After Arthur found out about Gwen's treachery due to an enchantment caused by Morgana, he wished to rescue his Queen from the sorceress' clutches. In order to do this Arthur needed a sorcerer to perform a ceremony to summon the White Goddess. In order to perform the ceremony in front of Arthur, Merlin left saying he was seeking out the sorceress, who was a recluse. Arthur and Mordred were taken by surprise when they first met Dolma due to her interesting clothes and "familiar face". To cover up Merlin's disappearance she also said that "the gangly boy" was her surety and would be returned when the ceremony had concluded.