[i]Medical Ward[/i]

Henry moaned quietly as he regained consciousness, the deep throbbing in his head proof that he was still alive at least. He gently reached up and felt his hair. It was stick and red and when he drew his hand into his vision he could clearly see the familiar red liquid spread across his fingers. Thankfully he had fallen on his front so the wound in his abdomen had kept solid pressure on it even while he had been swimming in and out of consciousness.

Vague memories came back to him; being hit over the head and then deliberately in his wounded stomach causing the fresh wound to open again, Henrietta screaming before suddenly going silent, footsteps receding down the corridor outside and then Gwen's arrival.

[i]She went after him, in case you were wondering.[/i]

Granthar's deep voice boomed in his head and he winced at the sudden contact. Slowly, ever so slowly, he crawled onto his knees using the bed as support with one hand pressed against his wounded stomach. One of those who had been tending to him was lying with their throat cut open a few feet away and he closed his eyes for a moment, offering a prayer for their soul.

[i]You're going to let her go alone, are you? I may have misjudged you, Henry of House Charlton.[/i]

Henry shot Granthar a glare, aware of his massive familiar's presence outside the window.

"I'm hardly in any condition to fight, you know." He said through gritted teeth as he stood up and began to stagger towards the doorway; it bit at him that his familiar had even thought for a moment he was a coward. A rough chuckle sounded from the window.

[i]There's the warrior I know. I will grant you some of my strength to see you through. After all, if you die I die with you.[/i]

Energy returned to his limbs and his wound began to ache less, the blood seeping out from him slowing considerably. Straightening Henry nodded to Granthar before quickening his pace. He was in no condition to run but he could at least stride quickly. Decorative crossed spears on the wall caught his attention and he reached for one, testing its edge. It wasn't sharp but was not so blunt to no longer be deadly. He yanked it free from the bracket holding it, the other spear clattering to the floor but he was already off, his mind on the task at hand.

"Just hold him up Gwen, I'm on my way." He scowled, furious at himself for failing in his duties to protect Henrietta, his grip tightening around the spear in his hand.

----------------------

Elaeria sank two more arrows into the target, one in the head where an eye would be and the other in the centre of the painted target on its chest. Sighing she unstrung the bow and returned it to the weapons rack. She was tired from the exertions of session and she could see most students were sitting and talking now with a few still battling out, presumably still in need of a third win. If she had been a charitable person she might have lost to someone on purpose but that was not her style; the weak had to make their way in the world just as much as the strong.

She glanced towards the Academy's main buildings for a moment but turned back when she heard her familiar snorting in amusement with a slight blush across her face, quickly disguising it with a scowl.

[i]It's none of my business![/i]

[i]I said nothing. Nothing at all... Princess.[/i]