"Do - do I really have to go?" Edmund choked out, forcing back the tears that were threatening to fall.

Peter sighed and glanced towards the door behind them... the door that Edmund would leave through any minute. It was one of the back doors that would lead him into the woods, and from there he just had to keep walking north until he was a safe distance from Cair and the witches army. "Ed you'll be safe if you do." He replied eventually, his hands placed firmly on his brothers shoulders.

"I know I hopefully will be." Edmund whispered. "But - It's winter."

Peter swallowed hard, before he knelt down in front of Edmund, reaching one hand up to run it gently up and down the back of Edmund's neck. "You're gonna be fine." He murmered, his voice as firm as he could make it. "You're strong, you can get through this. And the second we've defeated the witches army, I'm gonna come looking for you, and won't stop until I've found you. I promise."

Edmund stared at him for a little while, before glancing behind him at Susan and Lucy, where Susan stood holding her little sister, Lucy looking like she was about to burst into tears at any minute. "Will-" Edmund swallowed hard before taking a deep breath, Peter's hand on his neck slowly starting to calm him down just like it always did. "Will you three be alright?" He asked.

Peter smiled gently. "We'll be fine." He said firmly. "Lucy's not gonna be anywhere near the fighting, and I'm gonna protect them both. I promise you that now."

"What about you?" Edmund asked slowly, eyes now filled with unshead tears.

"I'm gonna be fine Ed." Peter told him. "Don't worry about me. Don't worry about any of us, just concentrate on getting as far away from here as you can."

Edmund nodded hesitantly.

"And whatever happens, do not come back." Peter added quickly. "You can't come back for anything, do you understand?"

Edmund sighed but nodded again, one tear eventually making It's way down his cheek.

Peter swallowed hard and wiped it gently away with his thumb, taking a deep breath before speaking again. "I promise I'm gonna come and find you as soon as I can." He said. "You won't be on your own for long."

"I know." Edmund whispered.

"You got your sword?" He glanced down, and sure enough Edmund's sword was attached to his belt, hanging down at his side. "Yeah, Susan you got the bag?"

Susan nodded a little and handed Edmund the bag she'd been holding. "It should be enough food and drink for at least three or four days." She said. "I know it's more than you'll probably need, but I just wanted to be sure."

Edmund nodded before pulling away from Peter and wrapping his arms around Susan's shoulder, hearing a sigh from his older sister as she hugged him back. "I'll see you soon." She mumbled, placing a gentle kiss to the side of his head.

Edmund nodded against her shoulder, feeling Lucy wrap her arms around them both, and then Peter. "I'll miss you all." He choked out, resting his head against Peter's chest and wrapping one arm each around his sisters.

"And we'll miss you." Lucy replied, tears rolling slowly down her cheeks.

Susan and Lucy eventually pulled away, leaving Peter to wrap his arms tightly around Edmund, resting his cheek on the top of his head, Edmund resting his against Peter's chest with a sigh.

"Be brave." Peter choked out, his grip tightening just a little when he spoke.

Edmund nodded hesitantly. "I'll try." He whispered in reply.

"I know you can Ed." Peter sighed, forcing a small smile for his sisters sake.

Edmund swallowed hard, but didn't know what else to say, so instead he just hesitantly pulled away and stared up at his older brother. "See you soon." He murmered, his voice shaking just the slightest bit.

Peter took a deep breath. "Very soon." He practically whispered. "I promise."

Edmund smiled gently at him. "Love you." He breathed. "All of you."

"We love you too."

Edmund swallowed hard, and after readjusting he grip on his bag and taking a deep breath he walked towards the door behind them.

After one last glance at his siblings, he opened the door and hesitantly stepped outside, closing it behind him with a sigh.

Peter swallowed hard as he watched the door close, and took a deep breath to keep back any tears, not wanting to cry in front of his sisters and make them cry as well. "We should probably go and check with Orious about what's going on." He mumbled after a moment.

Susan nodded slowly, before placing a hand on Peter's shoulder. "He's gonna be fine Peter." She sighed. "Come on, he's Edmund."

Peter managed a quiet chuckle at this, nodding his head slowly. "I know." He breathed. "I'm just worried is all."

"About?" Lucy asked, looking as worried as Peter felt.

"I'm not sure to be honest." Peter answered. "I'm just worried about him, what with it being November and his nightmares have started already..." He trailed off, sighing quietly.

"As you yourself said, he's brave." Susan told him gently. "Now come on, let's go and find Orious."

Peter gave her a small smile before nodding his head and following after both his sisters, hoping and praying that their plan was actually gonna work and that Edmund was going to he safe... and out of harm's way.

So, he's now left, see you all next Tuesday x