The Call of Camelot

Chapter 23 - Into the Dragons Den

It is often said that the events of a person's life are like chapters in a book and though the transition from one chapter to the next can be frightening, it is nonetheless, inevitable. That was how I felt now, like one chapter of my life was coming to a close and a new one was about to begin, tonight Percival, Guinevere and I would leave Camelot forever to begin a new life among the Banduri.

The last two days had been difficult, more than once I'd convinced myself that both Arthur and Merlin knew of our plan, but Guinevere and Percival had reassured me that it was just my own paranoia mixed with the guilt of knowing what damage would be done by our leaving, especially to Mordred.

On the day of the last tournament, shortly after I left Percivals chambers, Elin had met me in my room, once again filled with the gossip of the day which had moved on from my supposed demonism to the fact Mordred had refused his Father's order to reenter the games. According to the whispering servants, Mordred had felt it unfair to the other champions that he re-enter when he bore no injuries from his last fight, he'd said it was dishonourable, but I knew I was the real reason he'd refused to take part.

"I couldn't do it to you again Cara" he'd said to me when I asked the true reason he'd withdrawn "through all the pain of my injuries what affected me the most was seeing the upset it put you through, a face so beautiful should never look so sad". I'd been putty in his hand since that moment.

I'd tried to ignore the fact that yesterday was our last real day together but it had been hard, every time he'd made me laugh or I began to feel relaxed I remembered I was leaving and he'd never know the true reason why!

Noticing the tear that rolled off my chin and puddled atop my hand, Elin asked in a gentle tone "My lady are you alright?"

"Yes I'm alright, just lost in my memories"

"Lady Cara, excuse me if it is bold for me to ask this but have I done something to offend you? Since the Lord Mordred's recovery you have not been yourself around me"

I squeezed the hand resting on my shoulder "You could never do anything to upset me"

I was going to miss her, out of all the people I'd encountered while at Camelot Elin was one of the only people not to give me any surprises, but she did also have a point, I had been acting differently around her.

Since she'd told me of the so-called rumours surrounding my "demonism" I hadn't noticed a single servant or member of court who'd spied me any differently, rather than being the subject of gossip it seemed as though Mordred's miraculous recovery had been a well guarded secret.  There'd been no whispering servants in the corridors, no members of court actively avoiding me, so there was a part of me that doubted the truth of Elins words and as such I'd been more guarded in what I said to her.  But Elin had never given me any reason to doubt her before, so I convinced myself that just because I wasn't seeing peoples strange behaviour for myself, it didn't mean it wasn't there and what was more likely was that my own paranoia was making me doubt the first friend I'd made here, who'd been nothing but loyal and kind.

"I want to thank you Elin, since I've arrived here you've been a wonderful friend I hope you know how much that means to me"

"Of course milady" she answered bluntly, hurriedly returning to the business of finishing my hair "It will take me sometime to ready you for the feast this evening, if your ladyship could ensure she returns to her chambers in time this afternoon. Now if that is all I have other duties to attend before the games "

Watching my mousy haired companion curtsy and hurry from my room I couldn't help but mumble my confusion at her sudden change of behaviour, perhaps praising her work and showing such obvious affection had been an unwelcome break of servant/mistress etiquette?