Forgiveness.

Father Forgive them for they know not what they do – Luke 23:24

As I paced the beach leaving Cair Paravel I could hear the joyous celebration of Narnian's and my thoughts turned back to what had happened after my first meeting with the Pevensie's and in particularly what happened after Jadis visit to the first camp we'd sited near the Stone Table when she came seeking Edmund blood .

It was done Aslan thought the die was cast Edmund was safe, for Jadis had renounced her claim on Edmund. Aslan looked across the camp at his cheering Narnians as they expressed their joy at the news. For the first time in 100 years of Jadis reign she had for the first time in the Narnians memories not got what she wanted. As Aslan watched the Pevensies he knew his deal was worth it when he saw the relief of the Pevensie's at the final safe return of Edmund but to Aslan it was saving of Edmund and Narnia souls. But even more priceless to him was the knowledge that the four thrones of Narnia would now be filled and his Kings and Queens would rule Narnia with the magnificence, with valiant, tempered with gentleness and with the saving of Edmund with justice. That would be a thought that would carry him through the coming ordeal.

His deal with Jadis in which he would give his life on the stone table for Edmund was a gamble, his greatest gamble. But he could still sense as they left his tent that she was still not completely convinced for as she about to leave she shouted "But how do I know this promise will be kept?" As he roared loudly in response Jadis picked up her skirt and ran for her chair and was speedily by the chairs carriers taken from the camp. As he turned away he felt someone's questioning gaze upon him he knew that it was Lucy he thought my valiant Queen, his pathfinder the first of the Pevensie's into Narnia. Aslan was well aware that despite her young age Lucy was perceptive so he was relieved when she was pulled into a group hug with all of her siblings so he could leave without her troubled gaze on him.

You think you have all the time in the world, but for me time had now just run out. Now it was time for Him to go to the Stone Table and his destiny. He done all He could since Jadis had left first He gave orders to moved the camp from the area of the Stone Table to the Fords of Beruna. While the camp was being set up at the Fords He'd helped organise with Peter, Edmund and Oreius battle plans for the forthcoming battle at the Fords of Beruna which He'd warned them would be fought the next day and He also told the Kings to be that he would not be there for the battle. His last order for his Narnians was that they went to make their own personal preparations for battle. At last the camp fell quiet and I knew it was time to go, so I quietly left my tent and keeping to the shadows I made my way out of the camp.

As I paced along under the trees retracing the route we'd had taken early this morning from the Stone Table to the Fords of Beruna I knew I was now truly alone. As I didn't have to act as a leader I could just myself I felt tired and weary at the thought of what was to come, but I was jolted out of my thoughts as I realised I was not alone. I shouldn't have felt so but my heart sang as I realised I being followed by my valiant pathfinder Lucy and Susan my gentle one. So I waited for them to catch up on a patch of open ground where the shadows of the night and the trees could no longer hid them from my sight. When they realised I had seen them they straighten their backs and stepped into the clearing I asked them "Children, why are have you followed me".Of course it was Lucy who answered first, "We couldn't sleep Aslan" she said no more I knew the worries in her heart. I turn to look at Susan who just nodded in agreement before saying "Please, can we come with you?" she paused then added " that is if you want us to come?" I paused I knew very well I should have sent them back but all I could say was " yes you may come as I would be glad of some company." My Queens to be smiled and eagerly came closer " But you must promise that when i say you can come no further you will stop and let me go on by myself." Lucy nodded slowly as Susan agreed to my request.

So in the company of my Valiant and Gentle we went forward one of them on either side of me which made me feel better but that did not last for long. I was not looking where I was going, my head went lower and lowered to the ground and I stumbled as i banged my nose on the ground as I righted myself I could not stop a whimper. Instantly Lucy asked "Aslan! Aslan!Are you alright can we do something to help you? Susan look at at me in her gentle way asking "Are you unwell Aslan?" I sadly shook my head " No my dear one I am just feeling sad and somewhat lonely" Then I remember how I'd sensed they would love to touch my mane so distract them I asked them to twine their hands into my mane as we walked. So that I can feel you are there and let us walk like this" and so we walked to the Stone Table as I drew on their love and comfort – oh how my Narnia will be strengthened by these two in Narnia's hours of need - and so we walked and I drew great strength from the comfort they now gave to me unstintingly.

At last we arrived at the edge of the tree's surrounding the Stone Table here I stopped I could not let Jadis see them here so finally this was where I had to go onwards by myself. I suddenly remembered Edmund after Oreius brought him back to the camp in his arms. He stood half asleep at the bottom of the hill I was standing on. But then he looked up at me and he woke up quickly, he drew in a great breath and started up the hill. At first he trudged up the hill with his head down but when he was halfway up the hill he raised his head and straightened his shoulders as he slowly came nearer to me at first when he reached me he would not look at me at first until I said his name. I could sense his dread but underneath I sensed hope and the need for forgiveness, while I know I'm going to my death and he was not, if he can approach this despite not knowing what was about to happen then so can I.

"Susan, Lucy. now is the time for me to go on by myself. Do not follow no matter what happens you must return to your brother. Go my dear ones. Farewell" After much crying and kissing the Valiant and the Gentle let me go and I walked up the hill to my destiny. I paused first at the outer circle of stones surrounding the Stone Table lit by the light of many torches that cast an evil looking red flame with black sulphurous smoke that spiralled upwards I saw finally the Witch's followers. So many of them, there was wolves and werewolves, evil tree spirits, ogres and giants, hags and wraiths, beings of Ettinsmoor and there in the middle of all these beings was the traitorous against my Father Jadis. I took a deep breath and paced slowly towards them as I offered up a pray to my Father the Emperor over Sea " Father Forgive them for they know not what they do".