-----Chapter 1-----
Prophecy
A/N: Ok, so I edited this author's note cuz I didn't like the previous one, lol. Um, this fic is basically about four kids who fall into (literally) a new country. No, it's not based on King Arthur's Avalon but there may be some similarities. If you remember clearly in Prince Caspian I think it was Dr. Cornelius who mentioned that there were other lands west of the mountains from Archenland and Narnia i.e. Telmar. So I decided well why not make another one? So lo and behold, my Avalon. Later on they might meet the Pevensies, I dunno. I might hold a poll or something. Meh…so just go along with me and we'll all see how this turns out, kay? Read and review!
Disclaimer: Can't say I own The Chronicles of Narnia when it belongs to C.S. Lewis, can I? I'll make do with saying this world is mine, mine, mine. XD
The forest stood stock still in the silence. The afternoon sun streamed gently through the canopy of pine leaves. Their fresh scent lingered in the silent woods. A faint rustling of leaves was heard every now and then. The faint rush of water was slightly distinguishable. The nearby stream was flowing towards the south. Suddenly the tranquility of the woods was disturbed by voices that came from farther up the stream. A rabbit that had just emerged from a thicket jumped at the sudden disturbance and dashed back into the bushes just as four shapes tumbled out from a nearby copse and landed on the grass.
"Ow! Emily, geroff me!"
"Sorry."
The four shapes turned out to be children. As they stood and dusted off their clothes, one could make out their connection. The bigger one of the two boys looked around the age of seventeen while the other looked eleven. The two girls looked around the ages of fifteen and nine, and, judging from the same keen, piercing periwinkle eyes that were possessed by all four, they were siblings.
"Where in the world are we?" asked the elder girl looking at their surroundings.
"Certainly not London, Laelyn," said the younger boy.
"Well, I know that for sure, Stephen," said Laelyn sarcastically.
"Stop arguing you two," said the oldest of the four children. "Because it's not going to solve anything."
"Sorry," Stephen and Laelyn muttered together. Little Emily giggled and Stephen frowned at her.
David sighed and put his hands in his pockets. "This is thumping nice. What on earth are we going to do?"
"It sounds like a stream's nearby," said Laelyn. "I think I should like a good drink to quench my thirst."
"Sounds good to me," said Emily. Stephen shrugged. "Let's go find it then. Whole lot of good it'll do, just standing around here like a bunch of idiots."
"We're not idiots," interjected David a little crossly, "And since you're so clever, being a Scout and all in school, why don't you bring us to the stream?"
"David," hissed Laelyn. He arched his eyebrows challengingly back at her. She rolled her eyes and folded her arms with a huff.
"All right," said Stephen, equally unhappy. "Come on, follow me."
They all trooped after him. Stephen led them through a maze of trees, and sometimes right through bushes themselves. David was silent but kept a vigilant eye on the trees and boulders and copses that they passed, until he knew for sure that they had passed the same cluster of hawthorn bushes three times.
"Stephen, we've been walking in circles!"
"Just be patient, all right?" retorted Stephen, stopping and whirling around so suddenly that the girls, sandwiched in between the two boys, were caught completely off guard.
"Patient? It's been hours. We're very tired, and – and thirsty and . . . " David's voice trailed off.
"What's wrong, David?" said Emily, staring at her brother, and then following his gaze. She gave a sharp scream and clutched at her brother's hand. Stephen turned around and yelped and took a few steps back to fall in with his siblings.
"Oh," gasped Laelyn. "David . . ."
From among the trees, a lurking shadow approached them. They all huddled together. Coming towards them was, unmistakable once it emerged out of the shadow of the trees, a lion. David stood in front of his younger siblings in protective stance, though unsure of what he would do.
The lion was bigger than any lion that they had seen before in the zoo. For one, it did not have the monotonous, dull eyes of a normal lion, but soulful and alert grey eyes. The lines on his face spoke of wisdom, the gold of his mane whispered of power. He looked at them very seriously, and then he said in a husky but crisp voice:
"Greetings, Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve."
They stared at the lion dumbfounded.
"It – it just talked," said Emily, bewilderment showing on her face.
The lion growled. They all jumped in fright.
"I did talk, Daughter of Eve," he said again, this time the voice was softer, more soothing. "And I am real, Sons of Adam. I am not figments of imagination. I am more solid than the trees, and I am existent in this world just as you are." At those words, all of them were experiencing wonderful feelings at the mere presence of this great lion. With his golden mane and solemn, overwhelming eyes he looked truly magnificent.
"Come, with me."
They did, as if all doubts had been erased from their minds. They followed him deeper into the woods and down a forest trail that they hadn't noticed before. Just then David spoke, asking the question that had been lingering in their minds.
"Who are you?"
"I am Aslan the Lion, King of the Woods."
"Where are we?"
"In the Rivan woods, in the land of Avalon."
David looked confused. "The Rivan woods in Avalon?" he repeated.
"But there is no such place," said Laelyn, shaking her head. Emily smiled to herself. Laelyn should know: she was top last term in geography.
"Yes, Avalon does exist. But not in the world as you know it," said Aslan. "Have you not guessed? You are in another world."
"Another world?" stuttered Stephen. "Well, that must be it then. Remember that odd sensation we were feeling just before we arrived here?"
"Yes, but how did we get here? And how do we go back?" asked Laelyn.
"You cannot go back now. You must fulfill your destiny."
There was a pause.
"Destiny?" It was Emily who spoke.
"Yes, destiny. You see, my dear Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve, a prophecy was made, a long time ago by a very wise wizard. He said that four humans would appear in Avalon and they would take their rightful places as the rulers of this land." He halted and faced the children. "You are those rulers."
"But we can't rule a country!" exclaimed David. "We aren't of age yet. Plus, we are from England! Why, we don't even know that such a place as – as Avalon ever exists! Aren't there any other humans who can carry on this . . . this . . . prophecy?"
"I am afraid there is no choice. Even the Emperor-over-the-Sea cannot change the path that has been laid down by the prophecy. Know only that the prophecy needs to be fulfilled. The line of the Royals has ended some years ago and Avalon is in need of a rightful King and this court, or else this country shall fall into the wrong hands." Aslan spoke with growing solemnity. "Come now. We must hurry. You are needed at the camp."
"Camp?" inquired Emily. "Why a camp?"
"Because we are preparing for a war, dear child. But you are not meant for that fight, youngest of the Daughters of Eve."
She frowned, puzzled. "Why not, Aslan?" It felt both odd and comfortable at once to speak out the Lion's name.
Aslan chuckled. "Because you are too young."
"But…"
"No buts, Daughter of Eve," his voice became serious again. "You will remain at the camp, where, I am certain; there is much help you can offer."
Emily sighed in defeat. Laelyn gave her a small and comforting smile. David did not say anything, but Laelyn noticed how grave and scared he looked. Just then, all the forest trees disappeared. They came to a wide field dotted here and there with colourful pavilions. A myriad of creatures, both human-like and animals were scuttling here and there; some were practising archery and some were having duels of their own. They had reached the camp.
David turned to Laelyn, whose mouth had fallen open, and said, "I have a bad feeling about this."