This is the first fanfic I ever wrote as I went along. I've been known to put them out a chapter or two at a time, but this is really organic, fluid, changeable. To be blatantly honest, I'll finish it if people want to read it. Let me know you're here and what you think. Come on this adventure with me for an imaginative reboot of the Chronicles of Narnia!
THE MIRROR CRACK'D
CHAPTER THE FIRSTE
Out flew the web and floated wide
The mirror crack'd from side to side
"The curse is come upon me," cried
The Lady of Shalott
-- Alfred, Lord Tennyson
It was an Autumn day that came in the summer of King Peter's life; dry, crisp and clear with a foretaste of fiery leaves on the oak and ash. In short it was the perfect day for a quest, had there been a quest at all, which there had not.
Peter sighed, Lucy drummed her fingers and Susan silently counted the malachite green tiles in the floor and found yet again that there were exactly 68. What Edmund thought we'll never know because just as he was about to say something, in burst old Tumnus in a state of happy agitation. "Your Majesties! Wonderful news! The White Stag is once more upon us!"
"The White Stag?" Edmund asked. "Is he one of our loyal subjects?"
"Yes and no. But he's a very special sort of creature. He has powers and to those lucky enough to detain him, he will grant wishes in exchange for freedom."
"Are you saying we should hold him for ransom?" Lucy said, eyebrows raised. She certainly did not look kindly on the mistreatment of any beast, talking or no.
"Actually," Tumnus said with a coy smile, "the legends say he does not mind granting wishes to those who are worthy. He runs to test you."
Peter brought his fist down on the arm of his throne with resolve. "Then by Jupiter, we'll test it! Tell the groom to saddle our mounts!"
***
Phillip whinnied softly, more in shame than in pain. His long face was pillowed in Peter's lap as the High King stroked him gently. "There's my brave old soldier. Lucy should be back with the cordial presently and we'll mend that shattered leg."
"Brave old soldier," Phillip said with a snort. "Hah! That's a laugh. I saw a snake and upsie-daisy! I'm just glad I didn't break your neck."
"You were startled," Peter said softly. "I think I'm a brave warrior, worthy of his spurs. Still when someone touches me on the back and I'm not expecting it..."
"I've noticed," Phillip said, gently nickering. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For making an old dobbin feel needed."