Hello everyone. I hope you are doing well.
Before continuing, I realize that I haven't put in the most important information in my story yet. So, to set the record straight, I don't own any aspects, characters, or stories referenced in this story.
And now, without further ado:
Chapter 5
Answers
Puss in Boots was not one to run away. Sure, he appreciated the idea of a tactical retreat, but that strategy included the intent to come back and finish the fight later. So Puss was feeling rather frustrated as he walked back through the forest behind Mr. Beaver and Humpty. Mr. Tumnus had been arrested. Brutally beaten and already found guilty by the sound of it. Probably on his way to be turned to stone. And how was Puss responding to that injustice? By running away. Not even a trace of a tactical retreat, as there was no sign of a rescue plan.
Of course, Puss understood the reasoning for fleeing as he took the time to think about it. If he tried to free Tumnus, but failed, then the secret police would take him too. It wouldn't be long after that before they made the connection to the Beavers. Then, all his friends would be in the hands of the White Witch. Puss only had to think of Perrito caught by those fiends he had heard in Tumnus' cave, and that allowed him to willingly follow the others to the dam. Humpty was right. They had to be smart about freeing Mr. Tumnus. He could only hope that whatever Mr. Beaver had in mind would fix the problem.
They soon made it back to the dam. Kitty and Perrito looked up hopefully as Mrs. Beaver let the boys in, but their hopes were dashed upon seeing the expressions in the others' faces. It didn't take long for the story to be told.
"What can we do?" Perrito asked.
"Mr. Beaver said there might be a way to help," Humpty answered.
"And I am very anxious to hear it," Puss added.
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver looked at each other. Both of them nodded their heads in agreement. Mr. Beaver turned back to the others. "Well, this plan came about due to some news I and my wife heard the other day.
"I and Mrs. Beaver were just about to start on dinner when Mr. Robin came in. He looked joyful, very different than his usual depressed look in these trying times. After getting some refreshments, he said he couldn't stay long. Had to keep going to tell the rest of the faithful the good news." It was here that Mr. Beaver paused. "What I'm about to tell you must not go beyond this room. I want your heartfelt promises that upon pain of death or being turned to stone, you will not tell another living soul outside of this room what I'm about to tell you.
Puss looked at the others. One by one, they all nodded their heads, indicating they agreed to the promise.
Mr. Beaver leaned in, whispering. "Aslan is on the move."
When Mr. Beaver shared that news, Puss felt a rather strange feeling. It wasn't a bad feeling. On the contrary, it reminded Puss of how he felt when he was taken in by Imelda. A feeling of love and comfort, multiplied a hundred times over. There was also another feeling, a feeling Puss felt when he successfully beat a dangerous foe. Feelings of bravery and adventurousness. Both of these feelings mixed together and seemed to surround this Aslan Mr. Beaver mentioned. Looking at his friends, Puss could tell they felt the same way, based on the light shining in their eyes and the smiles forming on their faces.
Humpty was the first to break out of the moment. "Who's Aslan?"
Both of the Beavers smiled. "He's the true king of Narnia," Mrs. Beaver replied. "The king of all beasts. He was here at the creation of Narnia and has come by from time to time. It's been a while since he's been here, but he's come back. And now that he's back, things can finally get moving."
"He really is that powerful?" Kitty asked.
Mr. Beaver looked a little shocked at that question. "Powerful? Of course, He's that powerful. He's also good. He'll set everything right as it says in an old rhyme in these parts:
Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.
"And it is He, not you all, that will save Mr. Tumnus."
Ordinarily, Puss would been suspicious of these claims. However, there was something about this Aslan that made Puss want to believe.
"Could He help us find a way home?" Humpty asked.
Mrs. Beaver took Mr. Beaver's hand. "Of course, He could, Humpty. He's bound to have visited your world from time to time. I was just talking to Mr. Robin actually. If you all would like, he can take you to Aslan. You can bring all your troubles to him."
Puss smiled. Finally, a solid lead. And so soon after arriving. These tidings really were joyous.
Perrito looked up hesitantly. "What about you all?"
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver looked at each other. Mr. Beaver turned back to the group. "This leads to the second item and my plan. As I tell this part, I want to remind you all of the promise you have made.
"There was another reason why I went over to Mr. Tumnus. Of course, that was before we all heard about the arrest, but he confirmed what I'd heard before he was arrested. The handkerchief you're holding is proof of it.
"A few weeks ago, Mr. Tumnus was a snow-builder, a supporter of the White Witch. He wasn't proud of it, but most creatures have gone over to her side in these times. It never got as bad as informing on others, just promising to keep an eye out for any strangers or outsiders.
"All of that changed though when a visitor arrived four weeks ago. She was unlike any creature seen in Narnia in the last hundred years. She was like Mr. Tumnus, only she had two pale legs rather than goat legs. She was a Daughter of Eve, though I believe the common term is a female human.
"Well, it was the orders of the White Witch that any snow-builders who saw a human were to confine the human until the secret police arrived to arrest him or her. And that's what Mr. Tumnus started to do. However, he realized the gravity of what he was doing and quickly sent the Daughter of Eve back to her world. She gave him a handkerchief as a parting gift. Two weeks ago, she returned, saying hello to Mr. Tumnus. And now, she's bound to return again-"
"She has to be warned about what happened to Tumnus," Perrito interrupted.
"We agree," Mrs. Beaver said. "Which is why we need to stay. Mr. Beaver and I plan to hopefully find the Daughters of Eve and Sons of Adam and warn them what happened to Tumnus. We also hope to tell them something else."
"What would that be?" Kitty asked.
"That needs to wait until they get here," Mrs. Beaver replied. "The less you know, the better for you all. In the meantime, we need to keep an eye out for them. That's why we're staying here."
Puss took a deep breath. It was a lot to process. A legendary figure by the name of Aslan who could set things right. Four humans that needed important information sent to them. Information that sounded like it would play a part in these events. And a way home. That tidbit kept rolling around in Puss' mind, bringing a smile to his face.
And yet there was a part of him that wasn't so happy. Puss knew the White Witch would be looking for the humans. And if the secret police treated the humans in a similar manner to how Mr. Tumnus was treated, you could bet it wouldn't be pleasant. And Puss knew deep down that he couldn't sit by while that happened. "If it's alright with you all, I'll help you search."
Mr. Beaver shook his head. "No. It's too dangerous. It's better for you all to head over to Aslan. You might be able to get home. Either way, you'd be safer there than you would be here."
"I'm sure I would," Puss replied. "But I've tried safer and going into hiding. Not as honorable as protecting others. I don't know about you all," he said, turning to Humpty, Kitty, and Perrito, "but I'm going to stay and help find the humans."
"That goes for me too," Kitty said. "You all have been so kind to us, it's time we returned the favor."
"I'm in," Perrito said. "I don't want anyone to be in the clutches of the White Witch. Not after what I heard about Mr. Tumnus. Besides, it's the right thing to do."
All of them turned to Humpty. Puss could see the hesitation in his friend's eyes. Puss couldn't really blame him, after everything he'd heard about the Narnian tyrant. "Humpty," he said, "No one would blame you if you wanted to leave. I'd head for Aslan myself if I hadn't already committed to this. It's perfectly ok to be afraid. Just as there is no shame in leaving for safety."
Humpty hesitated. "Well, I can't deny that I'm afraid." His eyes turned a little more determined. "But that doesn't affect my decision making. It'd be more logical for all of us to go together to Aslan. That way, we can all protect each other. Besides, Tumnus saved us. It's only fair that I help save the other people he sacrificed himself for. Maybe then, the debt of my deeds can be paid."
Puss nodded, smiling. Humpty might have a problem showing bravery, but there were moments deep down when it shined through. Saving San Ricardo was a perfect example of it. Now if only his friend could learn that there was no debt among true friends and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Beaver smiled. "Thank you so much," Mrs. Beaver said.
"You can't tell how much we appreciate this," Mr. Beaver added.
Puss smiled. "Think nothing of it. What are friends for?"
Perrito smiled. "Great. With the six of us together, nothing can stop us."
"Now, shouldn't we start making plans," Kitty asked.
Mr. Beaver nodded. "Quite right. Now, let me get my map and we can devise some strategies for finding the humans."
Now, we are getting to the main events. It won't be long now. We will see how the initial introduction goes soon. As always, please rate and review.
