Exiting the tunnel was a shock for everyone. They indeed discovered that the witch had already paid a visit to the badgers' family, and turned them all to stone. But they didn't have time to dwell on this, as a voice was soon heard behind them. They turned to discover a fox. Mr Beaver tried to attack him.
"Wow! Calm down, pal! I'm on your side. I'm a good guy!"
"Well you definitely look like one of the bad guys!"
"Just because I have common traits with the wolves doesn't mean I work for the witch. This resemblance displeases me, but unfortunately, you don't choose the way you look."
"The wolves will be there soon." Peter stated. "We have to go."
"You can't outrun them." The fox said. "I have a plan."
The fox's plan was for them to hide in a tree while he stayed down to lead the wolf on a false lead. Just a minute after they went up the tree, the wolves busted out of the tunnel, and directly attacked the fox. Faithful to his reputation, the fox first tried to ruse and negotiate, but then, under constraint, falsely admitted he had seen them run to the north. The wolves immediately started their chase, and when they were far enough, the three children, Hermione and the beavers got down their tree.
Later that day, a crow entered Jadis' throne room. The Queen, after hearing the bird's message, called for her prisoners to be brought in front of her.
"My wolves destroyed the beavers' dam." she started, glaring at Ed. "And neither your family nor your lady friend were captured. They ran away before my wolves could catch them. I'm starting to run out of patience, Edmund."
"With all due respect, your Majesty, did your wolves see Hermione and our family?"
"Yes they did. Your friend attacked them in the dam, before running out through a tunnel, and then running away before they could reach them."
"Then Hermione is following the path of what she knows of my life. They will soon be in front of you."
"I'm tired of waiting. Tell me where they're going."
Ed stayed silent for a moment.
"Remember what you could lose..." The witch threatened while looking at Edmund.
The child took the hand of his future self. He was terrified. Ed had no other choice than to oblige.
"They're going to the stone table. Aslan is waiting for them."
Ginarbik! Ready my sledge, we are leaving. And the boys are coming with us. I'm sure they miss their family.
And so they soon embarked on the witch's sledge. They travelled day and night, never stopping.