his siblings to her. The Queen then gives him directions to her house and instructs him not to tell anyone about their meeting. As Edmund watches the sledge vanish, Susan rushes up and expresses her happiness that he got in too. She says she just had lunch with Mr. Tumnus and learned all sorts of dreadful things about the White Witch. Lucy is eager to tell everyone that they both have been to Narnia, but Edmund is not thrilled. His stomach aches from the Turkish Delight, and his pride is hurt as well.

Chapter Five: Back on This Side of the Door

When Lucy recounts her experience to Peter and Susan, Edmund denies it and accuses her of fabricating the story. Feeling hurt and rejected, Lucy leaves the room, and Peter rebukes Edmund for being "perfectly beastly" to her. The following morning, Peter and Susan seek the Professor's advice on how to handle the situation with Lucy. To their surprise, the Professor asserts that since Lucy is a very honest girl and clearly not delusional, they should trust that she is telling the truth. For a while, the topic of the wardrobe is avoided; no one discusses it or goes near it. This changes when the children rush into the spare room to evade Mrs. Macready and a group of sightseers she is guiding through the house. They believe no one will follow them into the room, but then they hear someone fumbling at the door, prompting them all to hide in the wardrobe.

Chapter Six: Into the Forest

The cramped, dark wardrobe opens into a snowy forest. Peter apologizes to Lucy for not believing her, and then all eyes turn to Edmund for his deceit. Peter suggests they explore, with Lucy leading the way. She guides them to Mr. Tumnus's cave, which they find deserted and in disarray. They discover a piece of paper with a message from Maugrim, the Captain of the Secret Police, stating that Mr. Tumnus has been arrested for high treason. Lucy insists they search for him, as his arrest was due to his friendship with her. Peter and Susan agree, though they have no idea where to start. A bright red Robin appears, and Lucy senses that the bird wants them to follow it. The Robin leads them through the forest, and throughout their journey, Edmund continuously doubts whether they are making the right decision.

Chapter Seven: A Day with the Beavers

The children follow a Robin to a spot where they encounter a Beaver, who has been warily watching them from behind the trees. This Beaver turns out to be an ally of Mr. Tumnus and cautions the children to speak softly as the Witch's spies are everywhere. Assuming the children are more knowledgeable than they actually are, the Beaver murmurs, "Aslan is on the move." The children, unfamiliar with who Aslan is, still find some comfort in the name—all except Edmund, who feels alarmed by it. Lucy, worried about Mr. Tumnus, asks where he has been taken. The Beaver, now referred to as Mr. Beaver, invites them to his home for dinner where they can converse in private. There, they meet Mrs. Beaver, who warmly welcomes them, and they enjoy a hearty meal of fish and potatoes. Mr. Beaver glances out the window and notes with satisfaction that it is snowing, which will cover their tracks and keep unwanted visitors at bay.

Chapter Eight: What Happened after Dinner

After dinner, Mr. Beaver informs the children that Mr. Tumnus has likely been taken to the Witch's castle and turned into stone. He explains that they cannot help him without Aslan, the great lion and King of the wood, whom they will meet the next day at a place called the Stone Table. Mr. Beaver shares prophecies foretelling the end of the White Witch's reign with Aslan's return and the enthronement of two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve at Cair Paravel. He warns that the White Witch will seek to kill the children out of fear that they will fulfill the prophecy. When Mr. Beaver finishes, everyone realizes Edmund is missing. They rush outside and call for him, but it is futile: he has gone to the White Witch. Mr. Beaver's greatest worry is that Edmund heard everything about Aslan and their meeting at the Stone Table and will inform the Witch, who will then try to stop them before they reach Aslan. Mrs. Beaver suggests they leave immediately.

Chapter Nine: In the Witch's House

Edmund, who departed from the Beavers' house shortly after Mr. Beaver mentioned the meeting with Aslan, navigates through rocky and icy terrain to reach the Witch's house. As he walks, he fantasizes about all the things he will do as King, including getting back at Peter. The Witch's house is a sinister little castle with towers, pointed spires, and shadows, surrounded by a courtyard filled with stone statues of various creatures. Edmund ascends some steps to the doorway where Maugrim the wolf lies quietly. Mistaking Maugrim for another statue, Edmund begins to step over him, but the enormous wolf rises to block his path. Terrified, Edmund identifies himself and explains his purpose. Maugrim fetches the White Witch, who is furious to see Edmund without his siblings. Edmund assures her they are nearby and recounts everything Mr. Beaver said about Aslan. The mention of Aslan greatly unsettles the Witch. She orders her fat Dwarf to prepare the sledge.

Chapter Ten: The Spell Begins to Break

The children and Mr. Beaver impatiently wait for Mrs. Beaver as she packs food, matches, and handkerchiefs for the journey. After much fussing over what to bring, they finally set off, traveling a great distance over ice and snow. Lucy is practically sleepwalking when Mr. Beaver leads them to a secret hiding spot in the ground where they rest for the night. They awaken to the sound of sleigh bells. Above, Father Christmas waits in his sledge with gifts for everyone: Mrs. Beaver receives a new sewing machine delivered straight to her house, and Mr. Beaver gets a repaired and completed dam. Peter is given a sword and shield, Susan receives a bow, a quiver full of arrows, and an ivory horn that summons help when blown. Lucy is gifted a dagger (though Father Christmas tells her she is not to fight in the battle) and a cordial of special healing juice. Before departing, Father Christmas presents one final gift: hot tea for everyone. The children and the Beavers enjoy a delightful breakfast before continuing their journey.

Chapter Eleven: Aslan Is Nearer

Edmund couldn't feel more miserable. He requests Turkish Delight, but the plump Dwarf brings him dry bread and water instead. Afterwards, the Witch commands Maugrim and her fastest wolves to track down the Beavers and the humans. She then forces Edmund to accompany her on a long, frigid journey to the Stone Table in her sledge. Along the way, they come across a joyful gathering of creatures celebrating in the woods. The sight of their happiness infuriates the Witch. When the creatures reveal that Father Christmas provided the food, she becomes even more enraged. Despite Edmund's protests, the Witch turns the entire party to stone and strikes Edmund hard across the face for requesting favors for spies and traitors. Their journey is further delayed by a sudden thaw, causing the sledge to become stuck in the mud repeatedly. The Dwarf ties Edmund's hands, and they proceed on foot. As they walk, trees begin to bud, flowers bloom, and birds sing all around them. Spring has arrived, and the Dwarf exclaims that it is Aslan's doing. The Witch threatens, "If either of you mentions that name again … he shall instantly be killed."

Chapter Twelve: Peter's First Battle

The children and the Beavers traverse the greening landscape and climb a hill to a clearing where the Stone Table stands—a massive grey slab etched with mysterious lines and figures. Music announces the arrival of Aslan, who enters a pavilion surrounded by numerous forest animals and mythological beings. Aslan greets the children and Beavers, assuring them that everything will be done to save Edmund, though it will not be an easy task. As preparations for a feast are underway, Aslan leads Peter to the eastern edge of the hilltop and points out Cair Paravel, the distant castle where Peter is destined to be king. Suddenly, the sound of Susan's horn calls Peter to battle. Maugrim and another wolf have infiltrated the camp, and to Peter's horror, he sees Maugrim chasing Susan up a tree. Peter kills Maugrim with his sword, while the other wolf escapes. Aslan sends his swiftest creatures after it, declaring that it will lead them to Edmund and the Witch. After Peter cleans his sword, Aslan knights him, "Sir Peter Wolf's-Bane."

Chapter Thirteen: Deep Magic from the Dawn of Time

After what feels like an endless trek for Edmund, the Witch and the Dwarf devise a plan to kill him before he can be rescued. Just as the Witch begins sharpening her stone knife, Aslan's rescue team arrives. Edmund is saved, but the Witch and the Dwarf escape using her magic. The next morning, Edmund has a private conversation with Aslan that he will always remember. Aslan then reunites Edmund with his siblings, assuring them that there is no need to discuss what has happened. Later, the Witch arrives and declares Edmund a traitor. She insists that, according to the Law of the Deep Magic, she has the right to execute all traitors. Aslan requests a private meeting with the Witch, during which they reach an agreement that spares Edmund's life. The Queen, with "a look of fierce joy on her face," asks Aslan how she can trust that he will keep his promise. Aslan responds with a dreadful half laugh, half roar.

Chapter Fourteen: The Triumph of the Witch

Aslan leads his forces from the hilltop to the Fords of Beruna, where they set up camp. He then discusses the battle plans with Peter, informing him that he will lead the campaign. That night, Susan and Lucy find Aslan wandering sorrowfully through the moonlit woods. He appears sad but tells the girls he would appreciate their company for a while, with their hands on his mane. They soon arrive at the hill leading up to the Stone Table, and Aslan says they must part ways here. The girls weep uncontrollably as Aslan walks away towards the Stone Table, where the White Witch and her evil followers await. They bind, shave, and torment Aslan before dragging him onto the Stone Table. Susan and Lucy, watching from a safe distance, expect Aslan to fight back at any moment, but he never does. The Witch tells Aslan that his death will be in vain because she plans to kill Edmund regardless. Susan and Lucy cannot bear to watch as the Witch drives her knife into Aslan's heart.

Chapter Fifteen: Deeper Magic from Before the Dawn of Time

The Witch charges ahead with her minions, while Susan and Lucy approach the Stone Table. They remove Aslan's muzzle but cannot untie him because the knots are too tight. Suddenly, hundreds of small field mice appear and gnaw through the cords. The girls remain with Aslan throughout the night, holding him and weeping. At dawn, they take a walk to warm up and are startled by a thunderous cracking sound. They turn to see the Stone Table split and Aslan's body missing. Just as they wonder what it all means, Aslan, alive and well, stands behind them in the sunlight. He explains that the Witch did not account for the Deeper Magic, which states that death will be reversed when a willing victim who has committed no crime is sacrificed in a traitor's place. Overjoyed, Susan and Lucy shower Aslan with kisses, and they run and play around the hilltop. Aslan lets out a powerful roar, tells the girls to climb on his back, and they head off to the Witch's castle. Upon arrival, Aslan leaps over the wall into the courtyard filled with stone statues.

Chapter Sixteen: What Happened about the Statues

Aslan frees the statues one by one by breathing on them. Soon, the entire courtyard is filled with joy. Susan becomes a bit nervous when Aslan breathes on the feet of Giant Rumblebuffin, fearing it might be unsafe, but Rumblebuffin turns out to be a friendly giant. One of the last statues to be freed is Mr. Tumnus, and he and Lucy dance with joy at their reunion. Giant Rumblebuffin knocks down the gates with his massive club, allowing them to exit, and Aslan leads the charge to the battlefront. They arrive to find Peter's army badly depleted and fighting desperately. Stone statues are scattered across the battlefield, indicating that the Witch has been using her wand. At that moment, she is battling Peter with her stone knife. Aslan lets out another powerful roar and launches himself at the White Witch. Peter's weary army cheers, and the newcomers join the fray.

Chapter Seventeen: The Hunting of the White Stag

Aslan defeats the Witch, and his allies eliminate the rest of her forces. Peter explains that Edmund saved the day by breaking the Witch's wand, preventing her from turning more of their soldiers into stone. However, Edmund was severely injured in the process. Lucy administers a few drops from her cordial to Edmund, who then fully recovers, and Aslan knights him immediately. The following day, Aslan crowns Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy as the kings and queens of Narnia at Cair Paravel. The Pevensies rule for many years until one day they go hunting for the White Stag, believing it will grant wishes to anyone who captures it. They pursue it into a thicket, where they come across a lamppost that seems oddly familiar. Anticipating a new adventure or hidden treasure, they move past it. In an instant, the children find themselves tumbling out of the wardrobe and into the spare room. Mrs. Macready and the guests are still in the corridor. The children eagerly run to inform the Professor about their experiences. He tells them that they will return to Narnia someday, but it will happen when they least expect it.