In the Nick of Time
(A/N: Second chapter up today and final chapter of Act 2. Act 3 will be inbound hopefully sometime next week or later this week. Hope you've enjoyed the story so far.)
Arthur watched over Degore nervously, chewing at his nails. Daniel was gently dabbing at his face with a cold cloth to try and keep him conscious and comfortable. Tegyr wasn't long for this world. Degore fixed Daniel with exhausted and pleading eyes. Frankly he just wanted to sleep and die in peace and not see it coming. Daniel was almost tempted to give him that, but whenever he stopped Gawain took over, not so inclined to let Tegyr go. Gawain had more hope than him, Daniel dryly noted to himself. Arthur swallowed and looked out the window woefully, willing the others to hurry and hating the pain and exhaustion in Degore's gaze. "I have one more thing to try," an exhausted Gawain said, withdrawing one last herb. "It won't save him, but it might buy him just enough time."
"How much is 'just enough'?" Arthur asked.
Gawain was quiet. "A couple hours maybe? At best?" he admitted.
"Wow… Only that?" Daniel asked, voice strained.
"He's drawing his last breaths now. This gives him a few more," Gawain answered, preparing the herb.
"No, no, let me go," Degore pleaded.
"You really want Lucan to come back to that? To not have been able to say goodbye?" Gawain challenged.
Tegyr was quiet. "I'm tired... It hurts," Degore soon said.
"It doesn't hurt you half as much as it'll hurt Lucan to come back and learn you gave up before he could see you again," Gawain answered. Degore winced guiltily then shuddered, eyes closing. Gawain didn't try to wake him this time. He finished preparing the brew then administered it. The door opened and they turned. Their schoolmates were coming in now. Bedivere, Brunor, Dagonet, Cador, Gaheris, Gareth, Mordred, Loholt, Constantine, Ywain, Yvain, Galeschin… Even Uriens and Nentres were tagging along cautiously, though they gave Arthur a wide berth and all but ignored him.
"Degore, can you hear us?" Arthur asked.
Degore made a quiet sound, shifting ever so slightly. It was physically painful to see. Uriens swallowed, turning away. "Is he going to wake up?" Constantine asked uneasily. Cador's hands tightened gently on his son's shoulders. No one answered. Constantine, and the other little ones, got the picture.
"Dammit, where are they?" Brunor asked, strained.
"I don't know, but I'll find out. I'm riding out after them," Arthur said, turning.
"Arthur, there's no point. It's too late," Dagonet said. "There's nothing we can do to find them in time. If they're not on their way back now, they won't make it."
"At least I could figure out if they're even still alive," Arthur protested.
"Lot's ridden out to find them," Nentres stated, picking up an upset looking Galeschin and cuddling him. Loholt clung to Arthur's hand uneasily, staring at Degore. Arthur patted his head awkwardly before slipping an arm around him, unsure what else to do.
Degore's eyes flickered slightly and he frowned. "Did the whole school come?" he murmured weakly, noting the others.
They looked quickly and hopefully at him. One look told them hope was wasted. He was already starting to drift away again. "Nah, only the cool ones," Uriens replied, smiling sadly. "And Arthur."
"Up yours," Arthur said, glaring at Uriens.
Degore weakly chuckled. "I was unaware you cared, sirs," he said.
"A guy we've known most our lives is dying. We care, friend or enemy or nothing," Gareth said.
"You can't give up. Lucan needs you, Degore. He has literally no one else," Bedivere said.
"You, Griflet…" Degore pointed out. He glanced around. "The potential for more still, it seems." His visitors started, exchanging uncertain looks amongst themselves. Was he implying them?
"You're delusional," Mordred flatly stated. None of them could ever be friends.
"Am I?" Degore replied. Mordred blinked and shifted, glancing quickly down an shrinking back a little against Gawain, who gently held his shoulders. Degore looked to Arthur. "I'm sorry. For putting you through this."
"Can I fire you as cupbearer so you'll never have to again?" Arthur asked.
"You could, but I won't go," Degore answered.
"Figures," Arthur grumbled. "So if you won't go, don't."
Degore looked pleasantly surprised at the turnaround. He smiled, perhaps it was even affectionate, and his eyes slid shut once more. He wouldn't wake up again, they knew, if the others didn't arrive with Merlin in time. Arthur looked out the window once more. "Come on guys," he willed. "Come on."
KAK
"Can't this carriage go any faster?!" Lucan urgently demanded.
"It's going as fast as it'll go!" Miles replied, frowning back at Lucan.
"Not good enough!" Agravaine said, visibly nervous now. They could see Far, Far Away's castle in the distance, but it would be at least a few hours before they got there! By then it might be too late.
"No problem," Merlin said. He cast a spell and wings began to sprout from the backs of the horses. They whinnied loudly, taking off into the sky and tearing across it.
"Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, not cool, no!" Griflet freaked, going white.
"You're scared of heights!" Dinadan accused, grinning wickedly.
"Yeah! I'm terrified in fact!" Griflet replied, having a mini heart attack as he stared down in mortification.
"Don't worry, I won't let you fall," Agravaine wickedly said, smirking darkly.
"Oh my god I'm gonna die," Griflet moaned, curling up on himself and closing his eyes, willing himself not to panic. For Degore, this was for Degore. They had to do this or Degore died. He just had to keep telling himself it was for the sake of another guy's life and it might be a bit easier… It was, but barely.
"We're going to make it!" Lucan hopefully said. He grinned towards Merlin and his grin fell to a worried look. Merlin suddenly looked more serious than usual. Much more serious. As in 'we might actually be too late and if we are it's my fault' serious. "Mr. Merlin?" he asked uneasily.
Merlin shifted, jaw twitching slightly, then turned to Lucan, putting on the unconcerned smile again. "We're gold, kid, solid gold," he assured. Lucan looked unconvinced and now a little scared. Merlin shifted uneasily then suddenly vanished.
Lucan nearly had a heartattack. "We're too late. He thinks we're too late!" he freaked, scared now.
"Come on!" Miles insisted, whipping the horses up again. They whinnied and picked up the pace. There was the castle… Now! He reigned them in then leapt off with Griflet, Lucan, Agravaine, and Dinadan all. They raced inside and through to the corridors. Darting down them, they beelined for the room Degore was being tended in. Lucan was pale and quiet. Please don't let them be too late…
KAK
Degore was going limp. Daniel and Gawain both held one of his hands tightly, looking miserably down with tears in their eyes. In fact, most of them if not all were near tears now. If they weren't they were either looking away or resting their heads against walls trying to pretend this wasn't affecting them when it clearly was. Arthur stared numbly at Degore from the foot of the bed. Degore let out a shuddering breath before ceasing to breathe altogether. Bedivere gave a pained sound. Gawain caught his breath and immediately leapt into action, trying desperately to revive the other. "Come on, come on, breathe man, breathe! Just a bit longer, come on!" Gawain willed, trying to resuscitate him. Compressions, air, compressions, air. Come on…
Suddenly Merlin appeared in a flash of light and cast a spell on Degore without missing a beat, eyes firm and determined, jaw clenched hard in resolve. The others fell back, catching their breath and hoping against hope that Merlin was going to wake him up. Merlin intensified the spell, gritting his teeth. "Come on, kid, wake up," he said. He stopped. Dammit! Immediately he began to cast a master level spell. The others gasped, falling as far away from Merlin as possible. Merlin unleashed it and suddenly the young man's body jerked violently as he gasped for air, eyes flying open as both lighting and an essence of healing swirled around him, the lightning every so often striking his chest and the healing constantly channelling. Merlin held the spell despite the obvious pain in the boy's eyes, then finally let it go. Degore gave a pained cry, collapsing back in the bed and gasping for air frantically. He rolled onto his side coughing and gagging while trying to breathe. Merlin patted his back firmly then pulled out the satchel of tea leaves. "Prepare this fast," he ordered Gawain. "Cold if you have to." Gawain took them and did so, pouring cold water over the leaves swiftly and handing it back. Merlin took it and offered it to Degore. "Drink it quick," he commanded. "It'll neutralize any poison left." What, you didn't really think he'd send a bunch of kids on a death defying mission for nothing, did you? Well, he would, maybe... He kind of had. He hadn't expected he'd actually need to use this stuff!
Degore grabbed it without hesitation and downed it quickly. He sputtered and nearly gagged again at the taste. He looked about to spit it out, but Merlin covered his mouth firmly. Degore sobbed once, shaking his head, then willed himself to get it down and not throw it back up. "Easy, man, easy!" Bedivere urgently pled. Degore nodded, grateful for Merlin's hand in front of his mouth. Soon his body seemed to stop revolting and he began to settle. Just then Lucan, Griflet, Dinadan, Agravaine, and Miles raced in. They froze on seeing Degore and Merlin, Degore with tears in his eyes and Merlin looking immensely relieved as if he'd just barely made it in time. Lucan was torn between freaking at the wizard and running to his friend. He chose the latter, gasping and racing to Degore's side, hugging him tightly. Degore started, flustered, and hugged him a little awkwardly in return, patting his back.
"Good work, soldier," he praised tiredly. Lucan didn't try to talk, just nodded and willed back the burning in his eyes before giving up and letting his tears come. Dinadan looked near to collapsing in relief. Agravaine let out a breathy sigh, sagging against the wall. Gareth steadied him, squeezing his shoulder to ground him. Agravaine looked over tiredly and Gareth gave him a small but proud smile, bumping his forehead against Agravaine's head. Griflet swallowed, approaching Bedivere. Miles stayed back and gave a realived sigh. They'd been on time. Or Merlin had, rather. He closed his eyes, smiling and feeling more at peace now.
"Whoa. You did it," Arthur said in disbelief to Agravaine.
"I'm torn between being insulted and touched," Agravaine replied, frowning at his uncle.
Arthur nodded, looking at Degore, then turned directly to his nephew. "Thank you, Agravaine," he sincerely said. Agravaine raised an eyebrow, a little surprised at the response.
"Um… you're welcome?" Agravaine more questioned than stated. "Now about my trial…"
"You're not getting out of it," Arthur replied, frowning. "But I'll probably just leave your punishment up to your parents. I'm not dictating anything against the son of a guy who already hates my guts." Agravaine relaxed a little bit and nodded gratefully.
KAK
Agravaine had initially been brought to the throne room in chains. Before Lot could freak, which he'd been about to do, Arthur had furiously ordered his nephew unshackled and reiterated yet again that he wasn't a prisoner. He'd earlier asked Tegyr what he wanted done to Agravaine, when he'd had a moment alone with him. Degore had told him to do what he thought was best, and he'd kind of been both upset and grateful. Upset he'd actually have to determine the punishment, grateful for the same reason. Who knew what Degore would have picked? He didn't think it would have been anything bad, but Arthur kind of had a plan for where he wanted it to go, and if Degore's punishment had fallen out of the lines he'd wanted, he probably would have been thrown for a loop. Needless to say, he'd put Agravaine's punishment in the hands of Lot and Morgause, to Igraine's chagrin. His mom was not happy with her grandson, putting it mildly. She probably would have liked Agravaine handed over to her so she could knock the guy senseless.
Regardless, the trial was done now and all his guests were off doing whatever. He finally had some time to breathe and process things. It was just him and his aunt at the moment. For a while there was silence, but soon enough Lillian turned to Arthur and came over, sitting next to him. "It pains me to go into this when so much has happened already these past two days," she said.
"Oh no, a lecture," Arthur groaned.
"I'm sorry, dear, but it must be done," Lillian said.
"What is it this time?" Arthur asked with an exasperated sigh.
"Have you given any thought to Knights?" Lillian asked.
"Knights?" Arthur asked. "Doesn't this dump have knights?" he asked.
Lillian gestured towards a window. Arthur gave her a confused look, then rose and looked out of said window. He started and blinked blankly. He was looking down on a training yard. If you could call it that. It was more a donut shop. The Knights down there were fat, slow, could hardly get onto horses. The ones who weren't fat were thin and could hardly pick up a sword. They were tripping over each other and frankly just looked like a bunch of slobs. "They pick it up in a pinch, but a pinch is one thing. A full out attack such as Prince Charming launched is another thing entirely," Lillian said. "We are not prepared for that."
Arthur face-palmed. "Great, more problems," he grumbled.
"Far Far Away needs knights. If not new ones, then ones who can train the old," Lillian said. "Brastias and Ulfius are over their heads in training this display."
"Perfect. Where am I going to get knights?" Arthur asked.
"That is your job as King," Lillian stated.
"Fine," Arthur grumbled. "But I have a social life, you know!"
"Oh come now Arthur, duty is duty. Besides, as I recall you have no friends with whom to 'hang out'. You have the time on your hands," Lillian said.
Arthur started. "I have friends!" he insisted.
"Do you? It's hard to tell sometimes, even with Dagonet," Lillian replied. "I have yet to see you personally invite any school mate to the palace for even so much as a dinner or a hunt, this reunion aside," Lillian said. "Nor have you asked."
"Well I… that is… they... I mean…" Arthur stammered. He fell silent. He had nothing more to say. There was no defense he could give because she was right.
"Work on the Knight issue, Arthur. It is pertinent," Lillian said, turning and leaving her chagrined nephew behind.
KAK
The next day found Arthur and his classmates, his brother, his nephews, and his brothers-in-law, looking incredulously down on the training field where Far Far Away's Knights were practicing. "Really?" Gareth incredulously asked.
"They're horrible," Miles said.
"I know," Arthur groaned. "This was the problem I was talking about and wanted advice for."
"Definitely not Worcestershire boys," Agravaine remarked.
"So why don't we show them how it's done?" Bedivere asked, smirking. The others grinned, minus Lot who just rolled his eyes, and immediately headed down to the field.
Moments after they got there, horses' hooves thundered through the field and the clashing of swords and javelins rang out. Far Far Away's Knights gawked in shock as the king's guests took over the field, even the little children. For once even Arthur was getting way into it, clashing against Gawain and Gaheris in a three-way battle. To their shock, Arthur was faring amazingly well putting to use some of Puss in Boots' techniques. Lillian and Igraine watched from above. "Their form is excellent," Igraine remarked.
"Worcestershire Academy is the pinnacle of education," Lillian stated.
"It's beautiful to watch," Igraine said, though her eyes were on her youngest son lovingly. Lillian smiled and gently hugged her baby sister, grinning. When Igraine had confronted her about not informing her Arthur was still alive, Lillian had feared her sibling would never forgive her. Lillian had done her best to explain why she couldn't tell Igraine the truth and had apologized profusely, and she still thought Igraine would walk out of her life forevermore. But this morning Igraine had come to her and the two of them had made up, to Lillian's relief. It had been emotional, but it had meant the world to them both. She swore to herself, and to Igraine, she would never keep another secret like that from her sister again, no matter what Merlin instructed.
Arthur and co soon finished their sparring and were now sitting on the ground resting. After running circles around the Far Far Away knights and utterly shaming them in a variety of games, they were exhausted and Arthur was ordering the Far Far Away Knights to get their games together. Arthur returned to his company and sat down with a sigh. "I'm dead," he groaned. "This land is dead if some attack happens. How am I supposed to whip hopeless cases into shape? I can't. Where am I supposed to get more knights for this place? I've got nothing. No way can Far Far Away weather any enemy attack. I've already failed as king."
"That was never a question," Lot said. "Seeing the condition of your army, I half expect I don't even need to continue with rebellion for your kingdom to collapse. But I will, count on it. It will be a humiliating defeat like no other. Thank you for revealing to your enemies the strength of your army."
"Yeah, uh huh, whatever. Can we get back to the issue of Knights, please?" Arthur asked. Lot started and scowled, chagrined Arthur wasn't letting his threats intimidate him. Or maybe the boy king was just that oblivious. He wouldn't be surprised.
"You mean the issue of you?" Gareth asked.
"Hey, don't play that game with me," Arthur warned.
"Arthur is right. This Knight issue is a big and important one," Cador warned. "Far Far Away really doesn't have a chance if it's attacked by these morons." He jerked his thumb towards Uriens, Nentres, and Lot, all of who gave him ugly scowls.
"Ugh, the name seriously needs to be changed," Gareth groaned, rolling his eyes.
"Tell me about it," Arthur agreed flatly. The group sat boredly, listening to Lillian and her party, who'd come out to enjoy the sun, talk and gossip.
"Let's get out of here, please," Uriens practically begged.
"And go where?" Arthur asked.
"Hunting, fishing, jousting, riding, anywhere but here," Uriens answered. He was restless and sorting a lot of stuff out right now.
"I guess we could go for a ride," Arthur said.
"Good, that'll work. Now come on," Uriens said.
Arthur frowned at him then nodded and rose. "Um, excuse me ladies," he said his aunt, mother, niece, and sisters. They all looked over at him coldly, perturbed at being interrupted. He almost shrank back, but Gawain kicked him subtly. Arthur grimaced and frowned but nonetheless continued. "I'm taking the guys out for a ride, just so you know. Maybe hunt a bit. You know, guy stuff."
"Guy stuff, huh?" Morgan incredulously asked. "Since when have you been into 'guy stuff' bro?"
Arthur started. "Since… five minutes ago!" Arthur blurted. Uriens face-palmed, shaking his head. Dinadan pinched the bridge of his nose and Cador glared, unimpressed.
"Whatever uncle Artie. Have fun and be careful," Soredamer said with a sigh. "Who all is going?"
"Just the boys. I'll take Ywain and Yvain for some father-son bonding time too," Uriens answered or Arthur.
"I would like to bring Galeschin along," Nentres said, looking pleadingly at Elaine who had yet to talk to him since leaving the castle. As per usual, Elaine didn't even acknowledge him and he winced, bowing his head sadly.
"Dad, you coming?" Gaheris asked King Lot.
Lot glared dangerously at Arthur. "Unlikely," he replied. "I have nobles to converse with. Better them than some little waif who would be king."
Arthur scowled, eyes flashing dangerously. "Take that back!" he ordered.
"Return to the sea where that beget you, bastard child," Lot bit, rising. Swiftly he left the area, eyes glittering. Probably best he did or he would have done something they all regretted. Arthur glared after him then bowed his head, eyes becoming filled with something akin to shame and pain.
"Dad's telling it like it is," Agravaine remarked, smirking coldly at Arthur.
"Oh shut up Agravaine!" Arthur shot. Least liked nephew bar none say for Mordred.
"Touchy, touchy, Artie," Agravaine taunted.
"Agravaine, back off," Gaheris warned. "Let's at least try to get along in court."
"Fine, but when we're in the woods Arthur's fair game," Agravaine grumbled.
"Aren't you just a ray of sunshine? Our parents must be so proud," Gareth sarcastically said to Agravaine, rolling his eyes.
"Hey, shut up Gareth. I'm in no mood for your attitude," Agravaine said.
"My attitude?" Gareth asked with a scoff. "Are you listening to yourself dipshi… stick?"
"Stop fighting," Yvain pled.
"Yeah, it's getting old," Ywain backed, frowning and being more straightforward.
"No one asked you two," Constantine bit.
"Constantine," Cador warned his son. Constantine, catching his father's glare and Uriens', bit his tongue, looking guilty. Satisfied he'd silenced his child, Cador turned to Arthur again. "Let's go then."
"Here, here," Brunor agreed.
"This is so exciting!" Galeschin exclaimed, grinning eagerly. "It'll be the first time ever I've been on a royal hunt!"
"If you can call this that. But trust me, they're nothing to write home about," Uriens said.
"Don't kill the boy's enthusiasm, Uriens. Just because you won't be able to hold your own and take a prize doesn't mean you have to dash anyone else's hopes," Miles bit, smirking teasingly.
"Hey, I hold my own and take plenty of prizes," Uriens replied, frowning.
"Sure you do," Miles pushed, smirking.
"What a lovely party. Everyone's getting long so well," Arthur said, rolling his eyes.
"Uncle Arthur, why you no stop them?" Mordred questioned, blinking innocently. Or not so innocently. Actually, it felt like the kid was being passive aggressive and knew it. Or, you know, Arthur was just that cynical. Whatever.
"Ugh, let's just go," Arthur said. The others frowned at him but nonetheless rose and followed Arthur towards the stables.
KAK
Eventually the group reached a clearing in the woods. It had been a surprisingly peaceful ride so far. They reigned in their horses and dismounted. Each of them fell onto the grass in a circle. "So Dinadan, heard about your little escapades when you snuck out last night," Miles remarked.
"Don't be hating because you can't get any," Dinadan replied, smirking.
Miles started. "If I so chose to I could!" he replied. "Got something from you, didn't I?"
"While blackout drunk? Yeah," Dinadan replied, smirking. "But I wasn't impressing you, remember?"
"I said you weren't the most impressive," Miles defended, shrugging.
"Yeah right. But, you're bound to have better luck at it than Arthur, given the way he reacted to finding out about my escapade," Dinadan poked, smirking at the King.
"Arthur's virgin through and through," Agravaine taunted.
"No I'm not! Believe me I wish I was, but I'm not. I've done it before!" Arthur shot. They started, looking at him in shock and horror. He bit his tongue. "Err, you weren't supposed to know that," he said.
"When?" Dinadan asked. Arthur blushed ashamedly. "Twelve, maybe thirteen," he muttered.
"With who?!" Cador demanded protectively.
"Look, change of topic please!" Arthur begged, visibly shutting down. They backed off. Whoever it had been, it was a memory Arthur obviously wanted to forget or block out… Which made them a little uneasy and concerned. And curious. Of course, not all of them could keep quiet.
"Touchy, touchy," Gareth said. "What's wrong with you? It was just a question."
"You don't know anything," Arthur sharply replied, rising quickly and walking towards the woods.
"Where are you going?!" Yvain called after Arthur worriedly.
"For a walk!" Arthur called sharply back.
"Nice going, Gareth," Griflet said, frowning coldly at Gareth.
"What did I say? He was just being over sensitive!" Gareth replied.
"Ever occurred to you that some sexual exploits you don't want to boast up?" Lucan answered. "Maybe it wasn't willing on Arthur's part, or maybe it was with someone he wants to forget." Gareth scoffed and rolled his eyes. Yeah right. Like Arthur was that in depth. Nonetheless, he found his eyes drifting a little uneasily towards the forest Arthur had disappeared into.
"Hey Griflet, up to a bit of a quest while we're out here?" Miles asked, standing up.
"Always," Griflet replied, grinning.
"That seems like a bad idea," Bedivere said, frowning.
"I'll be fine," Griflet answered.
"I'll take care of him, Bedivere. Promise," Miles said, smiling at the other.
Bedivere hesitated, grimacing, then gave an uneasy smile. "Okay. Just bring our cousin home alive, alright?"
"And yourself too," Dinadan added, frowning. "Seriously, you're like the only guy around my age I can even really call friend. Kind of don't want to go through what Lucan would have if Tegyr hadn't made it."
"You won't. We won't do anything too dangerous. Swear on my honor," Miles said with an affectionate smile, waving and heading off with Griflet, who waved an excited goodbye to his cousins as he left with Miles.
"I'm getting a bad feeling about this," Lucan said, frowning.
"They'll be alright, soldier," Degore said. Lucan nodded, though not totally convinced. "Hopefully Arthur will be too," Degore added. The others cringed, all exchanging uneasy looks.
