More…

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