Chapter 21
A soft breeze blew through the room and brushed against the cheek of the sleeping man. He stirred, but did not awake.
The breeze swirled around the room, fluttering the curtains and rustling the pages of an open book, lying neglected on a table in the corner.
~o~o~
Ayron lay still, breathing lightly. He saw a dark, cold cell with a barred window. The air was stale and heavy. The stone floor was cold, and yet damp.
Suddenly a warm, golden light filled the room. He heard a voice calling to him. "Ayron. Ayron, awake."
A huge Lion stood over him, a smile on its face. He breathed on the man, and Ayron looked up into his kind face. The cell faded and gave way to a well-kept room, and a large window open to the night breezes.
"Aslan," Ayron asked, "you said you had a task for me. What is it?"
The Lion merely turned and walked to the window. Ayron got up and followed him. Looking out the window he suddenly felt like he had the eyes of an eagle. Miles away in the north he saw the ruins of an old castle. Southward he saw the pass to Archenland. To the east was nothing but empty sea.
"North and west of here lies an ancient ruin," Aslan broke the silence. "Within is a man who wishes to take Narnia for his own."
He turned to face Ayron. "Your task is to defeat this enemy of Narnia, and so save her from the fate she suffered at the hands of the Telmarines who came many years ago."
Ayron knelt before the Lion, who placed his paw on his shoulder.
"I will do as you say," Ayron pledged. He stood and looked in Aslan's and saw both pride and sadness.
"You know that it may cost much to do what I give you," the Lion said.
Ayron nodded. "Nevertheless, I will do as you say."
The Lion smiled again, and turned toward the door. As he left Ayron turned toward the window once more. His eagle-sight was now gone, but still he could see the tiny figures moving among the ruins. It was his task to protect Narnia, and he would do whatever was needed to accomplish what Aslan had told him to do.