As Nick approached, Sir Lionel blocked his path, hand on the hilt of his sword. Nick took a deep breath before showing him what he was holding:
-This can help your friend. It's willow bark, which is known to ease pain.
-How do I know you are not trying to poison him?
-What on earth could I gain from poisoning a dying man?
-I thought you said he has a chance.
-I said he might, but he won't if I don't treat him. I can't do that from here, can I?
-Answer me this: Why is it that apples are such an important product of Pfirnenhoff?
-What?
-You heard me.
-Fine. It's not apples, it's pears. And there's a legend involving a war, an eagle, and a boy, but we don't have time for that. I will be happy to submit to any interrogation you see fit later on, Sir Lionel, but right now Sir Darius needs help! So out of consideration for your fallen brother-in-arms, could you please let me through?
Sir Lionel did not move, nor did his hand leave the hilt of his sword.- I'll let you through if you give me your sword.
-Sure! Hold this. - Without hesitation, Nick handed the bark to the astonished knight and proceeded to untie the sheath of his sword.
-You'll just give it to me? - Sir Lionel questioned the readiness of a knight to part with his sword.
-Sure thing, here you go, I'm useless with it anyway. -He gave Sir Lionel the sword and took back the bark.
-Then why do you carry one?
-Would you believe me if I told you I'm just following orders? Father never let me leave home without it. He insisted that at the very least it makes people think twice before attacking. Keep it. Now could you please let me help your comrade?
Sir Lionel glared at him but stepped to the side.
-Oh good! Are you ready now?- the Princess asked as she saw him approach.
-Not quite, but I have something that might help.- Nick responded, and addressed the knight.
-Sir Darius, I've got some willow bark here, it helps manage pain. Can you open your mouth for me please?
After giving him the bark, Nick said- it's a little bitter, but if you suck or chew on it will help. Alright? You may also swallow it.
Sir Darius only closed his eyes in response. His quavering breaths continued. The dutches pased her handkerchief over his brow.
-Hold on just a little longer, OK?
I'm almost ready for you. -Then, looking at the knights holding him, he asked:
-May I ask for your names, gentlemen?
-My name is Thomas.
-I'm William.
-Sir Thomas, Sir William, -Nick repeated nodding out of respect- I am Nickolas. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it is an honour to meet you. The prowess you displayed earlier puts my skills to shame. I hope later, you'll be able to impart some of your wisdom upon me. For now though, I find myself in need of your help here. When we remove the pitchfork, you'll first have to hold him still and then lower him as gently as you can to the ground face down, face down...
---
Meanwhile, by the fire, Stephan's eyes were glued to the blade, waiting for the tip to glow.
-Are you alright old man? – Connor asked.
-I'm fine. Why would I not be?
-You tell me, you look like shit.
-I said I'm fine!
-Alright. -Then after a long pause he tried changing the subject to ease the tension in the air. -I think this is almost ready.
He carefully grabbed the blade by the handle.
- It's amazing how it can be so hot on the tip, yet cool enough to be held by the handle. See, touch it.
-GET THAT AWAY FROM ME!!
Stephan yelled, wide eyed, with laboured breathing.
-Wow Man! Easy! Chill out.
Surprised, he observed Stephan's panicked state:
-Wait. Are you afraid of this? - he asked while dangling the hot blade playfully.
Stephan closed his eyes, clenched his fists and focused on his breathing in response.
-Wow, I can't believe I'm seeing the mighty Stephan so scared of a small balde. - taunted Connor, returning it to the fire.
-You have no idea... what it feels like.
Stephan managed to weakly defend his pride between shaky deep breaths.
-But this is not for you man! That was ages ago. You recovered. Relax!
The only answer he got was Stephan's laboured breathing. His vulnerable silence taught him more than any word he'd ever uttered. After watching him for a moment Connor said:
-You know what this reminds me of?
Stephan didn't take the bait.
-Guess who I'm thinking about?
-Hmm
-Come on, guess.
Stephan opened his eyes to see a mischievous smile on Connor's face, but he didn't answer, so Connor hinted:
-Remember those plants Nick used to treat burns back in Kargheim?
-Of course you are thinking of Alicia! –Stephan finally relented, still looking pale.
-Yes I am! And you know what the hardest part is? Every time I think of her I regret not having kissed her, not even once! And you know why I didn't?
-Because you are a man of honour?
-Because you got River to get in the way!!!- Connor complained.
-Of course I did! I don't trust for a second that you would have left it at a kiss.
-You know, you are supposed to be my comrade, instead of getting in my way, you should have helped me score.
-Score??! SCORE YOU SAY!!?? What the hell is wrong with you?! She's 16! She's barely a woman and you are thinking about scoring with her!? Where is your honour?!!? My daughter is her age. You know what my greatest fear is? That a hot headed bastard like you will take advantage of her, stealing her purity and breaking her heart! If Alicia doesn't have parents who can guard her you should be a real man and stand up for her, not take advantage... WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING!?!!! You think a woman's dignity is a laughing matter?
-Haha It's just so much fun... Hahaha to get you so worked up. You are so predictable.- Connor teased between his laughter.
-What? Predictable? What do you mean— Wait… You did that on purpose? You… – Stephan's anger deflated, his voice trailing into a murmur. – You were distracting me…
– Did it work? – Connor confirmed with a playful smile.
Stephan sighed deeply, touching his brow for a moment, then gently shook his head.
– Thank you – he said, taking a deep breath and finally returning the smile. His colour slowly returning.
– Don't mention it. You were as white as a washed-out ghost. I'm glad I know how to push your buttons. Aren't you?– Connor teased.
Stepahn chuckled, still shaking his head and rolled his eyes.
– Even the colour of your white hairs came back!
– Oh shut up! – Stephan retorted sheepishly. He couldn't get angry at Connor after that.
– What's up with you two? Why all the yelling? – Nick arrived.
– Oh nothing, we were just having some fun.
– Fun? That sounded more like a fight.
– Nah, we just goofing around, right?
– Yeah, all good on our end, Nick. – Stephan confirmed. – What's up?
-I am going to need you guy's help to treat the wounded.
– Errr... About that, Nick. – Connor said. – Won't you need your "magical" herbs for that? What's the name of the one with white flowers, and the leafy one that looks like it's squatting on the ground? Do you have enough? I'm sure it's not just the pitchfork-knight that will need it, and Stepahn and I already know how to look for them and—
– You've met your quota for treating wounds, haven't you? – Nick interrupted, a smirk tugging at his lips.
– It's the smell, I can't stand it. – Connor said bashfully.
Nick snickered, smiling and conceded:
– Sure. You can go look for yarrow and plantain. Look for a stream so you can rinse them and get as much willow bark as you can while you are at it... Oh and refill this! – He passed them his waterskin.
– Thank you! – Connor said with a big sigh of relief. – Come on Stephan, enough of your elderly rest, we have a mission!
Stephan followed Connor in astonished silence. Once they had made it a few steps into the forest he cleared his throat.
– Uhm, thanks.
– Don't mention it.
– No, really – he halted and looked straight into his eyes. - I mean it, Connor, thank you.
– Uhm... Yeah man, don't worry about it – Connor said quickly, caught of guard by Stephan's deep sincerity, and resumed walking.
Stephan smiled gently at Connor's back and followed after him.
----
Back at the bonfire, Nick's pot wasn't boiling yet, but he couldn't wait. He dipped a clean cloth into it, then wrung it carefully.
He took a deep breath, and walked back to the carriage, cloth at hand, giving one last glance at the red-glowing blade.
-I need some help, Sir Lionel.
-You need my help?
-No, not specifically your help, but I am going to need someone strong to help me out.
-Your men can't help you?
-I sent them looking for some herbs we'll need, since they already know how to find them. Do any of your men have strong stomachs?
-Strong stomachs?
-Yes, I am going to need someone that can pull the pitchfork and pass me the hot blade.
-You are going to burn the wound? -Sir Lionel asked, his eyes widening.
-I hate the idea, but he'll die within minutes if we can't stop te bleeding. I know it's not a job for anyone, it takes a strong will and a stronger stomach. That's why I am asking for your help. Do any of your men fit the description?
-I can do it. -Sir Lionel responded.
Nick fought to keep his expression neutral, supressing the urge to snicker, as Sir Lionel volunteered.
-Thank you! The blade is in the fire and it should stay there until we need it. The handle should be cool enough to hold. As for the pitchfork, it has to be one smooth, strong motion. Any hesitation will result in more internal damage. Can you do it?
-Yes, of course I can.
-Perfect. Why don't you lead the way?
-Finally! -The Princess exclaimed.
-I am sorry, it took some time to get things ready. Let's not waste any more time. We shall do as we discussed.
- Sir Lionel, Sir Thomas, Sir William, are you ready?
All three nodded.
-Your Highness, once again, I suggest you join the Duchess on that side—
-No! I already said, I will hold his hands.
-Alright -Nick responded with a deep sigh of surrender. There was no time to continue arguing.
-Sir Darius, we will release you now, Alright? Let me take the tree bark for a moment.
Sir Darius nodded repeatedly and let Nick take the impromptu analgesic.
-Good. Now take a breath, as deep as you can.
The result was a shallow breath and a deep grimace.
Nick lifted his hand for all to see.
Three fingers.
Sir Lionel grabbed on to the pitchfork, ready to pull.
Two.
-Good, one more breath Sir Darius...
One.
-Now.
In a matter of seconds, the tool was pulled free, Sir Darius was laid face down on the ground, and Nick began pressing on the wound.
No one spoke, but all hoped. Sir Darius' weak scream of pain still rang in their ears. All eyes were fixed on the once light-coloured cloth as it slowly darkened beneath Nick's hands. Time stretched.
Nick broke the silence.
-It's not stopping.
He shifted the cloth, leaned his weight into it, and waited.
Only Sir Darius' deep grunts and strained breaths filled the air.
Nick sighed, jaw tense.
They all knew what had to be done.
Without a sound, Sir Lionel walked to the bonfire and waited for Nick's word.
Nick leaned closer to his ear.
-Sir Darius... do you want to live?