Grace Tells Another Story

01

OUR WORLD

Jill Pole stood against a wall of a building at Experiment House as a group of children surrounded her, taunting her last name.

"All right!" Jill yelled. "So my name's Jill Pole. I thought this was supposed to be a modern school where everyone was tolerant and respectful of other people's rights. I haven't even got a right to my own name!" She ran away and the kids followed, still taunting her last name.

Jill ran through the small courtyard, paused, then ran the way she'd come. She ran down a flight of stairs and through an alley.

She ran through a larger courtyard where children were playing and managed to escape the kids chasing her.

Eustace was in the greenhouse peeking around. He touched someone's shoulder and Jill gasped.

They faced each other as she let out a breath and said, "Eustace Scrubb. That's one more thing I hate about this school. Being called by your surname."

"Pole, what's the matter?" Eustace asked as they looked at the kids running and searching for Jill. She gave him a look. "Oh. Them again."

"I wish my parents had never sent me to this place. It's horrible."

"Now look here."

"Oh go away and mind your own business! I should've known you'd be on their side."

"Is that fair? I may have been like that last year..."

"You were horrible. But yes, you have changed. Everyone's noticed it." Eustace glanced outside again. "But that lot have got you marked down as their next victim. "The school garden. We can hide better there."

Eustace took Jill's hand and the two ran from the greenhouse.

At the doorway, Eustace paused and looked around then yelled, "Now!"

Jill and Eustace ran from the greenhouse to find another place to hide.

Eustace glanced back at Jill. "Come on!"

The two hid in a small alley between a wall and trees. They sat as they waited out the kids.

"Why are you so changed?" Jill asked.

"It was during the holidays," Eustace replied. "A lot of weird things happened to me."

"What kind of things?"

"I think I can trust you." Jill glanced up at him. "But it's the most terrific secret." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Do you believe, now I mean right outside this world?" He let out a deep breath. "Our world."

Jill shook her head slightly. "I don't even know what that means."

Eustace looked to the side a moment in thought, then turned back to Jill. "In a place where... Animals can talk, and there are dragons and enchantments."

Jill shook her head again as she asked, "How did you get there?"

"The only way anyone can. By magic."

"I think I'm getting a bit old for magic."

Eustace sat straighter. "Oh, come off it! But I-I know what you mean." He leaned forward slightly. "I was with my cousins and they can't go back because they're too old."

"I certainly wish we could get away from here."

"He never said I couldn't go back. I'm sure if I really wanted to he'd let me."

"Who? Eustace, what are you talking about?"

"A certain someone." Jill stood and went to look behind them while Eustace stood against the wall. "Someone called Aslan."

Jill walked back towards Eustace. "Aslan?"

"I wonder if we could get there."

"How? You mean draw a magic circle on the ground and stand in it?"

"No. He'd just think that was wrought. Just... Call him. Aslan."

The two began calling Aslan's name.

The kids chasing Jill grew louder as they ran closer and Eustace said, "Come on!"

Eustace and Jill emerged from their hiding spot and ran to the gate.

"If only it was unlocked," Eustace muttered.

Jill shook her head. "It never is."

Eustace pushed the door open and the outside transformed to a Narnian meadow.

Jill and Eustace's eyes widened and Eustace said, "Come on." He placed a hand on Jill's back and she went through the doorway. Once she'd done so, he did the same and closed the gate door behind them.

---

In a quiet, near silent castle, a gasp seemed to resound throughout the halls.

Clara opened her eyes and whispered, "Magic. Thank you, Aslan."

Caspian, who was about to set off on his journey, noticed Clara and ran up to her. "My dear! But how?"

The Graceful Queen smiled. "Magic has had a miraculous time it would seem. Where are you off to?"

"To seek answers."

"Be safe, my love."

"Clara, I don't want to leave you, knowing you're awake."

"Finding answers is far more important, my dear. We must prevent whatever happened to me from happening to someone else. I was lucky. My magic saved me. Another may not be as lucky. The kingdom shall continue even as you sail away. But I beg of you, return to me. Whether you find the answers you seek or not, return to me."

Caspian kissed her and nodded. "Always, my queen. If you insist, I shall be off. I'll return as soon as I can."

"I'll count down the days."

He kissed her forehead and got up to leave. Before he did, he turned to her and said, "Clara, I love you. I'm glad you've awoken."

"As am I. I love you too, Caspian."

After a kiss blown by Caspian, he left, leaving Clara on her own once again.

She curled into herself, feeling the sting of whatever had nearly ended her life and shuddered.