Chapter 10 [Physician's Chambers—A Turn of the Hourglass Later]
Merlin looked over Gaius' tasks on the workbench. Rosemary, lavender, yarrow and hogswort dried on an adjacent table. He put three ginger roots into a jar. Prepared tinctures waited to go out to patients. Arthur had two slices of ham and a thick slice of bread for breakfast. He made the bed. Due to Patients' needs, he caught up on Gaius' rounds. Wish I could mix up the rest of the tinctures for Gaius. I can prepare the herbs at least. Maybe I can cut some rothsbane in the woods before the Nemeth contingent's arrival? I still have to check over Arthur's chain mail and muck out those stalls.
Knocking came from the door. The door creaked open. "Merlin?"
He almost jumped out of his seat. "Lady Morgana?" He hustled toward the door. "Is everything all right?" He stopped and bowed to her. "Prince Arthur let me work on these herbs and tinctures before those rulers arrive. He said George was your valet. I…."
She walked into the chambers. "I know all about it, Merlin. Everything is all right. Gwen told me that you had intended to work with us. You still are. George is mucking out the stables right now. The King still wants George to wait on Arthur during these visits." She looked over the table and regarded his handiwork. "How many medicines do you need to deliver?"
"I have about a half dozen tinctures to deliver, Milady. I was also drying those herbs for Gaius. We need rothsbane. I know where to find it. I can run there and back in a few hours. Those bottles will be ready to be delivered by the time I get back. I would like all of this to be done today. Then we can be ready for those visiting rulers?" He stifled a cough with his hand.
"Leave the chain mail to me. I will see to it. The Prince and I talked to the King a little while ago. King Uther knows you are doing what Prince Arthur and I are telling you to do. He appreciates your dedication to Camelot's health in Gaius' absence. Cut that rothsbane. Get it back here." She walked over to the window. She noted Sol being almost at its zenith. "If anyone left Whitgate last night, they could be here later today. Princess Mithian does not care to wait." A sniff and a smile spread across her face. "If she is close by, take care in the woods."
"Take care…? I would identify myself to the knights with Britomart and her, Milady," he assured her.
"I know that, Merlin. Princess Mithian, among other things, is a skilled hunter. She might be hunting with her crossbow or bow out there. I'm just asking that you watch your surroundings. Am I clear?" She shot him a firm look. She held up a sealed letter. "Keep this safe. You are still new to Camelot. I am sending this letter with you. I do not know if you will meet up with anyone or not. This will identify you to them."
A Princess who likes to hunt? Really? He tried to wrap his head around that notion. "Aye. I will do that. Thank you." He tucked the envelope into his jacket. He added another bow. "Is there anything you need, Lady, before I leave?"
She shook her head. "Gwen has everything under control, Merlin. By the way, thank you. She really enjoyed herself last night." Approval prompted a smile for his benefit. "I am not surprised you are working on these things. Take a horse from the stable. That will get you there and back faster. We will see you later on. I will want Gwen to work with you before King Rodor and Queen Taene arrive. Take care out there. King Meleagant and Cawdor's knights could be close by as well. They are not friendly to Camelot in general. There could be thieves out there as well. All right?" Expectation prompted a firm look at him. Then she turned and walked back out into the passage.
I just hope I can get to that meadow and back. Merlin collected his bag and sample jars. The horseback ride will save time at least! The thought of extra chores or other potential issues weighed on his mind as well. Guilt ate at him. Despite his griping, he appreciated his job after all. Gaius would tell me to get Arthur's tasks done and out of the way. I did that before Morgana reassigned those jobs to George. The thought of the stuck up chamberlain in the manure brought a smirk to his face. Humble pie suited the conceited George very well. Still, Turnabout could come at some point—Morgana's purpose or not. Uther's purpose or not.
Welcome to life between Rock and Hard Place, Merlin….