The fire spit and crackled as they walked passed. Everyone seemed to be a bit more calm than moments before - rest does that to oneself, of course. A smile almost tugged at the young man's mouth as he made his way to his sister. But once he saw the scene he was approaching, it faltered.

The little Queen sat with Mama Squirrel, who seemed to be fighting an internal battle with herself. For all the mother knew, she was in safe hands. Queen Lucy had only told her a thounsand times! But also knew that these humans were only children, children! Like her own sons! How could she let any harm come to them? What would happen if she told them the truth?

"Hello," a soft voice came from the shadows. She looked up to see the boy kneel beside his sister. She quickly turned away, sensing the siblings needed a moment to conference alone.

But, her Squirrel ears could still hear everything.

"How is it going?"

"Not so good. I think she's afraid."

"Have you explained to her we won't hurt her?"

"Yes."

"How about-"

"Yes, Edmund. I did. Please just come sit with us."

"Alright," he sighed. "Did you two eat anything yet?"

"Barely."

"Oi! Kuishier! May we please get some food to suffice our guest?"

"Right away, Sire!" a Centaur's deep voice rang out.

"So, Mrs. Squirrel," the boy-king addressed the guest. "How fares your family?"

"Well, Highness," replied the mother. Her tears had dried up and her shaking body had relaxed. "Little Moonstick, as you've seen, is highly energetic. He's just a baby, you see. My Nelson is quiet as ever, well compared to his brothers. He'll be starting his studies with Twittertwig at the end of the month. He's very excited."

Queen Lucy frowned, "School? I don't remember ever having fun in a school building."

King Edmund ruffled his little sister's hair. "Either do I,u. But we never went to a school in Narnia, did we? You know everything's quite different here." Turning back to Mama, he said. "Do they attend the school in Hogwood?"

Her body shook at the name. She knew where he was going with this; Did her sons go into the village?

The Queen placed a comforting hand on Mama Squirrel's back. "It's okay, Mrs. Squirrel. If there is something bad there, we can get rid of it for you and everybody else. Please, Mrs. Squirrel. Tell us, or we'll walk in their ourselves."

"No, please, Majesties! Don't!" Mama cried. They're just children...

"I know what you are thinking, Lady Squirrel." King Edmund continued. "You think since we're only children, we can't face this ourselves?"

"I-I-I-"

The king, as calm and collected as he may be, blew up.

"I'm sorry, Squirrel. But I believe I grew up two years ago after I had come into this land. I acted like a child and gave into childish hopes and dreams, I acted on impulse. But once I realised how terribly cruel that Witch was, and again when I realised what I had caused to happen, I grew up, Lady. I have not made foolish decisions or fought mindless wars. I may look like a child to you, Friend, but I'm nothing short of the title Aslan himself bestowed upon me."

Mama Squirrel staggered back, frightened.

The Valiant Queen jumped up and grabbed her brother fiercely by the arms.

"Edmund, Edmund! Please just stop. Look, I see what you saw there too. Our new Friend believes we're too young to handle ourselves, but that doesn't mean we have to blow up about it! You're the Just one, act it!"

"I'm sorry, Majesties. I didn't...I didn't realise it was so evident. I know you do well, Majesties. I do know it. My friends and neighbours speak highly of your wisdom, strength and love. And I can see it too. But, it's just...just."

"Dear Squirrel," the queen purred, forgetting the dumbstruck teen. "You know we've got an army ready to defend us? To defend you? Please, Mrs. Squirrel, please let us help our people."

At this, Mama Squirrel shivered. In a quiet, shaky voice, she spoke.

"They're taking the young. Hurting them. Threatening them. Killing them. I don't know who or where in Hogwood. I've only heard of a few disappearances and the rest are only rumours I heard going into Hogwood. I left immediately. I think, Majesties...I think it's them. The Witch's Forces."

"Where are they taking Mother?" Twittertwig spat at the Faun, Tummus, madly.

"Their Majesties just want to speak to your mother, Little Squirrel."

"I'm not little, you Faun! I'm the oldest! Now let go of me! I want to see my brothers."

Mr. Tummus quickly withdrew his grasp on the little Squirrel. Twittertwig bounced his way over to his brothers. Moonstick was fighting the Centaur's hold. Nelson walked quietly beside the Fox.

"Release him, you Centaur!" Twittertwig, the eldest and wisest of the trio, tended to lash out at others when he was mad.

The Fox, Irliris, seethed from beside him.

"We have orders from our king to babysit you for the night. Babysit! and to think, I already have my own children to take care of!"

"The King?" Nelson asked. "Is that what that human boy is?"

"Aye, child. He is. He's your king too, you know." Damin cut in.

"How about the girl?" Moonstick piped up, forgetting his struggle and reluctantly walking with the group.

"The queen."

Calming down, Twittertwig joined the conversation.

"So they are two of the Four who killed the White Witch?"

"The very same," Tummus stated. "Do you know the story?"

"Yes, and oh! You're Tummus, as in, Queen Lucy's first Narnian Friend?"

"The very same, my boy."

"I don't know the whole story," Nelson murmured, batting his tail to the ground. "Will someone tell it to me?"

"Me too!" Moonstick joined in.

And so the tale begun.

Once the words left her mouth, she almost regretted it.

Howls, growls and shouts of fury erupted from every corner of the camp. The faces of the remaining Centaurs went stone cold, the Fox, Tiger and Hounds growled and scratched irritably. The horses neighed their disapproval. Mama Squirrel slowly turned to look at the young Monarchs once more.

A hard, determined facade had spread to every inch of King Edmund's face. His hand gripped his sword tightly, as if ready to pack up and charge into Hogwood immediately.

Queen Lucy had a similar appearance about her, except tears were forming in her eyes. The fierce young girl had already unsheathed her dagger and was twirling it in her fingers, ready to pounce. She bit her shivering lip, attempting to hold back a cry. It didn't succeed.

"Oh! How horrid! We must stop this!"

Edmund slowly turned to her. "Sister, if this is true, I believe I have a plan."

SORRY It is so late! Long story short, school work. But a little fun fact; Nelson is inspired by a REAL squirrel that enjoys breaking and entering my Grandparents house frequently. He tries to sneak into the wine cellar every time too. Aslan only knows what he does down there. LOL.