Jadeys Fan
Fiction Robin Hood - Peace
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The journey back to England was long
and, for the most part, silent.
Each man, Robin, Allan, Much, and John lost in their own
thoughts. Robin perhaps had the most to think about following
the
death of Marian.
The Sheriff and Gisborne were also making their way back to
England. The plan to kill the King had failed, but no doubt
they
would go back to Nottingham Castle to lick their wounds and plan
again. The Black Knights still existed and could still be
used to
kill the King.
Much feared that the Sheriff would take out his anger on the people of
Nottingham. Much also worried whether Robin would be able to
handle his grief and still lead the gang. He just wished
Robin
would talk about what had happened. Several times he tried to speak to
Robin about it but Robin evaded him every time. Much knew
that it
would take time for Robin’s heart to heal, but time was not
necessarily something they had, if he knew the Sheriff and Gisborne.
‘Leave him be,’ said John, for maybe the tenth time
that day.
Nottingham and Sherwood Forest were only a few miles away now.
‘Why doesn’t he talk to me?’ Much
fretted. ‘He
used to talk to me.’ Much stopped walking for a moment.
‘Actually, that’s not true. He
didn’t always
talk to me. But he needs to talk to me now.’
‘It won’t change things,’ said John
shaking his head sadly.
‘No, I know,’ Much replied. ‘I just
don’t like all this silence.’
‘Like the man said,’ Allan interrupted, coming up
behind
them, ‘Leave him be. He’ll be
alright.’
Much wasn’t so sure.
…………………………….
Finally they reached Sherwood Forest and their camp. They
were
home. Allan and John got on with getting in supplies whilst Much
hovered worriedly around Robin.
‘Have you nothing to do Much?’ Robin asked, as Much
re-arranged the cooking equipment for the tenth time.
John and Allan had both gone to check out the lay of the land. John to
the villages and Allan to Nottingham to find out if the Sheriff and
Gisborne had arrived.
‘I’m fine thanks,’ said Much,
picking up a cup and studying it intently.
‘No you’re not.’
‘No. You’re right. I’m not. In fact,
nothing’s
fine is it?’ He swung round to look at Robin, but Robin had
turned and walked off. He’s doing it again thought
Much.
‘Well,’ said Allan, returned to camp later that
evening.
‘The Sheriff and Gisborne both got back from the Holy Land
but
there’s been no sight of them for over a week. I reckon
they’re holed up in the castle licking their
wounds.’
‘Or making plans,’ said John grimly.
‘Perhaps they might forget the whole Black Knight, killing
the King thing,’ said Much hopefully.
‘I doubt it,’ said Allan.
‘Whatever they’re planning it won’t be
good for the people of Nottingham,’ said Robin quietly.
He turned to John.
‘We need to keep an eye on the villages, especially Locksley.
The
Sheriff will want to make people pay for his failure in the Holy
Land.’
‘Us you mean,’ said Much.
‘Yes us,’ said Robin. ‘Which means the
people of Nottingham being used as scapegoats.’
‘I’ll go back to the castle, do some more snooping.
I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.’ said Allan.
‘Well be careful,’ said Robin. ‘We
can’t afford to lose anyone else.’
He was referring to Will and Djaq, but the implication of his words was
not lost on anyone, least of all himself. He stared at the ground and
Allan and John quietly slid away.
Over the next few days the men spent their time visiting the various
villages around Nottingham whilst Allan spied on the castle.
John
went off alone whilst Much rode with Robin. To Much the rides with
Robin seemed purposeless. They very rarely had a destination. Often
Robin would turn back to camp before they were even out of the
forest. He was struggling and Much knew it. There
had to be
a way to break Robin’s silence. And then he knew. The ring.
‘Why would you want to take such a risk for Much?’
John asked.
‘Because I’ve tried everything else and he
won’t talk’.
‘Maybe he doesn’t want to talk about it.
Have you thought of that?’
‘Yes, but I want to talk about it’.
‘Well I still think you’re crazy. It might make
matters worse.’
‘Worse for who?’
‘For all of us. You might get caught for a
start.’
‘I’ll think of something.’
Much did think of something. All week he had been working on
charming a certain kitchen lass and now he knew how to get into the
castle. Later that evening he returned to camp whistling.
‘Where’s Robin?’ Much asked.
John and Allan shook their heads.
‘Did you get it – the ring?’ Allan asked
Much proudly held it aloft.
Allan was impressed. ‘How did you get in the
castle?’
‘I dressed the part,’ said Much, not elaborating,
but
thinking of how he had looked in the kitchen maid’s
clothes.
John looked at him quizzically but Much said no more.
‘And now what are you going to do with it?’ Allan
asked.
‘I’ll think of something,’ said Much and
he walked off.
But what was he going to do with it? Up till now all he had
been
thinking about was that the emerald green engagement ring that Robin
had given to Marian so long ago would be some sort of catalyst to bring
Robin out of the silent reverie he seemed to be in. But now
that
he had the ring he wasn’t so sure it was the right thing to
do.
He went to bed that night with the ring in his pocket, still
unsure. John and Allan were already asleep at the other side
of
the camp. Robin’s bed was not far from
Much’s but he
was still not in it. Much lay down and fingered the ring. He
heard Robin’s footsteps and without thinking any further,
shoved
the ring under Robin’s bed covers and closed his eyes, as
though
asleep. Robin climbed into bed and after a while Much heard
his
breathing slow and deepen. Damn! What had happened
to the
ring? Much thought about trying to feel for it whilst Robin
slept
but dismissed the idea. Closing his eyes he resigned himself
to
try and sleep. Perhaps Robin would find the ring in the morning. Or
Much could retrieve it himself after Robin arose and then try again
another time.
With these thoughts going round in his head Much felt himself slowly
drifting off. Then something, some sound brought him back to
the
night. He turned over to look across at Robin.
Although it
was quite dark inside the camp there was some filtering of moonlight
coming from above. A part of the roof needed repair. With
Will
gone no one had gotten round to yet. It was going to be a bit
of
a problem when it rained.
Much listened again. It was Robin. He’s having a nightmare
Much
thought. He had had them ever since their time in the
Crusades
but now he had his own personal tragedy to deal with. Robin’s
hand moved to his pillow and Much could swear he was clutching the
ring. There was the merest hint of green showing between
Robin’s fingers.
Much watched as he tossed and turned in his sleep. It was no different
from many other nights, and yet. It’s coming Much
thought.
Days and days of waiting, and now it’s coming at last and he
was
both relieved and afraid.
Images in his mind. Her on a horse, her laughing, her fighting, and
then her falling. From the castle battlements to a bloody death below.
Drowning in water. With a sword right through her body, pinned to the
ground. Bleeding and bleeding and dying. Her fighting to get
out
of the ground. Still more to be done. Still a whole life to
live.
Still him to be held in her arms, and loved, and to grow a baby. So
much earth and soil in her mouth – choking her. Choking the
life
out of her.
Much watched as he fought in his sleep. As the sweat soaked through his
clothes. As he clawed at the tag round his neck, chocking
him.
Much sat back in the shadows, clutching his knees to his chest, his
heart pounding and tears balanced on his eyelids.
Robin opened his eyes and half sat, breathing heavily. Then lay down,
face down, burying his head into his arm, feeling the cloth of his
shirt and the hairs on his wrist and fought it again and finally lost.
Sobs racked his body.
Much’s tears dropped.
Well, thought Much. This was a good thing, wasn’t
it?
Wasn’t it? What if Robin did something stupid? No,
he was
the stupid one, giving Robin the ring in the first place. What on earth
did he think he was trying to achieve?
Robin tried again to fight it, but this time he knew he had lost. As
those final night time images of Marian, fighting for her life, for
breath, for love, came to him, he cried and tried not to wake the
others. His body ached beyond all reason. Blindly
he sat
up. Much pushed himself deeper into the shadows, powerless to help and
dying inside for his friend, his master, father, son. Robin,
his
protector, whom he could no longer protect.
Robin pushed himself up and stumbled out into the night. His
heart was pounding. His body hot, yet he shook with cold.
All his instincts told Much to leave Robin be. Go back to sleep. Robin
would return in his own good time. Much, however, was not
good at
leaving his master alone at the best of times. Perhaps he should just
check that Robin was okay. The forest wasn’t the
best of
places to go stumbling about in the dark in. Silently Much
followed, afraid. Afraid for Robin, afraid for
himself. But
he couldn’t let Robin be alone.
Once Much was outside however he saw that it wasn’t that dark
at
all. The moon was full and he could make out their cooking
equipment, the horses tethered in a clearing a little way off, and the
trees looming up into the sky. But where was Robin?
Robin relieved himself, clutching onto a tree and thought the worst
might be over but his body, like his mind, went on betraying
him.
He felt sick and gave into it.
Slowly Much walked through the trees. Then he stopped. There
ahead of him he saw Robin leaning against a large oak tree.
In
the moon’s light he could see the ring twisting in
Robin’s
hands as he held it in front of him.
He watched as Robin slowly slid down the trunk of the tree and lower
his head in his hands. As he listened to Robin softly sobbing
Much turned to go. A twig snapped under his heel.
Much held
his breath.
‘Much?’
Much turned back. I’m not going he
thought. He needs
me and I’m not leaving him here alone. He walked over and
crouched down in front of Robin. He didn’t have to say
anything.
He was probably the one person in the world that Robin would take
comfort from.
The ring dug into the palm of his hand and Robin felt again a
splintering pain in his chest. He let himself give into it as he had
not done since that terrible moment in the Holy Land when he had kissed
and held Marian for the last time. And dearest Much, holding him while
he cried, always there for him.
………………………………..
Part 2
‘I’m not being funny like,’ said Allan,
‘but
Robin’s been angry with us more than I can remember these
past
few days.’
‘Your point?’ Much asked.
‘Well, it’s not that I mind. I mean. We
know what
he’s been going through. But it’s getting a bit
tiring.’
Much thought for a moment.
‘It’s when it stops that you can start to
worry.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘If he stops being angry with us then who’s he
going to be angry with?’
‘Himself?’
‘Actually, I was thinking of Gisborne.’
‘Gisborne?’
‘Yes, Gisborne. The one who killed Marian.
Remember?’
‘Well, we’re all angry with him about
that. Mind you,
Gisborne looked pretty gutted just after he’d done
it. And
he’s been holed up in the castle ever since. I
mean, he had
a thing for her didn’t he and now he’s killed
her.
That can’t be easy.’
‘What’s with you? Thinking of changing
sides again?’
John joined in their conversation.
‘Don’t be daft. I’m just saying
like.’
‘Well, don’t say,’ said John.
‘That man deserves to die.’
‘Yes he does,’ said Much quietly. He
looked at the others.
‘Oh God. That’s what’s going to
happen!’
‘What, what?’ John asked, agitated.
‘Robin’s going to kill him,’ said Much,
the realisation dawning on his face.
‘No way,’ said Allan ‘Robin
doesn’t kill.’
‘No, not normally,’ said Much. ‘But
you’ve seen
how he is, and it’s not like Gisborne doesn’t
deserve
it.’
‘Still, I don’t think he would, would
he?’
They all looked at each other.
…………………………………..
‘Look, if I can get to him, I can get him out,’
said Much to John and Allan as they stood outside the castle walls.
‘You don’t even know if he’s in
there.’
‘He’s there.’
‘Look, not being funny,’ said Allan. ‘Why
don’t we just let him kill Gisborne.’
‘Because if Robin does this he can never go back from
it.
It’ll be the end of him. I know it,’ said Much.
‘He’ll regret it for the rest of his
life. Besides,
Gisborne’s probably suffering more thinking about what
he’s
done. Giving him a quick and merciful death would be too
kind.’
Much didn’t want to think about it any more. It was
time to
go in and get Robin out. He was sure in his heart of hearts
that
the deed had not yet been done. But it was only a matter of
time.
Allan and John knew what to do to distract the guards whilst Much went
in. How he was going to get Robin out they had no idea. Much
however seemed certain that he could talk his former master out of
whatever action he was about to take.
Her room was as she had left it. Clothes still draped over
chairs. The bed still turned back. Her jewellery
and
writing materials still on the table. Slowly he walked round
the
room. Touching her things.
He knew Gisborne would come. He struggled to push her
beautiful
face from his mind because even now he knew this was wrong.
……………………………….
Robin pushed all thoughts out of his head save what he had to do
now. Gisborne was a good fighter and he had to keep all his
wits
about him.
‘You came.’
‘You knew I would,’ said Gisborne.
‘We finish this now.’
Both men drew their swords.
‘To the death,’ Gisborne breathed.
Robin nodded.
They were evenly matched. Robin had a little more speed and agility for
his part and Gisborne had power and a ruthlessness in him.
Now, thought Robin. Now I must think once more about the
killings
in the Holy Land. The things I had to do. The things I
didn’t want to do. Because I have to do it one more time. Do
it
or die.
Gisborne lunged at him and Robin swiftly side stepped. Then he saw that
he’d got himself backed into a corner. Gisborne
grinned
maliciously. He wasn’t stupid. Their swords clashed and
echoed.
They grew less hesitant of each other and all reason was gone. They
were brutal and in their brutality became reckless.
…………………………….
Much burst into the room.
‘Stop. Stop now,’ he shouted, turning from one to
the other.
Robin’s face was bloody.
Gisborne’s too.
But Robin was the one with a sword to Gisborne’s chest.
‘Robin, please,’ Much pleaded.
‘She
wouldn’t want this, not this. It’s not
the
answer.’
‘Go away Much. I have to do this.’
‘No. You don’t,’ said Much
despairingly.
‘It won’t help. It won’t bring
her back.
Can’t you see.’
For a split second Robin glanced at Much.
It was enough. Gisborne flung himself backwards, away from
Robin’s sword.
Much in turn fell heavily against Marian’s jewellery
table.
The table tipped over sending necklaces, hairbrushes and writing
equipment crashing and skidding across the floor. For a
moment
both Robin and Gisborne stopped still and stared at their
beloved’s ornaments. Then Gisborne took
his chance
and flew at Robin who was knocked to the floor. As Robin
stared
at the beads of a favourite necklace scattering about the stone floor
the fight went out of him.
‘Get up,’ snarled Gisborne.
‘Get up and fight or I’ll kill you right where you
are.’
Much wiped his face. ‘You’ve killed him
already or hadn’t you noticed,’ he said.
Robin didn’t care. Didn’t care that
Gisborne had
him. Didn’t care that any moment the
Sheriff’s guards
would be here. As he fingered the broken necklace he knew it was all
over.
Gisborne moved towards Robin.
‘Don’t you touch him,’ Much said
vehemently.
Gently Much laid his hand on Robin’s shoulder.
‘She
wanted you to go on fighting, fighting for the poor. Not
this.
You promised. Have you forgotten?’
Robin did not appear to hear. He was back in this room with
her.
When they had had their whole future together to look forward to. When
there was time enough for him to show her how much he loved her.
‘I’m sorry,’ Robin said.
‘It’s okay,’ said Much, still aware of
Gisborne hovering, sword in hand.
Much held his sword towards Gisborne. He was probably no match for the
man but if anyone was going to kill Gisborne today it would be him and
not Robin.
Gisborne began to move towards the door. He looked from Much to Robin
and then to the whole room and seemed to come to a decision.
Quietly he slipped out of the room.
‘I’m glad you didn’t kill him,’
said Much,
kneeling down on the floor in front of Robin, ‘but part of me
kind of wishes you had.’
Robin smiled a small smile and looked up at Much.
‘I think it’s time we were
gone.’
He made to get to his feet, winced and doubled over.
‘Oh my God!’ exclaimed Much. He touched
Robin’s side and his hand came away bloody.
‘Perhaps he got me after all,’ said Robin quietly
and he slid to the floor.
………………………………….
John and Allan were nervous. It was all taking too
long.
‘We go in now,’ said John.
‘Not being funny like,’ said Allan. ‘But
where is everyone?’
There were no guards to be seen.
‘Who cares,’ said John. ‘We have to find
them.’
Down a corridor they heard a heavy door creak and caught a glimpse of a
dark figure emerging. A moment later they heard a loud groan.
In
a second they had burst in upon the scene of Much crouched by
Robin’s side, his hands covered in blood.
‘He’s been stabbed.’
‘Where?’ John barked.
‘I don’t know,’ Much whimpered,
desperately pulling at Robin’s clothes.
John came over. Allan stayed by the door, sword in hand.
As carefully as he could manage, John lifted Robin’s weight
off the floor.
‘Here,’ said Much. ‘It’s
here.’
The new wound was close to where Robin had been stabbed once before by
Gisborne.
Allan moved across the room and grabbed some material from
Marian’s bed.
‘Here, for the bleeding.’
John tied it round and round Robin’s middle and then hefted
Robin off the floor.
‘We’ve got to get him out of here.’
They ran.
Miraculously no guards apprehended them.
‘Where is everyone?’ Allan panted.
Up on the battlements Gisborne looked down.
John handled Robin’s weight easily. They ran
through the
castle porchway, out into the yard and towards the great gate that led
to freedom.
‘We can’t run all the way to the
camp,’ said Allan. ‘He’s bleeding too
much.’
A dark stain was welling up through the white material.
‘Look. A cart!’ Much shouted.
The driver was off in a second and Allan took the reins. John
and
Much sat either side of Robin trying to protect him from the bumping of
the cart as it set off towards the forest.
‘I don’t like this,’ said Much as they
approached the
camp. ‘If only Djaq was here.
She’d know what
to do.’
‘Anna’s a nurse’ said John.
‘She’ll know what to do.’
‘Anna?’ asked Much.
‘Oh,’ said Allan turning round. ‘New
addition to the
camp. I don’t suppose he did kill Gisborne by any
chance?’
‘No,’ said Much. ‘I stopped
him. He doesn’t kill. I couldn’t let
him.’
Much couldn’t take his eyes off Robin. Please don’t
die he willed.
‘We guessed as much,’ said John quietly as they
neared the camp.
‘Well?’ said Much. ‘Are you going to tell
me who Anna is?’
John looked up. ‘My sister.’
……………………………………..
‘Well, technically my half sister.’
Much stared at him.
‘Watch where you’re going,’ John shot at
Allan. The
cart hit a large hole in the track and lurched dangerously.
‘Sorry,’ said Allan, turning back to the road.
‘Well?’ Much asked. ‘I’ve
obviously missed something here.’
‘She came to see John a few days ago, while you were busy
stealing a certain ring. She’s been staying in
Locksley.’
‘I haven’t seen her for years.’ John
explained.
‘And?’ Despite his overwhelming concern
for Robin he was intrigued.
John sighed. ‘About two years after I was born my
mother got very sick and died.’
‘Oh, sorry,’ said Much. ‘If
you’d rather not tell.’
‘No, it’s fine,’ said John.
‘My father remarried and then Anna was
born. ‘We never really got on as
kids.’
John sighed again and stared at the upcoming forest.
Much waited till John turned round and then nodded at him to continue.
‘I guess I was always a bit jealous of the fact that Anna had
a
mother and I’d lost mine.’ John stopped
and shook his
head.
‘Anyway, the point is,’ he said, ‘When
she was old
enough she went to London. She wanted to learn to be a nurse.
We
lost touch. The last I heard she had gone off to the Crusades
to
help the wounded over there. She even spent some time near the
King’s camp.’
‘And now she’s come home?’ said Much.
‘She had a husband,’ said John. ‘One of
the King’s guards. He was killed about six months
ago.’
Much didn’t want to think about the Holy Land again.
Robin’s wound was enough to remind him of the horrors. But
John
hadn’t finished.
‘She tried staying for a bit but her heart wasn’t
in it.
Then she got word about us and Robin being in the Holy Land trying to
stop the King being killed. Apparently she tried to find us
but
we were already heading back home.’
‘So she followed us back and found you in the
forest?’
‘Yes.’
‘But that’s great,’ said Much
concentrating on Robin who was stirring a little.
‘She’s a nurse. Robin’s wounded
and she’s
here in the forest. He’s going to be
alright.
He’s, he’s,’ Much floundered.
‘Don’t worry’ said John, putting a large
hand on
Much’s shoulder. ‘I’ve heard
Anna’s a very good
nurse.’
‘If we can get there in time,’ said
Allan.
A fallen tree blocked the road ahead.
John jumped out the cart, and before the horse had even reached it, the
tree had been heaved out of the way.
The last part of the journey was too difficult for the cart.
John
scooped Robin up in his arms and ploughed up a steep hill whilst Allan
unhitched the horse and led it around the hill to the back of their
camp where two other horses were tethered.
Much passed John and started shouting as he neared the camp.
‘Hey, help! Quick, quick.’
As they came to the entrance of their secret hideout the camouflaged
door swung up and a woman stepped out.
Much took her in quickly. Slight, almost thin. Fair
headed.
She summed up the situation quickly as they laid Robin down.
‘Clean clothes,’ she said. ‘Water. Any
medicines you
can lay your hands on. Wine. Needles, thread.’ Much
stared. Her eyes were so blue.
‘Now!’ she said.
The urgency in her voice steeled them into action.
Carefully Anna pulled away the now blood soaked material wrapped round
Robin. She took in the wound and set to work. It
didn’t look good and the journey here had done untold damage
but
she would do her best. She had promised her husband she would
go
on helping and healing people and she knew that this man was someone
she had to save.
‘Here,’ panted Much. ‘Everything we could
find.’
John and Allan retreated a little to give her room but Much stayed
firmly beside his beloved master. Anna looked up at him. She
could see that he was very frightened by the sight of so much blood.
She could also see how much this wounded man meant to him.
She
smiled kindly and Much’s heart leaped despite his worry for
Robin.
‘You can fix him?’ Much croaked.
‘I’ll do my best,’ she smiled.
………………………………..
Some time later, with the bleeding stopped and the wound sewn up Anna
took a moment to have a word with Much.
‘I’ve done what I can. He’s a
young man and
this is not the first time he has recovered from a serious
wound.
But it really is up to him now.’
Much had seen Robin recover from being stabbed by Gisborne in the Holy
Land. But that was when Robin knew he had a King to protect
and a
woman he loved to go back to. With Marian gone would he fight
so
hard to survive?
There was nothing more to be done but wait.
‘You ought to go and get some sleep,’ said Anna
kindly.
Much’s eyes were fighting not to close.
He looked up. In his tiredness she looked like some kind of angel
– wheat gold hair and cornflower blue eyes staring right into
his. Is this what Robin would think the moment he woke up and
opened his eyes. That he had died and gone to
heaven?
‘What?’ she asked.
‘Nothing,’ said Much, shaking his head.
‘It’s just you don’t look anything like
John.’
‘Why should I’ she replied,
‘He’s only my half brother.’
‘Was your mother as fair too?’ Much asked.
‘No darker and much curlier.’ She put her hand to
her head. ‘And not such a mess.’
‘No, it’s lovely,’ said Much dreamily.
She smiled. ‘Go to sleep Much. I’ll watch
him. I do not think he will wake for some time.’
‘You’ll tell me if he..’
‘Of course,’ she interrupted. ‘Now
sleep.’
Gratefully Much went to his bed and closed his eyes. Within
minutes he was fast asleep.
……………………………….
Anna had heard a lot from the villagers about the deeds of Robin
Hood. She had imagined him almost a giant like John. Yet here
he
lay. Not like John, her half brother. And not like Daniel,
gentle
giant of a husband – lost to her. Yet even in
sleep, there
was something about him.
Robin tossed and turned. He was in a dark place.
Full of
hurt and pain and death. Even as his mind tried to make sense
of
the terrifying dreams he pushed them away. Go back, his mind
screamed. Into the darkness. If you wake up you will have to face those
dreams. They will be made real. And something terrible has
happened. Yet somewhere, almost inaudible, but there in the
background, were voices. One familiar – a
friend. And
another soft and gentle. Djaq? No, not
Djaq. She was
somewhere else. Somewhere far away.
Marian?
Could it be Marian? Then the overwhelming fear and panic came
back. And a picture of Marian in the
ground.
………………………………….
‘Is he awake?’
‘Much,’ said Anna reproachfully, ‘I
thought I told you to go to sleep.’
‘I have been asleep,’ he replied.
‘For about ten minutes!’
‘Oh. Well I feel much better for it. Is
he awake yet?’
‘No. I’m afraid he is much
worse.’
‘Worse?’
‘I think he is getting a fever. I’m
trying to keep
him cool. I’ve been talking to him to try and bring
him
round but whenever I do he seems even more distressed. I
don’t know what to do.’
She looked small and fragile and Much wanted to comfort her in some
way.
‘He’ll be alright. He had a fever in the
Holy Land
when Gisborne stabbed him. He’ll be
alright.’
‘This Gisborne sounds like a monster.’
‘He is a monster,’ said Much, between gritted
teeth.
‘I think it was only Marian who ever thought there was any
good in him.’
‘She did?’
‘In the end it cost her her life.’
‘John said Gisborne cared for her,’ said Anna,
‘How could he kill her?’
‘She was shielding the King,’ said Much, tears in
his eyes.
‘She said she loved Robin. That they were to be married.
Gisborne snapped.’
‘She sounded like quite a woman,’ said
Anna.
‘She was. She was the best. It isn’t
fair.’ Much wiped his eyes.
‘They never really had any time together. Now they never will
until Robin…..’
Much stopped abruptly. No, he wouldn’t even think
about it. Robin couldn’t leave him and that was
that.
‘I wish I had met her. She sounded incredibly
brave.’
‘She was. Beautiful too. Like
you.’
Anna blushed and bent over Robin.
‘Much!’
Please no thought Much. He’s dead and now I shall
die
too. But I don’t want to die because I think
I’m in
love.
‘Much.’ Anna was shaking him gently.
‘It’s alright. I think he’s
going to be
okay.’
‘Excuse me,’ said Much, not meeting her
gaze.
‘I’m just going. I’m just going
to.’
‘It’s okay,’ said Anna kindly, sensing
his discomfort.
Much stepped outside the camp doorway, wiped his eyes and then
whooped.
John and Allan came running.
‘He’s going to be okay!’ Much shouted,
laughing and crying at the same time.
‘Great,’ said John. ‘Now please
tell me when
the hell you’re going to get cooking again. Allan
and I are
fed up with dry bread.’
……………………………………
Anna pushed away a lock of hair from Robin’s
forehead. Come
out from that dark place you’ve been in mister.
Come back
into the world where you’re needed. Robin opened his
eyes.
It wasn’t her. She was gone.
‘I know I’m not the person you were hoping to
see,’ said Anna.
Robin made to sit up and a cutting pain coursed through his
side.
‘Not just yet,’ Anna said.
He lay back. And remembered.
‘The others?’ he said to Anna.
‘Outside. Much is cooking something to celebrate
your return - so to speak.’
Robin smiled. ‘Good old Much. Have I been a bother? More to
the point who are you?’
‘Not so much a bother,’ said Anna, also smiling.
‘I’m Anna, John’s half sister.’
‘Seems like I’ve got some catching up to
do,’ said Robin.
Over the next few days Robin gradually regained his strength.
Allan told Robin that they had let the rumour spread that Robin had
been gravely wounded by Gisborne and had subsequently died in the
forest where he was now buried. They’d even made a
fake
burial site.
‘Why would you do that?’ Robin asked.
‘So that it would give you time to get better,’
said
Allan. ‘If the Sheriff and Gisborne think
you’re dead
no-one will be out hunting for you.’
‘Who’s idea was that?’ Robin asked.
‘Mine actually,’ Much interrupted, bringing over
the food.
‘Well it might come in handy being dead,’ said
Robin. ‘What do the villagers know?’
‘Most of them think you’re dead too,’
said Allan.
‘But we’ve told a select few just to keep up
morale.’
Anna came over.
‘I think it might be time to take my leave,’ she
said.
‘But you can’t go yet,’ said Much.
‘You’ve only just got here.’
Robin looked from Anna to Much and got the picture instantly.
‘Well,’ he mused. ‘It might be that John
would like
to have his sister round here a bit longer?’ Robin looked at
John
and winked but John did not look too happy.
‘The forest is no place for a woman,’ he said
gruffly.
‘Marian did okay,’ said Allan, and then wished the
ground might swallow him up.
‘It’s alright Allan,’ said Robin
quietly.
‘You can talk about her. You can all talk about
her.
She was here and she was real and I loved her. I
don’t want
to forget her. I don’t want her memory to be gone.
She
deserves to be honoured. She was the bravest, truest person
I’ve
ever met and I don’t want you sparing my feelings.’
Robin looked up at them all.
‘Yes it hurts, and it’s going to go on
hurting. But
I’m going to deal with it and you’re all going to
just have
to get used to me dealing with it.’
………………………………….
She’s falling for him, thought Much some two weeks
later.
They were both laughing. Well, she was. Robin had been trying
to
keep a straight face but eventually gave up and exploded at something
she said but which Much did not catch.
‘What’s so funny?’ Much asked, a little
put out.
‘Oh nothing,’ said Robin ‘You had to be
here.’
He looked happy.
Much is jealous Robin realised.
I really like him, Anna thought. He’s good looking
and
courageous, caring and audacious. Daniel had been many of these things
too, but Daniel had been so much older than her. And Robin was - well
gorgeous.
I hate him, Much thought. No, I don’t, he
immediately
corrected himself. I love him, how could I not. But
I want
her and I don’t stand a chance against Robin.
‘What have you been up to whilst I’ve been out
hunting our
dinner?’ Much asked as good naturedly as he could.
‘He’s been showing me how good he is with a
bow,’ Anna said.
‘Is that all he’s been showing you?’ said
Much in a fit of pique.
‘Sorry?’
Much coloured.
‘It’s just a bit of fun Much,’ said Robin
gently. ‘I need to do something until madam here
tells me
I’m fit enough to go robbing and plundering again.’
‘Well you look fine to me now,’ said Much, trying
but failing to keep the angst out of his voice.
Robin turned to Anna. ‘Can I go play with the boys
now?’
He was teasing her. But she was suddenly fearful.
She had
seen what Gisborne had done to him. What would happen next
time
the two men met?
As if Robin could read her thoughts he said, ‘Don’t
worry. I think Gisborne’s
developed a guilty
conscience.’
He gave a grim smile.
‘Right, Much to business then.’
Much turned on his heel and strode purposefully towards the
camp. Robin had to walk double quick to keep up with him.
‘Are you alright Much?’ Robin was pretty sure he
knew what
was wrong with Much but felt he had to ask his friend. Much
had
once accused Robin of not confiding in him enough and Robin had to
concede this had been true to a point. Much wanted to talk
about
their time together in the Holy Land and Robin
hadn’t. It
was only when they thought their lives were about to come to an end
that Robin had revealed why he couldn’t speak of
it.
Couldn’t be reminded of those terrible things they had seen
because if he did his ability with the bow would be sorely
tested. As long as he blocked it from his mind he could
concentrate on what he had to do here in Nottingham. And it
was
also that which kept him from the desire to kill again. He
had
promised himself he would never kill unless absolutely
necessary.
Yet he had gone to Nottingham to kill Gisborne to avenge
Marian’s
death. Thank God Much had come.
‘I’m fine, just fine,’ said
Much.
He didn’t sound fine.
…………………………………
John and Allan knew there was something up between Much and
Robin. When they were out together as the gang everything
seemed
as before but as soon as they returned to camp there was definitely an
atmosphere. It didn’t take them long to realise it
had to
do with Anna.
Much had had enough. He was going to have it out with
Robin. He needed to know what to do. He
couldn’t deny
that he had wished more than anything that Marian had lived so she
could be with Robin. He knew how much his master, well former
master, loved her and what her loss had done, was doing to
him.
But surely this time it was his turn?
‘Where’s Robin?’ Much asked John later
that day.
‘Dunno. Haven’t seen him for ages.’
‘And Anna?’
‘Think she went to wash or something down by the
river,’ said Allan.
Much stomped off.
‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking?’
Allan said turning to John.
‘I don’t know what you’re thinking. If
it’s
what I’m thinking, then I don’t like it.
I
don’t like it one bit.’
‘Why? I mean he deserves a break doesn’t
he?’
‘Not with my sister.’
‘Half sister,’ said Allan.
‘Look Robin’s ..’
‘Robin! I meant Much’ said
John.
‘What?’ said Allan.
‘I think we should just stay out of it,’ said John
darkly.
Anna wasn’t sure she should have followed him. She
just
wanted to talk. For as much as Anna had tried to deny it, the
truth was she had feelings for Robin. No matter how many times she
conjured her darling Daniel up in her head, the moment Robin appeared
she forgot. Forgot everything save that she wanted to be with
the
man standing before her. But she couldn’t be sure
he felt
the same way about her.
Robin didn’t really know where he was going, only that he
wanted
some time away from the others, some time to think. I need to
think. He’d said it often enough. But for
the past
few weeks he’d tried hard not to think at all. Anna
was
changing that and he didn’t know what to do. He
found
himself down by the stream and washed his face. Then leant
back
against a tree stump and closed his eyes.
‘Robin. Are you alright?’
Robin awoke, startled for a moment.
‘I’m sorry. You were asleep.’
‘Yes, well I shouldn’t be,’ he said.
‘I need to get back.’
‘Can we talk?’ said Anna.
Robin made to move.
Anna placed a firm hand on his arm to motion him back down
again. She knelt down in front of him.
‘I know how hard you’re finding this.
I’ve been where you are now remember.’
Pain, mirroring his own, veiled her eyes.
‘I just want to help you.’
She had taken hold of one of his hands and was gently stroking
it. It was both intensely soothing and strangely
erotic. He
went to pull away but she gripped his wrist with her free hand and kept
the movement going.
‘Don’t,’ said Robin, although
he realised he didn’t want her to stop.
He felt an incredible sadness. It seemed to come up from deep
inside him. From a place where he locked up the image of his
beautiful Marian. Marian all in white. Marrying him as she
lay
dying with a sword through her body. Marian still teasing him
although she knew it was the end of her. Marian whom he loved
and
longed for more than anything or anyone he had ever known.
Much heard the sound of voices and knew he was close.
Robin wasn’t sure when he had started kissing her, but only
that
she still had hold of his hand. He might have gone on kissing her but
for a sound through the trees. He pulled away. Ready to
fight.
Much stood staring, then turned and strode up the hill.
‘Much. Wait,’ Robin called, his heart hammering.
‘Please.’
Much kept walking and Robin followed.
Anna stood still, not sure what to do and aware that all was not well.
‘Much please,’ Robin pleaded. Much slowed.
He turned to Robin, his face a mixture of anger and confusion.
‘How long were you standing there?’ Robin asked,
not sure he wanted to know.
‘A while,’ Much replied.
‘Look I can explain,’ said Robin, and then realised
that actually he couldn’t.
‘She did something,’ he started. He tried
again.
‘She was doing this thing with my hand.’ Robin
stopped. It all sounded so ridiculous to his ears.
‘Look, you saw. You know.’
‘I know you were both kissing,’ Much said. He
looked defeated.
‘I didn’t mean to,’ Robin said,
‘I didn’t mean for it to happen.
I don’t want it to happen,’ he
added.
‘Believe me Much. I know how you feel about
her.’
Much stared at him and Robin knew he was right.
‘What’s the point,’ said Much
dejectedly.
‘It’s quite obvious it’s you she
wants.’
They arrived back at camp. Much stomped over to the cooking
area and began flinging things around.
‘What’s going on?’ Allan hissed at John.
‘Beats me,’ John shrugged.
They saw Anna coming slowly through the trees.
Allan turned to John, a feint understanding prickling the back of his
neck.
‘What?’ John asked.
Anna quietly came up to John’s side and with no more than a
light touch on his arm, motioned him to follow her.
‘John,’ she said. This wasn’t
going to be easy.
‘I know you would like me to stay around a little longer, now
that we’re getting to know each other again. But I
think
it’s time I moved on. Robin is well (and here a
small flush
of colour came into her cheeks) and I can’t stay in the
forest
forever.’
She paused a moment and then went on.
‘I was thinking of going to Locksley. A few days
ago Robin
had the idea that I might move into the manor there now that Gisborne
is holed up in the castle. He thought I might make use of my
nursing skills to help people. He suggested it might be a
place
for people to come for help, or shelter or food.’
‘Did he?’ asked John. ‘This is all news
to me.’
……………………………………
Much managed to avoid Robin for the rest of the evening and Robin found
him fast asleep (or pretending to be asleep) as he retired to
bed. He was sure he could repair the damage done to
his
friendship with Much but how on earth was he going to deal with
Anna. If he asked her to leave Much would be upset. If he
asked
her to stay Much wouldn’t trust him. He wasn’t sure
he
could trust himself. Without finding a satisfactory answer Robin went
to bed. He took a long time to fall asleep and when he did he dreamt of
Marian and woke up to watch the dawn.
In the morning she was gone.
‘She’s gone to Locksley of course,’ said
John to Much.
‘Why?’
‘Robin told her to. Didn’t you?’
‘Well not exactly,’ said Robin, understanding
dawning on his face.
‘We were talking the other day and I had this plan
– well half a plan.’
‘You and your plans,’ Much muttered.
Robin continued. ‘Actually it was more Anna’s idea
than
mine. And we’ll all be able to see her whenever we
like.’
He looked pointedly at Much.
Much knew what Robin was doing. It didn’t make him feel any
better about the whole thing.
‘What about Gisborne?’ Allan asked.
‘Not him as well,’ Much groaned.
‘What?’ said Allan, bemused.
‘Well, he tried to win Marian. He might try it again with
Anna.’
‘Over my dead body,’ said John.
‘That’s my sister you’re talking
about.’
‘Half sister,’ Allan corrected.
‘Whatever.’
Robin and Much both looked at each other. It was obvious neither of
them had thought about Gisborne.
………………………………….
‘Look,’ said Much to Robin. He was standing by a
pile of food and clothes that he was to take to Locksley.
‘Just to be clear on where we stand here.’
‘Yes?’ said Robin.
‘She’s not your girl, right.’
‘Right.’
‘So I can er you know?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you’ll stay away?’
‘Yes. Unless.’
‘Unless what?’ said Much. .
‘Unless Gisborne shows up trying to take over the place
again. Locksley is my manor and now he’s out I
intend to
keep him out.’
‘You’re supposed to be dead,’ said Much.
‘Then I’ll go and haunt him,’ said Robin
smiling.
…………………………………
At the thought of Gisborne Robin knew he couldn’t let Much go
on
his own. As they stood looking down at Locksley village all
seemed peaceful and serene. It was a beautiful day and the
smell
of approaching summer was intoxicating.
‘I’m sorry,’ said Much.
Robin appeared not to hear.
‘I said I’m sorry.’
‘For what?’ said Robin, still keeping his gaze
firmly locked on the scene below.
‘For being idiot, that’s what.’ Much bit
his
lip. ‘I’d promised myself I’d
look after you.
And what happened? You got stabbed and nearly killed and I
made
you send away someone who could heal your heart. I was being selfish
and I apologise.’
Robin laughed. Much sounded so serious.
‘It’s alright Much. And none of that was
your
fault. I was the one who went after Gisborne. I was
the one
who was an idiot.’
‘And Anna?’ asked Much quietly.
‘I don’t know Much. Really I
don’t.’
‘Well,’ said Much, squaring his shoulders,
‘I say let her decide.’
Robin sighed inwardly.
‘And I say let’s leave. Let’s
leave the stuff and go.’
Much shook his head. The sound of horses caused him to look up.
‘Oh no,’ he groaned.
It was Gisborne, and he was not alone.
‘Time to show everyone I’m alive,’ said
Robin grimly.
Whatever he felt about Anna the one thing he wasn’t going to
allow to happen was for Gisborne to lay his hands on her.
Anna stood patiently until Gisborne drew up in front of her.
Behind in the doorway of the house stood a very old man with a stick, a
heavily pregnant woman and two freshly scrubbed children. Gisborne took
them in with one quick look and then turned his attention to Anna.
‘And who might you be?’ he asked, mentally
wondering how
Robin had so quickly replaced the beautiful Marian with yet another
striking lady.
‘I’m the housekeeper,’ Anna replied
staring boldly into Gisborne’s eyes.
No, not Marian. Paler blue eyes, gold hair. Not Marian at
all. But not a housekeeper either.
‘I’ve never seen you before.’
‘Nor I you sir,’ said Anna.
‘But,’ she added, ‘I know who you
are.’
‘Then you have the advantage madam.’
‘What do you want?’ Anna asked. ‘I am
busy.’
Gisborne stopped smiling.
‘All of my possessions I had placed in Locksley Manor seem to
have been returned to the castle in Nottingham.’
‘Is that not where you live now?’
‘It is only temporary,’ said Gisborne. ‘I
always intended to move back into Locksley Manor.’
‘Well I am sorry,’ said Anna. ‘Locksley
Manor belongs
to Robin of Locksley as I understand it and he has handed its care over
to me and some other close associates to use for whatever purpose we
see fit.’
‘Which is?’
‘A hospital, a shelter, for whatever needs the poor and
unfortunate might have.’
‘Well,’ Gisborne replied, a sneer in his voice.
‘There are plenty of rooms here. I’m sure
I can
accommodate you and perhaps a few others for a fee.’
‘Excuse me,’ said Anna, ‘I’ve
got work to do.’ She turned back to the doorway.
‘Not so fast,’ Gisborne barked.
‘You heard the lady.’
‘Hood!’
The two men stared at each other.
‘You’re alive.’
‘Disappointed.’
Much noticed Robin’s hand tighten on his bow. His
whole
being taut and ready, his full concentration on Gisborne.
Much
held his breath. Then Robin’s hand slackened and
his body
relaxed. Much breathed out. Gisborne looked past
Robin to
Locksley Manor, the front door now shut. He turned back to Robin the
fire gone out of him.
‘You can keep it,’ he said, almost
whispering.
‘You can keep it all. It’s no use to me
now.’
It was true. There was nothing for him here now in this
village. He was going to be lord of the manor with Marian at
his
side. He couldn’t be that without her. He turned his
horse.
There was only one place for him now. Only one place that
could
offer him any kind of solace for his troubled soul. The Sheriff, and
the promise of wealth that he might one day escape this sorry place
that now tormented him more than he was prepared to say.
…………………………………
‘Well,’ said Much rather shakily.
‘That’s that then.’
‘Are you coming in?’ said Anna softly, standing in
the now open doorway.
‘Of course,’ said Much, enthusiastically.
He was sure he could smell food.
‘I don’t need to invite you into your own home do
I?’ Anna said to Robin.
Robin stepped inside. He wasn’t sure it was his
home any more or ever would be again.
‘Smells good,’ said Much.
‘Do you want to eat?’ Anna asked, smiling as Much
had already seated himself at the table.
‘Oh sorry,’ said Much, hastily standing.
Robin smiled. ‘It’s alright
Much. Make yourself at home.’
Robin and Much ate whilst Anna shooed the children back to bed and then
busied herself about them.
‘Seems like you’ve settled in well,’ said
Robin.
Anna turned to face him. ‘I’m sorry,’ she
said
reddening a little. ‘It’s really you who should be
here.’
‘Yes,’ said Much, too loudly. He stood up
swiftly
almost knocking his chair over. ‘She’s right. It
should be
you. Both of you. I apologise and I’m
leaving.’ And
before either Robin or Anna could make a sound he had marched out the
door.
‘Please don’t go,’ said Anna as Robin got
up to leave.
‘Much doesn’t know what he’s talking
about.’
‘Even so, we ought to talk.’
Anna came closer. Robin felt uncomfortable. His head was telling him
one thing but his body was refusing to co-operate. He waited for Anna
to speak.
‘About that day, in the forest,’ she began.
Was Marian watching over him even now? As he looked at her, small and
golden and beautiful he realised he hadn’t heard what
she’d
just been saying.
‘I don’t want to go,’ she said.
‘Go. Go where?’
‘Away from here. Because you’re
right. I do
feel at home and I do feel like I can make a difference. And
it’s so good to be able to see John again after all these
years.’
‘But why would you go?’ Robin asked.
‘You know why. What I’m beginning to feel for you
shouldn’t be. For a while I had the idea that in time. But I
can’t compete with ghosts Robin. Even in death she is a very
strong lady.’
Robin shook his head but knew in his heart of hearts that she was
right. Marian was not ready to leave him yet.
‘There’s no need for you to go,’ he said.
‘And Much would kill me if you did.’
‘Poor Much,’ said Anna with a small smile.
‘I know
that he has a thing for me. And I do like him, really I
do.
But just not in that way.’
‘Besides,’ she added. ‘It is you who need
him
more. This thing with the Sheriff and the King,
it’s not
over yet is it?’
‘No,’ said Robin. ‘I think the worst may
be yet to come.’
‘And when it does you and Much will need to stand
together.
You do not need me to come between your friendship.’
‘Then I’d best go repair that friendship
now.’
Robin placed a hand on Anna’s arm. ‘I
would like to
think you’d be able to stay but if you really need to go I
won’t stop you.’
Then he kissed her and it felt like goodbye.
……………………………
Two days later it was Allan who arrived with food and medicines for
Anna.
‘You sorted it then?’
‘Sorry?’
‘Robin and Much.’
Anna stared at Allan. She’d not paid him much heed
before now.
‘Look. I’m not being funny,’ he
said,
‘But there was definitely something going on between the
three of
you back in the forest.’
‘You don’t miss much do you.’
‘No. But if you want my opinion I think
they’re both
stupid. I mean, lovely girls like you don’t come along every
day. Anyway,’ he said hastily,
‘I’d best be
off. Things to do.’
Anna smiled at him and he smiled back.
Maybe she would stay, just a bit longer.
……………………………………..
Part 3
‘Time to stop burying our heads in the sand Gisborne and get
back to business.’
Sheriff Vaizey had that maniacal look in his eyes that Gisborne had
seen so many times before. Another scheme was about to be
hatched.
‘No more sitting around wallowing over your lost love
Gisborne,’ Vaizey snapped. ‘I need my second in
command
back on the ball.’
Gisborne tried to concentrate. Right now he hated the Sheriff more than
anyone else in the world, apart from himself perhaps. And yet the
Sheriff was probably the only person who could save him. Save him from
going under. He still believed that Sheriff Vaizey could secure him
enough wealth that he could escape this place and its memories
forever.
‘What do you have in mind?’ Gisborne asked, trying
to look interested.
‘You see Gisborne,’ Vaizey said, pacing the room.
‘All is not lost. The Black Knights are still here,
waiting
for orders. We still have the villagers under our control and paying
their taxes. And most of all, I know where Hood and his sorry
little band are in the forest and I’ve decided it’s
time to
end this game with him once and for all.’
‘What do you have in mind? Gisborne asked. ‘After
all you’ve failed to kill him so far.’
‘No!’ Vaizey snapped. ‘It is you who have
failed. And
I am only going to give you one more chance. Lose him again
and
it will be your head on a spike.’ Vaizey spat the last word.
Gisborne winced and turned away. The Sheriff wasn’t
joking. He was walking a very thin line and he knew
it.
‘What do you want me to do?’
‘We are not going to wait for Hood to come to us this
time,’ Vaizey said. ‘You are going to go and bring
him to
me, personally.’ Vaizey spun round. ‘Well
don’t just
stand there,’ he barked. ‘And if you
don’t get
him,’ he called to Gisborne’s retreating back,
‘Then
don’t come back at all!’
…………………………….
It was no-ones fault. They just weren’t ready. As
Much
watched over Robin, laying by the fire, and sleeping peacefully for
once, he was unaware of Gisborne silently entering their camp. He
stared in disbelief as Allan and John walked into camp with their hands
up, two guards with swords at their backs. And without even looking
round he knew that a sword was also being held over his back.
‘Gisborne,’ he uttered under his breath. He made it
sound like a swear word.
‘Out of the way,’ said Gisborne. He
motioned to another guard who dragged Much away from Robin.
Robin’s was awake. Very slowly he sat up, not taking his eyes
off Gisborne.
‘Don’t you ever grow tired of this game
Gisborne,’ Robin said.
Gisborne heard the weariness in Robin’s voice.
‘Bad night Hood?’
‘They’re all bad now thanks to you.’
Robin felt the hate well up in him.
Gisborne motioned Robin to a waiting wagon. Robin glanced at the
others. They were heavily outnumbered. Now was not the time
to do
anything foolish.
‘What are you going to do with my men?’ Robin
asked.
‘Nothing,’ said Gisborne. ‘It’s
only you the
Sheriff wants now.’ He turned to the guards. ‘Tie
them up,
tightly, and follow on.’
Gisborne shoved Robin unceremoniously into the wagon and climbed in
behind him. Several guards walked behind and alongside. They were
taking no chances Robin thought. Well he didn’t
care. The
night had taken its toll. His thoughts were more with Much, John and
Allan than they were for himself. If he found a chance to
escape
then he would take it. If not. It occurred to him that the
others
might actually be better off without him right now. It would certainly
end Much’s constant worry. He felt Gisborne’s eyes
boring
into him as he sat swaying in the corner of the wagon, his wrists bound
tightly behind his back.
‘So you and me Hood,’ said Gisborne
softly.
‘You get me. I get you. When’s it going
to end Gisborne?’
‘It’s going to end on a very sharpe spike Locksley.
For you.’
‘Look I’ve heard that one before,’ said
Robin. He was
so tired of it. ‘Why not just skip that part and end it
now.’
‘What. And deny the Sheriff his crowning
moment.’
‘Oh come off it. He’ll get over it. After
all I’ll be dead won’t I.’
‘Your point?’
‘No,’ said Robin, almost laughing.
‘You’re the
one with the point.’ Robin indicated Gisborne’s
sword.
‘You’re giving me permission to kill you here and
now?’ What was Robin playing at? Did he know something even
now
that Gisborne did not?
‘You did it to her. Now do it to me,’
said Robin.
My God Gisborne thought. He actually means it.
‘You know why I killed her,’ said Gisborne quietly.
‘I was never going to have her was I. All that time when I
thought I might, just might, stand a chance against you.’
‘You’ve taken my whole future,’ said
Robin
desperately. ‘I just want to be with her now.’ He
turned
his face to the back of the wagon. It seemed even his pride was going
to desert him now.
‘But you won’t be with her will you.’
And in that moment, in that very moment, when he was ready to embrace
death at last, Robin saw. He saw a way, for him and for her.
He turned back to Gisborne. Saw Gisborne shaking with the very effort
of not knowing what to do. And took his chance.
He kicked out at Gisborne sending the man off balance and then threw
himself at the wagon’s doors. It was madness he
knew. The
chances of breaking open the door, of escaping the guards outside with
his hands tied behind his back, of being able to outrun them. But he
had to live, just a bit longer.
He hit the doors hard but they didn’t open. Oh God,
he’d
had it. He felt Gisborne’s breath on his neck. And he waited
for
Gisborne’s dagger to plunge into him. Third time lucky
Gisborne
was all he could think. And the doors flew open. Gisborne pushed him
with all his might and Robin crashed to the ground. Gisborne jumped out
and stood in front of the winded Robin, his sword pointing at the
guards.
‘This is between me and him,’ he shouted, as the
wagon came to a halt. ‘Get lost all of you.’
As the wagon and guards disappeared from sight, Gisborne turned to
Robin.
‘See you in hell Hood.’ And Gisborne threw down his
dagger
and sword, both inches from Robin’s face, turned and walked
away.
Robin lifted his head from the ground and watched in disbelief, blood
pouring from a gash on his forehead as his executioner vanished into
the forest.
‘I’m coming my love,’ he said out loud
and passed out.
John was the first one to break out of their bonds.
‘Let’s go,’ he said as he swiftly untied
both Much and Allan.
‘Look!’ Much laughed. ‘The tracks are
easy to follow. They can’t be in Nottingham yet.’
‘Come on,’ John yelled, already running fast.
It was Much who saw Robin first, lying on the path some distance away.
Even from where they were the hilt of the sword sticking up was quite
visible.
‘Oh God,’ Much uttered. He started to run, John and
Allan at his heels.
It took Much a minute or two to work out that both the sword and dagger
were in the ground and not in Robin and that Robin was simply
unconscious.
‘He’s alright,’ said John shaking
Much’s shoulders.
‘He’s alright,’ Much echoed.
Allan lifted Robin’s head and put some water to his lips.
Robin opened his eyes.
‘You’ve got to stop doing
this,’ said Much.
‘I was planning to,’ said Robin.
John untied Robin’s hands. Robin touched the gash on his
head, which was weakly pulsing with blood.
‘Here,’ said John, passing Robin his scarf.
‘What happened?’ Allan asked, as they started
heading back to camp.
‘I’m not sure exactly,’ said Robin,
remembering the last look on Gisborne’s face.
‘But I think Gisborne might be considering changing
sides.’
‘What!’ John exploded.
‘I can’t explain,’ said Robin.
‘He had every
chance to kill me and he didn’t take it.’ Inwardly
Robin
thought how only a short while ago he had handed himself to Gisborne on
a plate. Yet Gisborne had not only chosen to not take it but had given
Robin the chance to escape.
‘It’s Marian,’ he said.
‘Gisborne needs me to do what he can’t
do.’
‘Which is?’ Much asked.
‘To bring Marian home.’
If they had ever thought Robin had gone mad before, then now was
irrefutable proof.
‘Bring…Marian… home?’ Much
stuttered.
‘Yes.’ Robin’s eyes were shining. He was
so sure.
Much stopped tending to Robin’s wound.
‘Just fresh air. That’s all it
needs,’ he mumbled. Robin had gone mad. He
wouldn’t listen.
‘Much look at me. Today I’m
alive. Today
Gisborne let me live. Tomorrow might be another story.
Perhaps
Gisborne has a conscience after all but the Sheriff
doesn’t.’
‘I’m not listening to this, said Much, putting his
fingers in his ears.
‘You don’t even know what I’m going to
say,’ said Robin.
‘You’ve got that “I’ve got a
plan” look on your face,’ said Much.
‘Well I have. And Gisborne gave it to me.’
Robin suddenly looked serious.
‘If I die I want to be buried at Locksley, where I belong.
And I want to be next to my wife.’
Much was beginning to see where this was going.
‘I don’t like all this talk of death.
Can’t we talk about food, or taxes, anything.’
‘I’m going to get a message to the King,’
Robin went
on, ignoring Much. ‘I’m going to ask him to arrange
for
Marian’s body to be sent home. She’ll be buried
here, in
Locksley, where she belongs.’
‘This is madness Robin,’ said Much. ‘You
can’t
go digging up bodies. You can’t….’ He
stopped,
aghast at the images he must be casting.
Robin flinched. ‘I have to bring her home Much.
It’s the
right thing to do. She never lived in the Holy Land. This is where she
should be.’
Much looked up. He could see Robin had made up his mind but he had to
say it anyway. No-one else would.
‘She’s dead Robin. Bringing her back
here. What difference can it make?’
‘It makes a difference to me. Please.’
He’s asking my permission thought Much. He’s
actually begging me to agree. And how can I refuse him?
‘Allan knows people,’ said Much quietly.
‘He’ll get your message to the King.’
If this was going to bring Robin some peace then so be it.
Part 4
Gisborne had two choices. Return to Nottingham and face the
Sheriff, empty handed. Or just keep walking. In the
end it
came down to one thing. Money. The Sheriff had it
and
Gisborne wanted it. His chances of getting it now however
seemed
slimmer than ever. How was he going to explain
Hood’s
escape yet again?
‘No need to explain Gisborne,’ said Sheriff Vaizey
in an offhand matter.
‘After all, you’ve never caught him
before. Why should it have been any different this
time.’
The Sheriff spoke quietly, kindly almost. It chilled Gisborne
to the bone.
‘I can explain,’ he said.
‘Like I said, Gisborne. No need.’
Sheriff Vaizey swung round. Suddenly his whole demeanour
changed. The quiet thoughtful look replaced by a face that
fairly
blazed with demonic thoughts.
‘Gisborne, we’ve been looking at this the wrong way
round.’
‘Pardon my lord Sheriff.’
Gisborne was still unsure whether he was about to be congratulated or
castrated.
‘If you had brought Hood here. Or indeed killed him
out in
the forest. Which is what the guards reported you were about
to
do when you ordered them off. Then my dear Gisborne we would
have
produced a martyr. And the last thing we need now is to draw
attention to ourselves. In fact,’ he went on,
fairly
bursting with anticipation of what he was about to say, ‘In
fact
we are going to help Robin Hood. Help him get some enjoyment
out
of life. Keep him and his motley crew happy. And
keep his
lowlife subjects happy. And while they’re all being
happy,
we, and by that I mean you Gisborne, will be busy.
‘What do you have in mind Sheriff?’
Gisborne didn’t like the way this was sounding.
‘Bear with me Gisborne,’ said Vaizey.
‘We don’t want the populace thinking
we’re going
soft. We’re going to make it look like it was all their
doing. Let Hood capture some small amounts of money and give
it
to the people. Forget to collect some taxes. Make
it look
as though you and I have lost our touch. Which of course YOU!, (and
here the Sheriff poked Gisborne hard in the chest) HAVE!’
Gisborne could fairly have strangled the Sheriff. A picture
of
him with his hands round Vaizey’s neck danced before his
eyes. But no. No. He needed the Sheriff. For now.
‘A little bird tells me Gisborne,’ Sheriff Vaizey
went on,
‘That a messenger was dispatched by Robin Hood to the Holy
Land. Do you know why Gisborne?’
‘I’ve no idea my lord.’
‘Me neither. But I intend to find out.’
……………………………
Much felt happier. Robin was becoming more and more like his
old
self every day. It was true there were still moments when Robin was far
away from him. When every time he heard running feet approaching the
camp a look of expectancy would light his face. Would it be the
messenger returning from the Holy Land with news that the King was
going to grant Robin his request? And then the light go out
of
that face when Robin found it to be one of them. Yes the
waiting
was hard.
‘He’s here,’ said Allan, strolling
nonculantly into camp.
Robin looked up, not daring to hope.
‘Who?’ Much asked.
‘The messenger.’
‘Where?’ Robin asked, his heart beginning to pound.
‘At Locksley. Arrived last night.’
‘Are you sure?’ Much asked.
‘Course I’m sure. I was there.’
‘Oh,’ said Much, remembering the thing he was
trying to
forget. Allan was seeing Anna. They were a couple.
‘Why didn’t you come before Allan?’ Robin
demanded.
‘Look,’ said Allan, a little peeved.
‘It was late, he was exhausted and Anna sent him to
bed.’
Allan knew that the fact he was seeing Anna was a sore point with
Much. What he didn’t know was how Robin felt about
it. So he kept his visits to himself. Best not to stir
anything
up. Keep it simple. That was Allan’s
motto.
‘I’m going to Locksley.’ Robin
began tethering his horse.
‘Robin.’ Much touched Robin’s
arm.
‘Don’t get your hopes up too much. The
answer from the King might be no.’
Much could see that Robin had thought of this. Probably a
hundred times over.
Robin rode off.
…………………………….
‘Gisborne. I have plan.’
‘Another one, my lord Sheriff.’
‘No, no. The same one – only
better.’
Sheriff Vaizey walked round his bird cages, giving each one a gentle
push.
‘Gisborne we need to endear ourselves to the common
man.’
Yeah right thought Gisborne.
‘I can see you’re a little sceptical
Gisborne.’
‘You could say that.’
‘Well I agree. I think the chances of me becoming
man of
the people are pretty slim. You, however, might just stand a chance.
Because you and I Gisborne are going to become enemies. Hypothetically
speaking.’
Careful thought Gisborne.
‘You see Gisborne,’ the Sheriff went on,
‘You are
going to be the new Robin Hood. I am going to disinherit you, so to
speak. Publicly humiliate you for all your failures.’
Sheriff Vaizey thoughtfully rubbed his chin, his eyes lighting up with
a devilish grin. ‘Maybe even a flogging.’
‘You forget I killed Marian. The people liked
her.’
‘No, no Gisborne. You were going for the King. On
my
orders. She got in the way. It was a moment of madness. You are a man
in torment.’
Well that bit at least was true.
‘Gisborne. Prepare yourself for a flogging. Tomorrow morning.
And
oh,’ he said, looking Gisborne up and down. ‘Wear
something
a little less black could you.’
……………………………………..
Robin rode hard. As he neared Locksley Manor he could feel
the
tension knotting in his stomach. What would the messenger
have to
say? Was this still an act of madness?
He’d not seen Anna for several weeks. How would he
feel?
Well, she was Allan’s girl now. So it
didn’t
matter.
Anna watched him as he rode towards the house and felt a little pang
inside.
He tethered his horse hurriedly and came inside.
‘Where is he?’ Robin asked, looking past Anna. So
much depended on this man.
He hasn’t come for me she thought. It’s
still
her. It’ll always be her. And I’m going
to have to
stand it and I won’t cry. Why should I?
I’ve
loved one wonderful man. Shouldn’t that be enough
to last a
woman a lifetime?
‘He’s still sleeping. Shall I fetch him
now?’
Robin looked at her. She looked tired and a little sad.
‘Did Allan tell you. About the messenger?’
‘Yes.’
Did she also think it was a desperate act on his part?
‘Robin. I do understand. If it had been
different for
me and Daniel I might be wanting to do the same. But I met
Daniel
in the Holy Land. It was the only home we had
together.’
They both looked round as the messenger came down the stairs.
Anna made to leave the room. Robin might prefer to hear
whatever this man had to say alone.
‘The King said yes,’ the man blurted out.
Robin leant back against the wall and realised he’d been
holding his breath.
‘Thank you. Tell me.’
‘The King gave me the message to keep in my head,’
said the
man. ‘He thought if he wrote it down it could fall into enemy
hands.’
‘Of course,’ said Robin.
‘He said that despite the request being a little..’
he paused, and started again.
‘Any day now a peace treaty will be signed and the
King
will be returning home. And he will bring..’ He
tailed off
unsure what to say.
‘I understand,’ said Robin.
‘Here.’ He handed the man a small pouch
of money.
‘Madam,’ said the messenger, turning to Anna.
‘Thank
you for your kind hospitality but I must be gone.’ He touched
his
nose. ‘I was never here.’
‘Of course,’ said Anna.
‘Do you need a horse,’ Robin asked. ‘You
can take mine.’
‘No need. This is not the first time I’ve carried
important messages. I know how to disappear.’
And with that he was gone.
…………………………..
Robin turned to Anna. He had the answer he had been hoping
for. So why did it still hurt so much?
‘It will never go away Robin,’ she said softly.
‘It’s a part of you. She was a part of
you.’
She knows thought Robin. But is it reason enough for us to be together
or would it only tear us apart?
For God’s sake Robin he thought, get a grip.
‘I have to go,’ he said.
‘Allan doesn’t love me,’ she blurted out.
‘I
mean he cares and he’s kind and funny..’ She
couldn’t
stop.
‘And I like him. Really I do. But you…’
She stopped and started again.
‘He’s uncomplicated. I know where I
stand.’
She started to cry. There was no point pretending.
He didn’t hesitate. She had comforted him not so
long ago.
She felt small in his arms, like a child. And he was relieved that this
was all he wanted. Marian still enveloped his heart.
After a while she pulled away.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘It
won’t happen again.’
……………………………
The Sheriff assured Gisborne that the flogging was just for
show.
He’d let the rumour spread that Gisborne had become
unreliable
and the Sheriff had tired of his failure to catch Robin Hood.
He
even let it be known that Gisborne was siding with Robin.
Not exactly the case thought Gisborne, as he stood, bound, naked from
the waist up. But he had let Robin go, and on more than one occasion.
No, he hated Robin Hood. It was just possible however, that he was
beginning to hate the Sheriff more.
‘I thought this was just for show,’ Gisborne hissed
at Vaizey from behind gritted teeth.
‘I have to make it look good Gisborne.’
Gisborne grunted as the cat-o-nine-tails cut into his back. The Sheriff
had obviously forgotten to tell the man to take it easy.
‘You see,’ Sheriff Vaizey shouted to a rather small
but
nevertheless enthralled audience, ‘Changing sides is never a
good
idea when you work for me! And where’s your new friend, Robin
Hood? Because I’m right aren’t I
Gisborne.
You’re on his side now? Not got the stomach for it
any
more.’ He sidled up to Gisborne. ‘Or the
back.’
The Sheriff was obviously enjoying himself. Just a little too much.
This won’t work Gisborne thought. Who in their
right minds
was going to think he was with Robin Hood. Come to that, what would
Robin think once he heard about this? But he had let Robin live
hadn’t he? There was just the smallest of chances that Robin
might think Gisborne’s conscience was getting the better of
him.
……………………………
‘It’s a trick,’ said Allan.
‘Of course it’s a trick Allan,’ Robin
snapped.
‘I’m just saying like.’
‘Sorry Allan.’
He had to stop doing this. The messenger had said the King would
come. And that he would bring Marian home. The question was
when? There was no way of knowing.
‘The question is why,’ said Much.
‘To find out what we know,’ said Allan.
‘This I do not like,’ said John. ‘This is
doing my head in.’
‘Look,’ said Robin. ‘Gisborne’s
had a falling
out with the Sheriff. Real or otherwise. But
there’s no way
I’ll ever trust him.’
‘Still some of the villagers are falling for it,’
said Allan.
‘It won’t help him. They don’t
know any more than we do.’
‘So what do we do?’ Much asked.
‘We go along with it.’ Robin smiled. ‘We
trick the trickster.’
‘What was the question?’ asked a perplexed Much.
…………………………………
Weeks of watching and waiting. Letting Hood and his gang steal some
money here. Retrieve some taxes there. Trying to take their eye off the
ball. And Gisborne, squirming his way into the villagers
lives.
Slowly, slowly. To find out what they needed to know. And
none of
it really necessary. Because Sheriff Vaizey had his answer.
Lepers Gisborne, he had once said. It was always the
women.
Vaizey knew that if he watched Anna long enough he would get his
answer. And then a man had come. The messenger. And
Sheriff
Vaizey had his answer. When Robin had appeared at Locksley
the
next morning he knew he was right. And the messenger had
talked.
Talked and died. The King was coming, and soon.
………………………………….
‘I don’t believe it,’ said Allan, open
mouthed.
Will and Djaq walked towards him.
‘What are you doing here?’ Allan gaped.
‘Thanks a lot,’ said Will. ‘Nice to see
you too.’
‘No. I mean. Have you come back. What?’
‘We’re here with a message,’ said Djaq.
‘From the King.’
She sat down heavily. Only then did Allan see that she would
soon be a mother.
‘Here.’ He handed her a blanket.
She smiled. ‘Thank you Allan.’
‘I’ll get the others.’
………………………………..
‘So how have you been?’ Robin asked. He wanted the
news from the King badly but pleasantries needed to come first.
‘Good,’ said Will. ‘Busy.’
‘So we can see,’ said Allan winking at Djaq.
‘Congratulations,’ Robin said.
I shouldn’t have come thought Djaq. This makes him sad.
‘When’s it due?’ Much asked.
‘Another month.’
‘I’m surprised you let her travel,’ said
Robin.
‘You try telling Djaq what she can and can’t
do,’
said Will, rolling his eyes, but obviously proud of his strong and
capable wife.
‘We needed to be here,’ said Djaq. ‘Both
of us.’
‘Tell me,’ Robin said.
‘The King was expecting your messenger to return. He
didn’t.’
‘He asked us if we could send a bird to you with news. We
offered our services instead.’ Will turned to Djaq.
‘Despite this,’ and he indicated Djaq’s
swollen
stomach. ‘We knew we had to bring this message to you
ourselves.
And to be here,’ he added.
‘The King arrives in three days,’ said Djaq.
‘Only we were given this information,’ said Will.
Robin made to speak and couldn’t.
Djaq spoke for him.
‘The King is bringing Marian’s body back.
Will made the casket himself.’
‘It’s just a simple one,’ said Will
hurriedly.
‘I wanted to make something better but there wasn’t
time.’
‘It’s okay Will,’ Robin replied.
‘I’m sure it’s perfect. Thank
you.’
He got up and walked away. Finally she was coming home. But
he was no longer sure he could face it.
……………………………..
They were all waiting outside. It was a cold but clear
morning.
The villagers had finally been told what was happening. They
waited. They waited at the far end of the village. They were all there
for Robin, but this was a private moment.
The gang, including Will and Djaq, stood quietly in the morning sun.
Each one proud to be here with Robin, but each one praying it would
soon be over. Every minute they stood there they were aware of the
danger of the Sheriff and Gisborne turning up. So many best laid plans
had been crushed. Yet always they had come through. Would
this be
the time they didn’t make it?
……………………………..
Robin sat, staring into the flames of the fire Anna had lit some time
earlier.
He’d sat here like this once before. Then, he had
been
faced with whether to remain a noble and ‘work within the
system’ like Marian, or become an outlaw and face the
consequences. And he had chosen the latter. Now, as he sat,
putting off the moment when he would say his final goodbye to her, he
remembered.
He remembered the first time he saw her, after he and Much returned to
Nottingham. Standing beside her father, pointing an arrow at him, and
warning him off. She was even more beautiful than before. Before he had
gone to war. And later, tending his arm after he had been
shot by
an arrow. Still sore at him; still making his heart race. And in the
cave, when he thought she was dead. The first time he had told her he
loved her and she hadn’t heard him. And now she was dead and
he
had to go outside and face it all over again.
……………………………
Djaq pushed open the door and went into the relative darkness of
Locksley Manor, bathed only by the light of the fire.
‘It is time Robin.’
‘I can’t do it Djaq. I can’t say goodbye
again.’
‘Robin. You have to. Everyone is waiting.’
She walked over to him and knelt in front of him. Supporting her unborn
child with her free arm.
‘It is your choice Robin. Your choice.’
He didn’t know what to do. This was a mistake. A
mistake. He’d said his goodbyes.
Djaq kept talking.
‘You can choose to live in the shadow of her death Robin. Or
you can choose life.’
‘Everything is a choice.’
‘Robin?’
‘She said that to me once. Everything is a choice.’
‘Then make a choice. As Marian did.’
‘She chose to die. She didn’t need to die
Djaq.’
‘She didn’t choose to die,’ Djaq said.
‘She
chose to let the King live. To let you live. There is a
difference.’
Robin shook his head.
‘Here. Feel here,’ said Djaq. The
excitement in her voice caused Robin to look up.
Gently Djaq took his hand and put it to her bulge.
‘Can you feel Robin?’
The baby inside her gave some small sharp kicks.
Robin tried to smile.
‘Don’t despair Robin,’ she said.
‘There are always possibilities.’
Robin made his choice.
………………………………
Allan stood beside the King. Will held his hand out to Djaq and she
moved to his side. He put his hand around her and held his wife and
baby protectively. John and Much stood nervously on the other
side of the newly dug grave. As Robin left the house and walked towards
them Much let out a breath he’d been holding for far too
long.
Just let him get through this please, he begged to his God. Just let us
all get through this.
Robin walked up to the graveside. In his hand he held the emerald green
ring.
Gently he laid the ring on top of the casket. ‘Goodbye my
wife.’
He would never know what could have been.
He stood up and the King cleared his throat.
It was Anna, quietly standing some way back from the others, who first
saw the two dark figures on top of the hill.
‘Robin!’ she screamed.
And he knew. They all knew.
Allan hurled himself at the King, knowing only that they were all, but
especially the King, in grave danger.
Robin was ready. He had always known that this could happen.
Even as Anna shouted for a second time, he was loading two arrows in
his bow and aiming them at the Sheriff and Gisborne. He fired. One hit
the Sheriff in the chest. The other caught Gisborne just
below
the shoulder blade.
The Sheriff looked down at the arrow, a stunned expression on his face.
‘Help me Gisborne,’ he uttered.
Gisborne tore the arrow from his shoulder and was already loading
another. Without even glancing at the Sheriff he said the words he had
wanted to say for longer than he could remember, ‘A clue
–
no.’
Sheriff Vaizey was dead before he even hit the ground.
Robin loaded again and aimed at Gisborne.
This time the arrow hit Gisborne true. But it wasn’t Robin
who fired.
Gisborne pitched to the ground.
Robin swung round.
The determined look on Anna’s face was replaced by a look of
relief.
‘I learned to do that in the Holy Land,’ she said.
‘Daniel thought it might come in handy one day.’
She lowered the bow and came and stood next to Robin.
Allan and the King got up from the ground. John lowered his staff. Will
still held on tightly to Djaq.
‘Are you sure they’re dead?’ said Much,
tentatively raising his head.
Allan looked across at Robin and Anna, and gave Robin a nod.
Anna took hold of Robin’s hand. Slowly their
fingers intertwined.
There are always possibilities Robin thought. He took a few
steps
towards Marian’s grave, still holding tight to
Anna’s small
hand.
‘Rest in peace, Marian,’ he said.
‘We’re home.’
THE END
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