THE PRODIGAL

This next part is quite sad, so you better brace yourselves.

For those of you who are wondering what's happened to Lucy, she just doesn't appear in this story, is all. Whether she's back in England or still living in Narnia is anybody's guess. She's out there, somewhere. I just wanted this to be purely between Tumnus and his children—I thought it would make my story more intimate, more heartfelt that way. But Lucy is definitely there for her children; she does get to see them grow up, and Puck and Selena both know her and grow quite attached to her. And, of course, whatever comes about, they are all together in the very end.

And, my own Terence makes a cameo appearance in this one.

Characters (with exceptions) © C.S. Lewis and Disney/Walden Media

Story © unicorn-skydancer08

All rights reserved.

Part 2

True to his word, Tumnus was ready with Puck's share of the inheritance at the end of that very month.

As promised, Puck received neither one penny more nor one penny less of his bequest.

Puck could hardly believe what was happening to him, that his father was willing to set him free, to let him live the way he so desired. In truth, Tumnus's heart was heavy with sorrow, for he hated to see his beloved son go, and he dreaded the notion of Puck being out there alone in the cold, hostile world, without him or anyone else to protect him.

But Tumnus also knew Puck deserved a chance to prove himself. He knew he couldn't keep his son chained to Cair Paravel, or to Narnia.

Therefore, he did not attempt to dissuade his son from his plans, or even try to talk him out of this.

On the morning that Puck was to leave home, Tumnus gave his son the money he owed him, cautioning the boy to be careful about how he used it.

"It may seem like you have a lot now," he said, as he pressed the bag of coins into Puck's hands, "but even the richest man in the world can lose all his money within a very short time. Be sure to keep track of how you spend or invest each and every coin." Puck did not even bother to worry about this, for he knew he had plenty of money, and he knew he'd be smart about it.

Many others at the castle had heard of Puck leaving, and they assembled on the castle grounds with Tumnus to see the lad off. Most of them didn't remotely believe that Puck would make it out there on his own, but Puck was convinced he would prove them all wrong in the end. When Selena received word of her brother's departure, she didn't believe it until she stood on the grounds herself. "I guess you're really serious about this, Puck," the raven-haired female said, as she watched her father transfer the money.

"Of course, I am," Puck answered proudly. "And maybe someday, little sister, you just might come around and join me!"

Tumnus was just glad Lucy wasn't here for this. He knew this would undoubtedly break his wife's poor heart.

Terence, Tumnus's best mate, and Puck and Selena's godfather, who was a youthful, white-haired man in appearance but a unicorn at heart, stepped forth from the small crowd to join them.

"Are you sure you're up to this, Puck?" the young man asked, his bright sapphire eyes surveying his godson with both hope and concern.

"I'm not made of glass, Uncle Terence," said Puck. (Terence, of course, wasn't Puck's actual uncle; but it was an affectionate term he and Selena used when they were small children, and it had stuck with them over the years.) "I can handle just about anything that comes my way."

"We shall see about that, mister," Terence mused. "There is a big difference between dreams and the real world, you know."

Puck merely shook his head in exasperation, and said, "Honestly, Uncle Terence, you sound just like my father. Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. I know how to look after myself. Besides," he added shrewdly, "you're the one who has always been encouraging me to pursue my goals, to not let anyone stand in my way."

Terence's handsome face flushed slightly, and he let out somewhat of a self-conscious chuckle. "Well, yes," he meekly admitted, "but there's no need to be reckless and impetuous about it, is there? It's good to have ambition, Puck—but a level head and common sense would also serve you well."

Puck rolled his eyes, but said nothing more.

Just before the young faun went on his way, Tumnus rested his hands on Puck's shoulders, and gave his son a final solemn look. "Be safe, Puck," he said in a hushed voice. Before Puck could respond in any way, Tumnus made him come closer, and he wrapped him in a warm hug. Puck hesitated at first, but then slowly and somewhat awkwardly returned his father's embrace. Tumnus closed his eyes as he held onto his boy. He bowed his forehead fervently against Puck's neck, wishing he could somehow make this single moment last forever. The two fauns remained that way for a time, until Puck had to practically wrench himself free. Tumnus willingly released him, though he let his hands slide slowly along his son's fur-lined arms as he did so.

Despite the fact that his heart was literally breaking, even at that moment, Tumnus clapped Puck upon the bare back and encouraged him, "Now, go, my son."

And so Puck took his money, and his pack that held his most necessary belongings, and was off in a flash. Everyone stayed where they were, watching the lad leave in silence.

Puck never looked back again as he hurried on his way. Tears broke forth and streamed steadily down Tumnus's face as he watched his son leave him.

Within a short time, Puck was gone.

"D'you think the boy will survive out there?" old Beaver asked, when the young faun was completely out of sight.

The centaur Oreius just shook his head, and murmured, "I'll give him three months."

"I'll give him three days," said one of the other fauns in the group, with obvious disdain.

"I'm willing to bet he'll be back here in three hours," one of the dwarves added.

Selena looked anxiously toward her godfather. "Do you think he will ever come back, Uncle Terence?" she asked.

"I hope so, sweetie," said Terence quietly, though his expression was troubled.

Selena then turned tentatively to Tumnus. "Father?"

"Are you all right, mate?" Terence queried, when he saw Tumnus's tear-streaked face.

Tumnus abjectly looked away from his daughter and his best friend, and answered in a low voice, "If you'll pardon me, I—I would like to be alone for a while."

He headed slowly for the castle, mumbling something to everyone about going up to his own chambers, to pray.

Selena stared after her father for a time, and when Tumnus had disappeared into Cair Paravel, she turned once more to Terence, feeling tears prick at her own eyes.

Without a word, Terence reached out for her and drew her gently against him, enveloping her in a hug. Selena felt his soft fingers play with her long, silken black hair, felt his lips brush ever so lightly against her temple in a tender kiss. In return, she rested her head against his heart and sniffled, a lonely tear rolling down her exposed cheek.

Inside his chambers, Tumnus closed the door firmly after him and secured the lock, before making a beeline for the enormous four-poster bed that he and Lucy shared. No sooner had he reached the bed than he sank to his knees on the floor next to it, and sank his head into his hands. He was weeping consistently, long before coming into the room.

As he wept, he prayed silently and earnestly to Aslan to watch over Puck, to keep him safe.

Oh, Aslan, the faun's heart implored, please…whatever it takes, just return my son safely to me.