Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Same as before….
Kemp (also now known as plantain) was commonly used by Saxons to stop the bleeding, usually as a poultice but also could be used as dry powder and sprinkled directly onto the wound, Yarrow is the same.
Marblez: Right….but does this chapter help? Don't you just hate cliffies? cue evil laugh
Babaksmiles: Don't worry about it; it's good of you to even bother reviewing. Picking up and then crashing down…aren't I cruel? LOL No I won't…probably, but if I don't it will be the next chapter. By feeling bad she was feeling ill, Devon had no qualms whatsoever about either killing the horrible little bishop or her chosen method of his demise (I'm glad you didn't like him either), hope you liked his death. Yeah, she and Guin are getting along a bit better….glad you liked the story.
Evenstar-mor2004: Don't worry about it, I think the server was down again. I can't…or can I? You know how evil I can be…..though the death threats I'm getting about it are a little worrying! LOL I must admit I did toy with the idea of really torturing him (and your way would have been pure class), but decided she would not want to be like him, and so would show some mercy. Besides he was screaming anyway, so she got her pound of flesh so to speak (something I will be using in the darker Arthur story I hope to be doing soon). Hope you liked it anyway, and hope you like this chapter too; though I doubt the death threats will cease:O)
lilstrummrgrl527: I do sympathise, I was the only person in an entire cinema who cried at 'Edward Scissorhands' because I felt sorry for him…..and for the love of God, don't get me started on 'Titanic' – I've been banned from watching that ever again as I cry so much I actually brought on an asthma attack once! I think he suspects, but I have admitted nothing. Though I was talking in my sleep the other night apparently and calling out to 'Dag' and 'Tris' to save me….oops! Dag is the sort of man we all pray we end up with when we're aged 10-15 by the time we're 25-30 reality sets in and we settle for as close as we can get! Was that from my description or just your rampant imagination! LOL He has a lot against them because he is complete bastard! Yeah Devon was really nasty in a pleasant way…if I'd been him I would have run then….but still, he died! YAH! Yeah I'll join your 'Gal's Gals Club' for hair rufflers of the world:O) His hair is just so ruffly! I am quite evil (as well you know) when it comes to main characters, but I am getting a little worried by the death threats, so we will have to wait until the next chapter after this to see! What can I say, I like to dance with death (threats anyway)!
Twilight Falcon: Oh, sorry – you are not the only frustrated reviewer, others are threatening me with death and severe mutilation if Devon dies. So am still wondering whether to risk it! LOL Glad you liked the various interactions, I try to keep them a little amusing otherwise it would be a bit depressing right? Well, more so, anyway:O)
Aelia O'HessionI know…..aren't I though! LOL But you know I am the lover of the cliffies! Oh God another death threat, you would be surprised at how many I've had after that chapter…seriously, loads:O) No pie then, I take it:O) The fluff is there…..sort of. Anyway, I never said she would die – granted I never said she'd live either. I take it, you're not going to like this chapter much then? I know, but the damn Saxons are so good at dying in a bloody and futile fashion….and I love to party when the axe's fly! He is and there is more worry this chapter. BUT I PROMISE – no deluges this story, just summer rains….. :O) DON'T HATE ME! Oh, and as for the happys, I just can't – apart from the endings…well, except for the Lancelot story, that will have a bit more of the happy's in it – mainly because I can't write the damn man seriously! sigh He just makes me laugh he is so sarcastic:O)
Calliann: Probably won't….as the threats of violence I'm getting are scary! LOL Glad you liked it and Dag could meet someone else…I mean she's dead he has to move on right! evil grin As for Tristan, well he would want to be with his sister….so…..but then those durned death threats again! You'll find out what happens to them in the chapter after this one. Glad you liked the various interactions…you need humour or you'd sob (Blech…) No, as you say reincarnation seems a futile exercise without having the previous knowledge of what you did wrong. I'm chuffed you liked that line as it was my favourite too….their liking of killing is a common factor between then and I wanted to make it more noticeable.
SpectralLadyDon't worry, I've already had quite a few, who knew this would be so unpopular! LOL You growl! What are you an X-man? But I'm not sure…I promise you'll find out next chapter which I hope to post sometime tomorrow.
Sorceress Misha: Glad you liked it and I love my cliffies! You will find out what happens to them in the chapter after this one…don't hate me too much!
Magpie-Detonation: I love Dag and think he is what all men should aspire to be a true gentleman and knight. I haven't read the novel….but I can believe that men like that would be jealous of him and so put him down. I however, think he is perfection! deep sigh Though slightly longer hair would be nice, you know so that you could run your fingers through it as he kisses you and….okay, am off for cold shower….. ;O)
WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE, SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.
'—' signifies thoughts.
"—" signifies speech.
Anyway…chapter Eleven!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Heart & Soul
Chapter Eleven – The Aftermath
Jols flew over, even before Aida could reach them; he was as panic stricken as the large knight carrying her, but they needed to remain calm.
"Alright, Dag, alright…." He soothed "Let me see…." Dagonet laid her on one of the beds.
"WHAT!" Lancelot had heard, along with Tristan, the large knight's anguished cry and was up and trying to reach her.
"She is alright….I will not lose another sister." Despite his apparent calm, Tristan was desperately trying to get up.
"NOW JUST STOP IT!" Aida shouted as she could see their nerves unravelling before her "Let Jols check her before everyone starts panicking!" She made the two knights settle down.
However she was as upset and worried as the rest, she wanted the young woman to be well…..it was so unfair – she remembered Devon's best compliment to her 'You remind me of my Nana….'
A tear slid down her wrinkled cheek unheeded, until Tristan reached up and wiped it away with his thumb "I'll not lose her…I'll not….do not worry mother…."
The squire leant over Devon….was she breathing? He could not see her chest rising and falling. He went to shake his head at Dag, when he felt it – a slight breeze on his cheek.
"She's breathing….she is!" he called in relief "But she is bad and we must sort her out soon, or she'll bleed to death."
Dagonet appeared with his kit, but Aida brushed him out of the way "I need yarrow and kemp…..there is some over there in that black roll of Devon's" the old lady had had the foresight to bring the young woman's healing kit with her to tend the knights.
"What's that for?" Asked a worried Jols, just as the other knights, Van and Guinevere all piled into the room.
"It stops the bleeding…though in this case it is good."
"Good to bleed that badly!" Galahad was horrified.
"Yes, it helps clean the wound and stops too much infection entering….but we need to stop it now. I will sprinkle some of the powder onto the wound, but I really need to make a poultice."
"Why don't you?" Arthur asked.
"Because she needs fresh herbs for that…here lady." Said Merlin sweeping into the room and handing her some of the very herbs she needed.
Aida took them gratefully and swiftly made a poultice of the herbs and put it onto the wound. Devon groaned and shifted about, obviously in pain.
"Good, it hurts her…she has not completely relinquished her hold on this life yet then." The shaman smiled.
"Will she live?" asked Dagonet quietly, holding Lucan's hand in his bloodstained one.
"Hmm….if she fights it and we can stop the bleeding, yes. But it will be a hard won battle, boy." Merlin said after some thought.
He turned to all the others in the room "Now, all of you out…out….we can only heal the sick of body here. The sick of heart need to find solace elsewhere.
But you two stay - she needs you by her" he nodded to Dag "and you can help with the healing…" he nodded to Jols, then he turned sternly to Lucan "What of you child? Do you wish to help or be with the other children?"
"I wish to stay and help Dag and Devon as they helped me." The boy spoke resolutely.
"Brave boy!" He smiled "You will do well. A Woad yes?"
Lucan nodded.
"Your family?"
"They are my family now…." He gestured to Dagonet and Devon "All before them are dead." he held his head high.
"Good boy, brave boy…yes, yes…it is as it should be…yes." He turned to Aida "Well lady…it seems we have much work to do."
He then walked to the two injured knights. He looked at Lancelot and Tristan who had now lapsed into unconsciousness "They will fare badly…." He nodded at Tristan "he very badly."
He turned to Dagonet who looked stricken "It is by no means certain he will die, knight. He may well live yet…they all three may" he gestured to Devon as well as Tristan and Lancelot.
He saw the wound on the palm of Tristan's right hand, then he walked over to Devon and found a corresponding one on her left, then checked Lancelot "Ah, I see…they have become blood kin yes; but not the dark one?"
Dag nodded "No Lance is a friend only, though she is mightily fond of him – as she is of all the knights. 'Cepting maybe Arthur…I'm still not sure what she makes of him. She has no love of Romans and Christians; and Arthur being both is a bit much for her to take. But they appear to be getting on because they both knew Pelagius.
But aye, she and Tristan felt it was right…Tristan lost an older sister in the war with Rome, Isolda her name was. He felt with Devon he was getting her back; that she was much like her."
"He was not too far wrong…" smiled Merlin cryptically. He looked round the room "I want their beds together, understand…do whatever is necessary to make this so and put the girl in the middle."
Jols nodded "Dag, give us a hand…" as Dag went to go past the Shaman, the old man grabbed his arm. "You cannot leave her….she will need you to guide them back…"
"I would never leave her." Dag said with quiet certainty.
"That is good…" the old man stared into his eyes "very good…..you love her muchly…that is what she would say is it not?"
"Aye, it is…" Dag blanched; he had no idea how the old man knew.
"Come, we must get started."
Four hours later, they had stabilised all three injured people. Devon was only just hanging onto life by a thread, with Tristan and Lancelot not far behind.
"If they survive until morning, then all to the good……they may then stand a chance…."
Dag took a seat next to Devon and took her hand "Don't leave me Devon…I have only just found you…please don't leave me…."
Merlin touched his shoulder "a warrior like you does not beg….he would not." He gestured to Tristan's still form "he would tell her to stay."
Dagonet nodded "Devon, I am telling you this - you will not leave me…do you understand?"
Sat next to the bed Devon laid on, her hand in his - this was to be Dag's place for a while…
0-0-0-0-0-0
The next morning Bors, sporting a cracking black eye, came in with a nervous looking Galahad who was nursing a cut lip.
"I'm assuming that he did not do that?" Dag asked with a small smile, nodding at Galahad.
"Him! Nay!" Bors grinned ruefully "My Van did it…apparently I didn't take good enough care of our mate there." He gestured to Devon.
"You?" The large knight gestured towards Galahad.
"Van……same reason. I was an idiot obviously, as I did not stop her from going after the bishop." He smiled gloomily.
"Another reason I'm here…he was scared of what you'd do to him…." Bors smirked.
"Nothing lad, nothing….she would not have been stopped. If she could track 30 bloody Saxons for 6 months to kill them off, one pathetic bishop would not have meant aught to her." Dagonet sighed with a rueful smile.
"She went after 30 Saxons?" asked Merlin who had been checking on Tristan.
"Aye…" Galahad was grateful to speak of something else, and was still in awe of her on this "she tracked them for 6 months after they wiped out a Woad camp, she had a man there called….umm….dog…no that's not it….ummm….waif? No…WOLF! That was it, Wolf…and he got killed along with the entire village.
Anyway, they left her for dead, she lost her baby and everything – so she went after them as soon as she was able. First she found their boats and burned them, killing their guards so they couldn't leave. Then she went after the rest…..she tracked them and picked them off one by one, until she'd killed every last one of them." He finished proudly.
Merlin's head had snapped round at the name of Devon's dead lover "Wolf, did you say?"
"Aye…."
"He was my blood kin…..I knew someone had avenged him, I had no idea who or how…." He looked at the girl with new respect "She is a formidable warrior…."
"Aye that she is and she's ours…" came the possessive voice from the door.
They all looked round to see a puffy eyed Van standing there "She ain't no Woad, she's an Iazyges….Sarmatian, like us….so when she…she….gets better" she choked back the tears "then she 's with us - not you…"
"Aye lady, I believe you…." Merlin smiled "You love her very much?"
"Aye….she is like a sister to me…"
"You also…." He looked at Galahad "it seems many of you think of her as your sister…."
"Aye she is as much to me and Gawain…" Galahad agreed.
"I know to me she is my 'little mate'" Bors said with a slight hitch to his voice "I just wished I'd kept a closer eye on her…"
"She followed her destiny knight.." Merlin said by way of comfort "there was nothing you could have done to prevent it."
"Oh you Woads and your sodding destiny! What good will it do me if my friend and sister dies? Where will he be left; having only just found the love of his bloody life?" Van spat in anger, pointing at Dagonet.
"You're just like your sodding daughter an' all!" Van attempted to mimic Guinevere "It was her destiny…I merely helped her fulfil it; and hopefully quickly so that she would not perish in the attempt from her injuries….' Well, I don't give a flying fuck about bloody destiny and all that shit…I just want my Devon to get better!" She prodded Merlin in the shoulder.
"She told me that I couldn't love her like a sister as everyone she loved died….well, I never thought it would be her!"
"She may not die yet lady…." Placated the old man to the furious redhead in front of him.
"She better not!" was all the reply he got before she stormed out.
Merlin looked at Bors "Is she yours?"
"Aye…she's my little harpy!" he grinned.
"And did she do that?" he pointed to Bors' black eye.
"Aye….and that…" Bors indicated Galahad's cut lip.
"Then I will inform my daughter that we are both lucky to have only received a tongue lashing." He smiled "And you knight are a braver man than I, to take on such a temper!"
Bors grinned proudly but owned up "Van's temper ain't a patch on our Devon's…….hers is really nasty!"
He then sobered and went over to Dagonet "Dag mate, any change in the maid?"
The large knight merely shook his head as he brushed his lips over the back of her hand he was holding, and indeed had been all night.
"She has not died knights….that is good, neither have your two brothers. You can thank this good lady for her swift help for that fact…." He nodded to Aida, who blushed and waved away his compliments.
"I only did what had to be done is all. I would never let any harm befall the little maid, or those she calls family."
"You need to talk to her…let her know where she belongs…" Merlin told them.
"What if she wants to die?" Jols spoke the secret fear he'd been nursing since she'd fallen…..
"That desire may have changed now she has him and all of you." he indicated Dag and the others. "Loneliness is a terrible burden to bear; no matter how you may wish to accept it and even love the isolation, you will also hate it. She has suffered greatly in her life, I saw what was done to Wolf's village; the loneliness of dealing with all the loss of her family and then wolf as well as being alone…..well, I can understand her longing to die." He sighed.
"But now things are different, she knows you love her and she knows she loves you…." he waved at Dagonet "I know you have only known each other a short time, but souls recognise their mates instantly….and you are that knight – do not think otherwise, you are soul mates; and she has the other knights as brothers and friends…."
He returned his attention to Jols "she has much to live for now, so all is not lost squire - take heart!
Now all who visit her should talk to her; it matters naught about what they prattle to her, just so long as they do so. The same goes for your brothers….they need to be called back to us." He left the room.
Dag shifted uncomfortably in his chair "Jols? I need the latrine….can you sit with her?"
"Aye Dag, I'd be happy to…." Jols grinned, glad to be included; but he noticed that he had been now. When they returned yesterday, he was called to the table with the others whilst Arthur had discussed their fallen friends, he had been allowed to sit and sup with them as if he too were a knight; he was never more proud.
He thought about what Merlin had told them…so he began to tell Devon and the other two "So there I was hovering at the door as usual and Arthur says, all matter of fact like 'Jols sit, for God's sake, you make the room look untidy!' and so I sat Dev….I sat at the round table with the knights and the future king of the Britons!" he smiled.
"It was an honour I can tell you…it wasn't quite the same without Tris, Lance and Dag though…..Dag wouldn't leave you and the other two are so sick. But I was thinking that Arthur might let me sit once more when you're all better…. You know just to be there at the same time….to talk amongst all of them. Maybe even you could sit with Dag and Bors as well…" he grinned and spoke excitedly.
"But even more Arthur asked me questions and seemed to really think much of my answers…." He prattled on like this for some time. Arthur stood outside the door with tears in his eyes, he had no idea how slighted the man they considered a friend had been by them, and realised that in a way Devon's anger had been well placed towards them.
As with all things she had seen much and acted on it. He burnt with the secret shame that she had been the one to avenge so effectively the death of Pelagius.
He knew how she had done it, Alecto had left him a note telling how proud he should be of his 'little warrior' – he had not found it until he retired to bed, but when he had read what she had planned to do….he had gone to Galahad and Guinevere and spoke to them of what she'd done…
The fact that she had shown mercy at the last, showed she had a heart…..more than those that caused the hate to burn to so fiercely in her in the first place. He wanted desperately to talk to her and tell he was sorry she had had to do this thing alone – and not only alone, but so sorely injured too - but he could never find her by herself.
He peered round the door and saw Jols still sitting chatting amicably away to Devon and to Tristan. He realised that at some point he and the scout must have come to some kind of understanding too; probably with Devon's influence, for he knew how devoted the scout was to her – his 'sister'.
He saw Lancelot lying alone and unnoticed and worried for his best friend. But then he saw Devon's hand move toward him, Jols saw it and knew not what to make of it. Until Dagonet moved past Arthur and spoke "She wants you to speak to Lance…she obviously feels he's neglected…" he smiled sadly "Don't ask me how I know, I just do."
So Jols went to chat to Lancelot whilst Dagonet took his position back next to Devon. He did not need to speak to her overlong, she knew he was there. He would occasionally squeeze her hand, or whisper in her ear the simple line "you will not leave me…" and that was enough.
0-0-0-0-0-0
For 8 days Dagonet kept his almost silent vigil next to Devon. The children would come in and chat to her, Lucan spent most days sat on Dag's lap and had now even started calling him Father.
The small boy, along with Bors' herd, would not accept she was going to die. "She would not leave you Father. I have seen the way she looks at you; she loves you dearly. Seven and Six noticed her look at you funny the day you bumped into her at Van's…so we think she liked you a lot even then."
"Muchly…." Dag whispered smiling at the boy.
"Muchly?"
"Aye….." and he told the boy the story of Devon's mother's invention of the word muchly. In days all the children were using it, and Dag smiled at what Devon would make of it if she knew.
The strange part about it all was, it was as if she seemed to know if someone was being left out. If they were all clustered around her and Lancelot her hand to would point to Tristan, and Dag would ensure someone would sit with him and talk to him; and the same for Lancelot.
The nights were the worst; Lucan slept with the herd, and Dagonet had only a candle to light the hours before dawn – and it was then that he was most forlorn. He could still feel her lips on his, the desire coursing through her as well him. He wondered a lot in those dark hours whether he should have taken her to bed and made love to her that night.
But then sanity would reign, and he would realise that the hours they spent kissing and embracing were the best times of his life. That he could look back at much in the few days he had known her and remember it fondly. The way she had stood up to Lancelot, twice, for him….the way she would look at him with those gorgeous eyes…the stars she pointed out. He looked out the window and saw the three again…
Aye, it was a lot of good to remember. But she would not die, he would not let her….she would return and be his yet. She had to, for he could not face the world now without her; the warmth of her love, the sweetness of her kisses, the sense of belonging.
Dagonet bent his head and wept…..for the first since he had left Sarmatia, 15 years ago.
A voice close by spoke "We were together…we all were…..there……but Tristan has had a shock…..I fear…." The large knight lifted his head and saw a groggy looking Lancelot staring at him.
"What? What do you fear?" Dag asked before he even realised that Lancelot was awake.
"I fear he won't come back, and she will not leave him….."a tear slid down the dark knight's cheek.
"NO!" Dag jumped to his feet and shook Devon "Don't you leave me wench! Don't you dare!" he spun on Tristan "and you – her brother – you bloody bring her back do you hear me! You bring her back!"
"Dag…..I couldn't stay…I tried, but something was pushing me away…." Lancelot began to get agitated and Dagonet had to restrain him.
The noise had brought the other knights running, including Merlin, and they listened as a tired Lancelot explained in short terms that he, Tristan and Devon had been together and now he was back and they were not. But Devon had said she was right behind him. Beyond that he refused to speak of it….he was visibly upset and kept staring at the still forms of Tristan and Devon.
All Dagonet could hear him muttering for hours after was "I never should have left them, I never should have left them….."