THE CHAMPION OF NARNIA ▶ CASPIAN

Prologue

Prologue: Tales Untold

Night had fallen over Narnia, with the stars lighting up the dark sky. These days, the lands have been quiet... although too quiet, some would say. The trees didn't dance like they used to, and the Dryads didn't sing their songs. This was the way of the new Narnia, ever since the Telmarines have invaded. The Narnians themselves have been casted into the shadows of their own home, having believed to be nothing more than mere fairytales. Myths.

Far in the Telmarine castle, the young Prince Caspian stood in the highest tower alongside his tutor, Doctor Cornelius. This had been somewhat or a routine for the student and teacher. To meet there, where no one else could overhear their conversation. For if the Prince's uncle, the Telmarine Lord Miraz, found out that the Doctor was telling Caspian tales about Narnia Old, he would surely have him leave as quick as the Prince's former Nurse.

"Before the Telmarines came to Narnia, these lands were filled with amazing creatures as far as the eye could see." Said Cornelius, looking at the young Prince beside him. The two stood with their forearms leaning against the railing, with Caspian looking up at the stars, while the Doctor had his eyes on the woods infront of him almost longingly.

"Dryads and Centaurs, Professor?" Said Caspian, looking from the sky to Cornelius. It's a story he's heard countless times, and yet he's never gotten tired of it, not even until now.

Cornelius nodded. "And Dwarves, Talking Animals, and so much more." He said. "During those times, there were no Telmarine Lords that ruled over the lands." From the satchel that hung around his robes, the Doctor pulled out a book which he had brought from his study. It was a rather old looking book, with brown leather binding and gold engravings. "There were two kings, and two queens. High King Peter, the Magnificent, King Edmund, the Just, High Queen Susan, the Gentle, and, of course, Queen Lucy, the Valiant."

"The Kings and Queen's of Narnia Old." Caspian said.

Again, the Doctor nodded. With that, he opened the book in his hands. It showed a tapestry of the four Kings and Queens themselves. The Pevensies during their reign on the thrones of Cair Paravel.

"You've heard this story so many times, my young Prince." The good Doctor said, slowly flipping through the pages.

"How they came from another world from our own." Said Caspian with a nod. "How they vanquished the White Witch and thawed the winters that seemed eternal along with Aslan. How they brought the Golden Age to Narnia. Yes, I've heard it countless times, Professor, and yet I never seen to get tired of these timeless tales."

At that, Doctor Cornelius smiled at the young Prince fondly. "That's good, your Majesty, although today we will not be retelling that tale, or stargazing. For today, we have a new story. One that Telmarines have often long forgotten."

Caspian frowned slightly at that. For a long time. He thought all was told to him about everything that happened during the times of Old Narnia. It was news to him that there was one tale that had nod been told to him yet.

"And what is that, Professor?"

Cornelius flipped the pages onto one that showed a tapestry similar to those of the High Kings and Queens. It showed one of a young woman, about the same age as the Queen Susan was on the former page. This woman sat on the saddle placed on the back of a stallion with a pure black mane, riding in the woods. The young woman had hair as red as the flesh of an Apple, and eyes as blue as the northern seas. She wore a hooded cloak over the simple blue dress, plainer than the ones worn by royalty. In another tapestry showed the same woman, only this time, she held a short sword similar to a rapier, dueling with a young man who looked a year or two older. The High King Peter. The two's swords were met as they posed mid-duel in what looked like a courtyard.

It was the first time Caspian had ever seen this young woman, and his eyes were glued on the tapestries, with his brow creasing slightly. His eyes lingered for a moment before turning up towards the Professor, who watched the Prince's reactions closely.

"Who is she, Professor?" The young boy asked curiously.

The elderly man's lips twisted upwards into a small smile, the lines on the sides of his eyes becoming more visible as he did. "That, my dear young Prince," Said the Professor. "Is the Champion of Narnia."