That must be it. [ she encourages the hope this girl feels for her friend even if she knows that it is more than likely misplaced. mithian had never met the witch but she had heard stories as everyone else had.]

I doubt you could fail anyone, Gwen. You are far too kind. But horrible things can come from fear so perhaps you are right. It is well known how unforgiving King Uther was of magic, how determined he was to purge the land of it.