Author's note: Clad in Scarlet is my third story in my 'Between Two Worlds' series. There is a list at the end of this chapter of the prequels/sequels available to read. This is just the foreword. The first chapter is not yet complete but should be shortly. So put this story on your story alerts! You will eventually learn who this first character is or if you have read the prequels, you can probably figure it out because there are plenty of hints. So what are you waiting for? (Probably for me to finish writing this) Go on and read!
Clad in Scarlet
A Dark Beginning
Foreword
Narnian Year 1012
"Come on!" he urged his horse, breathing heavily. "Faster!" He snuck a look over his shoulder which was a mistake.
They were right on his heels. He spun back around and continued racing towards the forest. If he could make it to the forest, he might be able to lose them inside. The galloping horses behind him were closer than ever, their riders taking aim with their crossbows.
One by one they began to fire. The first arrow missed the rider as did the second. The third grazed past his leg, startling both the boy and the horse. They made a wild dash for the woods. The fourth arrow flew from the bow and bounced off the young man's armor.
"Cut him off from the woods!" one of the assailants commanded. The horses began to circle round the panicking boy.
"Come on!" he cried, kneading his heels into his horse's sides. He hadn't far to go now. Only a couple more yards.
But then the fifth arrow streamed from the bow and pierced his left shoulder. The boy cried out in pain and tried to keep his seat on the galloping horse. He found himself slipping, slipping, slipping, till he tumbled to the rocky ground, just a few feet from safety.
The horsemen circled round him as he stood glaring at them. The leader took off his – no, wait – her helmet. Yes, the leader was a girl. And she was the one person the boy hated more than anyone in the world besides Jadis, the White Witch.
She was Annis.
Annis was formerly known as Alannis, the overseer of the dark magic and responsible for the Witch's first return to Narnia.
"Annis," the boy growled.
"Nice to see you again," she smirked. "Last time we met, you were on a burning ship about to die. How did you escape?"
"Why should I tell you?" the boy retorted.
"Because I have something you want," Annis replied.
"Oh, and what's that?" the boy asked casually. Annis drew out a shining sword from the folds of her cape.
"This," she announced, a wicked gleam in her eyes. Annis swung herself down from her horse and marched over to him. "THIS!" She pointed it straight at the boy's neck.
He was staring at the tip of the sword; his sword to be exact. His eyes flickered from the familiar blade up to the woman who held it.
"Why would I want that old sword?" the boy responded, pretending to nonchalant about it.
"Because," Annis answered. "It is not just any sword. It is your sword. The sword that girl so carelessly gave away!"
"She did it to save a life," the boy growled. "King Peter might not be here if she hadn't done that. She did the only thing she could."
"Yes," Annis acted bored. "Too bad you and that other king showed up before I could kill both of them. You're always ruining my plans."
"Because you are wicked!" the boy exclaimed.
"Silence!" Annis cried, moving the sword closer. "I have warned you plenty of times. You will join my side or I will have to kill you!"
"You know my answer," the boy quietly remarked. "It has not changed since that day you first threatened me. I would rather die than live with the guilt of turning against As-"
"Yes, yes, I know!" Annis interrupted. "But be warned: I am willing to take extreme measures. None of your family is safe while you defy the dark side!" With an angry cry, the boy leapt forward, twisting his sword from Annis's firm grasp. He whirled around and swung his sword at her head. Annis ducked, pulled a dagger from her belt and thrust it into his side. The boy gave a hoarse cry of pain before dropping limply to the ground. The last thing he was aware of was Annis's voice hissing in his ear.
"You can't do thissss alone. Join my sssside."
Author's note: Kind of a creepy and dramatic beginning, hu? Well, the next chapter won't be quite so shocking. (I hope.) Please REVEIW! It makes my day!
Between Two Worlds Series:
1. Children of the Lion
2. Duty Comes First
3. Clad in Scarlet
4. The Lion, the Lady and the Lake
5. Someone Worth Dying For
Detailed discriptions are available on my profile!
I hope you will consider reading these other stories and get to know my OCs better. I'm sure you will love to meet Heather, Caleb, Kelly, Jake, Judah, Sari, Laasya, Alannis (well, you might not like to meet her. She could kill you.) Kamryn, Aaron and many, many more! I also include original Narnia characters such as Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Caspian X, Aslan, Mr. Tumnus, Rilian, The Lady of the Green Kirtle, Jadis, etc... Until next time! PLEASE REVIEW!