Her hair was much shorter now, barely reaching her shoulders. She'd cut it off shortly after her humiliating departure from Camelot. Although nothing could lift the intense pain and guilt of what had happened, cutting her hair short had lifted her somewhat. It was a change, something that separated her from what and who she was. A new style of clothing was the next thing she was thinking about doing. She couldn't be sweet, kind-hearted Gwen anymore. That had been torn brutally away from her as a result of her own actions. She still couldn't believe what she had done. She had thought her feelings for Lancelot were long gone in the past, but the feelings towards him overcame her so intensely it still astonished and bewildered her. She cringed at that thought. She couldn't think about it, or she'd break down again.

Keeping her eyes firmly on the road ahead, she walked on. She'd managed to sell most of her possessions and then the cart for good prices, so she had enough money to last her a while. Where would she go? There was Mary and John in Longstead, but she knew that news of what she had done would spread fast, and she didn't know if she could bear to see anymore accusing faces. A flash of Arthur crossed her mind. His anger. His disbelief. His disappointment. And Elyan. He wouldn't even talk to her, just gifting her with a disgusted look as he walked out of the council chamber. Only Merlin had come to see her off, but she knew she didn't deserve even that kindness from him.

The light was getting darker, and she knew she would have to find somewhere to camp down for the night. The loneliness of her situation almost overcame her then and there. Another night of the unknown, with no one there to keep watch and protect her. In her bag was everything she had in the world. If it was stolen she'd have nothing.

Finding a small clearing among some hedging she began to settle down for the night. Fearing bandits would spot a fire, she had only a rough blanket for warmth. She stuffed some coins down the sides of her boots, so if she was robbed in the night, at least she'd have some money to keep her going. Her thoughts went back to Merlin. Merlin's mother Hunith lived just outside of Camelot's boundaries. There would be relative safety there, and there would be a good likelihood that word of what had happened wouldn't have reached Ealdor. And with that thought, she drifted asleep.

She woke to the sound of birdsong above her, and to the grateful knowledge that she had not been robbed while she'd slept. Gathering her things, she continued her journey, this time with a destination in mind. Ealdor was a three day hike away if she kept up the pace. Would Hunith be understanding? Would she turn her away? Perhaps she shouldn't tell her anything at all? Caught up in her thoughts, Gwen only noticed the riders behind before it was too late. There were three of them. Not bandits, for these men were much better dressed. More likely they were slave traders. Gwen inwardly cursed at her foolishness. She should have been keeping watch for anyone to give herself time to get off the road and hide.

"Well, well, well, what have we here? She's a pretty one, under all that dirt. What you think Garth?" He turned to the oldest of the three who looked at her intently. Fear rose in Gwen's chest. There was no doubt in her mind. These men were slave traders, and she was their next product.

Garth smiled, and turned to the others. "She's a beaut. Aren't we lucky?" Jumping off his horse he made his way towards her. Looking around her, she found the others had done the same as Garth.

"Please! I have money!" She inwardly cursed. She sounded so pathetic. She should be strong, and show no fear. "You have no other need of me."

"I'd beg to differ. I have a good few clients that would love to have a woman of your beauty for their…amusement. Grab her."

Suddenly a bag was thrown over her head. Struggling as hard as she could she felt her bag being stripped from her and her hands bound.