The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opens in theaters on Friday, May 16. In order to whet your appetite, I am counting down the fifteen days to the movie by sharing a favorite selection from each of the fifteen chapters of C. S. Lewis’ masterful book, Prince Caspian. (Warning: Plot spoilers ahead! But if you haven’t read the book, you should really read it before going to see the movie anyways!) Here goes — let’s count down to Caspian!

From Chapter 7: Old Narnia in Danger

At last there came a night when everything had gone as badly as possible, and the rain which had been falling heavily all day had ceased at nightfall only to give place to raw cold …

“If your Majesty is ever to use the Horn,” said Trufflehunter, “I think the time has now come.” Caspian had of course told them of this treasure several days ago.

“We are certainly in great need,” answered Caspian. “But it is hard to be sure we are at our greatest. Supposing there came an even worse need and we had already used it?”

“By that argument,” said Nikabrik, “your Majesty will never use it until it is too late.”

“I agree with that,” said Master Cornelius.

“And what do you think, Trumpkin?” asked Caspian.

“Oh, as for me,” said the red Dwarf who had been listening with complete indifference, “your Majesty knows I think the Horn — and that bit of broken stone over there — and your great King Peter — and your Lion Aslan — are all eggs in moonshine. It’s all one to me when your Majesty blows the Horn …

“Then in the name of Aslan we will wind Queen Susan’s Horn,” said Caspian.

Thoughts:  I love this little dialogue. Caspian was instructed not to blow the horn until his time of greatest need. Of course, how do you know when you actually reach your point of greatest need? This definitely ties in with Roland’s horn as discussed in Countdown to Caspian – Day 5. Roland waited too long to blow his horn and died with all his men. Caspian doesn’t make the same mistake. The horn can be compared to prayer in some ways. Prayer is also a calling for help beyond yourself. The good thing about prayer is that you do not need to wait until your moment of greatest need. You can pray to God anytime. Prayer should be the first thing you do, not the last. But how often do we wait until the last moment to pray? (Thoughts? Comments? Do you have a favorite scene or quote from chapter seven?)

All the Countdown Posts:  Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

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