Chapter 3
The next day, Simon slowly guided Merlin/Ralph around the castle. Ralph found that even wearing Pam, he got out of breath quickly, and his legs would shake from all the walking. Ralph thought, 'Merlin must be having problems with his heart.'
Simon pointed out all the lords, knights, and ladies and included all the gossip about them. He explained how King Arthur and his wife Guinevere had problems and argued. King Arthur was worried about another kingdom in the north that was threatening the borders. He may have to travel north and go to war with them.
The next day, a messenger from the King came to Merlin's room and said, "The king requests your presence at the council meeting after the mid-day meal."
Ralph became a little nervous about this, not sure if he could remember all the council members' names. Simon helped Merlin/Ralph to the meeting chamber, and Ralph sat off to the side, listening to the discussion of the troubles in the north. It was decided that they were going to war. The King asked Merlin, "Are you well enough to travel north with us? Your healing knowledge would be greatly appreciated, and your abilities to determine enemy movements would be even more invaluable."
Ralph replied, "Yes, sire, I am well enough now. However, I request that my apprentice Simon assist me."
The King said, "Of course. Pack everything you need and have it ready by tomorrow morning. We leave then."
Ralph came out of the meeting and told Simon about them going to war.
Simon said, "No problem, Ralph. Merlin and I have done this before. I know what to pack."
Simon helped Merlin/Ralph back up the stairs, stopping several times so he could catch his breath. After Simon got Merlin/Ralph back to his laboratory, he ran out of the room. When he returned, he was followed by several servants carrying large chests and baskets. He immediately started packing items into the containers.
Ralph asked, "What can I do to help?"
Simon showed him how to make small linen pouches of herbal mixtures for healing teas. Ralph sat at the table and assembled the bags. It was late at night before the packing was complete.
Early the following day, Simon ran downstairs to ensure Merlin's cart and horses were ready. He had the servants return and move the full chests and baskets to be loaded onto the cart. Ralph was still asleep while all of this was happening. The 80-year-old body he inhabited couldn't take the long night and was exhausted.
Simon got Ralph up, dressed in the red super suit, and covered it with several layers of robes. They slowly went down to the courtyard. Merlin/Ralph was having a hard time stepping down the stairs. His knees almost gave out on him a couple of times. When they got to the cart, Simon had Merlin/Ralph lay on a bed of straw in the back of the cart. Ralph fell instantly back to sleep.