Page 162 of Destiny of the Witch

‘Titus wasn’t a coward or a traitor,’ Mrs Greenwood told him, squeezing his shoulder. ‘Oh, Castor, he was a good man. He did what he was told to do by Wulfram and Blaise, for the good of us all. It had to happen that way.’

‘I know it must have hurt him a great deal,’ Wulfram said gently, wanting Castor to understand. ‘He was adamant he wouldn’t do it, but I had to make him promise. He was a brave man, Castor. He pushed his own beliefs and feelings to one side for the sake of our future. You can be proud of him.’

Castor gave an anguished moan and then, to my amazement, he covered his face with his hands and began to sob. I’d never seen him cry before and it made me want to cry myself. I could see my sisters-in-law and Sirius felt the same.

Mrs Greenwood put her arms around him and held him tightly, tears running down her cheeks. All his life Castor had believed his ancestor had betrayed Bevil because he was a coward. Now at last he had peace. I couldn’t begin to imagine how important that must be to him.

‘At least,’ Harley said faintly, ‘we know Romy was safe. She loved Blaise, but I was so worried he’d let her down. Now I can be sure he didn’t. He loved her just as much in return, and they had a long and happy life together.’

‘He’d have made sure she lived a very comfortable life,’ Wulfram promised. ‘Nothing was too good for Wren as far as Phoenix was concerned.’

‘But what about afterwards?’ Keely asked, stricken. ‘I saw their grave!’ She put her hand to her mouth. ‘I remember Romy feeling scared and queasy when we found it. Blaise—I mean Phoenix—died seven years before she did. What happened to her then, alone in the eighteenth century with no magic?’

There was a tap at the door and Emrick peered round.

‘Up to date?’ he asked quietly and Wulfram nodded.

‘All done.’

‘Emrick!’ There were lots of excited cries and almost everyone rushed to the door to greet him.

‘You’re Merlin!’

‘I can’t believe it!’

‘Why didn’t you tell us?’

‘I don’t know what to say. Merlin! It’s amazing.’

‘Oh, Emrick,’ Sky said tearfully, ‘you’ve had such a hard life. I’m so sorry.’

Emrick smiled and ruffled her hair. ‘Now, come on. I’m just me, same as I’ve always been. No need to be sad for me. All that’s in the past. I’m here with you all and things are looking good for us right now. Let’s enjoy the moment, eh?’

He nodded over at Hector who was sitting close to Castor. ‘Told you they’d make a fuss.’

‘Hector!’ Celeste gasped. ‘You knew Emrick was Merlin?’

‘Well,’ Star said thoughtfully, ‘I suppose he is a Guardian. He’s bound to know.’

‘At least I understand now why Hector valued your opinion so much,’ Sirius said. ‘I can’t deny it annoyed me at times. Sorry, Emrick. Mind you, something tells me he wasn’t the only one who knew the truth.’ He turned to Ewella who was sitting quietly on the sofa. ‘Am I right?’

‘You knew, too?’ Harley gasped.

‘Do you really think Meri and I could have persuaded her to help us do anything if she hadn’t known?’ Emrick said. ‘She’s the Queen of Lyonesse. She wasn’t going to give up her nice, quiet life for just anyone.’

‘Frankly,’ Ewella said, ‘you’ve been a pain in the bum a lot of the time.’ She hesitated, then her face widened into a smile. ‘But mostly you’ve been wonderful, and I’m so glad you came into my life. We’re all very lucky to have you on our side.’

‘Stop it, you’re making me blush.’ Emrick turned his gaze to Castor. ‘Are you all right, my friend?’

Castor nodded and sniffed. ‘Sorry for being a bit daft. Don’t know what came over me.’

‘You have every right to be emotional,’ Emrick said. ‘I’m just glad you finally know the truth about Titus St Clair. Not only did he sacrifice his own good name, but he kept the Golden Chalice Key safe all those years. You should be very proud of him indeed.’

Castor nodded. ‘I am, believe me I am. You know,’ he added, ‘I have a feeling I understand what that invitation meant now. You know the one Meri sent me all those months ago?Understanding will bring you rest. That’s what it said. Now I understand and I feel I can rest easy after all these years.’

‘You should check it,’ Sky said excitedly. ‘You might find the wording has changed.’

‘Can’t,’ he admitted sheepishly. ‘Chucked it in the fire as soon as I got home from the island.’

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