Chapter 41 [Physicians' Chambers]
Gaius studied a dog-eared tome. Frustration had long since set in. Cures therein lacked the necessary potency. Piled books and used bowls attested to previous efforts. How could Wyngate have given her that potent of a dose? Good grief! He looked up toward Lady Elaine, Britomart, and Elena. "Any change?"
Britomart dabbed Elaine's forehead. "The milk thistle and rosemary stopped the discharge from her fingers. Her skin is regaining its complexion and color.
"I will have another batch ready shortly." Elena mashed away at another herbal mush. Purpose pushed her hand and pestle at the mixture. "Check her eyes!"
Britomart forced Elaine's left and then right eyelids open in turn. "It is lighter pink now. Her breathing is less erratic." Her hand touched Elaine's wrist and then neck. "Her pulse is calmer."
"That is good news." He closed the tome at hand. "Let us see. Shall we?" He forced himself up from the chair. Arthritis creaked in his knees and hip as he moved toward Elaine's bedside. "She will require that next dose in an hour more or less. Thank you, Elena. I do appreciate it." He looked toward the now-empty other bed. Where is Merlin? I wish he would rest that shoulder! Even if it was healed completely this time, that boy will get himself in trouble. So, help me! He glanced toward the still sealed door. Whatever is going on out there? Uther would not be willing to push Rodor into a war now? Would he? He examined Elaine with care. "Her skin is warmed and not clammy. As you say, Britomart, her complexion returns to normal. Lady Elaine is going to be all right." He sucked in a deep breath. "Thanks to both of you for your assistance."
"Lady Elaine did not deserve that abuse, Master Gaius." Elena brought the bowl and next dose over to the bedside. "Whenever she needs it."
"King Rodor will be counting on her, Master Gaius." Britomart watched him. "She will be the next Countess. She will be a good one. You both should see how she looked after the peasants on her father's lands. Hopefully, there is a sensitive soul out there for her side."
"King Rodor is a sensitive and intuitive man. I am sure he will take that into consideration, Britomart." Gaius noted Elaine's eyes starting to open. "I believe she is waking up." He poured water into a small wooden cup.
"Wh…at? I…I am sorry, Father! I…keep…making…" Elaine coughed. Her eyes blurred into focus. Guilt and Inferiority destabilized Resolve. "I am still here?" Her eyes bulged. "Please no more of those mushrooms! I…cannot…"
"Relax, Lady Elaine. I can assure you. Nobody is going to do that to you again. Britomart, Elena, and I will make sure of that." He held up the cup. "Can you drink some water? You have slept for a while." He put the cup to her lips.
Elaine took three mouthfuls. "Th…Thank you, Master Gaius. I do not want to die like my mother." She slumped back on the bed. "Why?" Sobs came from her.
"You will not die. Please, Lady Elaine, take a deep breath. There is a knight right outside who has been watching the door. There is an enchantment on it. We are in here until morning." His skin dimpled. Chill elicited a shiver.
"Priestess?" Britomart bowed.
Nimue walked over to the bedside. "Well now! I see our patient lives! The goddess is pleased. Very good!"
"She helped…me?" Elaine gasped. "Why? I am not…."
"You are not…what? Worthy? Special?" Nimue patted Elaine's shoulder. "Despite what some might think of me, I do care. I do the goddess' service gladly. So do you. The quality of your heart and your service is second to none. The goddess watches and knows that. She will require your service once again, Elaine of Astolat."
"I…She…? Me?" Elaine bit her lip. "I cannot deal with my father. I…care for my people. I…" She twitched.
"Nimue, please!" He shook his head at her. "Calm yourself, Lady Elaine. I am sure everything will work out."
"Oh, it is already." Nimue waved her hand at the door. Canary flashed through them anew. "You will soon have visitors. I believe there is someone outside who waits for word on you?"
Elaine regarded the quartet with half-open eyes. "I know King Rodor and Princess Mithian will not forget me. I wish to see Lancelot. Alas! He is nowhere near. I know not where he is."
"Sir Lancelot? He is right outside." Britomart rubbed Elaine's right arm. "I will return." She hustled across the chamber. She opened the door. "Pardon, Sir Lancelot?"
Lancelot turned from his post. "Aye, Britomart? How are you looking out now? I thought that the enchantment was to last until morning." Concern jerked him to full attention. "Is there word?"
"There is." Britomart studied the empty passage. "Any sign of danger?"
"Nay. All has remained quiet since Kings Uther and Rodor left." Lancelot peered into the chamber. "How is the Lady? Is she still asleep?"
"Priestess Nimue undid the enchantment. Meantime, Lady Elaine asks for you, Good Knight. Follow me." Britomart ushered Lancelot inside and closed the door behind them.
"Gaius? How is she?" Lancelot edged his way toward the bedside. Curiosity and Warmth pulled him closer and closer still. "Lady Elaine?"
"Lance…lot?" Elaine's eyes flickered open. A smile spread across her face. "You…you're here?"
"Aye, Lady. I am. I have stood guard outside the chamber." Lancelot took Elaine's hand in hers. "It is good to see your eyes open. You take your time and get well." His lips kissed her knuckles.
"I…will." A happy breath escaped Elaine. Her heart skipped beats. "I…want you as my Count and Partner...Lancelot." Amor sparkled in her eyes. "Astolat can be your home. My…father has wronged the people. I have to…rebuild. I want you…at my side."
Proposal weighed heavily on Lancelot's mind. Gwen's ghost nagged at him. Still, she remained but that for him. He had witnessed Gwen's looks at Arthur. Her happiness remained paramount for him. Elaine offered herself to him. Caring, Warmth, and Devotion had poured from her months before. Options, however, remained few. Affection warmed his heart for her as well. Unlike Uther, Rodor opened the way to Knight's Life.
"If it is my magic?" Elaine coughed. Her heart sagged.
"What? Nay! I know other sorcerers. One is a good friend. It is not that. I…" Lancelot started. "I wish to speak with King Rodor first. I am already exiled from Camelot for reaching above my social standing. You have been through enough, Milady."
A knocking at the door interrupted that thought.
"I will see who that is. I do hope it is important." Gaius meandered toward the door.
Yet another Rubicon, anyone?