The Honest and The Brave // Narnia

Chapter 18

Groaning ever so slightly, I peel open my eyes to see the sun blinding my vision. I blink rapidly, trying to accustom my sight before lifting my head from Aslan's body. It's still rather odd, seeing him so still and pale - so used to him bringing light into the camp. Out of the corner of my eye I notice Susan gazing off into the forest - a glazed look covering her brown orbs. I sighs softly, opening my mouth to speak to the older girl when a startled noise catches my attention. I whip my head toward the noise to see Lucy waking with a jolt, her eyes wide and her breathing heavy - a nightmare no doubt. I place a hand on her shoulder as the young Pevensie peers toward our lion friend - just as Susan lets out a sigh.

"We should go."

I gaze up at her with saddened eyes, knowing she is right - the longer we wait here, the more the camp is in danger. I nod softly before helping Lucy down from the Stone Table - guiding her away from the peaceful lion. However, I continue to stare at Aslan myself, praying that he will leap into the air with a gigantic roar. Sadly, the longer I stare the more it becomes a beautiful dream. I feel a hand in my back, and as I peer over my shoulder I see Susan guiding me down the steps - away from the table. I sigh and hang my head, a few tears slipping out as I remember the feeling when his name was spoken. It brought life and love into my heart, and allowed me to be at a peace with my family once again - and now that is all gone. All of a sudden, I'm brought out of my head just as a thundering sound reaches my ears - the steps shacking and cracking underneath my very feet. I yelp in both surprise and fear, falling to my knees that are no doubt going it ache tomorrow.

"Susan! Sophia!"

My head snaps up at the tone present in Lucy's voice - a hint of curiosity and shock evident. And it is rather accurate, for my eyes widen as I gaze upon the Stone Table - the concrete cracked in half and Aslan's body out of sight. My breathing quickens and I scurry back up the remaining steps - eyes open in case something tries to attack the three of us. I place my hand against the Stone, just as Lucy let's out a confused huff.

"Where's Aslan?"

Shrugging my shoulders, I hum in response due to my attention drawn to the broken table. It's a rather magical sight for some odd reason, the air becoming clearer and pure. Not bothering to think anything of it, I sigh and take my hand away - just as the sunlight starts to increase as the sun rises further. My eyes trail you to the stone archway behind the table only to let out a gasp of shock. Standing in front of us is Aslan himself, healthy and alive as though nothing ever happened - the sun acting as a halo of light. The longer I stare, the more I grin in happiness until I let out a shout of tell - my voice blending with both Pevensie girls.

"ASLAN!"

I bolt around the Stone Table to embracing the great lion - engulfing my body in his fluffy mane that has miraculously grown back. I reluctantly step away, my mouth opening and closing as I try and blurt out one of the million questions flying through my mind. However, before I can process a single one, Susan utters out her question - one of many no doubt.

"But we saw the knife. And the Witch?"

Aslan chuckles at this, shaking his head in an amused manner - his eyes dancing with happiness just as they did yesterday.

"If the Witch knew the true meaning of sacrifice, she might have interpreted the deep magic differently. When a wiling victim that had committed no treachery is killed in a traitors step, the Stone Table will crack - and even death itself will turn backwards."

My mind processes his words, finding them rather fair and matter-of-fact. Although, it would've been nice to know before witnessing his supposed death last night - I'm still going to have nightmares despite it being untrue. Suddenly, Susan lets out a gasp which causes me to jolt slightly.