PG 37-40 –Fenris Ulf, Edmund, Witch, Dwarf, Aslan, Peter, Animal

1)

ULF: Well – (Mockingly.) – so the great Aslan has returned. My Queen will be interested in this news. But before I go, would the "mighty one" like to test my strength? (ASLAN motions toward PETER who reluctantly, nervously holds up his sword and shield. ULF laughs scornfully.) Are you so afraid of Fenris Ulf that you designate a mere mortal to fight in your stead? Well, I shall make short work of him – just as my Queen's army will despatch you and your cowardly crew in the wink of an eye. (With a ferocious growl, he lunges toward PETER, knocking him to the ground. PETER quickly regains his composure and the two fight fiercely. After a long struggle, PETER plunges his sword into ULF who howls and holds his wound, exiting in the direction from which he came. The OTHERS cheer PETER who is weary and exhausted.)

ASLAN: Well done, my son. You have given the beast a mortal wound. But let us hope he reaches the witch before he dies. (ALL are puzzled.)

ANIMAL: But why, O Aslan?

ASLAN: So that all of you can follow him and rescue the other Son of Adam. (ALL express reluctance to do so.) Do not fear. Your strength will be in your numbers – and also in your faith to accomplish the task. (ALL agree.) The children will stay here with me.

ALL: (as they leave). I think he went in that direction. Here is a trail of blood. He turned north at that grove of trees. Quickly follow him. (Etc. They exit.)

ASLAN: (to PETER). You have forgotten to clean your sword. (PETER wipes each side of the blade on the ground.) Now, hand it to me and kneel, Son of Adam. (He takes the sword as PETER kneels. He strikes PETER on each shoulder with the flat of the blade.) Rise up, Sir Peter  Fenris -Bane. Your new name will tell the world that you were the destroyer of the evil wolf. Always maintain your courage. And whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword.

PETER: Yes, Aslan.

ASLAN: And now, let us go to the pavilion to await the others. If all goes well, they will return with your brother.

(They exit. A moment later, EDMUND, who is exhausted, and the DWARF, who drives him with the whip, enter. The WITCH enters close behind.)

WITCH: It will be difficult to reach the Stone Table before the humans do – unless they were delayed along the way. Surely Fenris Ulf will bring word to us soon.

EDMUND: (dropping to his knees). Please – your majesty – may we rest- just a bit?