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N E R I S S A
"Idiots." I scolded under my breath.
They had left a trail of footprints behind, leading me to their exact location. To be completely honest, I'm surprised the wolves haven't been able to track them down.
I shook my head as I continued to follow the trail that led me to the rock bridge. For some reason, the footprints were starting to fade now, but I carried on in the same direction regardless.
I moved as quickly and silently as I could through the woods, knees slightly bent, placing my feet down cautiously, heel first, then toes. Walking like that came as second nature now. It made less noise and drew less attention, it may seem like something totally useless to do, but in circumstances like these, it may just save my life.
Soon, I emerged through the woods and found myself at the edge of the cliff, staring down at the frozen river.
I squint my eyes at the figures making their way across in a distance. A smile graces my face as I watch the older boy bend down to let his little Sister jump on his back, reminding me of the memories of Jed and I when we were younger.
I furrowed my brows as I hear the faint sound of bells ringing. Scanning the perimeter, I desperately try to locate the source of the sound. I silently pray that it wasn't who I thought it was. The sons and daughters of Adam and Eve, along with the Beavers would be as good as dead if it was her.
I always had faith that my battle skills wouldn't fail me, but the White Witch would surely have brought backup. There was no guarantee that I could take them all by myself.
Finally, I catch sight of the source. A gasp escaped my mouth and my eyes widened, indeed it was a sleigh. It must've been the Witch, I wrecked my brain but couldn't come up with anyone else who rode around in a sleigh.
"Hey!" I yelled, hoping any one of them would hear me as I dashed across the thick snow and down the rock bridge as fast as my legs could carry me.
"Hey!" I tried to gain their attention again, frantically waving my arms.
This time, I successfully catch the attention of Mr Beaver.
"Quickly, she's here! Run!" I warned, letting out a sigh of relief as soon as they started running.
At least now, their odds looked just a touch better.
I pushed myself to pick up the pace and soon, I joined them as they fled.
"This way!" I guided, leading them down a small path and into a shallow cave by the side, just deep enough to fit all five of them.
"Stay here and don't move until I come back to get you." I instructed.
The five fugitives exchanged nervous glances before the boy starts to protest, "But it's too dangerous!"
"If you value your lives, you'll do as I say." I said, keeping my voice down, "Now, don't make a sound. I'll be back."
After making sure the five of them were safely hidden, I make my way up the cliff.
I ready my bow, taking slow and calculated steps.
The sound of a twig snapping from behind me draws my attention and I immediately twirl around, setting my arrow free.
It flies through the air, landing in a tree as the man standing by his sleigh ducks just in time.
I recognise the man in an instant, rushing forward to make sure he was alright.
"Father Christmas! I am terribly sorry, Sir." I apologised, "Are you alright?"
"No apologies needed, my dear warrior." He replies with a smile, "Reflexes, am I right?" He jokes, letting out a hearty laugh.
"You know who I am?" I asked, taking a step closer to him.
He raises his brows at me in amusement, "Of course, who doesn't?" He says, "There have been rumours going around that the Phoenix has finally spread its wings. You are her, are you not?"
I curse inwardly. If word has already gone around, does the Witch know?
As if reading my mind, Father Christmas leans forward and offers me a reassuring smile.
"Worry not, dear one. Your secret is safe for now."
"Thank you, Sir." I smiled in return.
His smile widens as he looks around, "Now, where are your friends?"
"This way, Sir." I gesture for him to follow me.
I lead him back where I came from, just in time to spot Mr Beaver climbing out of the cave.
I let out an exasperated sigh and the Beaver seemed to have picked up on that as he shoots me a sheepish grin.
"Come out! Come out!" Mr Beaver exclaims as he pops his head back down into the cavern, "I hope you've all been good, 'cause there's someone here to see you!"
The little one was the first to appear, excitedly pulling her brother along behind her, looking forward to seeing what it was that got Mr Beaver all excited as well.
I catch the boy gazing at me. He swallows awkwardly as he notices me looking back at him before quickly averting his eyes.
"Merry Christmas, Sir!" The youngest greets Father Christmas.
I turn my attention to one of the reindeers as the group converses with Father Christmas.
"Hey there, big fella." I greet the reindeer closest to me, gently petting it between its antlers.
"Presents!" The little girl's voice draws my attention back to Father Christmas as she rushes forward to the red sack on the floor.
"The juice of the fire-flower; one drop, will cure any injury." Father Christmas says leaning down as he passes her a small bottle, "And though I hope you never have to use it." He finishes, passing her a small dagger.
"Thank you, Sir." The little one thanked, "I think I could be brave enough."
"I'm sure you could," He reassured, "But battles are ugly affairs." He states and I couldn't agree more.
"Susan." He calls next, pulling a bow and arrow out of his stash, ones that reminded me much of the ones I use, but of course, in much better condition.
"Trust in this bow, and it will not easily miss." He says, handing the bow over to Susan.
"What happened to 'battles are ugly affairs'?" She asked, looking genuinely worried.
Father Christmas chuckles, before presenting her with a horn, "Though you don't seem to have a problem making yourself heard, blow on this and wherever you are, help will come."
"Thanks." Susan smiles as she takes the horn from him.
"Peter." He calls out, "The time to use these may be near at hand." He says as he passes the boy a sword and a shield.
The boy draws his sword from its sheath, "Thank you, Sir." He thanked as he admired it.
"These are tools, not toys. Bare them well and wisely." He says.
Father Christmas then turns to me, a huge grin on his face, "Worry not, dear Archer. I haven't forgotten you." He says as he reaches into his bag.
"Winter is almost up, Noble one. I think these will serve you better than the ones you have." He says.
He presents me with a golden bow, paired with a white quiver flourished with golden accents, which held arrows. On the quiver, was the symbol of the Phoenix, bursting into flames and in bold dark letter were words engraved at the very bottom.
"From Ashes, the Phoenix raises and bares fire, like how Aslan bares his teeth. Winter shall meet its death." I read.
"With your help, I have no doubt." Says Father Christmas, "Don't forget your sword, I've heard you are quite skilful with them as well."
He hands me a second item. This time, a nicely weighted sword, fitted with a thin blade and its pommel in the shape of the head of a lion.
"Its name is Nikephoros. Use it wisely."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you, Warrior. For keeping us safe even without us knowing." He offers me a small bow and I bow in return.
"Now, I must be off." He says as he throws his sack into the back seat of his sleigh, "Like I've said, winter is almost over, and things do pile up when you've been gone a hundred years." He chuckles.
"Long live Aslan! And Merry Christmas!" He says before taking off.
"Winter is almost over." Peter mumbles as soon as he's gone.
His siblings stared at him in confusion. I, on the other hand, knew exactly what he was thinking.
"You know what that means." Peter says as his eyes darted around frantically, "No more ice!"
My legs are carrying me towards the river as soon as the words left his mouth, "We have to move, now!"