Prologue

The great, green woods echoed with the melody of hooves as a horse galloped across the land. The woods were quieter than normal. The animals were retreating. They were not afraid of the horse, nor of its rider. But the animals were cautious. The world they lived in was different. Their world was changing. And not for the better.

The rider cared about the land more dearly than anyone. Her care was second only to the land's true king. In common terms, she was his lieutenant, his second-in-command. And as she galloped through the trees, she felt the presence of the animals and relished in it. While she could not see them, she knew they were there. She knew they loved her. Just as she loved them.

With gentle words, the rider urged her steed to go faster. She spoke in a mystical, soothing tongue and the horse obeyed without complaint. The rider was in a hurry. She was being summoned by the world's true king. His summons felt different this time around. The sensation itself felt the same: a gentle, warm breeze only she could feel wafting over her and the echo of a lion's roar in her mind. But this time, there was an inexplicable sense of urgency accompanying the summons. So without hesitation, she had set out for the Western Woods.

The rider had nothing but faith in her leader. She knew he wouldn't lead her astray. She followed her instincts and his gentle summons. They never let her get lost. They always led her right to him.

Sure as can be, the rider began to slow her steed. He was close. Slowing to a canter, then a trot, and then a walk, the rider saw a flash of gold up ahead. Walking a bit further, she saw her leader clearly. The Great Lion Aslan sat beneath a large tree, his golden fur practically glowing despite the shade of the branches. The rider dismounted, whispering gently to the horse in the same strange tongue. Then, she approached the Great Lion.

With a flick of her wrist, the rider's hood fell away. Aslan smiled upon seeing the rider's face. She was a teenager, with tanned skin from spending her days in the sun, a head of untamed, dark brown curls, and strange, dark jade colored eyes. She briskly walked to Aslan, a smile on her face. She was always very happy to see him. But as she stood before him, she knew something was wrong. Aslan's beautiful eyes shone with melancholy.

"Any word?" Aslan asked her. There was never any need for greeting between them. But at his question, the girl, Jules' expression grew grim.

"None."

The ancient prophecy that spoke of the four kings and queens was the only weapon the Narnians had against Jadis, the White Witch. The evil woman was gaining support and power by the day. If the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve weren't found soon, then Jadis would overpower Aslan himself. Jules couldn't, wouldn't let that happen. So every day for years now, Jules had been searching far and wide for the humans of the prophecy. With no luck.

"We won't give up," Jules declared firmly, weaving a hand into Aslan's golden mane when he allowed her to do so. "No one is giving up. We'll find them, and they'll help save us. They'll help us defeat the Witch once and for all." Aslan smiled at Jules and her never-ending strength, but his eyes somehow seemed to grow even sadder. The look made Jules' heart ache.

"Jules." That made her pause. Aslan rarely addressed her using her name, let alone her nickname. She knew instantly that she needed to listen, and listen intently. "The Kings and Queens must be found. And you must lead them." Aslan began to walk, leading Jules somewhere deep in the woods. "Their journey into Narnia will not be easy. The war that follows will be even harder."

"The Witch will be after them." It wasn't a question.

"Yes. And you." Jules looked at Aslan. She knew that Jadis was not her biggest fan. She would go as far as to say Jadis felt threatened by Jules. The idea of her being hunted alongside the Kings and Queens made Jules feel queasy. Aslan seemed to understand her uneasiness and leaned into her hand. Jules tightened her grip on his mane, continuing to stroke it for her own comfort.

"You must take care to look after yourself," Aslan continued. "The Witch wants your blood."

Jules looked down, but something he had said a moment ago echoed in her mind. It's meaning clicked.

Their journey into Narnia.

"The Kings and Queens aren't here?" Jules realized. Her voice was a bit breathy from the revelation. Aslan didn't need to reply for her to know it was true.

"Will you protect them?" he asked instead. Jules didn't even need to think about her response.

"Of course."

Aslan stepped into a small, grassy clearing. The grass was not as green as it should've been. The White Witch's power was taking hold, turning the summer very slowly into winter.

Jules hated it.

When Aslan stopped in the middle of the clearing, Jules let go of his mane and came to stand before him. She had an inkling of what was about to happen. She didn't like it. Not one bit. And from the look in his eyes, Aslan didn't either. Jules felt frustrated, yet loved. She had a duty to Narnia and its people. Her love for the land made her angry that Aslan was sending her away. Yet… he wasn't doing this without good cause. He cared for her. He wanted her protected. Safe. Hidden somewhere the White Witch could never hope to find her. So Jules accepted what was happening, hardening her resolve and vowing that she wouldn't rest until she found the Kings and Queens.

"Will I be all right?" Jules whispered, suddenly frightened.

"I will be with you always." Aslan bowed his head and Jules leaned her forehead against his. With a shuddering breath, she stepped back and nodded. She was ready. Aslan breathed on her and suddenly, she was flying.

Narnia was changed that day. Gone was Jules, returned to the human world for her protection, embarking on a mission from Aslan. And Aslan himself… The Great Lion disappeared from Narnia for the next one hundred years.