Percival cried out when he saw Gwaine's face. The younger man's features were crumpled up and his hair was soaked with perspiration.

"Oh Gwaine." The large knight whispered sitting down on the chair next to Gwaine's bed. "What did she do to you?"

"He's very tired." Giaus said gravely. "He won't wake for several days yet and when he does he is not guaranteed to be the same as he was."

"What do you mean?" Percival asked with a frown. Giaus sighed and took a seat on a small wooden stool next to the large knight.

"There is no telling what damage Morgana did to his brain." Giaus said gravely. "He will more than likely suffer from slurred speech… that is if he can talk at all and he will suffer delayed reactions and it is likely that he will never walk again." Percival choked back a sob and covered his mouth with his hand. "I'm sorry Percival." The old physician whispered, placing a hand on the knight's shoulder. "There is nothing more I can do for him until Merlin and Arthur return." The knight had stopped listening and had turned his attention away from his friend and back to his lover. Giaus nodded and wondered if the knight had registered his remark about his ward.

Back in her quarters Guinevere pondered what Giaus had revealed to her that afternoon. She had not lied when she ad said she was pleased with the fact that Merlin practiced sorcery. She knew that the young boy had grown up around the craft and was grateful to him for looking out for her husband. Her thoughts turned to her knight who was laid in the physician's quarters and hoped Merlin returned with the king before it was too late for Gwaine. She had always known that Percival and Gwaine were more than just good friends and smiled to herself when she realised what a strange but happy couple they made.

"Will there be anything else m'lady?" Her young maid asked after hanging up the last of Gwen's dresses.

"No. Thank you Sophia." Gwen replied kindly. "That will be all for today. Go and spend the evening with your son." The young woman's eyes lit up and she bowed to her mistress.

"Thank you m'lady. You are most kind." Gwen watched as her young maid disappeared through the door and she sat down on the edge of her bed. For the first time since she could remember she felt lonely for her husband and prayed that he and Merlin returned quickly.