Disclaimer: Did I mention that Narnia isn't mine? I'm just borrowing it for a while…

A Faun's Tale

Chapter Two: An awfully urgent message

A robin flew swiftly through the forest, darting between the snow-encrusted branches. It looked over its shoulder now and then, and muttered restlessly to itself, repeating the directions given to it by an old fox. Finally, the bird arrived at a place where the ground became rockier, and where the trees rose up in tiny hillocks. The robin spread its brilliant wings and landed on a certain tree, sending a miniature shower of snow down onto the head of a very surprised Faun.

"What in the – Oh!" Mr. Tumnus looked up at the little brown bird, shaking snow from his hair. He had been stacking firewood.

"I beg your pardon", the robin panted, exhausted from its wild flight. Tumnus waited politely for it to catch its breath. "I have an awfully urgent message for you", the bird said when its chest had stopped heaving. "I was afraid I wouldn't find you here."

"Of course I am here", the Faun replied, rather bewildered. "Why in the world wouldn't I be?"

The bird, fully recovered now, peered with bright eyes at the door to his house. "The Daughter of Eve", it chirped, tail flicking, "She is not here?"

"No, she – how did you know about her?"

The robin hopped to a lower branch so as to be able to look directly into the Faun's big brown eyes. Tumnus leaned closer, alarmed by the serious look that had spread over the bird's face. "Word is spreading through the forest", it chirruped anxiously. "The trees have seen her. And what is worse, She knows about it, too."

Mr. Tumnus' mouth fell open. "Goodness gracious me!" he cried, dropping his armful of firewood. The whole neatly-stacked pile collapsed under the sudden barrage, but the little Faun did not notice. "How soon until she arrives?"

"You have some time", the bird twittered nervously. "Maybe we could hide you somewhere, or – what are you doing?"

For Mr. Tumnus had flung open the door of his little house, and was wrapping a long red muffler about his neck. "I must go at once", he announced, seizing his umbrella from where it leaned against the wall. "I haven't a moment to lose!"

The startled robin fluttered after Mr. Tumnus, who was making surprisingly quick time through the snow. "But where are you going?" the bird asked, flapping its wings frantically to keep up.

"I must talk to Mr Beaver", the Faun explained, puffing with exertion. Fear and determination were etched in his face. "His is the closest friendly house."

The bird gave up trying to understand what the little Faun was doing, but he was clever enough to see that it was quite important. The robin was also a good, helpful sort of chap, and did not hesitate to offer assistance. "I'll fly ahead and tell him", he piped, and was off like a red-breasted shot.

Within minutes, Mr. Tumnus was huddled under his umbrella, speaking with the beaver in hushed tones. They were deep within the forest, and Mr. Beaver had assured the Faun that the trees in these parts were all good trees. Despite this, they were speaking so softly that you couldn't have heard their conversation unless you went right up and joined in.

"So you see", Mr. Tumnus was saying, "She mustn't get her hands on those children. I want you to look out for them, friend Beaver, and take them to Aslan. Please, make sure they get to him safely."

"Of course. Anything." Mr. Beaver sadly regarded the little Faun. "Perhaps you could stay with us for a while."

"No", Tumnus shook his head fervently. "Her spies are everywhere. Oh-" He produced something small and white from his muffler. "Give the children this as a token. Lucy will recognize it."

Mr. Beaver took the handkerchief without a word. Both of them knew that there was nothing more to be said. Mr. Tumnus shuffled his hooves in the snow. "I – er – need to go now", he mumbled awkwardly. "The Queen's police must not find me here." He started to trot away, but Mr. Beaver stopped him with a gentle paw.

"Take care", he said solemnly, before adding, "It'll be all right. He will make it all right."

The Faun gave a reluctant half-smile. "A week ago I wouldn't have believed you", he admitted, and finally set off. Heavy snow had begun to fall, thick round flakes that muffled sound as well as sight, and the little Faun quickly disappeared amid the swirling white.

A/N: Rather a short chapter, I know. But even so… Review? Please?