Robin looked at the bed where his father had been laid out. He saw the figure lying next to his father and knew that she too was no longer alive. Robin went to alert his brothers and sisters that his mother had been found, but when he reached the door he simply closed it and turned back to his parents. Being the youngest of ten children he felt he had never had enough time with his parents and he decided to take it now. His siblings would find him soon enough.

Robin looked at his father and was amazed that Sir Guy of Gisborne had lived to be eighty years of age. He had heard stories over the years and had seen much in his twenty-five years of his father's exploits both good and bad. Everyone said that his mother, the Lady Marian, had changed his father by her belief that there was good in Sir Guy. Robin chuckled to himself remembering his mother sighing when his father walked into the great hall last month saying, "Is he not still the most handsome man alive?"

Touching his mother's now cold cheek, Robin realized that she was still a beautiful woman at sixty-four years. His family should have known to come here when their mother had disappeared after father had died. Marian had hated being separated from her husband for any length of time. Now she would be with him forever Robin mused and no one could place their demands on them anymore. Their political battles were over and there would finally be peace for the two of them. Though in their last years most of the battles between the two appeared to be more in jest than anything truly serious. The last great battle between the two of them had been over his name.

______________________________________________________________________

"Guy I want to name him Robin." Marian said facing Guy's back as he was getting dressed that morning.

"Absolutely not Marian. We've been over this before. No child of mine is going to be named after that man." Guy said still not facing Marion and pulling on his shirt.

"But Guy you two made your peace before he was killed did you not? At least that's what you told me."

"We did not make peace Marian. We formed a very uneasy alliance to get rid of the Sheriff. That man caused too much pain to both you and I and I won't have a son burdened with that name. And besides what would everyone say if I called my son Robin?"

"Your son?" Marian questioned with her hands on her hips. "I believe I'm the one carrying your son. That makes him my son too."

Guy turned and put his hand on Marian's belly and smiled, "Yes he's your son too, but"

Guy's face turning serious "he's not going to be named after Robin Hood and that's final." Guy dropped his hand and walked towards the door. He felt rather than saw the goblet hit the wall beside him. Guy shook his head, grinned and continued out the door. "This isn't finished Guy" yelled Marian.

Marian sat down on the bed. She felt more tired than she had ever felt before. Her pains would start any day now and she was determined to get her way in this name business. Marian never regretted marrying Guy, though at first it seemed to be a penance for all the bad things she might have done in her life, but she wondered every so often what life would have been like had Robin lived. She didn't think it would have been any easier or harder, the same kings and princes would still have been around to deal with, just different. Marian sighed "No use thinking about it now. It can never be changed." Marian smiled, "Nor would I want it to." After nineteen years of marriage Marian was quite besotted with her husband, 'But Guy of Gisborne this child will be named Robin. Count on it.' Marian thought as she heaved herself up off the bed.

A plan was forming in Marian's mind and it would take some doing to pull it off without Guy finding out too soon what she was up to. Marian called to Sarah, the servant in charge of housekeeping, and got the day ordered, then she headed down to the kitchens. Guy had already broken his fast and was gone for the day when Marian came into the hall. She sat down at the table to eat and make sure that all her children were fed and put to their tasks. The oldest three boys Edward, Roger and Guy were with their father so had already eaten. Catherine was trying to make sure more food went into little Marian than on her and Isabeau was putting bowls of porridge before Cicely and Margaret.

"Where's Crispin?' Marian inquired. Before she could get the words out Crispin came running down the stairs barely touching them. He started for the door when Marian told him to come, sit down and eat.

"But mother I was suppose to go with father today. He'll already be angry with me for being late" Crispin said anxiously.

"He'll be angrier if you fall over from lack of food and he has to stop what he's doing to bring you back to the castle" Marian replied.

Crispin ran back to the table grabbed some bread and an apple and was out the door before Marian could stop him. Marian smiled and knew that Crispin was right, Guy would be angry, though it wouldn't last long. Training in the art of war started early for a nobleman's son. Though most sons and daughters were sent to foster at another's castle or manor Guy and Marian had kept their children close. Guy had made too many enemies over the years and would have none of his children used as hostages against him.

Hannah, the children's nurse, came in to get little Marian and Margaret cleaned up. Cicely and Isabeau went with Brother James for lessons. Both Guy and Marian wanted all their children educated. Others scoffed at them for having daughters that could read and write, but they just ignored them knowing that if their daughters were going to be respected by their future husbands they would have to be a help to them not a hindrance. Their daughters would more than likely have to run a castle or manor as a husband went off to fight and they would need to read and cipher if they wanted to keep their managers honest.

"Hannah I'll be out most of the day so you'll have to keep an eye on the girls. The boys will be with Sir Guy until supper", said Marian as she got up from her chair.

"Yes Lady Gisborne. Where shall I tell Sir Guy you've gone should he ask?" asked Hannah.

"I haven't decided yet" Marian replied.

Hannah gave Marian and uneasy look. This did not bode well. The master and mistress had been arguing again Hannah could tell. That was it then nothing for it, the girls would eat early and spend the evening in their rooms. Hannah was not about to have the wrath of Sir Guy directed at her and though he would never hurt his daughters they would certainly be frightened of him if he worked himself into a rage. Yes an early supper would be the thing to do. Hannah left with her charges as Marian started up the stairs back to her and Guy's room. Marian had packing to do.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Guy and the boys entered the castle and parted ways as they each went to their rooms to get cleaned up and ready for supper. Guy entered his and Marian's room as two servants were filling a wooden tub with water.

"Where is my Lady wife?" Guy asked.

"We haven't seen her for some time master", they replied not meeting Guy's eyes.

Guy dismissed them with the wave of a hand. He undressed and lowered himself into the tub. The hot water helped ease the ache in his muscles. 'I'm getting too old for this' he thought, 'I should let the younger men take over.' Laying his head back against the rim of the tub Guy waited for Marion to come in and wash his back. They had gotten into a ritual of sorts with Marian washing, then massaging his back after a hard day's training.

The water was cold when Guy jerked awake, not realizing he had dozed off. Where was that woman? It wasn't like her not to come in and talk to him while he was bathing. Guy pulled himself out of the tub and dressed for dinner.

As Guy walked towards the hall he noticed it was too quiet for his brood of children. There should be talking, laughing or squabbling, usually all three going on at the same time. When he entered the hall it was to find only his sons sitting at the table.

"Where are the girls and your mother?" Guy asked looking around.

"Hannah fed the girls early tonight", said Edward "and has sent them to their rooms".

"And your mother?"

The boys all looked at each other and continued to be silent looking down at their plates.

"I'll ask one more time, where is your mother?" Guy said an edge creeping into his voice.

"Apparently no one has seen her since this morning", replied Roger.

"What do you mean no one has seen her since this morning?"

"She told Hannah that she would be out all day, but didn't tell her where she was going"

"Damn that woman."

Guy left the hall and headed to the stables. The stable hand seeing the look on Sir Guy's face tried to make him self smaller in the hopes of not being noticed. It failed to work.

"Has my wife been here today?"

"Yes Sir Guy, She came this morning and asked to have a horse saddled."

"And you let her get on a horse? Did you somehow fail to notice that she is far gone with child?"

"No Sir Guy, but she threatened to remove…"

"Remove what?"

"I'd not be able to have children sir", the stable hand replied turning beet red.

Guy couldn't help himself and smiled. "Yes that sounds like Marian. Did she say where she was going?"

"No Sir Guy"

Guy got his horse ready and left Nottingham asking the guards at the outside gate if they had seen Marian. They had and pointed him in the direction they had seen her take.

'When I get my hands on you Marian', thought Guy, 'I'll…'

Guy tried first at Knighton and was told that Marian had gone on to Nettlestone. After reaching Nettlestone he was told "no she's not here, maybe Clun." Guy was getting impatient and worried. "Fool woman" hissed Guy under his breath. Guy decided that by the time he reached Clun they'd tell him the same thing that she had already left. Skipping Clun he went to Locksley. It was already getting dark.

Arriving in Locksley, Guy went into the stables. There he saw Marian's horse. Trying to keep his temper in check he marched up to the manor house and flung the door open. He did not see her immediately and let out an exasperated growl.

"Where is Lady Marian?" Guy asked the terror filled servants. Most knew he would not harm them, but many remembered the time before Lady Marian and didn't want to take any chances.

William, Thornton's son pointed up the stairs toward the bedroom. Guy took the stairs two at a time yelling "MARIAN". He threw open the door to the room and was about to yell again when he glanced over and saw Marian waking up on the bed.

"Guy what's all the yelling about?" Marian asked rubbing her eyes. Then she remembered where she was and why she was there. "You can just go back to the castle. I'm not leaving."

"No you're not leaving. You're not getting on a horse again until after the babe is born. I'll send a message to have a carriage for you in the morning. And I'm sending the horse back with the messenger so you won't be tempted to get on it again. What were you thinking getting on horse? You could have been hurt or caused harm to the babe." Guy turned and started taking off his jacket.

"What are you doing? You can't seriously think you're staying here tonight. You can just go back to the castle", Marian said testily.

"Marian, I have ridden to three different villages searching for you. I'm tired and hungry and I'm not going anywhere else tonight", Guy opened the door and yelled down "Someone bring up some food and drink." He turned to Marian and asked "Are you hungry or have you already eaten?"

"I'm always hungry and yes I've already eaten", Marian said as she struggled to sit up.

Guy yelled down, "Bring enough for two". He then turned to Marian and helped her up on to her feet. Guy wrapped he arms around her and drew her in close to his chest. "Do not leave again. I cannot protect you if I don't know where you are. And yes I know you think you can protect yourself, but Marian your time is almost here and I don't think you can do much fighting with a babe in the way."

Marian smiled in spite of herself. Guy would always try to protect her. After nineteen years of marriage she was glad to let him. "You know I bet when the baby's born I'll be able to get back into my Night Watchman costume." Guy growled into her hair and Marian burst out laughing.

A knock on the door separated them as Mavis brought a tray in and set it on the small table by the window. Guy lit some candles in the room and set one on the table. Marian sat down and started eating. By the time Guy sat down Marian had eaten most of the food on the platter. Marian realized how much she had eaten and got up to call down for more food.

"Stay where you are. I'll get more and send the servants off." Guy left the room and returned shortly with more bread and some cheese. They talked of their sons' training and the business of their manors and the castle. Soon it was time for bed. Marian tried to take off her over dress but was having a hard time of it.

"Guy could you help me? I can't reach the ties."

"Maybe the next time you run off you'll remember to take a ladies maid." Guy smirked.

"Why, you do very nicely", Marian smiled.

Guy finished with the ties on Marian's dress and helped her out of it. He then proceeded to get himself undressed and got into bed. Guy noticed Marian staring down at herself with a sad expression on her face.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm huge."

"Yes you are." Guy said rolling on to his side away from Marian.

"GUY" Marian shouted.

"You're huge with my child and you're still beautiful. Now come to bed. I'm tired and so are you" Guy said rolling back towards Marian and bringing the sheet down for her to crawl under. Marian got into bed and snuggled up to Guy. Even though she was tired Marian could not fall asleep immediately. Guy loosened his hold on Marian as he started to slip into sleep.

"His name is going to be Robin", whispered Marian.

"No it's not", Guy said sleepily and turned over. Marion shoved his shoulder blade in aggravation. Guy just grunted and started snoring.

Five days later Marian's labor started. Catherine went to find her father to tell him. Guy was in his office looking over the accounts for all of Nottinghamshire.

"Father mother is having the baby", Catherine panted out. She had run from her parents' room to the other side of the castle looking for her father. Guy immediately got up and started running to his wife. It sounded like an explosion as the door hit the wall from Guy throwing it open.

"How long?" Guy asked coming up to the bed and kneeling to get closer to Marian.

"They've just started", Marian said through gritted teeth as another contraction hit. "It will be a while. Go back to work. I'll be fine. I have done this before."

Guy looked at Marian feeling helpless. Nine times he'd been through this and it hadn't gotten any easier. He couldn't stand to see Marian in such pain.

"Go Guy", said Marian. "I'll tell them to come get you when the baby's almost here." It made it harder on Marian to see Guy like this, so unsure of himself. Guy reluctantly left, but started to turn around when he heard Marian cry out. Lettice the midwife blocked him from coming back into the room. Lettice was the only person who didn't fear Guy's temper.

"Go Sir Guy. I'll fetch you if there's a problem. She's done this so many times afore the babe will be here in no time. Go." Lettice shooed Guy down the passageway.

Guy spent the afternoon trying to reconcile the accounts. He gave up trying and went out to watch the boys training. Before long Guy had a sword in his hand and was taking on all comers. No one could defeat him, but many gave him quite a workout. He was after all fifty-seven years of age. His men finally cried uncle and left the fields bruised and battered.

Guy had a tub brought up to Marian's old room. Their room would be out of bounds until the babe was born. He had a servant bring him clean clothes and then settled into the tub. Guy shook his head at the idea of ten children. Ten children. Though really it was eleven if you counted Seth along with his and Marian's children.

They had taken in Seth when Annie had died of pneumonia. A friend of Annie's had brought Seth to Marian knowing that Marian had helped finance Seth's care as a baby. Seth was five when he arrived. Marian had to do some fast-talking to get Guy to agree to take Seth in, but over the years Guy had come to care for the boy. Though he would send none of his and Marian's children to foster elsewhere he did send Seth to Allan at Bonchurch. Close enough to keep an eye on the boy, but far enough away that Seth would not get any ideas about someday taking over Guy's position, as the oldest son should do. That was reserved for Edward. Seth had done well in his training and would one day make a fine manager of an estate.

As Guy was musing Edward pounded on the door. "Father come quickly the midwife says mother's in trouble."

Guy immediately jumped out of the tub and pulled on a pair of clean pants and was running down the passageway while trying to pull his shirt over his head. He stopped dead at the door. Marian looked so pale as if she were… It didn't bear thinking about.

"Is she…?" Guy asked hesitantly.

"She's alive, but she's having a hard time of it. Go on to her", the midwife said.

Guy knelt down beside the bed. Marian looked up at him and smiled a weak smile. "I'm not sure I can do this. I'm so tired Guy."

"Yes you can. I promise no more children after this one." Guy said stroking her forehead.

"You can't promise that and you know it."

"Yes I can. I'll never touch you again."

"What fun would that be if you never touched me again", Marian teased as she caressed Guy's cheek. He turned and kissed the palm of her hand. Just then another contraction ripped through Marian's body.

"No", whispered Guy. "You cannot go."

Guy could only watch as Marian tried to push with the contraction, tears streaming down her face. Marian fell back against the pillow when the contraction was over.

"Do something", Guy yelled at the midwife.

"There's nothing to be done except wait Sir Guy"

"Can't you help it out? Do something. I've lost her too many times already." Guy cried.

Another contraction hit, Marian barely made a sound this time.

"You will not die. You will have this baby. Do you hear me Marian?" Guy said fiercely. "Do it now Marian."

"Yes Guy." Marian answered her voice barely a whisper.

"I can see the head", Lettice said.

"Come on Marian, Robin wants out. Push." Guy said while helping Marian into a semi-seated position.

Robin made his presence known with a hearty cry. And didn't stop crying until Lettice handed him over to Marian. Lettice handed Guy a blanket to swaddle Robin in. Robin started fussing again as Guy tried to wrap him in the blanket.

"Hush boy", said Guy, "you'll worry your mother."

Robin immediately stopped crying, put his thumb in his mouth and looked at his father. Lettice took Robin from Guy. Guy picked Marian up so the servants could change the bedding, holding her tightly to himself.

"Please Sir Guy we need to get Lady Marian cleaned up and into bed." Lettice said. Guy reluctantly handed Marian over to the waiting servants.

Guy stepped out into the passageway and looked into the eyes of his four eldest children. "It's a boy. Robin is his name. Find the priest and go to the chapel and pray for your mother." The children left immediately to do as they were told. Guy returned to the room and found Marian in a clean nightgown and in bed with Robin lying beside her. Guy lay next to her looking back and forth between Marian and his son.

"He's beautiful Marian. But this is the last one. I won't risk it."

"Robin? Thank you Guy." Marian looked at her husband and saw unshed tears in his eyes. "You're not getting rid of me that easily." Guy smiled.

"Lettice said there won't be anymore children." Marian said quietly and with great sadness.

Guy looked her in the eyes, smiled and said, "I think ten is enough don't you?"

Marian gave a reluctant smile. "I suppose it is." Marian drifted off to sleep. Guy moved Robin between them. Guy was afraid to sleep, he was afraid that if he slept Marian might never wake up.

It took weeks for Marian to recover, but recover she did.

________________________________________________________________________

Robin looked again at his father; he smiled thinking of how hard he fought to get the attention he wanted from his father. Oh he had been a brat. His mother had looked at him many times and swore that he was his father's son. His father would smirk at his mother and ask if there some doubt about her other children's parentage. The irony was that of all of Guy and Marian's children Robin looked the most like his father.

________________________________________________________________________

"Marian I said don't interfere", Guy said leading Robin by his hand to his room.

"But Guy he's so young." Marian said fretfully. Marian had always had a soft spot for Robin, he being her last child.

"The boy was told to stay away from the training grounds. He caused four men to be injured by his stubbornness. One may lose an arm because of his willful disobedience."

Robin was struggling to keep up with the long strides of his father, but he didn't dare trip or ask his father to slow down. He had never to this point in his five years had his father's wrath directed at him. Robin determined that no matter his punishment he would be brave and not cry. He would show his father that he too should be allowed to train as a soldier like his older brothers.

Guy pushed the door open to Robin's room releasing Robin's hand. Robin stumbled but didn't fall. He turned around to look at his father as Guy closed the door. Tears threatened to fall from Robin's eyes.

"Are you crying boy", asked Guy sternly.

"No sir", Robin replied though his vision was becoming blurry from the moisture.

Robin watched with great trepidation as Guy took off his leather belt. He knew what was coming now.

"Come here", Guy said in a low voice, "bend over."

Robin bent over Guy's lap. 'I will not cry.' 'I will not cry.' 'I will not cry', thought Robin to himself after each blow of the leather belt. Guy stood his son back up looking him in the eye.

"Do you know why you got a whipping", asked Guy.

"Yes father. I was disobedient and caused some of your soldiers to get hurt. You told me not to go to the training grounds and I did", said Robin trying hard not to let the tears fall from his eyes.

"The first thing a soldier needs to learn is how to follow orders. By not following orders you can get others not only hurt, but killed. Marcus might lose his arm. How is he going to provide for his family if he can't work? There will be no money for food or to pay the taxes and then he'll lose his house. Marcus has four children Robin. Not only have you hurt Marcus but you've hurt his whole family."

"I'm sorry papa", Robin said no longer able to contain his tears. Guy picked Robin up, put him on his lap and let Robin cry himself to sleep. Guy put Robin in his bed and left. The boy would sleep through the night.

As Guy was coming out of Robin's room Marian met him in the passageway. She started to enter Robin's room looking to comfort him.

"Leave him be Marian"

"But…"

"I said leave him be. He took his punishment and will not disobey again." Guy took Marian's arm and lead her away from Robin's room. "Besides he's asleep."

The next morning Robin stood on the castle steps watching as his father and brother's left, his brother's to train and his father to check on Knighton and Locksley. Robin turned to go into the castle and found his mother on her way out to the town. Marian's heart went out to Robin, he was of an age where he didn't quite fit in, no longer a baby, but not old enough to start lesson's or training.

"Come with me", Marian said taking Robin's hand.

Marian and Robin made their way through the market place, Marian placing orders and having them sent back to the castle or on to Locksley. Robin wandered off to the blacksmith's shop. Marian found him there holding a small sword in his hand.

"Morning Lady Gisborne. The boy looks like he's ready to follow in his father's footsteps", said Martin holding a hammer in his hand ready to start working on a new axe head.

Marian watched as Robin swung the small blade around in the air. She sighed knowing how badly Robin wanted to be like Guy. She would try again tonight to convince Guy to let Robin start his training early.

"Careful boy. You don't want to hurt anyone." Martin said raising an eyebrow.

"Mother it looks just like father's", said Robin excitedly.

"Robin put the sword down. We need to get back to the castle." Marian said reaching out her hand to Robin. Robin started to lay the small sword down, but hesitated and gave the sword one last swish through the air before reluctantly putting it on the nearest table.

"Go outside and wait for me", Marian said to Robin. When he was out of earshot she turned around to Martin, "Is the sword promised to someone?"

"Not anymore my lady. The man who ordered it lost his son this past winter", replied Martin.

"Have it wrapped and sent to the castle. Make sure it's delivered to me."

"Yes Lady Marian."

Marian left the blacksmith's shop and found Robin waiting for her by the bakers stall.

"Come let's go home", Marian said putting her hand between Robin's shoulder blades to guide him along.

That evening as Guy was in the tub Marian knelt behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders leaving her hands resting on his chest. Guy tipped his head back and looked up at Marian's face. She smiled at him and gave him a lingering kiss.

" Guy about Robin" The smile that had been forming on Guy's face vanished. "He so desperately wants to be with you."

"I can't have him on the grounds Marian", Guy interrupted, "he's a menace right now to himself and anyone around him. He lacks discipline. And he's too young."

"Teach him or get one of your men to teach him. Start him off like you did any of the boys that have come here to train", Marian said while slowly caressing Guy's chest.

"Woman, stop that or we'll never get to supper", Guy growled grabbing Marian's hand. Marian laughed pulling her hand away. "Lean forward so I can wash your back."

"Just think about it", said Marian a few moments later.

Guy was silent while Marian finished washing his back. As she moved away he leaned back against the tub with his eyes closed. "He'd have to start in the armory cleaning armor or maybe…" Marian didn't listen any further as she knew she had just won the battle. Guy didn't even open his eyes when he felt Marian step into the tub. His breath caught as Marian started kissing his neck and across his collarbone. "We're going to be late for supper aren't we" Guy asked pulling Marian even closer. "Very." Marian said between kisses.

Later that night Robin lay in his bed not able to sleep. His father had told him that evening that he would start his training tomorrow. Robin quietly got out of bed and found the wooden sword Will Scarlett had made him for his last birthday. He imagined all the fights he would win. Robin swung the sword to the right and killed a bandit. He jumped on the bed, swung to the left and killed the enemy soldier. "Take that you bloody cur," The door opened just as Robin chopped down with his blade and fell off the bed. Marian had to stifle a laugh and Guy rolled his eyes and kept on walking. "Are you ok", Marian asked walking over to Robin. "Yes mama", Robin replied red faced. "Get back into bed then. And I'll take that", Marian said taking the sword from Robin and putting it on top of the chest at the end of his bed. "Tomorrow you listen to your father or any of the other men that your father tells you to go with. And no complaining if he doesn't let you unto the grounds. Crispin, Guy, Roger and Edward didn't start on the training grounds. They had to work in the stables and armory long before they were allowed to start fighting." "Yes mama." Robin said hoping that wasn't going to be true for him. As soon as Marian left after tucking him in, Robin crawled to the end of his bed, grabbed his sword and lay back down. He was going to be a soldier.

______________________________________________________________________________

"I should have left that boy in the forest when he was born" said Guy in an exasperated voice. Marian gaped at her husband. "That's not funny Guy", Marian said as she watched Guy pace around the room. "Marian in one week that boy has ruined a suit of armor, broken three knives and two swords. Fredrick won't allow him back in the stables and five soldiers have threatened to leave if he comes near the training grounds again." Guy's frustration with his youngest son was palpable. Marian could only watch as Guy worked out his anger at Robin.

"This is your fault", Guy accused Marian, "I told you the boy was too young and you persisted." He had stopped his pacing and was looking angrily at Marian.

"Yes Guy I put a knife to your throat and forced you to take Robin everyday this week", Marian said sarcastically.

"Not only has he ruined equipment but he's gotten into scrapes with the boys. I have enough enemies without having the fathers of the trainees after me."

"How bad can it be", questioned Marian.

"Two black eyes, three bloody noses and too many bruises to count. How a child that small can cause so much damage is beyond me."

"Well he is your son", said Marian. Guy glared at Marian and she stared right back at him.

"Marian he will not be allowed to train until he is older", Guy said trying to keep his voice even.

"Guy…" started Marian.

"No Marian don't ask", said Guy.

"I was going to say", Marian said slightly peeved, "let me take Robin to Locksley with Isabeau and Cicely. I'm starting their training next week. He won't be able to get into as much trouble with less people around. I'm leaving Catherine here to look after the hall in my place.

Guy looked at Marian skeptically. "Why must you train the girls to fight? Why can't they learn how to embroider and run a household like dutiful daughters do?

"You know I was trained to fight and I see no reason not to train our daughters the same way. I want them to be able to protect themselves."

"I sincerely hope I can protect my own daughters", said Guy flopping down on to his chair. Guy stretched out his legs toward the fire, leaned his arms on the armrests and folded his hands across his stomach.

"Yes but you won't always be here will you", Marian stated as she walked over and put her hand on Guy's shoulder.

As he reached up to take her hand Guy said, "Hoping to get rid of me are you?'

"Not yet", Marian smiled then sobered "The girls will all marry and even though I know you will do your best to find them good men who knows if King Henry will decide to use one of our daughters in some negotiation. He won't always have William le Marechal to guide him. Look what happened to Catherine."

"I will not let our daughters be part of any negotiations", Guy said gruffly.

"If the King commands it we won't have a choice", replied Marian.

Guy pulled on Marian's hand leading her to sit on the armrest of his chair. Marian had learned over the years to let Guy have time to think. She sat quietly playing with the curls in Guy's hair. Those curls were starting to gray. Guy let out a heavy sigh. "Let's hope this king leaves us alone. " He was ready for there to be some peace in their household now that King John was dead and Henry had been crowned. Henry was but a boy and le Marechal regent. Guy hoped that any fighting for control of Henry would take place in London and the outlying lords and knights would be left out of it.

Shaking himself out of his revelry Guy said, "Yes Marian take Robin with you next week. And see that he stays out from under foot this week."

Robin had been sitting on a step around the corner from Guy and Marian. He had heard the whole conversation and was devastated that he wouldn't be able to continue his training. 'Father doesn't want me' Robin thought. He decided to show his father that he could stay out of trouble before Guy could send him away with Marian. 'If I'm good this week father won't make me go with girls.' Robin got up quickly and headed towards his room when he heard Guy and Marian start to make their way up the stairs and out of the hall. He couldn't help it when the tears started flowing down his cheeks. Managing to avoid everyone on the way to his room, Robin undressed and got into bed. He pulled the blankets over his head and when Marian came into check on him Robin pretended to be asleep. He'd show them.

For the next week Robin stayed out of Guy's way still managing to watch Guy going through the daily training exercises. Guy would often catch Robin sitting on a hill by the training grounds watching the activities below. Robin would go no further than to the door of the stables to watch his father and brothers saddle their horses and quickly ducked out of sight when they led their horses outside. One of the servants would often find Robin sitting by the gates waiting for Guy to return.

On the first evening as Guy was working on the accounts Robin let himself into Guy's office as quietly as possible. He sat on the floor by the door careful not to disturb his father. When Guy got ready to leave he found Robin asleep on the floor. Picking Robin up Guy muttered, "If I didn't know better I'd swear you were Hood's child sent here to torment me." For the rest of the week Guy would find Robin asleep on the floor in his office sometimes almost tripping over him as Robin came closer to Guy's chair each night. Robin and Guy never spoke, Robin for fear that his father would make him leave and Guy because he was still frustrated with Robin and didn't trust himself not to yell at the boy. On the night before Robin was to leave with Marian Robin inched up to Guy's chair and stood there not saying a word. Guy stared at Robin for many moments trying to comprehend this child of his. He finally lifted Robin on to his lap and went back to reading the papers on his desk. Robin leaned back against Guy's chest not saying a word. They sat silently while Guy worked, Robin eventually falling asleep.

Guy was on his horse the next morning waiting for Marian, Isabeau, Cicely and Robin to leave. He had decided to accompany them to Locksley and was growing impatient. Marian and the girls came out with Robin trailing behind them. Robin looked up at his father and quickly looked back down. He was disappointed that he still had to go with his sisters. Guy motioned over to a guard, "Bring the boy here". The guard lifted Robin up on to his father's horse placing him before Guy. Robin could barely sit still and his smile threatened to split his face from ear to ear. Guy caught Marian's eye and saw a promise of things to come in the way that she smiled her gratitude before getting into the carriage. "Sit still boy", Guy said trying to keep his horse from getting agitated by the squirming boy.

Robin chattered the whole way to Locksley asking Guy questions and commenting on everything he saw along the way. When they got to Locksley Guy handed Robin down to a servant but not before reminding him of why he was there. "Mind your mother. I don't want to hear about any trouble." "Yes father", replied Robin before running off. Marian walked over to Guy's horse. Guy leaned down to kiss her good-bye. "I love you husband", she said quietly. Guy smiled and slowly kissed her. "I'll be back in a week to check on you", Guy said breaking off the kiss, "send someone to the castle if you need me." Guy turned his horse around and started back to Nottingham. Marian watched him ride away never tiring of seeing Guy on a horse. She turned around to see Robin heading towards the pond. Marian sighed to herself 'it was going to be a long month.

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Catherine found her brother standing by her parents laughing like a loon. "Our father dying is not funny Robin", said Catherine severely. Catching sight of Marian lying next to Guy she said, "I should have known mother would be here." "She's…" Catherine started to ask. "They could not live without each other", Robin said simply.

"What were you laughing about when I walked in", questioned Catherine.

"I was remembering mother trying to train me to fight at Locksley."

Catherine started to chuckle remembering very well all of Robin's antics. "Isn't that where she gave you that little sword that looked like father's?"

"Yes". Robin felt a tear slide down his cheek even though he was still smiling. "I will miss them", he stated.

Putting her arm around Robin Catherine let her tears flow freely. "I will too". After a few minutes Catherine wiped her eyes. "Go and tell everyone we found mother. Send a servant up to help me lay mother out."

Robin nodded and left Catherine to her thoughts closing the door softly behind him. 'Good-bye', thought Robin, 'mother, father'.