Chapter Three
I crept silently through the snow, barely breathing, all my senses alert. So close. I couldn't be spotted now. I froze when I spotted my target ahead of me. A rabbit. Its nose quivered as it sniffed the air, but it didn't smell me. Its large ears flicked around, but it didn't hear me. I silently raised my bow, pulled an arrow from my quiver, strung it, pulled it back, aimed, and then let it fly with an audible "twang". The rabbit gave one high pitched squeak, and was still. My bow string vibrated from the shot. I collected my kill and congratulated myself.
A few months before, I never would have been able to do that. I wouldn't have been able to hit the broadside of a barn door, as they say. But Rooner (all of the fauns have the strangest names) taught me well. He schooled me every day in archery and hunting. All the training paid off.
When I got back to our little hole in the cliff, I prepared the rabbit for our dinner. It's nasty work, but it didn't bother me anymore. While I fixed the meal, I let my mind wander. I was at peace with myself for the first time in what seemed like forever. I looked forward to each coming day and took pride in my work. The fauns were all like family to me. I watched the kids while their parents were out gathering or dancing. They all made me feel welcome and taken care of, and I knew they would protect me from danger. Narnia felt like home. I was happy.
Rooner explained everything to me. Why I can't be seen, what Narnia is like, everything. The Witch is waiting for humans to come and try to take her throne. It's told in some kind of 'prophecy.' Two "sons of Adam" and two "daughters of Eve" are supposed to come and defeat her and save Narnia and end the winter that has lasted for a hundred years. He was disappointed that I didn't have any siblings, which meant that I couldn't be the one to save Narnia. Which was fine with me. But I had to be very careful so the Witch wouldn't find out I was there. If she did, she'd have me and anyone who had helped me killed.
I hunted for us since Rooner was becoming a little slow and his senses aren't as sharp as they used to be. His beard and furry legs were graying. He had a very grandfatherly appearance. I met a variety of other creatures. There were many talking animals that were all very friendly. There were other fauns who were friends of Rooner. And then there were the mysterious Centaurs. I had only met them once, and I was terrified. They were quiet and wise and the noblest of creatures. They study the stars for what the future has to hold and are renowned for their strength as warriors. They came only a few days before. Their news brought all of the fauns and other creatures great happiness and hope. They had been watching the stars, and the stars said that it won't be much longer until the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve come. I was happy too, but really, right then I was content, so it didn't matter to me if they ever came.
Rooner had become like a…I don't know, uncle, grandfather, maybe even a father to me. He was very patient with me and was always calm and kind. But he also used to be a warrior, so I know, under that soft exterior, was a fierce fighter. But he came to care for me too, and so I was happy. Our cozy little cave in the rock was all I needed. I got my wish for a better life. God does answer prayers.