Chapter 1
12th century
Robert of Loxley, a young man of fifteen years, stood transfixed at the sight of Loxley castle, his home, burning to the ground. His breath became uneven with suppressed sobs; his brown eyes grew darker with anger, as he remembered the attack by Jasper of Briscoe's army.
Jasper, a powerful man, always got what he wanted. No matter what the cost to the people of the land. He had been terrorizing the citizens of Loxley for years but had never gone as far as to attack the castle itself. The Earl had refused to give this tyrant more land. Infuriated, Jasper attacked. The castle was torched; no man, woman, or child was left alive, except Robin.
Robin's eyes slid shut at the pain he felt. Why hadn't he stayed to fight? He remembered his father's last words to him. "Run Robin. We won't survive this. Someone needs to survive to stop Jasper".
"No father. I want to fight" Robin had argued.
"Run boy. Run or I'll kill you myself!" Robin just stood there not knowing what to do. His father swung the sword at him almost slicing his stomach. "Father, stop" Robin cried. But he wouldn't, so Robin mounted his horse and left.
"Be brave son, survive" were the last words he ever heard his father say. He wished he would have stayed to fight, but his father had told him to run, so he did.
With tears pooled in his eyes and a heavy heart, Robin turned his horse from the horrible sight. Robin briefly considered taking this matter of his father's land to the King. King Richard would understand, he would sentence Jasper to death for killing an Earl. The brief hope that rose in Robin was quickly smothered. Richard had already left for the war of the Christian Crusades. His brother Prince John ruled in his absence. Perhaps John would be as fair a ruler as Richard.
Night was falling and it was getting cold. Robin headed into Sherwood Forest for the night just in case any of Jasper's men were still looking for him. He use to play in these woods as a child; he knew every nook and cranny. He could hide from anyone there. Tomorrow he would go see Marian Fitzwalter, by then she would have heard everything and may have news of Jasper. He would then go to Prince John and hope for justice.
(Two years later)
Lady Marian Fitzwalter sat under a large oak tree staring at the flowers. The sun beat down on her brunette ringlets that were pulled up from the sides and flowing down her back. The birds sang loudly and the crickets were chirping. Marian noticed none of this. Her thoughts dwelled on Robin. They had known each other from the time she was eight years old and Robin ten. Marian never knew her mother; she died giving birth. Her father passed away when she was 12, and her aunt, Celest, moved in to the family castle to take care of the estate and be Marian's guardian. Celest hated the girl. She had been in love with Marian's father, but he chose her sister instead. She never forgave either of them and now Marian paid the price of that hatred.
Through it all Robin was always her strength and comfort. She knew she could count on him to always be there for her. He would never let anything bad happen to her. When Robin had lost his home he had no where else to go but the forest. He came to see Marian the next day to let her know that he was all right. She had been so scared for him, especially when her aunt had told her what had happened.
"Oh Marian," Celest had said at dinner, her voice dripping with sweetness, "I've got some really good news. Loxley castle has been attacked and burned to the ground. There weren't any survivors. They say Robin was the last to die and was in such pain. Well eat up now before your dinner gets cold." The pain and horror she saw in Marian's eyes at the thought of Robin's death gave her much satisfaction. Marian's pain allowed Celest to have power over her. Celest had never approved of Marian's and Robin's friendship. She took every chance she had to hurt Marian.
When Robin came to see her after the fire, Celest was gone. She had to go away for a few days, except for the servants, Marian was there alone. She went out for a ride hoping to get away from the pain and loss of Robin. She was very far from the manor ridding in an open field. Tears were streaming down her face and blurring her vision. She heard the rattle of the snake too late to do anything but brace herself for when the horse reared, throwing her off.
Marian lay on the ground, her pale yellow ridding habit covered in mud and grass. She thought she heard someone in the distance yell her name but knew she was alone. It must have been the wind. She was not hurt but she didn't want to get up. Suddenly Robin was there, leaning over her. Marian blinked several times to make sure she was awake.
"Marian are you ok?"
"Robin," Marian said in disbelief, then through her arms around him and screamed "Robin, you're alive. Celest told me you died."
Robin returned her embrace. "I survived but no one else did. I've been in Sherwood Forest. It looks like that's the only place I have now."
Marian could see the pain in his eyes. "I wish you could stay with me, but Celest would never allow it. I do not know why but she hates you. Oh, she is away for a few days, you can come home with me." Robin looked doubtful but he could never say no to Marian. He agreed and helped her up. She was dizzy for a moment and stumbled but Robin was there to catch her. She smiled up at him and said "I thought I lost you. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Let's hope you'll never have to find out." Marian whistled for her horse, he came immediately, and they rode to the manor.
Once inside Marian took control as she had been taught to do her entire life. She ordered a bath for him, his room to be readied, for lunch to be prepared, and for no one to ever breathe a word of this to Celest. Marian had a servant fetch some of her father's clothes from the attic so Robin's could be washed.
A fire was blazing warmly in the fire place while servants set the small table in Marian's sitting room. Once everything was placed Marian dismissed the servants so she and Robin would be alone. "I've pieced together what happened from the rumors. But what really happened? Can you talk about it?" Marian questioned.
"It will help to talk about it. Everything happened so fast. My father, mother, and I were sitting down to lunch when there was an explosion outside. Father started shouting for his sword, Mother fainted, and I ran for my bow. I went to the balcony and started shooting. When I ran out of arrows I ran down to the court yard. I was prepared to fight and actually started to. Father saw me and told me to leave or he would kill me himself. I know he didn't mean that and that he was trying to protect me but I still wish I would have stayed."
"Why did Jasper do that?" asked Marian, pain written all over her face.
"He had been talking with my father about purchasing some land on the south; father refused. He had seen how Jasper treated the people and abused his power. He didn't want him in charge of anything else. I'm going to go to Prince John about what happened. Jasper deserves to be in prison."
"Robin you can't do that. Jasper's already gone to Prince John claiming you are to blame for the whole thing. They have wanted posters up for you. I thought you knew."
"No. I have to talk to Prince John and make him see that Jasper is to blame. Even if it means that I will get locked up."
"Robin you can't. Jasper bought off Prince John. He won't believe anything anyone says. I'm sorry."
Robin stayed at the manor with Marian for three more days. Before he left he and Marian gathered blankets, weapons, food, and anything else they could think for him to take with him. They also decided they would meet every day when Marian would be having her daily ride.
Now as Marian waited for Robin to arrive an emotional battle was going on inside of her. Celest told her earlier that day that Jasper had asked for her hand in marriage. Marian's heart nearly stopped with the fright she felt. With more calm than she felt Marian said, "I will not marry him."
"Yes you will," said Celest. "I am your guardian and you will marry Jasper."
With repressed anger Marian shouted out "I will never marry Jasper. He killed Robin's father." A determined look settled on her face and she was not going to back down. Celest smacked her across the face. Startled Marian stepped back holding her stinging cheek. No one, not even Celest, had ever hit her before. Still holding her check Marian ran from the room with her aunt shouting that she would marry Jasper.
Marian tenderly touched her check as she remembered. It still hurt and Marian knew she had a bruise and possibly a small cut. She wished Robin would arrive soon. She had packed a small bag and was going to ask Robin if she could come with him. His life in the forest wasn't that bad. People that had lost every thing through being taxed by Prince John had moved to the forest with Robin. Marian had never been there for it was deep in Sherwood Forest, but Robin had described it as a very small village.
John was a tyrant who loved land, money, and power. As the second son he did not have as much power as Richard, so with Richard away he took as much as he could. With each passing year the taxes of Nottingham grew more and more ridicules. John cared nothing for the people and only thought of them when he wanted more money. If you could not pay the taxes on your property then it became the property of the crown. These were the people that now lived in Sherwood.
Marian knew that as soon as she told Robin that Celest had arranged for her to marry Jasper he would not allow it. The only way for the union not to take place with if Marian left; by moving to the forest her reputation would be in shreds and Jasper would never want her then. Horse gallops interrupted her thoughts. Robin was here. He had changed much in the recent years. He was now 6' 2", with dark tan skin, broad shoulders and very handsome.
Marian patiently waited for him though her heart thundered in her chest when she saw him. Robin pulled his horse to a halt and smiled down at her. The smile died on instantly when he saw the bruise on her face. Robin was by her side within seconds. "Marian, what happened." He cupped her chin gently and turned her face to the side to get a better view. "Who did this to you?" he asked with fire in his eyes and restrained anger in his voice. He couldn't believe that anyone would ever hurt this beautiful young woman. He had seen many men hit their wives; his father was one of them. Robin swore that he would never be one.
"Celest did it. Robin I was so scared." Marian felt tears in her eyes and started trembling. Robin pulled her close and she clung to him as tears streamed down her face. When she was calm Robin asked her why Celest had hit her.
"She has set up an arranged marriage for me and I told her that I would not go through with it." Robin's heart beat quickened, if Marian was going to marry anyone it would be him. He also realized he had nothing to offer her but a life of crime. That did not stop him from being selfish and wanting her all to himself.
"Robin the only way that I can think of for me to get out of this marriage and any others is to leave and go to Sherwood with you."
"Marian that would ruin you reputation. Don't misunderstand me, I would love to have you there, but it would ruin your chance of a normal life. Are you sure that's want you want?"
"Yes."
"I'm curious, who is it that Celest wants you to marry?"
"Jasper." Marian saw fury and pain in his eyes and the arms that were still around her stiffened. Marian heard horses and looked in the direction they were coming from. "Robin, Jasper's here!" Jasper was riding toward them at a shocking speed. He was thankful alone. Marian clung to Robin not sure what to do. Robin protectively stepped in front of Marian; his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Jasper reigned in his horse and jumped down. He carefully hid his shock over seeing Marian with another man. With the way Robin was dressed Jasper took him for a peasant and barely glanced at him. Jasper moved toward them saying "Marian, what are doing out here? Come with me now we have much to discuss of the wedding."
"She's not going anywhere with you," Robin's anger was just below the surface.
"Nonsense," Jasper countered, "she is my betrothed and we are leaving now."
"She is not your betrothed. As I remember she said she would never marry you."
"The choice is not hers peasant but mine and the Lady Celest. You had better get out of the way if you want to live."
"Marian you might want to move back," Robin warned. He couldn't wait to fight Jasper. There were no guards around, no one for this coward to hide behind. Robin knew he could take him.
"How dare you refer to her by her given name. She is Lady Fitzwalter to you peasant. Marian such informality with servants is forbidden."
"Informality among friends is never forbidden," Marian spoke out. "Do not ever tell me what to do again, Sir, you do not own me."
Jasper started walking toward Marian, "You will be mine, Marian." Robin blocked his path and said "She will never be yours." Jasper raised his hand to knock Robin out of the way. Robin blocked it and landed a punch to Jasper's stomach. Jasper bent slightly from the blow and said, "I will have you flogged for this."
"You would have to catch me first."
Jasper lunged at Robin and caught him around the waist. They both fell to the ground wrestling. The broke apart and got to their feet. Jasper landed a punch to Robin's face and split his lip.
"ROBIN!" Marian yelled. Robin wiped the blood from his lip.
"Robin? Not the infamous Robin Hood who robs people" mocked Jasper as he walked slowly toward Robin. "They claim you're 10 feet tall with claws for hands, and eyes like a wolf. You have been grossly over estimated. You," he laughed, "Why you're nothing but a field mouse." Jasper was standing 3 feet in front of Robin. Robin could end this fight here and now if he wanted to. He decided however to toy with Jasper. A slow smile spread across Robin's lips.
"I do not rob people. I give back to the people of the land form the lords that tax them till they have nothing left. I help those that have no one to turn to. So you see, I'm not stealing, I'm returning."
"You've got the people turning against the crown. They think they do not have to pay the taxes because of you. You're father taxed people you know. What do you think he did to those that could not pay? Do you think he let them go on with their merry lives? You know what he did. He put them in the stocks."
Robin's anger was just below the surface. No one likes to hear their parents spoken of badly. But Jasper had killed his father. Robin was taking a step forward when Marian ran between them. She could see how tense Robin was at the mere mention of his father. She hated seeing Robin hurt. "Jasper stop," she said, "I have every right to be out here on my own or with whom ever I choose. You have no say it that now or ever. I've told you I will not marry you. Now leave us."
Jasper stared at Marian just as calmly as if he were looking out the window. Marian took a deep breath thinking that was the end of it but never saw the fist that struck her. Jasper hit Marian across the face the same as Celest had. He was angry at the whole situation. He wanted to knock her out of the way, to prove she belonged to him, to teach her a lesson.
Marian fell to the ground having trouble grasping what just happened. She put a hand to her face. Her left cheek was once again on fire. It had a small amount of swelling from before and was swelling by the minute. Robin ran at Jasper fighting even harder this time. The anger that had been just below the surface now burst forth like a dam breaking. Jasper could not keep up and fell hard to the ground. He lay unconscious as Robin approached. Robin pulled out his boot knife intent on finishing the job. Marian's head ached but she opened her eyes and focused on Robin with the dagger above raised over Jasper's heart.
"Robin don't," Marian shouted "You're not a murder."
Robin stared at Jasper. It would be so easy for me to kill you right now. I would be doing the world a favor. Robin sheathed his dagger as he stood. Marian needed him right now. There will come a day when the fight between them will be to the death but not today. Robin rushed to Marian's side. Her left eye was almost swollen shut.
"You definitely can't stay here now. Robin lifted Marian to her feet. The blood rushing to her head about made her pass out, but Robin's hands were there to steady. Marian looked up at Robin and then laid her head on his chest. His arms were always there to catch her and make her feel safe. She felt she could stay in those arms forever, and would if he would let her.
Robin held Marian as she laid her head on him. He wasn't surprised to realize that he loved her. She was so small and sweet. He wanted to cherish and love her always. Robin wrapped his arms a little tighter around her when the wind picked up.
"We should go" he said. "Jasper won't stay out much longer and someone will come looking for him." Marian nodded in agreement and Robin whistled for their horses.
(Three Months Later)
John Little, a tall man of 6' 10" with long blonde hair and blue eyes, sat at the breakfast table finishing his coffee. His wife, Shelly, sat beside him. They had been married for three years and were as much in love as they were the day they wed. Their house, a small structure with a garden out back, sat on the edge of the woods. To the east of the house were the fields that John worked in every day. John was an excellent woodsman and farmer. He had learned from his father, who learned from his father.
John and Shelly had met at a neighbor's wedding. They were both shy and not having much luck mingling with people. Most people shied away from John because of his height, so he stayed toward the back of the group. Shelly was also at the back of the group but saw some of her friends on the other side and moved to join them. When she past by John her foot found a hole in the ground and she stumbled. John reached out and caught her. "Are you ok?" John asked after she had straightened.
"Yes, thank you," their eyes locked and neither could look away. "Mister?"
"Little John." Shelly stared at him in puzzlement. He realized what he and said "I mean John Little."
"I'm Shelly Sailors." She smiled at him and it took his breath away. "Why are you back here all alone?"
"Um, it's easier to, that is, um; I like it in the back."
"So do I. I'll see you later Little John." She smiled at him and turned to join her friends. He loved that way she called him Little John. It was so opposite. From that point on John and Shelly saw a lot of each other and eventually they married.
John drained the last drop of coffee from his cup and rose from his chair. "I'll see you at lunch honey." He kissed his wife, grabbed his hat, and headed to the fields. It was close to lunch when John thought he smelled smoke. He looked up and turned in a circle to see where it could possible be coming from. His heart stopped when he saw it coming from the direction of his house. He ran but he kept tripping over his feet. Faster, faster he told himself. John ran as fast as he could to get to the house. When he arrived it was to see his house engulfed in flames and one man fighting three men. One by one the solders fell dead. The stranger looked at John with remorse. "I'm sorry. I saw the smoke from the forest, and came to help. There was nothing I could do. They set the fire. I'm sorry my friend."
John saw Shelly laying face down a few yards away. He ran to her hoping against hope that she was still alive. He turned her over and held her in his arms. Blood was everywhere, they had sliced her throat. John held her, like the precious jewel she was, and cried. The stranger waited with head down feeling sorry for this gentle giant. After some time John laid her body down and rose. He turned and was surprised to see the stranger still there. Barely able to form coherent thoughts John said "I have to bury her."
"I'll help you." Together they walked to the shed that held the tools for plowing and took out two shovels. John let the stranger carry the shovels while he carried his wife. They left the bandits for whatever animals wanted them. John took them to a willow tree several feet away from the house that was Shelly's favorite. With little effort they dug the grave. John knelt by Shelly's body and cuddled her for the last time. Harsh sobs broke in his throat. He gently pulled the wedding ring from her finger and put it in his pocket. This way he would be able to keep a part of her with him always.
John laid her in the grave but could not pull him self to cover her with dirt. "I'll do it my friend," the stranger said. John had yet again forgotten he was there. The stranger started filling the grave with the dirt and John had to look away.
"Why did they do this?" John asked.
"I don't know."
"I can't stay here without Shelly. We were expecting our first child. Now what am I going to do."
"I'm afraid the authorities will try to pin the death of these three bandits on you. Even if you tell them that I killed the men, they will still arrest you. Come with me. I live in Sherwood Forest."
"Who are you?" John still could not believe what was happening.
"Robin Hood and you are?"
"John Little, Shelly called me Little John."
"Why is that?"
"When we first met," he paused, took a breath and wiped the tear that slid down his cheek, "I was so nervous I switched my name around. She's called me Little John ever since. It even caught on with our neighbors."
"Come, Little John, let us go." They walked toward the forest. John was hoping the further he walked the less pain he would feel. With a final look at the tree and his wife's grave they disappeared into the forest.
(Seven Months Later)
Friar Tuck, a teacher at the Wilmington school, was sitting at his desk grading the student's homework. Being the teacher was one of his duties for the town along with being the preacher and the advisor. One day a man was brought into town to hang. The man claimed to be innocent of his crimes like so many others. He was accused of killing one of the king's deer, a crime punishable by a day or two in the stocks. However, while he was in custody a woman was attacked and murdered. The man in custody that killed the deer was also accused of her murder. This crime was punishable by death.
Tuck knew the man could not have committed the murder since he was in prison. The guards would hear nothing of Tuck's pleading and told him to "go preach somewhere else." The innocent man would hang in the morning. Friar Tuck refused to let the matter drop and said he would go to the king if necessary. No one in the town would help him. They all wanted the 'murderer' hung. It didn't matter that this man was not the killer; they would get sport out of watching him dangle in the wind. Tuck was told that he would join the man in the noose should he breath a word of what they were doing. That night Tuck left Wilmington without a backward glance. He didn't know where to go or what he would do.
Tuck was wondering in Sherwood one day when he was set upon by robbers. He had very little money, but the robbers thought he was lying to them. They were about to kill him when a man stepped out of the shadows. "Let this Friar go in peace. He has done nothing wrong."
"He has to pay the toll to use this road," stated one robber who seemed to be in charge.
"We do not make everyone pay the toll, just the Lords and Ladies. Let this Friar pass through the forest unharmed."
"Thank you," said Tuck.
"You're welcome. You're a stranger in these parts. What brings you to Sherwood?" asked the stranger.
"I could not stop an innocent man from being hanged. No one in the town would listen to reason so I knew there was no place there for me. I'm Friar Tuck." He held out his hand to the dark stranger. The stranger took his hand and said "Robin Hood. Come with me we have plenty."