Well here is a new, and long chapter. This has some fun Emma/Daniel moments and a lot of people pop up again. Plus we get some good Snow/Charming/Emma time. I threw in a GOT reference because I wrote that part as I was watching GOT. Enjoy!
"All right I think we are all ready to go." James smiled at Daniel and Emma and ruffled William's hair. Will ducked out from under his father's hand. James looked to Evander and Lancelot. "Is everything ready?
"Yes the other men are already at the range." Evander nodded.
"There's just one matter you need to take care of sire before we go." Lancelot nodded to the side.
"Of course." James nodded and followed Lancelot and Evander.
"So." Daniel turned to Will. "Are you excited to practice your swordsmanship with your father and his guards?"
"Yes." Will nodded. "But I cannot say I'm particularly excited to have to share my training time."
"Well." Daniel ignored the insult. "Maybe Emma and I can show you something new, give you a fresh challenger the arena that you haven't faced before."
"Doubtful." Will's face remained stony.
Daniel tried to stifle a laugh but was unsuccessful. Will shot a glare at Daniel and Emma elbowed him in the side, shooting him a look of her own.
Emma turned her attention to Will. "You don't think we'll make a good match for you?"
"I have been trained for my entire life by some of the best swordsmen in the land." Will crossed his arms. "They have taught me the best technique using the best blades. Do you really think you, who haven't been trained formally a day in your life, can beat me?"
"What you mean all eleven years you've been alive?" Daniel smirked. "And who says we haven't been formally trained?"
"You've been living in a savage land, I heard my parents say it." Will shrugged.
"A savage land?" Daniel's mouth dropped open. "Do you…"
"Daniel there's no use playing games." Emma cut Daniel off. "Will's right. He's been formally trained his whole life by mean who have been in real wars, it's almost like he's been in one himself. How would we compare?"
"You have a point." Daniel agreed.
"You probably couldn't even kill someone if you tried." Will shook his head.
"Have you actually ever killed someone?" Daniel raised an eyebrow.
"No." Will admitted. "But I know it is a great feeling because of what my guards say."
"A great feeling to take a life?" Emma repeated. "I can't say I believe our father would agree."
"You don't know anything about our father." Will narrowed his eyes.
"You're absolutely right." Emma agreed truthfully.
Will smirked and walked off to where James was calling for them.
"Why did you lie to him?" Daniel asked.
"It's no use arguing with him." Emma shrugged as they followed after the rest of the group. "It's like he got both of their stubbornness and more."
"He's going to find out we lied to him." Daniel argued. "It's just going to upset him when we win. And don't say maybe we don't win because I'm not going to lie to appease that twerp."
"I wasn't going to say that." Emma shook her head. "He's going to be mad either way. It would have only upset him had we argued with him now. He's temperamental, there's no use upsetting him."
"I don't want to be around him when he finds out." Daniel shook his head.
"Well you're going to be." Emma pointed out.
"It's going to be you who's fighting him." Daniel looked at Emma.
"Good." Emma sent him a playful glare. "I'm better anyway."
"A little presumptuous aren't we?" Daniel asked.
"It's not presumptuous when it's the truth." Emma grinned.
"You two need to keep up." James drifted back and smiled at the two teens. "At the rate you're going Will's going to be out of sight soon."
"Is he excited?" Emma asked.
"He likes spending time with the guards and I learning how to use a sword. I think it makes him feel like one of us. He was exceptionally excited that you two were coming along as well."
"Yea he seemed thrilled." Daniel mused.
"He is." James nodded. "He just shows his feelings a little differently than others."
"Isn't that what they say about psychopaths?" Daniel whispered.
Emma snorted, trying to keep her laughter in check. "Not funny." Emma whispered.
"You laughed." Daniel shrugged.
"About what?" James asked.
"Nothing." Daniel and Emma said quickly.
"I see you brought your own swords." James nodded the sheaths both Daniel and Emma wore.
"There's something comforting about having your own blade in a battle." Daniel answered.
"I can't say I disagree with that." James agreed.
"But it is good to be able to handle any sort of blade because you never know what you might be stuck with in the heat of battle. You need to adapt to survive." Emma added.
"That is very wise." James nodded. "May I see it?"
"Sure." Emma pulled out her sword and handed it to her father.
"This is of extraordinarily high quality." James examined the blade in awe. "It's of flawless make. I've never seen anything like it before."
"It's Valyrian steel." Emma said. "One of the finest metals in all the realms."
"She's one of the few who has one." Daniel added. "They are not cheap. In fact it's one of the most expensive materials in all the realms as well."
"How did Emma get one?" James asked.
"She's special." Daniel grinned. "And a favorite."
"Shut up." Emma rolled her eyes. "Daniel could have had one as well butt our blades are specifically engineered for each of us, the best blade and size and weight for our body type. Mine just so happened to be Valryian steel. Not many people match best with that material, it's rare."
"It's said only the finest swordsmen have the body for the blade." Daniel said.
"It's also a good thing because of its price." Emma brushed of Daniel's praise. "However Daniel's blade was made by the high blacksmith of Galraun which I must say is entirely enviable."
"Galraun?" James raised his eyebrow.
"It's a savage and brutal land." Daniel laughed. "Not one you would want to be trapped in that's for sure. It's near impossible to get a blade made by their finest smith's. It's one thing to get them to agree to make it, it's another thing entirely to make it out alive."
"Which makes that blade all the more valuable to be calibrated to his body type." Emma explained.
"Emma has a dagger from Galraun." Daniel added. "That she stole."
"It was a dare." Emma shrugged. "And I won and made it out with a Galraunian dagger. It was epic."
"You were a second away from getting yourself killed." Daniel reminded Emma.
"What's life without a little fun?" Emma shrugged.
"I think you're frightening your father." Daniel looked at a quickly paling James.
"No it's…" James shook his head.
"I'm sorry." Emma shook her head. "I should remember that ninety percent of our adventures would give you a heart attack."
"No." James shook his head. "I uh… sometimes I forget you lived a completely different life. One of much adventure it sounds like."
"They're some of the best memories." Emma shrugged.
"Finally you're here." Will said dramatically as James, Daniel, and Emma turned the corner. "It took you all long enough."
"We were taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying life." James put his hands on his son's shoulders. "Not everyone is always in as much of a hurry as you bud."
"Maybe if they were things would be much more efficient around here." Will mused.
"Ok." James shook his head. "Why don't you go get started with Torrin and his men?"
"You're not coming?" Will looked disappointed.
"I'll be there later." James promised. "I'm going to start off with your sister and Daniel."
"Whatever." Will muttered and grudgingly followed Torrin, the head of his personal guard.
"Well shall we get started?" James turned to Daniel and Emma.
"Of course." Daniel nodded. "You first Em?"
"Yea." Emma nodded. "Sure."
"So." James turned to the members of his and Emma's guard who were gathered around. "Who thinks they are a comparable match for my daughter."
The men remained silent all sending silent glances each other's way. Finally a younger man stepped forward. "I might be sire."
"Ah Andrew." James nodded thoughtfully. "Yes I think you would make a decent match for Emma."
One of the other guards snorted as Andrew went to grab a sword. "What a way to be insulted by your king."
"It actually wasn't an insult." Daniel said quietly.
"What?" The guards looked surprised.
"You underestimate her abilities." Daniel said. "She may look dainty and harmless but I assure you she is anything but and her father knows it. He must see a great deal in that man to say he is a decent match for her."
"We shall see." The guard muttered. They all turned their attention to the center of the arena where Emma and the guard had begun sparring. Emma was quick on her feat but the guard was quick too. Daniel could see he had a great deal of skill and the potential to be an excellent swordsman. The guard seemed to give Emma a fair fight but Daniel knew Emma could end the fight whenever she wanted too. The guard made what seemed to be a great shot but Daniel saw the opening it would give, as did Emma. Instead of blocking with her sword Emma ducked, throwing the guard slightly off balance. Emma spun and knocked the sword out of his hand. With her back to him Emma positioned her sword as close to his heart as she could get without wounding him.
Emma could feel the guards panicked breath on her shoulder as she dropped her position. She turned to see the other guards watching in awe and Daniel grinning ruefully.
"That was pretty impressive." James nodded. "But that was a pretty risky move."
"Not if I killed him." Emma shrugged.
"But if you had been even slightly off his sword would have been through you instantly." James pointed out.
"He does have a point." Daniel nodded. "They'd get you for that back home. But you should also know Emma doesn't have a history of missing."
"Well maybe not in practice but in a real battle that's not something you want to do if you can avoid it." James looked between Emma and Daniel. "You'll learn that once you experience that."
"He's absolutely right." Emma looked pointedly at Daniel, begging him not to say anything. "Once we have experience in that area our opinions could change."
"Doubtful." Daniel said under his breath.
"Who's next?" James looked at the men.
"I'll give it a shot." Evander stepped forward. "If the girl I'm supposed to be protecting beats me do I lose my job?"
"We'll see." James chuckled. "She's pretty deadly. There's not much advice I can give her. The only thing I saw was to make sure not to lose your stance when you go for those dramatic kill shots. You may get the kill you intended but you never know when another might be coming."
"That is a valid point." Emma nodded. "Thank you."
"No problem." James said. "I'm sure there is little advice I can give you."
The next thirty minutes consisted of Emma and Daniel shocking the guards and James with their skill with a sword. After Emma had practiced with almost every guard, leaning something new from each one's style, she turned to Daniel. "What do you say the two of us give it a go?"
"Do you want to practice like we normally do?" Daniel asked slowly.
"Why change tradition?" Emma asked as she walked over to take a sip of water.
"Because your father and his guards might kill me before they realize what's happening." Daniel pointed out.
"That's what will make it fun." Emma grinned. "They'll freak but you'll be fine."
"Yea if they don't stab me first." Daniel muttered.
"I'll make sure that doesn't happen." Emma rolled her eyes. "I'll let you have the first shot."
"Who say's I need you to let me." Daniel called after her.
"Let's not kid ourselves." Emma grinned.
"Are you two going to have a go at it?" Lancelot asked.
"We are indeed." Emma quickly ran her hand over her sword as Daniel did the same.
"Girl and Boy wonder." Evander grinned. "This should be interesting.
"Are you ready?" Emma asked Daniel who nodded. "Let's go then."
The two immediately launched into a flurry of blow and quick movements, surprising the guards with how in sync they seemed to be. Both were familiar with the other's fighting style making the battle seem more impressive. Finally Emma nodded at Daniel who took it as his cue. Emma left a small opening and Daniel drove his sword through Emma's stomach.
Everyone gasped, reacting immediately. All drew their swords and held them out towards Daniel. James's reaction was perhaps the best. His face was ashen and shocked. Emma almost felt bad for playing the prank on him. He had already lost her once and she was his daughter. Finally Emma couldn't take it anymore and burst out laughing.
"What?" Lancelot looked between Daniel and Emma who was clearly in no pain despite having a sword in her stomach. He still held his sword out at Daniel. "What is going on?"
"It was a stupid joke." Emma shook her head as Daniel pulled the sword out. "In Altair we use our magic to enchant our swords so we can really practice. While practicing like you do is good preparation for a fight, it doesn't prepare you for what it is like to truly strike through someone for the first time. By enchanting our swords it allows us to drive our swords through someone without injuring them. It helps take away the surprise factor in battle and could ultimately save your life."
James was still trying to regain his breath from the shock of seeing his daughter impaled. He was continuously surprised by his daughter's talent and familiarity with things pertaining to war. Finally he managed to speak. "You should probably have warned us."
"I see that now." Emma nodded. "We thought it would be funny. But I suppose thinking your daughter is going to die is not very amusing."
"Not so much." James put his hand on Emma's shoulder. "Although it was pretty good." He looked at Daniel. "I was about to kill you."
"I had that concern but Emma insisted." Daniel nodded. "I would never harm your daughter."
"How do you know when a sword is enchanted and when it isn't?" James asked.
"Well we put the enchantments on them ourselves." Emma explained. "And there really is no danger as … well its hard to explain but it is almost as it the sword is alive. You can feel when it is enchanted and when it is not. Your partner knows as well if the sword loses its enchantment. They are connected once you enter a sparing match."
"That's insane." Lancelot shook his head.
"It's good practice." Emma shrugged. "Would you like to try?"
"Will it work for me?" Lancelot asked nervously.
"Of course." Emma nodded. "You don't have to possess magic to make it work, you just have to have someone with magical abilities enchant it for you. It's completely safe, but I understand if you're nervous."
"No." Lancelot bristled slightly at the nervous comment. "It's not that it's just…"
"Nerves are completely normal the first time." Emma promised. "We all were even though we'd seen it a thousand times. There's something kind of terrifying about allowing yourself to be impaled. It's another thing entirely to plunge a sword into a friend. You just need to get out the first time nerves."
"Here take my sword." Daniel held it out to Lancelot who nervously took it. "Do you feel that?"
Lancelot looked thoughtful for a second. "Yes." He nodded. "It feels so strange, there's this slight buzzing."
"That's how you know it's enchanted." Emma explained. "I'd tell you to practice on a tree first but the enchantment only works with humans so you have to attempt it on a person. I'd volunteer myself if I wasn't sure you'd refuse."
"There is no way I am stabbing my goddaughter with a sword." Lancelot said adamantly.
"Figured." Emma shrugged. "It will have to be Daniel then."
"Go ahead." Daniel nodded.
"Are you…" Lancelot looked incredibly nervous.
"It's fine." Daniel promised. "Just attack as if you were in a real battle."
"Take a deep breath and just allow yourself to become disconnected from the situation." Emma instructed. "Then strike."
Lancelot took a deep breath and closed his eyes, when he opened them they were steely with focus. Relaxing his shoulders he drove the sword through Daniel who didn't even wince as it entered. "Wow." Lancelot breathed as he pulled the sword out. "It felt so real."
"And I didn't feel a thing." Daniel smiled.
"That is amazing." Lancelot marveled. "It would be incredible to know that feeling before entering a battle."
"It is for precisely that reason we practice this way." Emma nodded. She turned to the remaining me. "So… who's next?"
Once everyone had gotten a chance to get used to Daniel and Emma's enchanted swords James decided it was probably time for him to go find his son. "Will is probably up in arms about how long I've been gone. I think he would really enjoy this little exercise."
"Maybe you should surprise him." Evander raised an eyebrow. "That would be fun to watch."
"You mean let him think he's going to be stabbed?" Emma clarified.
"The humility might do him some good." Lancelot shrugged.
"Or make him really angry." Emma countered.
"He needs to lighten up a little bit." James agreed. "I'll put him up against you Emma, just make sure you get his sword out of the way."
"I'm pretty sure I can handle that." Emma nodded as James wandered off to collect Will. "This is still an absolutely horrid idea."
"Relax Emma." Evander said. "Everything will be fine. Will has a lot of angst but he's harmless."
"That's what they say about psychopaths right before they kill." Daniel teasingly whispered into Emma's ear.
Emma drove her elbow into his stomach causing him to double over. "As I am both more skilled than you and of a higher position in this land I would not cross me."
"Damn royalty has made you mean." Daniel shook his head, a smile playing at his lips.
"Shut up." Emma shook her head.
"That's really good Will." James's voice drifted into the clearing as he and Will approached.
"Torrin says I've really improved since our last practice." Will smiled.
"It looks like those private lessons are really paying off." James praised. "I'm very proud of you."
Emma watched Will light up at James's praise. It was clear to her that all Will really wanted was to please his father. Suddenly Emma felt guilty. She didn't seem to have to do much to earn James's praise. All she had to do was be herself and that seemed to be enough. Perhaps that was why Will always seemed so angry with her.
"Will I think you should show your sister what you have been practicing." James suggested. "I think you two could learn something from one another."
"From her?" Will scoffed.
"I may not be as unskilled as you believe me to be little brother." Emma gave a small smile. "Will you give me an opportunity to spar with you?"
"I suppose." Will nodded slowly. He drew his blade and slowly examined it. "Be careful sister. I just got a new blade. One of the finest makes in all of Eirian. I hope you can manage."
"I will do my best." Emma turned to take her blade from Daniel.
"He's awfully proud isn't he?" Daniel murmured.
"He's just trying to be someone who would make our father proud." Emma shrugged. "He just has a twisted view on what that is."
"More like a twisted view on life." Daniel said.
"You're going to get yourself in trouble." Emma warned.
"I don't personally have anything against him." Daniel admitted. "I just feel sorry that he believes he has to act that way to get respect."
"Now is not the place to discuss this." Emma shook her head and turned to face Will. "Ready?"
"I've been waiting for you." Will shrugged.
"Well then let us begin." Emma forced a smile. "First shot belongs to you."
"That wouldn't be very respectful." Will shook his head. "You're a lady."
"But you're the expert swordsman." Emma shrugged. "So, lets begin."
"As you wish." Will launched into the first attack, which Emma deflected easily. Emma could see that he clearly had talent but she could also see that he lacked the patience necessary to become truly great.
Emma stole a side-glance at James who gave her a slight nod, indicating it was ok for her to use her trick on Will. Emma made sure she could feel the enchantment on the sword before she used it on her brother. She waited for Will to give her an open shot and when he did she took it. As Will lunged she knocked his sword arm off to the side and plunged her sword into Will's abdomen. Will gasped and looked up at Emma with shock. "How dare you? You've injured me… you…"
Emma cracked a smile as she pulled it out. Will stared in amazement down at his unscathed stomach. "Did nothing."
"What?" Will's shock faded to anger. "What did you do to me?"
"It was an enchantment Will." Emma said gently. "We've all been practicing with it. It allows a sword to pierce another without injuring them."
"What kind of sorcery is this?" Will seemed enraged. "You tried to kill me."
"No I didn't." Emma shook her head. "It would have never hurt you." She turned to James. "I told you this was a bad idea."
"Will it was just a joke." James tried to calm his son. "It's not Emma's fault, she wanted no part in it. I should have used better judgment. I did not find it amusing when Emma pulled the prank on me nor should you have found it amusing when Emma pulled the prank on you."
"She made a fool out of me in front of all of these men." Will said angrily. "In front of you."
"It was a joke Will." Emma apologized. "I shouldn't have done it. I apologize."
Will fumed as Emma turned to walk away. Enchanted swords that didn't really harm someone, what a fool they had made out of him. Well, if she got to stab someone with her silly enchanted sword than so did he. Even if it wouldn't hurt her, it would make him feel better. With Emma's back turned to him he lunged at her.
Daniel was the only one who seemed to notice Will's attack. He stared in horror as Will drove an un-enchanted sword towards the middle of Emma's back. "Emma watch out!"
Emma turned just as Will's sword struck her. Miraculously Daniel's warning had allowed her to move far enough out of the way to prevent the sword from striking through her back but not far enough to keep her form injury. The blade sliced across her left arm sending a searing pain throughout her body.
Emma gasped in pain and fell to the ground as Will stared in horror at the blood on his sword. Everything seemed to move in slow motion around her as the guards moved to action. Evander had the sword out of Will's hand in an instant and handed him off to Torrin who restrained the boy, however unnecessary it was as Will was frozen in shock. Daniel was at Emma's side in an instant. He was speaking to her but Emma couldn't hear him. Evander and Lancelot knelt at her side, talking with each other and trying to stop the bleeding. They moved to make room for James as he raced to his daughter's side, caressing her head and telling her it would be all right.
But none of this registered in Emma's head. Even the searing pain in her arm paled in comparison to a different kind of pain she was feeling. All Emma could focus on was the pain in her little brother's eyes. Everything in her told her it had been an accident; that he hadn't meant to actually hurt her. Will was tearing up, repeatedly saying he hadn't meant to. That it was an accident and he had thought it would go straight through her. Emma wished more than anything she could ease his pain.
"Emma!" Emma turned, hearing her father for what seemed like the first time. "Emma stay with me. It's going to be ok."
"I'm fine, really." Emma shook her head.
"You're fine?" Evander raised an eyebrow. "Emma we can't stop this bleeding and you are losing a lot of blood. You are most certainly not fine."
"Father I'm so sorry… please." Will begged. "I didn't mean to hurt her… I'm so sorry… I'm sorry."
"Take him to the castle." James instructed Torrin. "Don't let him leave his chambers. I'll deal with him latter."
"Father please." Will begged.
"Now!" James ignored his son.
Torrin nodded and pulled Will away, still begging for forgiveness. Will's eyes met Emma's. "It's ok." She whispered, hoping he understood. She turned her attention to her arm. Her eye's widened as she saw the amount of blood on the cloth that was being pressed to her arm. "Let me see how deep it is."
"Emma we need to stop the bleeding." Lancelot shook his head. "We can't take the pressure off."
"Let me see it." Emma commanded.
Lancelot hesitated and looked at James. James shook his head. Emma looked back at Lancelot. "Now!"
"Ok." Lancelot acquiesced. He gently lifted part of the compress.
Emma swallowed hard when she saw how deep the gash was. She could see muscle and she couldn't tell if she was imagining seeing the white of bone. She had seen injuries worse than this before but seeing it on her own body made her head swim slightly. "That's not going to stop bleeding with pressure." She glanced at Daniel. "You were always better with injuries than me."
Daniel nodded slowly and closed his eye's attempting to concentrate. "I think we need to pack it as best we can now and tie it off. We need to get you back to the castle to a real doctor as soon as we can."
"I agree." Emma looked at James. "Daniel knows what he's talking about."
"Ok." James nodded. "They're both right. Daniel show them how to pack it or whatever you were talking about then I want you and Evander to go ahead to the castles and get the doctors prepped. Evander after that can you take care of my meetings and duties for the day. I have other things to tend to at the moment." James looked up at the remaining guard standing around. "I want two of you to stay here and get things organized. The rest of you return to your posts. You're no help to Emma standing around." Everyone nodded and moved to follow his orders. James turned his attention back to Emma who was quickly losing color. "How are you?"
"I'm doing all right." Emma admitted. "I um…. Things are beginning to feel a bit weird in my hand."
"I'd imagine so." James said worriedly. He looked at Daniel. "How is it coming?"
"It's almost done." Daniel nodded. "I just need something to tie it off with."
"Here." James ripped of part of the bottom of his tunic and tied the strip tightly around Daniel's makeshift bandage work. "Take Evander and go."
"Yes your majesty." Evander nodded and led Daniel towards the castle.
James helped Lancelot finish the sling to keep Emma's arm from moving. "Emma we're going to have to move now." James told his daughter, trying to keep his fear in check. "We just need to get back to the castle and then you can lie down."
"I can make it." Emma assured her father. "I'm stronger than you think I am."
"I don't doubt it." James cracked a small smile. "Put your good arm around my neck."
"I can walk." Emma said slowly.
"Emma…" James started.
"I injured my arm. That doesn't affect my ability to walk." Emma cut him off.
"Emma, please." James started again.
"If I was in a battle would an injury like this result in me being carried from the field?" Emma countered. "No. I would walk."
James sighed. No part of him wanted to relent but his daughter was stubborn and she needed medical attention. Although he knew he could probably wear Emma down to allow herself to be carried, the time it would take couldn't be wasted. "Fine."
James and Lancelot both moved to help Emma stand. Both hovered close behind as she began to walk towards the castle.
"Are you doing ok?" James watched Emma carefully.
"I'm fine." Emma insisted despite the fact that it wasn't exactly true. She may have not injured her legs, but the pain and blood loss was affecting her head and her balance.
A few feet into the walk back to the castle Emma put her good arm out to steady herself. James immediately grabbed her. "Emma?"
"I'm…" Emma started but her head began to swim. "Maybe walking wasn't such a good idea."
"That's what I thought." James said knowingly. "Put your good arm around my neck." He lifted his daughter easily into his arms as the resumed their return to the castle. Emma was lighter than he expected. He thought about how long it had been since he had held her like this, his baby in his arms. James shook his head, he needed to focus on the present. Whether she would admit it or not, Emma needed him.
"Em." James began to notice his daughter drifting off. "You need to stay with me. We're almost there."
"Can we not tell Snow about this?" Emma asked weakly.
"Do you want me to list the reasons that is a bad idea?" James's voice was equal parts serious and teasing. "First off there was an entire guard that witnessed it and some are known for being gossipers. Then we have to bring the medical staff in on the secret and she'll want to know why…"
"Why Will's in trouble?" Emma whispered.
"Yes." James said slowly. He quickly moved on to a lighter part of the list. "She'll want to know why there is blood on your good tunic and she will most certainly see the bandages and notice your arm is hurt. Then there's the fact that she would kill us if she knew we kept this from her. Suffice it to say, not telling your mother is probably the worst idea."
"I suppose you're right." Emma mumbled.
"Trust me. I am. Em's stay awake." James gently jostled the girl. "We're almost back."
"I'm sorry." Emma struggled to stay conscious. "I'm just… It's the blood. I'm really … tired."
"I know sweetheart." James glanced up at the castle. "But we're almost back. You can sleep then. Em where's your pain? On a scale of one to ten?"
"Honestly?" Emma took a deep breath. "Probably about a seven."
"Only a seven?" Lancelot glanced at James. "That injury has to hurt like no other."
"Is it even possible for you to get to a ten?" James asked lightly.
"Probably not." Emma gave a weak smile. "Torture could probably get me to a nine, but I'm sure there are some things that could put me at a ten."
"You certainly are tough." James gave a small laugh, trying to mask his growing fear. "The castle is just ahead Emma."
"Good." Emma said. "It's getting fuzzier and … I'm … I'm going to be fine."
"Yes you are." James shot a worried look at Lancelot as they hurried through the castle doors as fast as they could without jostling Emma. James glanced down at Emma and noticed her chest was moving up and down very rapidly. "Em." There was no response. "Emma." Emma moaned in response. "Emma, answer me."
"Yes?" Emma managed
"How are you doing?" James tried to keep his daughter engaged. "Aside from you arm, how is the rest of your body holding up?"
"It's just the arm." Emma whispered. "Everything else is fine."
"I thought your head was fuzzy." James said pointedly.
"It is." Emma's eyes slid shut.
"Keep your eyes open Emma." James said firmly. "Are you having trouble breathing?"
"A little." Emma admitted, opening her eyes. "It's harder than usual."
"We're in the hospital wing baby." James comforted as he turned down the hallway. "They'll take care of you here."
"Sam." Lancelot called.
"Your highness." The medic held open the door and pointed James to the nearest bed. "Place her there."
"Deep laceration to the left arm." Lancelot told Sam. "We tried to stop the bleeding but the wound was too deep and she was losing a lot of blood. Daniel helped us pack the wound and tie it off."
"How much blood has she lost?" Sam asked as he began to gather the necessary supplies.
"I can't be exactly sure." Lancelot shook his head. "A couple pints?"
"We need to cauterize the wound." Sam pointed his assistant Lyssa to the proper equipment. "Then we need to get it closed up."
"Is she going to be ok?" James asked.
"As soon as we get the bleeding under control and make sure the wound is clean she should be on her way to a quick recovery." Sam assured his king. "It's unfortunate that Doc is away restocking our rare herb supply but…"
"I have full confidence in you Sam." James assured the young man. "You've taken care of my family and I before and you will take care of my daughter now."
"Well give me the space to work." Sam nodded. "Lyssa can you give Emma the willow bark?"
"Of course." Lyssa brought the bark to Emma. "Emma this will help ease the pain."
Emma glanced at the bark before slowly taking it. "This won't do much to ease the pain." She glanced up at Daniel. "Do you still have some of that powder?"
"The one we got from…" Daniel started.
"Yes." Emma cut Daniel off. "Can you please get it?"
"Yes of course." Daniel disappeared.
"Lancelot can you please go get Snow? Don't worry her more than necessary." James instructed.
"Of course James." Lancelot nodded and immediately departed.
James walked over and sat down next to Emma, taking her hand into his. He noticed her biting her lip in pain as Sam and Lyssa went to work. He gently stroked Emma's hand. "How is it baby?"
"It hurts." Emma admitted.
"I'll bet." James gave a gentle laugh.
"How is it going?" James asked Sam.
"There's some pretty serious damage." Sam said as he worked. "How exactly did this happen?"
"A sword." Emma whispered through gritted teeth.
"How badly did you piss someone off?" Sam laughed but stopped short when he caught James glaring at him.
"He skin is really clammy Sam." James said worriedly.
"That's to be expected." Sam nodded. "Lyssa can you take her pulse?"
Lyssa nodded and placed her fingers on Emma's wrist. "It's weak Sam."
"As I figured." Sam glanced at James. "The clammy skin, the trouble breathing, the weak pulse and the dizziness are all from blood loss. There's nothing out of the ordinary. If she's lasted this long, she's going to be absolutely fine."
"Did you hear that Em?" James glanced own at his daughter who was clearly in pain.
"I never doubted it." Emma smiled weakly. "You were the one worrying when you didn't need to."
"I'm your father." James brushed a piece of hair that had stuck to Emma's forehead out of the way. "It's my job to worry about you."
Emma gave a small smile and squeezed her eyes shut as Sam hit a nerve in her arm. "Are you almost done in there?"
"Just about." Sam promised. "I almost have everything under control."
"At least the pain is keeping me awake." She said weakly.
"I wish it didn't have to be this way." James squeezed Emma's hand comfortingly.
"We're good." Sam informed James as he and Lyssa finished packing the wound. "We're going to need to keep the packing in here for a few days with a wound like this to make sure the bleeding has completely stopped. It's been infused with medicine that will speed the healing process. It's going to need to be changed about twice a day and checked to make sure it's not infected."
"Twice a day?" Emma glanced up at James, thinking about the pain she would be in.
"It's going to be fine." James promised. He glanced back up at Sam. "How are you going to close it then?"
"We will put in a few stiches to hold the wound shut and leave part of the packing out so it can easily be removed and replaced. In a few days if everything goes as planned we can remove the packing completely and close it up and she'll be as good as new." Sam explained.
"Do it." Emma said quickly.
Sam glanced at James for confirmation who just shrugged. "She's the boss of her own body."
"What is going on?" Snow burst into the room and gasped when she saw Emma lying on the table, her tunic torn and stained dark red. She looked at the bandaging lying on the floor, all soaked with Emma's blood. Finally her eyes fell on Emma's arm. "Oh my… what happened?"
"There was an accident." James said.
"I can see that?" Snow paled as she moved to her daughter's side. "Emma how are you?"
"I'm ok." Emma whispered.
"She's very weak." Lyssa gently told Snow. "She's lost a great deal of blood and the wound was very deep, but your husband and his guards took very good care of her."
"Daniel was the most help." James admitted. "He helped pack the wound when we couldn't get the bleeding to stop."
"You couldn't get the bleeding to stop?" Snow gasped.
"It's stopped now." Emma whispered, bringing Snow back from anger to worry. "You can be angry later, right now focus on the positive."
"What's the positive?" Snow put a gentle hand on Emma's hair but turned blazing eyes to the other occupants of the room in full on mother- bear mode.
"She could have not tuned and the blade could have gone through her back." Lancelot said simply. He saw his king shoot a glare at him but he simply shrugged. "I'm sorry James but I need to be honest with her. Snow you should be thankful that it isn't worse than this because it could have very easily have been. I know it looks bad and this is very scary, but Emma is strong. Focus on her, not your anger towards others."
"We're not done discussing this." Snow said pointedly.
"Oh I'm aware." James nodded, turning his attention back to Emma. "How are you doing kid?"
"It's almost over." Emma said weakly.
"Yes it is." James promised. He looked up at Snow. "I'll explain everything later."
"I found it Em." Daniel called as he hurried back into the room. James shifted to make room for him. "Do you have a glass of water?"
Lyssa nodded and moved to pour one. Sam however looked more skeptic. "What is that?"
"It's a powder from a plant that dulls pain. It does a very good job." Daniel explained. "In Altair we are only permitted to use it for severe injuries. This qualifies."
"I don't know." Sam said slowly.
"It's safe." Emma turned tired eyes to Sam. "I've used it before." This was not an admission she wanted to make but she hoped her parents would forget it in the craziness of the moment.
Lyssa handed the water to Daniel who poured a little bit of powder of it and began to swirl it. When it was decently mixed he handed it to Emma. Emma struggled to sit up but it was difficult in her weakened state with only one arm. Her parents hurried to support her.
"Slow down there Emma." James helped Emma steady her hand as she took the water and medicine from Daniel. He helped her guide it to her mouth. Emma squeezed her eyes shut as the potentness of the powder his her taste buds. She choked down the drink and allowed herself to be laid down on the bed. "Can you start the stitches now?"
"Of course." Sam nodded as Lyssa brought over the tray of supplies. "This is going to hurt."
"I'm aware." Emma said as she turned away.
"Hey." James took Emma's hand and looked into her eyes. "Your mother and I are right here."
"That doesn't make it hurt less." Emma whispered.
"Squeeze my hand whenever you need to." James instructed.
"Em." Daniel called for her attention. "You know what to do."
"Yea." Emma nodded. She let her eyes close.
"Emma!" James called, trying to keep his daughter awake.
"No." Daniel held his hand out. "She's letting her mind find peace. It will allow her to feel less of the pain."
"Ok." James said uncertainly.
"Are you ok Emma?" Daniel asked after a moment. Emma responded with a slight nod. "You can start."
Sam nodded and took the needle and began to work. Emma winced and moaned as the needle pierced her skin, gently squeezing James's hand.
"Shh." Snow gently stroked Emma's hair. "It's ok. It's going to be over soon."
The next few minutes were agonizing, filled with Emma trying not to let pained moans escape as Sam placed the stiches. For the most part she was able to keep herself from flinching too much.
Finally Sam tightened the last stitch and put the needle down. "I'm done Emma."
"It's all over sweetheart." Snow soothed.
Emma slowly opened her eyes and looked at her father. "How are you feeling kid?"
"I just want to sleep." Emma admitted. "I'm so tired. But it hurts a little too much for that."
"Just a little?" James laughed. "I'm sure Sam can get you something for that."
"I sure can." Sam brought over a mug of pearly white liquid. "Emma, this will help you sleep and it has some long lasting pain relieving effects. Probably not as effective as what Daniel just gave you but…"
"Thank you." Emma said weakly. Snow helped her daughter sit up while James guided the mug to Emma's mouth. Emma closed her eyes in disgust as the liquid hit her mouth but she continued to drink."
"Slow down there." James laughed and pulled the mug away. He brushed Emma's hair out of her face. "You're going to choke on it."
"I just want to finish it." Emma said. "It's awful."
"I know." Snot empathized as she rubbed Emma's back. "But it will make you feel a lot better."
"Can I just finish it and get it over with?" Emma looked at James.
"Of course." James helped her finish the rest of the liquid. Once she was done James took the mug as Snow helped Emma lie back down. "Well you are much better at taking medicine than you were as a little girl."
"Emma had trouble taking medicine?" Daniel laughed.
"She made you feel as if you were torturing her when she had to take it." Snow smiled. "We always felt awful even though we were only doing it to make her better."
"I learn no things about you every day." Daniel teased.
"Shut up." Emma whispered.
"She was so stubborn about it." Snow smiled as she gently stroked Emma's hair. "It was always a struggle."
"Emma? Stubborn?" Daniel smirked good-naturedly. "Now that I can believe." He glanced at Emma, who hadn't responded. "What no response?"
"..mm too tired." Emma muttered.
"It's ok." Snow soothed. "Sleep now sweetheart. You'll feel stronger in the morning."
Emma allowed the darkness to overcome her but still complete sleep evaded her. She could hear people moving and talking around her but she could sense her mother never left her side. She heard James discussing something with Lancelot and Sam but it was hard to make out in her fuzzy state. Daniel and Snow were continuing their conversation. All the noise made Emma's heard hurt even more as she couldn't focus on them.
"Can we move her up to her room now?" She heard James ask. "I don't want to jeopardize her recovery but I think she would be more comfortable waking up in her own bed.
"Of course." Sam responded. "We'll be up every few hours to check on her wound and change the dressing. She'll be weak for a few days and need to stay in bed but with what we're giving her I doubt that will be an issue."
"Of course." Snow said softly. "We'll make sure she gets all the rest and whatever she needs to recover."
"I don't doubt it." Sam responded. "You two are excellent parents."
Emma wasn't very aware of her surroundings but she felt herself being lifted into strong and familiar arms. "Be careful of her arm." Someone whispered.
"I am." The voice of the man who was holding her responded. "I wouldn't harm her."
"I know you wouldn't." The first voice responded.
Emma wasn't used to letting her guard down but she was too weak to fight. She shifted closer to the person and could have sworn she felt the arms tighten around her as she finally succumbed to the darkness.