CHAPTER TWO START OF THE JOURNEY
Two weeks later, Gwen had set off from Camelot with Leon, Percival, Danber, a young servant, who'd just started and five other Knights. She suddenly felt alive, being out and about. Much as she loved Camelot, and her people, the rigour of her life inside the courts could be wary. She'd had a huge fight with some of the Lords about this trip away. Some had felt the Queen leaving was disrespectful to Camelot. Gwen had faced them, and had said quietly, but sincerely, that she was not just Queen of Camelot, but also Queen of the villages outside too. Those people had a right to know that the Queen, was genuinely interested in their communities too.
Although he felt a bit nervous about the idea, Gaius had spoken up for Gwen. Gwen felt touched that he was prepared to go out of his way, to help her. He had looked especially frail recently, but he was still prepared to speak up for her in Court. Gwen had decided in the end, to stay quiet about Alice, fearing that if Alice did not come back to Camelot, that it would be a huge disappointment for Gaius. They would get a message to her, and hopefully she would make her own way to Camelot.
As they prepared to ride through the forest of Ascetir, Gwen made the most of having the sun on her face, with a lovely cool breeze overhead. She remembered passed treks through the forest, with Arthur, the forest had always spooked her. Yet strangely today she revelled in the feeling of freedom. The birds sang from the trees, it was almost as if nature was performing for her, as she rode by. There was a general mood of happiness in among the group, as well as weariness.
"Never thought I'd be escorting you through here." Percival smiled.
"You are lucky you are," Gwen laughed as she recalled the battle she'd had, at the court.
"I have to say you were most impressive." Leon said, swatting a fly, as they moved deeper into the forest. "How you didn't hit Sir Lydon, is one of life's miracles." He said to general amusement.
"Oh Sir Lydon is a pussycat." She laughed.
"I'll remind you of that statement the next time you come in complaining of him, at our next meeting." Leon laughed.
"Well he has his moments, I have to admit." Gwen smiled, "How long before we get to Galon?" she asked, noticing the sudden change in the breeze.
"A couple more hours we should be there, providing we don't have any diversions. We will stop for a break, I'm sure Danber, can come up with one of his lovely stews."
Danber blushed, "I'm not so sure about lovely Sir Leon", the boy said.
Gwen looked at Danber, smiling "I have heard great things about these stews Danber, they say you better then Audrey!"
"I'm not so sure about that your highness", the boy said, colouring slightly.
"Don't be so modest Danber, I'm really looking forward to it."
"I hope it lives up to your expectations then." The boy laughed nervously.
"If not you'll be walking home," Percival exclaimed looking seriously.
"Oh." The boy gulped.
"Don't worry Danber, he was joking." Gwen laughed lifting a playful finger to Percival.
"Now might be a good time to stop." Leon announced, there's a stream over there, we will give the horses a drink."
They came to a pretty covet, with a busy stream running through it. It had rocks around it, a clearing big enough to set up camp. Danber, got to work cooking his stew, as Leon helped Gwen off her horse. Gwen took a good look around, the place had seemed strangely familiar, and yet she was pretty sure she'd never been here before. She walked around trying to get a good view of the place. She suddenly felt curiously cold, as if a shadow had passed through her. Sensing her unease, Leon was by her side.
"You okay?" he asked
"For a moment I felt as if I knew the place." She explained shivering suddenly.
"I'm pretty sure we've passed through here on patrol." Leon said "Can't say it is that memorable though." He smiled comfortingly.
"No I'm sure it's nothing" Gwen replied. "There's a lovely smell coming from over there Danber."
"It'll be ready soon, your highness." Danber smiled, stirring away furiously.
Soon they were sitting down and eating. The ride had made everyone really hungary. To Gwen it genuinely tasted like the best stew she'd ever eaten. She smiled over at Danber.
She had become very fond of the boy. He had some endearing habits that reminded her of Merlin, in his earlier days. Thinking of Merlin again, had her suddenly feeling tense. Supposing she couldn't track him down, he was a sorcerer after all, she guessed that he could disappear at will, if he really didn't want to be found. She suddenly thought he could be around here, watching them as they travelled. It was strange, at times she did feel as if he was extremely near, it was a feeling she got from time to time.
A feeling she was nervous to express, as she feared people would think she was mad. Merlin had disappeared, after Percival had found him, with Arthur. Percival had described him as bereft, refusing to come back to Camelot. Percival had done his best to persuade him to come back, Merlin had in the end, promised that he would at some time. But he had refused to say when.
Gwen guessed he had just needed time, and was prepared to be patient, understanding his need to grieve. She on the other hand,had been forced to get on with it. It was her duty to take over from Arthur, and at times she felt the strain endlessly.