Chapter Six
By Amythest Stone
AN- ^_^ reviews reviews! I LOVE REVIEWS! Thank you so much!
...- ^_^ I credit every one of my reviewers 'cause it always makes me mad when an author will give credit to one reviewer and not another! I don't like Jocelyn but there most certainly isn't a reason to trash her. Will fell in love with her and they really were meant for each other despite popular opinion, that Kate and Will were meant to be (and sometimes I have to agree) but the fact was, Kate belongs to her dead husband. Yeah, anyway, after that ramble, I have to kiss your feet for the review and thank you very much for the compliments! I try my hardest!
Arianna- : P no, no more tricks on Jocelyn. She won't appear again until my sequel to this fic. That's way in the future though; I still have more chapters to do! I hurt the ones I love, you must get used to it! Anyway, thank you very much for the review and keep them up in the future.
QWB- lol, yes it has to do with Wat! I think Wat is pretty cool myself; definitely has a mind of his own. My favorite is Chaucer though. I absolutely adore him with every bone in my body. ^_^ Don't worry. Intelligent reviews are not needed now or ever for this fic. I'm not intelligent enough to write intelligent things in it so you don't need to write intelligent reviews for it, lol. Thank you for the many reviews and the many compliments. I love reviews!
Karate Elf- Nope, no dying but much tears and anguish cause I'm evil. There is much Will/Kate/Sir Ector/Wat/Roland torture in the near future! ^______^ Thank you lots and lots and lots and lots for the review! Love reviews and of course, consistent reviewers! Ah, and much thanks for the compliments!
So, here's the next installment! Read and enjoy and hopefully, review!!!
~*~
While Kate, a rather frantic Ector and a trained surgeon were busy trying to keep a very sick William in the land of the living, a young man of eighteen was riding towards a nearby town. The horse underneath him was at a trotting pace, not seeming very worn even though it had been riding all day. It's rather round rider seemed quite content as well, though he looked like he hadn't shaved in a bit and his clothes were rather dirty. They were not an uncommon sight upon the road though.
The rider patted the horse's neck affectionately, happy to have the company. He was also happy that soon he would be back to his 'family'. He always felt a bit lonesome when he was off delivering a message for Sir Ector and no one was sent with him. Sighing, he egged the horse on nostalgia growing. Soon he would see Sir Ector and of course, Wat and Will. The other two squires were more like brothers to him than anything else.
The town was only a mile and a half away when he came across a most curious sight. A horse that looked much like Rose was standing on the road, grazing lazily on the grass of a ditch. Hydra nickered at the other creature, speeding up a bit. Roland found this confirming his curiosity. What was Wat's horse doing out in the middle of no where? It was his most prized possession, for Sir Ector gave it to him when he turned fifteen. It was the knight's tradition.
Reigning his own beast, he hopped off, grunting a little bit. When he got back, no more extra food for him. He was putting himself on a diet.
He caught the mare's reigns, patting its head and calling its name. The beast looked at him, tipping its head to the side, recognition in its eyes. It nosed his pocket, snorting and snotting him thoroughly. Roland laughed, patting the creature on the head, pushing it away.
"Sorry, girl, I don't have anything for you," he said, frowning. "I wasn't planning on finding you."
Where was Wat? He looked around, and not being able to find his young friend, his worry grew. He tied the two horses down, preparing to look for the other squire. Or his body. Taking a sword from his pack, he slid down into the ditch. His weight carried him a little more than he expected, and a stone got in his way. So, instead of sliding down into it, Roland, oh so gracefully, tumbled.
He landed on something soft. That something soft made a very interesting noise which sounded vaguely like cursing.
"You bloody bastard! Coming back for my horse are you?! My weapons, money and food not enough? Hmm? Well, I'll fong you, from here to London, you hear?"
Roland quickly jumped off it, incredibly shocked but at the same time happy. He had been feeling miserable at the thought of having to bury his friend but that obviously wouldn't be necessary.
Wat was lying in the ditch, glaring over at him, face screwed up with pain. "That's right; you back off, you-"
"Easy, Wat," Roland chuckled, kneeling next to his friend. " 'Tis only me."
Wat lay still for a moment, looking at him critically. A smile cracked onto his face after a few seconds, however, and he beamed up at the squire.
"Hello, hello, my friend. Now, tell me; when did you get here?" he asked, not making any move to greet the man that he hadn't seen in almost a month. Roland felt worry come back. How badly was he hurt?
"Just a minute ago," the other replied, looking for obvious injuries. There was a cut across the apprentice's forehead and a nasty bruise forming already. His arm also seemed to be at an odd angle. "Now, I'm not positive I wish to know, but how did you manage to get into this mess?"
Wat scowled up at him, "Bloody thief got me, took my weapons, and everything else. The only thing he didn't take was Rose. She kicked him good." He tried to sit up but sunk back down. His head was spinning rather badly.
"Oh, I'm sure my friend, I'm sure. You really must come up with better excuses for being defeated by a better apprentice than yourself," Roland teased, gently helping him sit, being careful of his arm.
Wat glared at him, even though he knew that Roland was teasing him. He didn't really take teasing well in the first place, and at the moment, his patience was thin. Being hurt didn't help ones temper.
"Well, whether by thief or by a better knight, we can't stay in this ditch, now can we?" Roland said, good naturedly. His friend didn't look badly injured, at least not enough to keep down his hot temper. He had only been injured that badly once and Roland didn't want to ever see that again. "Can you stand?"
"Of course I can!" Wat replied in an indignant manner, clutching Roland with his good arm. He wasn't really sure if he could keep sitting without support much less stand. He clung tightly to his friend as he rose, and wobbled unsteadily on his feet.
Roland looked up the hill, knowing that Wat was going to have a hard time. He was barely standing and the steep sides of the ditch weren't going to be easy to climb. Wat was looking at them too, cursing under his breath again. This wasn't going to be fun.
"You ready?" Roland questioned, uncertain if his friend wanted to try. There were always other options.
"Of course I am!" Wat replied, trying to sound happy. "Let's go!"
By the time Roland reached town, the stars were shining brightly and the town was lit up with lanterns and fires. Wat was leaning against him heavily, half conscious. The climb had taken a lot out of him, a lot more than he cared to tell Roland. Roland didn't need to be told. Wat's silence was enough.
He wondered what his friend had been doing by himself. There was no sign of the cart, Sir Ector or William, so he had to assume that his friend was by himself. He found that odd. Sir Ector always made sure that he had two squires to help with the chores for with two horses, possibly three; there was much cleaning and care taking to be done.
He would ask about it later for it wasn't really vital at the moment. Right now all that really mattered was getting Wat to a comfortable inn and calling for a surgeon. Questions and explanations would just have to wait.
He moved through the streets, carefully maneuvering around different people and stands. There were very few people out at the hour and the stands were all closed. Roland sighed, feeling weary. It was possible that the surgeon would already be in bed and wouldn't come until morning and poor Wat would be left to suffer. He hoped not though.
The first inn he reached, he immediately stopped at. He slid down from the horse, trying not to jolt his injured friend too much. Wat barely noticed his going, being exhausted and injured beyond caring. Roland quickly went up the door and pushed in, greeted immediately by the familiar sights and sounds. Beer was thick in the air, and raucous laughter came from all directions.
"Hullo, good si', how may I help ye?" The innkeeper was on him in a second, looking very pleased. Business had been slow lately and every new customer was a blessing.
"I need a room," Roland replied quickly, "and someone to take care of my horses. If it's possible, I need a surgeon to be sent for, my friend is injured."
"Of course, si'," the man said with a bow. "I'll send my stable boy to care for your horses and my son for the surgeon. Bring your friend in before he catches cold."
Roland nodded, returning to the outside. Trying to be gentle, he helped Wat off Hydra, and quickly grabbed his money bag. As promised, a stable boy ran over and grabbed both horses, leading them away. Satisfied, Roland took the injured boy into the inn.
"Well, the break isn't serious," the surgeon commented. He studied Wat's arm carefully. "You shouldn't put any strain on it for at least four weeks if not more." Wat nodded silently, still pained. The setting hadn't been particularly pleasant and it wasn't something he wanted to experience again. "As for the knock on the head, just some rest should fix that. Keep it clean, you don't want it infected. Your balance may be off for a day or two, but that's only natural."
The surgeon let out an exhausted sigh. "Is there anything else that hurts?" He was kindly enough but tonight had most definitely been a long night.
"Just a few bumps and bruises," Wat replied, seeing the healer's exhaustion. There was certainly nothing that wouldn't heal in a few days.
"Good, very good," the surgeon said smiling. He stood up, placing assorted herbs and potions back into his bag. Roland went to fetch some of his money from Sir Ector. Just enough to pay for the stay and the doctor's fee. He handed the money to the older man.
"Ah, thank you, but that's more than enough." The surgeon handed back several coins. "Tonight has been very strange. You," he looked at Wat, "are the second boy your age I've had to patch up. Do you all find trouble or does it hunt you?"
"A little of both, sir," Wat replied meekly, flinching as his arm let out a protest.
"I suppose so, I suppose so," the surgeon brushed it off. "I'm sorry that I can't stay to make sure things work out but I must leave. I have to get back to a patient of mine."
"That's just fine," Roland responded, escorting the man to the door. "What's wrong with the boy?" He assumed that it was the boy the surgeon had referred to earlier.
"Well, he's a rather grim situation," the surgeon answered. "Water sickness in his lungs, not to mention badly broken ribs. He has a high fever and I have a bad feeling that he won't make it. His master is most worried about him." He shook his head. "Kept blaming it all on himself for overworking the boy." He stood in the door way. "I must depart. Send someone if things get worse."
"Of course, don't worry." Roland gave him a respectful bow and the man disappeared.
"That was a highly unpleasant experience, Roland," Wat muttered from his bed. "Please remind me never to let it happen again."
Roland walked over, grinning broadly. "Don't worry. I'll make sure to pound it into his head." He took a seat on the other bed in the room. "So, do you mind telling me what you were doing by yourself and how you got in this predicament, or should I keep my assumptions."
"Sir Ector sent me to deliver a letter," Wat cried, trying to defend himself. "And I was attacked by a robber on the road. He caught me off guard." He looked at the other defensively; ready to explain any and every question thrown at him.
"Sir Ector sent you with a letter?" Roland looked confused. "He never sends two squires away at once. It's too much work."
Wat looked squeamish. "Well, you see, while we were at the last joust, William wished to play a joke at the feast."
Roland gave him a look.
"Sir Ector warned us that the punishment would be severe but Will was sure he wouldn't get caught. He never got to do it, Roland. Someone else got there before hand, and pulled a different stunt. He got blamed though. So, Sir Ector sent me away to punish Will with all the work and a silent treatment."
Roland looked horrified. Sir Ector wasn't cruel but the punishment was bordering insane. There's no way for William to do all that work! It was simply too much.
"Roland you don't think-" Wat began, looking nervous. "That boy-"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Roland snapped, worried. "What in hell would be the chance that they would be here?"
The two stared at each other for a few seconds, both knowing in their hearts that the possibility was high. Wat went to throw his legs over the bed, more than ready to check. What if it was true and the boy was Will? What if he was dying?
Roland shoved him back onto the bed. "We'll see in the morning."
Wat's eyes widened and he immediately became defiant. "But-"
"No buts. You need rest and again, what is the chance?"
~*~
Hope you enjoyed it! ^____^ The next chapter will be up eventually. I have two Hardy fics running at the moment and I'm in a bit over my head. *sighs* stupid me! Well, enjoy! And review!
Next Chapter: Of Answered Questions and Badly Suffering Apprentices. (chapter might change in title)
By Amythest Stone
AN- ^_^ reviews reviews! I LOVE REVIEWS! Thank you so much!
...- ^_^ I credit every one of my reviewers 'cause it always makes me mad when an author will give credit to one reviewer and not another! I don't like Jocelyn but there most certainly isn't a reason to trash her. Will fell in love with her and they really were meant for each other despite popular opinion, that Kate and Will were meant to be (and sometimes I have to agree) but the fact was, Kate belongs to her dead husband. Yeah, anyway, after that ramble, I have to kiss your feet for the review and thank you very much for the compliments! I try my hardest!
Arianna- : P no, no more tricks on Jocelyn. She won't appear again until my sequel to this fic. That's way in the future though; I still have more chapters to do! I hurt the ones I love, you must get used to it! Anyway, thank you very much for the review and keep them up in the future.
QWB- lol, yes it has to do with Wat! I think Wat is pretty cool myself; definitely has a mind of his own. My favorite is Chaucer though. I absolutely adore him with every bone in my body. ^_^ Don't worry. Intelligent reviews are not needed now or ever for this fic. I'm not intelligent enough to write intelligent things in it so you don't need to write intelligent reviews for it, lol. Thank you for the many reviews and the many compliments. I love reviews!
Karate Elf- Nope, no dying but much tears and anguish cause I'm evil. There is much Will/Kate/Sir Ector/Wat/Roland torture in the near future! ^______^ Thank you lots and lots and lots and lots for the review! Love reviews and of course, consistent reviewers! Ah, and much thanks for the compliments!
So, here's the next installment! Read and enjoy and hopefully, review!!!
~*~
While Kate, a rather frantic Ector and a trained surgeon were busy trying to keep a very sick William in the land of the living, a young man of eighteen was riding towards a nearby town. The horse underneath him was at a trotting pace, not seeming very worn even though it had been riding all day. It's rather round rider seemed quite content as well, though he looked like he hadn't shaved in a bit and his clothes were rather dirty. They were not an uncommon sight upon the road though.
The rider patted the horse's neck affectionately, happy to have the company. He was also happy that soon he would be back to his 'family'. He always felt a bit lonesome when he was off delivering a message for Sir Ector and no one was sent with him. Sighing, he egged the horse on nostalgia growing. Soon he would see Sir Ector and of course, Wat and Will. The other two squires were more like brothers to him than anything else.
The town was only a mile and a half away when he came across a most curious sight. A horse that looked much like Rose was standing on the road, grazing lazily on the grass of a ditch. Hydra nickered at the other creature, speeding up a bit. Roland found this confirming his curiosity. What was Wat's horse doing out in the middle of no where? It was his most prized possession, for Sir Ector gave it to him when he turned fifteen. It was the knight's tradition.
Reigning his own beast, he hopped off, grunting a little bit. When he got back, no more extra food for him. He was putting himself on a diet.
He caught the mare's reigns, patting its head and calling its name. The beast looked at him, tipping its head to the side, recognition in its eyes. It nosed his pocket, snorting and snotting him thoroughly. Roland laughed, patting the creature on the head, pushing it away.
"Sorry, girl, I don't have anything for you," he said, frowning. "I wasn't planning on finding you."
Where was Wat? He looked around, and not being able to find his young friend, his worry grew. He tied the two horses down, preparing to look for the other squire. Or his body. Taking a sword from his pack, he slid down into the ditch. His weight carried him a little more than he expected, and a stone got in his way. So, instead of sliding down into it, Roland, oh so gracefully, tumbled.
He landed on something soft. That something soft made a very interesting noise which sounded vaguely like cursing.
"You bloody bastard! Coming back for my horse are you?! My weapons, money and food not enough? Hmm? Well, I'll fong you, from here to London, you hear?"
Roland quickly jumped off it, incredibly shocked but at the same time happy. He had been feeling miserable at the thought of having to bury his friend but that obviously wouldn't be necessary.
Wat was lying in the ditch, glaring over at him, face screwed up with pain. "That's right; you back off, you-"
"Easy, Wat," Roland chuckled, kneeling next to his friend. " 'Tis only me."
Wat lay still for a moment, looking at him critically. A smile cracked onto his face after a few seconds, however, and he beamed up at the squire.
"Hello, hello, my friend. Now, tell me; when did you get here?" he asked, not making any move to greet the man that he hadn't seen in almost a month. Roland felt worry come back. How badly was he hurt?
"Just a minute ago," the other replied, looking for obvious injuries. There was a cut across the apprentice's forehead and a nasty bruise forming already. His arm also seemed to be at an odd angle. "Now, I'm not positive I wish to know, but how did you manage to get into this mess?"
Wat scowled up at him, "Bloody thief got me, took my weapons, and everything else. The only thing he didn't take was Rose. She kicked him good." He tried to sit up but sunk back down. His head was spinning rather badly.
"Oh, I'm sure my friend, I'm sure. You really must come up with better excuses for being defeated by a better apprentice than yourself," Roland teased, gently helping him sit, being careful of his arm.
Wat glared at him, even though he knew that Roland was teasing him. He didn't really take teasing well in the first place, and at the moment, his patience was thin. Being hurt didn't help ones temper.
"Well, whether by thief or by a better knight, we can't stay in this ditch, now can we?" Roland said, good naturedly. His friend didn't look badly injured, at least not enough to keep down his hot temper. He had only been injured that badly once and Roland didn't want to ever see that again. "Can you stand?"
"Of course I can!" Wat replied in an indignant manner, clutching Roland with his good arm. He wasn't really sure if he could keep sitting without support much less stand. He clung tightly to his friend as he rose, and wobbled unsteadily on his feet.
Roland looked up the hill, knowing that Wat was going to have a hard time. He was barely standing and the steep sides of the ditch weren't going to be easy to climb. Wat was looking at them too, cursing under his breath again. This wasn't going to be fun.
"You ready?" Roland questioned, uncertain if his friend wanted to try. There were always other options.
"Of course I am!" Wat replied, trying to sound happy. "Let's go!"
By the time Roland reached town, the stars were shining brightly and the town was lit up with lanterns and fires. Wat was leaning against him heavily, half conscious. The climb had taken a lot out of him, a lot more than he cared to tell Roland. Roland didn't need to be told. Wat's silence was enough.
He wondered what his friend had been doing by himself. There was no sign of the cart, Sir Ector or William, so he had to assume that his friend was by himself. He found that odd. Sir Ector always made sure that he had two squires to help with the chores for with two horses, possibly three; there was much cleaning and care taking to be done.
He would ask about it later for it wasn't really vital at the moment. Right now all that really mattered was getting Wat to a comfortable inn and calling for a surgeon. Questions and explanations would just have to wait.
He moved through the streets, carefully maneuvering around different people and stands. There were very few people out at the hour and the stands were all closed. Roland sighed, feeling weary. It was possible that the surgeon would already be in bed and wouldn't come until morning and poor Wat would be left to suffer. He hoped not though.
The first inn he reached, he immediately stopped at. He slid down from the horse, trying not to jolt his injured friend too much. Wat barely noticed his going, being exhausted and injured beyond caring. Roland quickly went up the door and pushed in, greeted immediately by the familiar sights and sounds. Beer was thick in the air, and raucous laughter came from all directions.
"Hullo, good si', how may I help ye?" The innkeeper was on him in a second, looking very pleased. Business had been slow lately and every new customer was a blessing.
"I need a room," Roland replied quickly, "and someone to take care of my horses. If it's possible, I need a surgeon to be sent for, my friend is injured."
"Of course, si'," the man said with a bow. "I'll send my stable boy to care for your horses and my son for the surgeon. Bring your friend in before he catches cold."
Roland nodded, returning to the outside. Trying to be gentle, he helped Wat off Hydra, and quickly grabbed his money bag. As promised, a stable boy ran over and grabbed both horses, leading them away. Satisfied, Roland took the injured boy into the inn.
"Well, the break isn't serious," the surgeon commented. He studied Wat's arm carefully. "You shouldn't put any strain on it for at least four weeks if not more." Wat nodded silently, still pained. The setting hadn't been particularly pleasant and it wasn't something he wanted to experience again. "As for the knock on the head, just some rest should fix that. Keep it clean, you don't want it infected. Your balance may be off for a day or two, but that's only natural."
The surgeon let out an exhausted sigh. "Is there anything else that hurts?" He was kindly enough but tonight had most definitely been a long night.
"Just a few bumps and bruises," Wat replied, seeing the healer's exhaustion. There was certainly nothing that wouldn't heal in a few days.
"Good, very good," the surgeon said smiling. He stood up, placing assorted herbs and potions back into his bag. Roland went to fetch some of his money from Sir Ector. Just enough to pay for the stay and the doctor's fee. He handed the money to the older man.
"Ah, thank you, but that's more than enough." The surgeon handed back several coins. "Tonight has been very strange. You," he looked at Wat, "are the second boy your age I've had to patch up. Do you all find trouble or does it hunt you?"
"A little of both, sir," Wat replied meekly, flinching as his arm let out a protest.
"I suppose so, I suppose so," the surgeon brushed it off. "I'm sorry that I can't stay to make sure things work out but I must leave. I have to get back to a patient of mine."
"That's just fine," Roland responded, escorting the man to the door. "What's wrong with the boy?" He assumed that it was the boy the surgeon had referred to earlier.
"Well, he's a rather grim situation," the surgeon answered. "Water sickness in his lungs, not to mention badly broken ribs. He has a high fever and I have a bad feeling that he won't make it. His master is most worried about him." He shook his head. "Kept blaming it all on himself for overworking the boy." He stood in the door way. "I must depart. Send someone if things get worse."
"Of course, don't worry." Roland gave him a respectful bow and the man disappeared.
"That was a highly unpleasant experience, Roland," Wat muttered from his bed. "Please remind me never to let it happen again."
Roland walked over, grinning broadly. "Don't worry. I'll make sure to pound it into his head." He took a seat on the other bed in the room. "So, do you mind telling me what you were doing by yourself and how you got in this predicament, or should I keep my assumptions."
"Sir Ector sent me to deliver a letter," Wat cried, trying to defend himself. "And I was attacked by a robber on the road. He caught me off guard." He looked at the other defensively; ready to explain any and every question thrown at him.
"Sir Ector sent you with a letter?" Roland looked confused. "He never sends two squires away at once. It's too much work."
Wat looked squeamish. "Well, you see, while we were at the last joust, William wished to play a joke at the feast."
Roland gave him a look.
"Sir Ector warned us that the punishment would be severe but Will was sure he wouldn't get caught. He never got to do it, Roland. Someone else got there before hand, and pulled a different stunt. He got blamed though. So, Sir Ector sent me away to punish Will with all the work and a silent treatment."
Roland looked horrified. Sir Ector wasn't cruel but the punishment was bordering insane. There's no way for William to do all that work! It was simply too much.
"Roland you don't think-" Wat began, looking nervous. "That boy-"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Roland snapped, worried. "What in hell would be the chance that they would be here?"
The two stared at each other for a few seconds, both knowing in their hearts that the possibility was high. Wat went to throw his legs over the bed, more than ready to check. What if it was true and the boy was Will? What if he was dying?
Roland shoved him back onto the bed. "We'll see in the morning."
Wat's eyes widened and he immediately became defiant. "But-"
"No buts. You need rest and again, what is the chance?"
~*~
Hope you enjoyed it! ^____^ The next chapter will be up eventually. I have two Hardy fics running at the moment and I'm in a bit over my head. *sighs* stupid me! Well, enjoy! And review!
Next Chapter: Of Answered Questions and Badly Suffering Apprentices. (chapter might change in title)