If the boarded up shop is any indication, I think it's safe to assume that Merlin was sent back, which is unfortunate because not only was he a friend, but it was nice to know someone else with a dragon. There is also the fact that he was
the Merlin that we have all grown up hearing the legends about, but at the same time he was just like any other wizard while he was here.
I suppose I'll have to figure out something else to do with Bessie while I'm in classes now as well as find another job. However, I get the feeling that I'll have some time to figure that out because I doubt classes will be in session while we appear to be in the Wild West. I admit that while this is rather mental, it's intriguing as well, because those of us who are not familiar with this time period will get the chance to experience it when we otherwise wouldn't have.