The peace that Gwen felt while living in Eilonwy's household was nourishing, but it was not to last.
One Sunday, as Gwen and Elaine sat in the town square to chat with passing friends, a pair of Camelot knights rode into Estlyn.
In an instant Gwen's sense of security vanished. She was still within Arthur's lands. Her presence in the town could be viewed as a violation of the edict of her exile. She knew that the letter of the law proclaimed that the banished were to leave the lands of the king. While she had put great distance between herself and Arthur, she had not yet complied completely with his order. She never imagined that Arthur might learn of her sojourn here, but the knights' appearance proved this a real possibility.
As the knights rode nearer, Gwen nonchalantly pulled her shawl over her head and casually hid her face. She recognized the pair. They were younger men, some of the newer knights whom Arthur had acquired over the past year or two. She wasn't certain of their names. They were likely on assignment to carry a message from the court, or to collect information about something or other.
Suddenly, Guinevere realized that, while her time in Estlyn had surely been a blessing of fate, she could not remain here indefinitely. The knowledge made her suddenly very sad.
Still, looking at Elaine, who was laughing blithely with her young friends, Gwen felt fiercely protective. The girl was doing well. The truth of Gwen's identity might be a horrible shock to the girl. Gwen would not let this happen. It was time for her to go.
That evening Gwen had a private talk with Eilonwy. She thought it best not to reveal too much, even to this wise and compassionate lady. But Gwen suspected that Eilonwy had already surmised more than she let on. Gwen thanked the lady quite profusely for her kindness and generosity, and then explained that the time had come for her to continue west.
"So I will need to go," said Gwen.
"You mustn't travel alone," said Eilonwy. "The roads can be dangerous for a young woman."
"I agree," said Gwen. "It would be easier to go alone, but not wise. And Elaine would be horrified if I put myself in danger after all of our talk about being good to ourselves."
Eilonwy's smile intensified the merry wrinkles beside her eyes.
"I'll have to find someone I can travel with."
A few days later, Eilonwy informed Gwen that a certain trader had arrived from the western border town of Cameron. He was well-known to Eilonwy and trustworthy. When he finished his business in Estlyn he would be returning to Cameron, and he was willing to escort Gwen along the way.
"It would be appropriate to pay him," said Eilonwy. Gwen agreed. She had been saving her wages, and while it hurt to spend money in such uncertainty, she knew it was the proper way of handling the situation.
It was all arranged.
Gwen asked Elaine to walk with her, and as they walked she explained that she would be departing. She kept her reasons vague, but Elaine, accustomed to Gwen's reticence, accepted that not all would be explained.
"Oh, I shall miss you!" exclaimed the girl. "You've been as a sister to me. You've been so patient with all my tears - listening - always listening. What shall I do when you are gone?"
"I shall miss you terribly," said Gwen. "I will always thank heaven that we could work and walk together for a season."
And far too soon, on a cold, crisp morning, Elaine and Eilonwy walked with Guinevere to the square for the last time. After kisses, hugs and a tearful farewell, Gwen climbed into a sturdy trader's wagon and waved goodbye.
The road opened up again before her. The future called her westward. All was uncertain, but she felt brave, and a sweet melody played itself in her mind.
Bonny Jenny, I do love thee.
Forever thou wilt see me true.
Fear not what the fates shall bring us.
I will always stand with you.
