Short Story

The trek from Abertawe home had taken longer than expected. One of the injured men needed to stop and have his broken rib re-dressed by Merlin, and the young man got sick from the pain. They'd had to slow the pace after that, and as such, King Arthur's army did not cross the border into the Lower Town until well after the middle of the night. Normally, residents lined the streets to welcome knights home from battle, but this time, the streets remained silent. However, the people had left candles and lanterns outside to illuminate the steep path to the castle. To Percival, that act had been just as meaningful as waving banners; it was a way to guide them all home. By the time the horses were settled, weapons and armor were hung up with …show more content…

Isn't that right, Fleur?" Fleur remained silent. Percival stomped closer to Caron. "Get away, you evil shrew." Caron gazed up at him with a placid expression on her face. "You're exhausted from your travels and battle, I understand. Welcome home, Percival. We're all glad you are home safe." "Your words of welcome mean nothing to me." This woman infuriated him and he fantasized about shoving his filthy sock into Caron's mouth to silence her. "Leave us be." With a shrug and a sneer directed at Fleur, Caron all but skipped off. Percival turned his attention back to Fleur. "What was that all about?" he asked. "Oh, nothing, nothing. A misunderstanding is all." "Fleur, that sounded like much more than a misunderstanding. She was threatening you." Fleur threw her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. "I am so glad you're home safe," she muttered against him, ignoring his comments. "I missed you so much." He stroked her hair. "Stay with me tonight. In my bed. Let's forget the rules. Just stay with me." Fleur pulled back. Her normally warm eyes seemed blank. "Sorry, but I'm a little unwell." "Then stay and let me take care of you. What's wrong?" "My stomach, my head… It's nothing, only a minor illness, but it would be best if I slept in my own chamber tonight." Perhaps that was why Fleur seemed out of sorts. She was unwell and needed ample rest. "All right. But come back when you wake in the morning. Please?" He pulled her