Chapter 2

I awoke in the earth to the sound of jingling bells. I froze and sat up as quietly as I could looking around, I saw the others were awake. Mr. Beaver crawled out of the hole and we all waited to see if we were to be taken to our death, or if the sleigh would pass. I heard voices and thought we had been caught, but a few minutes later Mr. Beaver called, '' It's not her, you can come out.'' I was grateful to move. As soon we came out, I saw Mr. Beaver almost dancing with happiness. "Her magic is weakening. Come look.'' He lead us to the top of the cave and I saw there was indeed a sleigh and bells, but this sleigh had brown reindeer. The person in the sleigh I instantly recognized as Father Christmas.

" I've come at last,'' he said as he pulled out a big bag from his sleigh,'' and Aslan is on the move. Weakening her magic. Now for your presents, for Mrs. Beaver a new and better sewing machine. For Mr. Beaver, when you get home your dam will be finished and mended, and all the leaks stopped.'' He turned to Peter, '' Peter, Son of Adam.''

"Yes sir.''

'' These gifts are not toys but tools, and the time to use them is near at hand.'' He handed Peter a silver shield adorned with a red lion, and a sword sheathed. The only visible part was the gold hilt which shined in the sun. '' Susan, daughter of Eve. These are you gifts,'' He handed Susan a bow, a quiver of arrows, and a horn, '' Although I do not mean for you to go to the battle, it does not easily miss, and can be used in time of great need. When you blow this horn help will come.'' Lucy, daughter of Eve,'' he handed her a little glass bottle and a small dagger.'' This bottle contains juice from Fire Flowers that grow in the mountains of the sun. If any of your friends are hurt, this will heal them. Even if they are on the brink of death. The dagger is so if there ever comes a time when you need to defend yourself you can, but your are not to be in the battle.''

'' Why? I think I could be brave enough'' Lucy inquired.

'' You are much too young for such ugly affairs.'' I had been standing in the back admiring the gifts. I did not think I would get such gifts. After all, I was not going to be a king or queen. '' Do not think I have forgotten you Anna, daughter of Eve, come I have gifts for you to,'' I walked up to him, '' You will also not be going to this battle, but I have no doubt there will be others. You will learn to use this in time.'' He handed me a sword, its hilt silver with a small ruby in the middle. He then handed me a small, round, silver object, a chain hang from the end of it. When I opened it I saw it was a compass. Except it wasn't pointing north, it was pointing west. '' This is for your journeys to come.''

'' But sir it doesn't point north.''

'' No it doesn't, it instead points to home.''

" Thank you.'' He just smiled and then focused his attention on the rest of the group.

'' Here is something for you all.'' He pulled out of his bag a large tray with a giant tea pot sizzling, and five cups. '' Merry Christmas and long live the true king!'' He cried as he rode off in his sleigh. We took the tray of tea and sat down by the bank eating and drinking the tea. I unsheathed my sword and looked at it closely. It shined in the sun, the ruby glistened casting a red glow on the ground as if blood had been spilled. The one thing that really caught my eye was the lion carved the into the blade because you could only see it in a certain light. The sword was beautiful, but it was also, like Father Christmas had said, a tool. One that was used for killing, and that was what bothered me the most. Could I really take a life?

"Time to be moving now.'' Mr. Beaver said all too soon. I sheathed the sword and tied it to my waist ,and put the compass around my neck and began to walk with the others.

We walked on and on, and as we walked we saw that Father Christmas was right. The snow was melting and gave way to fields of flowers, and the rushing of the river. We soon abandoned are coats because of the warmth. The sun began to lower and shadows grew longer, and the blue sky soon turned into an unimaginable blend of colors. " Not long now.'' Mr. Beaver said as we began to climb a hill it was large. I started to pant wondering if we ever were going to get to the top. We were suddenly there. I looked down and saw the forest stretching endlessly, and to the east I saw the sea. The last thing I looked at was the stone table. It looked like what the name described it to be, a stone table. It was supported by four upright stones, and there were strange lines and symbols which seemed to be a part of some ancient language. I stared at it until I heard the sound of music, and saw the group of animals that gathered around us. There were all kinds of animals ranging from leopards to eagles, and dryads and Naiads, to centaurs and a unicorn. The one that caught my eye was the great lion in the middle of the group. Although I only caught a glimpse as I had looked down unable to look at his solemn eyes. We all argued who was going to go first in whispers, knowing everyone was watching us. Finally Peter stepped up unsheathing his sword in salute, '' We have come Aslan.'' he said

'' Welcome, Peter, son of Adam. Welcome, Susan, Lucy, and Anna daughters of Eve. Welcome He-Beaver and She-Beaver. But where is the other son of Adam?''

" He has gone to the Witch O Aslan.'' Aslan didn't say anything but merely looked at us with unchanging eyes.

"Please Aslan can you save Edmund?'' Asked Lucy.

" All will be undone but it will be harder than you think.'' His face looked royal and strong, but his eyes looked solemn as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. The look disappeared though and he clapped his paws and said, '' Let the feast be prepared, and ladies take the daughters of Eve and tend to them. I saw Aslan lead Peter off Peter to the hilltop. We were taken to the pavilion where we were dressed, and the dryads and Naiads did our hair.

" When do you'll think we'll get Edmund back?'' Lucy asked quietly. I looked over at Susan who had a grim look on her face at the mention of her brother.

" I don't know Lucy; hopefully soon.'' I said. Frankly, I hadn't really thought about it much with all that had happened. I just hoped that Edmund was okay. Even though he had betrayed us, he was still one of my best friends, or he used to be. I knew the experience would change him though. For better or worst I didn't know. I laid back on the grass looking up at the darkening sky feeling almost at peace. I abruptly sat up as I heard rustling in the bushes followed by a growl. A wolf came out of the bushes circling us.

" Oh I don't think you'll be seeing the son of Adam any time soon.'' I ran to my sword which I had lain on a rock, and grabbed it. I held the hilt with both hands and tried to look brave, the wolf just laughed.

'' Don't be foolish girl.'' I blindly slashed at him and heard him yelp. I had only injured him though and I was caught off guard as he swung his paw at my arm. His nails dug into my shoulder and continued down. I screamed in pain and dropped my sword and clutched my arm. I heard Susan's horn and saw Lucy run along with all the dryads and Naiads. The wolf who had scratched me ran after Susan, who climbed up a tree. The wolf bit at her heels and I tried to grab my sword only to stopped by a giant paw on my hand. I looked up to see the eyes of Aslan looking down at me.

"No, this is Peter's fight.'' I nodded and looked over at Peter, just in time to see him duck from the wolf, and plunge his sword into it. "Quick follow the other one. He will lead you to the other son of Adam!'' A thunder of hooves disappeared into the forest after the wolf. I got up off the ground and walked over to Peter giving him a one-armed hug. Then did the same to Susan who had tears in her eyes. Aslan looked over at one of the dryads,'' Tend to her she was injured by the wolf.'' He then looked at me. I took my hand off my arm and looked at the deep gashes the wolf had left. Lucy ran up to me and took the bottle out of her belt, but I shook my head.

" Come Lady Anna.'' The dryad had my sword in her hand. I followed her to the medical tent. I was bandaged and given another dress. I then was lead to a tent to where I was to sleep with Lucy and Susan. They were there quietly talking when I came in, '' Are you alright?'' asked Susan, I nodded.

"I'm just tired.'' I laid down on one of the cushions that had been laid out for us.

"I'm sorry.'' Said Susan quietly.

"Why?'' I gave a small yawn and snuggled into the pillows.

'' I could of helped.''

'' You did, you blew the horn.''

'' I know, but I could've helped with my bow and arrow.'' I shrugged instantly regretting it as pain shot up my arm, and I hissed in pain.

"What's done is done. Besides I didn't even know what I was doing.'' They just looked at each other and then nodded.

"What did Aslan say to you?'' Lucy asked.

'' He said it was Peter's fight.''

" He's been knighted Sir Peter Wolf's-Bane.'' I smiled and nodded.

'' I heard about that.''

"Edmund's coming back.'' Lucy said

" Told you he would.'' We all talked in quiet whispers, but soon we fell asleep. I was awoken by the sun coming inside the tent. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, I got up and went outside and closed my eyes inhaling the air. I walked further out and saw Aslan and Edmund walking together apart from the others. They saw me and I almost ran up to them, but I stopped. Instead I smiled and Edmund looked down and kept walking.

"They've been like that for about an hour now.'' I spun around to see Peter clad in new clothes; looking over at them. He looked like he hadn't gotten much sleep last night.

" Good morning.'' I said.

" Morning.'' I looked back at Edmund and Aslan who were still talking. " I'll go wake up Susan and Lucy.'' I walked back into our tent and shook them awake. They looked at me questioningly,'' Edmunds back.'' We sat down and had breakfast waiting for them to come back.

Soon enough they did,'' There is no need to speak of what has past.'' Edmund all shook our hands and said sorry, and we all answered that it was alright. There was an awkward silence no one really knew what to say, but one of the leopards approached Aslan and it was forgotten. '' Sire, there is a messenger from her that would like an audience.''

"Let him approach.'' The leopard returned with a dwarf.'' What is your message son of earth.''

"My mistress, the Queen of Narnia requests safe passage. As she would like to speak to you.''

"I shall grant her safe passage but she must leave her wand behind.'' The dwarf nodded and turned walking with the leopards behind him, to see that she did leave her wand. A few minutes later the witch walked up to Aslan. I felt myself shiver at her pale face and cold eyes. I heard some of the animals growl at her presence.

'' You have a traitor.'' The witch said her voice like ice.

'' His offense was not against you.''

"Have you forgotten about the deep magic. Every traitor belongs to me as my prey, and that for every treachery I have the right to kill. And so that human is mine. His blood is my property. That if I don't get my blood as law dictates, that all of Narnia shall perish in fire and water ''

'' Do not lecture me about the deep magic.'' Aslan said gravely.

" Oh Aslan can't you work against the deep magic.'' Susan whispered.

"No I cannot. Fall back all of you, I will talk with the witch alone.'' It was hard to wait and wonder what was going to happen. Lucy started to cry and I had tears in my eyes. I looked at Edmund and it seemed that if Aslan asked him to go to his death he would; without question or complaint. Peter just stared at the sea, and Susan picked at the grass. Soon everything became very still, so still you could clearly the sound of the sea and the tress rustling. Still Aslan and the witched talked. At last we heard Aslan's voice,'' She has renounced her claim on the son of Adam's blood.'' There was a unanimous sigh.

'' How will I know your promise will be kept?'' The witch had a smile on her face and I felt a feeling of dread overcome me. Aslan roared and the witch picked up her skirts and ran.

''We shall move from this place, and instead we shall camp at the Fords of Beruna.'' Most of the day consisted of packing up and traveling. Aslan's mood had changed he seemed deeply saddened and the dread in me grew. That night after we set up camp and I was in bed I couldn't sleep.

'' Can you get to sleep?'' Susan asked.

" No.'' Me and Lucy said.

'' I have a horrible feeling something dreadful is going to happen.'' Both Susan and I agreed.

'' It's something about Aslan.'' Lucy said.

"Where is he now?'' I asked.

'' I don't know. We might as well have a look since we can't sleep.'' Susan suggested. We walked outside and I started to scan the camp. Susan tugged on my arm and pointed to the edge of the woods. Without a word we followed him, and on and on he lead us into the forest. I noticed that it was the same route we had taken from the stone table. As I looked at him I could tell even from a distance that he was different. He looked tired, his head and tail hung low. We moved closer and he sighed.

"Children, why do you follow me?''

"We couldn't sleep.'' Lucy said.

"May we come with you?'' Susan asked.

He seemed to hesitate but finally answered, '' Yes I would like some company tonight. But you must leave when I tell you to.'' His head dropped to the ground, his nose touching, and gave a low moan.

"Are you ill Aslan?'' I asked.

"No just sad. Put your hands in my mane so that I can feel that you are here.'' We all put our hands into his mane. It was so soft and seemed endless. We walked and soon we were walking up the hill to the Stone Table. When we had gotten to the furthest tree he stopped. '' I must leave you now children. Whatever happens do not let yourselves be seen. Goodbye.'' I felt tears run down my face, I didn't know why. I kissed his mane, his face, then his paws and whispered, '' Goodbye dear Aslan.'' Lucy and Susan did the same. He turned and walked to the hilltop. I saw a group hideous creatures around the stone table. The witch was in the middle of the group a triumphant look was on her face.

'' They don't know he's dead.'' Susan said. It seemed like hundreds of mice had come to untie the cords. They nibbled until at last the cords gave away and were loose around his body. We pulled them off, and I could see

"Bind him.'' The witch cried. Four hags darted around him and tied him. Then they flipped him on his back tying his paws. All the while Aslan made no move; even though he could of killed them quite easily. They began to drag him to the stone table and I felt more tears run down my face. '' Let him be shaved.'' the witch cried. One of the Ogers took shears and took his mane off. They began to taunt him now that they had cut off his mane. '' Muzzle him.'' She said. Now with him muzzled all of the creatures seemed to find their courage and surrounded him. They beat him and spit on him and yet he never moved. '' Cowards.'' I whispered and I clenched my fists. They hoisted him up on the stone table and tied even more rope around him. The witch took her knife out and said to Aslan,'' Know this. Yes you have appeased the deep magic but what is to stop me from killing him, from killing them all. You have lost Narnia forever. In that knowledge despair, and die.'' I turned around at the last minute, and even when the knife was about to pierce him he never moved.