Part 12
The following morning Jarrick and Imran along with a handful of their mercenaries waited in the shadows outside of the residence of the Angel of Hope. They saw Marian leave alone with a bundle of clothes for the poor of the city early, and then sat back for what they were truly interested in. Their tolerance paid off when mid morning Will emerged with Robin of Locksley accompanying him.
The men silently followed keeping in the shadows, the English men in front of them seemed to be slightly at odds with each other but communicated nevertheless. Will led Robin straight through the market to the dwelling of the silversmith. Here they both entered and Jarrick, Imran and the men sunk into the milling crowd who were buying and selling wares at the market.
Patience was the mercenaries virtue as Will and his guest emerged a long while later and headed towards the refuge where Marian would be. Jarrick and Imran knew they had to strike before Will and Robin reached her. Will now knowing the city well took Robin on a shortcut which was going to prove to be their downfall.
Here in a quiet alley, Jarrick gave the signal to two of his men and they took Robin and Will by surprise. However the mercenaries were not prepared for the fighting expertise of Robin and Will as the pair worked together to throw each new attacker off. But Robin and Will were outnumbered at least seven to one and finally the mercenaries gained control of the fight, taking a captured Robin with them and leaving a concussed Will in the alley.
Late that afternoon Djaq was singing soft songs to Saflyya when a servant announced that there were strange visitors at the door.
"How are they strange?" asked Djaq, suddenly wary. Will was still out with Robin, and Marian was at the refuge, she drew her daughter close to her body.
"They are asking if Robin of Locksley has passed this way, like him they are English." The servant replied.
Djaq frowned and passed the child to the servant and said. "This I have to see for myself. You stay here with Saflyya." She added, handing the child to her.
Djaq reached the front door which had been closed for their safety and opened it, staring with disbelief at the four bedraggled men before her.
"Are you not going to welcome us in? We have had a tiresome journey and even if Robin is not here…a little refreshment would be wonderful." Much said to her.
She smiled then and enveloped him in a hug, then proceeded to hug Allan and Little John as well.
"This is my son, Little Little John. Do you remember him, he was but a boy when you last met," Little John said proudly and Djaq hugged him too.
"But," said Allan. "It was too long and confusing calling him Little Little John every time we spoke to him so we decided…."
"You decided." John cut in.
"Yeah well I decided to call him LJ."
"I like LJ," Little Little John said with a smile.
"Good because that is what we call you. Now can we please go in? I for one am exhausted." Much said.
Djac smiled, she had forgotten how much she had missed them in the first few months after they had returned home. "Come," she said softly. "There is someone I would like you all to meet."
Inside after they had deposited their belongings on the floor she led them to the main room and introduced them to Saflyya. They were intrigued by the little girl and Djaq instructed the servant to bring food, a meal for her new guests. With a backward glance towards the door of the room Djaq frowned worriedly and wondered where on earth Marian, Will and Robin could be for they all said they would be home by now.