The Green Knight

Chapter 7

The morning sun rose over Dunworth, casting its golden rays across the town. The Seven Saints, along with the Lionguard, began their preparations for the long journey to Camelot. The horses, freshly rested and strong, pawed at the ground as the carriage was loaded with supplies. The townspeople gathered to watch, offering their farewells and thanks, while the Lionguard, with their polished armor gleaming, stood ready to lead the way. Beric stood by his group's carriage, his thoughts heavy as Bailiff Eleanor approached him. Her steps were slow, and her face held an expression of mixed emotions: gratitude, pride, and sadness. She stopped just a few feet from Beric, her hands folded in front of her.

Bailiff Eleanor: So... You're really leaving...?

Beric: Yeah... I have to go. This journey with the others, it's something that I'm a part of.

Bailiff Eleanor: I know, b-but... it doesn't make it any easier. After what we shared, after what you and your friends did for Grovegard... I know we've only known each other for so little, but I don't want to see you go. Not like this, not when you might never come back...

Beric: *steps closer, his hand brushing hers* Eleanor, you know I have to. There's something going on, something bigger, I know it. You may not believe me if I say this, but there could be something corrupt happening in Camelot. And Rowan, the others, they need me. I can't turn my back on them, they've done so much for me.

Bailiff Eleanor: *tears up* But what about us, Beric? What if this is the last time I see you? *her hand trembles as she holds onto his*

Beric: *gently cups her face* Hey, don't think like that. I'll come back. When the time comes, if ever, I'll return to you. But for now, I need to see this through, okay?

Bailiff Eleanor: *sniffles, rests her forehead against his chest* I hate this... I-I hate that you have to go. But please... Just... Please be safe...

Beric: *kisses the top of her forehead* I will, Eleanor, I will...

They held each other for a long moment, the world around them fading away as they stood in the quiet embrace, kissing each other fully. Finally, Bailiff Eleanor pulled back, wiping away the tears that threatened to spill over her cheeks. She smiled, though it was bittersweet, her eyes filled with longing.

Bailiff Eleanor: I'll be waiting for you, Beric. Come back to me...

Beric: *nods* I will...

With one last lingering look, Beric climbed into the carriage, joining the rest of the Seven Saints. As the horses began to move, pulling the carriage slowly out of Dunworth, Beric looked back one last time. Eleanor stood at the edge of the town, her figure growing smaller in the distance as the group set off on their journey. The road ahead was long, and Camelot awaited.

The first week of travel passed slowly. The landscape changed back and forth from rolling hills with distant mountains, to thick forests, and the weather fluctuated between sunny days and sudden bursts of rain. The Lionguard led the way, their disciplined formation maintaining a steady pace. Inside the carriage, the Seven Saints passed the time with conversation, their spirits lighter now that the Black Falcons were no longer a looming threat. Still, the thought of Camelot and what awaited them there lingered in the air.

Drake: *leans back in the carriage* Heh. You know, if you'd told me a few months ago we'd be riding to Camelot with a royal escort, I'd have called you a psycho.

Otis: *chuckles* Yeah, we've come a long way. From Grovegard to fighting the Black Falcons to... This...

Natalie: *smiles* It's strange, isn't it? The idea of being recognized by King Arthur himself. It doesn't feel real yet.