A/N – Again, I must express my extreme gratitude for all the lovely comments and reviews I've received on this story, and the enjoyable conversations in which I have been engaged with readers. I post each chapter with a little (or a lot!) of trepidation, and other than a few concerns and complaints here and there, no one has torn me apart (but we still have a handful of chapters to go...I shouldn't curse myself!).
I don't want to give away anything about what may or may not be happening with poor Fleur and Rion, so I think we will dive right in.
Chapter 25 – Something to Fight For
After begging the gods and goddesses for help, Percival returned to his chamber to find Rion napping in his own bed while Fleur had been changed into a clean nightdress and was resting comfortably. The room smelled better, like fresh herbs instead of sickness, and the window now stood open, allowing a sweet breeze to blow in. Apparently, Anaed and Gwaine had been busy cleaning, organizing, and caring. If anyone ever had a negative word to say about the women of the brothel, speak about their "loose morals," Percival would refute that statement. These women, and especially Anaed, had been nothing but supportive and wonderful. They did not judge, they did not complain, they just stepped in and helped. More people should be like them.
"Did you eat?" asked Anaed kindly, as Percival closed the chamber door.
He looked down at the cloth sack in his grip. "I couldn't eat much. My stomach's not right."
"Oh, no! Are you sickening?" Anaed pressed her hand against his forehead.
"No, it's not that. I'm just scared half to death that I'll lose Fleur."
Gwaine rose from the chair next to Rion's bed and crossed to Percival's side. "Let us stay with you until night time. I think you could use the company and help."
"And I could use Uncle Gwaine's stories," said Rion, having woken. "He's a great storyteller. I really like the ones about the battles, especially when the evil knights get their heads cut off…"
"Ah, well, yes!" Gwaine cut across and cleared his throat. "Rion, Rion, such an imagination you have!"
Percival chuckled and clapped Gwaine on the back. "It's all right, Gwaine. But if you could incorporate less decapitation into the stories, I would appreciate it."
"Then more dragons?" asked Rion, hopeful.
"FLOCKS of dragons," said Gwaine, "breathing fire and tearing through the Lower Town as they… Breathing fire is all."
Percival, Gwaine, and Anaed spent the afternoon and evening caring for the patients and engaged in idle banter. After sundown, Percival asked his friends for time alone with his family, and they obliged, but with the reminder they would be but a few steps away in Gwaine's chambers.
"There's a mouse infestation at the brothel, so Anaed is staying with me for a few days," said Gwaine, after she had made her way to his room. "And she wants to talk to me about a project she's working on. And no, she is staying with me as a friend, nothing more, so don't get all –"
Percival held up his hand. "All I was going to say is thank you. And besides, Anaed is too good for you."
Gwaine and Percival got into a playful shoving match right outside the door, after which Percival returned to Fleur's bedside. Her eyes fluttered open.
"You're still here?" she said.
"Where else would I be?"
She gazed into his eyes. "I am so afraid I'll lose you."
"That will never happen, not until death parts us or you decide to toss me out into the woods because you've tired of me."
"I'm scared, Percival. That I won't be enough for you."
"It's your illness talking." He took a damp cloth and wiped her forehead. Her skin felt cooler to the touch, and Percival sighed with relief. "You'll be well soon and we'll marry. You'll see."
As Fleur closed her eyes, she toyed with her betrothal ring and smiled. "All right."
XXXX
"Porridge. With apples and honey. And a slice of cheese. That's what I want."
Percival awoke on a cot in his chamber, confused. He'd brought in the cot the previous night so he could sleep close to Fleur, should she need care right away. He heeded Anaed's words about self-care, so he forced himself to rest, instead of staying up all night wiping Fleur's brow. He had probably woken a good ten times to check on both Rion and Fleur, but managed some sleep.
But what was all this about porridge? Percival rolled onto his side and faced Fleur. She sat in bed, propped up by pillows, drinking a stone-cold mug of broth, smiling as she sipped. Percival flung himself off the cot and scrambled into bed beside Fleur.
"You're well?" He pressed his lips to her head and touched the back of her neck with his palm, just as Gaius had shown him to do. The heat of fever was gone, and it seemed as if her cough disappeared, too. "How long have you been awake?"
"Not long. I woke at dawn. And I am so hungry. I would do anything for some sweet porridge."
Percival chuckled. Then shook with laughter. Finally, he pulled Fleur against his chest kissed the top of her head. He had tried to pin up her hair into a bun while she'd been ill, thinking the long hair off her neck would help reduce her sweating, but he had made a mess of it. The lopsided bun looked like a tangled mass of straw in which rats nested. But who cared? She could be bald and he would still love her. Fleur and Rion were alive and well. Nothing else mattered.
"Wait, I'm coming!" shouted Rion.
He leapt up and skipped across the room, then vaulted into bed and wrapped his arms around both Percival and Fleur. Percival, his eyes filling with tears of relief, clung to his family. It was amazing how children recovered from illness so quickly, and a true blessing Fleur was improving. Perhaps there was something to be said about praying to the gods and goddesses. That was Percival's first real prayer yesterday, and it had been answered. And regardless of how or why his son and betrothed had been spared from death, he would make good on his promise to love them always.
A knock came at the door, and Percival called out it was all right to enter. In strode Gaius with a smile.
"Ah, I see everyone is recovering nicely," said the old physician. "You know, love may not be the answer to everything, but I have seen it heal time and time again. Do any of you need anything from me?"
"No." Percival continued holding Fleur and Rion. "I believe we have everything we need."
XXXX
Three days later, Rion was in perfect health and back at lessons and caring for Banon. Fleur's recovery moved slower. However, with frequent rest breaks, time outdoors in the sunshine, and extra sleep, she was healing.
Percival and Fleur were to marry in just over a week. Hesitantly, Percival asked if Fleur wanted to delay their nuptials for a little while until she recovered fully. When she insisted no, she was ready to wed on Beltane, Percival held back a cheer. He did not want to wait any longer. He had already waited a lifetime for Fleur.
In the Dining Hall, Percival broke his fast alongside Fleur. Her appetite had returned, and Cook was thrilled to dole out bowls full of porridge sweetened with chunks of honeyed apple.
Percival and Fleur sat close as they ate, their knees touching. Any time Percival was near Fleur, he needed to touch her; he had been so close to losing her and recognized every moment was precious. Part of him wanted to drag Geoffrey of Monmouth out of the library and have him perform a wedding ceremony over a half-eaten bowl of porridge right away.
Percival licked clean his spoon. He might have done with another helping; however, King Arthur, Leon, and Merlin strode into the Hall, their expressions somber.
"Knights, assemble immediately in the Council Chamber," announced Arthur, before sweeping from the Hall.
"This cannot be good." Percival kissed Fleur's cheek and rose. "I'll find you after I'm done."
Without delay, Percival headed from the Hall, and Gwaine caught up.
"I've already heard the news," said Gwaine, his voice tight with worry. "We're to ride south for the village of Abertawe at first light. Arthur just returned with Merlin, and they spotted a fleet of King Odin's ships on the channel horizon down there. The ships were stationary at first, but after a half day, Merlin noticed they'd crept closer to shore. Remember Odin's shipwreck on the coast some months ago? No accident. It was Odin's way of sending in spies and testing the waters for an invasion. And let's not forget that run-in we had with them near the lake. I'm sure those knights were scouting the area and planning to attack. We were foolish to think otherwise."
It made sense for King Odin to invade. Nothing quelled Odin's fury over the fact Arthur had killed his son years ago. The man wanted revenge, and if the copper riches for which the seaside village of Abertawe was renowned came along with that sweet revenge, even better. If King Odin of Cornwall seized Abertawe and marched north toward the royal castle with his army, Camelot was in serious trouble.
Percival and Gwaine took their usual seats at the round table. The Council Chamber was so quiet Percival heard his own shallow breathing. Even the most serious of meetings rarely started out this somber. And more concerning than the silence was the thick presence of worry in the air. Council members sat erect, and even Gwaine did not crack jokes.
With no need to call for quiet, Arthur started right in. "Men, we leave for Abertawe not at first light, but at dusk. If we ride hard, we can be in position by sunrise and meet Odin's army at the shore." Arthur briefly explained his battle plans, then dismissed everyone with the order: "Rest for now, say your goodbyes, and prepare to ride out near sunset."
Percival wanted to get to Fleur and Rion right away. He had faced battle many times before, but he'd never had a loving family waiting for his return. This fight against Odin seemed scarier than most, because if Percival fell, for once, there would be people to mourn his death. However, having a family to return to also bolstered Percival's resolve. It would make him fight harder than ever because he had something to fight for – the people he loved.
Percival made it a few paces away from the Council Chamber when Fleur and Rion rushed up to greet him.
"We heard." Rion flung his arms around Percival. "You have to leave. Can I come with you?"
Percival took a knee. "Son, if all goes well, I'll return in a few days. I need you here to take care of Fleur. And Banon. She'll be ready to live with us soon."
"What if you don't come back?"
"I have fought in countless battles, and even during the worst of confrontations, I've made it home. I am confident I will this time, too."
Rion gazed up at him with a pleading look. "Can you promise?"
Percival wished he could, but Rion deserved the truth. If, gods forbid, Percival perished in battle, and had promised Rion he would return home, Rion would never trust anyone ever again. Though painful, honesty was best.
"Rion, any man or woman could die at any time. You know that. But I promise I will fight to the last breath to make it home to you."
"You'll come back to me and Mum?" asked Rion. "I want Fleur to be my mum now, even if you're not married yet. I'm ready."
Fleur knelt beside Percival and faced Rion. "Then our job is to make sure your father goes off to battle with our love filling his heart. Can we do that, son?"
"Yes," said Rion, trying to smile through his tears. "We can do that. Maybe we should play with Banon down in the kennel. Would that make you happy, Father?"
"It would. Banon's a part of our family," said Percival, "and a few hours of puppy love is just what I need."
Percival took Rion and Fleur by the hand, and they headed for the kennel, where they spent time with the adorable pup. By the time Percival returned from Abertawe, Banon might be weaned and ready to live with them. And, of course, there was the wedding to look forward to.
Percival would return to his son betrothed if he had to crawl home with his head hanging by a thread. He had so much to live for.