Stephan and Connor were sitting by their fire. Stephan sat turned slightly away, as if trying to avoid looking at it.
They were arguing over whether stew should be thick or watery, and which vegetables best suited game.
Nick's pot simmered near the flames. After a brief lull in their conversation, Connor said:
– I think this one's ready. It's your turn to hold it.
– Sure. – Stephan turned and held a wineskin ready for Connor to pour into it.
– Man, if you don't mind this part, why don't you do it each time?
– It's not that I don't mind. I simply complain less than a certain someone.
– Very funny. I just don't want to get burnt! – Connor said, grabbing the pot and pouring the dark liquid. Steam rose in thick curls.
– And you think I do? Focus. Keep it steady.
Once they were done, Stephan poured more water into the pot and added some tree bark and white flowers. Then he set it back by the fire.
Suddenly, a woman's desperate, pleading cries rang out, and Connor turned towards the sound:
– Something's going on over there.
– We're minding our own business, Connor. Let Nick handle it.
– Yeah... Tell that to the Princess.
– What?
– Look!
Connor pointed to the rapidly approaching Princess. A young woman hurried alongside her, her face covered in tears. Several knights followed close behind. Connor and Stephan got up immediately.
– Your Highness – both said in unison, bowing their heads.
– Gentlemen. – She greeted them, taking Nick's knife from the fire and holding it out before them, still glowing. – I am taking this to Sir Nicholas. You may return to your duties.
– Uh... Yes, Your Highness... – Connor managed.
And just as quickly as she had arrived, she left with her noisy entourage, leaving Connor and Stephan frozen in place. For a moment, only the crackle of the fire remained.
– Soo... what just happened? – Connor said, still looking in the direction the Princess had gone.
The soft sounds of the fire were his only reply.
– Stephan? – Connor turned toward him.
Stephan's eyes were closed, his hand clutching the spot where his sword would have been. His breathing was slow, as if he were forcing it to stay even.
– Hey, you alright? – Connor briefly held his shoulder.
– Hmm? – Stephan finally looked at him.
– Are you alright?... Do you need a distraction again?
– Uhm... No, no... I'm fine. – Stephan sat down.
– You sure?
– ...Yeah.
Connor studied his friend for a moment, before speaking:
– You know, I've got to say, I was kind of offended last time.
– Last time?... What last time?
– Earlier today, when you were like this, I know you weren't doing great, but the way you took it kinda hurt.
– What do you mean?
– You know, you just went straight into chastising me! Like I'm some wild animal just looking for something to jump on. Is that what you think of me?
– What? No! – Stephan blinked, taken aback.
– Do you really think I have no honour?
– Honour?! Yes of course you do!! But, Connor, you used the word score! – Stephan gestured sharply. – Like Alicia is just some cheap goal for you. But she's a woman, a whole world goes on inside her—not even the gods may understand it, but still! If someone referred to my Maggie as a bullseye, I'd break their face, so when you—Why... why are you laughing?
– Oh man!... You're just so... so predictable! – Connor managed between bursts of laughter.
– What? What are you— Wait! Was that…? Were you again…?
– So.. did it work?
– By the gods, Connor! I thought you were serious... So weren't really—
– No! Of course not, my ego isn't that feeble, man. But you're really easy to set off into a rant, you know?
Stephan scoffed.
– I don't even know what to do with you. – He said, briefly shaking his head as he rubbed his brow.
– Thank me? Say you owe me... wouldn't know what to do without me...?
Stephan chuckled, rolling his eyes.
– Sure. I owe you. You're a good friend, Connor. Thank you. –Stephan said earnestly.
– Uhm... thanks... I guess. – Connor answered, looking away and rubbing the back of his neck. He quickly added – so, what was all that about?
– No idea. But remember we are minding our own business?
– Sure, but why would the Princess come herself? And the young commoner—did you see her?
– Yes... she seemed distraught...
– No, I mean, why a commoner with the Princess?
– I think you are right, Connor. – Stephan said, removing the pot from the fire and standing up.
– Of course I am... Wait, what am I right about? Wow! Where are you going?! – Connor said, rushing behind Stephan who was already leaving him behind. – What happened to minding our own business?
– Nick's dealing with a grave wound.
– Duh! Yes, hence the hot blade, but do you really want to be there for that, Stephan?
– Nick might need us.
– Us? How could we help with a grave wound?
– No, Connor, with Nick! Someone might be dying on Nick.
– Oh...
Connor's voice trailed off as they approached a group of people standing in a rough semicircle. Only quiet sobbing could be heard.
As they walked past a few knights, an acrid smoky scent hit their noses. Stephan brought a fist to his mouth and forced a gulp. Connor was about to place a hand on him, but Stephan continued walking, breathing through his mouth and clenching his fists.
They reached Princess Rowena near the center of the group. She was covering her mouth with one hand, her other hand was gripping the fabric of her dress.
Beside the Princess, two young women clung to each other as they sobbed.
As Stephan and Connor's gaze moved around the semicircle, they saw a few wounded commoners standing across from the Princess, hands clutching their wounds. Among them was the young archer Nick had shot earlier.
Finally, they found Nick. He was kneeling at the center of the group, his breathing steady, his gaze fixed on the wound of the man beside him. The man lay pale and completely limp.
Nick's right hand remained lodged in the wound on the man's thigh. His left hand still held the man's wrist, fingers pressed into the groove where he checked for a pulse. The ground around them—as well as Nick's hands—was covered in blood.
Kneeling on the other side of the man were two women. One was stroking the man's face, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. The other held the first by her shoulders, her expression somber.
Stephan crouched beside Nick, placing a hand on his shoulder. Nick did not seem to register him.
– Nick – Stephan said softly.
Nick did not respond.
– Nick... let him rest now. – Stephan gently removed Nick's hand from the man's lifeless wrist.
Nick inhaled and his gaze drifted across the scene until he met Stephan's eyes briefly, then he looked back at the wound.
As he let go, a surge of blood escaped through the wound. Nick sighed, his shoulders relaxing.
As if the group had been waiting for a sign, the Princess took a deep breath and released the fabric of her dress. The young archer fell to his knees, and a knight removed his helmet.
Sir Lionel glanced at him, and the knight froze in place. But then he relaxed as Sir Lionel exhaled and returned his gaze to the Princess, without saying a word.
– It's alright Nick – Stephan said gently, shifting closer to him, as though to steady him further, but Nick pulled away saying:
– The wounds need cleaning.
– Nick – Stephan said, a note of firmness in his voice, his hand tightening on Nick's shoulder.
– I am alright. – Nick said, removing Stephan's hand from his shoulder after giving it a squeeze. Then, looking at the women, he added – Mary, you four take your time. I promise to come back later.
Mary nodded.
Nick rose to his feet and picked up his knife. He showed it to the Princess saying:
– Thank you, Your Highness.
– It wasn't much help, – she said very softly.
– It was! It proved you care. That matters greatly, Your Highness. – Nick said firmly, meeting her eyes.
She smiled briefly, then her eyes wandered back to the woman caressing the man. Their eyes met for a moment. Then the Princess took a deep breath and turned resolved to the knight beside her:
– Sir Lionel, return their tools to them, the ones meant for digging. Let them bury their dead. – She commanded, loud enough for everyone to hear.
The two young women released each other, and stared at her in disbelief. The remaining commoners mirrored their expressions. Some knights shifted in place. The one who had removed his helmet smiled. A few frowned, Sir Lionel included.
– Your Highness, an investigation will be held, they will need—
– Your testimonies will suffice. You may take note of the names and ages of the deceased. If anyone in ____ should complain, I will talk to them. Understood? – the Princess said firmly.
– Yes, Your Highness, – Sir Lionel said, slightly lowering his head in obedience.
Nick looked at her briefly with admiration.
– Thank you, – he said quietly. Then bowing in respect he added – I need to clean. I will be with Sir Darius shortly.
– Thank you, Sir Nicholas.
Nick glanced at Connor and Stephan and the three of them walked away from the scene.
– How far away is the river? – Nick asked, walking quickly towards their fire.
– Nick – Stephan said gently.
– I asked a question, Stephan.
– It's a long walk to the river, but there's a small creek nearby. – Connor answered, catching up to Nick.
– Thank you, Connor. Can you show me the way? – Nick said without stopping.
– Nick! Please just stop for a moment. – Stephan said placing a hand on his shoulder again.
Nick turned briefly to face him, but avoided looking him in the eye.
– Stephan, I need to focus. Those wounds will fester. – Nick said before resuming his hurried pace. – You may tag along, if you stay quiet. Otherwise, please return to what you were doing earlier.
– Like making more "camwillow tea"?
– Making what tea? – Nick slowed down.
– We filled seven wineskins with willow bark and camomile tea. We were boiling an eighth batch when the Princess came to get your knife. – Stephan explained.
– You... you filled seven wineskins with willow bark tea?
– And camomile – Connor added.
– Seven? Where did you get seven wineskins?
– The knights lent them to us. – Stephan answered.
– So... this whole time, you have been making willow bark tea?
– It's "Camwillow tea" – Connor corrected him. – We couldn't just scratch our belly buttons while you worked yourself out.
– "Camwillow tea" you say? – Nick said, with raised eyebrows and the beginning of a smile tugging at his lips. – And seven wineskins of it...
– And there's an eighth one in the pot. We have water for two more—in fact, if you rinse your hands with that you won't need to go to the creek. – Connor offered.
Nick finally came to a halt.
– You made plenty of soothing tea... And I have water to wash... – He murmured.
– Yes! And don't forget about your favourite healing concoction. – Connor confirmed.
– Right, my favourite healing concoction. – Nick chuckled, a clear smile on his face this time.
– Yeah man! It's been waiting for you for a while. – Connor said winking.
Nick closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath, then he said, still smiling:
– You guys... I... – Nick shook his head slightly – Thank you...
– You're welcome, Nick. It'll be alright. We'll help, but let's talk for a moment – Stephan pleaded.
Nick sighed briefly.
– I have to make the most of the daylight we have left, Stephan. Can we talk after sunset?
– Sure – Stephan sighed.
– We'll help you out in the mean time. – Connor added.
– Thank you. Truly. – Nick said, finally meeting their eyes, a smile on his face.
Stephan smiled back at him kindly, and added:
– You know, Connor could even take your garments to wash at the creek, as well as everything else stained with blood.
– Why me?