Chapter Twenty-One: Roseanne

I was leaning against the stone wall recalling the events that had occurred earlier.

I had hidden behind the boulders for only a few moments after overhearing the conversations between Nikabrik and those creatures. I had tried to slip out of the corner of the boulders, and out of view of the bushes. Nikabrik was the spy, the bad guy, the one working against us. I was disappointed; I had been around the dwarf for years and had never sensed evil. Maybe he had been desperate….though not everyone was good, I reminded myself.

Soon Nikabrik returned.

"They have returned."

"Get a hold of a Son of Adam," a shrill voice commanded.

"Easy, I know which is easily tempted."

Caspian. My body ached from staying tucked between the boulders. I needed to warn the others, and soon. The two creatures emerged from the bushes, their grotesque faces startling me again.

"With any luck, this won't take long," the werewolf said.

I didn't know what else I could do. Delaying them seemed like the best option…that is if they didn't kill me instantly and move on.

Not giving it any more thought I emerged from the boulders.

"Nikabrik!" I screamed, "How could you betray us?"

He whirled around, and looked at me with an expression of either grief or anger.

'Who's the girl?" One of the creatures asked.

Nikabrik looked at me, "No one of importance."

I figured that comment would be like a stab from a sword, painful now, but excruciating later.

"Then how about we get rid of her pretty little neck now?" The werewolf said coming closer to me.

"That won't be necessary," Nikabrik said firmly enough for the wolf to stop coming towards me. "She could be useful to us later."

I breathed a sigh of relief without feeling too grateful the traitor had saved my life. The creatures glanced at me once more before heading towards the HOW's entrance. Nikabrik lingered.

"Word of advice Roseanne," he muttered, "get out of here. Don't get involved. I'm only telling you this so that maybe you won't end up like my old friends, believing in something that won't help anyone."

I stared at him, unsure whether he was being bitter or genuine with his advice. He looked up at me again, and then nodded before walking into the HOW's entrance. I had a feeling I wouldn't be seeing him ever again.

I had arrived at the Stone Table towards the end of the fight. Alahna was injured by the White Witch, someone I knew to be her relative. But I didn't know where this knowledge came from. Lucy was assisting her, and Caspian, Susan, Edmund, and Peter were talking off into the corner.

"I'm guessing the ambush didn't go too well," I said walking towards them.

They all nodded. Caspian reached for arm and led me away towards the entrance to the HOW.

"Roseanne, would you like to meet my Professor?" He gestured to a small and stumpy man with white hair and glasses. "Professor, this is Roseanne, the girl I told you about on the way here from Miraz's."

The Professor beamed at me. "Pleasure to meet you Miss, and if I must say, you look just like your mother."

I was pretty sure that my mouth fell open. "My…mother?" I whispered.

"Yes," he chuckled, "She was a Narnian if I ever saw one, as was your Father."

I was speechless with so many questions. He just shook his head, "Now is not the time, go with Caspian." He nodded towards Caspian, who held two horses.

"Would you like to accompany on a ride?" He asked smiling.

The way he said it I couldn't help but smile. The sunset was coming and together we rode into it.