Chapter 8: The Negotiation

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"Welcome back, Queen Lucy the Valiant." The voice boomed.

Leah and Lucy both turned around. Walking toward the middle of the circle was none other than Aslan. Everyone bowed once again as Aslan made his way toward Lucy.

"Welcome home, my child. It must have been quite a battle between you and the wicked witch, is it not?" Aslan asked Lucy with a caring voice.

"Y..... Yes. May I ask who you may be?" Lucy asked timidly.

"I, am Aslan. The great lion, son of the emperor of the seas." He replied.

Lucy's voice hitched in her throat."A..... Aslan?" She stated at him in disbelief.

"It is I." His calm voice echoed throughout the camp.

"I'm so sorry for my past mistakes and to even caused problems for you." Lucy looked at the ground in shame. "If it wasn't for my need of adventure, my siblings and my friend will not be dragged into the battle with me...... "

"It is alright. It is destined to happen." Aslan sighed. Leah noticed the sad look on his face once again.

"Do not be afraid my daughter. Your deeds have been forgiven." Aslan continued."Stand, and shame no more."

Lucy stood up and looked into Aslan's golden eyes for the first time. She was filled with courage and strength once again.

"I understood, Aslan."

"Take queen Lucy to her tent and tend to her." Aslan ordered one of the female Narnians. She nodded and escorted Lucy to her own tent to get changed and to freshen up. Meanwhile, the crowd had been let loose.

The children were about to go on their own way when Aslan stopped them in their tracks.

"Halt." He said. "For our battle isn't over yet. This is only the beginning of everything. Come, I shall train you for battle. For the coming darkness will overcome you." He turned away, motioning the children to follow him. The children did as they were told, but Leah pondered everything in her heart.

Aslan led them to a clearing and directed each one of them. To Susan he taught her archery. To Edmond and Peter he taught them the art of sword. To Leah he taught her the art of sorcery.

"The art of sorcery can be dangerous." He explained. "If you used it well, it'll bless you. But if you misuse it, it'll destroy you in the end."

Leah nodded her head in understanding. She knew what he was talking about.

The children practiced each of their skills. It was tiring, but it was fun. Leah was able to master her ability within a matter of minutes due to her gift of a bright mind. Peter and Edmond could be seen in the distance sparring as Susan focused on the target in front of her. She had been hard at practice with her archery skills.

Aslan nodded his head in approval as Leah had seen yet another sad expression slide across Aslan's face. But she reminded herself that time will reveal everything. She shouldn't worry.

It was noon time as the children took their break. Lucy had joined them shortly afterwards. Suddenly, an uproar in the camp could be heard. The children rushed to the direction of the camp as they halted to a stop. Lucy shrank back with fear.

A beautiful lady had made her way toward Aslan's tent. She wore a crown made out of ice as her long, white robe trailed behind her. This person was none other than the White Witch.

Peter and Edmond's swords were drawn. Leah stood in front of Lucy perfectively as she activated her magic wand.

The White Witch paid no attention however. She demanded loudly as the hostile Narnians stood on guard.

"Where is your leader? I wish to speak to him!"

Aslan slowly walked out of the tent.

"Put your swords back to their sheaths soldiers. She meant no harm this time. Let her through."

The Narnians made a path for her to come by. But the Narnians growled in anger as she strolled by each of them. Lucy shrank back more as the White Witch gave Lucy one long and hard look.

Leah gave the White Witch a hard and harsh stare. She challenged the White Witch. The White Witch scoffed and continued her way into Aslan's tent.

"I don't like the look of her." Leah whispered to her friends around her. "She reeks of death."

Everyone nodded their agreement. Lucy shivered with fear. Leah walked over to Lucy and put an arm around her.

"Don't worry Lu, we'll protect you. She won't touch you!" Leah exclaimed.

Lucy smiled in gratitude as her brothers and sister looked at her with love and encouragement. She took a deep breath as she calmed down.

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The witch and the great lion had been in the tent for quite sometime now. It made Leah worry for Aslan's safety. Everyone seemed anxious as well. One centaur stomped his hoof impatiently as a dwarf paced back and forth.

At last,the witch came out. Aslan walked her over to the opening of the tent. Seeing Aslan safe and sound reassured a lot of Narnians as well as the children.

Just as the White Witch was about to walk over to her carriage when she turned around and questioned Aslan.

"How will I know that you'll do as you promised?"

Aslan gave her a roar in reply as she jumped on her carriage and hurried it away.

The Narnians cheered at her embarrassing retreat. But little did they know what kind of a darkness awaited for them.

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