The Quieter Kingdom

1 Beginnings

"This opportunity is better than the last one…"

God, she hates it. God, how she hates it! What is this place? Certainly not her Narnia; certainly not the beautiful land which cradled her and her siblings for years beyond their years.

This place is wild and broken. It acts like a beaten dog, too old and lost to trust anymore. Why did no one take care of her lovely home?

Lucy fits in easily, makes friends quickly. Peter doesn't seem to realize, acts as if everything is the same, as if everything is still his. And Ed—who knows with Ed anymore?

Susan treks up the beach frowning.