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The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

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"Most certa<strong>in</strong>ly," said Reepicheep, "his Majesty cannot."<br />

"No <strong>in</strong>deed," said Dr<strong>in</strong>ian.<br />

"Can't?" said Caspian sharply, look<strong>in</strong>g for a moment not unlike his uncle Miraz.<br />

"Begg<strong>in</strong>g your Majesty's pardon," said Rynelf from the deck below, "but if one <strong>of</strong> us did<br />

the same it would be called desert<strong>in</strong>g."<br />

"You presume too much on your long service, Rynelf," said Caspian.<br />

"No, Sire! He's perfectly right," said Dr<strong>in</strong>ian.<br />

"By the Mane <strong>of</strong> Aslan," said Caspian, "I had thought you were all my subjects here, not<br />

my schoolmasters."<br />

"I'm not," said Edmund, "and I say you can not do this."<br />

"Can't aga<strong>in</strong>," said Caspian. "What do you mean?"<br />

"If it please your Majesty, we mean shall not," said Reepicheep with a very low bow.<br />

"You are the K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>Narnia</strong>. You break faith with all your subjects, and especially with<br />

Trumpk<strong>in</strong>, if you do not return. You shall not please yourself with adventures as if you<br />

were a private person. And if your Majesty will not hear reason it will be the truest<br />

loyalty <strong>of</strong> every man on board to follow me <strong>in</strong> disarm<strong>in</strong>g and b<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g you till you come<br />

to your senses."<br />

"Quite right," said Edmund. "Like they did with Ulysses when he wanted to go near the<br />

Sirens."<br />

Caspian's hand had gone to his sword hilt, when Lucy said, "And you've almost promised<br />

Ramandu's daughter to go back."<br />

Caspian paused. "Well, yes. <strong>The</strong>re is that," he said. He stood irresolute for a moment and<br />

then shouted out to the ship <strong>in</strong> general.<br />

"Well, have your way. <strong>The</strong> quest is ended. We all return. Get the boat up aga<strong>in</strong>."<br />

"Sire," said Reepicheep, "we do not all return. I, as I expla<strong>in</strong>ed before -"<br />

"Silence!" thundered Caspian. "I've been lessoned but I'll not be baited. Will no one<br />

silence that Mouse?"<br />

"Your Majesty promised," said Reepicheep, "to be good lord to the Talk<strong>in</strong>g Beasts <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Narnia</strong>."

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