Chapter 12 [Camelot—Physician's Chamber]

Gawain grimaced from the pounding in his temples. Unlike in that shadowy place between worlds, a distinct chill cut through the coarse cloth he wore and dimpled his skin. His fingertips registered the linen and wool covers. Bugger! Now what? He blinked a couple of times trying to get his bearings. He slowly opened his parched mouth to work his jaw.

Pain shot through every nerve ending and his joints.

Bloody business! He flexed his hands slowly to get the movement back in them. Can't believe I made it through that! He exhaled sharply as he considered the latest brush with Death. As the nethair bit into his foot for a third time, he'd felt his heart stop. He felt light as if he could float….

…maybe he was….who knew?

Then everything turned pitch dark. He found himself in the craggy cave with Merlin and Morgana. He had to intervene to save his friend from that infernal limbo. At least I could do that. But did I really? It felt real but it seems like a dream! He thought of the parting line to the servant. A woman waiting for me? Really? Who would that be? He shook his head. Eira had betrayed him and hanged for it. Everyone else partied all night before slinking off at dawn. The only person he could think of was that fire haired healer from Nemeth. That one?

During their three prior meetings, two in Camelot and one in Nemeth, the fire hair nagged him practically to death. She implored him to stay out of the taverns and brothels inviting him for a nice supper instead. She did serve him a hearty rabbit stew which actually beat out Merlin's arguably enough. She kept him up all night talking over coffee and snacks on that first meeting. He returned the favor a few months later in stepping between Williams and her.

But seriously would he really look at her?

An unfamiliar rogues' gallery confronted him at that point. Amor shot warm vibes up his spine. His headache faded in intensity. Anxiety pushed his heart to a trip hammer rate. His nerves battered up against the sides of his stomach.

His mouth twisted into a frown. As much as he'd teased Arthur and some of the other knights about their relationships, he knew the signs. He was akin to the deer in the headlights. Much as he'd come back to help Merlin, he did it for her too….

Unreal. Brit, what the Hell is it about you? Guess I know where I'm going as soon as I get up. Maybe the folks in Whitgate will know something. If anything, Rodor and Mithian should help in finding Merlin if anyone will. Just hope Gwen understands. He sighed and blinked allowing his eyes to focus and ascertain his surroundings. Gaius' chamber? He slowly edged himself into a sitting position while forgetting about the discomfort. I should be dead. Percy was all trussed up. So what…?

Before Gawain could meditate further on these issues, Gaius opened the outer door and stepped into the chamber. His eyes went wide. A smile spread across his face. "Sir Gawain! You're awake!"

"Yeah. Wonder why she didn't kill me? Stupid snake burned my foot and…." Gawain winced from the pain in his right foot.

"She would have except for a traveling party from Nemeth bound for here. They rescued Sir Percival and you both. Britomart and Percival brought you in here," Gaius informed him. "Let me look at you."

Gawain shook his head. He forced himself onto his feet. "Can't! Merlin's counting on me."

"Merlin?" Gaius stiffened. "How? You know where he is?"

"Not really." Gawain slowly raised his arm and hand toward the back of his neck. He rubbed that spot in a futile attempt to soothe the pain. "I ran into him in this weird dream place."

"Weird dream place?" Gaius queried; his eyebrow peaking ever higher.

Gawain shrugged. "It was in this cave. I don't know how he or I got in there. Morgana was in there too. She was harassing Merlin. I stopped that and tried to talk with him."

Gaius put his hand up to stop the knight's curious tale. "You suffered a terrible amount of trauma. I'd say you had a nightmare."

"Yeah with this glowing lady in it? Lady has this big booming voice kicking me back here. Then again, I also said there was a woman waiting for me." Gawain shook his head.

"It might be Britomart. Other than stepping out just now, she's watched over you for the past couple of days," Gaius informed him. "She…"

"Really?" Gawain rolled his eyes. He anticipated the nagging he was about to get from her. "So…is she still here?"

"Indeed. I anticipate she'll be back any minute. I…" Gaius started.

At that moment, the aforementioned woman edged the door open. "Master Gaius? I have the herbs you asked for and…." She stared at the wobbly patient for a couple of heartbeats. "Sir Gawain? What are you doing?"

"Hi yourself, Brit. No time to sleep. Gotta talk with Gwen. Big stuff," Gawain insisted.

She coughed. "You're staying in bed! The witch used a nathair on you. If I hadn't killed it, you'd be dead."

"I might still be from your bellyaching," he griped although he winked at her saucily. "Rest later. Right now, Merlin's really down. I've never seen him so depressed and beaten."

"You saw Merlin?" She exchanged anxious glances with the senior healer. Then she arched a wider eyebrow at him. "And where would that have been? You've been unconscious since Morgana tortured you."

"She was there too. Somehow I know he ran her through with Arthur's sword. Anyhow she was torturing him. I deflected a fire blast with a shield. She definitely seemed…well…off." He leaned against a bookshelf. "I was just telling Gaius that he and I were in this cave. It was kind of between life and death. I knew Morgana's dead. As I said, Merlin and I talked there before this lady's voice told us that we have more to do. Then there's this bright light and I'm waking up here." He shook his head. "I really could use a drink after that."

"Later," she insisted. She'd heard stories of near death experiences such as that one. "Hard as it is to believe, Sir Gawain, sounds like the triple goddess has given your ego and hard head a second chance." She looked him over and shook her head in wonder. "At least take it easy, you Oaf."

He frowned. While he did enjoy the banter, he knew Merlin might be out there alone and hurting. "Maybe later. As I said, Merlin comes first." He glanced to Gaius. "Some support please?"

"There are other knights who can search for him, Sir Gawain. Still I can't force you to stay here as much as I'd like to," Gaius pointed out. "Britomart, watch him please. I'll be ready for the trip when you get back."

"Trip? What?" Gawain turned back toward the elderly physician.

"Yes. I am to accompany Britomart back to Whitgate. King Rodor has a mysterious malady. That is why she is here, Sir Gawain. Besides I can watch you as well," Gaius explained before The Eyebrow affirmed that he wasn't messing around on that last point.

Now I know why Merlin is careful. Gawain nodded. "More the merrier, right?" He motioned with his head toward the door. "Come on."

She nodded. "Then let's see the Queen. Just make sure we don't crack your head open. Understand?"

He snorted. "It almost sounds like you care." He allowed her a warm twinkle of his eye and a smirk before heading out the door.

Gaius simply rolled his eyes in wonder. "If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I'd never believe it. Will wonders never cease?" He shrugged and ambled toward his workbench where his medicines awaited him.

Amor, it seemed, made inroads all the way around….