Dedicated to PirateColey for tireless brainstorming, research, and in general sounding board/freakout manager... to Starshinedogs for reading over and over again... and to Ithil-valon for endless reassurances and beta reading above and beyond the call. I love you guys.

Tom stopped suddenly, listening. There were hoofbeats on the trail behind him and suddenly he dove into the underbrush, barely a rustle marking his passage. He watched, unseen, as the riders swept past, intent on tracking their quarry and he gave a silent chuckle at the thought they'd completely missed him. They certainly weren't very good at their jobs.

A hand clapped heavily across his mouth and the point of a dagger pressed between his shoulder blades. He went rigid in shock, struggling not to show his terror. "Not a sound if you value your life." The voice was a low growl, obviously male. Tom nodded assent and the hand left. "Up. Let's go."

He rose, going where he was pointed to. Of all the rotten luck, he had to be found by Robin Hood. Not that it mattered. He wasn't going to stay in the forest. If he could just make it to London, he would be safe and could stop running.

He sat on a log when ordered to, watching the others watch him. Hopefully his disguise was good enough.

"They're chasing you," Robin said simply as he moved around in front of him. "Why? What did you do?"

"Nothing. I just want to be free and it isn't allowed." That much was at least true. "But Gisborne doesn't want to let me go." Another mostly truth.

Robin nodded and Tom lowered his eyes quickly. This one was too smart to be fooled for long. "You can stay here, if you like," Robin continued and his head shot back up. "Under my orders, just as the rest of these men. We might be outlaws, but we are all free men." He extended a hand.

Tom gave the matter a little thought. He would be free. It would present certain other difficulties, but he thought he would be able to manage. Then another thought occurred to him and he nearly groaned aloud. "I haven't much of a choice, do I?" he asked quietly. He took the other's hand in acceptance.

"Not really, no." But Robin wore a smirk of satisfaction. "What's your name?" He settled himself on the other side of the fire, noting as he did so the quick scowl that crossed John's face and the concern in Much's. Will was watching as well, his expression carefully guarded as always. They had said nothing, and would stay silent, but obviously there was something about this boy they didn't like.

"Tom." He, too, had noticed the apparent discomfort of the others and sighed silently. Now that the bridge had been crossed, he wondered if he shouldn't have burned it first. There was no danger from Robin Hood, probably. But the others... they could be a real problem. Especially the big one.

"That's John, and this is Much. And that's Will." Robin looked around and then pointed to the short sword Tom wore. "How well can you use that?"

"Well enough." Tom shrugged. "And a bow, passably well, though I haven't got one."

"Let's hope you don't have to use one, then, before we can find one for you." Robin smirked again and offered Tom a strip of the meat they'd been dining on. Tom, in turn, rummaged in the bag he carried and drew out a small wedge of cheese to share, returning their hospitality. Robin's eyebrow raised but he said nothing of it.

And once they had been fed, and Tom had fallen asleep, Robin nodded to the others. "Tell me," he said quietly. "You've some problem with him, it's obvious."

"He's a spy, probably." Much shook his head.

Will said nothing, but John nodded agreement with Much. "There is something in him I do not like," he began slowly. "But I can't say what."

"He's not told us all the truth," Robin said slowly. "He's still hiding something. But I don't think he's a danger to us." He smirked suddenly. "The inch of truth. He has lied about nothing, but he also hasn't told the full truth. We'll need to watch him. Will, first watch, then Much, then John. We've a busy day tomorrow."