A Million Dreams

06

Lucy grinned widely, seeing the welcoming sight before her eyes. "Merry Christmas, sir."

Father Christmas smiled at the young girl. "It certainly is, Lucy. Since you have arrived."

Susan frowned. "I thought there was no Christmas in Narnia."

There was a twinkle in the man's eye as he said, "There hasn't been for a hundred years. But now, the Witch's power is crumbling."

He grabbed his bag from the back of the sleigh and threw it down on the ground and opened it up. "Presents!" Lucy cried.

Father Christmas, once again, smiled at the girl. "Lucy. Eve's daughter. These are for you. The juice of the fire flower. One drop will cure any injury. And though I hope you never need it..." He handed her a vial and a dagger.

Lucy took them with a small smile. "Thank you, sir. I think I could be brave enough."

"I'm sure you could. But battles are ugly affairs. Susan, trust in this bow, for it does not easily miss."

Susan looked down at the bow and back up at Father Christmas. "What happened to battles are ugly affairs?"

He continued, "And though you don't seem to have trouble making yourself heard, this. When you put this horn to your lips and blow it, wherever you are, help will come."

"Thanks." Susan replied.

"Peter," Father Christmas said, holding out a sword and shield. "These are tools, not toys. Bare them well, and wisely. The time to use them may soon be at hand. Esther."

Esther turned to Father Christmas. He handed her a dagger and a shield. "These are not toys, but tools to protect yourself."

He put the bag back in his sleigh. "Bare them well! I best be off. Winter is almost over and things do pile up when you've been gone a thousand years. Long live Aslan! And Merry Christmas!"

They said goodbyes and Merry Christmases. Lucy and Esther smirked. "Told you he was real."

Peter frowned. "He said winter was almost over. You know what that means..."

"No more ice," Esther finished. "Oh no."

They reached the river and Peter wanted to cross it as soon as possible, but Susan held him back. "Wait. Maybe we should think about this for a minute."

Peter shook his head. "We don't have a minute."

"I was just trying to be realistic."

"No, you're trying to be smart... as usual."

Esther glanced at the siblings. "The ice is melting and we need a figure out way to get across."

Peter immediately stepped onto the ice. Mr. Beaver grabbed his arm. "Wait. Maybe I should go first."

He nodded. "Maybe you should."

Mr. Beaver stepped onto the ice slowly and was patting it with his tail. The ice started cracking under his feet. Mrs. Beaver said, "You've been sneaking second helpings, haven't you?"

Mr. Beaver shrugged. "Well, you never know what meal is gonna be your last; especially with your cooking!"

When it was deemed safe enough, they started trekking across the ice. Susan stated worriedly, "If mum knew what we were doing..."

"Mum's not here," Peter interrupted.

"Peter, Susan, we don't have time for your arguing. We need to get across this ice as soon as possible."

"Oh no!" Lucy cried as she glanced up.

Peter followed Lucy's eyes and yelled, "Run!"

The wolves made their way down and stopped in from of the group, surrounding them. They were stuck.

Peter raised his sword at the wolf in charge and another wolf had Mr. Beaver pinned down.

"Put that down, boy," the wolf ordered with a growl. "Someone could get hurt."

Peter glanced back at Mr. Beaver who said, "Don't worry about me! Run 'im through!"

The wolf narrowed his eyes. "Leave now while you can and your brother leaves with you."

Susan's voice took on a pleading tone. "Stop, Peter! Maybe we should listen to him!"

Esther shook her head. "No we definitely shouldn't."

The wolf glanced at Susan. "Smart girl."

Mr. Beaver shook his head. "Don't listen to him! Kill him. Kill him now!"

Susan narrowed her eyes at Peter. "Look, just because some man in a red suit hands you a sword, it doesn't make you a hero! So just drop it!"

Peter glanced to Esther and she said, "Keep it pointed at him."

Peter started lowering his sword and Mr. Beaver yelled, "No, Peter! Narnia needs ya!"

"Peter!" Lucy screamed.

"Hold onto me!" Peter cried as he stabbed the ice with his sword.

When the ice broke free, they started drifting away.

Lucy couldn't hold onto the ice and slipped into the water. Esther instantly dove in after her. She grabbed Lucy by the waist and brought her to the shore. Esther began coughing from the water she'd inhaled.

Esther heard Susan yell from another area, "What have you done?! Lucy!"

Lucy walked over, tugging her sweater close. "Has anyone seen my coat?"

Peter put Lucy's coat on and Esther was shivering as she tried to drain hers out. She didn't hear what Mr. Beaver said, but Peter asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Esther replied. "I'll be fine. We're going to get Edmund back, right?"

"Thank you for rescuing my sister. Why? Do you fancy him?"

"Family is important. What? No. I'm just... I'm just worried about him."

Mrs. Beaver caught their attention by saying, "I don't think you'll be needing those anymore."

Esther turned and looked, realizing she was right.