Chapter 9

Hadrian,Susan, Lucy, Peter and the Beavers walking across a huge frozen lake.Hadrian could tell they were tired,but they had to move.

Mr. Beaver, who running in front spoke up"Come on, humans! While we're still young."

Peter bends down to give Lucy a piggy back ride,while saying"If he tells us to hurry one more time, I'm gonna turn him into a big, fluffy hat."

Susan and Lucy laughed at the joke, while Mr. Beaver once again ordered"Hurry up! Come on!"

Lucy frowned and muttered"He is getting a little bossy!"

Hadrian spoke up for Mt.Beaver"You have why he is concerned,this is white witches territory the more we stay here.The more trouble we get into."

Susan saw the logic in it,while Lucy and Peter relactuantly agreed with it.

That's when all of them heard sleigh coming there way,Mrs. Beaver yelled"No! Behind you! It's her!"

Mr. Beaver: Run! Run!

Hadrian shouted"Run!....I will slow her down.'

But Hadrian had gut feeling this was not the white witch,but he didn't want to take a risk.

The children and beavers flee across the lake and into the woods as the sleigh gains behind them.They run into the forest on the other end of the lake.

They saw a cave as Mr.Beaver yelled"Dive!..Inside Dive! Dive!"

Mrs. Beaver added"Quick! Quick, quick, quick!"

They dive down into a little cave and go very still, watching the shadow on the mound of snow in front of them. Snow drops down as someone moves about over them and walks away.

Lucy with slight hope whispered"Maybe she's gone."

Peter replied in low tone"I suppose I'll go look."

Mr. Beaver stopped him and said"No!You're worth nothing to Narnia dead!"

Mrs. Beaver was not play with this spoke up"Well, neither are you, Beaver."

Mr. Beaver takes her paws in his and replied"Thanks sweetheart!"He then scrambles up top. The others wait nervously,

Susan was worried about her new friends asked"Where is Hadrian..."

Peter shushed her, while Mr Beavers suddenly pops his head down causing Lucy to shriek.

Mr. Beaver: Come out! Come out! I hope you've all been good 'cause there's someone here to see ya!

The others look at each other curiously before emerging and seeing Father Christmas and Hadrian next to him.

The Pevensie sibilings were happ to see Hadrian back,Father Christmas was huge man who wore a red robe with a hood and fur lining.He had a long white beard that fell all over his chest, a round stomach, and had a cheery presence.He laughs happily! Lucy walks towards him and said with exitement"Merry Christmas, sir."

Father Christmas smiled and replied"It certainly is, Lucy, since you have arrived."

Susan was shocked, but slowly accepted this was after all a magical world and said"Well this was to be expected."

Peter apologized"We thought you were the Witch."

Father Christmas with apologetic tone replied"Yes, yes, I'm sorry about that, but in my defense, I have been driving one of these longer than the Witch."

Father Christmas looked at Hadrian with smile and said"It is good to see you again,my prince."

Hadrian nodded and replied"Yes,it is good have you back again."

Susan now curious questioned"I thought there was no Christmas in Narnia."

Father Christmas answered"No. Not for a long time.But the hope that you have brought, Your Majesties, is finally starting to weaken the Witch's power. Still, I dare say you could do with these."

He reaches into his sleigh and pulls out a huge brown sack, Lucy was happy yelled"Presents!"

She runs up to him, while Father Christmas takes out abottle was somewhat larger and elaborately decorated with engraving. The pouch was made of red leather and attached to the same belt that held Lucy's dagger.

Father Christmas explained"This cordial is made of the juice of the fire-flowers that grow in the mountains of the sun.One drop will cure any injury.And though I hope you never have to use it..." and then presents her with a little dagger.

Lucy smiled and said"Thank you, sir, but I think I could be brave enough."

Father Christmas smiles at her and replied"I'm sure you could.But battles are ugly affairs."

Susan steps forwards and he hands her a bow and a quiver of arrows,Susans bow is a short, recurve- style bow made from wood. The hand grip is red leather decorated with gold, and the tips of the bow seem to be made of ivory. The arrows appear to be made of the same wood as the bow and are fletched with red feathers. The leaf-shaped arrowheads seem to be made of gold, and feature what looks like an animal head at the base.

The quiver, like in the books, is made of ivory, and has a pattern of vines and daffodils worked around the mouth (where the arrows protrude). Susan's initials - "SP" - are worked near the mouth in silver.

As Father Christmas spoke up"Trust in this bow and it will not easily miss."

Susan questioned"What happened to "battles are ugly affairs"?"

Hadrain chuckled hearing this, while Father Christmas smiled and said"Though you don't seem to have a problem making yourself heard."he then presents her with an ivory horn and added"Blow on this horn and wherever you are, help will come."

Susan nodded and replied"Thanks."she steps back and Peter steps forwards. Father Christmas gives him a bright silver shield and a sword in its scabbard.

It was an arming sword its pommel is shaped like a golden lion's head, and the red hand grip is bisected by a gold ring.

Peter draws the sword out, it was a silver-coloured blade with gold words engraved on both sides. One side reads: -"When Aslan bares his teeth, winter meets its death."

The other side states: -

"When He Shakes His Mane, We Shall Have Spring Again."

Then a shields are made of shining silver metal with a red lion in the middle.

Father Christmas seriously said"Peter. The time to use these may be near at hand."

Peter nodded knowing to save his brother,he needed to fight and replied"Thank you, sir."

Father Christmas looking at all the siblings said"These are tools, not toys. Bear them well and wisely. Now, I must be off. Winter is almost over, and things do pile up when you've been gone a hundred years. Long live Aslan!"

He then climbs into his sleigh and shouted"And Merry Christmas!"

Lucy smiled and wished"Merry Christmas!"

Susan followed"Merry Christmas, sir!"

Peter added"Bye, sir! See you next year!"

Lucy waved Goodbye then turned to her sister with smirk and said"Told you he was real."

Then it clicked for Peter, who spoke up with worried tone"He said winter was almost over. You know what that means. No more ice."

Hadrian waved there worries off saying"Don't worry, I can get you safe."