I do not own Robin Hood BBC or the characters. Only my thoughts and that's even questionable.

Knowing something of the loss of a brother-in-arms.

Dedicated to my best friend. (Sasquatch). I held you as you died.

For where you have gone I have yet to follow.

(Calvin)

Prologue:

Much and Robin are twins that were separated at birth but did not know until after the Holy Land, and like my twin tend to share a mental link represented by words here. Were Robin has a gift with a bow, Much's is with a sword.

Much's talking and ignorance is only an act so he doesn't have to fight since he tends to forget not to kill. Remember, Much survived the Holy Land and fought along side Robin, so he must be at least as good, and knowing how protective he is of Robin, probably better.

Marian didn't die in the Holy Land, and Djaq and Will returned with Robin and the gang.

For some background to my stories please read:

SilasBrandybuck, Mentor and beta reader. You-ll-Be-the-Death-of-Me

Also:

Empathise-Much

I-Was-There-When-You-Died

Unwanted

Chapter 1

Much rises before all the rest and gathers his gear. They think he cannot move quietly, but years of training in the Holy Land has taught him well and he can when he wants to. He scans their hidden camp confirming that everyone is still asleep but pauses as he walks by his best friend and master who is still sleeping peacefully in his bunk. He thinks back to the Holy Land how his friend's quiet breathing was comforting to him knowing that the man who he has been friends with since birth was safe. But now they hide his movements as he stands sorrowfully watching him.

His eyes glance over to his old bunk next to Robin where Kate now lies. Just before they had retired the previous day she had told him that Robin didn't need him nor want him around anymore and that Robin wished that he had killed him when he had accidentally shot him. She also said that Robin told her that she could have his bunk. After proclaiming this, she had thrown his blankets on the ground at his feet with a sneer. What enforced what Kate had told him was the truth was that Robin didn't even seem to notice that she had occupied Much's old bunk and was seemingly indifferent to the fact that Much wasn't there.

All through the night Much had thought about the events since they returned from the Holy Land. How Robin had said that he loved him but had held Carter as he had never held him. Robin had said that he had a special place in his heart but then had turned on him by calling him a pox and a leech and that he wanted him to go away. Robin had told him later that he was sorry, but was he? Really? After all that they had been through, all the times that they saved each others life, and having been inseparable since birth, Robin was now tossing him aside like yesterday's garbage.

Much's attention returns to his sleeping master and remembers their blood oath. It was this oath and his love for Robin that had supported him through the trials of the Holy Lands and his best friend's constant hurtful deeds. As Much traces the scar on the palm of his left hand he recalls their vehemently shared words as they clasped their hands together as though it was yesterday; I promise that I will protect you and never, ever, abandon you, deceive you, or betray you in any way, on pain of death or extreme torture. Brothers for life.

Robin had then wrapped their hands together with a long, narrow green and white ribbon that his mother had given him before she had died. The next morning after Robin had unwrapped their hands, they were stunned to find that their wounds had started to heal together as though they were one person. When they had pulled their hands apart, the pain of separation had brought tears to their eyes and caused their wounds to reopen. Robin had torn the ribbon in half and had bound Much's hand, then he had bound his own. Much reaches into his pocket and feels the Robin's bloodstained ribbon.

A year ago when Robin had shot him, and after he had healed, the whole gang had returned to hear Matilda's secret once again about how they actually were brothers, twins in fact. This was not a shock to the gang since Marian, having also grown up with them, had already told them that they had been inseparable since birth, brothers in all but name.

However, ever since Kate had arrived Robin had been shutting him out, becoming increasingly distant, returning to how he was before, dark and unapproachable, and refusing to answer or let him in. Robin had known that he was interested in Kate and he had felt betrayed when he had accidentally caught them together. The kiss Kate had given Robin spoke volumes. If it had been Allan that took her away, he could have dealt with that, but his own brother? So when Kate had told him that Robin wished him dead it had made perfect sense, and with the hate-filled words from Robin and what Kate had told him, he really was unwanted.

Much sighs, wipes his eyes with his sleeve, gathers himself, and with a determined look strides out of camp without looking back, not knowing where he would go, but anywhere far away from Robin and the gang would be preferable.

As he leaves he does not see the spiteful smile which grows on Kate's lips.

When the sun comes up the others rise with it and find Robin already quietly rebuilding the fire, stoking it back to life, slowly taking the chill out of the morning air. Robin looks around and notices that Kate is lying in Much's bunk. He cocks his head inquisitively and frowns wondering why Much would give up his place, That's his bunk not hers, so why is she there? He shakes his head and looks over the camp once more but doesn't see his brother nor his gear and becomes concerned. Where's Much? And where's his sword and shield?

Kate wakes, climbs out of bed, stretches, and crouches down next to Robin startling him. She puts her arm around his neck and tries to kiss him, but Robin leans his head away still feeling guilty knowing that Much had seen her kissing him the previous day.

While Kate crouches next to him he notices that he is growing increasingly annoyed at her emotional instability as well, seeming to love him then hate him, constantly changing, like a fly in the wind. Besides, I love Marian and no one can ever replace her. He chuckles fondly to himself thinking, Yes, there is Much, but that is a completely different kind of love. An unbreakable bond sealed from birth and cemented in place from our blood mixed with sand then hardened by the sun in the Holy Land.

Robin, after looking over the camp once more is becoming even more concerned, looking at each member in turn he asks the gang, "Has anyone seen Much?"

Kate glances over at the bunk where Much had moved to, confirming what she had seen earlier that morning that Much, including his blankets and belongings had indeed left. She smiles happily to herself and speaks up before anyone else can, flippantly, "He's probably just gone out to get water or breakfast. He'll be back." Knowing of course that he will not be. Then to herself, Men are so easy to control.

Robin grimly gives her a sideways look. From his years of experience in the Holy Land he can tell that Kate is holding something back. Robin continues to wonder and poke at the fire while the rest of the gang pursue their morning rituals waiting for Much's return so they can have breakfast.

Allan wanders over to where Robin is sitting poking at the fire, picks up another charred stick and prods the fire as well sending sparks flying, giving a chuckle he says, "He's probably out attacking some poor defenseless squirrels." Robin looks at Allan like he's stupid and replies, "With all of his gear? Look around Allan, Much and his gear are missing. Why would he take his shield?"

Allan looks around the camp, "Oh." Embarrassed, he returns his attention to poking at the fire unwilling to answer Robin's gaze.

Little John averting Robin's criticizing gaze from Allan tells him, "This is not good. Why would he take his shield to go hunting? Certainly squirrels are not that dangerous. Did anyone see him leave?"

Robin looks around again his eyes lastly lingering on Kate, and asks, "Anybody?"

None of the gang nor Kate responds.

Robin slowly pushes himself up trying to remain calm, but his trembling voice gives him away, and in abject disbelief and sorrow says, "He's gone. He left me. Why would he leave me?" He looks down at Kate getting angry and asks, "Kate?"

From where Kate is comfortably sitting, startled, she looks up at Robin and innocently asks, "Why ask me?"

Robin with accusing sarcasm tells her, "Maybe because you are in his bunk this morning and he's gone? He would never give up his place next to me willingly. Ever." Pointedly he asks, "Kate, what did you do?"

Before Kate can answer, Djaq, standing at Much's kitchen trying to scrape together a meager breakfast for the gang, turns to Kate with an accusing tone replies, "Late last night I saw Kate talking to Much. I could not hear what she said, but Much wasn't happy at all. Kate then threw his blankets on the ground at his feet with a sneer. Much had then picked up his blankets, took his gear, and moved it over to the spare bunk." Djaq nods and points to where she saw Much move to. Every head turns to look where Djaq is pointing, but the bunk is completely empty, like it was never been slept in.

Djaq getting angrier continues, "I saw him hang up his gear, put his blankets on the bunk, lie down on his stomach and bury his head in his arms. When I went over I swear that he was, well, crying. When I asked what was wrong he told me to go away and wouldn't talk to me after that." Robin upset asks her, "Why didn't you tell me?" Djaq gives an accusing nod towards Kate and says, "I thought she would."

Everyone turns their attention back to Kate who now knows that she has been caught in a lie but refuses to give up just yet. Robin grabs Kate's arm roughly with his left hand and jerks her to her feet as his eyes narrow with malice. He angrily asks her, "What did you say to him?" When she doesn't answer, Robin shakes her violently by her arm, but she only looks at him stone faced. Robin's face is turning red as he growls, "I'm only going to ask nicely once more." Robin slowly, enunciating every word, "What... did... you... tell... Much?"

Kate once more, her voice unpleasantly sugary sweet, "I didn't say anything to make him leave."

Robin sighs with deep regret now absolutely sure that she is lying tells her, "Kate, you leave me no other choice. You do know that I was the General of the King's Personal Guard?" Kate nods imperceptibly. Robin with sincere regret continues, "As the General, there were other duties that Much and I were ordered to perform that I, and surely Much, shall deeply regret and pay penance for to our dying day."

The gang, shocked, look at Robin in despair guessing at what it could be, having witnessed the torment that Robin's and Much's nightmares cause them. Djaq unwilling to believe asks, "You don't mean that you and Much were ordered to…?" She stops staring at Robin in disbelief, her thought sadly left unsaid.

Robin drops his eyes in despair but does not release his bruising grip on Kate's arm and mutters softly, "Yes Djaq. Much and I agreed to keep this an absolute secret, but now I'm afraid she leaves me no choice."

Djaq sighs regretfully, "I thought that might be the case after watching you and Much suffer through your nightmares. But since you were ordered to do so, and I can tell that you are both tortured by your memories, I do not hold it against you, or Much." Robin nods and quietly says, "Thank you."

Djaq turning to Kate with knowing regret from what had happened to her brother tells her, "You had better tell him, if not him then me. I know what he was required to do, and the methods used, if not by him, then by others." Djaq takes a step closer to Kate, stares at her and says, "He can make you talk. I know from personal experience." Unconsciously, Djaq wraps her arms around herself as if trying to hold something back. Will turns his head to her from his bunk that he is currently trying to clean, and with a distraught look on his face, he lays his blankets in a pile on his bunk, hastens towards her and wraps his arms around her, protecting her.

Kate, trying to look honest and pathetic all at one time says, "Please believe me Robin, I'm telling you the truth, I didn't do anything." Robin can feel her body quiver and shakes his head grimly, "Sorry, I can tell you are lying. You can not hide your lies from me." Robin sighs and with regret in his voice, "Then you leave me no choice." Robin starts to drag her out of the camp but stops half way to the entrance, "Everyone, please stay here, this will not be pleasant. I must do this, but you do not have to suffer for it."

Robin solemnly looks at Allan and says, "Allan, here, hold her for a minute." Allan rises and walks over from the fire and holds Kate by the arms tightly. Robin nods, returns to his gear next to his bunk and removes a medium sized leather roll from his pack which he slings over his shoulder and returns to Kate and Allan, "I'll take her from here." and holds Kate firmly by her arm, her sleeve hiding the red marks that his fingers are leaving.

Robin looking sadly at Kate, shakes his head sadly with regret eating away at his soul knowing what he must do, and sadly tells her, "You should have told me willingly." He drags her along with him. But just as they get past Little John, Kate frantically says, "Stop! I'll tell… I'll tell." Robin stops and he and the gang all stare at her waiting.

Kate, now too scared to lie, sighs trying to sound regretful, "I told him you said that you didn't need him nor want him around anymore. That he was nothing more than dead weight and you wished you had killed him when you shot him, and you were trying to find a way to get rid of him so we could be together."

The gang shares a collective gasp of astonishment at the sheer callousness of what she had told the man who would rather die than lose Robin's love.

As they watch, Robin's face contorts in anger and turns a deep blood red as a dark oily cloud of disdain envelopes Robin's mind. Unadulterated hate fills his eyes, the veins on either side of his neck bulge out, and he begins to shake violently, Robin growls murderously, "Do you realize what you have done?" The trained crusader in Robin comes to the forefront as his right arm draws back as it slowly rises, fist clenched so tightly that his fingernails draw blood as they sink unheeded into his palm.

But before he can release the deadly punch with all his pent up anger and sorrow behind it adding to its lethal force, Little John rushes forward and quickly yanks Kate from his grasp, flinging her away where she's caught and held firmly by Will. Robin, with blood lust radiating from his eyes, grabs Little John by his tunic unable to recognize him, with his arm still poised and ready to strike. Little John, with a stubborn look on his face, quickly seizes Robin's wrist holding his fist in check while his other hand grips the one twisted up in his tunic holding the agonized crusader in stalemate, the two men straining against each other's strength.

Djaq, her hands coming up, calling out commandingly, "Robin! STOP!" Robin's head snaps around, his blue eyes now dark, boring a hole into hers. Djaq soothingly says, "Robin, stop. Let John go." Robin slowly looks back startled, wondering where this man had suddenly appeared from, as the dark cloud evaporates from his mind and his face relaxes. Shortly he relaxes his hands and arms. Robin abashed says, "Sorry John." Little John releases Robin's arms and places his hand on Robin's shoulder as a father might, "It's alright Robin, I understand."

Robin slowly nods, gathers himself and pats Little John on his left arm, calmly turns, and with great restraint walks over to where Will is holding Kate.

Robin, standing in front of Kate, closes his eyes, and repeatedly clenches his fists trying to dissolve the red mist that has come over him again just by looking at her, takes a deep breath, opens his eyes, then with tremendous restraint calmly says, "Kate, you're lucky this time. They have spared you, and so shall I. Gather your things, leave Nottingham, and never come back. Believe me, you don't want to." Robin pauses and looks at Will, "Okay Will, you can release her." Will releases her arms and Kate rubs them trying to get the blood flowing again.

Kate reaches up to put her arms around Robin, but Robin deflects them with a brush of his hand, and turns his head unable to look at her says, "Don't. Don't even try, just go." Kate opens her mouth but sees the look of betrayal on Robin's face and in his eyes, closes her mouth, and walks over to her gear. The gang watches silently, not knowing what to say, torn between their basic concern for another person, and their desire to cheer that the main disrupting factor in their gang is leaving.

Kate, taking her time, finally finishes her packing, walks over and stands in front of Robin who looks away with his arms crossed in front of him. Kate stands on her toes and kisses his cheek. She sighs and silently walks to the camp exit. Robin, holding back his anger, "Kate?" Kate turns around, hope gleaming on her face and in her voice asks, "Yes Robin?" Robin again clinches his fists but keeps his voice calm, "If Much is so much as scratched…" He takes a menacing step towards her, stares at her, and points his finger directly at her face telling her, "I will hold youresponsible. And I will find you." Robin drops his arm and abruptly turns his back on her and whispers, "If it's the last thing I do." Kate opens her mouth to say something but clamps it shut and traipses out of the camp opening not looking at anyone.

Robin reaches up and quickly wipes his cheek with the palm of his right hand leaving a bloody streak from his self-inflicted wounds, then wipes his hand on his leather breeches repeatedly as if he's trying to scrape off something foul.

Djaq quietly comes over, places her arm around his waist and guides him to the fire and gets him to sit down, then lowers herself next to him. Robin, with his knees drawn up, puts his arms across the top of them and lays his head down rocking it side to side, his chest heaving. Djaq can hear the nearly silent sobs, reaches over, and gently rubs his back trying to comfort him.

The gang quietly gathers around the fire with Robin sharing their companionship. Will sits next to Djaq who leans lightly against him, the two naturally putting their arms around each other as Djaq continues to rub Robin's back. Little John settles down next to Robin in Much's usual place, and Allan drops down across the fire from them. They remain silent for several minutes not looking at Robin allowing him time to come to terms that his best friend and brother has left him, all because of the lies from a malicious and callous woman.

Robin lifts his head and turns to those around him asking, "Why would he leave me? Doesn't he know just how much I love him?" The gang looks from one to the other, ignoring the tears on their leader's face, none wanting to tell him just how callous he can be. Allan sighs and tells him, "You forced him away. While he always spoke about how much he loved you, you seemed unable to voice the same. Indifferent, uncaring, you always took him for granted. When Marian was about to get married you told him to go away and were going to leave him. You were going to leave the only man who willingly went to the Holy Land with you and saved your life too many times to count."

Robin looks over at Allan with an angry look on his face, but Allan continues ignoring him, "When we got back from the Holy Land and you were fixated on killing Gisborne, you knocked him to the ground. We followed you even though you told us not to and when he saw Gisborne toss you over the cliff, he tried to kill the man. But was so overcome with grief that he was captured instead. He was then tortured, and branded by the sheriff. The Sheriff forced him to dig a hole and ordered his guards to bury him alive in it. If it were not for Little John and me, he would be dead! And just were where you?" Robin interrupts, "He never told me that!" Djaq interjects, "Because he didn't think that you would care." Little John says quietly, "I've caught him alone in the forest crying from the hurt you caused him." Djaq says, "Don't you understand? He lives for you and you shove him aside."

Robin gazes at the faces of those around him, sees only truth and concern, and slowly his anger dissolves. He nods realizing the truth of what they have said and traces the re-healed scar in his palm, then tells them, "I thought that after we found out we were brothers and shared our minds that he would know how I felt." Even though Robin knows he is amongst friends, for the first time in his life he feels absolutely alone and abandoned. Much has always been with him since infancy, like a rock that he can beat on but will never leave his side no matter what, the comfort of his best friend's presence and ever present voice, gone and silenced forever.

Robin once more drops his head in his hands and the world around him slowly fades as all sounds cease and a life crushing pain encompasses his entire being compelling him to yearn for the comfort of death. It's my fault, all mine. I forced him away, I caused this, I just didn't think... Such is his grief that, as he feels death's welcoming arms embrace him, and relinquishes his life to them, he hears as though from a great distance, faintly, 'The problem is, I still love him.' Recognizing his brother's mental voice and thoughts, he gains strength from his words and slowly comes back from the void. He takes a long deep shuddering breath and releases it slowly, then lifts his head and slowly wipes his face and scans the faces of the friends around him.

When Robin once more lifts his head, the others avert their gaze when they see his bloodshot eyes and the wet tracks down his cheeks. When Robin finally manages to speak, there is a hitch in his voice, "I must find him, does anyone have any ideas where he might have gone?" The gang sits in thought, the only sound is from the fire as it snaps and crackles in the background giving warmth to an otherwise cold and discomforting atmosphere. Djaq quietly suggests, "See if your instinct to find each other will help you locate him."

Robin turns his head towards the quiet petite woman, sniffs and shakes his head bewildered, "I have been mentally calling for him ever since this morning, but it never occurred to me about trying to locate him. It was always Much that was trying to find me." Robin gives a little chuckle, "In town I would hide from him and wait to see how long it took him to find me. He got really good at it too, but I never even dreamed that I would need to find him."

Robin gazes into the fire, his face goes blank, and his body stiffens like he's elsewhere, then after a few minutes, life returns to his face, "I think I know where he is. But it's only a vague location." Will helpfully says, "A vague location is better than no location."

Robin shudders then with confidence returning to his voice he addresses the gang, "Then let's get a plan together and go get my brother before he does something stupid." Will concerned by this statement, "What do you think he'll do?"

Robin scans their faces once again, "Most of you were there with Much and I on the castle steps when he told me that if I were to die he would die of grief. Remember?" All but Djaq nod remembering what Much had said. Robin seriously says, "He meant every word." Allan scoffing, "Oh come on, no one can become that attached to another person."

Robin turning his gaze upon Allan, somewhat harshly replies, "Much and I grew up together but we didn't know that we were brothers. There was never a day that went by that we were apart. Later, we, that is my father and I, took him in when all of his family had died and offered to make him my personal servant. Much only accepted because my father promised him that we would always be together."

Robin laughs sadly shaking his head at the memory, "One summer when we were thirteen, as punishment for one of our more mischievous adventures, we were separated for a week and both of us thought we would die." Robin laughs at the memory of how they had clung to each other crying with relief when they were reunited.

Robin continuing with conviction, "When my father died, Much was all I had. We clung to each other, supported each other just like brothers. So when I say that I know that he would die if I did?" He looks at each of them, "Because I would." Then quieter, almost to himself, but with the same conviction he murmurs, "I almost did." Djaq whispers to him, "I thought I felt you stop breathing."

The depth of his conviction is enough to convince them all that Much would do exactly as he said on the steps of the castle. Robin stating as a fact, "So if he believes, no matter how incorrectly, that I want him dead… What do you think he would do?" To a person they respond shocked, "He wouldn't!" Robin nodding to confirm their worst fears, "Yes… He would."

Much wanders through the chilled air of the moon lit forest occasionally kicking the off rock or limb, the shadows and sounds of the forest only add to his misery and thinks, I can't believe I fell for his meaningless apologies. He viciously kicks a rock out of his way with the side of his foot, sarcastically imitating Robin's voice verbally to himself, 'Much, I didn't mean to shoot you, it was an accident…' Sure Robin, sure…

All of Robin's hurtful and hateful words come flooding back to him in one baneful moment, There is no smaller nor simpler man than you, you say every inane thing that comes to your mind, you're a leech, a pox on my skin and you never … go… away…!

Well, Robin, I'm gone now, are you happy? That's all I ever wanted is for you to be safe and happy. Even after we found out that we were brothers, and we shared our thoughts and our love, you now toss me aside like yesterday's garbage. It was all just a lie! You promised me Bonchurch. Probably just to get rid of me, hoping that I would fail so you could cast me out, throw me into the dungeon only to be hanged later for your amusement. You even have Marian, while I only have you. You knew that I desired Kate but took her away from me anyway. I still love Eve, but I don't dare go find her because I don't want you to take her away from me as well.

Much wanders aimlessly south-eastwardly through the moonlit forest for a few more hours head down depressed as only a forgotten cast aside man can be. As the sun comes up it adds neither warmth nor brightness to his otherwise gloomy depressing thoughts and mood.

Much, still hurting from the despair of losing everything that he loves all over again, kicks another rock along the path sending it crashing through the forest. What do I do now? Robin wants me dead. I have nothing, no one. I'm alone all over again. If I had known this would happen I would have never agreed to be his servant. I'd be better off dead in a ditch somewhere.

He kicks another stray rock trying to find a release for his grief. I know! My life's over anyway, I'll go somewhere far away from here. Maybe King Richard will have me back as his personal servant, he knows I'm good with a sword. That's somewhere Robin would never think of to find me, even if he did try. A place where my death could have meaning, where I can finally find peace. A place that I can die a soldier's death, protecting my King.

Much feels a sudden blackness engulf his soul as though an integral part of him is dying. The stupefying pain causes him to forget to keep his thoughts to himself and he staggers when he kicks another rock into the forest scaring up a rabbit but comes to the inevitable conclusion,'The problem is, I still love him.'

After thinking this, the blackness and pain slowly dissolves and he regains his balance. He stops for a moment bent over breathing heavily, one hand supporting him above his knee and his other hand clinched over his heart, catching his breath wondering what had just occurred. He shakes his head to clear it, now having a purpose, straightens and takes on the distance-eating stride of a seasoned soldier as he heads southeast towards Kreidefelsen Dover. Towards peace.

At noon the sun finds him striding along the side of the rutted main road leading to London instead of down the middle to avoid the deposits left by horses as they pull the coaches that regularly travel this stretch of road and of course from being run over by some of the more careless drivers.

As he strides along, his head held up, gaze forward, taking in all of his surroundings and listening intensely for any uncommon sounds, a coach pulled by a team of horses slows down next to him. An older gentleman with a pot marked face, green eyes, salt and pepper hair and beard who's fairly well dressed leans out and addresses him, "You sir, you look as though you're on a mission." The man inside uses his silver tipped cane to thump twice on the roof of the coach which comes to a stop as Much does.

Much glances at the driver, observing that the young man is nicely dressed, black haired and beardless and is of no immediate threat, approaches the well-maintained coach saying, "Aye, I'm heading to London then on to Dover to find passage back to the Holy Land to fight for King Richard." Lord Wigand responds, "I thought you looked like a soldier, you hold yourself and walk like one. I myself fought for King Richard in the Holy Land as well. If I might ask, what is your name?" Much, surprised at finding another crusader, cannot help but to tell him the truth, bows, and replies, "I am Much my Lord, previous servant to Lord Robin of Locksley." Lord Wigand sits back and his eyes open wide in astonishment and asks, "The same Much who was personally awarded a magnificent sword by King Richard for his bravery and loyalty to the crown?" Much nods and slightly pulls his sword from its scabbard showing the workmanship of the blade.

Lord Wigand opens the door of his coach, exits, and bows to Much, "Please Lord Much join me, I can take you as far as Aylesford." Much, startled that a noble would bow to him, himself bows, "Thank you my Lord. I would be most grateful." Much, followed by Lord Wigand enters the coach, places his pack on the floor, and sits. Lord Wigand sits across from him and calls to his driver, "Michael, carry on." and taps the roof three times with his cane. Lord Wigand, proudly tells his guest, "He's my oldest son and you sir have just made this trip pleasurable. We can share our stories. How is Lord Locksley?" Much hangs his head, in sorrow, "He is dead to me." Lord Wigand mistaking his statement as that Robin has died replies, "I'm dreadfully sorry to hear that Lord Much, I know how much you meant to each other, the whole camp knew." He respectfully pauses, leans over and places a hand on Much's knee, and sorrowfully tells him, "He was a good and honest man." Much nods dismally holding back his tears replying, "Thank you my Lord, I am truly devastated myself. I would prefer not to talk about how I came to lose him."

Lord Wigand nods solemnly, withdraws his hand and doesn't pursue further questioning about how Lord Locksley could have died. After a few minutes of respectful silence trying to lighten the mood he says, "Well then, we can talk about what we saw in the Holy Land if you want." Much nods smiling, his thoughts of Robin momentarily equaled by his thoughts and desires for Her Majesty Princess Alyssa. His love different for both, but just as intense, "My fondest memory is of Her Majesty the Princess Alyssa." Lord Wigand replies, "Ah yes, I remember seeing you with her arm tightly wrapped around yours, and Lord Locksley with four maidens, two on each arm." Lord Wigand thinking for a while looks mischievously at Much and asks, "Was there a reason for this?" grinning trying not to write to much into his observations in case he is wrong.

Much taking a moment, fondly thinking back to the intense love that he and the Princess Alyssa had shared, winks to make light of it to protect Her Majesty from embarrassment that she could have actually loved a lowly servant like him and not just use him says, "The honey was magnificent." To which Lord Wigand laughs uproariously.

Between Much and Lord Wigand there is never a moment of silence, for this man loves to talk, Lord Wigand says, "So tell me Lord Much, How did you get the name The English Demon?" Much shakes his head and replies, "It's a long story." Lord Wigand, gazing around at his surroundings, having made this trip often replies, "We have quite a ways to go, that is if you don't mind telling me." Much shakes his head and begins his story. While they share more of Much's war stories, Much finds that the memories of those times close to Robin's side brings both great happiness and sorrow, and he can almost allow himself to relax and enjoy the ride, the wine, the companionship, and the memories.

Robin, regaining control, just now realizing that his best friend and brother could possibly be heading to certain death tells the gang, "First we need a plan to secure our camp just in case Kate comes back and brings the Sheriff's or Gisborne's guards with her. We don't want them to gain entrance here, or to even come close." Will speaks up, his mind churning replies, "I can move the entrance and build some deterrents that will prevent anyone from getting close or entering." Robin brightening asks, "How long will this take?" Will remains silent for a moment deep in thought then replies, "How much of a deterrent do you want them to be?" Allan feeling as greatly betrayed by Kate as well replies, "Lethal enough to keep a traitor and the guards with her from getting in or coming back for another attempt." Will and the rest of the gang nod in agreement.

Will looks at Robin for confirmation. Robin thinking about how skilled their young carpenter is, looks directly at him and says, "Make a few obvious so that whoever comes close will know that there are traps. Then make several like Allan suggests. If you must, use some of Djaq's black powder." Will nods, his face happily blanks as he begins his mental calculations and designs. After a few minutes Will requests, "If I have Little John and Allan's help, I'd say eight hours." Robin replies, "You have six." Allan casually throws a rock at Will hitting him in his chest and calls to him, "Take it. We can do it." Will nods and with a purpose tells Robin, "Okay Robin I think I can do it. Come on, let's go, we have work to do." The three get up, move off, and gather around Will watching as he makes drawings in the dirt floor.

Robin now giving his attention to Djaq instructs her, "Djaq, I need you to go to Locksley and see if Gisborne is there, if not see if you can get enough horses for us plus Much. If Gisborne is there try Radford, or anywhere else you can think of, you have six hours." Djaq nods and rises, but before she leaves says, "Robin you need to wash your face and the cuts on your hands... Robin! Are you listening to me?" Robin startled from his thoughts looks up at their healer and her calming presence and nods. Djaq nodding, having got his attention replies, "Okay then." and quickly leaves camp.

Robin gets up and trudges over to Much's kitchen area, pauses and places his left hand on his brother's cutting board and stands there for a moment looking at the empty shelves. He picks up a rag and washes his face then looks at the red on the rag and notices the dried blood on his right palm along the existing scar that he had made when he and Much had sealed their bond in blood as children. He pauses in thought remembering their heart felt words as they clasped their hands together, I promise that I will never, ever, abandon you, deceive you, or betray you in any way, on pain of death or extreme torture. Brothers for life.

He dismally looks down at his bloodied pants leg and sighs remembering how Much had made them for him in the Holy Land. He uses a rag with some water and carefully tends to the wounds on his right palm, then afterwards he gets as much of the blood off his breeches as he can knowing that it would upset Marian if she saw it. When he finishes, he wrings out the rag, and hangs it to dry then walks over to his bunk and digs around in his pack until he finds what he's looking for. He presses the blood stained green and white ribbon to his forehead then stuffs it in his pocket. He then pats the pocket and leaves camp to his rendezvous with his love Marian.

Robin, finding his carpenter just outside of camp, stops him and says, "I'm going to tell Marian what has happened, I'll be back before you finish." Will nods and hurries away to complete his assignment while Robin heads south to Huntington.

Robin leaps gracefully up to Marian's window, taps lightly on it, and waits for a few seconds then tries again, Where is she? Just as he's about to jump back down, from below comes a familiar voice, "Just what are you doing up here? It's the middle of the day." Marian looking around her quickly from the saddle of her pony hisses, "You'll be seen!" There below him dressed in her leather riding pants and white blouse is his one true love Marian. She watches as her man gracefully leaps down and takes ahold of the reins of her brown Welara pony and replies smugly, "Not if we go to your stables they won't." Robin then leads Marian's pony to the stables.

Once inside the stables Robin closes the thick wooden doors and secures them, then by the light of the lanterns returns to assist Marian down from her mount in the middle of the straw strewn main isle. As she descends, Robin quickly places an arm under her knees and lifts up her legs causing her to lose her grip and fall back into his waiting arms. Marian with a little gasp of surprise clasps her hands together behind his neck smiles and says, "Now that you have me…" Robin brings her head up to his and they share an impassioned kiss. They draw away and Robin gently lets her legs find the ground. Marian playfully pushes him on his chest and asks, "What was that for?" Robin grinning replies, "Just for being beautiful." Marian smiling back brightly asks, "Now that we're all alone, what can I do for you?"

Robin, hearing her speak the words 'all alone' feels the moment break returning his attention back to the surreal reason that he is here and his smile fades as he sorrowfully tells her, "Much has left me." Marian taken aback, stunned into disbelief by what he said quietly exclaims, "What? No. Not Much. He has never left your side even while we were courting. Are you sure?" Robin nods sadly, "Yes. Kate filled his head with lies and he believed her." Marian still in disbelief, but pragmatic as always tells him, "Robin, something had to set him off for him to believe anything Kate said against you. What was it?" Robin, not wanting to tell her that he knows that it is multiple things all of his doing, drops his head and replies, "I don't know." Marian knowing from experience by his tone of voice and the look on his face that he's holding something back, something that he doesn't want her to hear, gently lifts his head back up with her fingers under his chin and gently coaxes out what he doesn't want to say, "Robin, tell me."

Robin sighs feeling guilty, looks at her repentant, but decides to only tell her of his last hurtful act that must have finally lead to him leaving, "Much saw Kate kiss me." Marian draws a sharp breath, releases his chin, and asks hurt, "She kissed you?" Robin sadly nods, "Yes." Then quickly trying to explain says, "I tried to catch him and tell him that she kissed me but Kate wouldn't let go. I know he believes that I have betrayed him." Marian pauses for a moment in thought, stands up rigidly hiding the hurt she feels and pointedly tells him, "You need to leave now and go get him. We'll talk about you haphazardly kissing incorrigible women when you get back." She turns to leave but Robin's gentle touch causes her stop, but she doesn't turn around to face him.

Robin, feeling firmly chastised, drops his hand and tells her, "I also wanted to tell you that we might be gone for some time, and Will and the rest are trapping the camp so don't go there until you hear from us." Marian holds her head up trying to conceal the hurt she feels from her voice testily replies, "I will wait. Go get your brother." Marian, without waiting for an answer, quickly stalks out of the stable leaving Robin behind and alone knowing that he has deeply hurt her as well. Robin, feeling utterly alone, thinks to himself as he too leaves, Damn it Kate! You've caused more problems than you're worth. With just one kiss I'm losing the two I love the most.