This is my first attempt at a fan fic.


Prologue

She slowly opened the door; she could still hear the banquet going on in the hall. Odd time for a banquet, she thought. She looked up and down the corridor, then, making sure it was safe, she walked in, closing the door behind her. The room she entered looked like something out of a fairytale, the walls were panted with ocean scenes, and the ceiling looked like a clear blue sky. Her feet sank into a floor that felt like sand, this was truly a magical room. A few moments late her eyes focused on something in the center of the room, a cradle. She slowly walked toward it, carefully not to make any noise. Her hair fell out of it’s bun as she walked, she veil that had covered it fell to the floor. Her black hair, flecked with red, cascaded down her shoulders. She stopped at the edge or the cradle and cautiously peered in. Her eyes fell on the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. Her hair was the color of coal, her eyes the color of the clear eastern sea, and her skin, her skin was radiant as the sun. The woman gently picked her up, wrapping a blanket around her.
“Hush, hush,” she said as she baby started to whimper. The baby eyed her with thoughtful eyes. “You will be a wise girl, my daughter.” She looked around quickly, scanning the room for something, she saw what she wanted. Holding her daughter with one arm, she grabbed a basket off a table with the other. She walked over to the window and looked out. They were waiting. She looked down at her daughter, she knew she had to do this; she had to save her daughter. “I love you darling.” She gently placed her baby in the basket. Her eyes started misting over as she tied a rope around the handle of the basket. Then, as an after thought, she put her necklace, a gold chain with a locket, in the basket. She tenderly touched her daughter’s cheek. “Good bye Cara,” she whispered. Then, gently, she lowered the basket out the window. The basket suddenly got lighter. She looked out the window, they had the basket, she smiled sadly and dropped the rope. She stood for a moment, then turned and walked out of the room and headed back to the hall. The final banquet before our destruction, she thought as she walked. Her face smile was back in place as she walked back into the hall and took her seat. No one seemed to notice her absence. She picked up her fork and stabbed it into her meat, then picked up her knife. She stared at it for a moment, she was tempted to take it and run, or better yet, kill herself before they came. She shook her head, I can’t do that, they rest of my people are here, I will die with them. She looked up suddenly, she felt someone watching her. Her eyes searched to room till she found who. The King, her husband; he was staring at the knife she was still holding. She smiled and nodded slightly. A look of relief washed over his face, he knew is daughter was safe. The Queen looked down at her food; she gracefully started cutting her meat, trying not to think about what was coming.
Her fork was almost to hear mouth when the sounds of fighting reached her ears. She looked at her husband, they were nearing the end. She watched as he stood up, followed by his knights. They drew their swords in unison. So this is how it ends, she thought. She heard the doors of the hall start to splinter. The men started poring in, armed with swords. She knew they would all die. I love you my daughter, she thought, as a sword pierced her heart.

Chapter 1

Darkness. It was all around her. There was no way to escape it, it enveloped her. She turned, they were coming for her. She plunged into the darkness, not knowing where she was or where she was going, she just ran. They were getting closer, she could her them. Their boots clanging, their armor clinking as they ran. Her blood pounded in her ears, her breath can in gasps. They were almost to her; she could feel their breath on her neck. A strong arm grabbed her, holding her still. Her scream was muffled by a hand.
Cara jerked awake, her eyes snapped open. She sat up in her bed, covered in sweat and gasping. Her eyes focused on the other people in the room; her parents and two brothers.
“You’re awake!” Her mother exclaimed, her brown eyes filled with worry. “What happened? We heard you scream.”
“Nothing, I’m fine,” Cara said, she smiled slightly, “I must have had a bad dream.” Her brothers laughed, “you still have nightmares,” they teased. Cara stuck her tongue out at them. Her father nodded, “all right Cara. Get dressed and come to the kitchen, or you’ll miss breakfast.” Cara smiled, thankful that no one had asked about her dream. “Yes papa.”
Her father nodded and ushered her mother and brothers out of her room, then closed the door as he left. Cara slowly swung her legs over the side of her bead and stood up. Light from her window poured in her room, illuminating everything. She ran her fingers through her sweat soaked black hair. She shivered slightly and walked over to her dresser. A basin of water sat on the top; she dipped her hands into the cold shimmering water and splashed it onto her face. Cara looked at down at her hands as the water trickled off her face, her hands were shaking. She gripped her dresser to steady herself.
Cara looked up; she heard her parents and brothers talking in the other room. She shrugged off the feeling of dread the dream always left and quickly changed. She tossed her night clothes onto her bed and quickly brushed her hair. Her hair seemed to disappear on her black clothes. She looked through her room once, making sure everything was as it should be, then opened her door and walked to the other room.
“Ah, there you are,” her mama said. Cara smiled slightly as she looked at her mother. Her pale skin, brown hair and eyes were strikingly different from Cara’s black hair, blue eyes and almost glowing skin. Cara looked around at the rest of her family; they all looked like her mother. She didn’t look even slightly like any of them, she had always been told she looked like her mother’s sister; she wondered what she looked like.
“Cara,” a voice interrupted her thoughts, “are you alright?” She turned and looked at her brother, Jake.
“Yes, I’m fine,” She quickly sat down between him and James, her other brother. Jake looked at their parents, his chocolate eyes wide, then Cara. He cleared his throat and looked at James nervously.
“Cara,” James said as she looked at the table, “Jake and I are going to town after breakfast.” Cara stared at him, then her parents.
“I’m not allowed to go, am I?” Her parents looked at each other. Her father shook his head, “no Cara, you can’t go. Your mother needs your help here.” Cara looked down at the table, she slowly stood up.
“Where are you going?” Her mother asked.
“I’m not hungry,” Cara mumbled.
“Cara, don’t be mad,” Jake said, “it’s not that big of a deal.”
“ ‘Don’t be mad’, why would I be mad?!” She half screamed. “I never, never, get to go to town, why would I be mad?!” She glared at her parents, “I’m 17, a year older than them! And they get to go everywhere, why am I never allowed to leave? Mother doesn’t need that much help!” Her parents exchanged glances; they knew eventually Cara would not want to stay home any longer.
“Cara, darling, it’s not safe for a girl to go to town, it’s never been safe.” Cara looked down, her anger disappearing, “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her face turning red with embarrassment. Cara looked up; she heard something, “what’s that?” Her father walked over the window. “Horses,” he said quietly.
“Horses? Out here?” Jake wondered, “I wonder what they’re doing on here.” Cara’s father walked to the door, “we’ll know soon, they’re stopping.” He looked back at his wife and children, “stay inside.” Cara watched as her father opened the door and walked out. Jake walked over to the window, his brown wavy hair blowing in the wind. He looked out. “Ma! They’re knights from Narnia! See the crest on their shields?” His mother walked over to the window, to stand beside him. “Yes,” she said thoughtfully. She looked at her husband; he was talking to one of them. He looked back at the house and motioned for them to come out. “Come boys, Cara bring cakes for the knights, I’m sure they are famished.” Cara nodded and walked into the kitchen. She heard her mother and brothers go outside and the door close behind them. She grabbed three cakes, one for each knight, and went to the door. She could feel their eyes on her as soon as she opened the door. Cara walked out gracefully, like a dancer, keeping her eyes on the ground. She stopped beside her mother; they were still watching her.
“We have cakes for you sires,” her mama said. She gently nudged Cara forward; she slowly walked towards the knight closest to her.
“M’lord,” she said quietly, she offered him one of the cakes.
“Thank ya ma’am,” he said, taking the cake. Cara curtsied and walked over to the next knight, still looking at the ground. She stopped in front of the next knight.
“Well aren’t you a pretty little thing;” her reached down to take a cake, but brushed Cara’s cheek with his fingers instead. Cara dropped the cakes; she was jerked away from him by her arm. She stumbled into Jake’s arms. James stepped in front of them, “you keep your hands off my sister, you dog,” he spat. Jake pushed Cara behind him. “Get in the house;” he whispered. Cara nodded and slipped into the house. She grabbed her black boots and pulled them on, then glanced out the window; the knights drew their swords.
“You will pay for that, scum;” the one that had touched her said. Cara touched her cheek, no one had touched her like that before; she didn’t like it. She glanced out the window again; her father was pushing her mother towards the door. Cara looked at the door as it opened; her mother walked in.
“Cara, get your cloak,” she choked; on the verge of tears. Cara stared at her dumbly for a moment. “Now Cara!” Her mother grabbed a sack off the table; she started putting bread and dried meet in it. Cara reached for her green cloak. “Not that one; the black one.” Cara looked at her mother, confused.
“But mama, the black one is too heavy, it’s not cold.” Her mother sighed, exasperated. “Cara, for once just do what I tell you, please.” Cara nodded and ran back to her room. Her mother quickly opened a secret compartment in the floor, under a rug. She pulled out a carved wooden box, inlayed with gold. She glanced up quickly to make sure no one was watching; she shoved it into the sack and tied it shut. She stood up at Cara ran into the room, holding her cloak. They both jumped at the sound of swords clanging together.
“Come with me, quickly.” Cara’s mother grabbed her arm and half dragged her to the back of the house. She opened the door and looked out, “it’s safe.” She looked back at Cara, her eyes full of love, “go.” Cara stood, gapping at her mother, “mama! I can’t just leave.” Her mother looked towards the front of the house; something that sounded like a body hit the door. Her mother looked back at her, “Cara, you must go.” She handed her the sack, “take this; there’s enough food to last you till you get to a city, and some money.” She looked up at her daughter’s face, tears ran down her cheeks. She hugged Cara quickly, “don’t cry darling, I love you.” She stepped back, “don’t stop till you can no long run.” They heard the front door splinter; Cara knew that her father and brothers were dead. Her mother pushed her out the door and closed it. Cara stood numbly for a moment; a scream pierced the air, her mother. Cara clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming; she dashed into the woods.
Cara was about to collapse when she finally stopped; her legs had started to shake. She sank to the ground, physically and emotionally exhausted. She looked into a pool of water beside her; her face was tear streaked, her normally smooth hair was tangled and knotted. She splashed water on her face and lay down on the damp grass; she used her sack for a pillow and pulled her cloak around her. Her eyes closed, she drifted off into a dream free slumber.

Chapter 2

Cara slowly opened her eyes. She wasn’t on damp grass in the forest any more; she was on a couch, in a house. She looked around as she sat up. There was a book shelf into of her, absolutely full of books. To her right there was a table with a painting of a very odd looking man; to her left was a fire place. The flames seemed to dance before her eyes as the flames licked the logs with burning tongue. She ran her fingers through her hair as she looked around the rest of the room.
“You’re awake!” Cara jumped up and turned around. There was a man standing there; with out a shirt and he had the legs of a goat, not those of a man. She stared at him, her mouth hanging open. He smiled and stepped towards her; she stepped back. His expression changed from happiness to bewilderment.
“It’s quite alright, I won’t hurt you.” He walked over and sat in a chair across from the couch she had been on. He nodded to the couch, “sit.” Cara sat obediently; he pored something into one of the cups and handed it to her. She took it and at is as he sipped his.
“It’s tea,” he said finally. Cara looked at him, then back at the cup.
“I found you in the wood this morning; what were you doing out there all alone?” Cara didn’t answer; she just stared at her cup. She heard him sigh but didn’t look up. “Let’s start with something easier,” he said, “my name is Tumnus.” Cara slowly looked up at him, “my mama taught me to never talk to strangers.” Tumnus smiled, “your mother is a very wise person, but I can promise that I won’t hurt you.” Cara looked around the room, avoiding his gaze. “What…what are you?” She finally asked. Tumnus took another sip of tea before answering, “I am a faun.” He looked at her, “surely you’re heard of fauns.” Cara nodded, “yes, but only in legend, I didn’t know they were real.” Tumnus smiled as she stood up, “I am quite real.” Cara smiled slightly. “Where am I?” She asked quietly. Tumnus looked back at her from the book shelf, “you, my dear, are in Narnia.” Narnia, Cara thought, why does that sound so familiar? She watched as he walked past the door, his feet clicked on the stone, to a little side room. She saw him pick up an umbrella; he walked back to the door and opened it.
“Where, where are you going?” Cara asked a slight quiver in her voice.
“To get some berries for breakfast,” he said, picking up a basket.
“Cara,” she said suddenly. Tumnus looked back at her, confused. “My name,” she said quietly, “is Cara.”

Oh tess I am so happy you posted it here.... I got so far behind last time

Tumnus smiled, “well, Miss Cara, I will be back shortly with breakfast.” Cara smiled, “thank you, for bringing me here.” He nodded slightly and walked out, closing the door behind him. Cara yawned, she was still exhausted. She lay back down and closed her eyes.
A few hours later Cara woke to two people talking. She slowly opened her eyes and sat up; her eyes focused on two people. Tumnus and a girl that looked a few years younger than herself; Tumnus’ eyes shifted from the girl to Cara, he smiled brightly. “You’re awake, good.” He looked back at the girl, the girl looked at Cara. She was beautiful; she had long brown hair and bright blue eyes.
“Cara,” Tumnus said, “this is Lucy, Qu…” Lucy cut him off with a sharp glare. Cara stared at her, Lucy stared back. Lucy smiled, “it’s a pleasure to meet to you Cara.” Cara smiled back, not sure what to say. Lucy suddenly jumped up. “I have a wonderful idea,” she looked at Cara, “Tumnus was going to come visit me, why don’t you come too.” Tumnus nodded, “that is a wonderful idea,” he looked at Cara, waiting for her answer.
“Thank you for the invitation ma’am, but you don’t even know me.” Cara said as she finally sipped her cold tea. Lucy waved her hand slightly, “that doesn’t matter, I love meeting new people and you are a friend of Mr. Tumnus’, that’s good enough for me.” Cara looked at Tumnus, she could tell he wanted her to say yes. “Then I guess I’ll go.” Lucy grinned, “Wonderful, we’ll leave as soon as your ready.” Tumnus nodded, he picked something up off the floor, it was Cara’s cloak and sack. “I thought I’d lost them,” Cara said, taking them from him. “No, I brought them with you.” He looked at Lucy, “I think we’re ready.” Lucy smiled and opened the door and walked out. Cara followed her and Tumnus, she saw two horses. “Can you ride?” Lucy asked Cara. Cara nodded, “yes,” she walked over to the hours closest to her. “Well, then get on,” Lucy said as she got on her hours. Cara gracefully got up; she looked back at Tumnus, “aren’t you riding?” He laughed slightly, “I’ll walk.”
A few hours later a place came into view. Cara looked at Lucy, who had finally stopped asking questions. “That’s your house?” Lucy nodded, “yes, I’ll race you.” She galloped across the field; Cara galloped after her, having more fun than she had in years. She slowed when she saw Lucy slow; she followed her to what looked like a stable. “We made it,” Lucy said as she dismounted. “You’re a very good rider, Cara.” Cara smiled slightly, “thank you.” She dismounted, just as gracefully as she had mounted. “Come on,” Lucy said walked towards a door. “Shouldn’t we wait for Mr. Tumnus?” Cara asked. Lucy smiled, “he’s already in, and you look exhausted.” Cara smiled slightly, “I am still very tired.” Lucy grabbed her hand,” come on then.” She ran into the palace, pulling Cara with her. They stopped in front of a wood carved door, “this is your room.” She opened the door and walked in, Cara followed her. The room was bigger than her house. “Wow,” she said quietly. Lucy smiled, “You can rest for a while, I’ll come get you when its time for dinner.” Cara smiled, “thank you.” Lucy grinned, it seemed like she was always smiling. She walked out and closed the door behind her. Cara looked around the room quickly, she was to tired to care about how fancy it was, she walked over to the bed and flopped down on it, she was asleep instantly.
Cara slowly opened her eyes; someone was knocking on a door. She opened her eyes and sat up, it was her door. “Come in,” she said quietly. She looked around as the door opened; she saw her sack and cloak on the floor. She smiled and looked up. It was Lucy.
“Did I wake you?” She asked as she walked in. Cara shook her head. Lucy smiled, “good. Someone is coming that I want you to meet.”
“Ok,” Cara said slowly, she ran her fingers through her hair. Lucy laughed slightly, “you look fine Cara.” Cara smiled, slightly embarrassed, she looked up as she shadow fell on the door, Tumnus walked in. He smiled brightly and stepped into the room. Cara heard footsteps outside the door. A man stopped at the door and looked in, he was very handsome, with blond hair and blue eyes. He was tall and well muscled, but Cara noticed something else. Her face turned white, there was a crest on his shirt, the dame crest that had been on the shields of the people who had killed her family. Cara screamed and jumped out of the bed. She ran and hid behind it. Lucy looked startled, “maybe you should come back later.” Cara heard someone move, “yeah.” Some one said, she assumed it was the man. She heard the door close. Cara slowly stood up and climbed back on the bed, Lucy and Tumnus stared at her.
The man walked into the hall and stood still, confused. A younger man with dark hair and eyes walked toward him. “What was that noise? I heard someone scream.” He looked back at the door, “it was the girl Lucy brought back, she screamed when she saw me.” The younger man laughed, “I would to, have you looked in a mirror lately.” He glared at the other man and walked past him. “Hey Peter! I was joking!” He called after him. Peter stopped and looked back, “well it wasn’t funny Ed.” He sighed and kept walking, Ed stared after him. What’s his problem? He shrugged and walked to the room Cara was in. He knocked on the closed door and slowly opened it. He stared at a girl sitting on a bed talking to Lucy. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. She looked at him; he felt his knees go weak. “H…hi,” he stuttered. He saw Lucy grin. “Cara, this is Edmond, Ed for short. Ed this is Cara.” Cara smiled slightly, “hello.” Ed leaned heavily on the door, she had the most beautiful smile.
“Ed is my brother,” Lucy told Cara; she looked at Ed and gave him a look that said ‘stop staring’. Ed coughed, “I’m going to go see if dinner’s ready.” He turned and walked into the hall, quickly closing the door.
Cara jumped up as soon as she door closed. “I have to leave,” she said to Lucy and Tumnus.
“Cara, calm down,” Lucy said. “What’s wrong? Why did you scream when you saw Peter?” Cara stared at her, “you know him?” She asked quietly. Lucy laughed slightly, “of course I know him, he’s my brother.” Cara collapsed onto the bed. “Your brother?” She whispered. Lucy nodded, “yes. Cara, what’s wrong? You look sick.” Cara looked up at her, “I’m not feeling very good; I think I’ll just rest.” Lucy looked at Tumnus, “alright, I’ll bring you some dinner.” She glanced at Tumnus and they left the room, leave Cara alone.
Cara lay on her bed for a while, she stared at the wall. She finally got up and walked over to the balcony. She looked out, it was beautiful here. Cara jumped slightly and turned around; someone was knocking on her door. She slowly walked over and opened the door. A girl about her age was standing there. She was gorgeous; she looked like an older Lucy. “Hi, I’m Susan,” she said finally, “I’m Lucy’s sister.” Cara smiled, “I’m Cara.” Cara opened the door the rest of the way. Susan handed her a tray with food on it, “enjoy your dinner,” she said coldly. She turned and left Cara standing there, staring after her. She walked back into her room and closed her door. Cara set the food on the table and laid back down, she didn’t feel like eating now. She pulled the blankets on the bed over her and cried herself to sleep.
Cara woke up and looked around, it was dark outside. She got up and walked over to the sack her mother had given her and opened it. She pulled out a piece of bread and ate it, she reached in for another piece, her hand hit something hard. Cara slowly pulled it out of the bag. It was a carved wooden box, with gold on it. She slowly opened the lid, there was a note. She picked it up and opened it. This was your mothers; was all it said. Cara gently picked a necklace out of the box; it was gold with a crystal sun on the front of a gold pendant. She looked at it for a moment then put it around her neck. It felt cool against her skin, it felt like it belonged there.

more please

Cara looked up, she heard someone walking outside her door. She slowly stood up and walked over to her door. She pressed her ear to the door and listened, the person was walking down the hall. She slowly opened the door and walked out; she saw someone walk around the corner. Cara walked out and silently closed the door behind her; she walked down the hall after the person. She stopped at the corner and looked around. She saw Lucy and Ed standing on a balcony. Cara slowly got closer; she hid behind a large pillar in the shadows. They’re voices drifted back to her.
“Ed, I’m worried about him,” Lucy said quietly, “he’s always working, he never sleeps and he hardly eats, its not good for him.” Ed sighed audibly, “I know Lu, but you know Peter, he wants to be the best he can be.” Lucy walked over to the railing and looked around, “I just wish he wouldn’t work so much, he never has any fun,” she looked back at Ed, “we hardly ever see him.” Edmond walked over to her, “Maybe we could help him with his work, he doesn’t need to do all of it on his own.” Lucy shook her head, “Susan offered today, but it ended in an argument,” she looked up at Ed, “I have an idea.” Ed looked at her slightly excited, “well what is it?” He asked when she didn’t say. “Why don’t we go on a pick nick tomorrow, Peter will have to come, and we will get to have some fun.” Ed smiled, “I guess you do have something in your head.” Lucy glared at him and turned around. “We should go back to bed; we’ll have to get up early tomorrow to have everything planed before Peter can object.” Ed nodded, “uh, Lu, can we invite Cara to come with us?” Lucy looked back at Ed, her eyes wide, “you like her? Ed!” Lucy laughed, “you don’t know her.” Ed blushed slightly, “I just thought that since she’s a guest here we should invite her.” Lucy smiled knowingly, “alright, I’ll ask, but I don’t think she’ll come, not after the way she reacted when she saw Peter.” Ed grinned, “maybe seeing the high king of Narnia was to much for her.”
Cara’s eyes widened, king? She wondered, they are the rulers of Narnia. She looked up and saw Lucy and Ed start to walk towards her; she quickly and silently dashed down the hall and back to her room. She closed the door silently after her and leaned against it.
Cara looked up she could hear people walking in the hall; she jumped in her bed and closed her eyes. She heard them walk past and two doors close. She breathed a sigh of relief slowly drifted into sleep.
The next morning Cara woke to sun shinning through the window onto her face. She yawned and sat up, she could her voices outside her room. Someone knocked on her door. Cara got up and walked over and opened it, it was Lucy and Ed. Queen Lucy and King Ed, she corrected herself.
Lucy smiled, “good morning Cara,” she glanced at Ed, he was smiling and staring at Cara. “We are going on a pick nick and were wondering if you’d like to come?”Cara glanced at Ed then looked at Lucy, “I’d love to.” Lucy grinned, “wonderful,” she looked behind her and was handed something, it was a box. She looked back at Cara, “this is for you, I hope its fits.” She hands the box to Cara; she took it and look at it. “Its one of my sister’s old dresses, she doesn’t wear it anymore, and you needed something to wear.” Cara looked up at her and smiled, “thank you.” Lucy grinned again, “your welcome, we’ll be back in a little while to get you for the pick nick.” She grabbed Ed’s arm, “come on Ed.” Cara closed the door as Lucy dragged Ed away.
Cara smiled and set the box on the bed, she slowly opened it. There was a beautiful dark red velvet dress in it. She slowly lifted it out of the box. It was long, the long sleeves were made of with white silk, the round neckline was surrounded with lace. “Its beautiful,” Cara whispered. She quickly changed into it and looked into the mirror, she looked like a princess. She looked at the door suddenly, someone was knocking. She walked over and opened it, it was Lucy.
“Cara!” Lucy exclaimed, “you look amazing, it fits you perfectly.” Cara smiled, “yes, thank you for it.” Lucy grinned, “come on, we don’t want to be late.” Cara closed the door and followed Lucy down the hall, she heard something and glanced behind her, Peter was standing at a door, staring at her. Cara turned and almost ran to catch up with Lucy.
“Ed,” Lucy called. Cara saw Ed a little ways ahead of them. He turned around and stared at Cara. “H..hi,” he stuttered. Cara smiled slightly, “hi.”
Lucy looked from Ed to Cara and smiled slightly. “Ed why don’t you and Cara go ahead and I’ll wait for Su and Peter.” Ed looked at Lucy, “ok, if you’re sure.” Lucy nodded, “yep.” Ed grinned, “ok, come on Cara, lets go.” Cara looked questionly at Lucy then followed Ed outside.
Ed looked at Cara and smiled, “do you want to ride Philip?” Cara looked at him confused, “Philip?” Ed grinned, “my horse,” he walked into the stable and a beautiful brown horse followed him out. “This is Philip,” he said to Cara. “Hello Cara.” Cara jumped, “it...it talks.”
Ed laughed at her puzzled expression. “Of course I talk dear girl,” Philip said. Cara stepped closer to Ed, keeping him between her and Philip. “I think I’ll walk,” she said quietly. Ed looked at her, “its ok Cara, he won’t hurt you.” Cara looked up at him, “I’d rather walk.”
Ed shrugged, “alright, we can walk.” They started walking across the thick green grass. Ed glanced at Cara, “so where are you from?” Cara kept looking straight ahead, “Calorman.” Ed’s eyes widened, “really? I’ve been to Calorman, it’s a nice place.” Cara shrugged, “I guess.” She could see Lucy up ahead, with Susan, and Peter. They were to them in a few minutes. “Hello Cara,” Susan said, “you look very nice today.” Cara smiled slightly, she’s trying to make up for what happened last night, she thought. “Thank you, you’re majesty.” Everyone stared at her; Lucy started to giggle, “we were wondering when you would figure out who we are.” Susan smiled slightly, “we should eat.” Cara sat down beside Lucy on the blanket, she was as far away from Peter as she could get. Peter glanced at her, he needed to talk to her. “That was delicious,” Ed said after he had finished eating, “how about a game of croquet?”
Lucy grinned, “that is a wonderful idea Ed.” She stood up, “come on Su. Peter are you coming?” Peter looked up at Lucy, “no Lu, I’ll watch.” Lucy stared at him for a moment, she saw something in his eyes, something she hadn’t seen in a long time. A sparkle, Lucy smiled. “Alright,” she grabbed Ed’s hand and pulled him a few feet away. “Hey Lu! I can know how to walk!” Lucy rolled her eyes, “come on Susan.” Susan sighed and walked over. Lucy grinned at looked at Susan and Edmund. “Now there is only one rule I must remind you of, I win.” Ed playfully pushed her, “not before I win.” Lucy grinned and glanced over to Peter and Cara. Oh dear, Ed is not going to be happy. “Well, come on, let’s play,” Susan said.
Peter tried to watch the game, but he couldn’t help but notice that Cara seemed absolutely terrified of him. He glanced at her quickly. There was something about her, he didn’t know what, that had captured him and wouldn’t let go. She wasn’t a simpleton, he knew that much. He looked back at the game for a second, Lucy was winning, but not by much. He glanced back at Cara, he could hardly take his eyes off her. Something hit his cheek, he looked up. The sky had darkened, it had started to rain. “Everyone in side, it’s going to poor any minute,” he shouted as he grabbed the blanket and secured it to his saddle. Peter glanced up from his horse, Cara was with Susan on her horse. He got on his horse quickly, it was raining harder now.
“Well that was fun,” Lucy said as she walked in dripping wet. “I would have won to if it hadn’t started to rain.” Ed closed the door behind Peter, “no you wouldn’t have, we both know I would have won.” Lucy glared at him, “you can believe that if you want, but I would have won.” Ed laughed, “no you wouldn’t…” Peter slammed his sword onto the table, “that’s enough!”

He took a deep breath, “now I think we better all go to bed, we have to be up before sun rise tomorrow, and no arguing.” Susan nodded, “you’re right, off to bed everyone.” Cara followed Lucy out of the room, Ed trailed after them.
“Peter,” Susan said after she heard three doors open and close “are you alright?”Peter slowly looked at her. “I don’t know Su. I can’t keep doing this. I get almost no sleep, I can’t talk to anyone without getting mad, and I can’t even have fun anymore.” He sighed, “I don’t know what to do.” Susan gently touched his arm, “everything will be alright, you need to relax.” Peter nodded, “I think your right. Good night Su.” He hugged her quickly and walked to his room.


Cara looked around quickly; she heard footsteps. Peter came around the corner, holding a sword. There was an evil glint in his eyes. He raised his sword and pointed it at her. Cara ran; she could hear him right behind her. She came to a dead end; Cara turned around, Peter was standing in the door way. He came closer. Cara stepped back, her back touched the wall. Peter stepped in front of her, he drew his sword back. Cara screamed as he thrust it into her.
Cara jerked awake, she sat up. Someone was calling her name, her door was flung open. Peter stood there. Cara jumped out of her bed, clad only in her silky pale blue nightgown that had been a gift from Queen Lucy.
“Cara, it’s alright,” Peter said, stepping towards her, away from the door. Cara ran around the end of her bed and out the door. She could hear Peter behind her. “Cara stop!” She kept going, he wants to kill me! Peter ran after her down the hall, he saw a door open but didn’t stop to see who it was. Cara ran into the garden. “Stay away from me,” she screamed. Peter stopped at the entrance, “Cara, I’m not going to hurt you.” He stepped closer. “Stop!” Cara picked up a pot to hit him with if he got to close. “You want to kill me! Don’t pretend you don’t!” Peter stopped and stared at her. “What are you talking about? Cara I’d never hurt you.” Cara stepped back, “just like your knights would never hurt my family? They killed them! You’re knights killed my family and you expect me to trust you? I should kill you!” Peter stood still, he didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry Cara, but I didn’t have anything to do with that. Narnia doesn’t have any knights.” He took another step towards her. She raised the pot to hit him if he got to close. “I won’t hurt you Cara,” he stepped closer, he was right in front of her now. “I promise.” Cara looked at him for a moment; she knew he was telling the truth, she dropped the pot. “I..I’m sorry, I…I,” She started crying. Peter pulled her into his arms; he could feel her body shake with sobs. Peter held her till she stopped crying, he gently picked her up. He looked down at her, she was asleep. Peter walked out of the garden and carried her across the hall to his room. He quietly closed the door after him and walked over to his bed, he gently placed her on it. Peter sat down and watched her sleep, what have you been through? He wondered.
Peter looked up; someone was knocking on his door. He put a blanket over Cara and walked to the door; he quietly opened it. “Lucy,” he whispered, “what are you doing up?” Lucy looked up at him, “I heard someone walking in the halls.” Peter smiled slightly, “I couldn’t sleep.” Lucy smiled slightly, she knew he was lying but didn’t say anything, “ok, good night Peter.” She turned and walked back to her room, Peter closed the door after her. He walked back over to his chair and sat down. Cara was still sleeping. Peter watched her, he wished he knew who she was. His room suddenly got extremely bright, Peter quickly looked away. The light was gone. Peter slowly looked back. His heart stopped. “Aslan.”
Peter slowly stood up. Aslan stood on the balcony, looking at him with big golden eyes. Peter stood as Aslan walked closer. “Hello Peter,” Aslan looked at Cara. “Lucy has been worried about you, she was right to be worried.” Peter stared at him for a moment, “Lucy? Worried? I don’t understand.” Peter sat down. “Aslan, what’s going on? Who is Cara?” Aslan stopped beside Cara, she was still sleeping. He gently breathed on her. “You will know all when the time is right Peter. But know this; Cara’s future will affect all of Narnia. Protect her with your life.” Peter blinked, Aslan was gone.
Peter looked at Cara as she slept. Now what am I going to do? He wondered. Peter stood up and walked over to the balcony, he looked out over the clear blue water. What did you mean Aslan? Who is she? Peter sighed, he needed to clear his head. He looked back, Cara was still sleeping. He grabbed his coat and silently walked out into the hall. He took the back stairs down to the beach and walked out. He took a deep breath of the clear air and started walking. How could one person affect all of Narnia? She would have to be queen. Peter stopped walking. That’s it, her parents, maybe they ruled…something? Peter sighed, this isn’t helping. He turned and started walking back. I could check the records to see if any rulers had a daughter that would be about her age. He walked back in to Cair Paravel using the back stairs.
Peter silently went down to the treasury where the records were kept. He stopped and stared at them. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea, he thought, seeing the thousands of books. Peter walked over the shelf and scanned the books, searching for the right one. He reached out and grabbed a large book bound with black leather off the shelf. He walked over to his desk and sat down.
Peter flipped through the book then slammed it shut. Nothing, he thought frustrated. He stood up suddenly, knocking the chair over. It landed on the stone floor with a loud crash.
Cara’s eyes snapped open. She looked around the room, she wasn’t in her room. Her eyes came to rest on a sword with a lion on the hilt. She gasped. She was in High King Peter’s room, in his bed. Everything that had happened a few hours before came flooding back. She sat up quickly, scrambling out of the bed. Her foot got tangled in the sheets, she fell face head first onto the thick rug. She pulled her foot free and ran to the door. Cara jerked the door open and stepped into the hall as she silently closed the door behind her. She took a deep breath and ran down the hall toward her room. She heard something behind her; Cara glanced over her shoulder. She suddenly ran into something hard, and warm. She turned and found herself face to face with King Edmund. They stared at each other for a moment. Cara could feel him get closer, his hand brushed hers.
“Ed,” someone called from behind them. Cara stepped back quickly. Lucy was walking towards them. Relief washed over Cara. “Did you hear that noise,” Lucy asked when she reached them. Ed nodded slowly, “yeah, it sounded like it came from down stairs.” Lucy nodded, she glanced at Cara. “Oh dear, you must be freezing.” Cara looked down; she had forgotten to put a robe on over her nightgown. “Su,” Lucy called to Susan who was just walking out of her room. “Bring a robe for Cara with you.” Susan nodded and ducked back into her room. She re-emerged a moment later carrying a black robe. Susan handed the robe to Cara once she reached them; “here, this should keep you warmer.” She said with a smile. Cara put the robe on and pulled the belt tight; she smiled shyly, “thanks…your majesty.” For the first time she noticed what the others were wearing. Lucy and Susan were both wearing nightgowns and robe, but Edmund was wearing black pants and a loose black shirt, it looked as if he had planned to go somewhere after they were all asleep. Lucy and Susan both seemed to notice the same thing Cara had, they looked at each other then Ed.