Time Of Our Lives [The Chronicles of Narnia] {1}

The Frozen River

The next day, we continued and stopped at what looked to be a large ice covered river. "Now, Aslan's camp is near the Stone Table, just across the frozen river," Mr. Beaver said.

We all looked at him. We need to cross it? "River?" Peter and I asked at the same time. "Oh, the river's been frozen solid for a hundred years," Ms. Beaver reassured us.

We looked at the distance once again. "It's so far," I said. "It's the world, dear. Did you expect it to be small?" Ms. Beaver asked. "Smaller," Susan said and we kept going.

The more we all walked, the more Mr. Beaver was getting cranky. "Come on, humans, while we're still young," Mr. Beaver called as he and Ms. Beaver led.

"If he tells us to hurry up one more time, I'm going to turn him into a big fluffy hat," Peter said as he let Lucy climb on his back and we all shared a laugh. "Hurry up!" Mr. Beaver said. "He is getting kinda bossy," Lucy said. "No! Behind you! It's her!" Mr. Beaver shouted, pointing behind us.

We turned and saw a huge storm of white snow, along with the sound of sled bells. We all started to ran, trying to get away from the sled.

"Quickly!" Mr. Beaver shouted, showing us a hole that was in the ground. We all ran inside and it was silent. We saw a shadow and then we heard footsteps and then there was a few moments of silence.

"Maybe she's gone," Lucy whispered. "I suppose I'll go and have a look," Peter said. Mr. Beaver stopped him. "No, you're no good to Narnia dead," He whispered.

"Well, neither are you, Beaver," Ms. Beaver said. "Thanks sweetheart," Mr. Beaver said and then he climb out to investigate.

It was silent. Ms. Beaver let out a quiet whimper and I hold her hand, comforting her. After a long pause, Mr. Beaver appeared, startling us and Lucy let out a small scream.

"Come out! I hope you've all been good, because there is someone here to see you!" Mr. Beaver said with a big smile. We all shard a frown before slowly one by one walking out of the hole.

Then I saw someone that I didn't thought I'm meet. Father Christmas. He laughed at our shock looks. "Merry Christmas, Sir!" Lucy said with a big smile. "It certainly is, Lucy . . . since you all have arrived," Father Christmas said with a smile.

"Look, I've put up with a lot since we got here. But this . . ." Susan started. "We thought you were the Witch," Peter admitted.

Father Christmas looked down. "Yes, sorry about that." Then he looked back at us. "But, in my defence, I have been driving one of these -" He looked back at his sleigh "- Longer than the Witch."

"I thought there was no Christmas in Narnia," Lucy said. "Yes, not for a long time. But the hope you have brought, your Majesties, is finally starting to weaken the Witch's power," Father Christmas said. "Still, I dare say you could do with these!"

He pulled a bag out of his sleigh. "Presents!" Lucy said, happily. Father Christmas chuckled. Out of the side of the sack, Father Christmas pulled out a small glass vial in a leather strap.

He kneeled down to Lucy. "The juice of the fire flower. One drop will cure any injury. And though I hope you never have to use it . . ."

Father Christmas handed Lucy a dagger. "Thank you, sir. But I think . . . I could be brave enough," Lucy said. "I'm sure you could. But battles are ugly affairs," Father Christmas said.

Father Christmas got up and then reached down into the sack again and pulled out a large quiver filled with arrows and a bow. "Susan," He called to her as Lucy went to stood beside me.

I watched as Susan stepped forward nervously. "Trust in this bow and it will not easily miss," Father Christmas said to her softly as he handed it over to her.