Holly couldn't sleep.
She should be horribly tired. After the Witch had left the camp, Holly, Susan, and Lucy had gone back to the archery field and trained until nightfall. They only left when Orieus insisted that they go get some sleep.
Still, Holly just couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep. She kept tossing and turning restlessly. Finally, she gave up and sat up in bed. Susan and Lucy both appeared to be sleeping.
With a frustrated sigh, Holly got up and left the tent. She went and sat down by the fire that was kept running through the night. Everyone else was fast asleep, and it was strangely quiet.
She heard something from the boys' tent and frowned. It almost sounded like someone was having an asthma attack.
Holly got up and went to the tent. She hesitantly went inside.
Edmund was sitting in his hammock with his knees pulled tightly to his chest. He was gasping for air, sweating, as pale as a sheet, and shaking like crazy.
Holly ran over and sat down in the hammock in front of him.
"Edmund, what's wrong?" she asked.
"I don't know," Edmund choked out. "I had a nightmare about the Witch and I woke up and – and –"
He trailed off with a shudder. Holly realized he was having a panic attack. She scooted closer and gently placed both hands on his shoulders.
"Edmund, you have to breathe," she said softly. "It's going to be all right. The Witch isn't here. Breathe."
Edmund struggled to get his breathing under control, and Holly glanced at Peter. How was he not awake by now?
"Why didn't you wake Peter?" Holly asked.
"I thought it would just go away," Edmund shrugged, his voice shaky.
Holly sat with Edmund as he calmed down, and slowly his breathing returned to normal.
"What was that?" Edmund asked.
"A panic attack," Holly told him.
"How did you know what to do?"
Holly sighed. "Erm…my mum had one when she found out my dad died. At first, she thought she was having a heart attack, so I called an ambulance. I watched the paramedic talk her through it."
Edmund looked at her sadly. "I'm so sorry about your dad."
"Me too," Holly said, her eyes slightly glassy.
Edmund took one look at her expression and knew that there was no way he was letting her go back to her room and cry herself to sleep. She had been there for him, so now he was going to be there for her.
"We should try to get some sleep," he suggested quietly.
He moved over to make room for Holly. She didn't argue when Edmund pulled the blanket over both of them and gave her one of his pillows. Holly nestled into his side, and the pair quickly drifted off to sleep.
They woke at an ungodly hour the next morning to the sound of leaves rustling in their tent. A dryad was floating in midair.
Edmund and Holly sat bolt upright, and Peter awoke, drawing his sword.
Oh, now he wakes up.
"Be still, my princes and princess," the dryad said kindly.
Peter finally noticed Holly was with Edmund, but chose to ignore it for the time being.
"I bring grave news from your sisters," the dryad continued.
Peter emerged from Aslan's tent and shook his head at Edmund and Holly.
"She's right. He's gone."
Holly couldn't believe it. How could Aslan actually be dead? And how on earth were they supposed to fight this war without him?
"Then you'll have to lead us," Edmund told Peter.
"I can't!" Peter insisted, shaking his head frantically.
"Aslan believed you could," Edmund said. "And so do I."
Peter looked at his brother, and Holly saw the doubt in his eyes.
"We can do this, Peter," she agreed.
Orieus chose that moment to approach the three. "The Witch's army is nearing, Sire. What are your orders?"
Peter and Orieus began making battle plans, and Holly noticed Edmund slip away. She followed him into the boys' tent.
Just in time to see him throw a pillow across the room.
"Edmund!" Holly said in shock.
Edmund turned to her with a pained expression. "This is all my fault! It's my fault Aslan is dead!"
"Ed, what are you talking about?" Holly asked, stepping closer in concern.
"Don't you see?" Edmund exclaimed. "He died in my place! I was supposed to die on the Stone Table, and he took my place, Hol! It's my fault."
"Stop it!" Holly said sharply. "Edmund, stop it. You made a mistake. It happens. Now suck it up, mister, because we have a war to win, and we don't have time for me to explain all the reasons you're being stupid."
Edmund stared at her in shock.
"Aslan did what he did for a reason," Holly went on. "You're obviously needed here, so stop blaming yourself for everything and figure out what Aslan wanted you to do!"
Edmund smiled faintly at her.
"What?" she asked.
"It's just…you're a bit terrifying for someone so small," he teased.
Holly shrugged. "Why do you think I'm so sarcastic? It's my only defense."
"From what I hear, you're pretty good with that bow and arrow as well," Edmund said, nodding to the quiver strapped on her back.
She shrugged again.
Peter poked his head in the tent.
"Come on, you two! I need your help out here."
He disappeared again, and Holly looked at Edmund.
"So, are you done blaming yourself?" she asked.
Edmund rolled his eyes at her.
"Come on," he said. "Let's go help Peter. Like you said, we have a war to win."
Holly grinned and followed him out of the tent to where Peter was bent over a map of Beruna.
They could do this. They could beat the Witch.
Hello everyone! I really hope you like this chapter because it's one of my favorites :)
