Back at the fort, they prepared to leave for Iarum and Yorwick. Bebba was sad to see them go.
‘You will return one day, won’t you?’
‘Of course,’ said Ędra. ‘But there is much work to be done. My new bridge, for example.’
Ędred frowned. ‘Who will design it for you?’
‘Why, by Princess Roxana. Who did you think?’
‘But she is just a child.’
‘Yes, but like her aunt Toreal in Westseax, she was taught to draw by the great Pict artist, Golmar. She will make a fine job of it.’
‘And will you now live in larun?’ asked the aged Ida.
‘Eventually, my good friend, although I like it very much here, too. But first, I must return to Beroic.’
‘Can I come with you?’ asked Marcus.
‘That depends upon your father, my lad. As far as I am concerned, it is permissable.’
The young man turned to Polimus. ‘Can I, father? Please say yes.’
‘I can think of no-one I would rather you be with. Go, my son.’
‘Thank you father. I will help to protect the Princess for you.’
Galahad smiled at the boy. ‘Welcome to Ędra’s Avengers.’
‘Ędra’s Avengers,’ repeated the Princess. ‘I like that.’
‘What will you do first?’ asked Bebba.
‘Jules and Pierre have agreed to travel with us back to Gaul where I have a small son who has not seen his mother in almost a year. I have a lot of cuddles to catch up on.’
‘And what about me?’ asked Galahad, his arm tightly around her shoulder.
She looked up at him with love in her deep, blue eyes and smiled. ‘I have something far better stored up for you.’
Merlin also smiled. Now they were even. The Princess had once given him his life when it was in her hands and by calling Galahad from Gaul and sending him to protect her when she was in danger, he had made the score equal.
But woe betide Ędra if their paths ever crossed again.
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