Chapter 2

Mr. Beaver

(Setting: This is immediately following the departure of Father Christmas)

There's something in that boy. Something in his eyes. Something in the way he carries himself, in the way he talks. He was born to be great. He was born to be a king.

When I first saw him, I wasn't sure. But I didn't doubt the prophecy. Two Sons of Adam, two Daughters of Eve. And since there hadn't exactly been any other humans for as long as anyone could remember, I assumed that these children were the ones that were to save our country.

But they didn't seem capable. They weren't here to have tea with the Witch. And I could see her poison in the younger boy's eyes as soon as I looked at him. If these were the children, they would really need to pull it together quickly.

Of course they were scared when they heard what they were destined to do. I would have been. It's not exactly something you do in an afternoon. It is a Witch, after all. And at the time, I couldn't even tell them for sure if Aslan was going to help them.

I missed it at first. All I thought about was his reaction after I had told them everything I could. After they had discovered Edmund was gone. His body language spoke volumes, and his quiet refusal shattered my hopes. I found myself questioning the prophecy I had clung to for so long.

I missed his eyes. Had I seen the look in his eyes, even as he said he could not be the one that I claimed he was, I would not have wrestled with doubts. I've always been able to read so much in the eyes. At least, that's what everyone says. But for some reason I didn't think to really look at the eyes of the boy who is to be my king.

As he took the sword from Father Christmas and pulled it from the sheath I saw the look of a king. It was as if holding the sword had transformed him from a little boy into a young man. And then I saw his eyes. I'm sure what I saw had been there the whole time; it had just been hidden behind his fear and confusion. There was determination, a steady resolve to do whatever was needed and to give whatever was asked, no matter the cost. There was honor and justice as well, and a staunch loyalty.

This man before me is going to be my king. He is going to lead Narnia. And I no longer fear for my country. I am no longer afraid. And only a true king could inspire that feeling.