Chapter (14) Six months later.
The King's servant George calls from outside the general's tent, "Lord Robin may I enter?" From inside he hears, "Enter."
Inside Robin is watching Much mending their shirts. George looks at the two of them then tells Robin, "Lord Robin, the King requests your presence." Robin and Much rise, but the servant holds out his hand and says, "No Much. Just Lord Robin." Robin and Much exchange looks and Much sits back down with a worried look on his face, his eyes following his master out of their tent.
George enters his Majesty's ornate pavilion and announces, "Your Majesty, Lord Robin." Robin enters and bows to his King.
King Richard replaces his quill in its holder and explains to Robin, "I know this is unusual in that Much is not with you, however I have a reason." Robin waits in silence not wanting to question his King.
King Richard continues, "Robin… I wish to spar with your servant." Robin's jaw drops and he stutters, "With… With Much?" King Richard answers, "Yes." Then quickly adds, "This has nothing to do with your ability, or your honor. On the contrary, you have trained him well and I know just how food you are, But… I have noticed that he is better than either you or Sir Mathew, and after what he did to that brute of a soldier, he's best than I have ever seen. I also know he is your servant, so I am asking you first."
Robin still astonished tells him, "I know that he would be honored to spar with you, but the last time you touched him, after we returned to our tent he fainted. I don't think could stand to spar with you. I know he would be too petrified to spar with you." King Richard laughs, "Fainted huh? Well, I'm glad I asked you first. What shall we do?" Robin thinks for a few minutes, "I have a plan." King Richard asks surprised, "Already?" Robin chuckling, "Well, half of one." King Richard cocks his head, "And that is?" Robin thinking, a plan now forming in his head, "We disguise you." King Richard chuckles, "As what?" Robin pauses in thought. King Richard continues coming up with a solution, "How about an envoy. They are always coming and going with messages." Robin joining in, "From where? England?" King Richard exclaims, "One of my special envoys!"
Robin quickly adds, "We can pick a place between here and the port." King Richard solemnly, "But Robin… Much cannot know who I am, if he finds out he will hold back." Robin chuckles, "Or faint. But if you want to see his full potential then I must be in danger." King Richard laughs and shakes his head, "No, I'm not sure I want to go that far. He might kill me before you could stop him." Robin laughing, "No, I guess we'd better not." Robin concerned asks, "How shall we disguise you?" King Richard, "I have a man here with me who is an artist with makeup and can alter my appearance enough that Much will not recognize me. I will send George to your quarters tomorrow then we will go to port." Robin, "How will I know it's you?" King Richard, "I will tell you that I am from Ireland, but I like wine." They share a good laugh. Robin enjoying the proposal tells him, "We'll be waiting." King Richard tells him seriously, "Remember, say nothing to Much." Robin frowns concerned about hurting his best friend's feelings and says, "I have never held anything back from him." King Richard, "I must leave that to you." Robin bows, "As you command." Robin bows out and returns to their tent.
When Robin enters their tent, Much is darning another shirt and doesn't say a word. Robin sits down across from him in silence. For a hour an uncomfortable silence remains between them. Robin finally having enough asks, "Aren't you going to ask me what my meeting was all about?" Much somberly replies, "It is not my place my Lord." Robin can tell by this formality that Much his very upset. Robin exasperated explains, "Much, it was nothing." Much put's down the tunic, his lower lip trembling, "Then why wasn't I allowed to attend? You were gone a long time. I've never been left out before, have I done something to displease you or the King? I have, haven't I." Robin sighs thinking quickly, "He was just letting me know that we are to escort one of his envoys back to port. See, it's a nothing assignment." Much still not convinced, "Oh." Robin thinking that the subject is over but Much doesn't let go, "What's his name?" Robin asks, "Who's name?" Much looking up, "The envoy's name." Robin thinking fast, "He didn't say, I suppose we'll find out tomorrow." Much nods, "Are you sure I haven't disappointed you in some way?" Robin gets up, sits next to him, and places his hand on his shoulder, "On the contrary my friend, quite the opposite." Much, for now is satisfied with his master's answer but something still nags at him.
In the morning Much wakes Robin asking, "Did the King say when we are to escort this envoy?" Robin sighs, and laying back down tells him, "No he didn't. But I assume that it will be this morning." Much says, "Then may I suggest that you get up me Lord." Robin groans and rises. Much formally holds up his master's breeches and asks, "Shall I dress you my Lord?" Robin gives Much a sideways look, then runs his hand down his face perturbed asks, "Okay Much, what's wrong?" Much formally holding Robin's breeches up for him, straight faced says, "Nothing my Lord." Robin reaches out and rips his breeches from Much's hands and puts them on himself. He then grabs Much by the shoulders and gives him a hearty shake telling him, "Much look at me!" Much, head down, barely looks up. Robin trying to sooth him says, "Much, believe me it was nothing." Much nods still not believing him.
George calls from outside their tent, "Lord Robin, may I enter?" Robin sighs and says, "Enter." He lets Much go but not before giving him one more shake and claps him on his arm turning towards the King's servant who tells them, "The King requests your attendance." Robin dons his tunic and moves towards the tent's entrance but Much remains where his is. Robin beckons him to follow and this time the servant does not refuse him. As they leave, Robin speaking sideways to his servant, "See." He can tell that his friend relaxes.
When they arrive at the King's tent, George announces them, "Your Majesty Lord Robin and Much." Robin and Much enter the pavilion and is met by the King who tells them, "Robin, as I told you yesterday you and Much are to escort my envoy to port. He will be ready in one hour, return at that time with a horse for him. Make sure he gets there safely, as his message is very important." Robin says, "Yes your Majesty." and they bow out of the tent.
Much, walking next to Robin tells him sadly, "I'm sorry master." Robin places his hand on Much's shoulder, "Don't worry about it. Next time you'll believe me won't you?" Much nods sadly.
Much procures their horses and prepares their packs during the hour they have then return with a spare horse and enough supplies to see them to the port and back. A gray bearded man they have never seen before exits the King's tent dressed in a dark brown cape and carrying a sword. The man, without a word, his features partially hidden inside a hood, mounts the spare horse. Together they spur their horses and leave the camp quickly behind. After about an hour Robin asks, "My lord where are you from?" The mystery man replies with an Irish accent, "I am from Ireland." Robin exclaims, "Oh well then, you must like whiskey!" The man shakes his head, "No. I like wine." Robin nods chuckling, "Well, that's different."
They quickly continue on their way and with sun just above the horizon they set up camp. Much takes some of the wood they brought along and builds a fire, but before he can light it, the Irishman approaches Much and asks, "Much, I believe your name is, that is quite an impressive sword. May I see it?" Much hesitates then looks at his master who nods. Much stands, draws his sword, hesitates for a moment then hands it to the envoy. The man holds up the sword admiring it. He spins and twirls it checking its weight and balance acting quite impressed says, "It seems very well made." He grins, stares at Much, and asks inquisitively, "But can you use it?" Much takes his sword back but doesn't sheath it, and looks at his master for permission. Robin waves telling him, "Go ahead. Show him what you can do." Much cocks his head and asks, "Yes master, should I…?" Robin shakes his head, "No. He's obviously well trained. See if he's as good as I am." Much grins and nods, warms up using his left hand, then his right, tossing and maneuvering his sword shifting his shoulders to loosen his tunic in an attempt to intimidate the envoy.
The envoy drops his cape, shrugs his shoulders as Much has done, and squares off with Robin's servant. After the preliminaries, Much holds up his sword in challenge, the Irishman follows, and they begin their dance. From his duty training new men, Much has learned how to apply himself to the skill level of his challenger and this one appears to be better than Sir Mathew but not quite as good as his master, but he is beginning to feel the strain. Much steps back and wipes his forehead as does the envoy then looks questioningly at his master who nods and waves his hand signaling an escalation. With a new look of determination on his face, Much twirls his sword and engages with all of his skill and training. This ultimately surprises the envoy and it's all he can do to keep up but slowly regains control returning everything Much can throw at him.
Robin sits across the unlit fire astonished by the skill of the combatants, the glint of blazing swords, and dazzling footwork before him as the two men spar to such an extent and intensity that the world disappears from around them and the sound of steel on steel obliterates the desert silence. After what feels like eternity Much finally finds his opponents weakness and disarms him. Then, breathing heavily, holds his blade unwavering at the envoy's throat. After a moment in triumph, he slowly withdraws his sword smiling then offers the man his hand lifting him to his feet. Much sheaths his sword, then startled, the Irishman embraces him as only he and Robin had ever done after a particularly difficult battle. Much returns the embrace, grinning broadly, impressed by his opponent's skill. The Irishman finally breaks away smiling. Much bends down, retrieves the man's sword, and offers it back to him grinning broadly. Much bows still catching his breath, "Thank you my Lord for an enjoyable melee."
The man takes his sword, sheaths it grinning, and says "No. It is I who thank you." They walk back to a dazed Robin and sit around the unlit fire. Much claims his normal place next to his master as always, and the envoy across the fire from them. As Much lights and gets the fire started, Robin excitedly exclaims, "That… That was truly impressive!" Much, still out of breath nods his head addressing the envoy, "You are the best I have come up against. Ever." He quickly looks over at his friend from tending the fire and quickly says, "Sorry Master." Robin shakes his head smiling, putting aside his envy tells them, "Oh, no, I agree. That was by far the best melee I have ever seen. Truly impressive." He looks between the two and says, "Except for when you saved me from the Germanic brut that is." The envoy, breathing heavily as well says, "Thank you Much, I have watched you fight from a distance, and coming from you that is truly a complement."
Much cocks his head and politely asks, not expecting an answer, "May I have your name my Lord?" The man takes a rag from his pack, wets it from his water skin, wipes his face, and removes the fake beard. When he's finished he looks back up at Much and dropping the Irish accent says proudly, "I am King Richard." Much instantly recognizes his King, his mouth opens and closes several times before he stutters, "I… I was… My sword was at your Majesty's throat!" And faints dead away falling over backwards onto the sand. Robin and King Richard laugh for several minutes. Robin still laughing says, "Told you."
King Richard humorously asks, "Should we wake him?" Robin grins but looks fondly at his best friend and tells the King, "No your Majesty, let's let him sleep. He's had quite a shock and I doubt we'd be able to revive him anyway." King Richard chuckles, "I believe your right." Robin picks up his friend and lays him on his pallet then covers him. He places his hand on Much's chest and says fondly, "Sleep well my friend." Robin and the King talk for a while longer then lay down on their own pallets around the fire and go to sleep.
The next morning they wake with the rising sun. Much is already tending the fire with breakfast cooking. When he observes them wake he says, "Good morning." Robin gets up wiping his face as the King does likewise. Much hands each of them a plate and a mug of ale then returns to his place next to his master. The King and Robin eat while Much watches. Robin looks at him and asks, "Where's yours?" Much picks up his plate to show that he has already eaten. Robin looks at him with a questioning expression, causing Much to nod and Robin tells him, "Just making sure."
The King looks at Much and truthfully says, "I'm sorry Much for deceiving you, but I did tell you that I would like to spar with you one day. This is why I called your master to a meeting without you. I knew that you would have held back if you knew it was me." Much nods poking at the fire with a long stick. Robin placing his hand on Much's shoulder, "I'm truly sorry I couldn't tell you. Will you forgive me?" Much holds up his scared hand causing Robin to gaze at his own and hangs his head. King Richard notices the scars on their palms and notices that they align realizing their significance. King Richard trying to sooth the rift between them says, "Much, do not blame him, blame me, I ordered him to not tell you. It is not his fault. Do you understand?" Much nods and reaches half way to his best friend who completes the distance and they clasp scarred hands.
Much smiles gazing into his master's eyes and tells him, "Of course Robin. You need not ask." After a moment they drop their arms. The King chuckles and says, "But you have to admit that it was fun." Much smiles and asks brightly, "Yes it was your Majesty … Want to have another go?" King Richard, holding up his hands, exclaims, "Hell no! I have to recover from this time." Much, frightened, looks the King over and asks, "I didn't injure you did I? Robin?" Panicked, Much turns to his master. King Richard replies, "No Much I'm not, my arms ache, that's all. I'm not as young as you and have not fought like this in years. As you can imagine nobody will spar with me. Later, after I recover, we'll have another go. Am I correct in that you won't hold back the next time even though you know that it is me?" Much straightens, extends his hand, and says, "You were tough to beat this time and I look forward to a rematch." The King takes his offered hand and smiles broadly.
Much cleans the plates using the sand to clean away the leftovers, picks up their packs, and buries the fire. Afterwards, the King approaches Much. Much cocks his head sideways, forehead creased and asks, "Yes your Majesty?" The King abruptly embraces him. A startled Much returns it after a few seconds of indecision. After a few seconds, the King releases him but keeps his hands on his shoulders watching him closely. Much looks back at him and curiously asks, "What was that for?" King Richard removes his hands and steps back still watching him. The King with a cheeky grin says, "Just making sure you're not going to faint on me." Together with Robin they share a good laugh. Much shaking his head still laughing says, "No your Majesty. Not again." The King claps him on his arm and turns to his mount. Much helps the King and Robin mount their horses, and then mounts his own.
King Richard asks, "Shall we return?" Robin, with a sweep of his arm says, "After you, your Majesty." With the King in between them they ride back to the army encampment.
As the months progress, they make the same trip just on the other side of a tall dune so many times without the King in disguise to the point that no one asks where they are going anymore, but everyone knows as the soldiers would hide behind a dune far enough away to watch, but be able to disappear quickly so as not to be seen watching the King practice with a mere servant. One evening after they had returned with a bandage around the King's upper bicep and with Much highly distressed, one of Robin's captains asks the General secretly, "We all know that Much is sparring with the King. Why hide it?" Robin shaking his head tells him, "We tend to forget that Much is my servant and treat him as a soldier. But believe me, there are other Lords in this army who have not forgotten, and they would see Much dead if the King elevated him above them. So as long as the King does not spar with him in public, they retain their dignity."
The Captain, taking a step back, startled by this revelation places his hand on the hilt of his sword and says, "They would have to go through all of us to get to him first." Robin claps the man on his arm and nods in thanks. The captain returns the gesture and departs to relay what his General had told him to the rest of the Guardsmen.
Robin enters the King's tent watching the physician tend to his Majesty's wound and stands near his anxious friend hovering nearby. Once again the King calls to Much, "Much! Don't worry, it's only a flesh wound, I'll be fine." After the physician cleans and bandages the wound he tells Much, "He will be fine Much, have no worry." Robin walks over to his servant and puts his hand behind his neck and looks at him closely and asks, "Okay Much? Do you hear that? He'll be fine so calm down. Yes?" Much drops his head and nods.
On the next trip, during the melee, Much holds back frightened that he will hurt his King again, until he lets down his guard and the King returns the favor of a scar on Much's upper bicep to match his own. The King grins broadly as does Much, and with blood streaming down his arm he heightens his challenge giving the King a true work out. When they return to the encampment the King has Much sit in his own chair as his physician tends to his wound. Once the physician has cleaned and bandaged it, the King looks at Much, and trying not to laugh, says, "You won't hold back or drop your guard again will you." Much smiles and shakes his head, "No your Majesty." King Richard punches Much on his wound causing Much to shout out in pain, then without thinking, Much jumps up, and punches the King on his almost healed wound causing the King to shout out as well.
Robin takes a step towards his friend as Much, with shock on his face realizing what he had done, quickly drops to one knee, his head down, and cries out in grief, "I'm sorry your Majesty, please forgive me!" The King laughs loudly and grips Much by his arm lifting back up and nods his head, "Fair is fair… Robin!" Robin approaches and asks, "Yes your Majesty?" "Take Much with you and see that he gets well. We'll delay our next training trip until we are both healed." The King places his hand over his own wound and turning to Much humorously mouths the word, "Ow!" Robin and Much laugh as well then bow out of the King's presence and return to their own tent where Much mixes himself a tonic for the pain and lies down.
Over the following months the King continues his training with Much and Robin, then one evening it is Much who is laying on the sand at his King's feet. The King with Robin laugh at the startled look on Much's face while he is lying on the ground with the King's sword at his throat. After Much is helped up by the King, he solemnly picks up and sheaths his sword, then sullenly walks over to his horse. Robin and the King stop laughing and share glances worried that they hurt his feelings. Robin upset, calls after his friend, "Much! You must not be so easily hurt! It was all but in fun!" Much ignores his master, and after a few moments returns with two large corked flasks and three mugs. As he pours a dark liquid from one of the flasks into each mug, he hands it to each man then places both flasks on the ground next to the unlit fire.
Much raises his mug and exclaims, "The King!" They all raise their mugs and drink. The King drinks from his mug then coughs and sputters, "Wine! Where did you get…?" Looking first at his mug then up at Much surprised. Much only grins and Robin humorously shakes his head and says, "Don't ask. He won't tell. Servants know everyone." Much refills their mugs, and they tap them again, that evening they finish off the flasks sitting around the lit fire telling stories before riding back. The King, with head feeling light, speaking slowly says, "Either I haven't had wine for several years, which is true, or this is full strength and not watered down. It's quite good." and takes another drink. Robin trying not to slur his words, "No, it's real." Much, drunk as well tells them, "Yes your Majesty its real and not watered down, only the best for my King. I knew at some point you'd surpass me so I've been bringing this along for the last several trips and as a precaution, no one knows it's for you. Besides, I taste it each time before I bring it along." King Richard nods and raises his mug again, "Thank you my friends." Much and Robin echoing, "You're welcome." The King laughing asks, "How do you do that?" and laughs heartily due to the wine.
After both flasks and their mugs are empty, Robin and Much help the King up on his mount and hold him there until his regains his balance, but sways slightly. Much helps his master mount his horse and holds him there until he nods. Much, has some trouble mounting his until Robin rides up on the horse's other side, leans heavily over and grabs his servant's hand dragging him up into his saddle. Much rests lying over the saddle for a moment then throws his leg over and sways upright. Then Much and the King follow Robin moving slowly back to camp. When they get to camp it's dark and few soldiers are about to see their inebriated King.
Much drops down from his mount along with Robin and wait until there is no one in sight, then together they assist the King from his horse and shoulder to shoulder, supporting each other, they stride as best they can into his tent and turn him over to his grinning servant. Just before the King passes out lying on his bed he grins crookedly and says, "Thank you again my friends." Robin and Much sway trying to bow then turn and exit the King's tent. Much slaps the horses on their rump sending the horses back to the stables on their own. Robin curiously stares at Much who shrugs, then leaning against each other they sway into their own tent and collapse onto their cots.
At some time during the night Much rises, undresses his master then himself, and staggers to the rear of the tent and relieves himself of the processed wine, he then mixes extra powdered willow bark in a mug of pre-boiled water, wakes Robin, and has him drink it. He then mixes and drinks some himself. When done he brings over and holds the chamber pot for his master to use, snickering, he says, "Yep, still looks the same." and receives a halfhearted cuff on the side of his head, after his master's done he returns the pot, then lies back down and after Robin falls asleep, he sleeps himself.