Camelot

Fourteen - Goodbye

So patient fans, I've finally decided the journey Emalia's character will take. Enjoy the chapter! x

Fourteen - Goodbye

It didn't occur to me that I'd spent the whole night there until the sun glowed through the crystal glass windows, causing light to spill into the room. I was still sitting against the dresser, the letters to my father spilled around me, crumpled and wet with my own tears. I still hadn't come to terms with what I had done. I wanted to be back in Camelot with Arthur by my side, perhaps he could help me out of the abyss I'd dropped myself into last night. However, no matter how much I wanted that I knew that I was headed for a different journey now. I could not go back to Camelot until it was done.

I slowly picked myself up from the floor and walked towards my father's closet. As soon as I opened the thick wooden doors his scent hit me and I felt myself become teary once more. No matter what I'd learnt about my father in the previous night I'd still give anything for him to be alive. I missed him so much. I leant forward and pulled his worn navy blue cloak from its hook, slipping it on. It was so big that it pooled around my wrists and the floor.

Avoiding the mirror I stalked out of the room, taking all the unused corridors to get to the stables where I'd find my horse and then ride right out of here. I didn't see anyone on my journey. They'd probably be preparing the other two men - who I hadn't killed - for their execution. The only person who would be looking for me would be Leith. He knew just how unpredictable I could be.

The stables were deserted and I quickly crossed the room to my mare, wasting no time with saddles or bags. I'd been riding horses long enough that I could comfortably ride bareback. Besides that the cloak and my dress could easily act as a pillow. I rode out of the stables and then my own kingdom with the hood of the cloak concealing my face, without a glance from any onlookers. They were all too busy with their jobs or chasing after their tiny children. I was probably unrecognisable in this state anyway.

I took the main road, which I knew could take me to where I wanted to go. I had not known what had bought this decision on, but now I knew that it was the only chance I had at bettering myself. I had to become stronger then what I already was if I had any chance of standing by Emrys' side and forming Albion.

The horse began to slow after a few miles and I knew that it needed rest. As I slowed I heard the unwelcome sound of hooves on the track behind me. I hoped that it was some messenger on the way to another kingdom or a lone merchant. Unfortunately I was wrong.

"Emalia, don't think that you can run from me," called Leith's familiar voice.

I internally cursed. Of course it was Leith that had followed me. It was hardwired into his brain. He'd been watching me since he was a young boy and there was no way he'd simply let me slip out of his grasp on my own.

"Emalia," he said, this time closer. The sound of his horse's hooves had slowed substantially and I knew that if I looked beside me he'd be right there, just like always.

"What Leith?" I replied, shocked by the venom in my tone. "Don't you think you should stay away from me now? I am a murderer after all."

I turned to face him and I could tell that he was shocked by my appearance. I probably looked wild. My face would be pale, my eyes would be bloodshot and my blonde hair would be knotted all around my face. I probably looked condemned - a sorcerer gone mad. Perhaps this was where my future was headed if I didn't change soon.

"You would have killed him anyway," he said, trying to reason with me. "You-,"

"You told me not to kill him!" I growled.