Jade: I can't believe you did this.

Me: Well, it makes sense.

Jade: It's so serious!

Me: You got taken by the witch, I'm angry. I get serious when I'm angry.

Jade: You couldn't add angry-humor in it?

Me: Wow, Jade, YOU made up a dash-word? It's usually me that does that!

Jade: Shut it.

Me: Don't worry, this is the only chapter where I"m THIS angry.

Jade: Well...

Me: SEE YOU'RE WEAKENING!

Jade: I am not!

Me: Are to!"

Jade: We are NOT starting this.

Me: Awwwwwww...

Jade: Just remember this is your fault...it's so late! You were supposed to have it on three weeks ago. You even had it finished!

Me: The internet is...distracting.

Chapter 3

Angry Beyond Control, Tainted, and Eating Fish.

"JADE!" I screamed, several times, I might add. Edmund gave me a weird look but Lucy was too distraught and Peter and Susan picked their favorite and chose to comfort her instead. I ran through the cave, turning over broken furniture and kicking books around, hoping she'd be hiding underneath ready to scare me to death before I murdered her.

The children were talking about something or another, probably about Tumnus (which, now that I think it over, was actually staying on topic) whom I didn't care about at that moment in time. Peter came over just about then and gently grabbed my arm. I nearly pulled a Jackie Chan and threw him to the ground. Nearly. Not quite.

"Risa, we found something."

I don't remember walking outside but apparently I did because the next thing I remembered was kicking the snow, aiming for wherever Jaden was. Peter read a paper and I was going to comment on how we shouldn't be reading useless things when my friend was waiting to die by my hand. Then he said something about a queen living long.

I whirled around, my eyes wide. "Queen?

"She isn't a real queen at all, she's a horrible witch, the White Witch…" I tuned her out, or rather my steaming anger did. For a moment, I didn't think. (Okay, this happens a lot, but bear with me here.) The kids were still talking and some part of my brain heard them.

"You guys find Tumnus, I'm going to find Jade."

"Risa—" Peter started, but was cut off by Lucy.

"Look! There's a robin, with such a red breast!" I was going to cut in there, saying that we should follow it, but it felt like my jaw was locked shut. I scowled, waiting for the kids to stop talking.

Lucy and Susan agreed on following it and Peter agreed.

"JUST FOLLOW THE ROBIN" I said angrily, storming off after it. For a second, it looked at me fearfully but that was the moment that I started crying. I rarely cry, mostly out of anger. I suppose this was a mixture of extreme worry and anger because I knew Jaden didn't just abandon me. I furiously stopped the tears, glaring the robin into moving.

The witch had her.

"I can't believe she went with that witch. Why didn't she fight? Why is she with that…" I trailed off just to start again. "She'd want to see Aslan, right? And Edmund…even though he's a bit like his old self. Okay, he is his old self. But why would Jade go with her? So what they have similar names? Why isn't she here, shutting this pointless mutter-rant to myself? That's her job. I don't do mature very well. Why is she with the witch?"

"Risa?" Susan broke in, and I almost made a comment I would make to Jaden but the rational thought wasn't hers. "Did she betray you…us?"

"I'm going to kill her the moment I see her."

The children looked shocked at the violence. Lucy's frightened eyes told me that they totally believed I was actually capable of killing someone. Maybe I was, in that state of mind. I guess we won't know until the first time I see the witch.

Then I realized we'd stopped to talk and stormed off again.

To tell you the truth, I didn't notice when the robin flew away. I nearly went off without everyone but the girls' "Oh" stopped me. I nearly ran after it, knowing it was probably going to Aslan, who could fix everything and make it okay.

It was Lucy's eager hands on my coat and the half-frightened voices as something moved in the trees. I got a bit uncomfortable again and sighed angrily.

"Just come out of the trees before I drag you out. We need to move as quickly as possible."

"Whatever it is, it's dodging us. It's something that doesn't want be seen."

"Let's go home." Susan said, obviously terrified.

"Nope." I stormed into the forest, after what I suddenly remembered was the Beaver. It shrunk before me, but it didn't immediately draw back. I was about to demand answers but it signaled us to shut up. We followed it, because we've already been following animals blindly. IT COMPLETELY MAKES SENSE!

"Come on, we ought to be a match for one beaver if it turns out to be an enemy." Peter said as the children closed ranks as I stormed ahead, reminding myself of Reep.

The Beaver started away, "Further in, come further in. Right in here. We're not safe in the open!"

I rolled my eyes, then forgot I had nothing to defend myself with except the little bit of hand-to-hand combat Ed had taught us in the future…er…wow…

We ended up in a dark corner of four trees and the earth could be seen beneath the snow.

"Are you the Sons of Adam and the Daughters of Eve?" Then I think he counted us because he looked confused.

"We're some of them."

"I'm not who you're talking about. They are. I'm a…er…Warrior Maiden of Narnia." I didn't say it with my usual flair, still stuck in my angry rut.

"Shhh, not so loud please. We're not safe even here."

"Who are you afraid of? There's no one here but ourselves." Peter said, and I looked up at the trees, daring them to be on her side.

"There are the trees. They're always listening. Most of them are on our side but there are trees that would betray us to her; you know who I mean." He looked like a bobble head, nodding like he did after he said it.

"If it comes to talking about sides, how do we know you're a friend?" Edumund pointed out. I willed them to talk faster.

Peter continued, "Not meaning to be rude, Mr. Beaver, but you see, we're strangers."

"Not me…" I said, and the Beaver looked at me, actually realizing what I'd said before he'd shushed me. He was admiring me, which was a bit awkward as he was a Beaver and it would really never work out…and I don't get involved with married men. (okay that was bad)

"You're—"

"Later, Mr. Beaver. Explain everything to them."

"Quite right, quite right. Here is my token." Beaver handed over a handkerchief.

"Oh, of course. It's my handkerchief—the one I gave to poor Mr. Tumnus."

"That's right, poor fellow. He got wind of his arrest before it actually happened and handed this over to me. He said that if anything happened to him. I must meet you here and take you on to—"

"And he took us in? When he knew he was going to be arrested?" I was a bit angry. "My friend is with that witch! I—"

"They say Aslan is on the move."

If anything can shut me up, it's either Jade slamming her hand over my mouth or something to do with Aslan.

"Perhaps has already landed," he continued.

I looked behind me, then looked at the kids, knowing this was the first they knew of Aslan. Edmund had the most interesting look of terror I've seen. Even Eustace's (when he realized that the crew was bonkers) couldn't have compared. Peter started to look like a king. Not quite a high king, or even a Narnian king, but a king. Susan looked like she was in bliss and Lucy looked like…Lucy. You know, that Lucy you see when she see dancing trees or an glowing albatross. Or something.

I felt…relieved. But not enough to stop from feeling like all of this 'feeling' was a waste of time. The feeling was great, but I was also feeling like Jade was feeling a bit…lousy? Worse than lousy, most likely. And Aslan was great but…wasn't this taking too long? I just want to save her. Then they got out of their trance.

"And what about Mr. Tumnus, where is he?" Lucy asked, trying to hold on to that feeling (ugh, that word) but her guilt was infecting it, I think.

"Shh," Beaver said, "Not here. I must bring you where we can have a real talk and also dinner."

"You have fun with that. I'm going to go storm the Witch's castle." My stomach growled and if it hadn't been for Beaver flying at me to shut me up about trying to get the witch, I wouldn't have ignored all the odd, childish grins on their faces.

"SSSHHHHH!"

Everyone had perked up at dinner except for me. Dinner took time. A lot of time. I bet Jade wasn't getting dinner. I can go without eating. I've done it before. I forgot my lunch once at band camp.

Now, I would probably like Mr. Beaver well enough if one of my besties hadn't been kidnapped, but Beavers are slow on dry…er…snowy land. I wanted to pick him up, run to his dam, eat a Pop Tart, and leave. We could even skip the Pop Tart part of my plan, but something had suddenly occurred to me.

Aslan was here. He'd led us to Tumnus, then led me away.

He'd led me away.

I could be at the witch's castle, cracking jokes at her and getting turned into stone or beaten. Heck, we could sing songs like Paul and them. Pissing her off if nothing else. And I hadn't the chance. And Jade was probably in pain or something worse.

He could have stopped this.

My footprints were a bit deeper than usual as I was stomping. The other kids weren't talking to me. They somehow sensed if they tried their heads would be taken off. Beaver somehow knew something about Warrior Maidens. We were not to be trifled with.

We were standing, looking at the frozen river. I didn't stay for very long, raging down the hill. In order to stay standing up, I used the skills that I'd learned from being on a ship for who knows how long. To keep up my Warrior-ness, of course. And anger. It's hard to remain angry when falling down a snowy hill. It's too fun.

It took a while, but they followed to the dam. When I reached the door, I turned around and saw something odd. Edmund had been a brat up until now, but now he looked…tainted. Like a painting caught in some mud. It didn't look…right. Not when I'd seen him after being a king and messing around with me.

"Here we are," Beaver said, brushing past me, "And it looks as if Mrs. Beaver is expecting us. I'll lead the way. But be careful and don't slip."

I didn't pay attention to him, as Edmund's look had shocked me. The children ran inside and I followed them slowly.

"Here we are, Mrs. Beaver. I found them. Here are the Sons and Daughters of Adam and Eve."

"There are five here, Mr. Beaver." Mrs. Beaver said, trying to figure out who was in the prophecy.

"The eldest there is a Warrior Maiden of Narnia!" He whispered excitedly. "Don't worry about her. It seems they're rather…serious." They both eyed me and I sighed. I looked at the sewing machine and wondered if I could use needles as weapons when I stab the witch in the eyes. Something about the statement did throw me off, though.

"So you've come at last! At last! To think that ever I should live to see this day! Potatoes are on boiling and the kettles singing and I dare say Mr. Beaver, Mr. Beaver, you'll get us some fish."

If I hadn't been on a ship for months I would have cringed at the thought of fish, but it was an acquired taste.

"That I will!" With those words from Mr. Beaver, he and Peter went out to bond over fishing as men seemed to.

Meanwhile, the girls were helping and even I got dragged into all of it because I have a large family and we all have to help with dinner when we actually try to make a nice dinner and, heaven forbid, eat together. Then the frying pan started to hiss and I smelled fish as Mr. Beaver came in with Peter. Uncooked fish smells disgusting, but it was a bit better as Mrs. Beaver worked her magic on them. I admit that I was a bit starving by that point. My stomach was proving it, much to the pleasure of the children and the amusement of Mrs. Beaver.

"Now, we're nearly ready." Susan mashed the potatoes, which I think was way funner than what I got to do. Sit there. Even Lucy helped. It isn't MY fault I suck at cooking. I looked at Edmund, still a bit startled by that look I'd seen him wearing. He glared at me.

We then went to the table. I said a small prayer after Mrs. Beaver brought milk and butter to the table. The fish was good, for fish. Then she brought out something that tasted REALLY good and I finally got to drink tea. It was very Narnian.

"And now, if you'll just wait until I've got my pipe lit—"

Smoking's bad for you. I almost said it, but it didn't feel right with the anger still boiling within me.

"It's snowing again. That's all the better because it means we shan't have any visitors; and if anyone should have been trying to follow you, why he won't find any tracks." I clenched my fist beneath the table, not willing to let my impatience spill onto the generally warm atmosphere.

"Now, do please tell us what's happened to Mr. Tumnus." Lucy said, anxiousness touching her voice like a that first breeze signifying winter was coming and that shorts were going to become impossible. I stared at an inanimate object in attempt to stop myself from running out the door. It seemed to be working for the time being. We would have to see about later.

"Ah, that's bad. That's very, very bad business." The Beaver shook his head, "There's no doubt he was taken by the police. I got that from a bird who saw it done."

He saw what happened to Jade? I have to find this bird.

"But where's he been taken to?" Lucy asked. I heard the tremble of fear and a small part of my anger dripped away as compassion fought it's way through.

"Well, they were heading northward when they were last seen and we all know what that means."

"Tumnus was taken to the Witch's place. And Jaden was with them." My voice cut through Mr. Beaver's and he nodded. We caught each other's eyes for a moment and he seemed a mixture of saddened and relieved at the fire he must have seen there.

"What'll they do to him, then?" Lucy asked, her gaze turning from me to Mr. Beaver. I nodded, giving him lead. I was afraid of what I'd say, truthfully.

"Well, you can't exactly say for sure. But there's not many taken in there that ever comes out again. Statues. All full of statues they say it is—in the courtyard and up the stairs and in the hall. People she's turned...turned to stone." He shuddered, eyes closed.

That managed to catch a memory and I let myself fall into it. It wasn't the happiest of memories, but it was better than the present. The others continued talking as I remembered when Jade had been turned into gold. We hadn't remembered on the trip, but when we'd gotten back to earth we'd pieced it together. Once the sheer logic of what had happened came to us, we actually remembered what'd happened. It was odd, realizing you'd forgotten something so important. The magic of Aslan, I suppose.

"...Aslan is on the move— " The name Aslan could catch anyone's attention and I was surprised to feel myself taste something bitter. I wanted to spit it out, but I didn't try. I love Aslan dearly but some part of me was angry with him for letting Jaden get taken by the Witch.

"Oh, yes,! Tell us about Aslan!" Lucy was on the edge of her seat. Her face was set in pure joy.

"Who is Aslan?" Susan asked.

Mr. Beaver was positively glowing as he started talking about Aslan, "Aslan? Why, don't you know? He's the Lord of the whole wood, but not often here, you understand. Never in my time or my father's time. But word has reached us that he has come back. He is in Narnia at this moment. He'll settle the White Queen all right. It is he, not you, that will save Mr. Tumnus."

"She won't turn him into stone too?" Edumund asked. I nearly threw myself at him. Some part of my brain told me that he just didn't know, but I still didn't like him talking about Aslan like he was something common. Sure, I was angry at him, but I never doubted he was...well...Aslan.

"Lord love you , Son of Adam, what a simple thing to say!" Mr. Beaver laughed. His laughter was infectious and I couldn't help but smile. "Turn him into stone? If she can stand on her two feet and look him in the face it'll bet he most she can do and more than I expect of her. No, no. He'll put all to rights as it says in an old rhyme in these parts.

I tried to concentrate on the poem, but couldn't managed as my foot had suddenly started to jam itself repeatedly into the floor beneath it. I simply couldn't control it. I got an odd look from Edmund but I ignored him.

"But shall we see him?" Susan asked, hope making her face glow.

"Why, Daughter of Eve, that's what I brought you here for. I'm to lead you where you shall meet him."

"Is...is he a man?" Lucy asked.

"Aslan, a man! Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion—the Lion, the great Lion."

"Ooh, I'd thought he was a man. Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." Susan said. I smirked at this, remembering burying my face into—no, Risa, you're mad at him, remember?

"That you will, dearie, and no mistake. If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly." Or they know him personally...

"Then he isn't safe?" Lucy looked to her older siblings.

"Safe?" Beaver looked flustered.

"Lucy, he isn't safe exactly, but he's good. Incredibly good. He's the King." I said the words softly, my fingers trying to decide whether or not to be mad.

"I'm longing to see him," Peter said, "even if I do feel frightened when it comes to the point."

"That's right, Son of Adam. And so you shall. Word has been sent that you are to meet him, tomorrow if you can, at the Stone Table."

I took in a quick breath, but no one seemed to notice. A lot of my anger turned into an aching pain. The stone table. I didn't want to see it.

I'd drifted off again, remembering the book when I heard the prophecy being spoken. I payed close attention to the lineage of the Witch, wrinkling my nose when they spoke of Lillith. I'd heard of her, of course, but I didn't really get it.

They continued to speak and I winced as my foot slammed into the hard floor again and again. It had stopped for a few minutes but it had started again. It was so confusing. Must be a nervous twitch...one that lasts a very long time. I don't remember it being this stressful on the Dawn Treader.

"Wait, you said two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve." Susan pointed out and I realized how much of the conversation I'd missed. "There's four Daughter's of...er...girls here."

"According to Clairissa, she is a Warrior Maiden of Narnia. Aslan must have sent her to assist you."

"But her— "

"I say—where's Edmund?" Lucy suddenly pointed out. Fear encased me and I was out only after Peter. I searched through the snow, not bothering to scream. Which way is the Witch's place? I can follow Eddy-kins and rescue Jade.

I walked a way off from them, staring north. I couldn't tell you how I knew it was north but I sensed...evil. Like how a sickroom smells of sickness. Staring at the falling snow, knowing somehow I could find that castle was eating me alive.

Then Mr. Beaver came hustling towards me, "Warrior Clairissa, we must hurry. We've been betrayed."

"You go with the future royals. I"ll go after Edmund and try and rescue Tumnus and—"

"I'm afraid we might need you. The Witch is coming after the other three. We must get to Aslan. Before we get cut off from him."

I whipped my face around at him, my eyes round in horror. That was the worst possibility I'd heard all night. "And my friend? She's with the Witch."

"Aslan can save her." Beaver said, "But we must hurry."

I closed my eyes and followed him, hoping Jaden would forgive me. The odd thing was that I kept stubbing my toes for a while, then stopped suddenly. How curious.