Solitaire was true to her word. 

After a night of rest, it was all Robin and Much could do to keep up with her the following day. 

Still dressed as on the previous evening, but with the addition of a large woven basket on her arm, she led them from alleyway to alleyway, from square to square, seeking out people who needed her help.  The old left to fend for themselves, their sons killed in the fighting.  The women folk with no husbands.  And the children, homeless and often parentless, who roamed the streets and looked for her.  

At first, Robin and Much kept their distance, sometimes together, sometimes apart, keeping watch over Solitaire.  They were amazed by her stamina, the endless energy that propelled her through the streets of Acre. 

As the day wore on, they realised their presence had become fairly obvious.  The children especially were keen to see the infidels who followed their ministering angel. 

As Solitaire came out of a house with yet another heavy load of food and clothing, she found herself smiling as the two men took some of the load and helped hand it out to those that needed it. 

‘When she said she didn’t just do dancing, I didn’t expect this,’ Robin commented, as they followed Solitaire down yet another alleyway. 

‘The Night Watchman of Acre,’ mumbled Much.  He stole a glance at Robin.  ‘Sorry.  I didn’t mean to…’ 

‘It’s alright Much.  Really it is.’

And he meant it.  Despite the strangeness of the day, Robin realised he was quite enjoying himself.  Perhaps, as in Nottingham, helping those who were unable to help themselves did act as a salve on his wounded heart.  Or perhaps it was no more than he had found himself enjoying her company.  And, he realised, he was looking forward to the end of the day and the promise of her dancing once more. 

Robin and Much left Solitaire at her night residence to change and they returned an hour later to escort her to a large house on the outskirts of the town.  There they learned it was Solomon’s house and he was having a party with Solitaire being the star attraction. 

‘Ahh.  My friends. You are welcome.  Come in,’ boomed Solomon. 

Robin and much entered the room.  The air was heavy with smoke from a fire burning along the back wall, over which meat of some description was cooking.  Again, the centre of the floor was empty but for a large and intricately coloured rug.  And again, men sprawled around its perimeter waiting for the main event – Solitaire. 

At first, Robin hardly recognised her as the girl they had trailed all over town with. 

Her clothes were of the deepest red, edged with gold sequins.  Gold anklets and a myriad of bracelets adorned her ankles and arms.  Her dark hair tumbled down her back interlaced with tiny gold flowers.   And the necklace, in the shape of a sun, once more encircled her neck. 

She was quite exquisite and Robin again felt his pulse quicken, as he had that first night he had seen her, and recognised a desire that the daytime with her had not wrought. 

I am tired he thought, and it is how she is dressed, how she moves, that is making me feel this way.  She is no more than a young girl, making money by dancing for men’s pleasure and then giving it away to the poor.  She robs these men as quickly and as easily as we robbed with our bow and arrow back in Sherwood.  What is more, she does it without them even realising.  And that was when Robin knew he wanted to know her better.  A whole lot better.





‘Are you sure my dear?’ Katherine asked. 

Again Marian nodded. 

‘Yes, I am sure.   I really cannot face the rest of my days without him, or at least knowing that he is happy without me.’

‘So what will you do when you get to Nottingham?’

‘I will find out how he is.  If he still needs me.’

‘And if he does not?’ said Katherine, voicing Marian’s fear.  

‘Then I will leave,’ Marian answered softly.  ‘I have found out that I can still be useful.  Whatever happens, I will make sure that my continued existence has not been in vain.’ 

‘I will miss you,’ said Katherine, changing the subject.

‘And I you,’ Marian replied.  But in truth, the day the next boat sailed to England could not come soon enough.

…………………..

Despite being drawn to Solitaire, Robin had enough awareness to know that he needed to keep his ears and eyes open for any sign of trouble.  Any one of the men in this room could be the one trying to destroy the path to peace.  And targeting Solitaire would be just another demonstration of that desire for the war to continue by those who had something to profit by it. 

He turned back to her and clapped along with the others as she finished her dance.  Once again their eyes met, and this time it was she who appeared sad. 

She suddenly looked so vulnerable, standing there surrounded by men and yet alone. He wanted to hold her and show that he understood how she felt. 

But why now? 

Why, when until tonight every sinew in his body cried out for Marian.  Was it no more than male lust, brought on by the magical qualities of her dance and attire, the fragrance in the air, and the red richness of a goblet of wine?  Or had he decided, finally, to let go of Marian and to move on? 

And then, sick at heart, he realised, that whatever the reason, it didn’t matter.  She was promised to Saladin, and by none other than King Richard himself. 

Robin downed another goblet of wine without thinking and longed for the night to be over.




Solitaire had told them she would be staying in Solomon’s house that night, with two friends of hers, who worked at a sanctuary on the outskirts of town.

Solomon had more than enough men to keep watch over her and with some small hesitation the two men finally agreed to return to their quarters for the night.  They would be back the following morning to escort Solitaire on her “rounds” once more.

Robin felt particularly tired, and knew he had made a mistake in downing that last goblet of wine.  He had also made a mistake in letting his heart open up to the possibility of a liaison with Solitaire.  She was promised to another and he had promised himself there would be no one after Marian. 

But right now he had no time for these heavy thoughts.  He just wanted to take off his boots and lie down. 

‘We’re here Master,’ remarked Much, as Robin almost walked past their door. 

Once inside, Much set about lighting candles.  The one window was small and did not let in the light well, and dusk was coming on in any case. 

Robin walked towards his bed, knocking a small table on route.

‘You’re drunk!’

‘I am not drunk Much.  I had no more than two goblets of wine.’

Although he had to admit he wasn’t feeling too good. 

‘Here,’ said Much.  ‘Sit down and drink some water.’

Gratefully Robin sunk onto a cushion and drank thirstily. 

‘You’re gonna feel like hell tomorrow,’ chortled Much, shaking his head at his master.

‘I feel like hell now,’ Robin replied, water spilling down his chin. 

‘Well, serves you right,’ Much remonstrated. ‘Look after Solitaire.  Find out what you can about the King’s enemies.  Not drink too much.  I’m surprised you made it back here at all.’

Robin wished Much would just shut up.  Something didn’t feel right here.  In fact something felt very wrong indeed.  The pains in his arms surely didn’t come from drinking too much.  He knew what that felt like. 

‘Much?’

‘No.  I’m not saying another word.  Except maybe I told you so..’

‘Much?’

Something in Robin’s voice caused Much to stop fiddling and turn and look at him. 

Much’s eyes widened.

‘Master.  You look terrible.’

‘I feel terrible Much.  And I don’t think it was just the wine I was drinking.’ 

He stopped talking as a griping pain took hold of his stomach.  For a moment he could hardly breath.  A gnawing fear clutched at him. 

‘Master.  Robin.’ 

Much was sitting in front of him now, holding Robin by the shoulders. 

‘What is it?’

‘I’m not sure,’ Robin managed.  ‘But I think I may have been poisoned.’

‘In the drink?’

Robin nodded.  

‘Oh my God.  What’ll I do?’  Much looked truly scared. 

Robin met his eyes and an unspoken fear passed between the two men. 

Much took a deep breath.  He had to pull himself together for Robin’s sake. 

‘The bazaar.  I’ll go to the bazaar.  I’ve seen someone there.  A girl with potions.  Maybe she can….’  Much decided to stop his useless gibbering.  He’s going to die he thought. 

Robin tried to smile.  ‘Just go Much.  Go and find help.’ 

Much nodded but still lingered.

‘Go Much.  Now!’

Robin waited until Much had gone before he lowered himself to the floor. 

The bazaar is closed he thought.  And Much will have no idea where to go.  

Already Robin wondered if it was too late.

The pain had now spread from his arms to his entire body and as the room blurred he realised he was about to lose consciousness.   Some instinct told him to concentrate on not letting this happen.  

He was desperately thirsty again.  In his haste to get help, Much had left the water jug on the other side of the room. 

Robin was also concerned that whoever had done this to him might yet seek him out to make sure the job was finished or indeed to finish him off, and therefore a weapon might come in handy. 

He looked around the room for his sword, smiling grimly as he knew he probably wouldn’t be able to hold it, let alone wield it, but all the same he would feel better if it was on his person. 

Lastly, and by no means least, his bladder was telling him that it no longer wanted to be ignored.  

The room took on a darker hue.  Don’t lose consciousness he again thought.  Concentrate on the water, the sword, and your damn bladder.  

Well, the water was too far away for him to crawl to in his present state, that much was obvious.  His sword too, he saw was laying on the mantel and he had no chance of hoisting himself up to get it. And it was too late to worry about the latter. 

Intense pain racked his entire body.  He pulled himself along by a few inches and then gave up. Gasping for breath he found his face on the floor and he tasted the dust on the cold stonework underneath him. 

So this was how he was going to die.  Not pierced by an arrow.  Not run through by a sword.  But lying on a hard stone floor, bathed in his own sweat and urine.  He tasted blood in his mouth as he bit down to stop from crying out. 

The room grew darker still. 

‘Marian,’ he exhaled into the stonework. 

Marian flinched in her sleep.



Three more weeks before a boat would sail. 

Now that Marian had made up her mind to return to England, the day of leaving could not come quickly enough. 

The constant heat and flies.  The pitiful faces of the children, and the never-ending demands for food or money or both.  She was truly sick of it. 

And that was not all.  

Last night, as she sat outside in the cooling dusk, staring once more into the night sky, and wondering if he too was awake (not knowing if it was night or day in England), she had felt a shiver come over her that had nothing to do with the falling temperature. 

Even when inside once more, she had been unable to shake off her trembling.  She wondered if she was coming down with some illness or fever. How awful would that be?  To have survived a near fatal stabbing only to die of some foreign ailment.

Marian resolved to try and sleep.  She must stay well.  She must stay strong.  She had to be on that boat.

……………………

Please let her be safe and well Robin begged, as he gazed into the night sky, wishing he had another layer on now that the chill of night was approaching. 

He looked up at the stars, wondering at their patterns and found to his dismay that he could not remember the stars over Sherwood Forest. 

Are you up there he silently questioned.  And will you forgive me if I love again. 

Because he knew, as he waited full of inner turmoil for Much’s return, that Solitaire was increasingly in his thoughts.  And it was both a delicious feeling and one of torment.  Delicious to yearn for the delights of a female again and yet torment because she could not be his.  Not ever.  

Am I, he wondered, always destined to be alone?

And the stars were just stars.  He would not find his answer out here. 

He resolved to try and sleep. 

If Solitaire was dead he thought, as he lay down, then he would leave.  Leave and return to England, despite what else the King might ask of him. 

If I lose someone else I care for in this God forsaken place then I need to be on that next boat home – to England. 

Robin slept.

Marian slept.

And the dawn prayer rang out over the streets of Acre once again.




‘Robin.  Are you awake?’ 

Someone was softly shaking him.  

Robin opened his eyes and regarded Much gravely.  

‘She’s alright,’ Much immediately said, and noted the relief on Robin’s face. 

‘You’ve been gone all night Much?’

‘No.  I was here.  You’ve been asleep all night.  For once.  Actually, Ameena gave me something to put in your water.  Said it would help you sleep.  And it seems to have done the trick.  You look one hundred times better this morning.’

Much indicated a plate of food.  ‘Breakfast?’

Robin gulped, excused himself, and bolted out the doorway. 

‘Maybe not,’ Much muttered, helping himself to some bread. 

A short while later Robin returned and gratefully downed a large cup of water.  

‘Er…when I said one hundred times better, I actually meant ninety eight,’ Much grinned. 

‘I’m surprised you can count that high,’ Robin smiled. 

‘Now I know you’re better,’ Much grinned back.  ‘Ever ready to attack the under educated.’ 

‘I’m sorry Much.  But you do tend to walk into it sometimes.’

‘So how come you’re the one who got poisoned then?’ Much replied smugly.

‘Because I have a weakness for wine?’

‘Wrong answer.  A weakness for women more like.’

Robin’s face clouded over. 

‘I’ve put my foot in it again, haven’t I?’

Robin sighed. 

‘No Much.  You’re right.  As usual.’

‘Master,’ said Much solemnly.  ‘You have to be careful.  Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.’

‘What can I possibly do Much.  She’s promised to Saladin, by our King.’ 

‘Then you’ll let it go?’

‘Much.  That may be assuming a little too much.’

‘Assuming what?’ Solitaire asked as she walked through their door.   ‘Are you alright?’ she immediately asked Robin.  

‘Me?  Why didn’t you wait for us to come and get you?  If the King knew…’

‘Knew what Robin?’ said Richard, following Solitaire into the room.  

Robin regarded Much. 

‘You told them.’

‘I was worried about you.  That was all,’ said Much defensively.  

‘This is not good,’ said Richard.  ‘Whoever tried to kill you is still out there.  I have told Solitaire she is to say with you and Much at all times.  And I have doubled my guards.  Saladin is on his way to Tyre even as we speak.  If we can get Solitaire safely to him, and I can get the treaty signed, it cannot come soon enough.’ 

He turned to Solitaire.  ‘You must say with Robin and Much.  No street walking.  No dancing.’

‘But…’

‘And no buts.’ 

Richard again turned to Robin.  ‘Make sure she does as she is told.’

‘Of course your Majesty.’

Richard kissed Solitaire lightly on the cheek.  ‘My dear.’ 

He nodded at the two men and joined his guard outside. 

‘Cards anyone?’ offered Much.





‘Can I at least collect some of my things?’ Solitaire asked. 

‘Of course,’ Robin replied.  ‘I’ll come with you.’

‘Wait for…………me,’ Much said to the departing figures.  He shook his head. 

‘Are you sure you’re alright?’ Solitaire again asked, as they rounded the corner. 

‘When Much told me what happened.’ 

‘It was my own fault,’ Robin admitted.  ‘I should have been paying more attention.’

‘Instead of watching me,’ she replied, turning to him and looking him in the eye. 

Robin’s heartbeat quickened.  ‘You’re hard not to watch,’ he said. 

She smiled to herself. 

‘So,’ Robin continued.  ‘How did you get into this, what did the King call it?  Street walking?’

She laughed.  ‘I think there is another meaning for that in this country.  But I know what he means.  It just happened,’ she said, as they arrived at her door.

‘Tell me.’

‘Some of the children who go to the sanctuary do not stay there.  They want to be here, where their parents lived.  One night I stumbled upon some as I was coming home from a dance.  I gave them some money.  The next day they turned up on my doorstep.  That is how it started,’ she said. 

She took Robin unthinkingly by the hand and led him through a labyrinth of corridors to her room.  

Busying herself collecting personal items, she carried on talking. 

‘Don’t get me wrong Robin.  The sanctuary is a lovely place and the Sisters are very kind.  But most of them are quite old.  Some are trained nurses, but many are not.  They are the washerwomen who lived and worked alongside the army.  Most have nowhere else to go and no one to go home to. There are one or two younger ones.  Like the lady with the limp.’

‘Who?’ Robin asked.

‘I have not spoken to her, but the children seem to like her.  English she is, and pretty by all accounts.  I think perhaps her husband was a soldier here.  Some of the wives of the King’s Guard followed their husbands out here.’

‘You seem to know a lot,’ he smiled.  

‘It’s amazing what snippets of conversation you can pick up whilst dancing,’ she smiled back.  ‘I just need to speak to a couple of my friends here Robin.  I will not be long.’

She left him sitting on her bed, gazing round at her things.  The room was small, her bed in its centre.  There was little other furniture to speak of, except for one low chair in a corner.  The walls, however, were adorned by her various dance costumes, in every colour imaginable.  He felt like he was sitting inside a walled rainbow.

And he should not just be sitting he thought.   Maybe the poison still coursed his veins.  They should be leaving.  Getting back to Much.  Somehow he seemed to have lost his sense of purpose. 

When Solitaire returned she came and sat next to him and took hold of his hand.  He did not attempt to pull away. 

Their eyes met and something unspoken passed between them.  

‘We should go back,’ he said. 

‘Yes.  I suppose so,’ she replied haltingly. 

‘What is it?’ he asked.  

She turned to him, her expression a little sad.  Yet at the same time there was a knowing look about her. 

He waited, his heart pounding.

‘All my life,’ she said.  ‘I have been forced to go with men I did not want or like, against my will.’  She paused, as though making a decision, and then carried on.

‘Firstly my father.’

Robin’s eyes flickered but she paid no attention, determined to say her piece. 

‘And then the cruel man he sold me to, amongst others.  Even Saladin, who I believe will treat me well, is not of my choosing.  Just for once I would like to be with a man because it is my idea.’

Again she looked at him, and it was plain to her that he knew exactly what she was talking about.  

Yet still he hesitated.  

‘This will just make things harder for us,’ he said softly, willing her to let him go because he didn’t have the strength right then to walk away himself.

Instead she put his hand to her lips, a strange gesture, and planted soft kisses on the back of it.  Then raising her eyes to meet his she said, ‘I think it is already too late for you to change your mind.’ 

And as he lay down on the bed with her he decided that she was probably right.





‘Marian,’ Katherine hissed.  ‘Not down there.’

‘But the boy,’ Marian replied urgently.  ‘He went this way.’

Ignoring Katherine, Marian headed down the dark alleyway, cursing her awkward gait for slowing her down.  

If the boy was hurt then they needed to find him and quickly. 

As Marian came to a halt outside the only lighted building, Katherine bustled up behind her.

‘Marian,’ said Katherine, almost beside herself.  ‘He is much too quick for us, and this is the last place we want to be standing at this late hour.’

‘I do not understand,’ Marian replied, wondering at the babble of voices coming from within the house and straining to hear the music behind its walls. 

‘This is a house of ill repute Lady Marian.  We must leave at once.’

Marian had to smile.  Dear Katherine, usually so soft and gentle, had become all stiff and starchy.  She reminded Marian of a nursemaid she had once had as a little girl.  A nursemaid who Robin liked to flick acorns at.  A nursemaid he liked to play tricks on, and a nursemaid who once gave him a thick ear for his troubles.  

‘Why are you smiling?’ Katherine asked, her head flicking back and forth.  

‘Oh nothing,’ Marian grinned.  ‘I was just thinking about a naughty little boy.’

Katherine looked at her quizzically, not quite sure what to make of the remark.  

‘Yes, well.  There are certainly a few of them in there.  Now please hurry,’ she pleaded. 

Again Marian smiled, but ruefully this time.  Hurrying was something she no longer had the luxury of being able to do. 

As she limped behind Katherine, sorry they had lost the little boy, she had a passing thought.  Robin had spent a long time in the Holy Land.  Had he ever visited this alleyway? 

She sighed.  Why was she taunting herself with these thoughts, when she should be concentrating on getting home, on finding him again. 

The man she loved, and the man who loved her, and only her.  


......................................


Everything about him was so different from all those heavy men she had found herself cursed with over the years. 

She was enthralled to find she could wrap her arms completely around him.  Her hand briefly found his scar, and she sealed it with a caressing touch. 

Just to hold him like this was enough for her, though not enough for the man she was sure.

And then in that moment, as he sought her mouth, she knew it was not enough. Could never be enough.  She had wanted to lie with a man of her own choosing, and now she did not want to let that man go. Not ever.  

…………..

If her lips had been Marian’s.  If her taste had been of Marian, he would not go through with it. He would tear himself away from her, despite the demands his body was making.  But they were not.  She was as exotic to him as the perfume she wore and the language she spoke.  And he went to her willingly because he was not reminded of Marian.  Because, for tonight only, he promised himself, he would allow himself this indulgence.

Nothing about it seemed real.  Nothing here was real.

Only the forest and the leaf-strewn ground and the cloudy sky.  And only Marian, riding or walking through it.  They were the only things that had been real in his life. 

And once there was peace here again, and Solitaire was gone, he would go back to that place and back to his memories. 

But as Solitaire caressed his scar and then suddenly held on tightly to him, he realised he was wrong. 

Solitaire was here, she was real, and Marian no longer walked or rode through the forest. 

Marian’s spirit was here, in this place, and perhaps it was here he belonged after all. 

And if he could have Solitaire, perhaps he would stay.  Forever.  

……………….

Marian cried.  Because the next boat was still several days away, and Robin could be drifting from her, even now.




Much knew where he was of course. 

He paced the room.  Even the newly arrived plate of food could not stop his agitation. 

What was Robin playing at?  Playing with fire, that’s what. 

And they could not afford to play.  Since the poisoning this mission had become deadly serious. 

Why could he not have found another girl here, if he’d wanted one?  Of course, that was the trouble.  He did want one – and her name was Marian.   Perhaps he thought he would find it in Solitaire, but she was not the answer.  She belonged (or would belong) to Saladin.  

Much paced some more. 

Then stopped and studied the plate of food, wondering if he could manage just a little.  And as he stood there, Will and Djaq came to mind.  Much needed to talk to someone, anyone.  And for the moment Robin was lost to him.  

……………..

Will, open mouthed, dropped the plate he had been holding.  It smashed to smithereens on the hard stone floor. 

Djaq ran into the room, and stopped, also open-mouthed. 

‘Sorry,’ Much flustered.  ‘Didn’t mean to scare you.’

‘Much!’ exclaimed Djaq, recovering first.  ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Well, I came for a bit of a chat actually.’

‘You…came…for…a…bit…of….a….chat,’ echoed Will slowly.  

‘Well, obviously I didn’t just get on a boat just to see you for a chat.  But I…oh,’ Much grinned sheepishly at Djaq. 

‘Sit down Much,’ she said smiling.  ‘And start from the beginning.’

Much explained about the message from the King, and how he and Robin had left Allan and John in Nottingham and how they had come to the Holy Land. 

‘So where is Robin?’ Will asked.

‘What.  Right now?’

‘Yes.  Right now?’

‘Ahh,’ Much replied.

‘What does “ahh” mean?’

‘Well, I’m not exactly sure where he is.  That is, I think I know where he is.  And more to the point who he’s with.’ 

‘So you do know where he is?’ asked Will, a little exasperated. 

‘Well, he’s been a little, how can I say, distracted, not to mention poisoned.’

‘Poisoned!’ both Will and Djaq exclaimed. 

‘But I’m sure he’s on top of things.  Oh God, did I say that.  I mean, I’m sure he’s alright.’

‘Much.  You don’t sound very sure at all,’ said Djaq.  ‘Is there something we’re missing here?’

Much sat down and started tucking absentmindedly into a bowl of fruit.  

Will and Djaq also seated themselves and waited. 

‘Well?’ said Will at last.  

‘Oh, yes.  Well.  There’s this woman.’

Will and Djaq exchanged looks. 

Bit by bit Much explained about Solitaire and Saladin and King Richard, and finally how he and Robin came into things.

‘So Robin is with her now.  Protecting her?’ Will asked.

‘Yes,’ Much answered indistinctly, between bites of an apple.  ‘Protecting her.’

Will and Djaq both stared at him, beginning to comprehend.





‘Richard!’ Solomon boomed, as the King stepped into the room. 

He indicated a chair, and took a swig from his large goblet, an identical one appearing before King Richard. 

‘I would ask to what I owe this pleasure, but I think I already know the answer.’

Richard nodded.  ‘Saladin will be here soon.  He is on his way even as we speak.’

‘And the girl is safe?’

‘She is with Robin and Much.  She is safe,’ returned Richard.  ‘I will go to them shortly and advise them of the meeting.  My guards are already primed.’

‘Good, good.’  Solomon rubbed his hands together.  ‘Do you think Solitaire is aware of the riches in her possession?’

‘You have asked this question before my friend,’ smiled Richard.  ‘And you know the answer.  The lands and wealth of her father passed to the man she was sold to and consequently on to me.’

‘Is that what you call winning a game of chance,’ grinned Solomon. 

‘Call it what you like,’ Richard retorted.  ‘You know I have no interest in those lands or monies.  I desire nothing more than to be done here and return to France.  And to answer your question – no I do not think Solitaire is aware.   And nor shall I tell her.  You know what she is like.  She will want to give it all away to the poor.’ 

Solomon regarded Richard expectantly. 

‘Do not worry my friend,’ Richard said.  ‘You will get your share for your part in setting up this liaison with Saladin.’ 

Solomon smiled. 

Richard stood up and made to leave. 

‘Oh,’ said Solomon, as an afterthought.  ‘Once the exchange has taken place and the treaty is signed, you will tell Robin of Locksley about his woman?’

‘Of course.  As I have said before.’

‘Only, she was enquiring about a boat to England and one will be here shortly.  It would be a shame for them to miss one another.’

Richard smiled.  ‘Solomon.  You make yourself out to be such a tough businessman but you are really quite a romantic at heart.’ 

Solomon chuckled expansively. 

‘You know why I kept her survival a secret from Robin,’ Richard again explained.  ‘This treaty is too important for my man to be distracted by a woman.  Especially one he thought lost to him.  I could not take that chance.  But it is nearly over my friend, and Robin will be reunited with his lady love, I can assure you.’

‘Then let us hope,’ said Solomon gravely.  ‘That he is not already being distracted.’

Richard shook his head.  ‘I trust Robin.  And Solitaire knows what is at stake, even without knowing about the monetary details.  Trust me Solomon.  They will do what is required of them.  This is one game where the stakes are too high to take any risks.’ 

And with that Richard, and his assembled guard, took their leave.  

Solomon smiled to himself.  He had had more women than hot dinners (despite his expansive frame) and it would not be too difficult for a gorgeous creature such as Solitaire to turn a man’s head.  If it was not for the agreement with Saladin, he had had half a mind to try for her himself. 




‘We should go back,’ whispered Solitaire, placing her hand lightly on Robin’s back. 

Robin continued to stare out of the small window, gazing at the tiny courtyard and the wide expanse of sky beyond. 

The sun was at its zenith and Robin was not surprised to find the streets and alleyways of Acre quiet. 

As he led Solitaire, one hand holding her bag, the other her hand, he felt uneasy.  He was sure he had heard footfalls both ahead and behind them, but when he looked he could see no one. 

He felt her squeeze his hand but made no acknowledgement of it.  Just a few short hours ago everything had seemed so clear to him. Now, as they made their way back to the others, Robin realised that his life was not to be that simple.  That nothing about love, or at least the idea of being in love, was that simple.

He made to speak, to try and say something to explain to her why he had let the moment get so out of hand, when suddenly some instinct told him to drop both the bag, and to push Solitaire into the recess of a doorway, as first one, and then a second arrow, whizzed past his head. 

Already loading his bow, he assessed their options.  They were halfway down an alley, with unknown assailants blocking both ends.  He didn’t like the odds.
 
Robin shot off a couple of arrows to give himself a moment to think.  But there was no way out, and as an arrow plunged into his leg, he realised their chances were diminishing by the second. 

Solitaire was frantically trying to open the door behind her, but it was clearly bolted and no one seemed to be home.  She pulled Robin into the doorway with her, and saw the arrow in his leg. 

‘Robin!’

‘Pull it out,’ he said, through gritted teeth, still trying to locate their attackers. 

She shut her eyes, and did as he asked. 

He grunted but kept his bow steady. 

‘Behind you!’ came a shout. 

Robin knew that voice.  

A moment later two men in black were streaking up the alley, past him and Solitaire, closely followed by a man and a woman, wielding an axe and a sword respectively.  And behind them Much, sword and shield in front of him, yelling for all he was worth.

‘Robin,’ Much panted, reaching the doorway.  ‘Are you hurt?’

‘He was hit in the leg,’ Solitaire managed to say. 

‘We’ve got to get out of here Master.  Can you manage?’

Robin nodded, and he, Much and Solitaire headed back down the alleyway.  

‘Will and Djaq?’ Robin asked as they ran.  

‘Yep,’ Much replied, as they rounded a corner and headed back to their quarters. 

‘How did you know?’ Robin asked, finding it increasingly difficult to run now, but knowing they did not have far to go.  

‘Know what?’

‘We were in trouble?’ 

‘We didn’t.  We…’

Robin stopped him with an outstretched arm as they reached their room.  

‘Wait,’ he said, unsheathing his sword and stepping carefully through the doorway.  

A quick scan told him no one was there and he motioned Much and Solitaire inside.

Once they were all safely inside, Much stood by the doorway, anxiously waiting for any sign of Will or Djaq. 

‘I need to tend to your leg,’ said Solitaire, as Robin lowered himself onto his bedding. 

She fetched a water jug. 

‘I need to clean it.  You’ll have to remove your trousers.

‘I can do that,’ declared Much, striding across the room, and virtually knocking Solitaire out of the way. 

‘For God’s sake Much,’ Robin retorted.  ‘We’re all grown ups here.’ 

Much retreated, a wounded look on his face and Robin bit his tongue. What on earth had he been thinking?  Risking both his and her life for what?  Something he could not have.  

Much wouldn’t look at him. 

Resolutely, Solitaire set about cleaning Robin’s wound. 

Solitaire’s hands shook as she gently wiped the blood away. It was only when Robin touched her hand and smiled that she realised he was not angry with her.  

The tension was eased somewhat by Will and Djaq entering the room. 

They took in the scene in front of them, and unconsciously taking hold of each other’s hand, they came and sat themselves opposite Robin.  

‘May I see,’ asked Djaq softly, and Solitaire moved out of the way. 

‘It could do with some stitches,’ she said.  ‘Do you have needle and thread here?’

‘No,’ Robin replied.

‘I do,’ said Much, glad he could be of use. 

He came over and produced the said items.  He gave Robin an apologetic look and Robin sent back an understanding smile. 

‘It looks like you could do with some help,’ Will offered. 

Robin went to answer, but Djaq shot Will a look that said wait a moment, as she pushed the needle into Robin’s thigh. 

After a minute or two Will spoke again.  

‘Poisoned.  Shot by an arrow.  You’re having a real run of bad luck Robin.’

‘Well, hopefully that luck has changed now you two are here.’  Robin pulled up his trousers.  ‘Thank you Djaq.’

‘You are welcome.’

‘I should introduce you to Solitaire.’  Robin held out a hand to her.  There was no point in pretending.  She came and stood by his side, curling her fingers around Robin’s outstretched hand. 





Katherine had been right.  The big man called Solomon seemed to know everything that was going on in and around Acre.  A boat was due in port the day after tomorrow. 

And Marian had every intention of being on that boat.  

But first she had some packing to do, and some old friends she wished to find again.

Katherine had said that the King had expressly forbid Marian to go off on her own around the town.   For her own protection he had said. But Marian was determined to find Will and Djaq and not even the King of England was going to deny her this moment.
 
She wanted to find them and tell them she was alive and well and returning to Nottingham.  Perhaps they could even send a bird for her.  Was it too much to hope that it might find its way to Sherwood Forest with a message to the man she loved?

Then she shook her head, laughing at her silliness.  If there were no bird waiting in the forest then how would it know where to fly to?

Just wait for me Robin, please, she willed, as if her very thoughts could wing their way to him. 

…………………..

Marian was confused.  

The instructions to find the “carpenter and bird lady” (who she was sure were Will and Djaq) had been clear enough.  But all the alleyways looked the same to her. 

She stood in a shady spot for a moment, resting her aching leg and side, and hoping she might find someone she could ask and who would be able to answer her in English. 

She heard the sound of running, and for reasons she did not understand, felt compelled to press back into the shadow of a porchway. 

The two men, dressed in black, sped past her. 

Marian waited another moment, and then stepped back out into the alley.  Something about the two men had unnerved her.   

Marian continued down the alleyway, stopping only when she found the pain in her leg almost unbearable.  She would have to rest. 

It was hot, and she had lost track of time.  It must be midday at least, as the sun was at its zenith. 

As she squinted up at the sky, a wooden sign caught her eye with a picture of two doves on it.  Marian could not suppress a laugh as she realised where she had found herself. 

Rubbing at her thigh to get the circulation going again, Marian softly tapped on the door.  She tried again, and when still no one answered, she let herself in. 

It was cool and shady in the house, and the gentle cooing of the birds had a soothing quality. 

She made her way over to the birdcages and watched as they bobbed their heads and regarded her with bright beady eyes. 

And she found the breath catching in her throat, as she recalled a tree in the forest.  A tree where she had sat with Robin and he had offered an engagement ring, a ring now lost to her. 

She pushed a finger through one of the bars, and the doves and pigeons shuffled about nervously.

‘Are you still here Lardner?’ Marian whispered through her tears.  ‘Are you still with your lady love?’

The birds kept cooing and Marian couldn’t bear it any more. 

She tried the other rooms but there was no sign of Will or Djaq, although a half eaten apple suggested that someone had been here, and not so long ago. 

Marian found a small table and some writing materials.  I will leave them a letter she thought, explaining. 

She picked up the quill, but after a couple of attempts, where she had managed no more than a word or two, realised it was impossible.  How could she explain, and what’s more would they even believe it? 

In frustration she tore the paper up.  She would come back tomorrow, on her way to the port, and hopefully catch them then. 

Marian helped herself to some water and plucked an apple from the fruit bowl as she made her way past the birds and out into the blinding sunlight.





There was an awkward silence, broken only by Much crunching a handful of nuts he had obtained from somewhere or other. 

Robin laughed, followed suit by Will and Djaq.  Even Solitaire smiled and the tension was gone.

These were his friends.  They would understand.  And if they did not then it did not matter, because they only had one more day together in any case. 

Robin tightened his hand around Solitaire’s, desperately wishing they could be alone. 

As if sensing his agitation, Will and Djaq started making their apologies, and were about to leave when King Richard stepped through the doorway. 

‘Your Majesty,’ they both bowed.  

Robin, Much and Solitaire stood as they were.  

‘Please,’ said Richard.  ‘If you were about to leave, wait a moment.  It is quite fortuitous you are here.’

Djaq and Will exchanged a look, wondering what the King was about to say. 

‘Word has reached me Robin that moves are afoot and the Black Knights are reassembling.  I do not think it is safe for you to stay here tonight.’

He turned to Will.  

‘With your permission, perhaps they might stay with you?

Will nodded.  

‘Good.  My guards will accompany you.’

Richard noticed Solitaire’s hand still clasped in Robin’s but if he was surprised he made no show of it.  

‘Gentlemen.  I have learned today that Saladin should arrive in Acre tomorrow evening.  A location of his choice, yet to be communicated to me, will be advised soon.  And then we can sign the peace treaty.’

‘And hand over Solitaire,’ said Robin flatly. 

He felt Solitaire squeeze his hand.  

Richard met Robin’s eyes and understood, but he was not about to be swayed.  

‘And to hand over Solitaire,’ he echoed. 

There was nothing more to be said. 

They gathered up what they would need for the night, and followed King Richard and his guards through the quiet streets of Acre, towards Will and Djaq’s house. 

By this time tomorrow it would all be over.

By this time tomorrow Solitaire would be lost to him. 

……………..

The birds shuffled about and broke into a cacophony of cooing – perhaps they knew their benefactors had returned. 

Will set about feeding and watering them, whilst Djaq showed Much and Solitaire their rooms. 

Richard placed a hand on Robin’s shoulder and led him to an inner courtyard.  

‘Robin.  I can see you are finding this hard, but believe me it is the right course of action.’

Robin nodded, but declined to speak.

‘Solitaire is only part of a much bigger picture. She possesses lands and wealth that will be exchanged for prisoners and will pave the way for peace here.’ 

‘A business deal,’ said Robin grudgingly. 

‘Yes.  A business deal,’ Richard echoed.  ‘And one that was agreed on long before you arrived.’

Richard could see he was not getting through to Robin.

‘Robin.  Listen to me,’ he said, his voice softening.  ‘When this is over you will gain something more precious then you can possibly imagine.’ 

Robin looked at Richard puzzled, and for a moment Richard wondered if telling Robin about Marian might take away his bitterness.  He immediately changed his mind.  Too many things could still go wrong.  So much could happen, even in the space of one day.  He could not take the risk that Robin would not charge off to find her. 

‘I am sorry Robin.  What more can I say?  I must go now.  There are preparations to be made.’

Robin managed a small smile.  None of this was the King’s fault.  If anything, he had brought it on himself.  

‘Till tomorrow then.’ 

‘Till tomorrow your Majesty.’

Robin made his way back into the house.