Robin Hood: Well Met Steel
By: Shadow Chaser
Started: 8/8/07.
Author's Notes/Disclaimer:
Robin Hood and its characters do not belong to me. I am not making a profit from this fic, this is just for amusement, especially that of my muses. This takes place a week after the events of "A Clue: No" and does not follow the new season 2 which premieres in September on the BBC. Sadly, here in the States, we won't get it until later…poo. Muses are sad. Another note is that, I graduated college with a minor in History, which included a lot of English and European history along with Eastern and Asiatic history so my knowledge of the Crusades is pretty thorough.
Story:
Part 1 - Letters
June 9, 1192
NOTTINGHAM
The messenger, dressed in the simple chain-mail and robes of Nottingham's guard ran swiftly up the stairs of the main door and towards the great hall, his pike held down low as not to accidentally stab any one walking by. In his other hand, he gripped an ordinary looking parchment that was folded.
"Sire!" the messenger shouted as he burst into the great hall where Sheriff Vaysey was entertaining a Council meeting to discuss the newest taxes collected in the shire.
"-and we should-" Vaysey raised an eyebrow at the intrusion.
"Sire, for you," the messenger handed the parchment over.
"If this is a practical joke, I assure you soldier, you are to be-" Vaysey trailed off as he turned the folded parchment over and looked at the signet mark that was pressed onto the seal. His eyes widened like saucers as he gingerly peeled the parchment open and scanned its contents.
The messenger was silent as Vaysey read the parchment not once, but three times before folding it and turning to the Council that was gathered, "My Lords, we will have to continue this meeting another time."
The Lords and Earls of the shire all glanced at one another, grumbling quietly before they filed out of the great hall, leaving only Vaysey and the messenger alone in the room. "Are you sure?" Vaysey hissed, his hands gripping the parchment in a death grip.
"Yes milord," the messenger bowed slightly, "Prince John assures that it is true."
"This will be the death of me!" Vaysey hissed, pacing around, his eyes darting this way and that as he thought fruitlessly of a solution to his latest problem. It had only been a week since he was strung up by his own damn shoe! That Robin Hood humiliated him in front of everyone! And now this!
"Why can't the world be all right?!" he hissed mostly to himself as he continued to pace before an idea started to form in his head, his pacing slowing down. "Yes…yes…" he murmured quietly as a grin worked its way up his face. He suddenly spun on his foot and turned to the messenger, "You! When is he arriving?"
"Day after tomorrow, sire," the messenger replied.
"Good, this gives me time to prepare," he waved the messenger away before walking quickly to another door that led to the inner halls of Nottingham Castle. "Gisborne! Gisborne!"
He shouted his right-hand man's name a few more times before the pale dark-haired man appeared, looking a bit irritated. "You called?"
Vaysey shoved the letter into his hands to which Gisborne read with a quick glance before handing it back to him. "Still feeling jilted on your wedding day?"
The man gave him a dark look before shrugging, "She had her reasons."
"Ah, yes," Vaysey smiled, "but you can make her your wife permanently when he arrives, you know?"
"And her father?"
"Leave him to me. After all, a woman her age should be independent of her father. If she is unmarried any longer, she will become an old maid," Vaysey said, part of him mildly amused at the fact that his words were getting to Gisborne. The man was so easy to irritate.
"What shall we do then?" Gisborne replied in his stoic tone.
"I have an idea…"
SHERWOOD FOREST
He watched his men through lazy half-closed eyes, enjoying life to the fullest in Sherwood Forest. Dark-haired Saracen tomboy Djaq had decided to steal some of Will Scarlett's tools and he was now chasing her around the camp they had set up, Allan Dale egging the two of them on as he nibbled on the cooked leg of a rabbit. Closer to the fire set up to roast the rabbits they caught earlier were Much and Little John, the former trying to shoo the latter away from the parts of the rabbit not taken from the spit, saying that it was still raw and uncooked.
Robin Hood, formerly known as Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntington, enjoyed these moments of calm and happiness that prevailed through the camp of his men, especially in light of last week's events. If the Sheriff of Nottingham wasn't infuriated by the actions of him and his men by now, then he wondered what did really tick the Sheriff off. They had completely humiliated him in front of his subjects, beaten and even killed some of his private guards, and had foiled his plan to root out the leaders of those working against him. They had even humiliated his right hand man, Guy of Gisborne…though Robin had to give Marian the full credit of punching the slimy bastard in the face.
A half hearted smile worked its way up his lips as he remembered the events of last week. He had almost lost Marian, a shock that had unburied the deepest feelings in his heart, almost lost his humanity if not for the support of his men and Marian, but had prevailed in the end to see that everything was all right once more.
In the next couple of days following their escape from Nottingham keep, they had kept a strict eye on Marian, knowing that she was in grave danger, but surprisingly, Gisborne hadn't done anything or even hinted that he considered Marian a threat. This made Robin happy in a sense, but it also worried him. He knew that Gisborne was the type of person who nursed grudges like a young suckling infant. Gisborne had to be planning something, he was sure of it. But he couldn't act without proof nor would Marian listen to his pleas for her to at least move to Scarborough like Will's father and younger brother. She claimed that her father wasn't exposed as a traitor and she was duty bound to protect him from the Sheriff's wrath. She also claimed that the poor needed her here – she would do more good from within the system than if she had run away.
She also made one very valid point in Robin's mind; she was beloved by the peasants all throughout the shire. If Gisborne or the Sheriff were to harm her, the peasants would be very angry and may rise up in rebellion – and she knew that both men knew of her influence with the poor. She had five years on him to cement her reputation as an outspoken voice of the peasants and he couldn't disagree with her on that; three years to cement her reputation as the Nightwatchman, though none of the peasants knew about her.
He knew that the people of the shire liked him, but they didn't love him. They still feared him as both an outlaw and as part of the nobility. He knew that his own reputation before he went off to the Holy Lands was slightly checkered and careless and that was his own fault. The peasants understood that he was robbing the rich to feed the poor, but they also understood that as an outlaw, he couldn't be trusted – and there was that one incident with Harold attempting to burn Locksley's church that he took away their form of justice…
Still, he reasoned, it didn't mean that he couldn't relax once in a while. And they deserved it…all of them. He was lucky that his men were completely loyal to him, even after the way he had treated them on occasion.
Stretching slightly as he got up, he beckoned Allan over. "Come on, you can bother Djaq and Will later. Let's check the trap we've made."
"But I was having fun!" Allan complained a bit as he followed him away from the camp, his long bow strapped across his shoulder, his sword slapping across his left leg.
Robin carried his own trusty Saracen recurved bow with him at all times, and even though they had acquired a few extra recurved ones made by Luke the Cooper, he still was curious as to why Allan preferred the longbow.
"I've already told you, I don't like small bows. Yes, I know the distance you get with them is better and faster, but I just feel more comfortable with a long bow," Allan rolled his eyes, having caught him staring at his long bow. "You keep asking me this every single time we head somewhere, Robin."
"Sorry," Robin smirked at Allan, "but this coming from the man who tried to poach one of the King's deer?"
"Do you have to remind me of that?" Allan gave him a look of mock-pain.
"Yes, yes, I do," Robin loved how he was able to needle Allan and a few of the others. The only two people he didn't needle were Will and Djaq…and especially not Djaq after she had wisely made the comment to listen to her advice when they were dealing with the Saracen assassins more than a month ago. And needling Will just didn't seem right…the boy was mostly quiet and kept to himself, but showed absolutely loyalty to Robin that he knew he would feel bad if he needled Will.
"Well, how about I remind you that-"
Robin cut Allan off with a slash of his hand and the man fell silent, looking around warily. He directed Allan to move a bit away from him as he sensed something in the air. They were nearing the place where they had set up another trap a couple of days ago to catch wagons and carts. He had a feeling that something was waiting for them in their trap. Crouching down, he crawled slowly up to the lip of the hill overlooking their trap and peered down.
A full-fledged grin worked its way up his face as he saw that indeed a very large and ornate carriage was waiting for them in their trap. "Allan! Get the others!" he called over to his friend and Allan popped up from where he had been creeping up the other side of the hill and nodded before running back to the camp.
A few minutes later the crunching of branches and dead leaves on the ground told him that his companions had joined him.
"What have we got here?" Djaq's asked, joining him as he stood on the top of the hill overlooking the carriage.
"A noble's carriage it seems, though I don't recognize the colors," Allan grinned.
"Come on; let's have a look shall we?" Robin jumped from his spot down onto one of the rocks and made his way down the slope to the carriage. He made sure that his bow was in his hand in case any of the guards that weren't knocked out by the ground caving half-in and bringing the carriage's nose upwards, decided to pick a fight with them.
Stepping carefully around, he saw two guards sitting on the ground, their backs against what was the top of the carriage, apparently unconscious. Beyond them, was another guard, trying to pry something or someone out of the windows of the carriage.
"Do you need any help?" Robin asked in a loud voice, startling the guard.
"Please…don't hurt my master or me," the guard was dressed in simple clothes instead of armor and looked around at Robin's men who surrounded the carriage, their weapons not quite pointed at him.
"You're master?" Robin tilted his head, letting a grin form on his face, "and pray tell whom might that be?"
"Please, sir," the man was most definitely probably not part of the guard since the two unconscious people lying next to the carriage were dressed in armor and colors. This man was probably a manservant.
"James, sire. He's stuck in this carriage! Please, if any of you are decent men, please help me get him out," the manservant pleaded with them, his eyes wide and full of fear.
Robin made a wordless gesture to his men to help the manservant out. There was no need to leave anyone injured in the forest – they were not that barbaric. Plus, it usually made it easier for them to acquire the gold and wealth the nobles had. He stepped back slightly as Little John and Djaq both jumped into the giant hole, Little John to help with the lifting while Djaq with her smaller form would be able to pull the possibly injured or unconscious noble out.
He ran the name James around his head a couple of times. There were a few James of nobility that he knew…and a couple of them he had met during his time in the Holy Land…the closest James to Nottingham was James of Birmingham, Earl of Hunt. He had never seen the colors the Earl of Birmingham wore but judging by the fact that the city was rich with life and trade, it wasn't hard for him to imagine that it was this James that had traveled with such an elaborate carriage. But what puzzled him was why did he only have two guards with him?
"Will, keep an eye on the woods, will you?" he called to the carpenter who nodded and jogged a little away from them, stringing his bow as he went along, his eyes staring sharply into the woods. He didn't want to take any chances potentially having the Lord's other guards ambush them while they were grabbing their loot.
"Ho!" there was a loud grunt from Little John before the overturned carriage creaked slightly and Djaq scrambled to pull out the passenger within. Much then took her burden from her arms and lifted him up to the ground level where he put him down. The loud thumping crash of the carriage settling back into its hole rattled a few birds from their perches and the squawked as they flew away from noise.
He walked over to the unconscious noble as Allan was helping Little John, Djaq, and the manservant out of the hole. Suddenly the smile that had been plastered onto his face slipped as he saw what the man was wearing.
"Master…look," Much also noticed as he crouched down next to the unconscious body of the noble, "his clothes…"
"He's a Crusader," Robin whispered as he knelt down by the body. His eyes traveled up to the noble's face before they widened in surprise and a wave of unease poured over him. He knew this noble…he knew this James…
"Master, what-"
"Please, is my master all right? I swear, he will give you anything if you want it, just don't hurt him," the manservant broke in, rushing up to the unconscious body and half shielding it, his pleading eyes locking on to Robin's. "He is the last of the Westwood line, please don't hurt him."
Robin stared at the unconscious face once more before getting up and stared at his men, all except for Much who wore a look of puzzlement. "Tie the two guards together and bring them with us. Much, keep an eye on James' servant. Little John, I need you to carry our erstwhile Earl of Westwood to the camp."
"You know him, Robin?" Little John asked, coming over and gently picking up the unconscious noble.
"Of course," Robin gave him an easy grin, "I fought with him. He's James of Atherstone, Earl of Westwood. And by his clothes, he's only just returned from the Crusades."
Their prisoner awakened almost an hour later, a bit bleary-eyed and wincing in pain before Djaq poured a liquid mixture to ease the pain. Robin stayed a bit away from him, absently whittling a few new arrows for his bow watching James carefully as he looked around in confusion. His guards were still unconscious and tied up to a giant tree while his manservant was also bound, but sitting next to him. They had stripped James of his weaponry which was lying on the ground across from the fire. The Crusader's hands were bound together as was his feet.
"Where am I?" Robin noticed that James didn't seem to see him, and was only looking at the grim faces of Little John, Allan, and Will. He started slightly when Djaq came across his vision. "A Saracen!" James hissed, earning frowns from everyone.
"The same one who tended to your wounds," Djaq shot back angrily before sitting down in front of the fire, giving a dark look at James whose face was contorted into a mask of fury.
"I don't need your witchcraft help!" he struggled against his bonds, "untie me! Do you know who you are dealing with here?!"
"No, but perhaps you can enlighten us?" Little John stepped forward, his quarterstaff held in front of him in a menacing gesture.
"Um, I don't think that would be necessary," Much suddenly appeared, holding a brace of rabbits in his hands, "please can we all calm down here?"
"You look familiar…" James initially looked like he was about to start shouting again, but instead, had a peculiar look on his face as Much walked towards the fire and Djaq where she was still glaring darkly at the Crusader. "Have we met before?"
"Yes," Much said in a halting tone, "my Master and I served in the Crusades, we met at Acre."
"Your master…" James frowned for a second, searching his memory, "you're Much! Much from Locksley, aren't you? And your Master is Robin of Locksley, right?!"
Robin finally detached himself from his observation perch and walked down towards James. "Good to see you again James. I see that you've come home relatively unscathed so to speak," he said in a quiet voice, startling the others who backed down from brandishing their weapons.
"Robin of Locksley?" James blinked his eyes almost as if he couldn't see him, "is it really you?"
Robin nodded once as he approached and knelt down in front of the Crusader, "It is me."
"But…why…" James stared at him, taking in his clothes and appearance before a knowing look appeared on his face, "I have heard rumors…rumors that you turned outlaw when you returned home…I didn't believe them to be true, but now…"
"My peasants and those in Nottingham were being treated unfairly, taxed harshly. I couldn't just stand there and do nothing but kiss up to the others of the nobility," Robin explained.
"Those rumors have been swirling around the court of Prince John. Rumors that you defy the Sheriff of Nottingham time and time again," James said before lifting up his hands that were tied together, "please, untie me. I have been sent to find you."
"From who?" Robin narrowed his eyes slightly.
"From the King himself," James replied, "please! Untie me!"
"All right," Robin agreed reluctantly before untying the ropes holding James' hands together.
The Crusader immediately pulled something out of the folds of his chain-mail armor and handed it to Robin. He noticed that it was a folded piece of parchment and turned it around in his hands. The red wax seal of King Richard greeted him and his eyes widened as he took a few steps back from James, staring at the seal. This came all the way from the Holy Lands…
"Robin?" Will's tentative voice startled him from his musings and he looked up to see the rest of the gang staring at him expectantly.
He opened the letter and cleared his throat, "From King Richard I the Lionhearted, By the Grace of God, King of the English, Duke of the Normans and Aquitanians, Count of the Angevins to Sir Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntington, Lord and Knight of the English, Captain of the Guard," Robin gave a quick grin to his gang all whom were rolling their eyes at the long list of titles before continuing on.
"On this day of May fifteenth the year of our Lord eleventy ninety-two, I hereby request the presence that you are to be reinstated to your lands and…" Robin trailed off as his eyes scanned the rest of the letter, "and…return to continue the fight for the Holy Lands as dictated by Pope Gregory VIII. You are to lead the Guard once more to glory. Your humble servant James of Atherstone, Earl of Westwood, Lord and Knight of the Third Guard will retain your lands until you return from your service to the Church."
He suddenly found his mouth dry, his hands holding the parchment as he stared up at the trees, his eyes not even taking in the shocked look his friends wore. He had been granted leave to return to England by King Richard and though the letter that had been left for him when he recovered after the brutal assassination attempt said to rest and regain his health, he had a feeling then that the King would call upon him again. But hadn't he served enough? He had saved the King's life on three different occasions…
"I'm…sorry Robin," James stared at the ground, "I…didn't know. I was only bid to send you this letter with the utmost of haste…"
Suddenly everything seemed crystal clear, as if Robin could see for the first time. He heard the distinct sounds of the woodland life of Sherwood through his ears, the bright colors of the forest in the midst of beautiful green leaves. The touch of the light breeze that flitted from tree to tree…and for some reason, he could feel the searing kiss he shared with Marian right before they charged in to save her father a week ago. Marian…
Then it was as if all thoughts collapsed back on itself like imploding dune sand he had seen in the deserts of the Holy Lands and he turned back to stare at James who met his gaze with steady eyes, "Does the Sheriff of Nottingham knows?"
"He will. I was on my way to meet him when we were caught by your trap," James replied evenly.
"I see…" Robin turned and began to walk away from the camp, "Much…"
"Master?" even Much sounded subdued and that was a sound he didn't like to hear.
"Release James and his men. They will stay with us tonight since its getting dark. Tomorrow, we go to Nottingham."
"Yes Master," Much replied but he didn't even hear his friend's answer as he walked out of the campsite, wanting to be alone for a while.
Robin reckoned a few hours had passed since he left the camp, but he kept sitting on the rock he was occupying, staring out into the darkness of Sherwood Forest. Had he been deluding himself all these past weeks since his return? Had he been hoping that he would settle here, live the life of an outlaw, perhaps overthrow the Sheriff and Gisborne only to perhaps marry Marian in the end and live happily ever after?
There was a war going on out there! Even he should have seen the signs that while he had been battling his own war here in England, the war of the corrupt, the other war, the religious holy war that was only the doing of Pope Gregory XIII was the one where countless of blood was being shed and wasted. Good men were coming home broken and battered. His mind had nearly shattered during the five years he served as Captain of the Guard, if not for Much's constant companionship and talking, he might have become what Harold was, or even worst.
A part of him realized that he was afraid. Afraid of returning to the Holy Lands…afraid that if he did return, he would transform into something inhuman, something that didn't feel, care, or even notice anything else except the blade between his hands and the thirst of blood. That was why he lost his taste for blood as the Sheriff had said. He had seen too many innocents die during his five years of hell. And now King Richard wanted him to return.
Could he do it? Could he return and still keep what was left of his own humanity? Could he return from the Holy Lands once more and hold Marian in his arms without being hypocritical of his own self? The blood on his hands was the stained blood of the many innocents he had killed…he had been forced to kill. All in the name of glory, God, and what was supposedly rightfully the Christians. Even Much didn't know the full extent of his sin of killing innocents…no one knew except a few others.
He had originally thought that his near fatal wound was from the grace of God to send him home, for God to tell him that he had enough, he was done; he could go home and rest. But was God now calling him back to the Holy Lands? Did God decide that his time of peace was over?
He knew that he didn't have the answers, only the orders from King Richard…
Marian…how would she react to the news? Just when they were admitting their feelings for one another… Robin let his head hang between his propped up knees, his hands grabbing his head. Sweet, spunky, beautiful Marian…who had waited for him for five years…whom had almost married Gisborne only to run away from her wedding and straight into his arms; whom had kissed him, her taste like honey and wine…caring, gentle Marian.
"Marian…" he choked out almost silently.
Would Gisborne now actively court her once he was gone? Would she wait another five years for him? He wasn't sure… He wanted to protect her, to make sure that no harm ever came to her. 'We should be together,' that was what he told her when she was dying from her wounds.
Giving a shake of his head, he tried to drive all thoughts of Marian and the letter from his mind as he stood up, staring out into the darkness once more. He would deal with Marian reaction when she found out. It wasn't good to dwell on such things. But if there was one good thing that came out of this whole letter, it was probably the expression of shock that the Sheriff would be wearing tomorrow – and Gisborne too, he added as an afterthought.
As he turned and started back towards the camp, a half smile formed on his face as he could see the pole-axed expression both would probably be wearing. It would be worth it to see that expression.
NOTTINGHAM TOWN
The famed band of outlaws throughout Nottinghamshire walked in plain view through the mid-morning sun beating down upon them as they came to the gates of Nottingham. They walked with their heads held up high, wiry smiles on their faces as the peasants openly gaped at them, wondering why they were crazy enough to accompany a Crusader, his two guards, and manservant to the man that surely wanted them captured and hanged.
Robin couldn't keep the smirk off his face as he watched the peasants' reaction to him and his band of outlaws. Even the guards that they approached were doing double takes.
"Halt, sire," one of the guards stepped forward to their party, holding up his hand, "identification papers please."
"I trust you'll find them in order, guard," James leaned down and handed a roll of parchments.
"Sir, you do know that traveling in the company of these men makes your papers seem irrelevant?" the guard spoke up as he looked through the papers.
"I understand, guard, but I can assure you, these men are not wanted men anymore," James replied evenly, "the Sheriff is expecting me."
"Perhaps-" the guard looked like he was going to say more, but his eyes suddenly bulged slightly as he looked at the last piece of James' papers, and from what Robin could see, it was a Royal Decree complete with the seal of King Richard. He couldn't see the words from his vantage point, but apparently the guard understood completely and froze on the spot.
"Milord, I understand, please proceed in. I will summon the Sheriff for you," the guard bowed low and deeply at them before running to his partner and whispering in his ear. The other guard immediately sped inside, probably to rouse the Sheriff up.
Robin exchanged surprised glances with his men, all whom shrugged before they followed James in. When they came to the main courtyard of the castle, the Sheriff was hurrying down the steps, Gisborne and a host of guards following him.
"Sir James," the Sheriff started, smiling hastily, "we were not expecting you until tomorrow."
"I trust that you've received the letter I've sent ahead of my arrival stating when I shall be arriving?" James dismounted his horse and Robin noticed that the man's demeanor became a bit more cold and standoffish.
"Yes but-"
"These men who travel with me, I presume that you call them outlaws?"
Robin smiled slightly as the Sheriff flicked a look at him before drawing himself up.
"Yes, they have committed grave crimes against the Crown and their leader, Locksley has prevented the true nature of justice to prevail when he was told to participate in the execution of peasants who stole flour," the Sheriff replied stiffly.
"They are under my protection until we have the chance to talk, Sheriff. Your men will not harm Robin or his men or you will face the wrath of the Crown," James started up the stairs, his guards and manservant following behind him as he abruptly swept past the Sheriff.
Robin's half-smile blossomed into a full grin as he saw the Sheriff gape slightly before hurrying to follow James and guide him to the great hall, Gisborne following in his wake, silent as ever. He chuckled slightly as Allan and Much gave mocking bows to the guards before following him in.
Arriving in the great hall, he wasn't surprised to see most of not all of the nobles that lorded over the towns within the shire there. It was customary to have daily meetings during the week to assess the populace's mood, or in the Sheriff's case, how much taxes were collected during the day before. He kept his expression neutral as he saw Marian standing behind her father Edward, both whom had surprised looks on their faces as they saw him and his gang walk down the stairs before settling in the back of the room, half in the shadows.
James swept around the nobles to take a seat where the Sheriff usually sat, leaving the Sheriff comically standing to the side, a bit off-kilter. Behind him, Gisborne stood silently as a statue, though Robin could see that the man was very confused as to what was happening and whether or not he should spring into action with his sword.
"This better not be another one of your tricks, Sheriff. Your last one did not go well with us," one of the nobles spoke up darkly.
"Tricks?" James asked, arching an eyebrow at the Sheriff who gave a sickly laugh before holding his hands up.
"The lords of the lands jest, sire," the Sheriff replied weakly.
"I am James of Atherstone, Earl of Westwood, Lord and Knight of the Third Guard of the King's Crusade to reclaim the Holy Lands," James spoke from his seat, "I have been sent back to the homeland because of some disturbing reports that have reached the King's ears."
James stood up and started to pace back and forth, his eyes glinting like crystals. "Reports that those who have been oppressed have nothing left to fight with; reports that people are suffering from the inequities that plague the lands. King Richard sees that while this war must continue for the sake of Christianity and our souls, he also sees that the people are in need.
"Sheriff," James pulled out a parchment with the King's seal on it unbroken and handed it to the Sheriff who took it rather reluctantly, "please read this aloud. All who are present in this room are to be witness to this."
Robin watched as the Sheriff broke the seal and unrolled the parchment before starting to read it.
"From King Richard I the Lionhearted, By the Grace of God, King of the English, Duke of the Normans and Aquitanians, Count of the Angevins to Sheriff Vaysey of Nottinghamshire, Lord of the Lands and Keeper of Sherwood Forestry. It has come to our attention that your servitude to the English people has been tempered with your iron-will grip of the funds that provide us with the necessary tools of war. While we humbly receive those funds to continue our war against the infidels and those who defy Christianity and embrace a pagan god, we do not wish to discount the fact that our people have been suffering in absence.
"From hence forth on this day whence my servant Sir James of Atherstone, Earl of Westwood, arrives, a new governor shall be declared: Lord Edward Fitzwalter of Knighton shall continue in my stead."
Silence filled the room as the Sheriff stopped reading and glanced back at James who nodded. Robin stared at Edward who looked completely surprised by the news, Marian holding her hands to her mouth that had fallen open. Even the nobles had fallen silent and was either staring at Edward or the former Sheriff.
"Guy of Gisborne," James suddenly said in the silence, startling all in the room.
"Sir," Gisborne looked wary as he approached James.
"This is for you. You do not have to read it out loud," James handed over a folded parchment with the seal still intact to Gisborne who opened it and read the contents quickly.
"Sir?" the look on Gisborne's face was unreadable.
"You have your orders. Arrest Sheriff Vaysey," James said in an even tone.
Robin watched as Gisborne hesitated for a second before drawing out his sword and reluctantly pointed it at the Sheriff. He wondered what was in the contents of the letter for Gisborne to actually turn on the man that had brought him to power for the past four years. It had to be something worthwhile…
"Escort Lord Vaysey out of the room and to secure quarters please," Gisborne said to the guards who hesitated for a fraction of a second before following the man's orders.
"Wouldn't the dungeons be a better place?" James spoke up as the guards were half way up the stairs with Vaysey in between them.
"You did not specify where he would be placed, sir," Gisborne replied stiffly.
"True," James waved him off before sitting back down in his seat and addressing the now completely stunned crowd of lords.
"I'm not being funny, but that did not just happen did it?" Allan whispered.
"Apparently it did," Will replied next to him.
Marian kept a very firm grip on the back of the high chair her father sat on, lest she find herself collapsing to the ground in shock. She dared not look back at Robin or any of his men just in case this was another trap again, but it seemed that this time, it was the real deal.
She couldn't believe what she had heard. Sheriff Vaysey ousted, her father reinstated as the sheriff once more, all because the King had heard the pleas of his people all the way in the Holy Lands. She had thought the King was too busy to care about his own people, including those he ruled in France, but apparently her fears were allayed.
"Now that business has been dealt with," the Crusader James stood up and gestured to the seat that he had been occupying moments ago before staring at her father, "Lord Edward, I believe this is your rightful place."
Marian glanced down at her father who gave her an unreadable look before getting up and walking towards the seat before sitting down, almost tentatively. She had to admit, her father looked out of place in the seat that had been Sheriff Vaysey's for the past four years. She still remembered how her father had decorated the castle when he was Sheriff. It was most definitely a lot homelier and the peasants and nobles alike felt like they were at home and were more open to talk about things that mattered in their villages.
"I believe my first action as the Sheriff shall be the lessening of taxes to the peasants throughout the shire and give each peasant, be it man, woman, or child a coin for their troubles," Edward declared. There was just a split second of silence before Marian heard clapping from behind and turned slightly to see Robin step forward from the shadows. Seconds later, his men joined in and she looked around to see the other nobles reluctantly joining in.
"It seems, Sheriff, that a celebration is in order," Robin spoke up as the clapping died away, "might I suggest Locksley Manor?"
Marian stared in surprise. Why would Robin suggest his former lodgings?
"After all, you are not the only one to regain your title," he continued before winking at her, a roguish smile on his face.
She smiled coolly back at him, still flustered from what had just happened. Her first thought was did Guy know about the fact that Robin regained his title and lands at Locksley? And if he did, what did Guy get in return to make him betray the one man that he was always loyal to? She knew that she needed to talk to Robin later tonight during the party. There was something he wasn't saying, she could tell.
LOCKSLEY MANOR
It was just a bit after noon when Robin rode into Locksley with his men, a smile on his face. Even though he knew that he would be leaving in the next couple of days for the Crusades once more, he still felt happy that his men and his status had been regained all for the greater good. On their way from Nottingham to Locksley, he had told each of his men, with the exception of Much since he had long made that promise of Bonchurch to him, that they would get a plot of land for their own in Locksley should they want to stay.
Djaq and the others were surprised and the Saracen tomboy had asked him what would she do with a piece of land as she preferred to sleep out in the forest. He had only smiled and told her she could do whatever she wanted with that piece of land and left it at that. As they rode in, Robin could see that his peasants were all standing by their front doors, bowing down to him. Apparently word spread fast as to what had happened in Nottingham.
He smiled and waved at them before riding towards his manor…his home. Home… He had only barely gotten to enjoy Locksley Manor when he became an outlaw and now, it seemed so close once more. He knew that he would have to leave probably the day after tomorrow, but for now, it was his home. His place of rest…
"Robin!" Thornton's cheerful voice greeted him as he halted in front of the main courtyard and dismounted, handing the reins to one of the stable boys who took the horse and lead it away along with Much's. A couple of other stable boys came out and grabbed the others' horses and led them away.
"Thornton!" Robin shook his faithful head of servants' hand before pulling him into a firm hug. Releasing him, he grinned, "I take it you've heard the news?"
"Of course, Master. I've already have the cooks prepare a feast for tonight. How many are we expecting?"
"A few nobles, Sheriff Edward and Marian, Sir James and his party," Robin rattled off before he snapped his fingers, "and perhaps the whole of Locksley."
"Milord that is a lot of people," Thornton looked a bit faint.
"Don't worry," he put his hand on his servant's shoulder, "I trust you still have the stockpile we gave a few days ago?"
"Yes! I shall have the others fetch them," his servant replied.
"Good, good. Now, Thornton, my men are guests in this house and as such, they will be treated to whatever they want. I will be asking Lord Edward tonight to pardon them," he looked back to the rest of the gang, all whom wore smiles on their faces, especially Much who looked completely ecstatic.
"Very good milord," Thornton bowed slightly, "I will have the women draw baths for each of them."
"Good. Keep them happy and keep them occupied. I have some unfinished business to attend to for the moment. I will return in a few hours. Please prepare a bath for me then," Robin said.
"Master do you want me to come?" Much spoke up and Robin turned to his best friend shaking his head.
"No, you stay here and enjoy yourself. Have some food since you're always complaining about the lack of it in the forest," the others laughed lightly at his statement, "don't worry. I'll be back before the party can get started."
Much nodded, happy and eager that he didn't have to go anywhere else but enjoy a long bath and food to go along with it.
"Baths…this is going to feel so good!" Djaq clasped her hands together and Robin watched them for a second as Thornton ushered them up the stairs to the guest rooms where they could relax before heading down to the bath houses, before he headed back out to the stables to get his horse.
As he approached the stables, he saw little Seamus, only a spindly four-year-old when he had left for the Crusades, now a growing nine-year-old brushing down his horse. "Seamus, how is Treaton doing?"
"I was about to give him a second brush, do you need him sire?" Seamus asked, putting down the brush that he had been grooming his horse Treaton with.
"If possible; I need to meet an old friend in Knighton," he replied.
"Very good sire," Seamus dropped the brush down onto the ground before running to the back of the stables to get Treaton's tack and saddle. He came back after a few minutes and Robin watched him put the equipment onto his horse. The kid had the skills and judging by what he had seen by the care of his own horse and that of the others, Seamus would be a master squire by the time he was in his teens.
"Excellent work Seamus. I'm sure your father would be proud of you," he led his horse out before mounting with one swift movement.
"Thank you sire," Seamus bowed his head slightly, embarrassed.
"After you're done taking care of the other horses, go into the house and tell Thornton that you would like a large helping of whatever you want. It is on my orders."
"Thank you!" Seamus looked up and grinned at him as he rode away, headed to Knighton. James said that he would be in Knighton to help the newly reinstated Sheriff Edward ease into his role once more and Robin needed to talk to him before any of the festivities started.
KNIGHTON HALL
It only took an hour or so to ride to Knighton and Robin could already see a change within the village. Many of the villagers were milling about, chatting happily with each other and the shadowy figures that used to be Sheriff Vaysey's spies were gone from the corners of the houses and the local pub. Riding up to the Edward's home, he dismounted his horse and let one of the stable boys hold the reins.
He knocked on the door and a few seconds later, was pleasantly surprised by Marian opening it up and answering it.
"Marian," he smiled at her and she gave him a faint one in return, color rising to her cheeks.
"If you are looking for Sir James or my father, they are still at Nottingham," she replied before starting to close the door on him.
Robin put his foot between the door and the frame before it closed fully, "Wait! You don't think I came all this way just to talk to James or your father did you?"
She opened the door again and stared at him with a raised eyebrow, "It seems that every time you come, you're either asking my father or me a favor. So why should this time be any different?"
"True," Robin conceded, "but since I'm now not an outlaw anymore, couldn't I come by and start to court you properly?"
He bit his lip from laughing out loud as he saw her face flush slightly in embarrassment. "Come on…is it so bad that I am courting you now?"
"Robin…" her tone was a warning one, but her face was still red. She glanced down for a second before composing herself and giving him a tilted look. "Well, if you are courting me, Sir Robin of Locksley, shouldn't you do so with a gift first?"
"You're too spoiled with gifts from Gisborne," he said, "especially that horse that he tried to give you before it was repossessed."
"It is better than the empty promises you give as your gifts," she shot back, half a smirk on her face.
"You wound me," he ducked his head as if he had been shot. This was one of the reasons why he found her completely fascinating; she spoke her mind with no fear of repercussions at all.
"Would you like me to treat that wound with a thick needle?"
"Thick and sharp?" he grinned at the joke shared between them.
"Sharper than the one used on your arm," she replied, a smile blossoming on her face, "but since you've regained your title and lands, we can use one of your spare arrows as your needle, can't we?"
"Ow…" he admitted defeat, holding up his hands, "I can almost never win an argument with you, Marian."
"Correction," she wasn't letting him go so easily, "you never won an argument with me. Remember, that time, seven years ago during my birthday?"
"The incident with the haystack?" he vaguely recalled her thirteenth birthday. Granted he had been completely drunk off of the wine her father had pulled out to celebrate her birthday and coming out party, he could still remember flashes of what happened.
"Yes, the incident with the haystack," she poked him hard in the chest, "you dared me to find a needle in that haystack to beat you at your game. We both shouted at each other while digging through the haystack."
Robin narrowed his eyes slightly as he could remember parts of it before pursing his lips and nodding slowly, "You won that argument by throwing me into the mud… That was the first time we really met each other, didn't we?"
"Yes," Marian nodded, but Robin could see that she was holding something back but decided not to press the issue, "and after that, I won all of our arguments."
"Up until I left," he abruptly stopped, wondering if he should tell her about his orders to return to the Holy Lands. Last time he had told her the same night he had proposed to her that he was going to the Holy Lands to follow King Richard to glory, but it was only part of the real reason. He went, because he wanted to prove to her that he would protect her with his life that he was going to be a worthy husband.
Since he was a child, he had heard rumors of who he was to be engaged to when he came to adulthood and the rumors he had heard of Marian was that she was a spoiled little girl who liked pretty things and was like a dainty teacup. It was then that he had made a promise to break her heart so that he wouldn't have to marry a girl like her. So when her thirteenth birthday came up and he was invited, he wanted to embarrass her in front of everyone and had set up the haystack dare to break her.
Except it had the completely opposite effect. Stunned by her tenacity and willful nature, he had fallen in love with her and made a new promise to himself, he would prove to be a worthy husband to her. He would protect her with his life, love her completely, and never, ever make her cry.
The mood between them had turned quiet and Robin glanced up to see her radiant smile gone from her face, a glum look now gracing her features.
"Was it all for glory and battle?" she asked, her voice quiet.
The word 'yes' wanted to spill easily from his lips, but Robin knew that she would be disappointed once more so he shrugged, "Right now…I don't know."
"Hah," she gave a very unladylike snort, "you don't know? All men go to battle for glory and for honor."
He opened his mouth to say something before closing it and shaking his head, thumping his hand on the frame of her door, "Look, can we not talk about this right now?"
"Then when is a good time to talk about it Robin? When?" she stared at him, her eyes filled with disappointment, "you avoid the subject every time I bring it up!"
"Because," he felt a flash of anger at her, "because you don't know what I've seen there! It's not glory or honor! Its bloodshed of innocents and those who fight for nothing! Just a bloody piece of land! You think I like to talk about my time in the Holy Lands?!"
"Well it seems to suit you just fine to take your skills and use it in your current profession of being an outlaw!" she retorted.
"It's only because I come back from the Holy Lands to find that the rich are robbing the poor and corruption exists everywhere! And don't give me your speech about working from within the system;" he held up a finger to stop her from interrupting him, "I am tired of seeing people die, Marian! I am tired of watching all of my friends, all those innocents hang or be killed just because they can't defend themselves!"
"So you think you can become everyone's protector? You think you can take the fall for everyone? You're so full of it, Robin! Grow up!" she said angrily, "becoming that sacrificial lamb is unbecoming of you!"
"Unbecoming?!" Robin's eyebrows shot up in shock, "unbecoming?!"
She immediately looked away, "You know I didn't mean that."
"I think you do," he whispered angrily before pushing himself away from her, "I'll see you later."
He stormed away from her front door and quickly mounted his horse and galloped away, his thoughts dark and mood bitter as he rode back to Locksley. This was definitely not the conversation he wanted to have with her…
LOCKSLEY MANOR
It was a few hours later and the party was already underway. Robin's mood had improved slightly as he played the host for Edward's reinstatement to the title of Sheriff and his own welcome-home party. He had arrived back at his home to find Djaq yelling at both Allan and Will for trying to peek in on her while she was having her bath. The latter of the two completely red-faced and denying that he was even trying to look at her, the former not even trying to deny that he was peeking in on her.
He had decided to let them settle the matter by themselves and had checked in with Much to see that his good friend was asleep in one of the guestrooms, a half-eaten plate of chicken by his nightstand. Little John was also in his own guestroom, except he was napping sitting in one of the chairs, his quarterstaff resting on his shoulders. Robin had shaken his head at the sight. John would probably never sleep in a normal bed for the rest of his life; he was too used to living in the outdoors and on the run.
Right now, glancing over the rim of the cup of wine he held in his hand, he could see both Allan and Will had red marks on their faces, courtesy of Djaq who apparently resolved the matter by slapping both men. She now was talking with a couple of the healers from the nearby villages that had come to the party, occasionally smirking at Allan and Will, both whom looked sullen. Both Much and Little John had awoken from their naps to join in the party.
"Attention, attention please," James suddenly called from the other side of the room, quieting the conversations that had been going on. "I would like to propose a toast to the new Sheriff, Edward Fitzwalter! To his health and may he watch over the shire with a kind and firm hand!"
"Here, here!" Robin and the others raised their glasses before drinking some of the wine.
"And also," James turned to face him across the room, "to Sir Robin of Locksley. If you hadn't heard the news by now, the King has requested that Sir Robin return to the Holy Lands to aide him once more as Captain of his Guard. To your safe journey, my friend, and may you gain more glory and honor for the English people!"
"Here, here!" a majority of the party-goers called out, as Robin tilted his head in acknowledgement, all the while noticing the sad looks on his men's faces. He also noted the shock on both Edward and Marian's faces, but steadfastly tried to ignore it, especially when Marian slipped out to the kitchens a few seconds later. This was not how he wanted Marian to find out the news…
As the rest of the guests resumed their conversations with each other, Robin headed towards James, hoping to catch the man before some other noble got to him. He needed to talk to him. Along the way, he nodded or murmured his thanks to the other nobles and a few servants passing by as they congratulated him and wished him good heath on his return trip to the Holy Lands.
Finally he reached James' side and cleared his throat politely, pulling him from a conversation with a woman who was dressed in the deepest shades of red possible.
"Ah, Robin, I trust that the party is going well?" James asked him.
"Yes," Robin took a quick sip of his wine, "everyone seems to be enjoying themselves."
"Yes, yes," James smiled congenially before gesturing to the woman in the dark slightly fluffy red dress, "I was just having the most fascinating conversation with Lady Therier. Apparently her husband had served as an ambassador earlier in the Holy Lands before the King arrived."
"That's nice," Robin said quickly before pulling James to the side slightly, "can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure," James nodded before taking Lady Therier's hand and kissing it, making her blush completely into her mottled grey hair, "milady, this will just take a moment."
"You worm your way into a girl's heart so easily, Sir James. Of course, I will wait," she replied, giggling like a teenaged girl before smiling at Robin, "and you too, Sir Robin. Oh do I remember you charming those lovely young ladies at the parties you held. With the two of you boys here, I feel like I'm twenty again!"
Robin flashed a brief grimacing grin before walking towards the door to the kitchens, dragging James along with him. "James, I need to talk to you about the King's letter."
"What about it?" James asked quietly.
"There is no time or place of when I would be leaving and where to go on the letter," he said.
"That's because I am to accompany you to London before returning here to manage your estate. Your ship will be docked in its ports to take you to the French mainland where you will then head south to the port of Gibraltar. The King told me to let you say your goodbyes before leaving, which is why he didn't specify a date in which you are needed," James explained.
"So I can basically stay here until winter," Robin muttered, looking around at the party-goers, seeing their happy faces as anger filled him. He didn't want to go! He had a home here, a life – well, the dangerous life of an outlaw, but damn it all to hell, he was doing some good here!
"Robin," James looked scandalized, "you don't mean that!"
"Of course I don't," Robin shook his head, rolling his eyes, "but you get the point."
"I think, it be best if we left the day after tomorrow," the Crusader said gently.
Scratching the back of his head he sighed and reluctantly nodded, "Yeah…I think you're right. Every second here longer kills me…"
"I think its also killing your lady friend…I think Sheriff Edward's daughter? Marian?" James stared at him with knowing eyes.
"Marian," Robin confirmed.
"I've seen how you look at her…and how she looks at you. You didn't tell her earlier did you?" James frowned slightly.
Robin didn't say anything and instead watched the party continue on. He could see the laughing faces of his gang, his friends. All of them wore a look of joy that he hadn't seen for a long time. Even Much's usual worried-lined face was washed away in a full smile that ran from ear to ear. Jealousy started to creep through him and he clamped down hard on the emotion. He had no right to be jealous of his friends. They deserved this, this happiness.
"I think Lady Therier is calling you back," he noticed the waving of the lady's hand, a blood-red handkerchief in it as she beckoned to them.
"I'll come mid morning for you," James said before he moved past Robin and back into the party, leaving him alone.
Robin stared at the party for a few more minutes before turning back around and headed into the kitchen. He needed to talk with Marian and hopefully this time, it would be properly…
He found her out in the back of the manor just beyond the lights from the kitchen, staring out into the cattail fields and beyond that, the woods of Sherwood. Knowing that she was probably angry at him, especially in light of their fight earlier, he walked towards her cautiously. "Marian?"
She didn't answer him and instead kept staring out into the forest, the dusk sun slowly setting into the trees.
"Marian?" he tried again walking closer to her.
"I knew it was too good to be true," he could barely hear her whisper before she turned to face him and he was taken aback at the tears falling down her face before she roughly scrubbed them away and gave him a sad smile. "That's why you came to Knighton, didn't you? To find Sir James to talk about you leaving for the Holy Lands."
"On orders," he quickly interrupted, stepping closer to her and taking her hands into his own. He did not want to see her cry; it broke his heart every time he saw tears in her eyes. "I go on orders this time Marian. Not for glory, nor for honor, just on orders."
"It's still the same isn't it?" she looked away from him, "it doesn't matter whether or not you're going on orders or not. You're leaving again…"
Releasing her hands, he reached up and touched her chin, gently turning her gaze back onto him, "Marian, what is this really about?"
"This," she looked down, her fingers wringing together, "is about you leaving, once more to fight a war you said yourself is already at home."
"What do you want me to say? I can't ignore my duty to my King," Robin looked at her in desperation, "I don't want to leave Locksley again. Not when this…this wonderful thing has happened!"
"I…know," she looked down slightly, "and I know you can't run away…"
"I want to stay," he said forcefully, making her stare at him once more, "I want to stay and…court your properly."
"Court?" the faintest hint of a blush appeared on her cheeks and Robin's lips curled into a humorous grin.
"Court; and I wasn't joking earlier," he leaned closer to her, emphasizing his words.
"H-How long will you be gone?" she stared deeply into his eyes as he was drawn into her deep blue ones.
"Hopefully not long," he whispered, moving a bit closer before his lips captured hers in a long kiss. His hands moved of their own accord, holding her shoulders firmly as he stepped in closer to her, their bodies almost touching. Drinking in the sweet taste of her lips, he wished that this moment would last forever. All of the heartaches he had felt for her, all the dreams he had about her… But he knew that it wasn't meant to last forever…and broke the kiss off after a few more seconds and released her, stepping back. He wanted to hold her for a long time, but he knew that even with his status regained, what he was doing, what he had done, was completely inappropriate if anyone had seen them.
There was a polite clearing of a throat and both he and Marian turned their heads to see Much standing by the back entrance, looking a bit embarrassed. "Master," Much looked regretful at having to interrupt them, "Guy of Gisborne is looking for you."
"Gisborne?" Robin's brows knitted together in puzzlement.
"Yes. He wouldn't say what though. I told him to go home, but he said he needed to talk to you," Much shrugged.
Robin shook his head, resigned before he turned back to Marian and gently stroked her hair, reveling in the softness of her brown locks. "I'm sorry," he whispered to her before turning around and walking towards the front of his manor.
When he arrived at the front of his manor, he noticed that indeed, Gisborne was standing by his horse, looking decidedly uncomfortable and out of place. A ripple of anger shot through Robin as he approached the man. Part of him just wanted to rip Gisborne to pieces for what he did to him and to the King in the Holy Lands, the other part of him wanted to see justice served when he found the evidence to convict the man of treason.
"What do you want?" he snapped, suddenly impatient and wanting to be somewhere other than here.
"I thought you would like to know," Gisborne stared at him with hard dark eyes, "that I won't be bothering Marian or her father anymore."
"And why should I care?"
"Hmph," the dark-haired man snorted, "you care Locksley. I've heard the rumors, seen the evidence."
Robin was silent, glaring at him.
Gisborne mounted his horse, "I've received my lands back and thus will be returning to London."
"Forgive if I don't wish you well on your trip, but I have my guests to entertain," Robin gave him a mocking bow before Gisborne turned his horse around and galloped away.
He watched him go into the darkness of night, an uneasy feeling in his stomach. Somehow, that man always seemed to make him feel skittish, something he did not like. Mentally shrugging, he turned around and headed back to the party, its warm glow still going on into the night.
June 12, 1192
The villagers and peasants were milling about, some doing their morning chores; others just anticipating what were to happen in less than an hour or so. News of Robin's return to the Holy Lands had put a damper on the mood of Locksley village, even though everyone was happy that their Lord was reinstated to full status. Many did not want to see their beloved Lord leave, yet they were afraid to voice their opinions.
In this way, Robin was glad that they didn't say anything, even though he could read it plainly on their faces as he spent the morning readying his horse. He occasionally glanced out beyond his manor's boundaries to see some of the women and men looking forlorn.
If the peasants were this quiet, he definitely avoided the glances his men gave him as they stayed in his house for the past two days as guests. Allan, Djaq, and Much had made light conversation with him while Little John was his usual silent self. Will, however, was very quiet and withdrawn, occasionally giving him what Robin thought were kicked puppy looks. He knew that the youngest member of their gang looked up to him like an almost older brother figure. With his father and younger brother gone to Scarborough to hide from the sheriff, Will had no family left and probably considered the gang his family.
But he knew that with the pardoning of his men, Will's family and even Little John's would be able to return and live together again. Will would be able to get over his departure in a few days; he would have his younger brother to take care of again…and probably the company of Djaq to whom he had been seeing a budding relationship pop up between the two.
"Master, at least let me come with you," Much's plaintive tone made him turn around from adjusting the strap of one of his bags onto Treaton's saddle. Rolling down the sleeves of his traveling shirt, he faced Much. He knew he would receive another Crusader uniform when he arrived in London.
"Much," Robin shook his head as he walked over and placed his hands firmly on Much's shoulders, "I'm not your master anymore, and besides, you would suffer too much if you went with me."
"But I went with you the first time, and look, see, I'm fine," his good friend replied.
Robin looked down slightly before staring back at his friend, "Don't think I haven't seen you twist and turn in your sleep like you see me do. We've both suffered a lot. You yourself said to Dan Scarlett when first returned that we returned scathed."
"And hungry."
"And hungry," he nodded before smiling sadly at him, "I don't want you to come with me this time."
"But, what about what you said when Harold was there. You said that I was a good listener…that I could heal people's souls. I don't-" Much looked away for a second, grief evident on his face, "I don't want you to go back into that bloody battlefield and come home like Harold!"
"I won't," Robin released his friend's shoulders, "but you will if you return back there."
"I am-"
"You are soft Much," he noticed the brief hurt look that appeared on his friends face and shook his head, "not like that, my friend. You have a gentle soul, one that has been terribly tainted by the war. I shouldn't have taken you to the Holy Lands, if I knew what it would do to you."
"I am fine, Master, it's you that I worry about," Much crossed his arms and pouted childishly, "I don't want you to go. I'll die inside with worry, and I'll die if you don't come back."
"Much," Robin could see his friend's heart breaking and he stared at him sadly. It didn't matter if he took him to the Holy Lands or left him there, Much had already been through so much, and to have the tenacity and will to continue to follow him through the fires of hell, he gave him less credit than he deserved. "I will come back…"
"That's not reassuring," Much continued to pout.
"Then reassure me in my head that you will watch over Marian and the others. Reassure me that they are safe until I return. Reassure me that my estate here in Locksley is fine, and that your lands at Bonchurch are fine. Reassure me that Eve, your love, will be fine. Reassure me, Much," Robin shook his friend's shoulder to emphasize his point.
"What?" Much looked completely confused.
Robin glanced around for a second, making sure that no one was close enough to hear his next words before he leaned in close, his forehead almost touching Much's. "Something isn't right here, Much. Protect Marian and protect the others…the Sheriff will make his move when I am gone."
"But he's been arrested! You saw Gisborne-"
"He says he's going to London, but who knows! You saw how James didn't react when he says he was being put into a room instead of the dungeons! He may not know…and I intend to find out when I get to London," Robin said quietly.
"But-"
"I know, my status and all of this…it still doesn't mean the Sheriff can plan something. He has allies, Much. Allies all over the place," he continued, "protect Marian, protect the others."
"When I do leave for the Holy Lands, you'll be the only one that they can turn to. You are the only one left who truly knows what is going on," he stared into Much's eyes, willing his good friend to understand what he was saying.
"I-I understand," Much hastily nodded before Robin clapped him on the shoulder.
"Good," he said loudly, as if the whispered chat they just had meant nothing, "then I will write you later my good friend."
"Um…yeah, you too," Much gave him a puzzling look before stepping back as he finished the last of the ties to the saddle and mounted Treaton with one swift movement.
"Well," Robin looked down at his good friend, "I guess this is it."
"Yeah," Much blinked back tears, "this is it. Good luck and god-speed."
Robin nudged his horse to move and rode out of the manor. He passed by Little John, Will, Djaq, and Allan, all whom had no expressions on their faces as they watched him go by on his way through the village. He could see James and his men along with a couple of extra guards waiting for him on their horses and Robin rode up to them.
"Ready to go Robin?" James asked.
"As I'll ever be," he gave him a sad smile before they started off. They were only a few feet into the woods of Sherwood when Robin heard the shouts of the village's children wishing him good luck along with some of the adults and his heart ached for them, but he dared not look behind to see his beloved village disappear as they headed further into the woods.
He was headed back to Jerusalem…back to war.
Author's Notes:
This is my first attempt at writing Robin Hood fanfic, and I have to say, I fell in love with the series during the course of the summer. If you're read my other works, you'll notice that I tend to favor drama and action in a majority of my fanfics and not so much emphasis on romance. I hope you all of you enjoy my offerings I have to this fandom! This is part 1 of 3.