As King Caspian and Lord Bern confront Gumpas, the difference between true valor and petty tyranny become stark. Caspian denounces Gumpas for presiding over a slave market in the Lone Islands.
As the passengers land ashore the first of the Lone Islands, they meet one of the missing Lords of Narnia, Lord Bern. What they don't expect, though, is the trouble they'll discover along the way...
As Lewis provides exposition through the character of King Caspian, the stark contrast between the medieval and the modern worldview begins to emerge on board the Dawn Treader, particularly in the opposition between Reepicheep and Eustace.
In this opening episode on Lewis's rollicking, high-seas adventure story, we are introduced to one of the most memorable characters in the Narniad: Eustace Clarence Scrubb. Though he, in some ways, resembles the banality of evil in the White Witch and Miraz, he ultimately becomes a hopeful representation of Lewis's view of grace and redemption.
In this final chapter of Prince Caspian, Aslan shows grace to Caspian (in his kingship), Reepicheep (in his restored tail), the Narnians (in the feast), and the Telmarines (in their transportation to a new home). All the while, wrong has been made right, and Aslan sends the Pevensies back home with a restored vision for the beauty of Aslan's rule and reign.
In this penultimate chapter, Miraz is defeated by his own treasonous lords, and the Telmarine army is vanquished by the Narnians (not to mention the awakened Trees!). What's more, Aslan leads the procession of celebration through the towns, calling all who will to join in the merry company and revel in the victory.
Exercising his true authority as High King of Narnia, Peter offers Miraz a proposal of monomachy, single combat to determine the victor of the war. Yet, as Edmund delivers the offer, Miraz's men, Lords Glozelle and Sopespian, discuss their own plans to undermine Miraz's position and establish themselves in power.
As Trumpkin, Peter, and Edmund approach Aslan's How, they overhear a council-of-war between King Caspian, Trufflehunter, Doctor Cornelius, and Nikabrik. As all hope of victory seems lost, Nikabrik offers an alternative plan, one couched in a sweeping array of philosophical claims and rhetorical strategies that threaten to overturn Caspian's authority.
Is seeing believing? Or is believing seeing? As Lucy follows Aslan toward the Stone Table, the others must decide whether or not they can bear to follow someone they cannot see for themselves. Yet, as they walk by faith, not by sight, the glimpses of Aslan begin to bring repentance, grace, and sanctifying growth, preparing the Pevensies and Trumpkin ultimately for the path toward Caspian and the war against evil.
Having discovered that their quest down the gorge, taken contrary to Aslan's will, ends in failure, the children and Trumpkin double back to start again. Yet, as Lucy is summoned by the divine call of Aslan to instruct her siblings to obey his instructions, it remains to be seen whether or not Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Trumpkin have the faith necessary to follow a leading that they cannot physically see.
As the children and Trumpkin fall asleep exhausted from their journey, Lucy is beckoned awake and away from the camp to encounter the transcendent holiness of Narnia. This first of two visions, in which she remembers the deep magic of Narnia, ultimately prepares her for the greater vision of Aslan and her firm conviction in the face of her siblings' opposition.
As Trumpkin concludes Caspian's backstory, he confesses his expectation for the help of Susan's horn to be mighty Narnian kings and queens of old, not four children. Yet, through a series of lighthearted contests, Trumpkin will learn the true importance of an authority that is not merely acknowledged but trusted and obeyed.
As Caspian and company journey to Aslan's How, the sacred place of the ancient Stone Table, they encounter Miraz's armies and must decide, once and for all, if they should wind Susan's Horn to summon the help that, according to legend, is prophesied to come. Despite some disbelief in the ranks, Caspian chooses to sound the Horn and send messengers to the two other Ancient Places of Narnia: Lantern Waste and Cair Paravel.
As Caspian travels to meet the Old Narnians (including Pattertwig, Glenstorm, and the indomitable Reepicheep), he discovers the real meaning of the portents observed in the heavens: he is being prepared for war. Gathered together at the Dancing Lawn for a council, the Narnians pledge their allegiance to Prince Caspian, and the Fauns lead a dance to celebrate his arrival.
With the birth of King Miraz's son, Prince Caspian now poses a threat to his uncle's dynasty and must flee the castle for his life. Yet, when he is caught by a storm in the woods, Caspian finds himself in the company of what he and Dr. Cornelius had always wondered, and hoped, to find -- the Talking Beasts of Old Narnia.
This episode concludes the intermission from Prince Caspian to discuss education and the Christian faith.
Trumpkin's story begins as he tells of Prince Caspian, the rightful heir to the throne of Narnia who secretly harbors "a love for the Old Things." Yet, when King Miraz, his usurping uncle, discovers Caspian's affinity for the stories of Old Narnia, he sends Doctor Cornelius to be his nephew's new tutor. Little does he know that Doctor Cornelius carries a secret of his own and will play a significant role in leading Caspian toward a recognition of who he is and the real truth about Narnia.
As the children awaken in the ruins of Cair Paravel, they begin to discover just how long it has been since they reigned as kings and queens in the Golden Age of Narnia. However, when they suddenly encounter two soldiers attempting to drown a dwarf, the plight of Old Narnia and the call for the ancient kings to return and heal the land draw them further into danger.
