Memories

"You're not thinking clearly, Caelynn! You're not going and that is final!"

"I'm thinking perfectly fine!" Caelynn retorted. "I know Andreww's still alive. I can feel it." She looked from her father to her mother. "Surely you can feel it, too?"

Standing next to her husband, Elizabeth sighed. "Caelynn, we all wish that Andreww were here with us now. But we have to face facts - he is gone, Caelynn. No amount of hoping and wishful thinking will bring him back. You going back to the islands will only put you in danger - it won't bring Andreww back. It's late, Caelynn. Get some sleep and tomorrow we can go to Camelot and look into other ways to help support the fight against Morganna."

The next morning Elizabeth knocked softly on Caelynn's door. She frowned slightly when there was no answer. Pushing the door open, her heart sank as she saw a note on the neatly-made bed. She didn't have to read it to know that Caelynn had gone.

*****

Dark circles under her eyes attested to the sleepless night she'd just been through.

"You do not have to go," Gareth spoke softly from behind her as she stood before a mirror adjusting her hat. "I can take care of this by myself."

"No," Elizabeth shook her head. "We are in agreement and I will be there to show my support. It is only right that a lady stand by her husband."

Though his expression remained somber, there was almost a look of relief in Gareth's eyes - a if he were afraid he were forcing this upon Elizabeth. Offering his arm, he escorted her to Camelot.

"Ah, here we are." The scribe pulled out a large tome and flipped through the pages. Finding the right spot he looked up to Gareth and Elizabeth. "Are you certain this is what you wish?" At their answer he wrote a brief entry in the book. "Very well. From this day on the one known as Caelynn is disowned. She no longer holds any claim to your land, money, or titles."

*****

"Treason!" Elizabeth exclaimed in outrage as she paced the floor. The captain of the guard had just informed them of the suspicions against the family and notified them that guards would be posted at their house. "How could they think we would do something like that?!"

"Now, now, Elizabeth. It's all a misunderstanding, I'm sure. It will be cleared up soon enough."

She froze in her pacing as a thought came over her. She turned to her husband, her eyes filled with dread at the thought. "Gareth.. you don't suppose Caelynn..." she let the thought trail off.

Gareth's mouth was a grim line as he shook his head. "No. She wouldn't stoop to such levels for vengence. We will speak of her no more."

********************

The memories came flooding back as Elizabeth held the note found on her bedroom door. Trembling, she handed the note to Gareth before collapsing to the floor.