Trying to Hold On

11 May, 1360. Eberelle County, Northern Islia

William growled low in pain as the needle and thread punched into his flesh again and again.

The young cleric stitching him was sweating with nerves. "My humblest apologies for causing you pain, Your Grace."

"Don't apologise, just finish what needs to be done as quickly as possible." William gritted out through clenched teeth. He took another gulp from the bottle of rough, strong liquor in his hand. The drink tasted awful and burned as it slid down his throat, but was an effective enough way to dull pain.

The anxious cleric quickly nodded and continued stitching the gaping wound in William's left shoulder.