Only the Beginning of the Adventure [Narnia Book One]

Chapter 8: Deals, Death, and War

The dwarf's cry was heard from a mile away. "Jadis! Jadis!"

I glared at the woman in white, seeing her being carried in a seat like she was high above us all. She certainly thinks she is. Her seat was lowered and she walked towards Aslan. The Witch's gaze turned to me and said, "So, you're the lost princess. The daughter of Aslan. I hope your stay hasn't been too icy."

I wanted to argue with her, but Peter held me back and shook his head. The Witch then said to the lion, "You have a traitor in your midst, Aslan."

The creatures gasped loudly and Aslan walked closer to the Witch. "His offence was not against you."

The Witch scoffed. "Have you forgotten the laws on which Narnia was built?"

Aslan roared loudly. "Do not recite the Deep Magic to me, Witch. I was there when it was made."

"Then you'll remember well that every traitor belongs to me. His blood is my property." She answered, pointing harshly at Edmund.

"Try and take him then!" Peter cried, drawing his sword.

The Witch simply laughed. "Do you think that a mere force can deny me my right, little king? Aslan knows that unless I have blood as the law demands, all of Narnia will be overturned and perish in fire and water. That boy will die on the Stone Table...as is tradition. You dare not refuse me."

Aslan let out a low growl. "Enough. I shall talk with you alone."

I stood up to follow, but my father shook his head. Peter took my hand as we sat down, and waited for my father to finish his business. Edmund resorted to picking grass, and I found myself studying the looks on the Narnians faces. Everyone looked worried as to what might happen.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, the two of them reemerged. Aslan was the first to speak. "She has renounced her claim on the son of Adam's blood."

As the Narnians cheered loudly, the Witch asked, "How do I know your promise will be kept?"

That earned her a loud roar. She quickly sat down in her seat and the Narnians began laughing as her posse walked off. Aslan let out a sigh and I ran after him, following him into his tent. He had shifted to a human form.

"Aslan, father, what happened?"

"Neila, the Deep Magic states that a willing participant can offer up his life for another. I have chosen to do so for Edmund."

I shook my head. "No. No! I'm only getting to know you! This is lunacy!"

"No, child. It's not lunacy. It's a sacrifice I am willing to make. You will be able to walk with me, as far as you are able. Then, it is your duty to look out for the children, and to protect Narnia."

That night, as I was walking with my father, Susan and Lucy appeared and Aslan asked, "Aren't you supposed to be in bed?"

"We couldn't sleep." Lucy admitted.

"Please, Aslan." Susan spoke. "Couldn't we come with you?"

Aslan gave the sisters a small smile. "I would be glad of the company tonight. Thank you."

They buried their heads in Aslan's mane and walked with him for awhile. Eventually, he said, "It is time. From here, I must go on alone. You have to trust me, for this must be done. Thank you, Susan. Thank you, Lucy. Neila, I love you. Take care of them. And farewell."

Aslan walked on and I led the sisters to a small hill, so we can have a better view. My father walked closer to the Stone Table, to where the Witch is and her minions.