Hi guys, hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own 'Merlin'.
….
Percival deposited his friend roughly on the bed and quickly crossed the room to bolt the doors securely. The physician's chambers were at the other end of the castle, with far too many Saxons blocking their path, so he had instead carried Gwaine to the suite of one of the nobles who lived in the castle. He didn't know whose room it was, and he didn't much care, as long as it provided them with some temporary respite from the battle. Percival hurried across the room to a chest of drawers, wrenching one open and sifting frantically through its contents, trying to find something that would be useful in treating his friend's wound. His hand brushed against a smooth piece of white cloth and he yanked out a lady's nightdress. Ignoring any mild pangs of guilt, Percival grasped the hem and tore the garment into strips, hurrying back towards the bed where Gwaine still lay, unconscious.
A half-full pitcher of water remained on the bedside table, and Percival dipped one of the strips of cloth into it, wringing it out hurriedly before pressing it against the cut on his friend's arm, which was still sluggishly oozing blood. Gwaine twitched, and Percival glanced hopefully at his friend's face, but the other knight did not wake. He took a long strip of fabric and wrapped it several times around Gwaine's upper arm, tying it in a tight knot.
The immediate danger having been dealt with, Percival sat back slightly, sucking in a breath as he took in the full extent of his friend's injuries. Earlier, he had been too preoccupied with engaging the Saxons and then getting Gwaine to safety, but now he saw what had slipped his notice earlier. In addition to the gash on his arm, Gwaine's torso was littered with still-healing marks and a large discolouration covered several ribs – which, Percival was horrified to see, stood out clearly against the knight's pale skin. He looked as though he'd barely eaten in the week since Morgana had taken Camelot, and it was obvious from his other injuries that Morgana had not been content to simply let him remain in a cell. He looked as though he'd been beaten severely, and Percival felt a cold trickle of fear slide down his spine as it occurred to him that his friend's may have been tortured for information. It was entirely possible that Arthur was walking into a trap, or was already dead. Percival shook his head to clear the thought. He had faith in Arthur's abilities, and now he had to focus on the problems he could do something about, rather than those beyond his control. He took Gwaine's left hand in his and squeezed, hoping to draw a response.
"Gwaine? Can you hear me?" There was no reply. "Can you squeeze my hand?" He waited expectantly, but the only movement from his friend was the shallow rise and fall of his bared chest. Dropping Gwaine's hand back onto the crimson bedcovers, Percival stood and began to pace, worries flashing across his mind. He was no physician, and didn't know what more he could do for Gwaine. He had left Leon and the other knights to fight off the Saxons, and had no idea what their fate had been, nor that of his king. Arthur had prepared to find Morgana and reclaim the throne, but as much as he wanted to believe his king had been successful, Percival knew that Morgana was an extremely powerful sorceress, and magic could not be fought with blades. He slammed a fist into the chest of drawers as he paced past it for the third time, taking some small satisfaction from the throbbing of his knuckles. He needed to be out there, helping his comrades and friends.
"Percival?" the voice that came from the bed was low and hoarse, but the tall knight whirled about immediately to see Gwaine looking at him through half-closed eyes.
"Gwaine!" He bridged the distance between himself and the bed in three long strides, coming to a halt beside his friend.
"What happened?" the dark-haired knight asked, turning his head slightly to look up into Percival's eyes.
"You were wounded", Percival told him.
"Really? I hadn't noticed." Gwaine half-chuckled, then winced in pain. "I meant the battle. Is it over? Are Arthur and M – argh!" he broke off with a grunt, dropping back onto the bed after having tried unsuccessfully to raise himself into a sitting position.
"Careful, now!" Percival slid one arm under Gwaine's back and helped lever him into a sitting position, sliding a pillow behind his back. Gwaine's face paled even with this small movement, but he grit his teeth determinedly until he was seated.
"Where are the others?" he asked in a low voice. Percival opened his mouth to reply, but froze as he heard footsteps in the corridor outside. Raising a finger to his lips in warning, he drew his sword and moved slowly towards the doorway. The door moved slightly as somebody tried to push it open.
"Hello?" a familiar voice called. "Anyone in there?"
"Leon?" Percival asked warily, not relaxing his stance.
"Percival?" the relief in Leon's voice was evident. "Open the door. Helios is dead, and Morgana has fled. We've won."
…..
I'm sorry that this took longer to post than I wanted, but I hope you liked it. Hope you are having a lovely day, wherever you are. Stay safe.
Camelotpointe. xx