Chapter Four: Met At Last

Peter stared agape at the Beavers' newest guest. She was stunningly pretty and had an air of grace and wisdom. As her seemingly endless blue eyes locked onto his, he felt a jolt of surprise. She was not human. He didn't know how he knew, but something about her told him she was more than human.

She stepped forward, breaking the spell. "My name is Rhianna," she said in a lilting, almost musical voice. She extended a hand, which Peter took. He was surprised at the raw strength in her grip and the tracings of calluses and roughness that covered her palm.

"Peter," he said, pleased at the smooth evenness in his voice.

"I'm Susan," his sister said, stepping forward and curtseying slightly.

Rhianna inclined her head gracefully in return. "Pleased to meet you," she replied demurely, almost shyly.

"And I'm Lucy!" Lucy announced, jumping up. "Do you know where Mr. Tumnus is? Have you seen him? Is he your friend?"

"Lucy, Lucy," Peter said, trying to stop the flow of questions, "not all at once!"

Rhianna laughed briefly – a sound akin to the chiming of bells – and laid a hand on Lucy's shoulder, crouching down at the same time to meet her eyes. "I only know Tumnus by name and reputation; I've never met him. However," she continued quickly as Lucy's face fell, "if he is a captive of the White Witch, then I most certainly am on his side, and his friend."

Lucy smiled, her confidence restored. She was about to thank the young woman, when Susan looked around curiously. "Hang on," she said, drawing Peter's attention, "where's Edmund?"

He scanned the room, looking for his younger brother, his face darkening. "When did he leave? And why would he?"

"I saw no one when I came," Rhianna supplied, then she froze suddenly. "What did you say your brother's name was?"

"Edmund," Lucy replied, a puzzled expression on her face, "Why?"

The older girl looked as though she might be sick. Running a hand through her hair, she said weakly, "He's gone to the White Witch. To her home."

"WHAT!" Peter's sudden burst of anger surprised even himself. He glared at Rhianna, his crystalline blue eyes glittering dangerously. "Are you suggesting that my brother is on the enemy's side? Who are you to accuse him of betraying us like that?" Susan also glared coldly at the other girl, her mouth pulled into a frown.

"Now, now," Mrs. Beaver suddenly blustered, her eyes anxiously darting between them, "let's now jump to conclusions. No one ever said that…" she trailed off at an acid glance from Peter.

Rhianna stepped forward to stand directly in front of him, her dark blue eyes meeting his cold stare without flinching. Peter suddenly had the urge to kiss her, but he refrained. "I never said that Edmund has joined her, only that he's gone to her. There's a difference. Before I came here – three or four days ago – I observed the Witch interrogating a prisoner…" her eyes flicked to Lucy, who was watching the whole exchange anxiously, "… the faun named Tumnus." She ignored the collective gasp that followed and continued, "She mentioned Edmund's name. She said that he would bring his siblings to her, despite Tumnus' interference. I know the Witch – I've been running from her for nearly ten years – and I know that she usually resorts to charms and trickery to sway her opponents. It is probable that she's placed an enchantment on your brother – most likely food or power-based – which makes him crave something to the point that he will do anything to get it from her…" Rhianna's eyes turned grave and sad. "Even if it means turning in his own siblings to do it."

Peter rocked back as though he'd been struck, his eyes wide.

Rhianna continued to hold his gaze, her eyes saddening still more. "I'm sorry."