Chapter 4

Chapter 4

As I trudged into the dark night, I heard a wolf howl. Remembering what the beaver said, that I had a duty to protect the Pevensie's with my life's blood. (If I didn't, I'd have to live with the pain, not to mention the guilt). To be honest, I wondered what would happen if I didn't accept my duty. Shaking my head of those thoughts, I set my mind on one thing: finding Edmund.

Now, if I were a moody, bratty, insubordinate boy where would I be?

Lost in my thoughts, I tripped over a fallen tree branch that was covered in snow.

Looking at my ankle, I saw that it was bleeding; looking carefully at the branch I saw that it had a sharp twig. Stupid tree, stupid twig, stupid Edmund. I thought. As I tried to stand, I involuntarily winced. I limped, trying not to trail blood which was practically impossible. Going over a snow covered hill was hard, but going over a snow covered hill with a bleeding ankle is even harder. Slightly panting, I reached the top of the hill. I heard a voice calling "Edmund!" I recognized that voice to be Lucy's.

I shuffled over to Lucy who was standing with Peter, Susan and the Beavers.

Susan noticed my trail of blood first.

"What happened?" She asked looking concerned and nauseas at the same time.

"I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and tripped on a branch that happened to have a sharp twig." I replied trying not grimace. To Mr. Beaver I said, "So, what do I have to do to get in there?" 'There' was a white castle on top of another hill.

"Nothing. Only Aslan can save their brother now."

"Then take us to him." Peter said firmly.

So we went, on the way there Mr. Beaver filled me in on what had happened.

Evidentially, Edmund had met the White Witch and he had betrayed his family; not to mention me or the beavers. It was of the utmost importance that we get to Aslan, not only for our safety, but for Edmund's and all of Narnia's.

"Hurry up, we still have a long way!" called Mr. Beaver for what seemed like the thousandth time.

"If he tells us to hurry one more time, I'll turn him into a big fluffy hat." Peter said lifting Lucy onto his back.

Behind us, I heard a far away jingle, coming closer and closer.

"Run! She's right behind you!" cried Mr. Beaver.

So, we ran.

I followed them into a crevice in a hill and waited, the sound had stopped. Lucy shrank back as we saw a shadow illuminated by the sun.

"I'll go see if the coast is clear." Peter declared.

"No. I'll do it. You're no good to Narnia dead." Mr. Beaver said.

"Neither are you, beaver." Mrs. Beaver whispered.

"Thanks, dear."

Collectively, we held our breath waiting for the beaver to return.

He poked his head down and looked at us, "Hope you've all been good, 'cause there's someone to see ya."

What in the world is he talking of?

As soon as I got out of the hole, I saw a man dressed in red and white. He had behind him a sleigh and bag which consisted of various sized lumps.

"We thought you were the witch." Peter explained.

"I'm sorry about that. But in my defense, I have been driving one of there longer than the witch. The White Witch's reign is coming to an end, and winter is ending." said Father Christmas. (At least that's who I thought he was.)

"And now it's time for…." Father Christmas was cut off by Lucy's joyful exclamation of "Presents!"

He reached into his bag and withdrew a sword and shield; the shield had the emblem of a red lion. These he handed to Peter, saying "These are tools, not toys."

To Lucy he gave a small glass bottle. "This is the juice of the fire-flowers; one drop will cure any injury." He also provided her with a dagger, with the accompanying words, "Although I hope you never have to use it."

"Thank you sir, I think I could be brave enough." Lucy replied in a small voice.

"I have no doubt you could, but battles are ugly affairs."

Turning to Susan he presented her with a bow and arrow. "Trust in this bow, and it will not easily miss."

"What happened to battles are ugly affairs?" Susan wanted to know.

He chuckled, "Although you don't seem to have a problem making yourself heard…"

Handing her a horn he announced, "Once you blow on this horn, help will come to you wherever you may be."

He looked at me and said, "Guardian of the throne, I bestow upon you the swords fitting to your rank." He silently put into my hands what I recognized as a kris -which is a double-edged dagger- along with a short sword. They were meant to be used together. "These swords will never break; they will always come clean instantly and they will always kill your intended target. But do not kill just because you can, only do so when no other alternative can be found. Further more no one but you, your husband and your descendants will be able to touch it, much less use it. Oh, and also if you happen to lose these, they will find their way back to you. As you can see these are very special swords, given only to the guardian of the throne, their powers are great, but so is the temptation. Be wise." He took a deep breath, after his lengthy explanation.

Motioning for me to bend my head, he slipped over my head a necklace with a star. "This is no ordinary necklace; this is a truth-spelled necklace. Light is the symbol of truth, stars shine brightly in the night. Just as a star can light the way for a weary traveler, this will enable you to see your way through a lie."

"Now I must be going, 100 years is really too long. Requests pile up so high!" With a slap of the reigns he sped off.

"Told you he was real." Lucy said to Susan.

Flummoxed as to what we were to do next, we looked inquisitively to the Beavers.

"Why don't you put that fire-flower juice to good use and heal Clara's ankle?" Mr. Beaver suggested.

Smiling, Lucy bent down and put a drop on the cut. It healed instantly.

"Thank you Lucy." I said, hugging her slightly.

"Now all we have to do is cross the frozen lake." Mrs. Beaver said happily.

"But winter's ending, and you know what that means… no more ice." Peter said glumly.

As we neared the sound of rushing water, I looked down into the canyon and saw a half-frozen river, with chunks of ice trailing down stream. I was also thinking of what Peter had said on the way, that they had been trailed by wolves sent by the White Witch. If the wolves are sent by the white witch, they won't give up until they've caught us, or we've killed them…… obviously we have to kill them. But how?

Crossing a half-unfrozen lake was one difficult task. Mr. Beaver decided to cross first, the ice started to crack. That was a really bad sign, since he was one of the lightest.

Then, as if it were predestined wolves jumped out. I quickly drew my weapons. By then we were in the middle of the ice, too far out to go back, too far away to get the other side. Peter had also drawn his sword and was pointing it -all wrong- at wolf captain. Peter then struck his sword onto the ice, just as another wolf lunged at Susan and I. He missed Susan since Peter dragged and I pushed her out of the way, but abraded my back with his long, sharp claws also scratching my head. As I fought to hold onto consciousness despite my rapid loss of blood, I heard someone scream, "CLARA!!"

I felt someone yank me onto the ice slab. Then giving in to the darkness, I passed out.