Chapter 9: Odd One Out

When Mrs. Beaver asked to take our coats, I gladly handed mine over. It was scratchy and smelt very bad; like old moth balls. Beaver asked us to sit at the round table in their kitchen area. The Mrs. poured us some tea and set to work at the stove. Then, a conversation I would have never dreamed began.

"Isn't there anything we can do to help Tumnus," Peter asked softly.

Beaver said he'd be taken to the witch's castle. He also said those who go through the gates, may never come out again. Lucy looked away, her chin quivered as Mrs. Beaver put some fish n' chips in front of her.

"But there's hope, dear. Lots of hope," she reassured my young friend. Beaver spit into his cup, coughing. Susan looked disgusted.

"Oh, yeah, there's a right bit more than 'ope! Aslan…is on the move," he lowered his voice. Peter leaned in. Susan smiled to herself and Lucy looked as if she was given a Christmas gift. That name…I heard it before. Like, in some sort of dream…it sent a warm feeling down my spine.

"Who's Aslan," Edmund asked.

Beaver laughed. He mimicked Ed, "Who's Aslan? You cheeky blighter, you." I frowned at the mammals. Well, we had just arrived here in Narnia. Mrs. Beaver tapped her husband's arm. "You don't know, do ya?"

As always, Peter defended us, "Well, we haven't exactly been here very long." Beaver went into how Aslan was the "top geezer". Meaning, the real king of Narnia. He had been away, and now he's back.

"And he's waitin' for you at the Stone Table," he exclaimed. We all looked at each other, confused. "You're bloomin' jokin'! They don't even know about the prophecy!"

"Well, then," Mrs. Beaver kept her cool.

"Look," he sighed. "Aslan's return…Tumnus' arrest…the secret police…it's all because of YOU! There's a prophecy:

When Adam's flesh and Adam's bone

Sits at Cair Paravel in throne,

The evil time will be over an' done"

Susan pointed out that it didn't rhyme. I didn't care. I was too focused on what Beaver was saying. I liked riddles and cryptic games.

"I know it don't," he shook his head. "That's not the point."

"It has long been foretold that two Sons of Adam," she pointed to Peter. "And two Daughters of Eve will defeat the White Which and restore peace to Narnia." Two Daughters of Eve she said. Two… There were three of us. Three girls. It had to be Susan and Lucy because they were sisters. I was the odd one out.

"And…you think…we're the ones," Peter asked slowly, barley blinking. I certainly hope so. It sounded as if the Pevensies' were the only ones who could stop this witch. Lucy must have seen my face. She reached over and squeezed my hand.

"Well, you better be, cause Aslan's already fitted out your army," Beaver told them. Army? I had really hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Susan looked at her older brother, "Mum sent us away so we wouldn't get caught up in a war." For the next few seconds, Lucy and I listened to her siblings argue with the Beavers'. Susan began again, "Thank you for your hospitality. But we really have to go."

"But, ya can't leave!"

"He's right," Lucy voiced her opinion. "We have to help Mr. Tumnus."

Peter gave her a stern look, the look of an adult, "It's out of our hands. I'm sorry. It's time the five of us were getting home." Peter turned around. Edmund was nowhere to be found.

"Ed? Oh no," I whispered. His coat was on the small staircase.

Peter turned to me. His expression murderous, "I'm gonna kill him."

"You may not have to. Has Edmund ever been to Narnia before?"

I gasped aloud. Everyone, Lucy included, looked at me. I wanted to tell them, I had to…but I promised Edmund I wouldn't. I ran to the door, grabbed my coat, and sprinted into the dark forest.