There and back again - The continuing journey

CHAPTER 20 - MERLIN'S SEA CAVE.

Guy and Auriel stood awhile by the side of the Mere after the Lady had disappeared, while the thoughts of the sisters in magic and their comfort, still swirled about the air, though Auriel could not hear them

They both thought of the Lady's words and were grateful for the sisters' continuing presence. Then, as suddenly as they had appeared, they were gone.

"We must away my love," said Guy to his wife, "for we have a fair way yet to travel. We must return to the cave for rest and supplies."

Then they walked back to where he had fastened their mount and he lifted her up into the saddle before mounting behind her.

"I am concerned that we do not have a map to show us the way to Tintagel, my love, but I remember the farrier John Proctor, who supplied our horses when we travelled to Wales, perhaps he will be able to assist us."

As he spoke she  slumped sideways from the saddle and as he caught her, he saw that she was asleep, so he tightened his arms around her, kissing her auburn hair where the breeze blew it gently across his lips.

He saw and heard no one in the woods when they arrived at the cave and he was pleased to see that their smaller horse had returned, no doubt hungry and lonely for their familiar presence.

He carried his wife into the cave still sleeping and as he put her down he noticed more dark bruising on her neck. He bent to kiss her while she opened her eyes, "So here we are then my darling," she said, "I must see to the fire, for the night grows chilly and you will be hungry."

"As always, you think of the comfort of others my sweet girl, but I will see to the fire, we have the remains of yesterday's supper here to warm and there is bread still in the crock, as well as eggs for our breakfast. I will see to the horses, then fetch water."

"So the mare came back to us my love, I am glad," she answered, " for I have grown fond of her, even with her fidgety ways. Tomorrow we must try to see John Proctor, for he will be able to advise us of the best road to Tintagel." Guy laughed, telling her that he had already thought of it, saying, "Our thoughts coincide, my love, for I had already decided that this would be our best course."

By the time he returned, the food was prepared and they sat in silence together whilst they ate. When they had finished Auriel rose and took away the plates, washing them in the bucket that he had filled earlier.

Guy knew that what they had experienced earlier at the Mere, was the reason for her silence and he was reluctant to disturb the thoughts he could read. But then she saw him watching her and she walked back to him smiling, when she had completed her task, putting her arms around his waist, reaching up to kiss him so tenderly, that he remembered the softly romantic interlude they had enjoyed on the journey down from Wales.

As he returned her kiss, she said, "For the first time, I feel real hope, death may linger at my back, but I now believe it will not remain there." And he closed his eyes praying it would be so.

They found John Proctor still working at his business and his eyes brightened when he saw that Auriel had returned, though he ushered them and their horses nervously inside.

"You cannot be seen here!" He said, "It would mean death for us all! The purging of all things magical continues apace, just yesterday prisoners escaped from the castle and the search for them continues."

"We seek a little help John, nothing more," Auriel said, "we would leave our smaller horse here, while we journey to Tintagel, but my husband has no map and it is a three day journey, do you know the way?"

At the sound of the word husband, she saw his face fall and she reached out her hands to take his and said, "I also have children now John, and a life in Wales, would you begrudge me that? My magical gifts left me long ago and unless I am seen and remembered, we are no threat to you. I sicken daily and there is a healer in Tintagel. If you know the way, I beg you, help us or I may die!"