There and back again - The continuing journey

CHAPTER 26 - THE RETURN HOME.

                       

    They reached Camelot two and a half days later, stopping off to visit their friend John Proctor, and reclaim their packhorse for the journey home to Wales.

    He was delighted to see them both alive and well, though he did not inquire too deeply into their "magical business." He offered them hospitality for the night which they gratefully accepted.

    They left Camelot thirty four days after they had arrived, turning their faces and their hearts north. They made good time, and their journey was free of incident, save perhaps for Auriel developing an even greater taste for the delights of her husband, seemingly trying to compensate for the great length of time she had been deprived of such, and he was, as always, more than happy to oblige her.

    They crossed the border into Wales a month later, arriving at the farm just after dawn a few days after. As they approached, they both dismounted and stood for a few moments drinking in the sights and smells of the home which they had left months before. The yard appeared deserted and Guy tied the horses to the farm gate.

    "Come into my arms my love," he said, "for I would remember this moment forever and I will mark it with a kiss if I may."

    They then walked through the gate together. The yard appeared deserted, but as they passed the barn, their son Mordred (looking somewhat grown in their long absence), came from within carrying a pail of milk, which he promptly spilt when he saw them.

    Guy was deeply moved when he heard the boy cry out, "Mama, is it you? Have you come home to us?" as he ran weeping into his mother's arms, and though he thought to himself that it was right his son should greet his mother first, he was perhaps a mite disappointed that he was not the one so chosen.

    Mordred then left his mother's embrace and stood before his father, extending his hand, saying, "It is very good to see you also Papa,"

    Guy replied, "Oh no, this will not suffice at all," before lifting the boy high above his head, spinning him round, before hugging him tightly to his heart and kissing him on both cheeks as he lowered him to the ground.

    The kitchen door opened and aunt Gwyneth stood there, wearing her baking apron, the smell of fresh bread following her as she ran towards them. She crushed Auriel to her heart, looking over her head at the man who had brought her girl home safe, "I never doubted you Guy of Gisborne, not for one single moment, now embrace your aunt for she has missed you fiercely!"   

    "Where are my baby's Aunt?" Auriel asked.

    "Still sleeping" she replied, "In your absence and to keep them from fretting on you both, Ivor has taught them to swim, and they spent most of yesterday in the river. We had a picnic and I promised them that you would be home soon, and here you are. They will think me to be quite the miracle worker I don't doubt!"

    "Then we shall wake them together," Guy said, taking his wife's and his eldest son's hands. Then they walked into the kitchen and up the stairs to unite their family once more.

    They had a joyful reunion with the smaller children and spent the day with them listening to the tales of the small adventures they had enjoyed during their parent's absence.

    Guy was particularly pleased that Ivor had taught them to swim and it made him even more determined to learn the skill himself. They rejoiced greatly when they heard this, doubtless looking forward to playing in the river with their Papa.

    They all ate supper together after a long day, and all three of the children were put to bed, tired, but very glad that Mama and Papa were home at last.