Chapter 26

At midday, Robin strolled out to the stable. There he found Much working away, whistling a happy tune.

"You sound quite chipper this day", quipped Robin.

"Oh! Good morning, Master. I feel chipper this day. It is a lovely day…..a bit chilly, but the sun is shining and …….may I just say, again, how glad I am that you are home."

Laughing at his friend, Robin smiled and nodded, and thanked him again. "I am in need of a horse this morning. Is there one ready that I can saddle up?"

"Oh, it is a beautiful day for another ride. What a wonderful idea. Would you be liking some company today. I will soon be finished with my duties. I could ride and keep you company as we did yesterday", Much rattled on.

Trying to say no without hurting his friend's feelings, Robin began, "Thank you, Much, for the offer of your company. However, I am riding to the castle for while to visit with Marian. I have missed her very much and I have brought for her a gift from London. I should like to go alone today."

"Oh, but of course. I understand. I will get your horse ready immediately", indicated Much turning around quickly with downcast eyes.

Upon leaving, Robin patted Much on the back and said, "Thank you. I will visit with you upon my return." With that, his loyal friend smiled widely and agreed with a quick nod of his head.

Although the air was chilly, the ride was pleasant and calming. He had nearly forgotten how much he enjoyed the journey into Nottingham. It wasn't necessary, but he always chose to travel the path that went through Sherwood Forest. As he rode through, he thought about how peaceful and beautiful the forest was. Even in winter, there was green, ever promising that spring was not as far away as it seemed. It didn't take long before he arrived at the castle. He dismounted his strong, brown mare and tied her reign to a post before entering the main door. The guard that stood at the entrance announced his arrival to the sheriff who came out of his office to greet Robin.

"Good day, Robin. What brings you to Nottingham on this day?"

"Hello, Sir Edward. I have come to see Marian. I was hoping you would allow me to escort her on a walk through the market."

'Of course, Robin. You have my permission. She should be in the Great Hall with her nanny. Please let her know that she may take a break from her lessons."

"Thank you, Sir."

Robin found Marian and after greeting her nanny and exchanging pleasantries, he and Marian left to begin their walk. They stopped for just a moment for Marian to grab her cloak and soon they were out in the marketplace.

"Thank you again for attending last evening. It meant a lot to me that you were there."

"You are welcome. I had a lovely time. And besides, I could not miss your homecoming."

They continued to walk and talk about everything under the sun. It seemed that the two of them could discuss anything and never run out of things to say.

They found themselves in an inner courtyard with a seating area overlooking some evergreen bushes. A place where during summer months, an array of flowers grows there and shares their aromatic essences. As they got closer to the seats, Robin motioned for her to sit down. "May we sit for a moment?"

"Do not tell me you are tired already, Robin of Locksley", she teased.

"I have something I'd like to give you if you will accept a gift."

"Robin, there is no need for you to bring me gifts."

"I know, but I wanted to."

He then reached into a pocket and pulled out a small wrapped package. The cloth wrapping was plain, but had a thin red string tied around it in a bow. He handed it to her and she thanked him gratefully.

When she had removed all the wrapping, her eyes grew wide at what she found inside. "They're beautiful, Robin. I love them." Then she looked into his eyes and sincerely said, "Thank you."

What she held in her hand was a pair of hair combs. They were each about six inches long. There was a three inch handle that was jeweled. The top part reminded her of a flower petal with near a dozen small, round jeweled stones in a circle shape surrounded by a row of elongated stones of different shades of purples, pinks, and greens. Going down the stem were more stones of different shapes and sizes in pinks, white, blue, and purple. The part that would go into her hair was a long, thin, curved metal stick. It reminded her a bit like a dagger at first.

"Do you really like them?"

"Yes. I do. Did you get them in London?"

Nodding, he began, "It seems that all the ladies are wearing them. Look. See this part?" he said pointing to the stick part. "This part that goes into your hair will keep it up, but it also works as a dagger."

"I noticed it looked like a dagger. For what reason was it made that way?"

"Since the first Crusades, there have been many attacks in different places we have learned. These new combs have been made not only to be functional and hold your hair, but also to be protection. If you are attacked, you can use it similar to a dagger and perhaps get away." Leaning in closer, he added, "There are some very unsavory characters about, you know?"

Whispering back, she touted, "You don't say?"

"Indeed."

"Well, I cannot imagine using them as weapons, but I do love them and I thank you again."

"I am glad you like them."

Moving over towards him, she gave him a quick peck on his cheek and then sat back down. "I love them. I will cherish them forever."

With a grin of great satisfaction, he nodded and said, "We should probably be getting back. You will be missed if you are gone much longer."

Agreeing, they both arose and started back towards the castle. Neither was quite sure what was happening, but each knew that something now was very different.