Chapter 32 [Physician's Chamber—A Quarter Turn of the Hourglass Later]

Caution guided Gaius' care of Elena. His rag dabbed her forehead. Offered water broke Thirst's parch and arid grip over her mouth and throat. Discharge ebbed and vanished from her fingers. Rosiness returned to her complexion. For the most part, Sleep allowed for Healing's course. He stepped back and watched her.

Elaine tossed and turned. Nightmare burned at her brain. Tears streaked her cheeks. Nausea, in spite of the treatment, still unsettled her stomach. Breaths puffed out in bursts. "AHH! MAMA!"

"Those mushrooms!" Britomart ground her teeth. Tomes piled all around her on Wyngate's bench. "There is nothing to help her?"

"Nothing that will mix with the enhanced milk thistle, Britomart." Elena shook her head. "I wish I had magic. I could put a calming spell on her." Lament sunk her spirits. "Merlin could do it."

Instinct and Habit stiffened Gaius. Denials came to him almost as a matter of course. Then, he buried them deep within his mind. "He could. Again, your earlier point remains, Elena. That spell could interfere with Elaine's healing. Unfortunately, this is the only way. It is not her fault. I cannot believe Wyngate would give her such a toxic dose."

"That was Count Bernard's doing." Britomart shoved another tome off to the side. "I cannot believe Master Wyngate sided with the Prince and the others against the King! He was King Rodor's most loyal friend."

"He and I were friends for many years, Britomart. Apparently, there is a great deal I did not know." Gaius glanced toward Wyngate's elegant bedchamber through the adjacent door. "I am dealing with my own disappointment. Pity. Still, I believe you will be a fine healer for Nemeth in your own right. I am prepared to say as much to King Rodor."

Britomart bowed her head. "I am overwhelmed by your faith, Master Gaius. I wish I could do what Merlin does for Prince Arthur and you. I admit I enjoy serving Milady. Perhaps I should for the greater good. She is more than just a Princess. I know we are not equals. She is my friend, however. I wish somebody would see her for what she is."

Elena placed her hand on Britomart's shoulder. "Everything has a season, Britomart. Patience. In the meantime, we all must adjust to our new roles. I am now a warrior-healer. I left anything else on the battlefield. I know what I have to do. It is not easy. I saw what Merlin's proximity to Princess Mithian did. They are bonded now. Merlin's feats are enough to raise his status right now. So, I believe, are yours. You fought with your sword on that battlefield as well. You rescued Merlin at risk to yourself. I am sure Princess Mithian will speak up on your worthiness and willingness to protect her safety. I witnessed two deeds myself. I am sure there are more."

A pounding rained down on the door.

"Wha? I…I…do not! Father! That evil man! Nay! Nay, na' 'gain!" Elaine's eyes snapped open. A loud scream echoed off of the granite walls and floor. Breaths came out in even faster puffs.

"Elena, help her please! What is it now?" Gaius stalked across the chamber. Lectures formed in his head. He flung the door open. "What is it? I…." He stopped in his tracks. "Sire?" He bowed.

"Gaius." Uther kept a straight face. Recognition noted Gaius' self-correction. He knew that the other thought of his patient's well-being. "The girl? How is she?"

"Lady Elaine suffers, Sire." Gaius stepped aside allowing Uther inside. "We were very fortunate that the mushroom poisoning did not kill her outright. It has to work out of her system. Britomart and Elena are working with me to help her."

"I can see that." Uther strode over to Elaine's bedside. He beheld her suffering. "Pity. Bernard did not tell us about her. I would have dealt with her as well."

Gaius set his jaw. Restraint held back his desired response. "Nay he did not."

"And the treatment. Was it enhanced? The Witch Nimue…she was here, wasn't she?" Uther glared right into his eyes. "You two! Was she?"

"Aye she was!" Britomart shook her head. "We are trying to save her life, King Uther! That is our oath as healers! Master Wyngate is missing! We do not know where he is! Meantime, Elena, Master Gaius, and I do our best! Priestess Nimue helped us! I will say because I have nothing to hide! Talk to King Rodor! I am here under his order! If a priestess can help my patient, I am grateful for the aid! I only wish her mother was still alive!"

"Nay! Nay!" Panic and Fear slammed into Elaine. Her heart beat faster and faster still. Wheezes came from her mouth.

"Master Gaius, she cannot take this! Please!" Elena motioned toward Uther. She shook her head.

"HOW DARE YOU! I WILL…!" Uther snapped at the Amazon healer. "I AM A KING!"

"King Uther, I speak for our patient not to insult you. That is all! Please!" Elena bit back her desired response. "You could kill her!"

"Sire, please! With respect, we should speak outside. This trauma could kill her as Elena said." Gaius shook his head ever so slightly at Elena. "Please."

Emotions ran high….