Chapter 3[Training Courtyard—A Turn of the Hourglass Later]

Gawain frowned. Curiosity tugged him from the marketplace on that morning. Now he looked about the area. He noticed some of the knights congregating by the far door. What's going on now? He made his way over to them. "Hey, what's going on?"

Lancelot peered up at him. "Ywain said King Rodor has a mission for us."

"Mission? Lance, we have to protect Merlin and Mith. That cloaked wench wants us to march off and leave them unguarded." Gawain shook his head. "I'd have thought better than that of you."

"And you'd be right." Lancelot inspected his blade's edge. "Almost." He swiped it twice more across a sharpening stone. He nodded.

"I think it's sharp enough," Gawain assessed half-seriously.

"Perhaps." Lancelot sheathed the sword in its scabbard. "We all have matters on our minds." He glanced down at the patched boots. "I thought you were going to get new boots."

"I was. Ywain summoned me before I could finish the deal. Guess that gets me off of the hook with Brit," Gawain pointed out. Complaint soured his tone and limed his words.

"Perhaps. You'd do well to listen to her, Gawain. Britomart cares for your welfare. It isn't such a bad thing to have someone caring for you." Lancelot clapped his hands on the other's shoulders.

"Yeah. It means that you're vulnerable too. I have Sorie, Josie, Cligés and Brit to look after. I do care about Merlin and Mith. I just don't want people getting too close. We lost you twice before, Lance. Right?" Gawain pointed out.

"Aye. I still hurt from not being able to love Gwen. Still I remain open to others. You might do the same," Lancelot advised. "I can see other possibilities. Be mindful of the past. Still be able to enjoy what you have here and now. You might like what you find." He saw Ywain motioning them along with the others toward the courtyard's center. "Think on that."

Gawain sighed. Think on that. Yeah like every bloody day! Brit! Brit! Brit! He furrowed his brow. "Wonder what Y-Whine wants now?"

Lancelot didn't hear the last comment. Amor occupied his mind. Once again, his mind floated on its warm currents. Still the eddies and flows weren't coming from the east but rather from a certain counselor/lady of the court. His eyes inevitably wandered toward Elaine's chamber. He could feel her concern.

Gawain tapped him on the arm. "Lance."

Lancelot nodded. He would speak Elaine before this upcoming expedition. Rejection and Loneliness had left him alone. As with his irreverent friend, he accustomed himself to the solitary road. He'd accepted the supportive role rather than the central one. With each passing day, his heart had warmed a tiny bit more and then a little more beyond that. He drew in a composing breath. "Pardon me, Ywain. Please do continue."

"We all have a great deal to consider, Lancelot. Quite all right," Ywain assured him. "It is a simple matter. King Rodor wishes for Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian to go forth on their royal progress. I have need for six knights to accompany us. The rest of us will remain at the King's disposal."

Gawain surveyed the group. Then he raised his hand. "I'm in. So's Lance."

"As I am," Josiane agreed. "Someone needs to look after you, Uncle."

"I can take of myself, Josie." Gawain rolled his eyes.

"That can be debated, you Oaf." Britomart shoved a sack into his midsection. "Wiglaf had those for you." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Our lady has requested I accompany the group, Sir Ywain."

"I accept your sword, Lady Britomart. Galahad tells me we will look for a new physician. Your knowledge and keen eye will serve us well in that endeavor," Ywain approved.

More nagging. Just great. Gawain fumed to himself.

"Sir Roderick and Sir Daniel will complete our numbers then. Meet in the courtyard in three turns of the hourglass, Friends. My thanks." Ywain nodded to the group. Then he rushed off toward the exit passage and his affairs.

That should be enough time to see Elaine. Lancelot hustled off as well.

"What's with him?" Britomart wondered.

"Lance has got a new woman on his mind. Whatever," Gawain retorted. He considered the new boots. "At least old Wiglaf had these ready. Lord Pompous there dragged me off before I could finish the deal."

"Well now you are finished. We have enough time to burn those old boots before we leave," Britomart directed.

Gawain shook his head at Josiane. While he liked being cared for, he could do without the orders.

Errands did need to be done before Duty's charge after all…..