Chapter 10: Farewell
"I will miss her", Gwen said while watching Mary organizing her luggage. Arthur put his arm around Gwen.
"So will I", he said. "She is like a little sister to me."
Both looked at Merlin who had been shaking his head over and over again since Mary announced her departure. Recognizing their looks he nodded quickly.
Finally all of her luggage had been stored and Mary stepped towards the three, glowing with happiness.
"So then, everything is taken care of", she said happily.
"You seem to be in a hurry to get away from here", Arthur replied offended.
Mary boxed him into the stomache, grinning at him.
"By the way, you are a pretty couple", she said to Arthur and Gwen, both blushing. Then she turned to Merlin.
"No need to worry. I will be in safe hands", she whispered.
Merlin took her hands.
"I am not so certain of that", he replied. "You are resigning yourself to a situation you shouldn't be in."
Mary petted his cheek like Lilia had done this morning. The witch had told Merlin about her plans but had not given him a chance for contradiction.
Mary gave Merlin a little kiss on the cheek and went to her horse.
Once more she looked up to the balustrade and saw Uther standing there. She turned her back to him.
Her head high, queen-like, she left Camelot, followed by some of her kights.
Many people were watching her departure and not less of them had tears in their eyes.
She had not been in Camelot for a long time but still the people had embraced the happy, in love with life, slightly naïve girl.
A few days later the knights returned to Camelot. They gave a letter to Uther from Mary, asking him to take her men into the household of the court.
She had reached her destination safely and was enjoying a high protection. She did not give away who was the resident and her knights also did not say a word about it. Uther did not stop asking questions and by the time he threatened the knights with torment, they said: "She is in her world."