"So I am," Caspian agrees, more cheerfully. "And it is very pleasant to be back, indeed. It's been a long while."

He leaves off his study of the sails to get to his feet and return to the Hope, running his fingers over the dull wood of the brightwork and the faded painted ivy vine that twines along the gunwale. "And with no time to spare, if I wish to get the Hope back in the water before summer begins."