Adam's Flesh and Adam's Bone

The End of the Beginning

Narnia prospered under the Pevensies' reign. They were young but wise, working together to build up their country and make it strong. For 15 years they ruled over Narnia, and brought about a Golden Age unlike anything anyone had imagined were possible.
And as the four matured it became obvious just how fitting their titles were. Peter was a tall and deep-chested man, a great warrior who inspired courage in those around him. Susan grew tall as well, with a grace and beauty that had kings from far and wide asking for her hand in marriage. Edmund was a quiet man, much more serious than his brother and sisters. He was very diplomatic, and excellent in council and judgment. Lucy remained bright and bold, a ready smile on her lips and laughter in her heart. They took pride in their country, in their people, and in each other.
They were adored by all. And when they vanished without a trace, the entire kingdom wept.

For months, the Narnians scoured the land, searching for their beloved kings and queens. But as months turned into years with no sign as to where the siblings had gone, even the most fanciful had to give up eventually. After a hundred years, most who had known the Pevensies were in Aslan's Country. After five hundred, even the stories were fading.
With no one left who remembered the Golden Age, the country fell into dispair. An invasion from the far west took the Narnians' freedom along with the hope of most. They were forced into hiding, hunted by the merciless Telmarines who'd taken over their land. The talking beasts lost their voice, the trees grew still, the beautiful forests became wild and full of shadow. Narnia was once again harsh and hostile. In this time, it seemed that even Aslan had abandoned them.

But a candle can burn in the darkest of nights. Those who studied the stars knew that the time for retaliation was nearing. And those who still believed in a free Narnia had faith that a new sovereign would emerge. A leader who would help them take back their home. The tales of the White Witch and the Pevensies were only known to a few. But now people began to invent their own stories. Stories that weren't of past battles but of those yet to come.

And so the hopeful whispered behind closed doors, praying that their trust in a future was more than some childish fantasy.