Chapter 21

Two days later, Robin arrived at Locksley. The wagon had traveled ever so slowly in his opinion. He didn't recall ever wanting to be somewhere so badly in his life as he wanted to be home this holiday. As the wagon came to a halt, he grabbed his bag and jumped out of it. Thanking the driver, he wished him a Happy Christmas and turned to enter the manor house. Thornton greeted him first as he came through the door.

"Oh, welcome home, young master", said Thornton jubilantly, glad to see him home. "It is so good to see you home. You are looking quite well."

"Thank you, Thornton", he smiled. "It is good to be home. I am well", he added shaking the older man's hand.

"Where are Mother and Father?"

"They are in the dining hall preparing for your homecoming."

"Wonderful. I will see you later, Thornton."

"Indeed, Master Robin."

As he made his way to the dining hall, Robin was suddenly halted by a voice behind him calling out his name.

"Master! You are home!"

He turned just in time to be grabbed by an extremely exuberant Much for a very intense hug.

"Much, my friend……it is good to see you", he declared in return tapping him lightly on his shoulder. "How are you?"

"I am……I am….. I am sooo glad to see you home! I have missed you. Are you enjoying yourself in London? Did you have a good trip home? Can I do anything for you?"

Much was talking so fast, Robin found himself only able to laugh. "I am glad to be here, Much. And no, I need nothing just yet. I am on my way to see my parents. I will come to visit later, after I have seen them. I will tell you all about London", he smiled.

Nodding, Much grinned from ear to ear and allowed Robin to continue on his quest. "'Til later then."

"Indeed. Later", he winked and ventured on.

Robin found his parents in the dining hall just as Thornton had directed. He offered a boisterous "I'm home" as he entered the room causing each to turn and smile. Immediately, his mother held out her arms for an embrace, which she most certainly received. He then turned to his father and extended his right hand for shaking, but was instead embraced into a hug from him as well.

They spent the evening talking and listening to Robin regale the goings on at his training.

Finally, exhausted, Robin bid his parents good night and got up in order to turn in for the night. Before being allowed to excuse himself, his mother shared with him the plans they had been making for his return.

"What sort of plans?" he inquired.

"Tomorrow evening, the lords and ladies from the surrounding villages will arrive for a ball. We decided we needed a celebration for your short homecoming."

"A ball? Hmmmm. Will Marian be attending?"

Upon hearing that Marian and Edward had sent their reply of yes, he smiled, nodded, and went off to bed.