The tavern doors flung open. A few heavy-set men dropped their glasses and sighed bitterly. Sir Owain, Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere entered and sat at a table close to the door speaking loudly over everyone. They ordered ale and Sir Kay stuck his foot out and tripped a boy bringing them their drinks. "I am so sorry. I hope you accept my most humble apology." The other two knights stifled a laugh and watch the poor, soaking, boy leave. They dove into conversation. They had started in low voices but after a few drinks, they were shouting insults and angry threats, especially about those with magic.
"Their kind should be hanged and burned like they were in Uther's day." Sir Owain declared.
"Lichieres Pautonnier." Sir Kay joined in.
"They're unnatural!" Owain slammed his fist on the tavern table. He took a sip of ale. "Do you know why witches burn?" Sir Bedivere quizzed. The other two knights rolled their eyes, tired of his annoying questions and bizarre logic. "Because they are made of wood."
"Idiot!" Owain struck Bedivere on the back of the head. "Yeah and didn't you say yesterday that they weighed the same as a duck?" Kay added. Bedivere rubbed his head. "Those filth-"
"Hush!" Sir Kay warned. Leon, Percival and a number of knights entered. They nodded to them but sat away at the other end of the tavern. They spoke in soft tones. Elric, a known sorcerer, came strutting in; Owain watched his every step with pure hatred. He took another swig if ale and stormed out. Sir Kay and Bedivere followed him, upset their drinking time was over.
In Arthur's chambers, a party of servants were at work. Beds were made, baths were drawn and dozens of flowers arrived. Without command, Merlin joined them in scrubbing the floor. Gwen was busy speaking to a guard leaving Arthur in the doorway unsure of what to do. Thankfully
he was welcomed by a familiar face. "Sire!" Gaius approached Arthur with a large grin, his arms open. "Gaius my friend, you look well." Arthur hugged him. "I hope you don't mind me examining you?" Gaius offered sitting down at the table. "Well I did just come back to life. You should probably check I don't have any extra toes." Arthur joked. "Or a pair of donkey ears." Merlin imputed kneeling on the ground.
Gwen burst out laughing and the room joined her. Their high spirits were quickly interrupted by a distressed woman. "Your majesties it's my husband!" She exclaimed breathless.
"Will?" Gaius asked puzzled.
She nodded wildly. "He's- he's in the town square." Gwen, Merlin and Gaius exchanged worried faces. "I don't understand, what's wrong with him?" Arthur asked.
"Sire. My husband died last week."