After another week of being confined in one room with two other Nobles, Much stops his master in the narrow alley after reconnoitering the city's gates and asks him put out, "When can we leave? I'm tired of taking care of three masters. I'm your servant not theirs!" Robin nods in sympathetic affirmation placing a hand on his servant's shoulder and replies, "And you're doing a great job. We'll leave tonight, is that alright?" Much sighs with relief and says, "Good! If Lord Mathew tells me one more time to empty the bucket after he's done I'm going to dump it on him!" Robin snickers and says, "Well at least he doesn't have you wipe for him." Much chuckles lightly and asks, "Why can't he be more like Lord Charles? He helps out like you and doesn't just sit around having me do everything for him." Robin sighs sympathetically and replies, "Much, not all Nobles have their best friend as their servant. Lord Mathew's servant is indentured by his parents and is paid until he works off his debt and Lord Charles left his personal servant behind at his manor as he wouldn't come with him." Much stares at his master wide eyed and says satirically, "Wait! Paid? I can be paid?" Robin glares back in jovial exasperation until they both grin and chuckling shoulder one another. Clapping Much on his back in friendship Robin says with a grin, "Come on, let's tell them and get the hell out of here." Much replies happily, "After you master." and follows him up the fallen debris and onto the crumbling roof top.
After they enter the room Robin tells the other Lords, "The General has finally given up. There are now only four guards at each gate so we depart this evening." Lord Charles and Lord Mathew each nod in quiet acceptance and return to staring out of the windows. Much squints sniffing the rank air and after glancing at the partially covered bucket in the far corner swarming with flies, ignores Lord Mathew's hand motioning towards it siding up to his master at the far window. Robin sniffs purposefully and firmly says to his companion beside him, "Don't." Much sighs with regret, turns, and with slumped shoulders walks over to the bucket, shoos away the flies, taps the lid on it properly with his foot and picks it up. Charles steps away from the window and opens the door for Much then follows him outside to where they dump the bucket.
After Much dumps and cleans the bucket Much tells Lord Charles regretfully, "Looks like I will not get the chance to learn how you snapped that soldier's neck." Lord Charles, about to agree, sees a movement in the shadows behind Much and swiftly points to it. Just as Much turns a Saracen soldier leaps out at him and remembering what Lord Charles had done, Much wraps his arm around the man's neck choking any sound from him. Lord Charles quickly steps towards him and imitating his movements from before instructs Much as he follows along. On the third try Much feels the man's neck snap and his body go limp then lowers him to the floor. Breathing heavily from the adrenaline coursing through his veins, Much tells Lord Charles quietly, "It's harder than it looks." Lord Charles nods and tells him, "It gets easier each time." then together they search the body, removing the few coins and a dagger then push the remains into the hole concealing it.
As they reach the rooftop, Robin comes rushing out of the doorway almost running them down and abruptly stops upon seeing the two men standing in front of him, but before Much can ask what's wrong Robin snaps in barely concealed concern, "What kept you?" as he looks his servant over. Lord Charles replies offhandedly, "Much had a lesson in self-defense." Much then pantomimes snapping the soldier's neck and watches his master visibly relax. Robin says admonishingly pointing to him, "Well tell me next time." Then turns, opens the door, and stalks back into the building as the two men gaze after him in confusion. Looking at one another they echo quietly, "Tell him next time?" and both quietly laugh then Charles tells him, "He must have been concerned." Much nods smiling, opens the door, and follows Charles in to the hallway.
After the city torches have been lit, Robin steps away from the window and motions for all to gather around and tells them, "Gather your gear we are leaving." Much picks up his and Robin's gear as the other Lords lift theirs. Lord Mathew makes to hand his packs to Much but Robin waves him away as he takes part of Much's burden for himself telling Lord Mathew, "No, he needs to be free to fight just in case we are challenged." Lord Mathew huffs at being told to do servant's work but shoulders his pack as Lord Charles reaches out and takes the rest of Much's gear freeing him of any burden. Much, surprised, glances questioningly at his master who, with a half grin of approval, shrugs and then to Lord Charles Much says, "Thank you my Lord." Robin waves his arm motioning for them to follow, opens the door, and leads them out with Much protecting their backs.
Robin and Much leapfrog the sparsely torch lit alleys and streets with the two Lords between them towards the nearest gate and when they arrive, Robin motions with his head towards the four guards who are leaning against the stone wall half asleep. Much whispers, "Daggers?" Robin calculates the distance to them verses arrows or Much using his swords and agreeing telling him, "Daggers." With their backs against the wall Robin puts down his pack and draws his daggers as Much draws his. Robin motions the other two Lords up against the wall behind them then nods to his servant and together they step out into the open and expertly toss their blades unerringly into the chests of the inattentive guards. Much rushes forwards as Robin shoulders his packs and motions for the other men to quickly follow him as he sprints towards the open unguarded gate. As they rush forwards they watch Much swiftly slash the guard's throats silencing them forever, retrieve their daggers, and dart out the gate after them parting the ropes holding it open behind him, their hearts leaping with joy hearing the rumbling solid thud of the gate slamming shut behind them. Before him Much hears his name harshly whispered, and sees his master pointing over to the stables which houses the visiting merchant's horses and camels. Much sprints past them and into a large open side door. From inside, riding on the slight cooling breeze, they hear a muffled exclamation of fear then silence.
After they run into the darkness of the stables the two Lords watch Robin join Much in saddling horses. Lord Charles, hesitating for only an instant, drops his gear and recognizing one of the horses as his, he gets it ready as Lord Mathew stands alone watching. As Robin belts a saddle on a waiting steed he glances at Lord Mathew and whispers testily, "Well?" Lord Mathew shrugs and asks helplessly, "How?" Robin turns his head and harshly but quietly snaps, "MUCH!" Much glances first at his master then at the uncertain Lord, grabs a saddle and tosses it, unknowingly on the horse Lord Mathew had rode into the city on, and makes it ready as he urgently hisses to the troubled Lord, "Bring your gear!" Lord Mathew sputters with indignation for a moment from being given an order by a mere peasant until he sees the harsh glare from his General then runs over and straps his gear onto his waiting mount as Much finishes with the saddle. Much then darts over and takes part of Lord Charles' packs and tells him, "You're right. It gets easier." then rushes back and expertly straps the packs to his own steed then leaps up onto the saddle at the same time as his master followed shortly by the other two Lords. Robin urgently whispers, "Ready?" As the others nod he kicks his mount harshly with his heels causing it to rear up and leap forwards at full gallop followed equally by the others and one after another they race to freedom under a cold overcast nighttime sky.
From the center of a dull red sun just cresting the desert horizon, the wayward men ride blazing into the King's encampment drawing up short at the stables aside the commissary where they leap down grinning broadly. Lord Charles exclaims exuberantly, "WE'RE HOME!" as they all grin triumphantly thumping one another briskly on their backs without discrimination. Hearing Lord Charles, Lord O'Dell steps out of his quarters and asks curiously, "From where?" Instantly Robin and Much's faces turn solemn as the others continue to grin broadly, and as Lord Mathew opens his mouth to answer, Robin holds up a harsh hand and replies coolly, "My Lord, you know better than to ask." Lord O'Dell, upon seeing Lord Robin and Much, steps back holding up his hands defensively shaking his head and says soberly, "Apologies Robin I did not see you standing there." and nods acknowledging Much watching them visibly relax and says, "But I'm glad you are back, we were all worried as you are later than usual." Much steps up next to his master and asks, "Are we that predictable?" Lord O'Dell replies with a grin, "Plus or minus a couple days. This time you're over a month late." Much looks with surprise at his master who shakes his head in wonder and says sarcastically, "So, father, you're keeping tabs on us." Lord O'Dell solemnly steps up to him, coolly looks him in the eyes and says… "Yes." and takes a breath in through his nose wishing he hadn't. Robin's cold look breaks laughing and says, "Good. I'm glad you are, and Lord Mathew, Lord Charles, thank you for coming after us. But now we must report to the King." Lord Charles replies stepping up, "Then I am coming with you." General Robin holds up his hand commanding him, "No." Then points adding, "Return to the barracks and we will inform the King that you are safe and well, then we talk with you later." Lord Mathew and Lord Charles come to attention, salute, and reply, "Aye General." Then march off with their gear returning to the Guardsmen's barracks.
Lord O'Dell looking harshly at Robin tells him reprovingly, "You should know that they were the only ones concerned enough to try and find you. You should at least be grateful that they cared enough…" Robin holds up his hand stopping him and replies, "We are, but as you well know our missions are secret and cannot be discussed with others." Lord O'Dell nods and tells him defensively, "I was only saying that you should be grateful that they cared as none of the others even asked about you." Robin sighs and responds gratefully, "We are, and hopefully with your help we will be able to properly thank them." Robin tells Lord O'Dell, "Don't repeat what you have heard and we'll speak with you later." Stepping back Lord O'Dell asks, "Don't you think you should clean up before attending the King?" Lord Robin shrugs and says, "As you said, we are already late." Lord O'Dell nods and waves at their retreating backs then turns and enters his commissary commanding his soldiers and servants, "All of you, go and get all of our largest pots and get them to boiling." Then pointing to another group adds, "And all of you take that large bath and as fast as you can get it set up in General Robin's quarters… HURRY!" His gang of servants and soldiers sprint off to do as commanded as Lord O'Dell waves a symbolic hand in front of his face and thinks, Whew, Poor King!
Much tells Robin as they walk towards the King's pavilion in the cool of the morning, "I like Lord Charles he doesn't act like your typical arrogant Lord." Robin grins and slaps his friend on his back sending up a cloud of dust and as they reach the King's tent calls out, "Your Majesty we have returned!" Hearing George reply unusually more jovial than usual, "Enter My Lord!" the two look at one another, grin, and stride into the King's pavilion where they are greeted by a relieved King who claps the two on their shoulders and tells them, "We were worried about you!" George clasps hands with them both, then walks off to fill cups with their best wine and hands one to each. The two men take a drink opening their eyes wide in surprise at the quality of the wine as they are led to chairs sitting across from their King. King Richard sips from his, glares at Robin, and says reprovingly concerned, "You're late!" Much and Robin chuckle into their wine glasses then relate their story to the King as George nonchalantly moves about opening all of the pavilion flaps allowing the cool morning breeze to waft through the pavilion then takes his usual place upwind along the side listening as Much describes the distance, difficulty, and accuracy of Robin's multiple strikes, then Robin describing how their captives had run off screaming hysterically after seeing Much's tattooed back. Then after several more cups of wine, all well on their way to a morning drunk, Robin pays graphic attention to Much's skill and swiftness in the demise of the Saracen guards who had captured Lord Mathew and Lord Charles causing the King and George to stare at him in professional admiration.
After drinking more of wine and refilling their cups George exclaims, "Damn Much, the first wasn't even to the ground before the last lost his head?" Much lifts his cup in a half salute then to his mouth taking a drink so as not to answer as Robin answers for him, "Yes, the look on Lord Charles and Mathew's faces was excellent!" Much now drunk tells him, "Well you said to be quick about it!" Then leans forward saying slyly, "And I wanted to practice. What with Robin's swiftness and accuracy I rarely get the chance." They all laugh, drink, and the King asks, "What of Lord Charles and Lord Mathew?" Much responds embittered, "Lord Charles was helpful but Lord Mathew…" Robin breaks in, "Not so much." Much glances at his master and lifts his cup to his mouth taking the hint as Lord Robin continues, "Lord Charles seems to be more flexible in difficult conditions than Lord Mathew, but I think it's because he's younger like us." King Richard nods in agreement and asks, "Would he be worth training so I wouldn't have to risk the two of you so often?" Much breaks in and says, "Lord Charles knows how to take care of himself, he even showed me a few things. I think we should give him more training than the others, he could be useful." Robin looks at his servant and nods in agreement and asks, "But who would go with him?" When silence is the only answer the King looks at Robin and says sternly, "Robin, Much, you will find another to team up with him." Robin waves his hand slightly in negation and replies, "As you wish but I think he should be involved in the selection. A finely operating team takes much more than just skill. It's trust, loyalty, and… friendship." Robin and Much glance at one another as the King looks between the two and nods replying, "I know what you mean so I'll leave it up to you and Lord Charles." The King drains his glass, stands and motions to George who approaches offering two gold chits. Much grins, drains his mug, rises, and exchanges it for the offered coins smiling as his stomach grumbles causing everyone to laugh. Robin stands and drains his glass then hands it to George and together with his servant salute, bow, and depart hurrying to the commissary in anticipation of the promised food, real ale, and mead.
As the two friends are leaving the King's pavilion, the spy Lord O'Dell has watching them dashes back to his master and breathlessly tells him, "They're heading to the commissary My Lord!" Lord O'Dell calls into the General's pavilion earnestly, "Are you done yet?" From within comes the harried reply, "Almost!" along with the sound of pouring water. Lord O'Dell tells them urgently, "Well hurry it up then! I'll try to delay them a while longer." and darts off to his commissary accompanied by his spy who relays what he has heard.
Behind a stack of large crates Lord O'Dell straightens his tunic and takes a deep breath having barely arrived before the two men. Stepping out he casually walks up to Lord Robin and trying not to be too obvious, stands upwind grinning as he accepts the two gold chits as Robin tells him, "Send one of these meals to Lord Charles and Lord Mathew and tell them that this is for coming to our rescue." Lord O'Dell motions to his staff to gather the packages asking, "In front of the other men?" Robin thinks for a moment and responds, "As it is a reward for as you have said they were the only ones who asked about us so it's only fair that gratitude is shown to them in front of the others." Lord O'Dell grins crookedly and nods then asks absently stalling for time, "And what of Lord Charles?" Robin looks at him inquisitively while swaying slightly and replies, "We will ask if he wants to be trained as a sniper and hopefully find a spotter for him." Lord O'Dell grins replying, "Good, then the King won't have to send the two of you out so often." Lord Robin squints staring at the commissary officer and asks suspiciously, "How did you know?" Just then the soldiers return with their packages and hand them to Much as Lord O'Dell tells them covertly, "My Lord Robin, we all have our secrets." Robin and Much laugh with Lord O'Dell and slowly depart staggering slightly as they make their way back to their tent in anticipation of a hearty meal.
Arriving without falling down once, Robin holds open the tent flap allowing his servant to enter with their packages then without looking enters and runs into his back as Much stands just inside their tent. Robin stumbles to the side agitated at his friend's abrupt stop, but before he can ask why, his eyes lock on the extra-large steaming hot bath waiting for them. Dumfounded Robin mutters, "O'Dell…" Much while staring at the steam coming from the bath carefully places his parcels on the table, sniffs realizing that what he has been smelling is them, and helps his master to undress tossing his well soiled clothing into the far corner of their pavilion.
Much then pours a mug of ale and one of mead as his master climbs into the steaming tub of water closing his eyes sighing in extreme pleasure as he relaxes against the tub wall. Robin dips his head under the hot soapy water and rubs his hair vigorously then lifts his head wiping his hair backwards out of his eyes, and after a moment squints in disgust wrinkling his nose. Looking around sniffing the air he locates the source and stares at Much and while laughing motioning for his best mate to join him. Much stares at him not knowing what to do and replies hesitantly, "Uh, no master, I'll wait." Well inebriated Robin laughs and replies, "No Much, I insist." waving his hand theatrically in front of his face. Much looks down embarrassed and replies, "If you insist master." Robin replies still chuckling, "I do. And besides, no one is watching and it's not like we've never seen each other before." Much, also drunk from the excellent unadulterated wine, chuckles remembering all the times they spent together swimming as youths, taking turns in the bath at Locksley manor, and now with the nonexistent privacy here in the Holy Land, drags up a small table placing two mugs and flasks on it, then strips tossing his aromatic clothes on top of Robin's and climbs into the steaming tub with his master.
Reaching over Much picks up the two mugs from the table handing the mug of ale to his master and taking the one of mead for himself, the two blood brothers tap mugs and exclaim heartily, "O'Dell!" and drink then sigh gratefully closing their eyes as they lean back across from one another in the barely tolerable hot water feeling their muscles slowly relax. After a soothing moment, Robin takes a sip of ale, grins cheekily, and says, "Yep, still looks the same." Without missing a beat Much responds snickering, "Aye, sure does." Robin grinning cheekily, abruptly grabs Much's ankle and drags him under submerging his head. Surprised, Much bravely saves his mug of mead unwilling to commit alcohol abuse by stopping himself with his other hand and quickly rises sputtering running his free hand through his long sopping wet, nearly clean hair. Much picks up his cloth cap out of the water, balls it up, and flings it at his master where it lands in the water just before his chin splashing him fully in the face. Then with their free hands, splash one another once blithely and drink again leaning back against the tub relaxing in the extremely rare luxury of a hot bath. Much sighs blissfully resting his arms on the sides of the tub and says, "We need to return late more often." sending both into ironic drunken laughter.
About midafternoon accompanied by one of his servants, Lord O'Dell calls from outside General Robin's pavilion, "My Lord, may I enter?" Upon hearing no response he listens intently, then poking his head into the General's tent, looks around until his eyes light on the two men, one at either end of the tub fast asleep. Grinning broadly that his gift was well received, he steps in and gently removes the mugs held over the side of the tub lightly in each one's hand and places them quietly on the small table. Lord O'Dell sniffs, turns, and sees the discarded clothes against the far side of the tent. Pointing, he quietly instructs his servant, "Have those washed." The servant picks up the pile of clothes inadvertently getting a whiff, turns his head in disgust, and holding the clothes at arm's length hurries from the pavilion. Lord O'Dell chuckles quietly at his servant then checking to make sure that the two men are in no danger, leaves them to their well-earned slumber.
In the Guardsmen's barracks Lord Mathew tells Lord Charles resentfully, "We go to their aid and when we return General Robin shoves us aside like he didn't need our help!" then kicks his cot and says bitterly, "And did you not notice how his servant paid most of his attention to Lord Robin and not to us?" Lord Charles shrugs and thinks, He means himself and here I thought he respected Robin and Much. I didn't know he was so arrogant. But instead responds as he unpacks, "Lord Robin said that he would talk with us later. You do understand that what they do is secret, did you not notice how the King treated us when we asked about them?" Grumbling, Lord Mathew continues unpacking forcefully throwing his belongings on his cot then sits fuming as he mindlessly goes about cleaning his weapons and armor. Lord Charles shakes his head in wonder about his friend when he is suddenly distracted by a commotion. Looking curiously at the entrance he watches as a procession of men enter with a table and chairs and several packages, then smells the strong aroma of smoked pork and roasted vegetables causing his mouth to water. He glances over at Lord Mathew who is also staring at the servants who are arranging the table partially surrounded by the other Lords who are barracked with them.
When the servants are ready they part the soldiers forming a pathway between the table and the two Lords. The King then strides into the pavilion causing all to stand and bow in respect and strides towards them, motions for them to rise, and tells them regally, "I and Lord Robin offer you this meal for your bravery in rescuing General Robin and his servant Much from the hands of the Saracens. Enjoy your reward." The King grips hands with the two surprised Lords, glances around at the Lords, and departs. After the King has departed a servant escorts them to the table piled high with fresh food and drink to the astonished envious stares of the surrounding men. The two Lords gaze at all the food and drink, sit, and delve into their fine repast theatrically eating the choicest bits first fully aware of the envious stares surrounding them, then after they have satisfied themselves look slyly around, finish off their mugs, and after having them refilled, stand and wave to the still vast quantities of food left which is partitioned out by the servants to the rest of the men as more ale and wine is brought in. As the other men cheer Lord Robin, Charles, Mathew, and Much, Lord Mathew after draining his mug of unaltered ale tells Lord Charles, "I guess they cannot be too bad after all!" Then calls out loudly, "Hail Lord Robin and Much!" returning to the crowd to refill his mug. Drinking deeply from the mug he returns, grips Lord Charles around the shoulders, and draws him into the crowd with the other Lords in celebrating their King, their General and 'their' Much.
Feeling an uncomfortable pressure against the more sensitive parts of his anatomy, Much slowly awakens recovering from his drunken slumber with clearing eyes and mind looks across the tub at his master whose nose is just millimeters above the cooling water. Much carefully reaches down gripping the ankle of the offending foot pushing it slowly and gently away lifting his master's nose safely up from the soapy water while calling to him quietly, "Master… Master Robin…" Feeling a firm hand around his ankle, Robin jerks awake sputtering in the water coughing while looking around startled. Seeing Much sitting across from him, Robin calms and clears his eyes of grit then lifts himself back upwards as Much releases his hold and says, "Thank you." Much nods once and replies, "You're welcome." Robin runs his hand through his damp hair fully awake as both look around in the dim evening light realizing that they had slept the day away. Much says rhetorically looking at his water logged hands, "I think we're clean now." Robin chuckles as they both rise with Much following his master out of the cool soapy water.
Dripping wet Much looks around until his eyes find the towels he is looking for, steps over, and removes both long thick cloths from the armor stand handing one to his master then uses the other. Folding the towel over his shoulder Much walks to the back of the pavilion returning with two pairs of braise handing one to his master and asks snickering, "Need help?" Both laugh remembering when at ten years old Much had first become Robin's man servant and they had taken Thornton's instructions literally about how one of Much's duties was to dress Robin. As they pull up their undergarments Much glances at his best mate and snickers muttering from the corner of his mouth razzing him, "Cold?" Robin friendlily back hands him across his chest and says, "As cold as you are." laughing they sit and finish off the remains of their meal as night fully descends.
After finishing off the remaining mead and ale one after another they stand behind the tapestry in the rear of their pavilion relieving themselves of the filtered drink. Robin then climbs into his padded cot as Much lies down in his own across from his master waiting as usual for Robin's breathing to even out before succumbing to sleep himself.
In the morning Robin and Much finish their morning rituals, dress, and then casually walk to the commissary. Lord O'Dell grins brazenly and asks, "How did you like the bath?" Robin lifts his right hand grinning broadly which Lord O'Dell clasps with his own as Robin asks, "Just how bad were we?" Lord O'Dell laughs heartily, drops Robin's hand, and then waving his hands extravagantly around him waxes poetically, "The horses were as a fresh breath of roses upon the morning breeze." Robin, Much, and O'Dell laugh uproariously as Much momentarily grips Lord O'Dell's hand as well. Robin asks, "Did Lord Charles and Mathew enjoy their meal?" O'Dell responds graciously, "The King added to your gift and spoke to them of their reward for rescuing the two of you in front of the others and after they finished they shared the remainder with your men." Robin nods in satisfaction and says, "That's good. Come on Much, let's go and see just how much Lord Charles has learned."
Lord Charles picks up his sword and exits the barracks leaving the older Lord Mathew to his peaceful inebriated slumber. As he rounds the corner of the practice field he finds the other new recruits lining the area as usual but is suddenly panic-stricken when Much abruptly jumps out of the crowd and comes running towards him shouting and swinging his swords menacingly as though he was an enemy Saracen. Shocked and terrified remembering what had happened to his Saracen captives, he barely has time to raise his own sword blocking his opponent's vicious attack. Lord Charles parries and defends frantically using all of his skill until he gains a foot hold beginning to fight back meeting the shouting intimidating man with his twin gleaming Saracen swords with his own English Broad Sword answering him strike for strike. The two men dance in ardent melee using the entire court locked in escalating combat, their swords ringing and flashing in the early morning sun much to the cheering professional enjoyment of the surrounding soldiers and their General. After Much feels like he has satisfactorily tested the man he dances away twirling his swords up and away from his body as Lord Charles holds his defensively in front of him breathing heavily staring at his General's servant dumbfounded. Much lowers his swords and says simply, "Very good." Charles watches as Much looks over at the General, gives a slight nod, then absently waves him away without any explanation motioning for the next man to take his place.
Lowering his sword as he steps off to the side sweating and breathing heavily from the strain of never having Much attack as viciously before, he watches as Much slowly and methodically trains a nervous new recruit now completely ignoring him and jumps when Robin asks, "Charles, are you ready for something new?" Charles nods perplexed at the sudden attention, sheathes his sword, and follows his General in silence away from the other men eventually arriving at the archery field. While staring at Charles, Robin picks up one of the recurve bows, nocks and arrow, and without a second thought glances away instantaneously drawing and firing landing the arrow dead center of the most distant target. Returning his attention to Charles asks casually, "How are you with a bow?" Astonished that his General's legendary swiftness and accuracy are true but still puzzled by the special attention he and his servant are giving him, picks up a bow and arrow, cautiously aims, and plants his arrow right next to Robin's touching it and grins. Robin unimpressed says, "Good, but not good enough. When you can aim and strike without thinking then you will be ready." Staring addled at his well-placed arrow and stunned by his General's casual statement of inadequacy, Charles asks profoundly confused, "Ready for what?" Robin replies offhandedly, "To join Much and I as one of His Majesty's Royal Snipers." Charles stares wide eyed at his General and stutters, "MM… Me? A… A Royal Sniper?" Robin nods and tells him plainly, "Much and I think you showed real promise back in the city when we were trapped. You showed the ability to adapt to the challenges thrown up against you without complaint and able to immediately act when set upon by the enemy. You also joined in and didn't rely on anyone else to take care of you." Lord Charles stares astonished as Robin asks, "Do you know of someone with whom you would willingly defend with your life and trust your own life to?" Lord Charles opens his mouth to say, "Lord Mathew." but instead smiles and asks jokingly, "Much?" Robin laughs heartily, slaps him on his back and says, "No, he's mine, choose another." Lord Charles shakes his head regretfully and says, "Then no one, Robin, not right now." Robin places a hand on the man's shoulder and tells him, "Then you will need to find a companion you can unreservedly trust." Robin places his bow back on the table followed by Charles and together they walk back to where Much is training the new men.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- FIN