THE TRIUMPH OF THE WITCH As soon as the Witch had gone Aslan said, "We must move from this place at o will be wanted for other purposes. We shall encamp tonight at the Fords of Beruna.
Of course everyone was dying to ask him how he had arranged matters with the witch; but his face was stern and everyones ears were still ringing with the sound of his roar and so nobody dared.
After a meal, which was taken in the open air on the hill-top (for the sun had got strong by now and dried the grass), they were busy for a while taking the pavilion down and
pag things up. Before two oclock they were on the mard set off in a northeasterly dire, walking at an easy pace for they had not far to go.
During the first part of the journey Aslan explaio Peter his plan of campaign. "As soon as she has finished her business in these parts," he said, "the Witch and her crew will almost certainly fall back to her House and prepare for a siege. You may or may not be able to cut her off and prevent her from reag it." He the on to outliwo plans of battle - one fhting the Witd her people in the wood and another for assaulting her castle. And all the time he was advisier how to duct the operations, saying things like, "You must put your taurs in sud such a place" or "You must post scouts to see that she doesnt do so-and-so," till at last Peter said, "But you will be there yourself, Aslan.」
"I give you no promise of that," answered the Lion. And he tinued givier his instrus.
For the last part of the jour was Susan and Lucy who saw most of him. He did not talk very mud seemed to them to be sad.
It was still afternoohey came down to a place where the river valley had widened out and the river was broad and shallow. This was the Fords of Beruna and Aslan gave orders to halt on this side of the water. But Peter said, "Wouldnt it be better to camp on the far side - for fear she should try a night attack or anything?」
Aslan, who seemed to have been thinking about something else, roused himself with a shake of his magnifit mane and said, "Eh? Whats that?" Peter said it all ain.
"No," said Aslan in a dull voice, as if it didnt matter. "No. She will not make an attack to-night." And then he sighed deeply. But presently he added, "All the same it was well thought of. That is how a soldier ought to think. But it doesnt really matter." So they proceeded to pitch their camp.
Aslans mood affected everyohat evening. Peter was feeling unfortable too at the idea of fighting the battle on his own; the hat Aslan might not be there had e as a great sho. Supper that evening was a quiet meal. Everyo how different it had been last night or even that m. It was as if the good times, having just begun, were already drawing to their end.
This feeling affected Susan so much that she couldo sleep when she went to bed.
And after she had lain ting sheep and turning over and over she heard Lucy give a long sigh and turn over just beside her in the darkness.
"t you get to sleep either?" said Susan.
"No," said Lucy. "I thought you were asleep. I say, Susan!」
"What?」
"Ive a most Horrible feeling - as if something were hanging over us.」
"Have you? Because, as a matter of fact, so have I.」
"Something about Aslan," said Lucy. "Either some dreadful thing is going to happen to him, or something dreadful that hes going to do.」
"Theres been something wro