Summary

Chapter 11, “Aslan is Nearer” At the Witch’s castle, Edmund is disappointed when the Witch doesn’t immediately make him a Prince, and is even more disappointed when he gets only bread and water to eat instead of more Turkish Delight. Meanwhile, the Witch sends a pair of wolves to the Beavers’ house (where, narration reveals, they find the house empty and the tracks of its inhabitants concealed by fresh snow), and plans to make her way to the Stone Table. Taking Edmund with her, she makes her increasingly laborious way through snow and ice that becomes increasingly soft as the air and the sun become warmer and warmer. Just as Edmund is becoming deeply uncomfortable, he and the Witch discover a happy party of animals celebrating Christmas. The Witch, furious at the discovery that Father Christmas has been there and given...