Hunith's Decision
If it was a matter of life and death, perhaps Hunith's reaction would have been different. If Merlin had rescued Will from drowning, or used his magic to keep his friend from being trampled by a horse, surely Hunith would have been proud of her son.
But as it happens Merlin is just showing off, magically doing his chores for his and Will's amusement, and when Hunith sees this she's angry and afraid. She doesn't want to send Merlin away, but she knows that she must. It isn't safe for him here anymore, not where others may soon discover his secret.
Merlin is too big for Ealdor. He needs space to grow and he needs to meet new people, people that will help him find a purpose for his gifts. Camelot seems like the likeliest place, where one more young man won't draw much interest, and where Hunith's old friend Gaius can keep an eye on Merlin.
Hunith supposes that all mothers think their children are special, but she's always known deep in her heart that Merlin is destined for great things. And Hunith suspects that her son's destiny isn't tied to Ealdor, but to someplace greater. Someplace like Camelot.
