The Last Battle: Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Jewel tells Tirian that they must return to Stable Hill with Puzzle, as there is no point in returning to Cair Paravel. Tirian agrees but tells Jill and Eustace that they must return home. He does not want them to die serving his cause, which he now fears is hopeless. Jill and Eustace protest, claiming they have not even done anything yet. Tirian assures them they have helped plenty, but the children stubbornly insist that they will stick by him to the end. Furthermore, Eustace points out that they do not know how to get home and, therefore, could not leave if they tried.

Once that matter is settled, the group once again begins planning. They decide it would be best to approach Stable Hill in the dark, as they will have less of a chance of someone spotting them as they approach. Furthermore, the darkness will allow them to hide Puzzle until the proper moment. When the planning is done, they begin making their way to Stable Hill. On the way there, Jill and Eustace discuss what would happen if they died in Narnia. They wonder whether they would still be able to return to their world or if they would die there as well. Although the uncertainty scares the children, they take comfort in the fact that they feel like they are doing the right thing by helping Tirian and the Narnians.

While Jill and Eustace discuss death, the rest of the group talks about what will happen at Stable Hill. Poggin is certain that many creatures will rally to Tirian’s cause when they learn the truth, including many dwarves. The group also contemplates what to do next if they are successful at Stable Hill. They wonder whether it is better to immediately face the rest of the Calormene force or to go into hiding to build up their strength. Throughout the entire conversation, Tirian thinks about the danger Tash might pose, though he does not say so aloud.

When the group approaches Stable Hill, they get quiet so they will not be caught. Slowly, they make their way as close as possible to the enemy camp and wait for night to fall. Tirian falls asleep on Jewel and wakes up when he hears a loud gong sound. Thinking it might be his last night alive, Tirian apologizes to Jewel for all of the ways he may have let him down over the years. Jewel responds that he cannot imagine a life without Tirian and thanks him for his friendship. Then, Tirian and the rest of the group get into position to observe what is happening in the camp.

Rishda and Ginger, who are surrounded by a crowd of animals, bring Shift out next to a blazing fire. Rishda sends Ginger into the crowd, urging him to play his part well. Then, at Rishda’s behest, Shift tells the crowd that a donkey has been pretending to be Aslan. Shift claims that the donkey’s deception has angered a deity he calls “Tashlan” and warns the crowd to be wary of falling for the donkey’s trick. Jill realizes that Rishda and Ginger have played a clever trick. By telling part of the truth, they have thwarted Tirian’s ability to use Puzzle as proof of his claim.