Chapter 2
Lord Wigand thumps the top of the carriage three times and they stop. "Well Lord Much, I have thoroughly enjoyed our time together. This is Aylesford." as he waves his hand proudly encompassing the wide space of the dirt cross roads amongst the dense trees. He then waves his hand towards the east of the crossroads, "I now go this way to my estate, I would ask you to go with me but it would put you further out of your way to the Holy Land." He leans forward and places his hand firmly on Much's shoulder, "Again I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend, please give all my best to the King and I wish you all the best in the Holy Land."
"Thank you my Lord I greatly appreciate your concern and be assured I'll give your best to the King."
Much gathers his gear and steps out of the coach into the afternoon sun, bows and steps back. Lord Wigand signals his son with his cane to move on. Much watches the coach turn and disappear into the distance before continuing southeastward himself. Without the distraction provided by the ride, his tormented thoughts fade back to the forefront. Once again he falls into the stride of a soldier, his surroundings fade into the periphery, his mind and vision only paying attention to detect any movement, threats or changes in the landscape or road.
As Robin returns to their hidden camp, their carpenter unexpectedly greets him by stepping out from behind an impressive oak tree and holds up his hand.
Will tells him, "We're finished, and all the traps are set and ready so I felt the need to halt you or Djaq out here so as not to inadvertently trip any along this route." Will turns and whistles a bird tune and waits. Shortly Allan strides into view and exclaims disappointedly, "Awe… Will! It would have been fun to see our fearless leader swinging from this trap." Will and Robin laugh.
Then Will tells him, "Yes but then we would have to reset it and we don't have the time."
Robin smirking, huffs, "Well don't I feel welcome in my own camp." and claps them on their arms.
Allan laughs and waves Robin on, "Come on Robin let's go." Robin nods to Will who fades back into the backdrop of the forest. When Robin looks back Will has disappeared. Robin thinking, He's becoming a true force to be reckoned with. I'm glad he's with me.
Along the way Allan points out the locations, trigger points and consequences of tripping the traps that Will had created with his and Little John's help.
As they get closer to the camp, but in random locations so as not to lead to the location of their camp, the traps become more lethal so as not to allow anyone who trips them to find or escape from their hidden encampment. Robin becomes more and more astonished and at one point disturbed by the ingenuity, creativeness, and skill of his young carpenter and that of Little John and Allan who helped to create them.
By the time they reach the camp it's midday, and there are several large dark clouds moving ominously above them, threatening rain and giving the traps and the day a more eerie feeling. A cold wind chills Robin and Allan as they enter the hideout by the new entrance. Little John looks up from his position at the fire as he brings it back to life to return some warmth to the interior. Robin and Allan hold their hands above the flames warming them. While the flames do well to warm Robin's body they do little to thaw the chill in his heart that's missing the familiar presence of his loyal friend and brother who has always stood next to him. Little John witnessing Robin's distraught expression says, "We miss him too." Even Allan who enjoys nothing more than to aggravate Much tells him disappointedly, "There's no one here worth arguing with. When we bring him back I don't think I'll ever be able to tell him to shut up again. It's just too bloody quiet." Robin and Little John nod in agreement.
A half hour later Will and Djaq arrive. Djaq impatiently asks, "I've brought the horses. Are you all ready to go?" Robin looking at the others asks them, "Are we packed?" Allan waves his hand indicating, in case Robin hadn't already noticed, that everything has been packed up and a layer of leaves and dirt cover every surface. Djaq impressed says, "It looks like no one's been here for years." Robin ardently replies, "Good job everyone. It looks like we're ready… Much, get our packs." Robin stops abruptly and looks around at the gang's faces and sadly tells them, "Sorry, old habit."
Robin traipses over to his bunk and picks up his own pack, looks up and gazes at the arrow that he had accidentally shot Much with a year ago still in its place on the wall above his bunk. He reaches over, takes it down, removes the ribbon from his pocket and wraps the arrow with it and places it inside his pack then looks back at the rest of his gang. They too have their packs in hand ready to go. Robin quietly sighs and says, "Djaq, lead the way."
They follow Djaq to their horses and mount up. Robin regaining his composure asks, "Djaq, did you bring your medical gear just in case?" Djaq nods replying, "Yes. I have it all." Indicating the extra pack that's hanging from her mount. "Did you hear anything about the Sheriff or Gisborne?" Robin asks her as he mounts his horse. Djaq doing the same replies, "From what the servants say they are holed up in the castle counting their new tax money." Robin nods and with more vigor exclaims, "Then let's go, Will lead us out." Will asks, "Which way?" Robin concentrating replies, "Towards London." Will turns and leads his horse to the southeast and moves off at a trot. The rest of them follow until they reach the main southbound road to London where Robin takes the lead and prods his horse up to a gallop not wanting to waste any more time.
Even though Much will not mentally answer him, he can feel his anguish and his change in plans and gets a glimpse of where he is going and what he's going to do once there. Robin steels himself and prods his horse to even greater speed uncaring about pursuit or being seen. His only thought; save his brother. The rest of the gang, astonished by Robin's change of pace not knowing what has happened, but can feel Robin's urgency hasten along after him. Little John, bringing up the rear, glances back occasionally making sure that they are not followed but ready to sound an alarm if they are.
Total darkness, forced into submission, as a full moon appears over the tree line sending its reflected light to remove the colors from the night making the forest all the more foreboding. The one time crusader leaves the main road and carefully walks further into the forest far enough away to fade in among the trees, hidden from any wandering thugs. He un-rolls his pallet and lays it out on the far side of a grouping of trees and brush to further conceal himself. He sits down leaning against the rough bark of an oak tree, takes out some jerky that he had made before he left, and gnaws on it deep in thought. He can mentally hear his brother's continuous calling, and again chooses to ignore him. Earlier he had felt Robin trying to locate him. This startled him more than anything else since Robin had never done it before. He laughs ironically to himself, I guess he never had to, I was always there for him. He was the one that would try to hide from me as if it were a game. Well, I guess we did make it one.
Much lies down on his pallet and tries to sleep, instead his head is full of Robin's frantic calls. Much sighs and answers him with more intense anger than he expected, 'What?'
Robin pulls back harshly on his horse's reigns, stopping short causing all their horses to rear up on their hind legs. He hears the gang behind him trying to calm their mounts as their horses stamp around shaking their heads and whinnying loudly.
Robin closes his eyes, holds up his hand, and calls earnestly, 'Much where are you going?'Much responds, 'To the Holy Land to fight for King Richard. Maybe he will appreciate me.' Robin trying to lighten the conversation, 'No you won't. You hate the sand and the heat. Let's talk about this.' Much not giving in, still deeply hurt asks, 'Why? We never talk! We just don't. We both know you want me to go away. Kate even told me your secret wish, that you had actually killed me when you shot me! You really do want me dead. So dead is what I will be!'
Robin pleading with him responds, 'I never said any of what Kate told you! Kate lied to you. Please believe me. You hold a special place in my heart, I love you.'Robin's statement is met with grievous overwrought laughter, 'I saw you kiss her, you betrayed me, you promised you would never do that.' They both stare at the scar on the palm of their hands by the moon light. Robin projecting his remorse as intensely as he possibly can, 'I'm sorry Much. I truly am. It will never happen again.' Much laughs once again sardonically, 'HA! Your apologies are empty and meaningless! Goodbye!' Robin feels the connection abruptly sever frantically yelling mentally with all his might, 'MUCH! MUCH!' Robin drops his head, digging the heals of his hands into his eyes bringing stars while hiding his face from the rest.
Djaq earnestly asks, "Robin what is it?" Robin lifts his head abruptly and grabs his horse's reins, turning to his gang, "Much is going to kill himself! I have to stop him!" To a person their mouths drop open astonished. Robin turns back to the direction they were going and kicks his stallion into motion so violently that its front legs lift off the ground and launches forward running faster than it has ever run before obeying the frantic motions or its rider. The rest quickly follow their distraught leader and his new break-neck pace with a renewed sense of urgency as they send their mounts racing faster than the moon light allows ignoring their own safety in an effort to stop their friend.
Much re-rolls his pallet and packs it knowing that Robin is now in pursuit, he returns to the road, and continues faster than before now towards the cliffs at Kreidefelsen Dover and its ultimate relief from the burning pain in his heart.
By the next afternoon, Much reaches the flat green plateau above the cliffs and comes to an abrupt stop at the cliff edge staring out over the open sea. He looks down along the white chalk sides with the turquoise waves crashing against them far below ending their lives in a white spray. He swallows hard gathering his courage to do as he must. He lifts his foot to take the last step to end the suffering of his soul. As his foot hovers in midair, what he thought would be easy, turns out that it's exceedingly difficult to go against instinctive self-preservation. He takes several hesitant steps back from the abyss and falls down to his knees, head down trembling, breathing heavily. After regaining his composure, he places his pack next to him and sits cross-legged on the grass looking off over the sea gathering his courage, takes out some jerky, and chews on it thinking, No point going out on an empty stomach.
As he chews the jerky, he peers out over the open sea and hears what sounds like thunder. He looks up and around, the sky is dark with black clouds but doesn't look like rain. Unconcerned he continues to gaze out over the turbulent sea. The thunder keeps getting louder, now sounding like it is coming from inland and towards him. Soon it resolves itself into the familiar sound of stampeding horses. He turns and can just make out a dust cloud coming up over the hill from the direction he came. In front of the cloud he can just make out the gang with Robin in the lead whipping his horse mercilessly towards him. Desperately he looks around trying to make himself smaller but is unsuccessful and finds that there's nothing in sight that he can successfully hide behind, How did he find me so quickly? Oh… Oh yea…
As Robin crests the hill, he sees a familiar form sitting near the cliff edge with the sea behind him and frantically whips his horse to an even greater speed. Robin doesn't stop until he is almost right on top of his wayward friend then swings down from his mount before his horse has come to a stop and runs towards him. Much drops the jerky and frantically scrambles to the edge of the cliff. Just as he is about to step off, Robin stops abruptly with his hands out and with command in his voice calls out, "MUCH! STOP!" Much does as commanded, teetering on the edge instinctively obeying his Lord and master from his years of training as a soldier and his servant. Much, standing precariously close to the edge turns his head looking back, his eyes wet and his voice full of hurt and sorrow asks, "Why?" He looks at the rest of the gang and sees the concern on their faces, turns, and stands to face his former master.
Robin drops his hands when Much stops and turns, and in a soothing voice tells him, "Because I love you. I don't want you to go. I never did. I never would." Much leans forward with fists clinched tearfully exclaims, "Then why did Kate tell me that you wanted me gone? That you want me dead? You even told me that you wanted me to leave and that I'm nothing more than a pox that you can scratch but will never go away! You told me to go away!" Much holds up his scarred left hand and exclaims, "You were going to abandon me!" Much sniffs and wipes his face and his nose with his sleeve, still leaning slightly forwards, "You said I'm nothing more than a leech. Kate told me that you now had her to take care of you and that you wanted me gone! So I'm gone!" He takes a half step backwards feeling the edge of the cliff under his boots now ready to take the next step.
Robin, raising his hands again, takes a short step forward pleading, "STOP! Please Much don't! Why this way?" Much, lowers his hands and clinches his fists trying not to cry tells him, "Because..." Straightening, and regaining some composure continues, "Why don't you understand? Death is preferable to life without you."
Robin looks at his own scarred hand and realizes that he almost did break their oath and if it wasn't for his best friend ringing the chapel bell he would have and hangs his head momentarily in shame. He remembers the oath that he and his best friend had made when they were children, holds up his right hand with its scarred palm towards Much, and in a calm tone, "Much, remember our oath? Nothing has changed." Much looks at his own hand in remembrance then hears Robin repeat their oath, "Much, I promise that I will protect you and never, ever, abandon you, deceive you, or betray you in any way, on pain of death or extreme torture. Brothers for life"Robin pauses then continues, "And Much, I truly am sorry for all the hurtful things I have said to you and for betraying you."
Much cautiously, with his arms crossed over his chest, "Then why did you close your mind to me?" Robin shrugs and raises his hands towards him palms up, "I just needed some time to myself." Much bewildered, "Then it is true. You are tired of me being constantly in your head." Robin again takes a small step forward now almost in arm's length ready to jerk Much back just in case tells him, "Much, it's not like that at all. Sometimes I just need some privacy. I would never permanently shut you out. You of all people know how I am."
Much thinks about what Robin has said asks quietly, "Then why didn't you just say so instead of ignoring me? I would have understood." Robin knowing that his statement is true, that he would have, says, "Yes and that's my fault. Next time I promise that I'll let you know." Much drops his head, now feeling ashamed for listening to Kate and not believing his best friend, his own brother. Robin sensing that he has won, gestures with his hands for Much to come away from the cliff calling to him, "Much, now come away from the cliff. Come on. Come back to me."
Much nods in relief, drops his arms, and takes his first step forward to a new life.
The moment Much lifts his foot to walk over to Robin, the chalk cliff crumbles out from under him, his eyes widen from fright as he feels himself uncontrollably dropping and his brother disappears from sight.
Robin watches as shock and fear comes over Much's face just as he disappears over the edge. Robin along with the others yell, "NO!" as Robin drops and slides along the short grass on his stomach and fearfully peers over the edge. When he looks down he finds Much dangling by his fingertips, his feet fighting to find purchase on the nearly smooth chalky cliff side with beseeching fear on his face.
Robin instantly reaches for Much's arm yelling back over his shoulder, "Little John! HELP!" Little John rushes over and drops down next to Robin. Robin grabs one of Much's wrists as Little John grabs the other just as the ledge crumbles under Much's white tipped fingers.
Robin is relieved when he feels Much's hand grasp his own wrist and relieved calls to him, "Don't worry we have you!" Robin and Little John together drag Much up and over the cliff face, then drags him on his back far from the edge before letting go as the others gather around them as Will positions himself protectively between his friend and the cliff edge.
Robin falls down on his back next to his brother breathing heavily as Little John crouches nearby. Robin lifts his visibly trembling hands and stares at them then at his brother. Robin gets up and kneels over his best friend grabbing two handfuls of his friend's jerkin, and with anger mixed with relief he looks him in the eyes and says fervently tells him, "Much, get this through that damn thick skull of yours! I love you! And if I want you gone, I will pack you up, and if I want you dead, I will kill you myself! Do you understand me?"
Much having seen Robin's trembling hands looks sideways at him and timidly says, "You already shot me once." Robin winces at the memory and exclaims, "You know damn well I was hypnotized!"
Much glances at Little John's grim face but finds no support there. He looks back at Robin feeling chastised but knowing that Robin would never really kill him. Hesitantly not wanting to believe Robin says, "You don't mean that. You wouldn't really kill me… Would you?" Robin gives Much a firm glare, shakes him, then rests his hand on the chest of only man he would die for and asks, "Do we understand each other?" trying not to grin at the dismayed look on his best friend's face.
Much nods and whispers, "Yes Robin. I understand." Robin shakes his head and says, "What? I didn't hear you." Much swallows and louder this time repeats, "Yes Robin. I understand." Robin stands and stalks to his horse before Much can see the grin creeping over his face.
The others stare at Robin in shock from his statement until they see his grin and maintain their pose. Little John climbs to his feet then offers Much his hand and helps him up while Will picks up Much's pack, carries it over and secures it to the horse they brought for him.
Robin suddenly turns with an intense look on his face and stalks back to Much who takes a brief step backwards as Robin draws near, Robin stops in front of him and stares him in his eyes momentarily then suddenly grabs Much in a bone crushing embrace. Much is startled but only for a second then vigorously returns it, sighs, closes his eyes, and smiles. Robin with quiet relief whispers to his brother, "I thought I lost you." They hold onto each other for a while longer neither wanting to let the other go. Robin whispers in Much's ear, "Don't ever do this again. Promise me." Much just as quietly, "I promise." Robin squeezes Much once more then releases him. They clasp their scarred hands, nod to each other, release their hands, then side-by-side walk over to their mounts.
After they mount, they turn their horses back the way they came. Robin commanding his former servant, "Much, you ride next to me so I can keep an eye on you." Much solemnly does as he's told.
Little John takes the lead kicking his mount to a trot, no longer feeling the urgency as before but knowing they have to get back just in case Kate didn't leave Nottingham or told the Sheriff or Gisborne where their camp is and brings their guards to it.
Robin turns to Much and tells him, "Much, listen to me, and never forget that I love you and that will never, ever, change." Robin leans way over and whacks Much on his arm and says, "And Much, if you ever intentionally leave me again… I swear that I will beat the shit out of you! Do you realize the pain and anguish you put me through?"
Much glances at him and says, "Now you know how I feel every time you put yourself in danger."
Robin startled replies, "I did not know." Much looks forward again with a smile having gotten Robin's attention and says, "I'm only trying to keep you safe by trying to tell you what could happen when you get too optimistic. I can't stand to lose you nor live without you." Robin laughs sardonically saying, "That's the understatement of all time." The gang who have been listening in silence also ironically laugh.
Much, embarrassed, smiles thinking that he has finally gotten through to his best friend. While Robin is riding he can't stop thinking about how he felt when he thought his brother was gone and how his hands shook uncontrollably when he almost lost him for good.
Robin forgetting himself in thought, 'I don't deserve his loyalty. Why do I keep berating him when he's only trying to keep me safe? Why can't I accept his devotion, his unconditional love as the gift that it is? Why can't I talk with him? I thought knowing we are brothers would be enough. But it's not. Not for him, not for me.'
Robin is startled when he hears Much earnestly in his head, 'This is what I'm talking about. We never talk! We just don't! You keep your thoughts to yourself while I'm open to you with mine. You constantly ignore me, thinking of me only as your servant, or like your bow. Always there but in the background not deserving your attention. You pay more attention to your bow than to me.'
Robin out loud exclaims, "That's not true! I don't think more of my bow than of you." Much and the gang all glance at him in ironic disbelief.
Robin noticing the looks he received from everyone shakes his head asks, "Do I? I'll try to do better, to talk with you, to remember that you are no longer my servant, but an equal. I have tried ever since the King made you Lord Bonchurch, at least we spend time alone hunting."
Much chuckles telling him, "Aye and I truly enjoy it. But it's spent in silence!" Robin brightly says, "Then we'll go fishing and we can talk then, just like old times."
Much tells him with some disgust, "I hate fish." Robin laughs and asks, "Then what?" Much thinks for a minute before replying, "We could practice archery or spar. At least you can better me at one of them."
Robin grins, and heartily says, "Then that's what we will do. I'm sure the rest of the gang will allow us some time together." The rest of the gang nod in unison.
From Allan as though Robin just had an eye opening epiphany, " 'bout damn time!" The rest laugh in agreement. Robin shakes his head turning an interesting shade of red, wondering just how they could see the need but not him.
After a few miles Much pipes up noticing for the first time that Kate wasn't with them, "Where's Kate?"
Robin opens his mouth but Allan answers before he can, "Robin banished her forever and warned her never to return. He also told her that if you suffered a single scratch that she would be held responsible."
Allan gives him a hopeful once over, "Are you scratched anywhere?"
Much, shocked, looks at Robin and exclaims, "Robin, you wouldn't… would you?"
Robin nods his head and tells him, "Much, she built a barrier between us, and caused you enough pain and sorrow to make you want to die… Enough to make me want to die. So yes Much, I would. Wouldn't you?" Much thinks about this for a moment, then snaps his head around and looks his brother in the eyes and asks, "What did you say? You wanted to die, because I left you?" Robin nods without losing eye contact and says, "I almost did, until I heard your mental voice say you still loved me. You brought me back." Much chews on Robin's words for a while longer remembering the darkness that had befallen him the other day then nods in answer to his question even though they had promised each other that they would try not to kill anymore, "Yes Robin, I would."
Djaq turns back to the brothers concerned and says, "So that's why you stopped breathing for so long. I was afraid that you had died until you took a deep breath." Much stares at Djaq then at Robin absorbing the fact that the darkness was real and he had almost lost his only brother because of Kate.
Much turns to Robin cautiously asks, "So when you marry Marian, you wouldn't cast me aside? You're not sending me to Bonchurch just to get rid of me?" The look of anguish on his brother's face and eyes as he looks at Much spoke more volumes than words could fill. Much turns away unable to face him and says, "I'm sorry." Robin replies, "I understand Much, I do."
Robin regretfully tells him, "I'm sorry about what you saw Much. Kate kissed me. I had no intention of betraying you. I tried to catch you but she held me back and before I could get her to release me you'd gone."
Much nods in understanding knowing how controlling and self-centered Kate is says, "At the time I thought I desired her. But after finding her with you, the kiss you shared, I did feel betrayed since you already have Marian, now I see her for what she is. She used me to get to you." Allan pipes up, "Me too!" Much says, "She fooled us all." Little John turns back to look at Much and tells him, "Even me Much. I am the one who forced them together. I didn't know the extremes that she would go to possess Robin. I'm sorry." Much nods accepting Little John's apology.
Robin quietly says, "Much, I have always thought of you as my rock. I could beat on you knowing that you would never leave me… I was wrong in doing so. Even a rock can break when hammered on enough, and I know that at some point I will forget and berate you again, just remember that I really don't mean it and that I love you… And Much, forgive me when I do." Much replies sincerely, "I already have."
Much now more concerned about their safety asks, "Do you think Kate left Nottingham or went straight to the castle and told the Sheriff or Gisborne where our camp is?" Allan replies, "We won't know until we get back. If she does lead the Sheriff's guards to us, Will has laid down some rather nasty traps for them and anything of value is either hidden or with us."
Will, loud enough so that Much can be sure to hear him, tells him, "So when we get back don't go near the camp until I say it's all clear. Even Robin doesn't know all the locations."
As the sun descends to the horizon, the gang is still riding the main road as it weaves through open fields of wheat and barley. Little John asks, "Robin should we camp now, wait till dark, or continue home?" Robin weighs the need to get back to camp or rest from the day's exertions. Their leader looks over his gang checking for signs of stress or fatigue and addresses them, "What do you think? Camp or wait?" Much speaks up, "Camp." They all nod in unison. Robin returning control to Little John says, "Little John find us a place to camp."
Little John nods and points with his staff to the next grouping of trees and says, "We'll camp in amongst those trees so our fire cannot be seen from the road." He leads the group further up the road to the other side of a large grouping of trees making sure there are no homes around. He then leads them further into the forest for several minutes, following what appears to be a trail, all the while moving further away from the road until he spots a small glade free of underbrush that is strangely free of debris, and suspiciously swept clean.
In the middle of the glade there is a ring of medium sized gray stones forming a four foot circle for a fire and logs with most of the bark missing placed in a ragged circle around it. Will expressing concern says, "Looks like this is a spot that's been used before." Allan with an impudent smile says, "Obviously mate." Will gives his friend an exasperated look and Little John says, "Well, lucky for us there is no one here now so we stay. Robin?" Robin looking at his brother's tired face replies, "Fine." and they all dismount. Will cocking his head to the side listening intently tells them, "I think I hear a stream close by." Robin assigning duties commands, "Allan, Little John, take the horses and get them watered then bring them back and make sure they don't wander off. The rest of you help me get the packs off the horses before they take them."
After the gang unpacks the horses, Allan and Little John take the horses to the stream. Djaq, knowing that they at least hadn't eaten all day during their mad dash to catch up to Much, tells them, "I'll go hunt us up some rabbits. Come on Will." Djaq picks up her bow, takes Will by his arm, and drags him off in the opposite direction of the stream. Much walking off says, "I'll go get fire wood." Robin catches up to his friend and they walk further away into the woods. Together they gather wood and moss and return to the camp site.
They dump the wood next to the stone ring and Much takes out his tender and flint and gets the fire going while Robin watches. After the fire is built and crackling happily, Much with a sheepish look addresses Robin, "I need to go off." He stands up, rummages around in his pack, then slowly walks off down wind into the forest, but stops when he hears a familiar gait following him and turns to find Robin trailing him.
Much from over his shoulder tells him, "I need to shite." Robin waves to Much to continue and says, "I'm coming with you." Much huffs exclaiming, "I'm not a baby, I can wipe my own ass." Robin laughs, "That's not why I'm coming along." Much looks at Robin curiously as they walk and asks, "Then why?" Robin laughing replies, "Maybe I have to shite as well." He holds up several sheets of thin paper telling him, "Besides, you forgot these." Much smiles and holds up some of his own. Much with a smile asks, "Now really, why are you following me?" Robin seriously, "I don't want to let you out of my sight, and of course I really do need to shit." As they continue walking down wind of the camp Much says, "Robin, believe me, I will never leave you again."
As they walk further away from the glade Robin places his hand on Much's shoulder and tells him, "And I will never leave you either." They continue for a while longer until they find a thin log, but can still barely make out the light from the fire, Much sniffs and wrinkles his nose exclaiming, "Whew, this place has been used before." They drop their breeches and braies and have a seat at either end of the log hanging out over it and grin. They had grown up swimming together, and bathing in the river wearing only their birthday suits, and knew what each looked like so that never bothered them. As they sit on the log creating a stink they grin and then together laughing they say, "Yep, still looks the same."
After they've finished the paperwork, they dress and walk back to camp where they sit together as always poking sticks into the fire waiting for the rest to return. Silence remains between them having already said all that needed to be, having recovered their trust and love for one another. Little John and Will are the first to return after tying off the horses and station themselves across the fire from the brothers.
Much, out of habit formed in the Holy Land, unsheathes his sword, and begins cleaning and sharpening it. Allan breaking the silence, "Much, there has always been a question I've been meaning to ask." Much lifts his head and gives Allan his attention, waiting for some snide remark or embarrassing question about what just happened at the cliff. Much cautiously, "Yes Allan, what is it?"
Allan seriously nodding towards Much's sword asks, "I've seen your sword while you've been sharpening and cleaning it before and I can tell it means something to you. How did you get it?" Much obscurely replies, "The Holy Land when Robin got his." Allan huffs, "I knew that. I meant why." Before Much answers there is a rustling in the forest as Djaq enters the firelight carrying a brace of skinny white rabbits and sits next to Will placing them at their feet. Will and Djaq take out their knives and prepare the rabbits, tossing the unusable bits into the fire making them all get all the more hungry from the smell of cooking meat.
Much gives Robin a questioning look asking permission. Robin thinks for a moment then answers him, "Might as well Much, I'm surprised they haven't seen through your act already." The rest of the gang's attention is piqued and as one ask, "Act?" Robin smiles proudly telling them, "You know how Much talks all the time, complains all the time, stumbles around, and generally acts like he's a bit dense?" They all nod. Robin seriously explains, "It's all an act to deceive everyone so he doesn't have to fight since sometimes when he fights or gets very angry, he forgets not to kill. It also causes any would be attacker to believe he's not a threat until it's too late."
Allan asks incredulously, "Much? Our Much? If it's all an act he's found his calling." Much lays his sword to his side and makes to get up, his brow furrowed and his eyes focused on Allan's but a restraining hand from Robin on his shoulder causes him to sit back down. Allan is startled by the cold, unnerving, penetrating stare Much sends his way, having never seen anything like it come from him before. Robin continues calmly like nothing has happened, "Much is actually as intelligent if not more than I am, stronger, and a far better swordsman than me. Much even trained the King. Afterwards King Richard himself gave Much his sword." This statement is greeted by a collective gasp of awe mixed with some disbelief from the gang.
Allan making a crude noise says, "For what? Cleaning and polishing chamber pots?" In a flash, before Robin can stop him and Allan can react, Much is across the fire and has Allan in a headlock ready to break his neck before he can even begin to respond. Robin instantly, with his hand up and palm forward commands, "Much! Hold!" Much abruptly stops and both he and Allan stare at Robin. Robin lowers his arm and leans towards Allan telling him, "I just saved your life." Much stares at Allan as though just recognizing him and slowly releases him. Much sincerely regretful says, "Sorry Allan, sometimes I forget. I hope I didn't hurt you." Much circles the fire with all eyes watching him intensely, everyone except Robin astonished by his swiftness and actions watching as he sits back down in his natural place next to his former master with his head and eyes down.
As Allan rubs and moves his sore neck, Robin asks concerned, "Allan are you alright?... Allan?" Allan looks up at him and nods quietly. Robin earnestly tells him, "Much didn't mean it." Allan nods again but keeps a cautious eye on the crusader sitting quietly across from him. Much feeling Allan's gaze upon him looks up and says, "I'm sorry Allan, I guess I'm still a bit stressed. I wasn't paying attention to my actions."
Robin patting Much on the back tells the gang, "While we were in the Holy Land Much and I protected the King on many occasions when he didn't want to draw attention to himself." Allan beginning to believe what Robin is telling them, his hand still massaging his bruised neck asks seriously, "Just the two of you? No army?" Much and Robin nod in unison with Much adding to his brother's story, "At that time Robin and I didn't know that we were brothers but we seemed to share some kind of connection. We could anticipate each other's moves and seemed to always know where the other one was and what he was doing. It made us a unique team which the King found useful."
Will looking up from his task of cleaning the rabbits and asks, "Robin, you say that Much is a better swordsman than you?" Robin nods and Will turns his attention to Much, "Can you show us?" Much picks up his sword lying next to him and spins it, then turns to Allan with a mischievous grin asks, "Allan?" Allan leans back holding out his hands towards Much shaking his head and exclaims, "Oh no… Not me mate."
Much turns to his former master and asks, "Robin?" Robin shakes his head, "Not tonight, but what about showing them what you can do with a sword? Remember your performance?" Much shakes his head and hesitantly says, "I haven't done that for a couple of years now." Robin, knowing how to get him to do what he wants, looks away smiling but with doubt in his voice says, "Well, if you think it's too dangerous and you've forgotten…" Much bristles at the insinuation and exclaims, " 'ave not!" Much gets up, takes off his sword belt, hands it to Robin, and strides away from the group far enough so that he has room. Robin winks at the others then turns to face Much in anticipation always enjoying his performance.
Much, while walking away, twists, swings, and twirls his sword from hand to hand nonchalantly several times to warm up, works his shoulders to loosen his tunic for freedom of movement, then looks at Robin for approval. Robin smiles and nods in reply. Much then presents them with a dazzling display of swordsmanship that only a practiced professional can achieve. He sends his sword whistling constantly through the air, the blade flashing with the colors of twilight mixed with the red orange of the fire making the blade appear alive and on fire. His sweeps, individual wrist movements, tosses, turns, catches from in front and behind, all synchronized with his foot work perfect each and every time.
Robin, stands, winks at the gang, and tosses Much his Saracen sword hilt first. Much, anticipating the toss, catches it without missing a beat and there are now two blades flashing, glowing, and whirling in a lethal but graceful dance fully in control in Much's practiced hands, his face a study in concentration mixed with joy. They were impressed before, but now with the second sword added, they come to realize just how greatly they had been taken in by Much's façade. They now believe what Robin has told them, this was no bumbling, sniveling servant. Much with a flurry of movement sends the swords twirling high overhead, both coming down to land blade tips first, burying themselves into the earth mere inches from Much's feet, with his arms straight out from his sides, head down in a show of completion.
The gang sits in stunned silence for only a moment then gives Much a well-deserved round of applause. Much brings his arms in crossed and bows then places a hand on the hilts of each sword. He pauses feeling that something just isn't right, and tenses just as a ragtag gang of bandits charge from out of the darkened forest behind him yelling to confuse and terrorize as they run towards them.
Much instinctively whirls around with a raised sword in each hand, the well trained crusader in him taking over, and with a blinding flash of blades there are now four corpses bleeding their life away into the leaf strewn forest floor, his agility was only bettered by the swiftness of his swords. Robin remains sitting calmly watching his brother slaughter the bandits. The gang, having only gained their feet after Much has dispatched the bandits, stare at the bodies lying on the ground then at their calmly seated leader who is casually poking at the fire with a stick. The gang slowly sits back down glancing at each other in bewilderment.
Much stares at the bandits dumbfounded. His face falls as he turns, sorrowfully falling back to old times says, "Master, I'm sorry." Robin quickly rises, nocks an arrow, and sends it flying just to the left of Much's arm embedding itself into a fifth bandit's heart just as he was about to throw a dagger into Much's back. To Much's credit, he doesn't even flinch when Robin shoots the arrow in his direction.
Robin dropping his bow, rushes to Much's side and puts his hand on his friend's shoulder trying to reassure him, "It's alright Much. They deserved it. Don't let it bother you." Much glances back over his shoulder as Robin chuckles, "The last man Much. You always forget the last man!"
Much allows Robin to lead him back to their place next to the fire where Robin sits next to him, Much exasperated says, "There's so much to remember." Robin takes his own sword from him as they sit and hands Much back his sword belt. Djaq looks at Robin and asks, "Why didn't you help him?" Robin glances at Much then back at Djaq, shrugs and says, "Why? There were only four of them. I've watched him slaughter forty five trained soldiers back in the Holy Land defending me without trying." Djaq turns her attention to Much who only nods.
Allan walks over to the robbers and starts to go through the filthy bandit's pockets. He pauses looking up at Much and says, "Believe him Much, either these fools didn't see you during your performance, which I doubt, or, well, they're just bloody stupid. Oh! Thanks mate for protecting us." Allan returns to rummaging through the bandits pockets, "Oy, these people stink. Don't they ever wash?" Djaq lets out an audible chuckle and says, "They stink? When we get back all of you need a bath." In return she receives grumbling from the men around her. Djaq without looking up from her job exclaims, "Don't care... Don't care. It's either then or there's a stream right over there." She momentarily points towards it with her knife. This silences the men. Will not looking up from his task asks, "Have any soap?" Much rummages in his pack and unwraps a clump and offers it to Will. Will chuckling says, "Just kidding. Later." Much re-wraps it and drops the soap back into his pack chuckling as well as pokes the fire with a stick.
After a few minutes, Little John gets up and walks around the fire with his hand out asking, "Much, I'll clean your sword for you." Much hesitates but then hands Little John his sword hilt first, and mutters, "Be careful." Little John nods and returns to his place with Much's sword. Little John takes a rag and begins cleaning off the blade.
As Little John cleans Much's sword he gets the rare chance to examine it closer and notices that the grip is wrapped with leather and the hilt, pommel, and inscriptions are smudged with something to dull and darken them, but he notices that something glistens underneath. Little John looks closer and exclaims, "Much! This is made from…" Little John looks up at Much his eyes wide in astonishment. Now actually believing all that they were told was true.
Much nods and says proudly, "The King had it made specifically for me here in England then transported under guard back to the Holy Land. The hilt and pommel are solid silver with gold ends. The grip is ivory inlaid with gold latticework and the blade's inscriptions are engraved with gold inlays." Robin smiles at their astonished looks and pats his brother proudly on the back. Little John stares at it never having held such an exquisite piece of functional art. He stands back up and walks around the fire to gingerly hand it back. Much nods in thanks, spins it while holding it up giving the blade a once over, and without a thought slips it back into its scabbard.
Little John holds out his hand towards Robin and asks, "Shall I?"
Robin hands over his own sword and Little John returns to his place once again, "Yours is just as impressive. I take it that His Majesty gave you this as well?" Robin nonchalantly, "Yes. When the King presented it to me he told us that Sultan's personal sword smiths made it especially for me and that there will never be another one like it." Little John finishes cleaning Robin's sword and walks around the fire to hand it back to Robin then returns to his place.
Will, unable to hide his amazement any longer says, "Much, that was truly impressive. You really had us all fooled. You truly are a master swordsman. Why did you and Robin decide to hide your abilities?"
Much while shifting the embers around replies, "We, that is Robin and I, promised each other that we would try never to kill again. I pretend to be weak and ignorant so nobody gives me a second thought. Robin can aim his arrows so as not to kill. But I tend to forget. So I try not to fight unless I have to. With Robin's help I've learned how to fight just enough to protect him and me, but if I lose concentration, I forget not to kill my opponents."
Much with a hitch in his voice says, "In my nightmares all those I have killed stare back at me, accusing me with their lifeless eyes. I can still feel their blood, thick and warm on my skin. The scared look on their faces and in their eyes as they died…" Much shivers at the memory and whispers, "You… you have no idea… The horror… Their eyes as their life ebbs away." Much and Robin can feel their pain and horror combine in their minds, as the screams of the dying, the clash of swords and the sounds of battle return. Robin reaches over and puts his arm around his brother and leans against him reassuringly, bringing them both back from the brink of giving in to the horror causing the sounds of war to slowly dissipate.
Out of the corner of his eye, Much watches the bandit next to Allan quietly rise on one arm, remove a dagger from his belt, grip it tightly in his hand ready to plunge into Allan's side. But before the bandit can strike, he instantly falls back with Much's dagger stuck to the hilt in his eye. Allan's head snaps around while reflexively rolling to his side away from the flash of a blade flying past him, he then looks back at the gang in time to see Much's arm still in the air and swallows hard and vows, I'm not going to mess with him anymore.
The rest pause and stare at Much in astonishment then return to what they were doing. Robin nods his head as if this was a common occurrence, "Good aim Much." Much turns to Robin shrugs and grins, "Guess there's no point in hiding anymore."
Allan, gets to his feet having gone through the bandit's pockets, removes the dagger from the now undeniably dead bandit and returns Much's dagger to him. Much pulls a rag from his pack and wipes off the blade. With a flick of his wrist, he sends it spinning into the air, catches it, and smoothly returns it to his belt.
Robin chuckles and says, "Now you're just showing off." Much replies laughing, "And why not?" Robin playfully punches Much on his arm grinning while Allan returns to his place at the fire next to Little John.
Djaq and Will having finished preparing the rabbits, skewers two each on long sticks and hands one end to Much and the other to Little John. The other rabbits go on another stick and she hands the other side to Robin. Together they keep them turning until they are cooked and juices run clear. Djaq cuts them up and hands out the portions. Much says grimacing, "Needs some seasoning." Djaq faking a hurt look replies, "I'm so sorry your Lordship, but I forgot to bring my seasonings." Much looks at her without offense, rummages in his own pack, brings out some of his seasoning, and sprinkles everyone's and the remaining pieces. Much takes a bite and says, "There much better."
The gang all shake their heads laughing. Much asks not getting the joke, "What? Isn't it better?" They all nod and he says, "Okay then." Djaq still grinning, says around bites, "You took your spices with you?" Much surprised by the question and answers like it was obvious, "Of course." Djaq without thinking says, "But you were going to…" Robin stops her with a look and Djaq returns her attention to her piece of rabbit. Much pretending not to hear, continues eating, and replies, "Thanks for the rabbit Djaq. I was getting hungry."
After they finish it has become late, the moon is high above them and the sounds of the forest die back by the time they unroll their pallets. As usual Much lays his out next to Robin's, Will's next to Djaq's and Allan and Little John lay theirs out closer to the fire.
Robin and Much try to outwait the other before they sleep. Robin thinking to himself, I know. He lifts their blankets and presses his back against Much's sharing warmth. Robin feels Much sigh and hears his breathing steady out, smiles and allows himself to finally drift off as well.
Around two to three in the morning Allan rises to rebuild the fire, scans the surrounding area, then lays back down and goes back to sleep knowing from previous experience that if anyone were to approach, Much and Robin would be instantly awake, and from what he just saw, heaven help any intruder.
When Robin wakes, Much is already up attending the fire as always. Much feeling his brother's eyes on him, ' 'Morning Robin.' ' 'Morning Much.' Quietly so as to slowly wake the rest so they can get on their way Much says, "I'm sorry I don't have breakfast ready as there's nothing left from yesterday and I didn't anticipate having to prepare breakfast." The last of Much's words send a dagger into Robin's heart, but he quickly recovers and says, "I don't care as long as you're here to not make it." Much pauses and squints his eyes in confusion trying to make since out of what Robin just said. When Much turns his head to look at Robin, with confusion written all over his face, Robin rolls over onto his back and laughs loudly enough to wake the others with varying remarks and responses.
Much stands and walks over to Robin and offers his hand helping Robin to his feet. After Robin is up Much nods his head sideways and Robin follows him. Robin follows Much far enough away from camp to find a convenient tree that needs watering where they stand side-by-side.
Much concerned asks, "Does Marian know?" Robin turns towards him. Much exclaims in warning, "Watch it!"
Robin turns back and laughs, then seriously replies, "Yes."
Much says, "Then when we get back let's go visit her, yes?"
Robin replies, "First we'll make sure that our camp is secure. After that we'll see what happens."
Finishing up Much says, "Sounds good."
Before they walk back, Robin looks his brother in the face and asks, "Now that the gang knows, do you think that you can switch between fool and soldier?"
Much nods briefly replying, "I believe I can, I now have some practice, but please forgive me if I slip."
Robin nods ands says, "Fair enough."
Much and Robin walk back to the gang and Robin calls out to them, "Ready?" Allan hurrying off calls over his shoulder, "In a minute!" Djaq tells Robin, "He waited here for you and us." Robin nods and says, "While we wait, let's pack the horses." Each one grabs their packs, Much gets Robin's, Allan's, and his own and takes them to their horses. Robin catches up to Much and takes his pack away saying, "Equals." Much grins as he walks to his own horse and packs it, then over to Allan's. Allan comes running up and exclaims, "Hey! Where's my pack?" Much walking back to his own horse points over his shoulder to Allan's horse. Allan trying to be cautiously humorous tells him, "Much thanks Much." and mounts his horse waiting for the rest.
Once everyone is ready they pass by the bodies of the bandits. Much looking down at them while passing concerned, "Shouldn't we do something with them?" Little John as he too passes by, "There will be only bones left in a short while. Let the forest take them. Their bones will also serve as a warning to those who camp here and maybe to those that try to rob them."
When they reach the main road the sun is just peeking over the tree line, Little John takes the lead once more and takes them up to a trot, "At this speed we should be back to camp in six hours, give or take four." Allan snips, "What kind of estimate is that?" Little John grins having got the response that he was looking for, "The kind that would surely annoy you." Allan replies briskly, "Oh, so that's the way it's going to be." Will joining in tweaking on Allan, "What, are you late for a date?" Allan now getting perturbed responds, "Well, I could have been if we didn't have to make this trip." Allan regretting his statement immediately after he said it. Turning to Much and says, "Sorry Much, didn't mean that." Much nods and makes a gesture of dismissal. Further attempts to goad Allan are only met with a nod or very short sentences.
Turns out that Little John's estimate was fairly close as they arrive at the edge of Sherwood Forest only a couple of hours after the sun has reached its zenith. Will calls out, "Wait here. Allan, Little John let's go." As they make their way to their hidden camp they methodically disarm the traps. Robin, Much and Djaq dismount and stretch after such a long time in the saddle. Much places his hands against his lower back and stretches complaining, "If I so much as never see a horse again it will be too soon." Robin amused replies, "Would you have rather walked?" Much looks towards Robin and says, "Did that." Robin asks, "All the way? You sure got quite a ways for walking." Much giving in says, "Well, I did get a ride from Lord Wigand. He must have been in the Holy Land when we received our swords because he knew us. I don't remember him but you may since I was only a servant." Robin repeats Lord Wigand's name over and over to himself, "Oh yes! He was the quartermaster. I remember him now. You should remember him too. You showed him up as a cook when you seasoned the roasting hogs before one of our missions." Much chuckles shaking his head, "That's right, I spent several days after we got back helping make the army's meals more enjoyable. If you recall, we ate quite well after that." Robin nods replying, "And I also noticed that you didn't put up much of a fight when I let them 'borrow' you either." They both chuckle remembering how the King requested that Much, and only Much, prepare his meals if they were not off on a mission and how well they ate afterwards.
Robin asks, "How was he?" Much replies, "He appeared to be in good humor. He's older than I remember now." Robin wanting to visit this lord asks, "Do you know where he lives? Maybe we can go see him." Much's face drops and slowly in embarrassment says, "That wouldn't be a good idea." Robin looks at him questioningly, "Why?" Much with regret tells him, "I told him that you were dead to me. He took it as you though you were dead. I'm sorry Robin, I was upset." Robin walks over and places his hand on Much's shoulder telling him, "That's okay Much, I know how you felt, let's not dwell on it. Maybe we can say that I recovered?"
Much nods, then does a double take on what his friend had just said and starts to laugh. Robin grinning wondering when Much would catch on and says, "After all, I am Robin Hood." Much thinking about his brother's inflated ego replies, "Well, if anybody could recover from being dead you could. We can try it. It would be interesting to see his reaction."
Allan strolls up and beckons them to follow. As they approach their camp Allan tells them seriously, "There is something you should see." Allan leads them to one of Will's more lethal traps closest to the North Road. Will and Little John are standing quietly next to it, both stone-faced. Djaq quietly slips her arm around Will's waist holding him close and Will's arm unconsciously finds its way around hers as they stand together staring at who Will's spiked falling log trap had caught. Much taken aback exclaims, "That's Kate!" Along with her there are four other heavily armed guards all wearing Gisborne's livery colors.
Each victim is impaled on a couple of the short spikes which continue to hold them upright, as though they are waiting for the gang's return. Robin without sorrow tells them, "You all heard me tell her to stay away. It was her choice. Kate and the guards only her to blame for their deaths. Not us." Robin looks directly at Will, Allan and Little John in turn and tells them, "Do you understand?" They nod. Robin, looking around back to where their camp is located asks, "Will, how many more traps between here and our camp?" Will replies, "Three. They have not been tripped but we have disabled them." Robin thinking out loud says, "Then they only got a quarter way there. I doubt they will come back after seeing this one but just to be safe on our way back to camp reset them." Will nods making a note to follow behind with Allan or Little John.
Much remembers that this is the impudent woman who caused all of his and Robin's problems in the first place, takes a deep ragged breath, and says "She has only herself to blame and died as a traitor should." Much leans up against the trap, in between the bare wood spikes, as Robin and Little John hold it still and pushes each body off the spikes in turn. Each falls to the ground in a heap. Once they are on the ground Allan, from years of being on the street, kneels next to Kate and rifles through her pockets and after a brief search he holds up a pouch to Much who takes it, undoes the laces, and pours out twenty gold sovereigns. They all look at the gold in Much's hand. Allan standing up disappointed exclaims, "Is that all for the location of our camp and us? How disappointing." Much pours the gold back into the pouch and puts it in his pocket.
Robin walks to where Kate and the guards are lying in the dirt and examines the footprints around them, then with his eyes, follows them back in the direction they came from and left and says, "There are many more prints here than only five people could have made. Let's see where they go. Little John, do you know of the traps in this direction?" Little John nods, takes up his staff and leads them away. Each of the other traps have been tripped, and destroyed all the way to the main road where they find multiple hoof prints. Robin crouches down and examines the impressions and says, "These are easily only a day old. We just missed them." Robin straightens up and gazes in the direction the prints lead, to Nottingham.
Will follows behind Allan and the rest to reset the traps, as they all return and enter their camp. There is only one set that leads in then out. Will pointing to them says, "No one got in." Robin nodding says, "Good. Djaq, I forgot to ask, where did you get the horses from?" Djaq explaining, "Eastwood, Gisborne was at your manor at that time and was preparing to leave but I didn't have time to wait, so I had to try elsewhere." Robin tells her gratefully, "I'm glad you got them."
Robin thinking aloud while smiling says, "Eastwood is on the way to Huntington. Much and I will return them for you." Robin remembering the bodies lying in the dirt by the trap instructs Little John and Allan, "Little John, you and Allan gather the guards' clothing and gear, wash them off then bring them here, then take the bodies and dispose of them as you see fit far from here."
Robin, carrying his sword and bow, and Much with his sword and daggers walk back to the entrance to leave. Robin smirking stops and says, "Little John, Allan, when you get back, help Djaq and Will clean this place up, it's a mess." Much and Robin duck, covering their heads with their hands as they run for the entrance while laughing from the hail of small rocks and verbal abuse being tossed their way.
Much and Robin mount a horse each and lead the rest of the horses towards Eastwood on their way to Huntington. When they reach Eastwood, Much says, "Uh, Robin, we forgot to ask Djaq where in Eastwood she got the horses from." Robin looks at him bewildered replies, "You're right. Well, let's just hope there is only one stable." As luck would have it there is only one stable in town and as they approach a young man in well-worn burlap clothes comes out holding up a bunch of local wild flowers wrapped in a white cloth with a piece of string tied in a bow around it and waves, "I see you brought my horses back."
He looks at them again, the flowers lowering, disappointed and sadly says, "But I was expecting the young lady to return." Much and Robin smile at the flowers while dismounting. Robin grinning explains, "That would be Djaq." The young man shakes his head and says, "No, it was definitely a young woman." Much and Robin laugh. Much chuckling replies, "No, her name is Djaq." The young man looking extremely disappointed, the bunch of flowers now held down, "Oh… Well, who are you then?" Robin pointing to Much exclaims, "He's Much and I… I am Robin Hood."
The young man's eyes perk up. He breaths, "Robin Hood…" Then turning to the stables he yells excitedly, "Oy, everyone, it's Robin Hood!" It seems as though the whole town is within earshot as they are soon surrounded by the town folk all wanting to touch and talk to the both of them. The horses, knowing where they are now, follow the lead one back into the stables on their own knowing that there is food inside.
After half an hour, Robin holds up his hands, grinning brightly and calls out, "Thank you all. My brother Much and I need to continue our journey. But I promise that we will be back!" Much leaning over to the young stable man who greeted them asks, "May I have those flowers?" The young man holds them out to Much, who says, "Thank you." He slips the young man a coin, takes the flowers, and hides them from Robin. Much and Robin stride out of town to the waves and cheers of the towns people.
After the crowd disperses, the young man opens his hand for the first time since Much had slipped him the coin and stares stunned at the gold sovereign. He finds it hard to breathe for a moment, then quickly closes his hand and looks around, seeing no one, turns, and runs to the stables calling to his sister, "Margret! Look at what Much gave me!" the horses temporarily forgotten.
Much, holding the flowers behind his back so Robin cannot see them, continue on foot to Marian's home. Once there the sun is a fingers width above the top of the trees hiding Robin and Much in shadow. Robin nimbly leaps up to the ledge outside of Marian's window, but Much's voice from below stops him from tapping on it. Much quickly and quietly calls to him, "Robin… Catch!" Much tosses up the flowers that he got from the young stableman. Robin catches them, shakes his head grinning from ear to ear in gratitude down at his brother, says quietly, "Thanks!"
Robin holding the flowers behind him taps on her window while Much fades into the shadows having done this too many times to count. Inside, Marian, dressed in her blue evening attire, is sitting enjoying her needlepoint when she hears the tapping on her window and knows immediately who it is and sighs still upset at Robin for kissing other women. She traipses over to the window and takes a deep breath before opening it, agitated she asks, "What?" Robin offers up the flowers trying to smooth over her anger. Marian sighs, her face softens, and takes them from Robin letting him in.
While Marian is enjoying the fragrant blooms, Robin leans his arm out the window and beckons to Much to follow. Robin quickly turns back to Marian and watches as softness returns to her face. 'Looks like I've avoided retribution once again. Thanks Much.' 'You're welcome.' Robin takes Marian's hand and leads her away so she's not facing the window as Much silently climbs in. Marian takes the time to reach over and lay the flowers on top of her dresser as Robin puts his hands on her waist. Robin with his cheeky grin asks, "Forgiven?" Marian smiling graciously tells him, "Only if you promise not to ever do it again." Robin leaning up close, foreheads touching, whispers softly, "I promise." They lean into and wrap their arms around each other kiss deeply, during which Robin opens one eye and watches as Much touches down quietly just inside the window. Robin and Marian slowly separate still holding each other closely. Marian serenely asks, "Did you find your brother?" Robin motions towards the window and when Marian turns, her face brightens at the sight of Much.
She runs over to him happily and envelopes him in hug and gives him a short sweet kiss. Much's eyes go wide and his face turns red. Marian pulls away and she exclaims, "I'm so glad you're back!" She then steps back holding his hand, her face turning serious, and playfully shoves him with the palm of her other hand on his chest forceful enough to cause him to take an involuntary step backwards. Marian seriously exclaims, "Don't you ever do that again! You have no idea the grief you caused Robin and me. If you do, I will beat the living snot out of you."
Robin leans over with his hands on his knees, and a coughing laugh saying, "That's what I said!" Marian turning to Robin replies, "Good. Then we can do it together." Turning back to Much she says, "Promise you won't leave again?" Much soothingly replies, "I promise." Marian hugs him again telling him, "Good. I'll hold you to it." Marian leads Much by his hand over to where his brother is. Marian asking the both of them, "Have you solved the reasons why your best friend left?" They both nod together. Marian squints at Robin and asks, "And Kate?" Much speaks up with torn emotion, "She's dead. She turned traitor and was killed by one of Will's more lethal traps." Marian nods sadly. Robin with ease says, "I told her that she would regret it if she returned." Robin shrugs, "I guess she thought that she could outsmart our wily young carpenter."
Robin returning to the reason they were there, "I just thought that we would let you know that Much is back and the way to our camp is secure. The next time you visit whistle since the entrance has been moved." Marian leans over and gives Much a quick kiss on the cheek, "I'm glad you're back." She then tightly embraces and kisses her betrothed. Much stands around averting his eyes, then shifts his feet..., draws a circle with his boot..., 'Alright all ready! Come up for air.'Much yawns then clears his throat causing Marian and Robin to finally release each other.
Much grabs a dazed Robin by his hand and leads him to the open window hoping the brisk night air will bring him around. Marian enjoying the effect she has on an enamored Robin says, "That should hold you for a while. I'm off to Scarborough in the morning for a few weeks. I'll visit you when I get back." Much nods while he tries to get Robin out the window without him falling. Much, receiving no cooperation from his infatuated brother gives up, and leads him out the hidden servant's door in Marian's room, down the stairs, out the servant's entrance into the night air. After a few minutes outside, Robin coming around, "Where…?" Much laughs and explains, "On our way back to camp." Robin looks at his moving feet still wondering how he got where he is asks, "Oh… Marian said something about going somewhere?" Much sighs patently and replies like talking to a inattentive child, "Yes Robin, she's leaving for Scarborough in the morning and will be gone for a few weeks." Robin still not at all with it says, "I hope she will be alright." Much laughs ironically and says, "She's the Night Watchman and can take care of herself. She'll be fine." Robin concerned says, "I know. But I still worry." Since Much has also known Marian since they were children and grew up together, with equal concern says, "Me too." They continue their trip back to their hidden camp as the waning moon makes its presence known lighting their way home.
After Robin and Much return at camp, they join the gang who's gathered around the fire talking about the last few days and the deliveries to be made tomorrow. Much notices and wonders why nobody has anything to eat. He shakes his head and sighs disappointed, Same old thing. I have to do everything. Nothing ever changes.
Much beleaguered, gets back up and walks over to his restored kitchen. While Much is walking to his kitchen Djaq, sitting across from Robin, holds her finger to her lips. Robin gives her a questioning look and Djaq points over her shoulder to Much and his kitchen as Allan hands Robin a pint of ale. Robin looks at the ale then at Much and smiles broadly.
Much finds a thick white cloth covering his chopping block and lifts it. There underneath is a beautifully marbled chunk of beef and next to it are carrots, potatoes, onions, and a mug full of a dark liquid. Much takes a step back in astonishment. Opening and closing his mouth several times, his eyes wide, looks back over at the rest of the gang who, including Robin, are now holding up a mug in his direction and almost together exclaim, "Welcome home!" Much reaches for the mug and lifts it up to them as well and says, "Thank you." They all take a drink of ale and Allan, letting Much know he's only joking by chuckling, quips, "Well, get to it! I'm hungry!" Much can't help but laugh, bows, and says, "Yes my Lord."
Much cuts the beef into several smaller chunks, seasons it with garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Rubs the mixture in and skewers them, then brings it over to the fire and places it on the supports that Will has meanwhile set up. Robin begins turning the handle keeping it rotating so as not to let it burn. Much then washes and brings over the vegetables and places them on a grate over the fire to cook.
After an hour of smelling the mouthwatering aroma, Much cuts up the beef and vegetables and serves the gang as though nothing has ever happened except now he knows that at least he is appreciated.
Little John, being the last one to finish, belches, gets up and gathers the plates and puts them in a bucket of water next to the door to be washed in the stream tomorrow. Little John returning, burps again, and says, "That was the best meal you've made so far. Thank you Much." The gang all nod and lift their mugs towards Much as well. Much grins and tells them, "You're welcome."
After all the day's excitement and full meal, they all are ready to sleep. Much walks over to the spare bunk in the far corner with his pack and gear. He hangs up his shield and places his blankets back on the bunk and begins to climb in when he hears Robin cough.
Much looks over at Robin, finding him glaring pointedly at him and frowning. Much watches his eyes flick and head nod towards his original bunk next to him, as he asks, "What do you think you're doing?"
Much gets out, gathers his blankets and gear, returns to his original bunk, and says, "Thank you Robin."
Robin with his hands on both of Much's shoulders, looks at him directly in his eyes and says, "Swear to me again that you will never leave me."
Much grins, "I swear."
"As do I." They clasp their scarred hands.
Robin, exultant to have his brother and best friend back safe and sound tells him, "And Much… Welcome home." They release hands and Much watches as Robin removes a blood stained arrow and ribbon from his pack, strokes the crumpled fletching, and returns it to its proper place on the wall of his bunk. Much then removes his bloody green and white ribbon from his pocket, removes the arrow, and wraps his ribbon twice around the it letting the ribbon drape down then places it back on the wall.
Much and Robin climb into their bunks head to head, reassured by the each others presence, their lives and trust restored, once more each finding comfort in the quiet breathing of the other, they fall asleep. At least this night their nightmares are kept at bay.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FIN ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~