their fierce combat sullied by the stains of blood. In a rare moment of reprieve, Peter requests three minutes of respite, which Miraz graciously grants, allowing his enemies to regroup and reassess. Meanwhile, Edmund and Peter seize the opportunity to make up for lost time, while Susan offers words of encouragement, revealing that Lucy had successfully navigated the treacherous terrain with the aid of Caspian’s guidance. However, Miraz’s ire is piqued by Sopespian’s failure to intervene earlier in the fight - a breach of protocol that Miraz had specifically requested, but which Sopespian was reluctant to fulfill, driven not by honorable motives.

The two leaders clash once more, and Peter finally emerges victorious, his sword poised above Miraz. Rather than delivering the fatal blow, Peter hands his weapon over to Caspian, decreeing that Miraz’s life is not his to take. Caspian, moved by compassion, is willing to spare Miraz, but insists on reclaiming the sovereignty of Narnia for its rightful rulers.

But fate has other plans. Sopespian seizes the opportunity to strike down Miraz, using one of Susan’s crimson arrows - pilfered from Dr. Cornelius’ library and inscribed with ancient symbols of the Narnian monarchs. Sopespian cries foul, his treachery sparking a full-scale assault by the Telmarines on the How.

Glozelle orders a cavalry charge, while the artillerymen unleash a relentless barrage from their mechanized siege engines. The Narnians stall the Telmarine advance by cleverly undermining the ground beneath their horses’ hooves, then raining arrows upon the enemy cavalry as it falls into the sinkhole. Meanwhile, Caspian and Glenstorm lead a daring charge into the Telmarines’ rear, as Susan’s archers shower the enemy with a hail of arrows.

As the Narnians struggle to hold back the tide of battle, Sopespian unleashes his infantry, threatening to crush the Narnian resistance. The Telmarine artillerymen then target the gate of the How, sealing it with boulders and blocking all escape routes. However, Lucy’s quick thinking allows her to slip into the woods undetected, where Aslan awaits - ready to pounce on a pursuing patrol of Telmarines. With a subtle prompt from Aslan, the ancient trees of Narnia stir from their 1,300-year slumber, awakening to reclaim their rightful place in the land.

As the last remnants of hope seemed to vanish into the abyss, Caspian found himself on the precipice of disaster, with Glozelle’s halberd poised to deliver the final blow. Yet, fate intervened, as a serendipitous tree root burst forth from the earth, snatching Caspian from certain doom and depositing him in a nearby overhang, where he lay unconscious. Meanwhile, Peter and his companions were busy orchestrating a counterattack, as the very trees themselves began to stir, their roots animating with an ancient power. The Telmarines, once so confident, now found themselves on the back foot, their trebuchets and catapults no match for the forest’s fury.

As the dust settled, Sopespian retreated to the bridge, mistakenly believing it a more defensible position. Peter, Caspian, Edmund, and Susan hotly pursued, determined to bring the Telmarines to heel. But little did Sopespian expect the sudden appearance of Lucy, her small dagger glinting in the sunlight, followed by the majestic approach of a lion as regal as the very land itself. The Telmarine commander, taken aback, issued a hasty charge – only to be met with Aslan’s thunderous roar, which awakened the river’s divine essence.

The subsequent deluge nearly drowned Sopespian’s troops, and the commander himself succumbed to the water’s fury, still perched atop the bridge. The Telmarines, realizing their predicament, hastily surrendered their arms to the Narnians. Aslan then summoned Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Caspian, his eyes fixed upon the young prince with an unmistakable authority: “Rise, Kings and Queens of Narnia – all of you.” For it was clear that, by Aslan’s decree, Caspian would soon assume the throne.

The little band of mice then presented Reepicheep on a litter, his usually stalwart demeanor replaced by worry. Lucy administered her medicinal cordial, reviving the gallant mouse knight. As Reepicheep bowed before Aslan, he noticed his tail was gone – prompting Aslan to tease him about prioritizing honor over all else. Yet, Aslan restored the tail, demonstrating his benevolence. Next, Trumpkin stepped forward, and Aslan’s mighty roar sent a shiver down the spine of even the bravest warrior, underscoring his existence as an unstoppable force in this new Narnia.

As Aslan guides Caspian and the four Pevensie siblings through the jubilant streets of the Telmarine capital, where colorful garlands and warm cheers greet them like a welcome mat, the once-gloomy castle now radiates an air of optimism. With the city’s inhabitants embracing their new friends with open arms, Caspian takes center stage to announce a profound shift in Narnia’s governance - the formation of a Narnian-Telmarine federation, where all Telmarines are invited to join and share in the land’s prosperity. Those who refuse can return to their ancestral homeland, but only to discover that this is not the fabled land of Telmar on the western shores of Narnia. Instead, it is an island on our familiar earth, where the Telmarine ancestors - a band of swashbuckling pirates - had once been shipwrecked after stumbling upon a portal to the magical realm.

As the news sinks in, Glozelle, still recovering from her battle-induced daze, volunteers to lead the way through the shimmering portal, followed by Dowager Queen Prunaprismia and her newborn son. When they seemingly vanish into thin air, the remaining Telmarines raise an eyebrow in skepticism. However, Reepicheep, ever the optimist, offers to guide eleven intrepid mice through the portal as a testament to their bravery. It is then that Peter announces his decision to follow suit, recognizing that Caspian must now assume leadership responsibilities. Moreover, Peter and Susan confess that they will not return to Narnia once more, whereas Edmund and Lucy will carry on their adventures in the land.

As Susan bids farewell to Caspian, she gently reminds him that a romance between them would have been impossible, given her considerable age advantage - approximately 1,300 years, to be exact. With this bittersweet moment behind them, the four siblings step through the shimmering portal and find themselves transported back to the bustling railway platform of London’s Strand Underground station. Here, they board a train bound for their next destination, leaving only Edmund to lament his oversight - he has left his trusty electric torch in Narnia, a small price to pay for the memories forged in this enchanted land.