Reluctantly, Edmund unwound himself from the softness of Al's fur, the warmth of his solid body. "I'm sure. I wouldn't be able to go through with anything else. Not - not now." He hugged himself, thinking of how much lonelier it would feel when Al was gone for good. He wanted to leave so badly, and all Edmund could do was let him go.

"I'm sure you're dying to get away from here anyways. You don't have to rush back." Edmund reached for the sword hung near the front of the tent. "I know how to defend myself in case anybody comes sniffing around."

He smiled, a sad thing that didn't reach his eyes. "Thanks, Al. You're a good man."