Act 1

Scene 1

PROFESSOR: Once, there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they were sent away from London during the war because of the air raids. They were sent to live with an old Professor (who happens to be me) in my house in the heart of the country, 10 miles from the nearest railway station, and two miles from the nearest post office. They were well enough behaved, although it didn’t take them long to explore my house from top to bottom – it’s quite large, with a good many rooms, you see. The youngest, Lucy, found herself particularly fascinated by one room in particular – strange, because the room was completely empty except for one large wardrobe on the southern wall. Well, after a time she allowed herself the small joy of stepping in, to be completely surrounded by the soft, warm fur coats stored within, when much to her surprise, she discovered that the wardrobe seemed to have no back at all. As she wandered in deeper and deeper, she soon found that she was no longer moving through coats at all, but rather…

LUCY: I say! These are trees! And this cold stuff is snow! This must be an enormous wardrobe. Should I look around for a bit? There’s the other room - I can always get back if something goes wrong. Let’s see… Now why would anyone put a lamppost in the middle of the forest? I don’t think that…

TUMNUS: Goodness gracious me!

LUCY: Good evening.

TUMNUS: Good evening, good evening. Excuse me – I don’t mean to be rude, but would I be right in thinking that you are a Daughter of Eve?

LUCY: My name’s Lucy.

TUMNUS: But you are – forgive me – what they call a girl? A human?

LUCY: Of course I’m human.

TUMNUS: To be sure – terribly sorry – only, I’ve never met a Son of Adam or Daughter of Eve before. I am delighted. Allow me to introduce myself – my name is Tumnus.

LUCY: Pleased to meet you, Mr. Tumnus.

TUMNUS: And may I ask, O Lucy, daughter of Eve, how you have come into Narnia?

LUCY: Narnia? What’s that?

TUMNUS: Why, this is the land of Narnia. Where we are now; all that lies between the lamppost and the great castle of Cair Paravel on the Eastern Sea. Have you come from the Wild Woods of the West?

LUCY: I – I got in through the wardrobe in the spare room.

TUMNUS: Alas, if only I had worked harder at geography when I was a little faun, I should no doubt know all about those strange countries. But, too late now.

LUCY: They aren’t countries – they’re only right back there. At least, I think so. It’s summer there.

TUMNUS: Meanwhile, it is winter in Narnia, and it has been for ever so long, and we shall both catch cold if we stand here talking in the snow. Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, would you do me the great honor of having tea with me?

LUCY: Thank you very much, Mr. Tumnus, but I was wondering whether I should be getting back.

TUMNUS: It’s only just beyond that hill. And there’ll be a roaring fire – and toast – and sardines – and cake.

LUCY: Well, that is very kind of you. But I shan’t be able to stay long.

TUMNUS: Of course, of course! If you will take my hand, O Daughter of Eve… right this way!

Scene 2

TUMNUS: …And then, whenever old Bacchus himself would show up, why the streams would be flowing with wine instead of water, and the whole forest would festival for weeks on end! That was before the winter, of course. He looks closely at the drowsy girl, then pulls out his flute and begins to play softly. After a few moments, she stirs.

LUCY: Oh, Mr. Tumnus, I’m so sorry to stop you, and I do love that tune, but really, I must go home now – I only meant to stay for a few minutes.

TUMNUS: It’s no good now, you know.

LUCY: No good? What do you mean? But I must go home – the others will be worried about me. Why – Mr. Tumnus, whatever is the matter? Mr. Tumnus! Aren’t you well? Do tell me what is wrong! What on earth are you crying about?

TUMNUS: I’m crying because I’m such a bad faun!

LUCY: I don’t think you’re a bad faun at all – you’re the nicest faun I’ve ever met! Mr. Tumnus!

TUMNUS: You wouldn’t say that if you knew! I don’t suppose there has been a worse faun since the beginning of the world.

LUCY: But what have you done?

TUMNUS: I’ve taken service with the White Witch. That’s what I am. I’m in the pay of the White Witch.

LUCY: The white witch? Who is she?

TUMNUS: Why it is she who has got all of Narnia under her thumb. She who makes it always winter. Always winter, and never Christmas.

LUCY: How awful! But what does she pay you for?

TUMNUS: That’s the worst of it – I’m a kidnapper for her, that’s what I am. Would you believe I’m the sort of faun to meet a poor innocent child in the wood, one that had never done me any harm, and pretend to be friendly with it, and invite it home to my cave, all for the sake of lulling it to sleep and then handing it over to the White Witch?

LUCY: No. I’m sure you wouldn’t do anything of the sort.

TUMNUS: But I have.

LUCY: Well, that was pretty bad. But you’re so sorry for it that I’m sure you’ll never do it again.

TUMNUS: Daughter of Eve, don’t you understand? It isn’t something I have done. It’s something I’m doing right now. This very minute.

LUCY: What do you mean?

TUMNUS: You are the child. I had orders that if I ever saw a son of Adam or Daughter of Eve in the wood, I was to catch them and hand them over to her. And you are the first I have ever met. And I’ve pretended to be your friend, and asked you to tea, and all the time I’ve been meaning to wait until you were asleep and then go and tell her.

LUCY: Oh, but you won’t, will you? You mustn’t, Mr. Tumnus!

TUMNUS: And if I don’t, she’s sure to find out! She’ll have my tail cut off, and my horns sawn off, and my beard plucked out… And if she is especially angry, she’ll turn me into stone, and I’ll only be a statue of a faun in her horrible house!

LUCY: I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Tumnus. But please let me go home.

TUMNUS: Of course I will. I’ve got to. I see that now. I hadn’t known what humans were like before I met you. But we must be off at once. I’ll see you back to the lamppost. I suppose once we’re there, you can find your way back to Spare Oom and War Drobe?

LUCY: I’m sure I can.

TUMNUS: We must go as quietly as we can. The woods are full of her spies. Even some of the trees are on her side. Can you ever forgive me for what I meant to do?

LUCY: Why, of course I can. And I do hope you don’t get into trouble on my account.

TUMNUS: I… don’t suppose I may keep the handkerchief?

LUCY: Of course you can!

TUMNUS: Let us be off, then. And quietly!

Scene 3

LUCY: I’m here! I’m here! I’ve come back, I’m all right! It’s all right. I’ve come back!

SUSAN: What on earth are you talking about, Lucy?

LUCY: Haven’t you all been wondering where I was?

PETER: So you’ve been hiding, have you? Poor old Lu, hiding, and nobody noticed. You’ll have to hide longer than that if you want people to start looking for you.

LUCY: But I’ve been away for hours and hours.

EDMUND: Batty. Quite batty.

SUSAN: Don’t be silly, Lucy. We just came out of that room a moment ago, and you were there then.

PETER: She’s not being silly at all. She’s just making up a story for fun, aren’t you, Lu?

LUCY: No, I am not. It’s a magic wardrobe. There’s a wood inside it, and a faun, and a witch, and it’s called Narnia. Come and see!

SUSAN: Why, you goose! It’s just an ordinary wardrobe. You can see the back of it.

PETER: Good joke, Lu. You really took us in. We half believed you.

LUCY: But it isn’t a joke. Really and truly. It was all different a moment ago, I promise.

PETER: Come on, Lu. That’s going a bit far. You’ve had your fun. Hadn’t you better drop it now?

EDMUND: Come on, guys – perhaps we can find a magic country in one of the bathrooms next, eh Lu?

SUSAN: Edmund.

Scene 4

Lucy slips into the room, then into the wardrobe. Moments later, Edmund slips in behind her.

EDMUND: Gotcha! Eh? Lu? She must be hiding in the back.

EDMUND: Lucy! Lucy – I’m here, too, Edmund! She’s angry about how much I’ve been teasing her lately. I say, Lu! I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. You were right all along! Do come out. Jus t like a girl, sulking somewhere, and won’t accept an apology. What’s that?

WITCH: Stop! And what, pray, are you?

EDMUND: I’m… I’m… My name is Edmund.

WITCH: Is that how you address a queen?

EDMUND: Sorry, your majesty. I didn’t know.

WITCH: Not know the queen of Narnia? You shall know us better hereafter. But again, what are you? Are you an overgrown dwarf that has cut off its beard, perhaps?

EDMUND: No, your majesty – I never had a beard. I’m a boy.

WITCH: A boy! Do you mean you are a Son of Adam? I see you are an idiot, whatever else you may be. Answer me – are you a human?

EDMUND: Yes, your majesty.

WITCH: And how, pray, did you enter my dominions?

EDMUND: I came in through a wardrobe. Your majesty. I just opened a door and here I

WITCH: A door from the world of men. I have heard of such things. This may wreck everything. But he is only one, and easily dealt with. My poor child, how cold you look. Cold, tired, and hungry. Come, what would you like to eat?

EDMUND: Some Turkish Delight, your majesty!

WITCH: So. Do tell me – do you have any brothers or sisters?

EDMUND: one brother and two sisters, Majesty. My little sister, Lucy, has been here before. Says she met a faun called Mr. Tumnus. Stupid name. The others dote on her, naturally.

WITCH: I should very much like to meet your brothers and sisters. Would you bring them to me?

EDMUND: I don’t see why. They’re nothing special. Could I have more Turkish Delight?

WITCH: I’ll make you a deal. You bring your brother and sisters to me, and I shall give you a whole room full of Turkish Delight. And make you a prince besides. You seem to be the cleverest and handsomest young man I’ve ever met. Yes. You bring the others to me, and I shall make you a prince of Narnia.

EDMUND: Couldn’t we go to your house now?

WITCH: No. You must go back to your own country now and come back to me another day. With them, you understand. It is no good you coming back without them. Look over there – see those two hills? My house stands between those two hills. Now, you bring your brother and sisters along, and then I shall make you a prince. And by the way, you needn’t tell them about

me. It will be ever so much more fun if it’s a surprise. I’m sure a clever boy like you can figure out how to bring them along without mentioning me.

EDMUND: Why not?

WITCH: If your sister has met one of those silly fauns, she may have been told strange stories about me. Frightening stories. Fauns will say anything, you know. Don’t return without them – I shall be very angry if you return without them.

EDMUND: Please – may have just a bit more Turkish Delight?

WITCH: No. No… you must wait until next time. Don’t forget. Next time.

LUCY: Edmund! So you got in, too! Isn’t it wonderful?

EDMUND: All right, Lu. I see you were right and it is a magic wardrobe after all. But where have you been?

LUCY: Well, if I had known, I would have waited for you. I was having lunch with Mr. Tumnus - he’s all right. The White Witch didn’t hurt him at all. She never even found out he was helping me.

EDMUND: White Witch? Who’s that?

LUCY: She is a perfectly terrible person. She calls herself the Queen of Narnia even though she has no right to be queen at all, and all the creatures of Narnia – at least all the good ones – simply hate her. She can turn people into stone, and she keeps it always winter and never Christmas!

EDMUND: Who told you all that?

LUCY: Mr. Tumnus, the faun. He told me that…

EDMUND: You can’t believe everything that you’re told. Fauns will say anything, you know. But it’s no good going on about it here. Let’s go home.

LUCY: Yes, let’s. The others will have to believe in Narnia now you’ve been here! What fun it will be! Let’s go tell the others.

Scene 5

LUCY: Peter! Susan! It’s all true! Edmund has seen it, too! There is a country in the wardrobe – Edmund saw it. Go on, Ed; tell them all about it.

PETER: What’s this all about, Ed?

EDMUND: Oh, yes. Lucy and I have been playing – pretending that all her story was true. Just for fun, of course. There’s nothing in there, really.

LUCY: Edmund!

PETER: See here, Edmund. I don’t what’s gotten into Lucy – she was all right before we left London – but you’re being perfectly horrid about it.

EDMUND: I didn’t think that…

PETER: You didn’t think at all. I’ve had about enough of this. Come on, Su. Let’s settle this once and for all.

EDMUND: Wait! Don’t... Oh, bother.

Act 2

Scene 1

SUSAN: I must admit, Lucy – this wardrobe is much bigger than I thought.

PETER: Colder than you’d expect, too.

LUCY: Just a little further now…

SUSAN: Say, Peter – it is rather cold. And wet, too. Oooooh!

PETER: What’s wrong?

SUSAN: Peter, this is a tree! And look – it’s getting light over there!

PETER: By Jove, you’re right. It’s trees all around, and this wet stuff is snow. All right Lucy, I’m sorry. I didn’t believe you. Forgive me?

LUCY: Of course!

PETER: And you poisonous little beast. You apologize to Lucy right away.

EDMUND: Sorry, Lu.

PETER: Well, Lu, I suppose you’re the leader here. Where shall we go? What shall we do?

LUCY: I think we should go pay a visit to Mr. Tumnus. His house isn’t far - we just start here at the lamppost… Say, what is this posted on it?

SUSAN: “Let it be known that the Faun Tumnus is under arrest and is awaiting trial on charges of high treason against her majesty Jadis, queen of Narnia for comforting her enemies, harboring spies, and fraternizing with humans… signed, Fenris Ulf, chief of police.

PETER: I don’t think I’m going to like it here. Perhaps we should go back.

LUCY: But we can’t! Don’t you see? I’m the human he met with! It’s my fault he’s in trouble! We must try and rescue him!

EDMUND: Fat lot of good we’d do – we haven’t even got any food.

PETER: Quiet, you. Lucy’s right. We’ll have to see if we can help him.

SUSAN: Shhh! Look! What was that? There it goes again!

LUCY: I saw it, too! It’s hiding in those trees to the left! What is it?

PETER: Whatever it is, it doesn’t want to be seen.

SUSAN: Gasps. It’s a beaver – I saw the tail!

BEAVER: Pssst! Are you the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve?

PETER: We’re some of them…

BEAVER: Not so loud, please! We’re not safe, even here.

EDMUND: But there’s no one around.

BEAVER: There are the trees… Most of them are on our side, but even among them there are those that would gladly betray us… to her.

EDMUND: If it comes to talking about sides, how are we to know whose side you’re on? We’re strangers here, after all.

SUSAN: Edmund!

BEAVER: Quite right! Quite right! Here is my token.

LUCY: Oh! My handkerchief! The one I gave to Mr. Tumnus!

BEAVER: That’s right. He got wind of the arrest, and asked me if anything were to happen to him if I could meet you here, and take you… they say that Aslan is on the move!

CHILDREN: Aslan!

BEAVER: Yes, yes! But I can’t tell you about that here – come along home with me, and I’ll tell you all over a nice warm supper. Come along!

Scene 2

BEAVER: Here we are, Mrs. Beaver! I’ve found them – here are the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Eve.

MRS BEAVER: So you’ve come at last! To think that I should be alive to see this day! Come in, come in!

BEAVER: Sit down, sit down. Eat!

LUCY: But tell us, what happened to Mr. Tumnus?

BEAVER: Oh, that’s bad, that is. Last anyone saw him, he was being taken north, and that means he was taken to her house. Bad place, that is. Full of statues. She turns people to stone, you know.

PETER: But sir, we must do something – this faun saved my sister’s life. Couldn’t we – I don’t know – try to sneak in or something?

BEAVER: It’s no good, Son of Adam. Least of all you trying. But now that Aslan is on the move…

CHILDREN: Oh, yes! Tell us about Aslan!

SUSAN: Who is Aslan?

BEAVER: Aslan? Don’t you know? He’s the king! But not often here. Not in my father’s time, or my grandfather’s time. But word is he’s back in Narnia at this moment. He’ll settle the witch. It’s he that will rescue Mr. Tumnus, not you.

EDMUND: Won’t the witch turn him to stone, too?

MRS BEAVER: Turn him to stone! What a simple thing to say! Why if she can stand on her own two feet and look him in the face it’ll be the most she can do, and more than I expect of her. He’ll put all to rights, as it says in an old rhyme in these parts: Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight. At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more. When he bears his teeth, winter shall meet its death. And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again. You’ll understand when you meet him.

LUCY: Shall we meet him?

BEAVER: Why, that’s what I brought you here for! I’m to take you to the Stone Table to meet with him.

SUSAN: But, is Aslan… a man?

Edmund slips out the door here.

BEAVER: Aslan a man? Certainly not! I tell you he is the King of the wood and the Son of the great Emperor over the sea. Don’t you know who is the king of beasts? Aslan is a lion! The lion – the great lion.

PETER: I think I should be quite nervous to meet a lion.

MRS BEAVER: That you will, Son of Man. If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without his knees knocking, they’re either braver than most, or just plain silly.

LUCY: Then he isn’t safe?

MRS BEAVER: Safe? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the king. You’ll see.

LUCY: But what about poor Mr. Tumnus?

BEAVER: The quickest way to help him is by meeting with Aslan. Once he’s with us, we can begin doing things. Not that we don’t need you too, of course. For that’s another old rhyme: When Adam’s flesh and Adam’s bone site at Cair Paravel in throne, the evil time will be over and done. So things must be coming to a close, now that he’s here and you’re here. It’s said that once two Sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve are crowned kings and queens of Narnia, it’ll be the end of not only the witches’ reign, but of her life. That’s why she’ll be extra cautious, knowing there are the four of you in Narnia.

SUSAN: Say – where’s Edmund?

Children: Edmund? Edmund! Whenever did he leave? Is he outside?

PETER: What shall we do, Mr. Beaver?

BEAVER: Do? Why, we must be off at once!

SUSAN: Quite right. We’ll divide into four search parties, and

MRS BEAVER: Search Parties? Whatever for?

PETER: why, to find Edmund!

BEAVER: There’s no point in looking for him.

SUSAN: What do you mean? He can’t have gone far.

BEAVER: What I mean is, there’s no point in us looking for him, for we know where he's gone. Don’t you understand? He’s gone to her. To the white witch. He’s betrayed us all.

LUCY: Oh, really. He wouldn’t do that.

BEAVER: Wouldn’t he?

PETER: But will he know the way?

BEAVER: Has he been here before?

LUCY: Yes. I’m afraid he has.

BEAVER: And did he tell you who he met, or what he did?

LUCY: Well, no he didn’t.

BEAVER: Then mark my words, he has already met the White Witch and joined her side. He had the look of someone who had been with the witch and eaten her food. You can always tell. Something about the eyes. Treacherous.

MRS BEAVER: If he tells her about the stone table, she’ll sledge down there and cut us off. Keep us from reaching Aslan.

BEAVER: That isn’t what she’ll do first. Not if I know her. The moment Edmund tells her you’re all here, she’ll come here straightaway, this very night. And if he’s been gone for half an hour, she’ll be here in twenty minutes.

MRS BEAVER: We must all get away from here. We haven’t a moment to lose.

Scene 3

EDMUND: When I’m King of Narnia, the first thing I shall do is make some decent roads. It took me far too long to get here. He notices Mr. Tumnus Ah! Oh, that’s right, they did mention that she turns her enemies to statues. I’ll bet you’re that faun that Lucy was going on about, aren’t you? Serves you right, you know. In fact…he draws glasses and a mustache on Tumnus. There! Much better! Stupid faun… He spots Fenris, gulps. It’s all right. It’s only a statue. It can’t hurt me.

FENRIS: Who’s there? Stand still and tell me who you are.

EDMUND: If you please, sir, my name is Edmund, and I’m the Son of Adam that her majesty met her in the wood the other day, and I’ve come to tell her that my brothers and sisters are in Narnia! She wanted to see them!

FENRIS: I will tell her majesty. Stand still on this spot, as you value your life.

EDMUND: well, when I’m king of Narnia, the first thing I’ll do is get rid of him.

FENRIS: Well, well. Prepare yourself, fortunate favorite of the queen… or else not so fortunate. She comes.

WITCH: How dare you come alone! Did I not tell you to bring the others with you?

EDMUND: Please, your majesty! I’ve done the best I can! They’re quite close – only up the river a little ways with the Beavers.

WITCH: Is this all your news?

EDMUND: no, your majesty. As I was leaving, they said that Aslan was in Narnia, and

WITCH: What!? Aslan? Is this true? If I find you have lied to me…

EDMUND: Please – I’m only repeating what they said. They said something about a stone table, too.

WITCH: Fenris, make ready our sledge. Then head to the Beavers’ house. Kill all you find there.

Scene 4

BEAVER: Best keep down here as much as possible. She won’t be able to bring her sledge down here.

Sound of bells. They freeze, then hide. The bells stop, then Mr. Beaver sneaks off.

BEAVER: It’s all right! Come and see! It isn’t her! Here’s a nasty knock for the witch – it looks like her power is already crumbling!

PETER: What do you mean?

BEAVER: Didn’t you know how the witches’ magic made it always winter and never Christmas?

FATHER CHRISTMAS: I will admit she kept me out for a long time, but Aslan is on the move. The witches’ power is weakening.

LUCY: Father Christmas!

FATHER CHRISTMAS: Yes, Lucy. And now… presents! Mrs. Beaver, I believe you would like a new sewing machine. I’ll leave it in your Dam for you to return to. And Mr. Beaver, I think you’ll find your roof repaired, and a new sluice gate installed.

BEAVER: Thank you, sir!

FATHER CHRISTMAS: Peter, Adam’s son. These are for you. They are tools, not toys. But the time to use them is near at hand. Bear them well.

PETER: I thank you, sir.

FATHER CHRISTMAS: Susan, daughter of Eve. You must use this bow only in times of great need, for I do not think you are meant for fighting. However, this horn, once sounded, will always bring help to you, should you need it.

SUSAN: Thank you!

FATHER CHRISTMAS: Lucy, daughter of Eve. This vial contains the juice of the fire flowers that grow in the mountains of the sun. A single drop will cure the worst of wounds. This dagger is to defend yourself as well, but again, you are not meant for the battle.

LUCY: No, sir.

FATHER CHRISTMAS: And now I must be off. I think you will find it is not long before you arrive at your destination. Long live Aslan, and long live the true King of Narnia. Merry Christmas!

Scene 5

FENRIS: Your Majesty, I have failed you. When I arrived, the house was empty, and the traitors escaped.

WITCH: I see.

FENRIS: They must have reached the stone table by now, and your sledge is useless in this thaw.

EDMUND: Thaw? This is spring!

WITCH: Silence! We must go directly to the stone table. After all, we still have this one.

FENRIS: Would it not be wiser to kill him now, majesty? After all, three cannot fill four thrones.

WITCH: I said silence. Are you my counselor or my slave?

FENRIS: My apologies, your Highness. But I do not believe Aslan would be so quick to…

WITCH: If either of you mention that name again, he shall instantly be killed.

Scene 6

SUSAN: Peter!

FENRIS: My mistress, the Queen of Narnia, and Empress of the lone islands desires a safe conduct to come and speak with you on a matter which is as much to your advantage as to hers. Will you put up your weapons, or shall I kill you now?

ASLAN: That will not be necessary, wolf. I will speak to your mistress.

LUCY: Aslan, are you sure this is a good idea?

ASLAN: Peace, Lucy. We shall see what she says.

WITCH: Aslan.

ASLAN: Jadis. Have you come to surrender the boy to me?

WITCH: Come now, Aslan. He is a traitor. You know that the deep magic states every traitor belongs to me as my lawful prey and that for every treachery I have a right to kill.... And so this human creature is mine. His life is forfeit to me. His blood is my property... unless I have blood as the Law says all Narnia will be overturned and perish in fire and water.

ASLAN: This is true. However, if I may speak to you alone for a moment?

EDMUND: I AM sorry, you guys. I’ve been a complete prat.

PETER: Yes you have – but I’m glad you’re back safe.

LUCY: Don’t worry – Aslan will get this all straightened out.

Aslan enters

ASLAN: The witch has renounced her claim on the son of Adam. He is free.

Cheers

WITCH: How do I know you will do as you have promised?

Aslan roars, the Witch runs.

ASLAN: Now, Edmund, Son of Adam – Come with me. You and I have many things to discuss.

Scene 7

SUSAN: Lucy, what are you doing up?

LUCY: I had a terrible feeling that something was very wrong.

SUSAN: Me, too. Do you think Aslan knows something?

LUCY: He seemed very sad this evening. Do you suppose something is happening?

SUSAN: Look – there he goes! Aslan!

ASLAN: Children, why are you following me?

LUCY: We couldn’t sleep. Aslan, may we join you?

ASLAN: I would be glad for the company tonight. But you must promise to stop when I tell you.

SUSAN: All right.

LUCY: Oh, yes!

ASLAN: Children, will you place your hands on my mane?

LUCY: Aslan, why are you so sad?

ASLAN: It is nothing, child. But now the time has come – you must stop now. No matter what happens, you must not let yourselves be seen. Farewell.

LUCY: But I don’t want to leave you alone like this!

SUSAN: Come on, Lu – we promised.

The two start to leave, but at the last second, hide behind a bush.

WITCH: You fool. You actually came. Seize him!

WITCH: Know that you have accomplished nothing – once my work is done here, I will kill those humans, and Narnia will be mine forever! You have lost your own life, and not saved his. In that knowledge, despair and die. Bind him to the stone table!

Aslan is pulled offstage amid jeers and howls. Witch pulls her knife, then walks off.

LUCY: …She can’t!

SUSAN: Lucy, get down!

LUCY: Fight them, Aslan! Roar!

SUSAN: Will you get down!

Howls stop suddenly, then huge cheer

WITCH: Quickly! To the traitor’s camp! Summon the hags and the witches! The wargs, the wolves, and the ogres! Gather the boggles, the ghouls, the Hill Giants and the People of the Toadstools! Call forth the wraiths, the ifreets, the Forgotten Ones, and the creatures of the deep! We go to war! The witches’ army runs across the stage, howling and gibbering inhumanly. The witch strides off after them.

LUCY: How could they…

LUCY: Oh! What are they doing to him now?

SUSAN: Lucy! He’s gone! The table is broken in half!

LUCY: What? What does this mean? Is this more magic?

ASLAN: It is indeed, more magic!

SUSAN: Aslan!

LUCY: But how, Aslan? We saw her kill you!

ASLAN: She was correct about the deep magic– but had she looked farther back, she would have known of a deeper magic still – that if one who has done no wrong should be killed in the place of a traitor, the stone table would crack, and death itself would be reversed. But quickly! We have much to do this night. Come, children – to the witches’ castle!

Scene 8

Peter and Edmund fight Mrs. Beaver

Witch turns Mr. Beaver to stone offstage.

FENRIS: I believe I shall enjoy killing you, Son of Adam.

Fenris and Peter fight.

EDMUND: Well done, Peter!

PETER: Thanks – but we’ve got to do something about the witch. She’s turning our troops to stone as fast as they can get to her.

EDMUND: I’ve got an idea!

PETER: Edmund, come back here!

Flash of light off L, witch enters.

Edmund breaks wand, is thrown aside.

WITCH: You fool! What have you done? No matter – once I kill you, I have won.

PETER: Edmund, no!

Roar from off stage. Witch runs off, pursued by a lion, screams, and dies.

ASLAN: It is finished.

SUSAN: Edmund!

ASLAN: Quickly, Lucy. The cordial.

LUCY: Oh, yes!

Lucy pours a drop of cordial into Edmund’s mouth. He sits up.

PETER: You did it. Ed. We never would have made it without you. But where did you girls get off to?

SUSAN: Aslan took us to the witches’ castle, and he brought all the statues back to life!

LUCY: Which reminds me, Peter, Edmund, I’d like you to meet Mr. Tumnus.

PETER: A pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Tumnus.

TUMNUS: Your majesty, I… am honored.

ASLAN: Come and kneel here before me, children.

TUMNUS: And that very day, right there on the battlefield, Aslan crowned all four of them. Aslan himself disappeared shortly after, but they knew he would return when he was needed. After all, it’s not as if he’s a tame lion. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy ruled over Narnia for many years, and wonderful years they were. Then one day, as they were on a hunt in the forest, they found themselves stumbling once more though a wardrobe door into the spare room; on the very hour of the very day they had left. Narnia was closed off to them then, for that was the end of their adventures in the wardrobe. But it was only the start of their adventures in Narnia.