Only the Beginning of the Adventure [Narnia Book One]

Chapter 1: The Blitz and The Countryside

Peter's POV:

My eyes shot open, hearing the air raid sirens. My mum woke us up. Something about the urgency of her voice scared me.

As I gathered up the remaining necessities, I heard my mum yell, "Edmund! Get away from the window!"

When everyone was ready, we ran to the shelter and Edmund suddenly cried, "Dad!"

"Edmund!" Mum yelled.

"I'll get him." I answered, running after my little brother.

Seconds after Edmund grabbed the picture of Dad in uniform, I sensed trouble and I knocked my brother down as glass shattered. The picture had broken. When we felt it was safe, we ran back to the shelter.

As I closed the door, I yelled, "You're so selfish! You could've gotten us killed!"

Mum embraced Edmund and I held Lucy close as she shook in fear.

The next morning, we were put on a train to protect us from the bombing. While waiting to board, I found myself staring at the soldiers in longing.

Mum said goodbye to us and she told me to look out for my siblings. Edmund rejected a hug from Mum, so she kissed his cheek.

Lucy held my hand and once again, I looked wistfully at the soldiers. I didn't hear Susan talking to me until she yanked the tickets from my hand.

We boarded the train and waved goodbye to Mum. As the train started off, I put our suitcases up. Edmund insisted on putting his up by himself.

When we arrived at our stop, we got off the train and waited for our ride. A car passed and Edmund stared at his tag. "Perhaps we've been incorrectly labelled."

Shortly, a horse and carriage pulled up. "Mrs. Macready?" I asked hesitantly.

The woman nodded curtly. "I'm afraid so. Haven't you brought anything else?"

"No, ma'am, it's just us."

We piled into the carriage and eventually, a huge mansion came into view.

Neila's POV:

I stared at the old wardrobe in my new house. Mum said it belonged to my grandfather, Digory Kirke, Professor Kirke, during the war. This was my favorite room. There was something about this room in particular that made me feel an overwhelming sense of peace.

As though I'm feeling like I'm called, I slowly opened the wardrobe. A gust of wind hit me and I went through this portal-like thing into the same house.

A graying man entered the room. "Oh! Hello. Did you come through the wardrobe?"

"Uh, yeah. Who are you?"

He chuckled as though he thought I was joking. "Why, my dear, I'm the professor. Professor Kirke. And you are? Your accent sounds foreign."

Realization hit me. This was my great grandfather. "I'm from Longford, Ireland. My name is Neila. Neila Kirke."

Professor Kirke's smile widened. "Neila. I never thought I'd see you again! Well, Neila, Mrs. Macready will show you around the house. She can be quite fickle at times, but she means well."

"Where is she?"

"She's picking up several children who will be staying here. They've been sent here due to the bombings in London, though I'm sure you know about that."

"Uh, yes." I answered, remembering my lessons from grade nine.

Professor Kirke's head tilted up slightly. "Mrs. Macready is back. She'll be giving a tour. Why don't you join, Neila."

I nodded and found my way to the other children by following the voices. There were four children. The eldest boy had blond hair and bright blue eyes. The eldest girl had straight brown hair and green eyes. The younger two were another boy and girl. The younger boy was dark brown haired, almost black, with dark eyes. The youngest girl had short brown hair and warm brown eyes. They introduced themselves respectfully. I learned their names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. I gave them a small smile. "My name is Neila."

Peter raised a small eyebrow. "Have you come here for protection from the war?"

"No, not exactly. Well, not at all. I'm originally from Longford, Ireland. I came through, um, I came through the wardrobe. I know it sounds crazy."

Lucy grinned. "You'll have to show me this wardrobe!"

"If I can remember the correct room, Lu. I can call you Lu, right?"

"Of course you can! I like her, Peter."

The tour continued and Susan reached out to touch a bust and Mrs. Macready exclaimed, "No touching of the historical artefacts!"

Susan gave a small frown as Mrs. Macready went on to tell the five of us that the professor was not to be disturbed under any circumstances.

Night came, and I retreated to my room. I wasn't in the mood to socialise. Travelling through time certainly does things to one's sleep schedule.

The next morning, after a nice breakfast of toast with jam and fruit, I joined the Pevensie children in the sitting room. Due to the rain, none of us wanted to go outside.

Susan picked up a dictionary and started quizzing Peter. She'd asked if I wanted to participate, but I rejected. I'd found a first edition of Great Expectations; my favourite book. Of course my grandfather had such a book.

I heard Susan say, "Gas-tro-vas-cu-lar. Come on, Peter. Gas-tro-vas-cu-lar."

Peter let out an irritated sigh. "Is it Latin?"

"Yes."

Edmund interrupted rudely, "Is it Latin for worst game ever invented?"

I gave Edmund a look of disapproval, as did Peter and Susan. Lucy jumped up, startling all of us, me especially. "We could play hide-and-seek."

Once again, Peter released an irritated sigh, and said sarcastically, "But we're already having so much fun."

Lucy started pulling on her brother's arm. "Come on, Peter, please! Pretty please?"

After a moment's thought, Peter began counting. "One...two...three...four..."

I raced down the hall, searching for the wardrobe room. Lucy was right on my heels. I frowned slightly. "Are you following me?"

She shook her head. "Edmund took my spot. What is that?"

I didn't want to spoil the surprise, so I said, "Why don't we find out."

Lucy gave me an excited smile and pulled the sheet from the wardrobe. It was like watching soft snow falling.

When the sheet reached the floor, Lucy opened the door and we stepped through. I felt a breeze and was praying I wouldn't be sent back to my time. I felt a chill as I made my way through the coats. Lucy had cracked the door because everyone knows you never close a wardrobe if you're in it.