CHAPTER 7 : HOMEWARD BOUND
Arthur nodded at them and then his face fell as he turned to Merlin and repeated, "Where's Simon?"
There was dead silence. No one offered any explanations. Gielbert felt that he should head off the inevitable. The other three knew that Gielbert as senior knight should take the responsible but it was Merlin who spoke up.
"Simon?"
"Yes, Merlin…Simon! Don't try to be smart. You know full well to whom I am referring…"
"Well, he twisted his ankle and can only hobble around...then yesterday, he hurt his knee because he was compensating for the pain in his ankle and he is now confined to bed in one of the elder's houses. But he has been seen by me and I assure you, with time, he will be all new again." Merlin smiled, he enjoyed being a comedian and was sure that he could be, as he often amused himself. He hoped that simplifying the truth would satisfy Arthur. They did not need to be interrogated right now.
Arthur smiled, "Thank you, Dr. Merlin not only for your diagnostic but also prognostic expertise. At least, he is better in a home than in a shelter on the beach" Arthur subsequently, remembered that they had tents on the beach. There was something else about the beach which was not at all pleasant but he couldn't for the life of himself remember.
"So, Merlin tells me that we are going to be returning to Camelot shortly. I presume, you are in the know Gielbert and it isn't just the ravings of a homesick soul?"
Gielbert smiled at Merlin and told Arthur what had been decided to date and that the wagon would also be used to transport Simon and a guard who had picked up something and wasn't too well. The farmer wishes to drive the wagon, so he will be coming too and his young son who can give Evan a hand with the extra horses."
"How did we manage to get extra horses?"
Thinking on his feet, Merlin said, "Well, yours, Simon's and the guard's…" Arthur could find out later about the guard buried on the hill. Seemingly satisfied, Arthur nodded.
Aislin mentioned that the river was no longer considered dangerous and that the Roman bridge was still standing and hopefully by next week, the water would have fallen sufficiently for it to be in use. At the moment, they were using the boat-bridge or the ford further downstream.
Thomas said that everyone's spirits were high and that the townspeople were almost back to their normal pastimes. "They are thankful for our help and we have been invited to eat with various families on different occasions."
"Some meals have been better than others but it was nice having a change," said Rook.
Gielbert mentioned that the knights had been encouraged to move to an empty cottage in the town and that was a relief from being on the beach. Merlin noticed that look in Arthur's eyes as if he had lost something and was mentally trying to retrieve it. "The guards are still camping near the river and their site is dry and protected. If you want to talk with Boris, it can be arranged."
"No, I don't think that will be necessary, I'll let you look after that. When would be the soonest we could leave?"
Gielbert glanced at Merlin and Arthur picked up on it. "No need, to check with the mother hen over there. Any time you are ready, I will be too."
There was a tap at the door and food was brought in. Arthur was beginning to look tired and Merlin decided that following lunch, he was going to bed for a well-earned nap. Two hours in a chair was enough for the first day. The others teased him about his baby food but he did justice to it and they talked about general things, staying clear of Simon and things which might have happened on the beach.
Soon, the knights stood up to leave and Merlin asked Gielbert to stay for a few minutes, The others left pleased to have seen Arthur looking so much better. Merlin and Gielbert reversed the morning's procedures and soon Arthur was back on the bed. Merlin threw a cover over him. While Arthur insisted that he only intended to close his eyes for a few moments; he was soon snoring gently.
Merlin and Gielbert sat at the table by the window, talking quietly, Merlin picking at remaining crumbles of cheese. He filled up Gielbert's goblet again and said quietly. "At some time, I will have to tell him what happened. Too many people know about it. Some of the guards saw my face and there was some nodding going on, even then. Hopefully, I can do it at home. He won't be able to understand but then again, I'm not too sure that I do either."
-0-0-
Arthur was allowed up to sit on the side of the bed and eat his supper from a small table which Merlin had pulled over. He was wrapped in a blanket and said that he was quite warm enough. He stayed awake until Merlin had the fire organised for the night and then they both turned in early. Arthur was doing better as he had been able to swing his legs back into the bed with minimal help from Merlin. Every move was an effort but he knew that it would improve with time.
They lay there side by side, Arthur resting his head on Merlin's outstretched arm, Merlin's hand curled onto Arthur's chest.
"What was wrong with me, Merlin, that I ended up in bed? Did I fall and hit my head? There are some things I can't remember. I can feel that the others are pussy-footing around me, not Gielbert but Aislin and Thomas. Do you remember once, your promising that we would always tell each other the truth regardless of what it might be?"
"Yes, and I usually do…!" Arthur queried that with raised eyebrows so Merlin rephrased his answer, "Well, I almost always do! But this time, I am at a loss to explain it fully. You were confused and then you seemed to have a fever and then it took you four days to wake up properly." Merlin was satisfied with his retelling of the events.
"So nothing horrendous happened to me physically. Maybe I caught something from someone else and got sick. Merlin, I accept what you are saying now but one day, as more memories come back, I feel that I will have more questions. You'll have to tell me the whole truth then…I have a feeling that at the moment, you are protecting me out of the kindness of your heart, from something which happened."
"Arthur, when the king gave you to me to look after, I took it very seriously. If it were in my power to do so, I would never let anything happen to you."
Arthur blew in his ear saying, "My Knight in Shining Armour."
Giggling quietly, Merlin said, "Well, from one knight to another, is this night not made for loving?" He loved words and had realised the pun and didn't really care that Arthur probably wouldn't see it, as hopefully, the result would be the same.
He slipped his arm from behind Arthur's head and turned towards him…
There was rain overnight which woke Merlin. Rain for him was always an auspicious event; however, maybe this time post-event but auspicious none the less! He could hear the deep rumblings of thunder, comforting and satisfying. He smiled to himself, thinking, 'Just like Arthur…' and he drifted back to sleep.
-0-0-
Arthur was getting around better, he was more steady on his legs and managed to walk across the room with only Merlin's aid. He ate the food offered and even picked on a few things off Merlin's plate. "Alright, can I have a bath? I really feel that I need one."
"Are you up to it? Why not wait until tomorrow? We can walk more today and if you think you can manage a couple of shallow steps, we could go into the garden for a change. Getting in and out of the bath will be difficult but I guess, I could get Gielbert to help."
"If I wait for a couple of days, will it just be you and me?"
"Arthur Pendragon, I can see your brain ticking over. You, Sire, have ulterior motives."
Raising his eyebrows alluding to times gone by he said, "Ah, Merlin, I remember hot water, oils, sweetly smelling soaps, gentle hands and …"
Merlin shook his head, blushing slightly, "Memories shared!" was all he was willing to say. "Let me help you get dressed as I'm sure Gielbert will be dropping by to give you an update on our leaving here."
Actually, the plan was that two days hence, the Camelot contingent would leave Dunnsford for the trip home. The knights would ride escort to the wagon and its occupants and the guards would precede them to Camelot probably arriving a couple of days ahead of them. Arthur accepted it, determined to increase his exercising so that he could at least ride into Camelot.
"Merlin, have Evan bring Mulgan around as I'd like to try riding this afternoon."
Knowing that there was no use arguing that he might be pushing it, Merlin agreed. After lunch, Arthur walked slowly out to the stable yard, getting on Mulgan from the mounting block. He did not have the strength in his arms or his legs to mount from the ground. Once they had walked around the town, Merlin turned back.
"I'm not tired yet! I can go further."
"Arthur, you still have to ride all the way back and your thighs are shaking. Take your legs out of the stirrups and do some exercises with your ankles. Relax and enjoy the outing, we can take it slowly but I'd rather you don't overdo it the first day. With a daily short ride on Mulgan, by the time we're close to home, you should be able to ride into Camelot with no problem. There's absolutely no need to rush it. You're recuperating, let nature takes it course."
Arthur's legs were not very steady when he dismounted in the yard. Rook stepped forward and Arthur put his arm around his shoulder and walked between Merlin and him. "Whew! I never thought of riding being so tiring."
Rook left and as the door closed, Merlin said, "It's just that you are not back to your former self…yet."
"…in everything?" Arthur added, causing Merlin to smile.
"You have time for a rest. Take advantage of it, as you won't get much chance once we are home."
Arthur obediently sat on the edge of the bed and Merlin knelt to get his boots off. "Could you use your 'Gaius inspired' fingers on my legs? The muscles are really tight and aching and I also feel quite tired."
"I will but no fooling around!" Merlin warned.
"Merlin, I couldn't fool even if I wanted to, I'm too exhausted." With those words, Arthur yawned and when Merlin came back with the vial of Gauis's rosemary and lavender compound, Arthur was asleep.
Merlin smiled and said quietly, "No rest for the wicked!" He poured some oil in his hands to warm it. He could feel the muscle knots and blamed himself for allowing Arthur to ride further than he should have the first day.
It was decided at supper that the Camelot contingent would be able to leave the day after tomorrow, probably before noon. Gielbert would notify Boris so that the guards would be ready to leave. Merlin figured that they would be camping out most nights as Arthur would be unable to climb narrow twisting stairs that were in nearly all the inns. He had never expected, that this little excursion to help a flooded town would have caused so much heartache.
After the others had left and they were in bed, Arthur asked Merlin to tell him the truth about Simon. "You have to have been lying as Simon even with a bad knee and ankle would have hobbled down to see me. Wouldn't he?"
Merlin didn't want to have memories returning when they had a long journey ahead of him but he agreed to tell Arthur what had happened as long as he would lie still and listen. "No interrupting me until I have finished!" He then gave a brief summary of Simon trying to save Gidun and being carried down the river. He was then found but he had no feelings below his waist.
Arthur was shocked, he looked at Merlin in dismay and couldn't help but whisper, "Oh God, he may never walk again…"
Merlin touched his lips and said with a smile, "Hush! He's really improved. He can't stand yet but he has tingling in his thighs and also in his feet and he can just about move his ankles. He will be in the wagon but he is a real invalid. If there ever was a time that I wanted Gaius it was then and following that you became ill and now we have a sick guard."
-0-0-
In a flash, the appointed day and time arrived. Arthur accepted the fact that he would be travelling in the wagon. His body was still causing problems. The town elders turned up to make their farewells and Arthur made sure that the family who had taken in Simon were compensated as well as the household where he had been staying.
The wagon arrived with an unconscious guard and a very happy Simon. Arthur went over to talk to him. Merlin left them alone as there would be plenty of time to be with the two of them
The guards arrived and acknowledged the prince and then Boris led them out of the town. Aislin accompanying them as he was carrying letters from Arthur for his father and also one from Merlin for Gaius stating the conditions of the three invalids. Arthur with Merlin's help got onto the seat beside the farmer and slowly they went down to the ford and made their way across the River Dunn. As they reached the road, Merlin turned back and took one last look at the town.
The first day's travel was great, everyone in good form, mainly because of the change of scenery and pace. Arthur found travelling on the bench with the driver was rather uncomfortable and after the lunch break opted to sit on bedrolls next to Simon.
When they stopped for the night, Arthur got slowly out of the wagon and went to sit on a log near the camp fire. Gielbert stayed with him as Merlin had to go and look after Simon's needs.
Poor Simon blushed, being looked after like a baby by a woman his mother's age was bad enough but having Merlin take care of him didn't feel right. Merlin however had looked after many sick people and soon Simon relaxed telling Arthur the next day that it was just as if Gaius had been there.
Thomas slept in the wagon overnight with Simon but Gielbert and Rook stayed with Arthur and settled around the fire. Merlin's bedroll was really close to Arthur's, as they all knew that Arthur had been sick. The farmer, his son and Evan settled a little further away closer to the horses.
-0-0-
Mulgan was having a difficult time as he was used to being in the front and at the moment he was behind the wagon with Evan. Gidun was also causing trouble as he wanted to be back with him. Finally, Gielbert rode Mulgan in front with Rook then Thomas behind them. Merlin when the road was wide enough, stayed next to the wagon. Arthur once again was sitting on the seat and doing better as each day passed. The inns came and went but they were only used as locations to eat. One larger one, however, had an available room at the back on the main floor and Gielbert opted to stop early and have a night inside.
Arthur and Merlin got the larger downstairs room with Arthur insisting that Simon join them, surprising Merlin that Arthur in his condition, had thought of someone else. Poor Simon cried when he found out that he was going to be taken out of the wagon by the knights and laid on a cot, sharing Merlin and Arthur's room. Merlin hugged him and told him that he was still very important to both Arthur and him.
"It's awful, I feel as if I'm of little use and just a burden to everyone." He became silent then added quietly, "I'm trying to get better, Merlin, I really am!"
"I know that you are and so does Arthur. He's been very sick too and he has a long way to go before he'll be the threat that he used to be." Simon looked at him and laughed, he really felt comfortable with Merlin. "I'll get Thomas to bring us ale and we'll sit in here and have a party"
When supper was served, Merlin and Arthur went into the main room and Thomas stayed with Simon. Finally, Arthur was exhausted, he was unable to stay awake any longer so he retired. Merlin went along to help him and once he was in bed, looked after Simon who whispered excitedly, "Merlin, I can feel your hands on my hips; it's happening isn't it?"
Merlin smiled saying, "Slowly but surely, your body seems to be waking up..."
"Don't tell the others yet, let's just keep it a secret…"
The three of them slept well and after breakfast, the group were ready to leave. Gielbert announced that they were halfway through their journey. In three days, they would see Camelot.
-0-0-
At every break, Arthur and Merlin left the group to walk ahead of them along the road. The gentle exercise was good for Arthur and when he tired, they would sit and wait for the others to catch up. He would then ride on the wagon, up with the farmer. Arthur at first had trouble understanding what he was saying but slowly he got used to his dialect and they were able to carry on a conversation of sorts.
The days were perfect; the weather was holding. Apart from seeing game, which Arthur couldn't chase, nothing unforeseen happened.
Merlin had been administering drops of the remedy mixture to the guard but he wasn't responding. For some reason, Arthur decided that his brain had been fried. Merlin just smiled and shook his head, however if it made Arthur happy to think that then he wasn't going to argue. Better to travel with a happy prince than one who was annoyed.
Merlin wondered if the continual gentle swaying of the wagon, including the occasional bumps and lurches, were having an effect on Simon. He was certainly improving and the areas of his body which had feelings were increasing. He was so happy, one morning, to tell Merlin confidentially that he could feel his bum. Merlin started laughing and then Simon joined in and Arthur always wanting to be in the know came over to see what all the noise was about.
Merlin said, "Go ahead, tell him…"
Simon with a twinkle in his eye whispered, "Arthur, I can feel my bum…"
Not to be outdone, that night when they managed to find a derelict barn to sleep in, Arthur, once the meal was over, announced to all and sundry that he wanted to make a toast and announced, "Brother knights, raise your goblets in a toast to Simon's bum!"
Merlin grinned and raised his glass to Simon who was propped against the wall. Simon blushed deep red and Arthur roared.
Gielbert came over and gave the young knight a hug and congratulated him, "You'll be in the tournament later this summer, I can see it now." Rook and Thomas raised their glasses, thrilled for their brother knight.
Suddenly the weather changed, it was cold and windy and overnight there was a bad lightening and thunder storm. Merlin checked on Simon and the guard that they weren't being dripped on as the thatch on the barn was not the best. He returned to his bedroll and Arthur said, "This is all your fault as you love rain!"
"Aww, diddums!" Merlin said as he managed to pull his bedroll just a little closer so that he was able to slip his hand under Arthur's blanket.
"Merlin, we're not alone…"
"As you wish, Sire," and Merlin rolled back away from him.
There was an annoyed whisper, "Wait till I get you home, Merlin!"
There was a mumbled, "Yes, please, Sire!" and the barn was once again silent except for the pitter-patter of rain on the thatch.
-0-0-
The following day was wet and rainy, Merlin made sure that Simon and the guard, whose name he didn't even know were covered with some heavy canvas which one of the townsfolk had given them for this purpose. They were warm and dry and Merlin managed to convince Arthur to also get into the wagon.
They kept on the road but there was no joy in the ride, except for Arthur and Simon who were talking away. Merlin felt quite safe as Simon knew nothing about the unfortunate incidence on the beach. He rode next to Gielbert who remarked that it was good for Simon to have company as the guard wasn't the greatest conversationalist! Merlin grinned back at him.
Mid-afternoon, they came to a village of Lower Grange; it had taken them more that twice the time to get there on this slow return journey. Arthur had improved considerable with all the walking and assured Merlin that he would be able to climb a flight of stairs with his help. Arthur decided to call it a day.
Gielbert arranged the accommodation and food. They were in luck two communal rooms were available and they took them both. Simon would bunk with Merlin and Arthur, the other three and the 'silent one' as Arthur was referring to him, were happy to be on cots not on the ground. Evan, the farmer and his son, as usual opted to stay with the horses in the inn's stables.
A delighted Simon was carried into the ale room by Rook, who promised to carry him upstairs after they had eaten, promising to bring him down the following morning. He propped him on a chair with arms and wedged him close to the table. "Don't worry, if you slip off Arthur can crawl under the table to get you!" The guard was carried up on a litter which was in the wagon; Merlin checked on him and gave him the drops before going downstairs to join the others.
The six of them had a lovely time. Simon who had been deprived of the fun of being included in all things, was happy and really enjoying himself.
Merlin sat next to him across from Arthur and he had made his presence know by slipping off his boot and finding Arthur's leg and was teasing him by running his foot up and down it. Arthur winked at him.
Simon shuffled himself in the chair and Merlin asked him if he was alright and Simon nodded.
Arthur commented with a sly grin, "Now, that you have feeling in your bum, Sir Knight, is there any other region which is…shall we say, responding."
"Arthur, stop it, you're embarrassing him."
Simon looked at Merlin and smiled, he had stood up for him again but he was quite at ease with Arthur and came back with, "Well, Sire, I promise to tell you first… if there is…!"
Gielbert almost choked on his ale, "Well, done young man! Arthur you deserved that!"
All around the tables, there were smiles and Arthur grinned, laughing with them…
