John was confused when they stopped. He was sure that he would be able to recognize Will's work, "it is here?"

Will smiled softly, "Mastery comes with practice." This was an understatement. John watched in amazement as Will walked over to a seemingly normal tree. He expertly pressed on a knot in the bark and a small door opened. It was ingenious. He hid the pulley system in the tree. The two walked inside and Will lit a small lantern.

John could not believe what he saw inside. This camp was as good as any Great Hall, and already partially stocked. John saw two other lanterns, as well as chest filled with blankets. He could tell from the craftsmanship that it too had been created by the young man. He looked around and found several small secluded areas that would give them all a bit of privacy. "Will, how many of these have you created?"

He only smiled at the other man, "I'm working on one in the trees now. For when the spring rains come."

John wondered if any of them truly appreciated Will's expertise. He truly was a master. The two left and returned back to the gang to discreetly gather more items for the move.

Much made his way to them as soon as he saw them, "Where have you too been?"

John looked concerned, "we are working on something for Robin."

Much rolled his eyes, "fine, where is Robin? Did he not go with you?"

"No," Will answered, "he is out moving our stock piles, in case Alan decides to look for them."

Much flung his arms in the air, "Great, just great! Marian is in tears, Sir Edward maybe dying and I have two, count them two angry women asking for Robin Hood. Do you have any idea how vile those two can be when they want? I am not to eat, unless I can find him."

"Find who?" a familiar voice said with joy. Robin could not help but be happy. Much was acting himself again. Though he did not want to admit it he was concerned that he saw a change in the man recently.

"There you are. Marian and Djaq have gone crazy waiting for you. Master, prepare yourself.. Edward.. well.. he is not well," Much said with a sigh.

Robin's face became serious again as he stepped inside the shelter.

Marian's tear filled eyes looked up at him, "Robin, Djaq said," she broke into sobs. He walked over to her quickly and pulled her into his arms. He gave Djaq a questioning look.

She looked at him sadly, "He has fluid on the lungs. You can hear it when he breathes. Robin, if he were younger I may be able to save him." She hung her head with shame, "I cannot save him. Forgive me."

"Djaq this is not your doing. You have nothing to apologize for. How long?" He held Marian even tighter, rubbing her back, and whispering into her ear.

Djaq looked at her patient again. "He was not cared for in the dungeon. He has gone without food or drink in a damp cold room. This is not good. He has fallen into a fevered sleep. I do not believe he will wake." With that she left them.

Will saw her walking away looking defeated and gave her a gentle knowing look.

She took a deep breath, staring into his eyes and taking comfort from them. She finally found her voice, "I cannot save him. I have failed."

The men looked at her, but only John spoke, "We all die Djaq. You are brilliant, but you cannot stop God. It is Edward's time."

She whispered, "The will of Allah." Then a little louder, "Where have you two been? You just leave us and roam about."

"They were doing something for Robin," Much informed her, "something secret."

"It is not a secret, we are just supposed to be quiet," Will tried to defend himself. He dropped his voice to a whisper that the others had to strain to hear, "we are moving."

John shook his head at the young man, "and we must return to our task. We will share more when Robin says it is time." He grabbed Will's arm and pulled him along. They gathered up what money they kept hidden at the camp, spare clothing, and Much's extra pot and made their way back to the camp.

Djaq and Much watched them walk away and then joined the rest of the group inside. Marian had cried herself to sleep in Robin's arms. Robin kept looking at her and then to his pallet. Djaq noticed this. "No one will see it as improper or think less of her, and you will both be more comfortable in bed. Much and I will be your chaperones even."

Much stood a little taller and smiled, "Chaperone. I like that. It is much better than 'the annoying boy who follows us everywhere'. That was my job while they were courting, you know. Ensuring her virtue is what Sir Edward called it."

Robin looked so tired, "I wish I could take away her pain. All I ever seem to do is cause it. It is my fault Edward was sent to the dungeon. Marian was punished for saving me, or Guy. I have hurt her so much." He looked up at his friends, "can I ever make it up to her?"

"Tell her everyday," Djaq said, "that you love her. That she is everything to you, and that without her you would be nothing. That will make things right, overtime."

Not for the first time, Robin thought that the young woman was wise beyond her age. He carefully picked his rose up and carried her to his bed. It was not nearly as soft as the one the shared the night before, but it would do. It was hard to believe the recent events. She had touched him. He had seen her. Things were different now. Every time he looked at her he saw her naked. He wanted her, and it was no one's fault but his own that he was not already married to this angel. He chose the war. He sighed. Sleep. Sleep will help. That was his last thought as a curled up behind her and closed his eyes.