Called

Chapter One

Alexandria scribbled a note to her mom and hurried out into the streets of London. Hopping onto her bike, she headed for the riding stables.

"Alex!" Benjamin, her best friend, called.

"Hey, Ben!" Alex answered, slinging her bag into her locker and grabbing her saddle and bridle.

"I groomed Jack for you."

Alex nodded and slipped into the stall with her chestnut gelding. He nickered as she saddled him and tossed his flaxen mane when she led him out.

Ben mounted his black mare. "Come on."

Alex laughed as she put up her hair and her blue eyes twinkled. "Let's go."

They explored the bridle paths for a while. Finally, Ben suggested that they go to the river.

"No, I want to go to the big field beyond the big stone wall."

"How about we separate? I'll meet you at the gate in the wall in half and hour."

Alex agreed and cantered Jack to the wall. It was about seven feet high and had a solid door in it. Alex dismounted to open the door. As she led Jack through, she saw to her surprise, instead of a wide grassy filed, she was in a clearing with flowers and trees all around her. Ahead was a dappled gray horse that looked a lot like the gelding at the stable.

"He must have gotten loose." Alex murmured and held out her hand. The horse raised his head and looked at me.

"Who are you and what exactly are you doing?" the horse said.

Alex stumbled back. Jack nickered. "You're talking."

"Why does that surprise you?" the horse replied. "Lots of animals do in Narnia."

By now, Alex was very confused. She shook her head violently to clear her brain, then pinched herself.

"Oh, I'm forgetting my manners." the horse spoke again. "My name is Bree. Pleased to meet you."

Alex replied. "Good to meet you too, Bree. My name is Alexandria and this is my horse, Jack."

Bree looked quizzically at Jack. "Can he talk?"

"No."

Bree nodded. "Well I must be off. Good day, Alexandria."

Alex loosened Jack's girth and removed him bridle, then sat with her back against a tree. "Narnia." she said aloud.

Just at that moment, a blinding light appeared before her. It faded slowly and a tall creature stood there. It was a lion.

Alex screamed and covered her face in fright.

"Dearest." a deep gentle voice whispered. "Be not afraid, for I will not harm thee."

Alex slowly uncovered her face. The lion had his head low and it seemed that rays of light were scattered whenever he moved. His eyes were soft.

"Who are you?"

"Myself." the lion said. "I have many names, but in Narnia, I am called most commonly, Aslan."

"What is Narnia?"

"Narnia is a country, like your England. It is in a different world than your world. You have called to aid Narnia."

"Me?" Alex was interested now and sat up.

"Yes." Aslan said, with a chuckle. "Our kings and queens will need your help."

"But-"

"Your duty here is to do whatever is set before you."

Alex was bewildered but said nothing.

"Alexandria." Aslan bent down and touched her forehead with his tongue. Then he was gone.

"Aslan?" Alex whispered.