Lucy began to pace. Back and forth, back and forth, swinging her small dagger in various directions (not hurting anyone, of course,) to unleash her anger. The rest of the group fell into silence as they watch their queen fret. Edmund wasn't far behind-except he remained still, scratching his head. Many thoughts were running through his mind.

What were they doing? Why was this happening? How can we stop this? Should I tell Peter?

Oh course, ya ninny! His mind screamed.

But wait...shouldn't we figure out more first? Wouldn't dragging more people into this just attract more attention?

Peter is our last resort. It's up to us here now. His mind concluded. Yes, it's for the best.

From across the fire, where the three soldiers sat, the three youngsters' eyes were wide with excitement and admiration. The story had finished, and they'd found the whole tale was heroic, and yes, they found it utterly miraculous at the description of Aslan and His return. They heard rumours of course, the boys, but they never guessed He was truly that splendid in person.

Nelson was the first to speak.

"So what happened to the Witch's Army?"

"Some fled into the Wild Lands. Others surrendered. But after these past few years, some still lurk in the woods." Damin answered, wisely.

Moonstick gulped. "T-the woods? But we live in the woods!"

"Yes, you do. But there've been parties coming and killing them. There's not much to worry about," Tummus assured the young Squirrel.

"Besides, if any of them try to come near anyone 'round here," Irliris growled. "They shall perish by my own teeth and claws."

Nelson smiled. "I trust you, Fox. And you too," he added, looking up at the Centaur and the Faun with wide, young eyes.

"Thank you, child." The Centaur replied, with a small smile.

"But, but," Moonstick spilled. "How does this have anything to do with Mama? She wasn't on the Mean Lady's side! Why'd they make us leave her?"

"They just wanted to make sure you were safe," murmured Tummus kindly.

"Wouldn't we have still been safe staying with them?" Twittertwig inquired.

"Yes, probably so. But it's best not to take our chances, now is it?" Irliris responded.

Before the conversation could continue, Moonstick yawned. Damin spoke softly.

"Come, everyone, let us eat and prepare for bed,"

Edmund turned to his sister, ready for a conference.

"I guess play time's over, isn't it?" she whispered. "It's time to get back to bussiness." Her fierce expression had softened, returning to her childlike appearance, that was shaking with many emotions.

"I guess it is," he murmured back. "Then again, we haven't played much in a while, have we?"

It was true; they still found time for themselves, to play and relax and just be a kid-but it wasn't the same. Everywhere they went, everyone they saw, was watching them. Analysing every move, depending on their every decision...It sometimes got too much for the four of them. They loved what they did, they loved who they served, they loved the ones who loved them, but they also were realising something.

They were growing up to fast.

They both shook out of their own thoughts, returning to the present.

"No," she replied. "But it's been fun, has it not? I just don't like going into this without knowing everything..." she trailed off, her eyes distancing themselves' from the conversation. Edmund knew that look, she was searching for Aslan.

"He can't come this time, Lu." His voice sounded pained, as he reached out to take her small hand. Squeezing it tightly, he continued. "He may not be here in in person, sister, but he's still with us in Spirit."

"I know," she whispered. "Believe me, Ed. I know."

As Twittertwig, Moonstick and Nelson settled down to sleep, Nelson lay awake thinking. He hadn't spoken since he found out about the Fell Beasts. It angered and saddened him to hear of such possessed creatures, who didn't believe in all things good. In the beauty of the wood, the laughter in the wind, the rule of the Four, the feel of Aslan's breath...

Nelson turned over abruptly.

"Twittertwig?" He whispered.

"Mmm?"

"Can...can we go visit mama?"

"No, Nels. It's late. Besides, she's safe now, isn't she? Those rebels can't get to her..."

"You never know..." Nelson continued.

"I know, brother. Now go to sleep before I get King Peter to turn you into a fluffy hat!"

Harr, harr, very funny.

But Nelson still really wanted to see his mother. He wanted to make sure she was safe, warm, happy, and not worrying to much about them. Once he saw that the rest of the camp was sound asleep, he quietly rose from his spot on the ground.

And headed into the direction of the main camp.

Lucy was silent. Too quiet. The bubbly girl never seemed this quiet. Everything about the situation worried her. Children? Why children? Why, we're children! Oh, Aslan! Why are they doing this? They're even younger! Pure innocents! They've never seen battle, watched death before their eyes, been attacked...They've done nothing to deserve this fate. I've seen enough die in my care, enough people have suffered throughout the ages. Narnia doesn't need to suffer any longer. I don't want anything else to fall to pieces. Please, Dear Aslan, please, guide us.

While her thoughts were on the situation, Edmund was thinking the same. Instead of silencing himself, he had taken control of the situation, readying plans to go into the village.

"But, Sire. There is but a few of us. If there really is a threat for us down there, we cannot defend one another with such minimal numbers." Fordunus inquired hastily.

"Yes, I see what you mean, Fordunus. But I am not willing to make any more risk themselves until we know we need it." Edmund replied, commencing the same action his sister had done just mere moments prior.

Pacing...

And, oh my! Lucy continued to think, shrinking into a blanket that she had wrapped around herself. She'd heard Edmund's proposition and mentally agreed. But, it had just given her a better idea. Snapping out of long train of thought, she hopped up, facing her brother.

"Edmund! I just had a splendid idea!"

"And what would that be, sister?" He asked, a small smiling unwillingly spreading across his face.

She leaned into his ear and whispered something, something not even the Hounds could hear.

He turned slowly to her, a mischievious grin on his face.

"That is probably the most destructive, dangerous, selfless plan I've ever heard," he complimented. "I like it. We're the only ones in danger." Turning to the rest of the group, he called. "Can someone please fetch us some commoner clothes?"

They all gasped.