Many thanks out to Kegel with her help on this. She's done a lot of work! Long chapter this time, but couldn't find a better place to end it. Hope you enjoy!



Chapter Two: One Chance

By every right it was a beautiful day. The summer season was late but there was still warmth in the air. The sun was holding in the sky without the faintest trace of any clouds, acting as an ever-so-careful observer of what was taking place below. The air was filled with the aromas of festivities, as the harvest season drew nearer; more and more villagers were preparing for market, spending the last bit of their shillings on pleasantries they normally went without.

Robin weighed the bag in his hand, a smile on his face reflecting what he felt on in the inside. They would not have to wallow in guilt for spending the last of their hard earned income. The silver taken from the sheriff would be more than enough to hold them through until it was time to head to the market. With any luck the money they garnered there would be enough to last them through the autumn, and then the coming winter.

He passed the bag over to the woman just then. She was an older lady, one he had known since he was just a boy. Without hesitation she drew him into a hug, whispering quiet thanks. He returned the embrace, warning her to keep it hidden. The sheriff would no doubt come through again, but he could not take what he could not find.

There was hardly room for worry; Robin and the others had taught the villagers well, and they knew already that what was theirs could easily be lost in the next moment's time. He stayed where he was, resting against the fences as he watched the old woman depart, bending over to show the coins and satchel of food to one of her youngest grandchildren. The smile he had earlier came back at the sight, the simple knowledge that what they were doing was helping filling an empty void inside of him.

Yes…it was a beautiful day. But why was it that he could not even bring himself to enjoy it? The pleasure that had filled him had only been momentary, fleeting away with the wind as another breeze came. He turned his head to the sun, letting the rays fall on his upturned face, as if hoping the warm rays could chase away the chill that rested inside.

He had told himself that he would get better with time. Told himself that he would forget. And the harder he tried…the more it clung to his memory. He had seen Marian only once since leaving Nottingham that day. Only once had he mustered up the courage to see her. To try and convince her to leave, just one last time. She didn't have to stay in the forest; she could return, to her father. To wherever that might be. Even that would have been a better fate…

Still she had refused, both angering and upsetting him. It was a deep, troubling sensation he had never before felt. It was difficult to describe, but it felt as though it was slowly eating away at him. At times he wished that he was simply alone, so that way he could let his emotions go. So that he could cry until he could do so no more, to curse and spit at the ground that bore his weight but offered no help in shouldering his heavy burden. Never before had he thought that words could hurt so much.

He started at the touch, putting forth a false guise as the man watched him. Turning he leaned against the fence, crossing his arms as he watched the rest of the village. There were others, accepting the small purses handed out by his men, embraces and words of well wishes being traded. He gave another smile.

"This will do them good."

"Yes," Will answered. The man had taken up a stance near him, watching as he did, and for a time there was silence between them. Out of everyone Will made him nervous. The man was smart, and for some irritating reason Will had turned his efforts into scrutinizing his each and every move. Robin felt more hounded than ever as of late, despite the fact Will had yet to say a single word to him. It would only be a matter of time before the other really pressed him, and Robin was afraid of when that time would come. Already he had shown weakness in front of Will, in the time when he had needed to be strong the most. He could not afford to break once more. Not over something as trivial as this. It was merely one woman…and yet…she felt as though she was the entire world. How could anyone understand that when he couldn't even explain it?

"We should get moving. It's starting to get late."

Robin could almost feel relief. He was afraid the other was going to prod at him again. He couldn't just very well up and leave, knowing that would garner the attention of the others, but neither did he want to stay and be interrogated. Instead he took the opportunity at Will's suggestion to move.

"We have two more villages to make," he told the man, tossing him another satchel. Will caught it with ease, swinging the bag over his shoulder.

"Nottingham will be the last then?"

Robin found himself slowed by the words, could feel the blood rush from his face, leaving behind skin that was even cold to his own touch. Nottingham…he didn't want to go there. At the moment there were still too many grievous thoughts. But neither could he avoid it altogether. The people there would be expecting them. What would they say when Robin Hood failed to bring them any shares?

"Robin?"

He found himself nodding, regaining some of his composure. Already his mind was working out a plan, and he kept his voice from changing, lest it betray his true feelings. "We'll split up; you and John head to Nottingham, the others and I will head to Clun."

"Split up?"

"You were right, it is getting late. This way we'll finish sooner. We can meet back at camp."

Will was silent for a moment, but he nodded as if seeing the logic behind the idea, even if he didn't necessarily agree with it. "Alright…"

Even as he turned to leave, Robin found himself calling out to him to stay. At first his idea had been to send the man, simply to escape the silent questions that came from in the form of glances. A respite, even for a few hours, would have been welcomed, but a new thought had entered his mind. Sending Will to Nottingham may encourage the man to seek out Marian. If he knew of her promise…what would Will say to him? How deeply would he chastise the former crusader for falling so low over something so petty?

"Send Allan and John instead. I don't want you out alone yet."

"I've been out before, plenty of times," Will argued.

"Not to Nottingham."

"You left me to my own devices to get in and out of the castle, and to find the cart, not to mention. Or have you forgotten?"

No, he hadn't forgotten. And neither was the man's independence in question. All Robin cared about was keeping him away from Nottingham. At least for the time being. He could not prevent it forever, but if he could stop it for just a small time, until he got his senses back in order, all would be well.

"Will…just do as I say," Robin answered firmly, his voice softening. "Please. Do not make me worry about you."

He expected the other to argue, but nothing came. Only a nod and Will turned, carrying out the order without further protest. Robin rubbed a hand along his face, trying to banish the thoughts that refused to let him go. Things would get easier…that was what he had been reminding himself. They would get easier to bear…all he had to do was stay strong until then.

It was a charade that could not last forever. Will already knew that something was amiss, and with no doubt the others would follow. He had to get his priorities straightened out before then.


He had a lot of stamina. It came from the long days during the war; from the nights in the forest he had spent defying one insane stunt after another. When it came down to it, there was no question about it. He was strong…

But jogging behind a horse the entire day was not easy. He could have nearly cried in relief when the pace finally slowed. How far they had gone Much had no idea; they were well out of Sherwood now, but not so far that he could no longer see the forest. The men put together a makeshift camp, lighting a small fire. Eloy took the liberty of moving the rope from the saddle horn to a nearby tree, securing it firmly. Not that the man had to worry about the outlaw escaping any time soon. Much was too tired to even move let alone try and escape.

He pressed his bound hands against his eyes, as if the simple motion would banish the sheer fatigue that had built up. A few times he had tried to call out for help, but soon his breath had become so ragged that he could barely rasp let alone yell. Now his throat was dry, his belly empty, and he was so sore from the constant motion that he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do first. Cry, sleep…or eat.

"That smells really good," Much muttered, lifting his head. Whatever they were cooking was tantalizing, his stomach growling in protest as he realized an entire day had passed without any food.

"Does it now?" Eloy taunted from where he lay. He was resting easily on a bedroll, tending to the meat that was cooking over the fire. "Shame that you won't be getting any. You see, there's only enough for two, and we need to keep up our strength."

"That's not fair."

"You let our boy escape," Eloy pointed out. "That wasn't really fair either, if you think about it."

"That…that was different. You cannot just kidnap a boy."

"He agreed to come with us at first. Besides, who are you to say any different? Are you the King of England now?"

"No," Much raised his chin defiantly, "but I've met him."

"Well good for you. What do want? Some honors? A ballad written about you? No one cares."

"Enough, Eloy," Dax broke into the conversation.

"Do you have any idea how much money he cost us today?"

"Nothing," Dax pointed out. The man was tending to his horse, but he stopped then to glance his way. "It's not like we have to pay anyone anything."

"Alfred is paying top price for children; even more so for boys. No one else is offering that much. What do you think he'll say when we bring this back instead?" he motioned angrily towards the outlaw.

"What he always says. He's never happy with what we bring back. You don't like it, find another profession."

"That means I'd actually have to work."

"Is that a foreign concept for you?" Much wondered, earning a growl from the other man.

"You stay out of this; it does not concern you."

"Does not concern me?" he cried. "You…you kidnapped me! It does concern me."

"He has a point there," Dax agreed.

"At least we all agree," Much nodded, watching as Eloy took a bite of the cooked meat. "That still smells really good…if you wouldn't mind…just a little?"

A piece of bread was pressed into his hands as Dax walked by, the man hardly looking in his direction. Eloy saw the motion, the man sitting up with a scowl. "What are you doing? Did you forget he let our money source go? Now you're going to waste our food on him?"

"It's my share," Dax argued bitterly. "Alfred wants strong workers; how happy do you think he'll be if we drag in a half-dead man? You think we'd get anything then?"

Eloy scowled once more, but said nothing as he took another bite. Much glanced down to the bread in his hands, then back up at the pair. "Actually…I would rather have some of what he's having."

"Bread," Dax told him sternly. "Or nothing at all. The choice is yours."

"Well that seems hardly fair," he grumbled, taking a large bite of the bread. It was dry, sucking what little moisture he had left in his mouth away. He finished chewing before taking another bite, making sure to display his irritation, but the other men hardly seemed to notice. With a sigh he swallowed, finishing the last bit of bread, thankful for the fact that the bread was soft. Still, it did not compare to the tantalizing aroma of the meat. How he loved meat…

At the thought his expression fell. The deer meat he had worked so tediously to get was still in the forest. By now some creature had probably found it, filled its belly with his food. The food for Robin. Wasn't much of a celebration for Robin…surely none of the others would remember. They never had.

What would he say, Much wondered, when the man found out he was gone? Robin would surely look for him, but would he know where? He had not told anyone of his plans, which had seemed like a good idea then. Secrets, after all, worked out much better if you kept them to yourself. Now it seemed like it wasn't all that smart; would they even suspect something had gone amiss? If they did, following the road out of Sherwood wasn't something they would do.

What if…what if Robin thought the sheriff had captured him? Then he would head to Nottingham; he would head there to save him. But Much would not be there. Then what would happen? The sheriff would catch him…and Robin would hang…

"I have to go," Much spoke up suddenly, looking at the pair. Their light talk had cut off as they stared at him, strange expressions on their faces. All of the sudden they burst out laughing, as though he had spouted off a joke.

"I'm being serious!"

"My friend, I think you have the concept of this whole kidnapping business backwards. It is we who tell you where you go. Not the other way around."

"The sheriff," Much breathed. "I'm an outlaw; he'll pay good money if you take me there. He always likes hanging an outlaw after all…"

"To the gallows?" Dax wondered, "I don't know if that is bravery or insanity talking there."

"I won't hang," Much shook his head. He had to be in Nottingham, that's where Robin would go. Robin would find him there, would rescue him. He knew that for certain.

"We would," Eloy grinned at him, still thoroughly enjoying the conversation. "We're not exactly what you would call welcomed among many parts of England. And the Sheriff of Nottingham is well known for his…efforts."

"Then help me stop him. I know others that fight against him. If you do not like him, then you can help…" Much trailed off with a frown. Robin was always so much better at these kind of things. Robin could make anyone trust him…somehow he didn't sound as convincing. It was proven as the other men laughed.

"An enticing offer. But we prefer money. Besides…I'm sure you'll enjoy our little trip. You'll be able to see the countryside, meet new people. Doesn't that sound exciting?" Eloy had slipped into a mocking voice by now, as if taunting a child.

"I prefer it here. The scenery is rather lovely. I could see more of it, if you let me go," he emphasized, pulling on the rope that bound him still. There was a little bit of give, something that was rather encouraging. If he could wait until they were asleep…

"You'll see plenty," Eloy continued as though he had never heard. "Much better than here, I assure you. It is really quite beautiful…if you survive, that is."

"Survive?"

There was a hint of worry in his voice now. Up until now no such thing had even been mentioned. He had simply assumed they wanted him alive. Alive was a good thing. A very good thing. But this new talk had him clearly worried.

"Some of the path can be treacherous; people die all the time. You don't have anything to worry about though."

"I don't?"

"Of course not. If we run into any trouble, you'll be the first to go. Think of it as one last heroic act before you die."

He frowned. "Funny…very funny."

"It's only dangerous in the winter, when the storms come. We'll be fine." Dax broke in.

"Take away all the fun," Eloy snorted, stretching out on his bed.

"Just go to sleep; when we're able to see the blasted road in front of us we'll be moving again."

"Where are we going?" Much wondered, the curiosity tugging at his mind.

"You don't need to know."

"If I am going…then I want to know. I have a right to know."

"And I will gag you if you do not quiet down," Dax warned, his voice growing hard. "That goes for the both of you."

Much fell silent, as Eloy did, which was surprising. It was clear talk was over for the night, and Much had failed to learn anything of use. Not that it would matter. He gave the rope another tug, smiling at the slack he still obtained. This was not the first time he had been bound, and it was only with simple ropes instead of shackles. The others were not very bright if they felt this would hold him through the night. He smiled, the idea coming to him now; he would return to camp...tonight.


He had to be quick to keep up with the other. John's long strides carried him on the path with little resistance, making it a difficult feat to keep pace. But he wasn't one to really complain; he too was quick on his feet, and could cover a good deal of distance on his own. When he was in the mood, of course.

They had left camp shortly before noon, flitting from one village to the next before Robin had given the order to split into two. He had followed John to Nottingham, a careful eye out for guards while delivering the goods to the people who were so desperately seeking them. It felt good, as much as it was frustrating, to part with it all.

"All I'm saying," Allan breathed, catching up with the other, "is that it was a lot of money to give away. If we give them that much now…they'll just keep wanting more."

"Then we give them more."

"Well…yeah," Allan nodded, recognizing the logic in that statement. "But we would have to get more first…"

"Then we get more."

"Not being funny, but it's not that easy."

"Not easy for you to give away is what you mean."

He bit his lip, a scowl emerging as he slowed. Okay…so he liked having a bit of money in his pocket. Who could blame him? Years he had spent being a thief, quite an expert one at that. He had lived on his own, taking only for himself. His one flaw was trying to poach that deer. Then of course he tried taking a farmer's pig…that hadn't gone over so well either. Then he had lied about who he was…that definitely didn't end well.

Though he was starting to tire of this life, there wasn't much he could do. One could argue he was still here because Robin had saved his life. But one could also argue that score was squared; he had saved Robin's life as well. Then he had abandoned him…and that hadn't turned out very well either. He had almost burned to death inside an old mill as result.

It didn't matter now; he couldn't go back to his old life. He was an outlaw now, branded by his simple presence with Robin. Before he had been a nameless thief, someone who was more of an irritant than a real threat. But being with Robin he had crossed the sheriff and Gisborne one too many times. If he was ever caught in any of the towns his fate would not be pleasant. Even more so with the knowledge if he did leave the others, there would be no one that would come for him.

He shook his head, hurrying up the hill after John. The man had already disappeared, keenly intent on making it back to camp. It would be nice, he supposed, but the worry was still growing at him. Robin would never let him keep his share of the spoils, even if he stole it on his own accord. The thought brought him to another stop, a smile brightening his face.

Robin couldn't stop him…if Robin did not know. And what harm could it cause? Whatever loot they garnered together would go to the people, but in his own time, the trinkets he collected there would be his own. Enough to spend to satisfy himself, and perhaps he could even find a place to store a larger share. Make up enough and head to another shire to settle. Start a new life…

With the new idea forming in his head he ran the last of the length. The day was passing from afternoon to evening, bursts of sunlight flitting through the trees. Soon the days would start growing shorter, and the nights would creep up on them earlier. Allan wasn't too certain on how eager he was to face yet another winter in the forest. At times it got cold enough that it felt as though he was frozen to the very core. Although with their new camp, he had to wonder if it would be any different.

At any rate, he was correct in his earlier speculations. They were the last to return to camp. Of course Nottingham was further away than Clun, and there had been only two to their three. Nottingham was also larger…it was no wonder Robin and the others had finished so quickly. He forced on a smile, coming to a stop as he joined the group, hands resting on his hips.

"So lads, what did we miss?"

There was no immediate response, causing Allan to look from one to the other. There was a mixture of worry, concern, and perhaps even confusion. Quickly he turned to glance behind him, wondering if their odd expressions was from something that had maybe followed him. But there was nothing but the forest that surrounded them, and he turned back with a shrug.

"What?"

"When you were in Nottingham, did you hear anything?" Robin asked him quietly.

It was a strange question. He had heard many things; Nottingham wasn't exactly the quietest place to be. Yet the look on Robin's face told him it was no joke. He bit his lip, trying to think over what he had seen or heard. Nothing, even now that he was thinking over it, seemed to be out of place. Finally he shook his head, shrugging his shoulders when he couldn't come up with anything.

Robin turned to look at John then, the man shaking his head in a similar fashion. Allan could only frown, a hand scratching the back of his head. "Did I miss something?"

"Much." It was the only response he got.

"Not being funny, but that doesn't even make sense."

"He was gone this morning," Will filled him in.

It caused him to shrug. That he already knew. It wasn't anything that was strange either. What he couldn't figure out was why everyone was making such a big deal about it.

"He hasn't returned."

"Oh…"

Now he understood why everyone was worried. It was strange for him to be gone so long. But not entirely unheard of. He himself had been gone for such spans of time. The mere thought of it was making him wonder.

"How do you know he didn't come back? I mean…we were all gone. He could have come back anytime during the day."

"We already thought of that," Robin's voice was quiet, a strange calmness to it.

"So it's possible then," Allan shrugged. "He probably forgot we were doing our drops today. Went off to do some hunting or whatever, remembered when he came back. Then he went to find us. Honestly now, he may even be on his way back right now."

It seemed likely, even plausible. Sherwood was a big forest after all, it was easy to get lost, or fall behind. Or miss one another entirely. There was still a good share of daylight left. No real need to worry until the sun went down, right?

"The problem is, it seems as though no one has been here," Robin indicated behind them to where the camp stood. "Fire is cold, stores are locked…Much would have at least taken something to eat…all the food is untouched."

"Alright," Allan admitted, knowing that it was now starting to sound weird. "You thinkin' the sheriff got him?"

It was another possibility, one that was quite grim. If that was the case, there was no telling what had befallen the man. If Much was in Nottingham, there was no telling for how long he had been there, or all that had been done to him. The sheriff was cruel in his games, the painful memory of his own brother's fate coming back to light in his memory.

But Robin was shaking his head, letting out a pained sigh. "If the sheriff has him…if…surely he would want us all to know. He would use him as a lure, entice us to come. He would not just settle for one of us."

"Robin," Djaq spoke his name quietly, true emotion in her eyes. "What if you are wrong?"

The man was silent, his eyes mirroring the same emotion that Djaq held. Finally he spoke, but what he said was not a pleasant thing to hear. "Then he dies."

"We go," John told him.

Even Allan was ready to agree, despite the fact he had just walked back from the very town. They had done the same for others, and would continue to do so no matter what the cost might be. It was one of the very reasons that prompted Allan to stay with the others; the fact you always had someone to watch your back.

"What if I am right?" Robin spoke again, pausing for a moment. "What if he isn't in Nottingham?"

"Then the sheriff isn't expecting us, we get in and out easily, return to camp to find him here," Allan said with a shrug.

"He left this morning, before anyone else was awake. He didn't take much with him, so he wasn't expecting to be gone long. My guess is that he went hunting, like Will suggested earlier this morning."

"You think he got lost?" Allan laughed, but quieted when no one else saw the humor in the comment.

"That," Robin nodded, "or hurt."

"Or captured," Djaq added quietly. "We cannot hear every time someone is taken."

He nodded, but said nothing else, the emotion clear as he faced this dilemma. Allan knew what Djaq said was true. While he and John had heard of nothing while in Nottingham, that did not mean it that Much was not there. But if Robin was right, and Much was hurt somewhere in the forest, heading to Nottingham would do no one any good.

"Look," Allan breathed, catching everyone's attention. "Why don't we split up? We'll head back to Nottingham, the rest of you can search the forest."

"It could work," Djaq agreed, turning to look at the others. But Robin was shaking his head.

"No…stay here, in case he returns; I'm going to scout the area. If I don't find anything…we'll head to Nottingham. The sheriff won't proceed with any hangings until it's light. That will still give us time to get there. I will be back by nightfall."

"I'm coming," Will announced as the man turned to leave. Allan watched him pause, expecting Robin to disagree like the man often did. So it was a surprise to actually see him nod.

"Alright. The rest of you stay here, we'll return shortly, with any hope."

He hated to admit it, but the more time that went on, the more he began to worry. Part of him was glad to see the two go, knowing that Robin would not easily miss anything. Another part worried what would come about when they did return. Nottingham was where everyone took anyone who was in trouble with the law. And one couldn't be in more trouble with the law than an outlaw. That made him worry even more so; he couldn't help but feel they should be headed for the town now.

"Do not worry, it will be well," Djaq told him quietly. He gave her in return his best grin, one that was cheeky and quite known with the ladies. It was his style to shrug off such things. Even though he would be the first to admit that Much wasn't his favorite person to live with, the man was part of their group. He was a part of their family.


Pretending to sleep had been easy. The ground was hard and it provided no comfort, the cold soil and bits of grass rubbing against his face every time he moved. Curled up in a ball he listened with his ears, knowing that if he tried to depart too soon the luck would not be in his favor. The crackling of the fire had tampered off, the bickering of the horses subsiding, as the animals busied themselves with sweet tufts of grass instead, were the only sounds occupying the night.

He rolled then, becoming even more entangled in the wretched rope, but hardly caring as his eyes searched out in the darkness for the two companions that slept not too far away. Neither of them had taken any heed to his movements, which was a promising thing indeed. Easing himself up into a sitting position, Much set to work.

The rope was of good quality; far better than the ones Robin had managed to come across. It was stronger, unwilling to be cut by the pebbles that were too small, and unfazed by the fierce gnawing of the teeth. With a curse Much flexed his wrists, rewarded with the smallest of movements. By now his wrists were already sore, the tender flesh beneath the bonds red from the consistent rubbing. But he was too far determined to be stalled by something so trivial.

He needed to get out of here; tonight. He needed to get back to the forest, back to camp before Robin headed to Nottingham. He ground his teeth together, stifling a yelp as he tried to pull his hands apart. There was a little more give now; there was also some blood, he was quite certain. He could feel the warmth beading on his skin, just under the ropes. Curse it all, he was never going to make it like this.

He pressed his forehead against his hands, trying to come up with an idea. Any idea that would help. He was angry, and bitter as his eyes wandered the campsite. If only the man had left him bound to the horse then he could ride out of here. At least he had been smart in that respect. And perhaps both had been smarter than first seemed. The rope was not as easily broken as Much had first presumed. Surely they knew this too, and had used it to their favor.

He pulled the rope again, a sigh escaping him as no real result came. Trees…how useless they were. You couldn't very well ride one in escape like you could the horse. Perhaps if Will had been here he could have cut down the tree…

The idea struck him then, as peculiar as it was, but it was an inkling of knowledge that he just had to discover. Stealthily he moved to his feet, using the rope as a guide and pulling himself towards the tree where Eloy had bound him earlier. Falling to his knees he checked his surroundings to make certain he had not caught the attention of the others. When no movement came, he turned his attention back to the tree.

Cautiously he lifted his bound hands, fingers playing over the rope. The knot about his hands was strong, having been secured several times with several lengths, the very reason he could not break through it now. But it seemed as though Eloy had been preoccupied with other trivial matters when he had tied this end to the tree. Much might not be able to cut down the tree…but he could pull free the knot that bound him here…

It still was no easy task. The knot was difficult to see in the dark, and though he had limited movement with his hands, it wasn't entirely enough to work comfortably with. It took time, time he did not want to waste but he had little choice in the matter. When the first length came free he could not help but let out a successful cry.

He muffled it a moment later, turning back to see if his momentarily lapse in judgment had cost him. But the two men slept on, unaware of the break for freedom that was about to occur. Much turned back to his work quickly, freeing the last length with a proud smile. He was a free man now.

The rope…now that would be a nuisance. With his luck he would trip over it, or the one end would become stuck on something. There wasn't anything he could do until he returned to camp however. Slowly he wrapped the other end about his wrists, following down to near his elbows to get the last of it off the ground. In the end it both looked and felt as though it was more restricted now than before. He frowned at the thought, wondering if that made him a kidnapper now, but he didn't believe that someone could technically kidnap themselves. It was an interesting thought, however.

Awkwardly he moved to his feet, a bit of a struggle with his arms bound as they were. Once certain of his balance he began to move, pausing as he neared the horses. He would return quicker if he took one. Seeing all the others had put him through, surely they would not mind if he did so. It was risky…but the thought of Robin possibly risking his own life sneaking into Nottingham crept into his mind. No…he had to return as soon as possible.

Mind made up, he moved towards the two creatures. They both watched him warily as he came, ears twitching as he spoke quiet, and hopefully, calm words. The tips of his fingers brushed one's fur, just beneath his eyes and the horse snorted. Hushing him quickly he turned again, to check on the sleeping pair. There was another sigh of relief, convinced now the two would sleep through almost anything.

Freeing the horse he turned the creature around as best he could. Mounting would be the most difficult part, and he reached up, feeling blindly for the horn that would help him. No sooner had he found it that he heard the quiet muttering behind him. Turning quickly he paused, eyes meeting those of Dax, who was blinking wearily in the dim light of the fire. For a moment they just stared, Much hoping that the man would either not see him, or that the man would not give him away.

His judgment was wrong. Dax was screaming, a string of words that Much was quite certain he had never heard before. But he didn't need to know what they meant to understand the meaning. Grasping the horn as best as he could with his bound hands, he hefted himself up. Startled by the commotion the horse took off into a gallop, leaving him in a rather awkward position.

It was all Much could do to hang on. The jolting movements as the horse ran threatened to throw him, Much only halfway in the saddle. He couldn't properly hold on, nor steer, and the animal was running blindly…away from Sherwood of all things. Hooves beneath him tore up the tender ground, dirt flying up into his eyes as the saddle slowly began to slip from his hands. He wouldn't be able to hold on for long.

He tried to pull himself up, trying to push off the ground with his feet as opposed to just letting them drag. The rope he bound about his arms earlier was starting to come loose, the end beginning to trail in the wind. Much tightened his grip, lifting himself up a few inches before losing them once more as the horse jumped over some brush. His feet slipped, dragging on the ground, being missed by the hooves only barely. If he fell now he surely would be trampled.

The thought only encouraged him to hang on, now accepting the fact that he was being dragged along. At least he was still getting away. It wasn't quite how he had imagined, or really planned it, but wasn't that all that mattered in the end?

The hope that had blossomed didn't stay with him long. The rope had worked its way loose even further. It was at that moment it reached the ground, dragging alongside the creature in the dirt. Then it happened, as the rope became entangled in the moving limbs.

With a shriek the horse stumbled, powerful strong back legs pulling the rope taunt. In a moment's time Much felt the horn slip out of his feeble grasp, fingers reaching out desperately to grab a hold of anything that might save him as he fell. The last thing he saw was a mixture of the ground racing towards him, and the pounding of hooves.

TBC