Chapter 2 – Jane.
Allan awoke with a start, memories that had haunted him since he was an infant coming back to him in seconds. He could see her, dead on the floor, covered in blood, Tom's shaking form and James, rising from the shadows, his face pale and gaunt, and his face stained red with tears.
"You ok?" Will asked, "You've been grunting and groaning all night."
"Yeah, I'm fine," Allan muttered, accepting the small plate of food Much offered him.
Allan slowly got up, joining the gang who, apart from shooting him funny looks every so often, were acting as usual. Robin and Much were arguing about the size of chicken compared to a squirrel, Will chatting calmly to Djaq, love shinning in his eyes, and John, watching the banter, a small smile on his face.
"I going for a walk," Allan said abruptly, putting the plate to one side and leaving the camp instantly, feeling their piecing stares on his back.
Allan wandered around the forest for a while, stopping every so often to sit on the floor and examine his surroundings.
"I've got to find James," Allan thought out loud, "I need to know the full story."
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Hours later, Jane, the chestnut gelding, was trotting freely through the woods, all alone. James had fallen asleep some time ago and she had taken the chance to dump him, knowing that as soon as he woke she would have to endure more torture.
Allan watched the old horse walk along in front of him, and as a cog clicked in his brain he shouted, "Jane!"
The horse let out a huge whinny, ignoring her sore legs, galloping towards Allan, only slowing when he was seconds away from wrapping his arms around her long neck.
"Jane, what happened to you? We should have taken you with us, Tom and I, we split up though, we went to live in another house, he stole my stuff and left, I suppose with the upbringing he had you couldn't expect any better." Allan babbled, running his fingers through the horses beautifully kept mane and leaning into her.
Jane grunted slightly, enjoying a familiar voice and touch, until another person arrived, storming down the hill.
"There you are Jane!" James' voice came clear and strong and Allan froze, staying hidden behind the huge horse.
"Don't go anywhere now Jane, we'll be at Nottingham soon," James soothed.
"Not being funny James, but you'll fit in great at Nottingham, you can help the Sheriff and Gisborne kill every innocent person who ever lived," Allan stepped out, snarling his words and making James jump.
"Allan is that really you?"