Disclaimer: I am poor and own nothing. And because I'm poor, this is my only source of entertainment, so please do not sue.
Authors Note: Hopefully the updates on this go as fast as they did for 'My Ana', but no promises.
Texasgrrl – I suppose that's true, thank you for the review. And yes, you have to wait because I'm an evil bitch that way. Thanks for telling me not to strain myself, I really appreciate that. Usually people are just like "update now" five minutes after I post something and quite frankly, I can't type that fast. Thanks again for the review.
Tracy137 – I thought we'd already figured out that yes, I am quite mad. :o) Don't worry about it; I understand the things lack of sleep can lead you to. Yep all women mostly. Few guys walking around, but predominantly women so that should be an interesting twist there. I've only ever seen the Hunchback cartoon movie. How sad huh? Although I did love Esmeralda in that movie and I do love the name. Now will you stop reading my bloody mind woman! You're not supposed to guess this stuff so easily. So to answer your question, you're not wrong. Better than 'My Ana' huh? No pressure there though ;oP. Off to find some caffeine of my own. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
Sorceress Misha – Well, I'm glad you're reviewing another of my fics. And I couldn't kill Dag. Who would take care of Lucan then? What kind of cookie is that exactly? ;o) Here's your update, hope you enjoy it and thanks for reviewing.
Zelinia – Well thank you for your kind words. I haven't really read any of the other fics with healers, so I'm glad I'm starting off on the right foot here. Sorry, not a huge Morgaine fan. Thanks for reviewing, please do it frequently.
LANCELOTTRISTANBABY – Glad you're enjoying it so far. Here's your update. Thanks for the review.
Ryn the whitepanther – You're very welcome. Thanks for reviewing. I always enjoy hearing from you. Here's your update.
Evenstar-mor2004 – Wow, I didn't know there would be an angry mob. A mob? Really? Wow, I feel really loved right now. Well I'm one of the not thin people myself, so I know what it's like to read a story where everyone's a size zero and be like, okay who do I relate to here? Thanks for agreeing with me on that. Cause I hate to tell them, everyone has got to eat sometimes. As always thanks for reviewing. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Snape's Opera Rose – Wow, a review for every chapter and a cookie? How can I say no to that. Glad you're enjoying it so far. Thanks for the review. Look forward to more.
Princessblackrose – Hopefully. Thanks for the reviews.
KnightMaiden – Nice to see you back with me. Thanks for the review. I'll continue to write then.
Alexandra – Glad to have peeked your interest thus far. No my title wasn't inspired by Bradley's books, mostly because I've never heard of him, nor have I read any of his work, although I am wondering if they would be worth looking into? I appreciate your ideas, but right now, I'm letting this story write itself and it seems to be going fairly well so far. I did the same with my last Arthur story and received a lot of positive feedback from it. As for my characters being Mary-Sue's, you have no fear from that. As I understand Mary-Sue characters, they are perfect in every aspect, strong, smart, beautiful and ultimately powerful, and I have never been able to write a character that wasn't a bit flawed. Imperfection leads to better character development, which has been my experience anyway. I am not offended, and understand as I can be rather tactless myself from time to time, so if any time you get that vibe from a reply to a review I apologize now. Hopefully you will continue to enjoy this story though. Thank you for your review and comments.
The Priestesses of Avalon
Chapter Two: Arrival
It had been six days since Tristan's hawk had been sent out and Arthur was beginning to worry even more as he ran a cloth over the aforementioned scouts forehead. He had developed a fever four days earlier and it had yet to break. Lancelot still burned as well and Dagonet grew paler everyday. He feared that the healers would never make it in time as he glanced over at Merlin, who was fussing over Dagonet, Bors at his side.
He signed and looked down at his old friend again. This was not supposed to happen. Cerdic had been his to challenge, not Tristan's. If only he had gotten there sooner then….
"You must stop blaming yourself," Guinevere's voice startled him from his internal thoughts, causing him to jump a bit before turning to face her, as she rose from where she had been tending to Lancelot with the help of Vanora, and walked over, placing a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "They would not desire this."
He nodded dumbly, unsure of what to say, and she gave his shoulder a squeeze. It was then that Jols came running in breathlessly. "Arthur come quick," he said, "Merlin you best come as well," before turning and racing back out of the room.
The conscious occupants of the infirmary looked at one another before all racing out behind him, heading straight for the wall. When they arrived at the battlements they found Gawain and Galahad already waiting, the latter leaning with his hands resting on the wall, staring out into the distance.
"We spotted them not five minutes ago and they were at least two miles off, now look," Gawain was saying, indicating the path and the three horses growing closer in the distance. "They travel at an easy pace and yet, it seems as if they move faster than the strongest breeze."
Arthur and the others watched in shock, as before their very eyes the figures approached them at what appeared to be a steady trot, now they were no more than fifty yards away, the distance between the riders and the fort almost melting before them.
"It is the Priestesses," Merlin said, turning to head towards the gate to meet them.
"Open the gate," Arthur commanded, rushing after the Shaman, the others at his heels. By the time they got to the gates near the stables, the three figures were entering through them, an air of confidence about them as they moved and the entire fort had gathered round to watch the spectacle they created. Everything about them was magnificent and Arthur's breath caught in his throat as he gazed at them.
Three figures, feminine judging by the curves he could see, dressed in pure white garments, with gold accents, including their boots and cloaks, the hoods keeping their faces hidden from view. They sat atop snow-white stallions, golden reigns in their hands and rode easily into the fort, the animals shaking their heads and snorting in greeting to the villagers. But the other animals that accompanied these women outweighed the magnificence of the steeds. Sitting on the arm of the lady that rode in front was a white owl, looking about curiously, knowing eyes taking in everything they passed. The following lady had the head of an albino boa sticking out of her cloak, flicking its tongue in interest, and the last carried a large white hare, whose pink nose twitched anxiously.
"Representations of the gifts they bring," Merlin spoke, to all the knights gathered about him as the ladies approached them, the rest of the fort still in awe of what they were seeing. "The owl is the wisdom they bring, the snake the healing of the great earth, as well as the dangers of losing these men to the underworld, and finally the rabbit, is the luck they bring with them from the temple and white represents the purity of their powers and of the hope that they will succeed. These are all good signs," he stepped forward as the ladies came to a stop before him, holding his arms out in welcome.
"I bid you thanks for coming to our aid," he spoke, a slight nervousness to his voice as he tried to view inside the hoods, darkness meeting his eyes. "I am Merlin," he began but was quickly cut off.
"We know who you are," was the curt reply, coming from the woman with the owl on her arm. "Where are the men that need our aid?"
"The infirmary is just over yonder," Galahad answered, pointing towards the building.
"But surely you would like to rest first," Arthur added, feeling a bit uneasy. He wanted his friends healed, but not at the expense of their healers.
"We are well rested I can assure you," the lady with the boa spoke, moving her hood to reveal her long black hair and black eyes. The others removed their hoods as well, looking out into the group. "We merely wish to see to your friends," she added with a smile.
"Ladies, I thank you for coming, but please, if you need rest," Arthur began, noticing that the hare in the brown haired woman's arms began to struggle.
She looked at it, her eyes growing a bit wider before looking to her red haired companion. "Mariska, there is no time."
"Go then," Mariska said, to her, watching as she quickly dismounted, handing her reigns off to the other woman.
"Take me to him then," she said to the hare placing it on the ground and following as it began to hop quickly towards the infirmary, pulling her bag from the saddle of her horse as she went.
"I am Mariska, and these are the Ladies Hayley," she spoke, her voice strong and firm as she indicated the girl following the rabbit, Vanora and two of the other barmaids rushing to keep up with her in case she needed assistance, "and Esmeralda." Her black haired companion nodded in greeting. "And we come from the Temple at Avalon to assist you and your fallen brothers," she focused her eyes an Arthur and the other three knights. "Now please, their names and yours might be nice," she forced a smile at them, studiously ignoring Merlin, who was only three feet from her, and all the feelings seeing him once again invoked.
"Forgive me lady," Arthur said, stepping forward and taking the reins of her horse holding it steady while she dismounted. "I am Arthur Castus and these are Gawain, Galahad and Bors," he indicated to the other three men as Gawain helped Esmeralda from her horse as well. Jols walked up then, smiling friendly. "And this is Jols, our squire."
"Hello," Mariska and Esmeralda intoned together, nodding at the men.
Jols stepped forward then. "Ladies. May I tend your horses?"
"Of course," Esmeralda smiled moving back so he could take her steed, grabbing her bag as he did. Ganis and another young man rushed forward then to help, taking Mariska and Hayley's horses as well, Mariska's bag mysteriously appearing in her hand as they led the powerful animals towards the stables.
"Thank you Arthur, now perhaps you could take us to your friends," Mariska smiled kindly at him, her eyes lingering on Merlin for a moment, a coldness to them as she gazed at him.
"Of course lady, this way," he held out his arm to her and she took it, allowing him and the others to lead her to the infirmary, leaving Merlin behind with a heavy heart and saddened eyes.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
They entered the room to see Hayley already fussing over a tall man in the far corner, worry etched on her face as the hare sat at the end of the bed, ears back looking nervous as well.
"That is Dagonet," Arthur explained quietly. "He was our healer."
"How was he injured?" Esmeralda asked, concern on her and Mariska's face as they watched Hayley work.
"A Saxon attack on an iced over lake," Arthur supplied. "About a fortnight ago."
"He took three arrows to save us all," Galahad added sadly.
Mariska could feel the sadness in the room eating at her, and she noticed a small blonde haired boy, sitting in a chair against the wall, near Dagonet's bed, his arm splinted and fear clear in his green eyes. "His son?" she asked, indicating the boy.
"Nay that is just Lucan," Gawain supplied. "Dag saved him from a prison just before he was injured. He has yet to leave his side."
Esmeralda and Mariska shared a look before walking over to the other two beds. "And these men?" Mariska asked.
"Lancelot and Tristan, our scout," Arthur supplied, indicating each man in turn. "They were injured in the Saxon battle here at the fort. Lancelot took an arrow to the shoulder, and lost a great amount of blood from that. And the fever set in quick. Tristan however, has a great many other injuries."
"Mariska, perhaps you should take the scout then," Esmeralda said softly. She was not as trained in the healing arts as Mariska was, and did not wish to risk the mans life because of it.
"If that is what you desire," Mariska said, moving to Tristan's side, sending her owl to the footboard at the end of the bed, as she pulled at the ties of her cloak. "The hawk is his yes?"
"Aye," Bors answered this time, his eyes darting back towards where Hayley had a fresh basin of water before her and was placing cloths over Dagonet's face and arms, trying to bring down the fever.
"Than he will not mind her," she smiled indicating the owl and threw the cloak to a nearby chair, placing her bag besides it before she began pulling back the sheets, unwrapping his wounds to examine them. "These are deep," she murmured, fingering a few of the scars as well before moving onto the next wound.
She looked over to the other bed where Esmeralda was busy fussing over the dark knights shoulder, her tongue sticking out the side of her mouth as she worked at removing the bandage to assess the wound, the boa coiled in the floor at the end of the bed. She sighed, the meeting with her grandfather forgotten for a moment as she began to pull various herbs and bowls from her bag.
"Is there anything we can do?" Galahad asked anxiously.
"Nay, just let us to our work," she answered, bringing the back of her hand up to Tristan's cheek, trying to gauge his fever. He was handsome, she had to admit that, with high cheekbones, messy brown hair, several braids spaced throughout, a well-kept beard and war tattoos on both his cheeks. He was pale, and she assumed that had to do with blood loss and the stress of his injuries as she ran her fingers over his forehead, brushing aside a few strands of hair, feeling the sweat on her fingers due to the fever that had claimed his body.
"Very well, knights, let us leave them," Arthur said, his men nodding slowly before following them out, Bors doing so rather reluctantly.
"Lady your name please," Mariska called over to Vanora who came over quickly. "And please, tell me of his wounds."
"Vanora," she answered, crossing her arms over her chest as she came to stand besides the bed, watching the woman continue to examine Tristan. "He has had an injury to the back of his right knee as well as to his right arm, near the elbow there. Another to the side of his head and a dagger to the shoulder."
"And his ribs?" Mariska asked, as she pulled the blanket down, noting the bandages wrapped around the mans abdomen.
"Slashed across. The least worrisome of his injuries for it was not that deep," she watched as Mariska continued to examine all the wounds Van had told her off, her hands running softly over his skin as she went.
"Thank you Vanora," Mariska smiled over at her. "Could you please fetch me some cool water and perhaps some more clean cloths?"
"Of course," with that Van was off, taking along the two barmaids that had been in the room as well, helping Esmeralda and Hayley.
"Sisters?" Mariska asked once they were gone, pulling the blanket back up around his bare shoulders.
"He is bad Mariska," Hayley said sadly as she examined the stitches in Dagonet's wounds. "These need re-sewn but I do not know if he would survive it. And he burns red hot," she looked over at the red haired girl. "He will not be healed by herbs alone."
"Nor with this one I fear," Mariska sighed. "Esmeralda?"
"The fever came on quickly for him. The wound itself is not so bad, only to the shoulder and was stitched well, but the fever troubles me," the black eyed girl sighed and looked to her two fellow Priestesses. "They are not here with us you know," she added after a moment, gazing down at the three men. "They are in the fields."
"Not completely though, or else their bodies would not draw breath," Hayley countered. "Something holds them all here."
Mariska sighed. "Aye, that it does, so we must find out what that is and use it to pull them home."
"You do not intend to…" Esmeralda began, shock coming to her face as she looked wide eyed at Mariska who cut her off.
"Only if I have to, now come sisters," she walked towards where there were some bowls and mortars as Vanora and the other girls came in with the water and other supplies they had been asked to retrieve. "Let us make it so that I do not have to."
Authors Note: Okay, so I hope this came out better than I think it did. I would say I think it sucks, but Tracy might call me a cow if I'm wrong, so I wont. ;o) I rewrote it a few times, so let's hope this end product is better than what I had before. As always, thanks to those who review, feel free to do it again.