It took every ounce of self control that Caspian had in him to not respond to the chorus of comments. Buffy, perhaps, could be able to defend herself, but the princess and the little witch? Not likely. All it would take would be for something to knock that stick from her hand, and then where would she be? Defenseless and vulnerable, and either himself or Legolas was at risk for injury in the attempt to protect her. Really, all he wanted to do at that point was to leave the womenfolk behind. They were going to be far more trouble than they were worth.

After massaging his forehead for a moment, Caspian shouldered his packs, and without a word, began to lead the way into the labyrinth. Hermione's demonstration, however, had his jaw clenching as he looked at her, his face akin to her having just run over his dog. "Don't do that," he said in a low, clipped voice. "That tree was alive. It had independent thought, and family, and friends. And you just killed it," he said, pressing his hand to the heart of the tree for a moment, his eyes closed. Maybe things weren't the same here, but in Narnia, the trees had been his friends.

Without sparing her another look, Caspian headed off into the labyrinth. This was not the way to start a quest. They were treading on unsteady ground now.