The Road Less Traveled

They sat in a circle on the ground, Robin in the middle, just as they had done so many times before. All the outlaws-all except Much-were here and as they gathered around their leader, it was almost as if no time had passed at all. For a moment, it seemed to Djaq as if the entire last year was nothing but a dream, and any minute now, a plaintive whistle would announce Marian, and Robin would bounce after it, like a rabbit in the spring.

But it only took once glance at Robin's face to make the truth come rushing back. There were wrinkles on his face now, lines etched as much by grief as by time. His smile, more brilliant for its rarity, was edged with steel and determination instead of the impish charm Robin had once wielded like a weapon. But one thing was still very much the same. Robin was their leader. Even though Allan and John appeared to have more authority than before, it was clear they demurred to Robin in the end. Robin spoke in a commanding voice, one that demanded attention and brooked no disagreement. Djaq found herself nodding dutifully as Robin spoke of their plans pending the king's arrival.

The others, Allan's men, had fallen back, forming a rough circle at the edge of the clearing, acting more like they were Robin's posted sentries than his trusted men. For all practical purposes, Robin's original gang had now become his inner circle.

Robin was drawing a makeshift map in the sand, using a stick to mark locations and punctuate his argument.

"The treaty was signed some weeks ago, so by my thinking, the king should be somewhere in Europe by now. Perhaps Italy, or even Aquitaine. If he's traveling light."

There were murmurs from around the group and even from the clearing. Djaq caught a frown on Will's face. He had been in a strange mood nearly all day, but she could not discern his thoughts. She nudged him gently, but he shrugged off the gesture. He will tell me later.

Robin turned his attention to Allan and John. "So...anything to report?"

Allan cast a quick look in Will and Djaq's direction before answering. "Nothing too unusual. Couple of travelers, merchants mostly.

"Matthew Butcher over there," he gestured at one of the younger men in his gang. "He says there's been some activity at the castle. Messengers in and out, more than usual."

Robin nodded. "Have you set him up as your spy or something?"

"No. He says one of the scullery maids at the castle told him." Allan smirked. "He's not talking to her for your sake, mate, if you know what I mean."

Robin chuckled, but the levity was brief and quickly replaced by his usual look of determination. "And you, John?"

"Nothing, really. A lot of grain moving south over the last few weeks." John shrugged. "Could just be a late harvest though."

"Fair enough." Robin lapsed into silence for a minute, considering his makeshift map.

"Allan, do you think it's safe to stay here? Say for another day?"

Again, Allan shot a quick look in Djaq's direction, and for the first time, Djaq realized he was probably wondering about her encounter with Gisborne.

"I'd say it's about as dangerous as always. My men...er, the men here, they're used to moving about, every two days or so.

"I move them north and then south. Keeps anyone watching us guessing, at least for a while."

Will had been quiet for most of the conversation, but he surprised Djaq by chiming in. "You could just build another camp somewhere here."

Robin looked up, surprised at the suggestion. "Yes, we could. But it would take a lot of time, and I think it's best if we just dedicate ourselves to other matters."

"Like?" Will's voice was patient but insistent. Djaq considered telling him to keep quiet, but she decided not to. The camp was important to Will, and it would not do for her to stifle his words out of deference to Robin. Besides, the others had to know Will meant no disrespect.

Robin raised an eyebrow at Will, and for just a moment, Djaq thought she saw a bit of challenge in his eyes. Instead, Robin rose to his feet and scuffed out the map. "Tell me about the Holy Land."

Will shrugged in response, but kept his eyes focused on Robin. "There's nothing to tell. It's the same as always."

Robin frowned. Will's implication that England was anything but the same as always was not lost on him. "Then why did you come back?"

Will raised an eyebrow at Robin, but did not respond. Djaq decided it was time for her to step in and end whatever impasse Robin and Will had reached. She pulled out the leather purse she had carried with her all the way from Acre and held it out to Robin.

"We came to bring you this. In aid of your struggle, Robin."

Robin was confused but took the purse from her. His eyes widened when he noted how heavy it was, and even more when he peered inside.

"This is...where did you get this much gold?" Robin sifted through the coins and then dropped them back into the bag quickly, as if they burned him.

"We didn't steal it, if that's what you mean," Will muttered in a low voice that only Djaq could hear. She gave him a quick look, pleading for his silence.

"It is my...inheritance. From Bassam."

"Your inheritance?" Robin frowned. "That means Bassam is..." He looked away for a minute and set the purse down. "I'm sorry for your loss."

He put a hand to her shoulder, the gesture both friendly and genuine. "How did it happen?"

Djaq swallowed, not wanting to remember how she had last seen Bassam. "The city was besieged. He was killed...in battle."

She tried to say more but the words stuck in her throat. Tears pricked at her eyes, threatening to fall and shame her in front of her friends. Djaq considered running into the woods to give herself a moment of privacy, a chance to collect herself. Instead, she felt Will's hand at her elbow, familiar and reassuring. She gave him a sidelong glance and nodded. I'm alright.

Robin met her eyes, concern etched on his face. "Are you sure you want me-us-to have this? It was given to you, and I would never ask you to give it up for-"

"It's alright, Robin." Will spoke, and the others looked up in surprise. "We want you to have it, to help people. Like before. Like we should be doing now."

Robin gave him a sharp look, and then nodded curtly, pocketing the purse. "We are grateful, Djaq. This will go a long way in helping with the king's cause." He turned his attention to Will, and added, "which is the best way to help people, the only way to help England."

Will seemed to be on the verge of a retort, but the sudden sound of clashing swords from the edge of the clearing distracted all of them. The mute girl was locked in combat with one of the younger men in the gang, and the rest stood around egging them on. It was obviously a practice fight, but Djaq was surprised they trained with their actual weapons, instead of the wooden weapons the gang had used before. Of course, they were all training for war now, not just to rob a rich merchant on the North Road.

Djaq watched the girl closely, surprised that she moved as well as she did. She was not particularly skilled with her sword, but her footwork was impressive, and what she lacked in strength, she made up for in speed and agility. There was something vaguely familiar about the way she fought, but Djaq could not put a finger on it.

Allan and John were both smiling and shouting words of encouragement to the girl, but Will said nothing, simply watching the fight, his eyes narrowed in concentration.

She nudged him. "What are you thinking about?"

Will shrugged. "Nothing, really. Just wondering."

Djaq glared at him, confused by his reluctance to tell her what was on his mind. "Are you alright?"

He met her gaze evenly. "Yeah, fine. Just have things on my mind, I guess."

"It's not like you to be so...unforthcoming."

He shook his head. "It's nothing to do with you. I just need to think...about everything that's happened here." He gave her a crooked smile. "My mind isn't as fast as yours. I need a bit more time."

She smiled, noting the teasing tone in his voice, and hiding the worry in her own. "She is not bad, is she?" Djaq asked, gesturing at the mute girl as she parried another blow.

Will nodded. "She's good, actually." He gave Djaq a frank look. "Do you think there's something strange about her?"

"You mean besides the fact that she cannot speak?"

Will gave her a sheepish smile. "How do you think she talks to people?"

"With her hands, I suppose."

"Yeah, but how does she know what to say, even with her hands, when she can't hear what they're saying to her?"

Djaq frowned at him. She had not considered it that much, but now that she thought about it, as far as she could tell, the gang had not developed any complex way of communicating without speaking.

"I do not know, Will. Maybe she can hear, but not speak. Maybe she reads lips, watches the shape of the mouth when someone speaks."

Will nodded, but looked unconvinced. He pointed to the clearing, where other pairs of men had begun to practice as well. "Looks like she's started something."

There was a clamor of approval from Robin and Little John, as they jumped into the fray, the sudden cheer reminding Djaq almost painfully of how things used to be. Will did not seem to be in any hurry to join them, although he was leaning on his axe in an expectant sort of way.

She nudged him. "Give me a sword."

Will raised an eyebrow. "Are you serious?"

"Yes. Is there any reason I can't do what everyone else is doing?" She challenged him, and after a moment, Will gave in and handed her his sword.

She pulled it out of its leather scabbard and found it all wrong for her. For one, it was much better suited to a taller person like Will. For another, the blade was long and thin and not the sort of falchion blade Djaq particularly liked. Still, it's not like I really need to hurt anyone today.

Djaq swung the sword experimentally a few times, pleased by the sound it made as the blade cut through the air. She caught Will's eye and noted his concern, but after a moment's thought, he understood, gave her a quick smile and turned his attention elsewhere. Djaq sighed, knowing that Will would never agree to fight her, not even just for practice.

She looked around for someone more willing, but there were no takers. Whether it was because she was a woman, or because she was unfamiliar, none of Allan's men would fight her, and Little John and Robin were occupied with the others.

Djaq sat down, disappointed. It would only be a matter of time before her condition, her pregnancy, would become apparent to everyone, and then nobody would consider fighting her, and they would be right to refuse. This was her last chance, her best chance, to prove she could still be useful to Robin, and it was slipping away.

Looking around the clearing, she spied Allan, passing a few bags of something to the now-exhausted mute girl. She caught his eye and gestured at him with the sword. He frowned at her and then nodded, beckoning her over. Djaq nearly leapt the entire width of the clearing in excitement. It had been a long time since she'd trained with a sword, and in many ways, Allan was the perfect practice partner.

-000-

Allan watched Djaq cross the clearing, worry beginning to edge into his thoughts. It was not that he was concerned about Djaq's fighting skills. She'd proven herself more than capable many times, and he was not about to second guess her on that score, even if she was probably out of practice.

He beckoned her over to the outer edge of the clearing, out of sight and earshot of the others. From where Allan was standing, he could see Will glance in their direction every now and then. He was mildly surprised that Will was not objecting to Djaq picking up a sword. But then again, this was Djaq, and if Will had objected, she probably would have clocked him with the sword. He nodded in Will's direction to let him know it was alright and that he would watch out for Djaq. Will seemed to hesitate for a moment, but at length, he gave Allan a curt nod and turned away.

Djaq stood at the ready, and Allan allowed his amusement to show. She was tiny, even more than she had been in his memory, and to see her with her sword held out, her expression defiant and menacing was both frightening and oddly touching. I've missed you so much.

Their swords clashed as Allan blocked Djaq's blow. He pushed her away a little and then thrust the sword right at her. She moved back quickly, but not nearly as fast as she should have in a real fight.

"Bit slow there, Djaq. Need to keep your feet moving, or I might get a lot closer with my blade next time."

Djaq snorted, obviously not impressed. She circled around him, waiting for the right opportunity. Allan used the chance to get a good look at her. She looked only a bit different. Her hair was a bit longer, like she'd chopped it off and let it grow out again. The clothes were different too, looser and cut like they were made for a man. It always amused Allan that for all her effort, she always ended up looking even more feminine, in spite of the clothes. He strained to get a look at her more feminine attributes and then shook his head. Djaq was Will's woman now, and he would not sully his relationship with either of them by thinking of her in any other way.

His temporary reverie had cost him and Djaq had moved in for the lethal hit. He managed to duck the blow and parried quickly just as she brought her sword down. Their blades crashed together. He tried to use his weight to push her off, but Djaq resisted, with the result that they ended up nearly face to face.

Allan was wistful as he considered that this close proximity would have been perfect a few years ago. He shrugged off the regret and decided it was as good an opportunity as any to ask her a few questions.

"So, why did you come back?"

"What?"

Djaq's expression, until that moment one of total concentration, changed to one of confusion. She relaxed and with her resistance removed, she lost her balance and fell onto the ground. Allan dropped his sword and considered helping her, but remembered that Djaq usually resented that sort of assistance. He let her be, instead fixing her with a stare and demanding an answer to his question.

"Why did we come back? Why do you ask?" Djaq asked, her voice matter-of-fact, as she scrambled back on to her feet and dusted dirt off her clothes.

"I saw the money you gave Robin. I see the clothes you're wearing, what Will's wearing. You had money, rank, in the Holy Land.

"Why would you leave that to come back to this?" he spat. "You had it good there!" Allan fought to keep the bitterness out of his voice, that tiny niggle in the back of his mind that told him Will and Djaq had been living it up while he-they, all of them-had struggled and starved, near slaves to Robin's every whim.

Djaq evaded the implication, shrugging as she answered. "It did not feel right. We wanted to come back to all of you."

He shook his head. "No, I don't buy it. There's no way you left your home for this. There's no way Will would ever let you come back to being poor...an outlaw!"

Allan watched as Djaq bristled. "Don't presume to know everything, Allan! We came back because this was our home. When Bassam died-"

"When Bassam died, you got a lot of money, Djaq! You should have stayed there, lived your lives. In comfort, with money and food and a proper roof over your head!"

"That is not the only thing in the world that matters, Allan. Money is nothing, it's-"

"No, Djaq. No more lies. I don't believe all that. Tell me straight why you're here."

"I told you-"

"No, the truth!"

"The truth?" Her voice rose high in the clearing, and Allan began to worry that he'd pushed her too far. "The truth is that nobody wanted us there. The truth is that we were always in danger there."

She threw her sword down in frustration. "The truth is that Will nearly died there."

"What?"

Djaq didn't answer, instead turning away from Allan. He was suddenly aware of her acute discomfort, of Djaq being on the edge of tears. Djaq's anger he could deal with, but this emotion was new to Allan, and left him feeling awkward around her.

Gingerly, he reached out and put a hand to her shoulder. She relaxed almost instantly, crumpling to the ground, and covering her face with her hands.

"Djaq, I had no...what happened?"

"I do not know." She spoke through the tears. "Someone attacked him, left him to die. It was just luck that we found him, or..."

She turned to him, tears streaming freely. "Do you see why we came back? I could not risk his life. I could not lose him, not after all this."

Allan was too stunned to speak, the horror of Will almost dying enough to still his tongue, at least for the moment. Instead, he folded Djaq into his arms and held her, a silent apology for his own words and for everything she and Will had suffered.

-000-

Will watched Allan consoling Djaq from a distance. His first instinct had been to run over and club Allan over the head with his axe for making Djaq cry. But with an effort, he'd fought back the urge and just watched. After a few moments, he decided to leave them to it. He was certain that Allan would never do anything to intentionally harm Djaq, and certain also that any jealousy he felt towards Allan was misplaced. He considered that Djaq would have just laughed at him, and probably only after she'd hit him for his presumption.

With supreme effort, he turned his gaze away from Allan and Djaq and back to the scene before him. Nobody had offered to take him on in a practice fight, which was both surprising and disappointing. He had a sense it was the sight of the axe that did it, and he was oddly pleased about that. It was not the most formidable weapon, but few knew how to counter it with a sword, and that slight advantage had won Will many a fight.

His disappointment at not finding a sparring partner had been tempered by his happiness at getting a chance to see the other men in action. Allan's men were at various skill levels. A few were very good with their weapons, their stance and footwork suggesting experience. Most, however, relied on feinting and dodging over actual use of their weapons. It amused Will to watch them, because they fought almost exactly the way Allan did, effectively but without much skill. He's taught them well.

But the one who intrigued Will the most was the mute girl. She was slight, not short but very thin, and she used her lack of size to her advantage, moving quickly and keeping her weapon in front of her all the time. Her sword too was a marvel, perfectly balanced, as if it had been made just for her. There was something oddly familiar about the way she fought, but Will could not quite place it.

There were other things about her that intrigued him as well. For one, he was certain Djaq was wrong about the girl. Will did not know why, but he was sure the girl could hear. There had been a deaf woman in Locksley village a long while ago, and Will remembered the woman could barely communicate with anyone, much less figure out what people were saying with hand signs or by reading lips. But he also knew people who just chose to stop talking, because they were hiding something, or because talking served no purpose. He'd done it himself for almost a year when he was much younger, and he suspected this girl was doing something similar. Whatever it was, he was going to get to the bottom of it.

"You should be more careful..."

Will turned around, confused at the sudden interruption. It was Peter, the man with the scar. Will frowned at him.

Peter gestured behind him, at where Djaq and Allan were talking quietly with each other. "You stare any more at her, and your woman might take it the wrong way." The man smiled genially, but the scar across his face twisted the expression into a sneer, and Will had to force himself not to look away.

Will shook his head. "It's not like that." He eyed the other man, caution and curiosity mingling in his mind. Peter was older, or at least he had the appearance of a man whose youth was long past. He was tall and bulky, not the sort of man you would want to provoke, especially given the scar. It was a dangerous man who took a bad hurt to the face and survived. Will guessed Peter had probably been an outlaw for a very long time.

"Peter, is it?"

"Right. Peter of Doncaster, they call me."

Will fingered the hatchet at his belt, more out of habit than to threaten, but Peter caught the gesture and backed away a little.

Will tried to put the man at ease. "Doncaster? You're a long way from home."

"Aye, I am. We all are."

"All?"

Peter waved an arm around the clearing. "Most of us here. I'm from Doncaster. Simon and Thomas," he pointed at the two younger men at the far side of the clearing, "they're from up Rotherham way."

Will nodded and gestured at the deaf girl, who had now dispatched her opponent and was sitting cross-legged on the ground looking rather pleased with herself. "And her?"

Peter frowned, and then shrugged dismissively. "Don't rightly know. She can't tell us anyhow."

Will decided not to press Peter until he had a better measure of the man. But he considered there was no harm in asking a few pointed questions.

"So why are you all here? And from so far away?"

Peter considered Will for a long while before answering. "I can't speak for everyone, but I liked the idea of doing something, helping someone."

Will nodded and then gestured at Peter's face. "Is that how you got that?"

Peter smirked. "You ask a lot of questions." He gestured to the opposite end of the clearing, where Allan and Djaq were. "And how did you get that?"

Will narrowed his eyes at the man. "You ask a lot of questions too."

Peter snorted, and started to say something, but Will cut him off.

"Shhh. Listen. Horses. On the North Road."

Peter gaped at him. "How do you know that?"

Will allowed himself a satisfied smile. "I just do."

Peter seemed incredulous, but Will's suspicions were confirmed a moment later, when Robin called a halt to training and silence fell on the clearing. Robin began to quietly signal all of his men into position.

Whether out of instinct or from experience, they all knew just what to do. Will waved Peter, the deaf girl and her practice opponent over to the edge of the ravine, and they followed without question. Will dropped down into the ravine, and the girl copied him, but moved to the edge of the ravine, standing in front of Will, as if she were protecting him. This amused Will greatly. Peter and the other man took shelter behind a nearby tree instead, acting as lookouts. Peter nodded once in Will's direction before nocking an arrow into his bow.

Will felt his pulse quicken in anticipation. Out of the corner of his eye, he could just make out Robin advancing slowly into the clearing, bow at the ready. From somewhere above them, a long whistle sounded, followed by two sharp blasts, and Will watched as Robin lowered his weapon and turned away from the road. Will looked around in confusion before catching Peter's eye.

The man shook his head and whispered. "That signal means no ambush. Monks."

"Monks? They have money. Why no ambush?"

Peter looked appalled. "We don't steal from the Church."

"We don't? Since when?"

Peter did not answer, but the girl turned around and laughed, catching Will's eye before getting up and running towards the clearing.

Will watched her go, a new thought forming in his mind. Caught you. You can hear.

-000-

Djaq sat down heavily, exhausted and famished. She had been relieved when the ambush had turned out to be a false start. She'd thought she was up to any challenge, but her bout with Allan had shown her she had lost some speed and a lot of skill in the time she and Will had been away. She was out of practice, and would need to train hard to regain her old form.

When the excitement of the near-ambush had dissipated, she had realized just how hungry and tired she was, but she was loathe to admit this to anyone, lest they think her weak or unprepared. She cast her eyes around the group, and finally spied Will climbing out of a dip in the road. He was dusting leaves and dirt off his cloak, when he caught her eye, and smiled in a meaningful way.

He held out a bowl to her, and she wondered at how many times this same gesture had passed between them without any remark from her. How was I once so blind to all this?

"I thought you'd be hungry."

She sipped quickly, finding the stew too bland and already too cool for her taste. "I am. Starving, actually."

She gave him a quick glance. "What do you know?"

"What?"

"You have that look on your face. It makes me think you know something I don't."

He smirked. "I know lots of things you don't."

"Do you?" She raised an eyebrow at him, suggestive and teasing.

He colored predictably and bowed his head. "I didn't mean-"

"Yes, you did."

Will chuckled. "Maybe a little. But there is something else. I think that-"

He did not get a chance to finish. Robin clapped him gently on the shoulder, looking contrite and just a bit sheepish. Djaq amused herself by wondering if Robin thought he'd interrupted a private moment.

She was tempted to laugh, but the expression on Robin's face was a serious one, and it made the wrinkles around his eyes and the lines etched into his forehead more pronounced. He has aged ten years in just a few months. Poor man.

Robin held out the bag of gold she had given him earlier in the day. "I've thought about it, and I've decided I don't want this. You should keep it."

Djaq looked at him in confusion, unsure of what to say. Will stepped into the breach. "It's alright, Robin. We want to help."

"I know. But there are things I need more than your money. I need your help. With my men-these new men."

Djaq nodded. "Of course. We will do whatever we can."

Robin nodded. "Our other camp, the one in the north, is near a village called Newstead. It's very close to a larger town, a church town-"

"Southwell, right?" Will interjected, startling Djaq a little. It was easy to forget he actually knew the county better than she did, just as it was easy to forget Will had ever been more than an outlaw.

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Southwell. There's a small monastery as well, at Newstead." He turned his attention to Djaq, focusing all his energies on her. "The monks there take pride in their skills as healers.

"And they're trying to build a hospital."

Djaq's interest was piqued almost instantly. "That is very commendable."

"It is." Robin's enthusiasm was clear in his voice, and Djaq was both touched and awed by it. "They treat most of the villagers. And they do it for nothing, they never ask for money or any other sort of payment."

He paused and fixed his gaze on Djaq before speaking again. "The thing is, there is still much knowledge these monks do not have. I think they would very much like to hear what you have to say...about the Saracen ways of healing, about the hospitals in the Holy Land.

"Will you go to Newstead? With Little John?"

Djaq turned to Will, whose silence surprised her. They exchanged glances, a frown forming on his face before he nodded. Djaq smiled and gave Robin her answer.

"Yes, of course. Will and I said we would do anything to help and we meant it."

Robin gave her a sharp look, and then lowered his eyes, shuffling his feet as if he were in discomfort.

"That's just it. It's not that simple...I need you to be in Newstead, Djaq. But just you."

Djaq knit her brow, confused. Will stood up suddenly, the frown on his face now a scowl. "What?"

Robin looked alarmed at first, but the expression changed quickly, to one of determination edged with sadness.

"The situation is delicate. I need your help, but I can't afford to upset anyone."

"Anyone but us, you mean?" Will's voice was low and quiet, a tone Djaq recognized as dangerous.

If Robin realized Will was angry, he remained unfazed by it. "We are in the middle of a very dangerous game, and we can't afford to make any wrong moves."

He nodded in Djaq's direction. "I don't mean any offense, and I certainly don't intend any hardship for you. I understand if you can't help."

Djaq did not hesitate. "No, Robin. You are right to ask, and I want to help. Of course I'll go with John. It will be-"

Will turned to her, his face unreadable but anger clear in his eyes. "What? No, you can't go. Not by yourself."

She reached out to him and grabbed his sleeve, speaking in a low and soothing voice. "Listen, love. This is nothing. Just something we must do now, and-"

He wrenched his arm out of her grasp and glared at her. "Is it just that easy for you then?"

Djaq struggled to find an answer, but before she could speak, Will had turned on his heel and tramped off into the woods.

Djaq watched him go, a mixture of anger and fear settling in her stomach. She got up to go after him, but a shadow fell across the path in front of her. It was Allan.

"Listen, you stay here. I'll go. I know how to talk to him."

Djaq bristled. "I know how to talk to him. He's my husband."

"Yeah." Allan said nothing else, but he gave her a meaningful look, and after a beat, Djaq relented and nodded.

"Fine. Tell him I am-"

"No, you tell him yourself. I'll be back in a bit. With Will."

-000-

Allan trudged across the clearing and into the darkened copse of trees to the south. His mind was buzzing with what he had just witnessed. In all the time he had known Will and Djaq, even before they had truly known each other, he had never seen them quarrel openly. In fact, aside from that business with the black powder ledger, he couldn't remember when the two of them had even disagreed on anything. To see them in the middle of a full-on row was disturbing, but also oddly gratifying. They were not perfect after all.

He found Will sitting under a tree, whittling wood with angry stabs of his knife. His entire posture spoke of rage and disappointment, and for a moment, Allan balked. This is for them to sort out, what am I even doing here? He began to back away, but his foot caught on a twig, and the snapping sound echoed through the trees, making Will look up.

Allan drew in a deep breath and walked towards the other man. "Listen, Will. I think it's time I head out to Torloton. You should come with me. It will be-"

"No."

"You'll like it...good place, good lads. Really good ale at the brewhouse in the village."

Will glared at him, but said nothing. Allan sighed, and tried the direct approach. "Look, just come back to the clearing with me. We'll talk about it there. You can tell Djaq-"

"Don't."

Allan pretended not to hear the warning in Will's voice. "You can talk to Robin. He's...difficult, but he's fair. You know that. You should-"

Will shook his head, looking miserable. "Look, Allan. This isn't really about you, so maybe you should-"

"Yeah, but that's not the point, is it? You're ticked off with Robin, and not just about this. But it's not right for you to row with Djaq over what Robin does."

Will fixed Allan with an angry stare. "Yeah, well, like I said. Not really your business, is it?"

Allan braced himself and plunged ahead. If he couldn't convince Will any other way, he would just have to play a little dirty.

"You know something, Will? You're an idiot."

Anger fell away from Will's face, leaving confusion behind. He knit his eyebrows and tried to stare Allan down.

Allan smirked. "Yeah, an idiot. I'd never row with my woman." He paused, letting his words sink in while he gauged just how angry Will would get. "If Djaq was my-"

"Allan, don't."

Allan shrugged, feigning an indifference he did not feel. This was his big gambit, the thing he was certain would spur Will to act, to come back to the clearing. "I'm just saying. If I was with Djaq, there's no way I'd leave her alone for even a minute." He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Leastways when there's someone else around who fancies her."

He stopped speaking and waited for his words to sink in, for the inevitable show of rage from Will. But none came. Instead, Will shot him a look of pure ice and walked away in the opposite direction.

-000-

Robin checked the contents of his pack one last time before setting off to the north edge of the ravine with Allan's men-his men. There were the usual things, his maps, feathers and twine for fletching new arrows, a clean shirt. There was also enough food in the pack for three men.

Robin smiled at the sight of the day-old bread and half-wheel of cheese, silently thanking Much for his concern. The others, even the newer men, mocked Much for his obsession with food, for the way he fussed about Robin all the time. But Robin had trudged through the scorching desert with Much, starved and nearly dead of thirst, and he had the measure of the man. The others could not know what it was like to be desperate and hungry, and yet still know that you had to be ready to fight another day. But Much knew, and for that Robin was both grateful and sad.

You have borne many things for my sake, friend. When all this is over, you will be rewarded.

Robin was still poking around in his pack when he heard a pointed clearing of the throat behind him. It was Little John, wearing a look that reminded Robin of a wounded bear, hurt but still very dangerous.

Robin sighed, knowing why John was angry long before the other man spoke. He gestured to the ground in front of him, asking John to sit, but the big man shook his head and kept to his feet.

"This is bad, Robin. It's not right to separate the two of them."

"Relax, John. It's not like I'm forcing them apart or anything."

"Then why? Why not just let them be?"

"Listen. You know as well as I do there's going to be a battle here soon, a war. I need the church on my side-the King's side.

"If having Djaq there, helping the priory with its new hospital, makes the prior grateful, he'll speak to his bishop at Southwell. He'll speak to Ely, and so on. I need to make this work."

"Fine, I understand. But why send Will to Torloton? Why can't he just come to Newstead with me?"

Robin shrugged. "I don't know. I thought Will would be good for the men in Torloton, make good lads out of them."

John huffed, bristling at the insinuation. "My men are good lads already."

"I know. And Will would make a good leader for them. Especially with Allan there too."

John narrowed his eyes, studying Robin. "But that's not all, is it?"

Robin shuffled his feet and looked out of sorts. "I didn't want to say it before, but the monks at Newstead...

"It will be hard enough to convince them there's something to be learned from a Saracen. A Saracen woman at that. But if they see her with Will? If they see she induced a Christian man to marry her? They'll never help us-"

"Induced? You make her sound like a witch."

"It's not what I'm saying, it's what they'll say.

"Besides, it may not mean anything to us, but it's against the law for a Christian man to marry outside the faith. You know that."

John drilled his quarterstaff into the ground, exasperated. "But we're outlaws. We're dead men anyway. What do we care about breaking the law?"

Robin hesitated, but then spoke quickly, as if he were in a rush to get the words out before they burned him. "I have hope we'll be pardoned. When the king returns.

"But there are some crimes that not even King Richard can pardon. And Will's marriage is one of them."

John sighed, angry at the world for thwarting all that was good in it. "It doesn't matter. It shouldn't matter."

"It does matter, John, and it's not just because it's the sort of thing you hang for. Will could be excommunicated."

John gasped, and looked heavenward, crossing himself with great, if somewhat rushed, piety.

Robin caught the gesture and shook his head. "I don't think Will would take too kindly to being told his soul was damned for all eternity because he loves Djaq."

John nodded, and silence fell between the two men. Several moments passed, punctuated only by the sound of Robin's shuffling. At length, John spoke again, his voice soft and edged with disappointment.

"It's still not right, Robin. You're sacrificing your men's happiness for the King and-"

"I've sacrificed more than that already. Do you know what I've given up? Do you have any idea...?" Robin let his voice trail off, choked by sudden emotion.

"You think I'm cruel. Well, that's alright. But know that I'm not cruel, John, fate is. I'm just unlucky enough to be its instrument."

-000-

By the time Robin had gathered his men and their supplies together and left the clearing, the sun had begun to dip into the horizon and the forest grew dim in the twilight. Allan made his way out of the woods and into the clearing, and Djaq frowned, concerned that he'd returned without Will.

He met her eyes briefly and shook his head. Djaq's worry for Will, until now only a tiny ember in the back of her mind, fanned itself into a raging fire. She ran over to Allan and shook him. "Where is Will? Why didn't he come with you?"

Allan tried to evade her, but she persisted, and he gave in. He looked miserable as he spoke. "You're right. I shouldn't have gone after him. Just made things worse."

Relief flooded through Djaq's mind, even as irrational fear ebbed away. "So you saw him then? What did he say?"

Allan shrugged. "Nothing. You know Will. He never really says anything."

Djaq nodded, dismayed. She tried to figure out what Allan's words meant, what he was trying to tell her without spelling it all out. But it did not come to her immediately, and after considering it for a few moments, she decided not to bother. The puzzle of Allan's mind could wait. She would have to solve Will first.

"So where is he?"

"South. He walked off somewhere, but I think he's by the river. He was headed that way."

Djaq nodded and started off into the woods, but Allan pulled her back.

"Just...be careful. Alright?"

Djaq glared at him, a retort on the tip of her tongue. But she saw the care in his eyes and relented. "I will." He nodded, and just as she was about to leave, he tossed her a wrapped bundle of food and a skin of water.

She thanked him silently and began to make her way across the clearing.

"Allan, how will I find you? When I get back?"

"I'll be here. I'm not leaving without you."

"I'm not leaving either. Not until I've seen you and Will back here." It was Little John, adding his voice to the fray. Djaq nodded in their direction and set off into the underbrush.

-000-

Will cast his eyes toward the horizon and waited for the sun to set. He was at the spot where he and Luke had made the makeshift memorial to their father, but the stones were no longer in the right spot, shifted by wind, rain or perhaps even man. Dan's face did not look down on him from the outcrop, benevolent and wise, and the realization made Will deeply sad. Even this is different.

He had been sitting in the same place for the past hour or so, ever since Allan's words had made him turn away from the clearing and walk further into the forest. At the time, he'd wanted to get away just to put enough distance between them, so he could fight off the urge to strike Allan. But on reflection, Will knew Allan had meant nothing by his words. They had just been an effort to get Will to change his mind. Besides, it was only Allan and he would understand, in that way of his.

Will was far more worried about Djaq. He'd had no cause to lash out at her. Robin's suggestion had not been her fault, after all, and indeed, he should have stayed behind and helped her make up her mind, instead of stomping off in anger as he had done. He cursed himself roundly for being a fool, and worse, a childish fool at that. The melancholy of a few moments before fled, and anger, this time at himself, took over. He picked up a rock and flung it violently into the distance, startling the tiny squirrel that had been trying to gnaw at his boot.

The creature scurried off, and Will called after it morosely. "Are you angry with me as well then?"

He heard a twig snap nearby, as in response, and even without looking, he knew it was Djaq. She stopped at the sound and spoke softly. "I am not angry with you. Nobody is."

He watched her walk over, trying to gauge her expression, but the shadows were longer now, and he could not see well enough in the half-darkness of this part of the forest. It was not until she was standing right in front of him that Will could see she just how sad she was. He felt a sharp pang at the sight, knowing he was the reason for her mood.

She took his hand, her touch uncertain, but still somehow soothing. "I'm so sorry, Will."

He nodded and kept his eyes on their hands, afraid to look her in the eyes, afraid he would see only sadness and disappointment."No, I've been an idiot. It's just..." He searched for just the right words, wondering how he could explain his behavior without trying to making excuses.

She threaded her fingers through his. "I will not go to Newstead, Will. Not without you."

Her voice was soft, barely a whisper, but it was full of truth and determination, and it gave Will the courage to face her. He brought a hand to her face and finally met her eyes.

"No, Djaq. It's not like that. It's just...I'm so scared.

"Do you remember what you said in Nettlestone that night?" Will's voice trailed off, as if he had choked on his words. "You said we'd be in different heavens." He shivered involuntarily.

"That means all we have is now, this life. And if we're not together, then..." He dropped his head, overwhelmed by his own words. For a long time, what felt like an eternity, Djaq said nothing. But she did not pull away from him, or even look away, and encouraged, Will looked up. There were tears pooling at the corner of Djaq's eyes, and again, Will felt the familiar stab of guilt in his chest.

He scrubbed at her tears gently, willing her to know what he felt, wanting her to understand what he could not put into words.

Djaq swallowed and moved his hand away. Disappointment replaced guilt in Will's mind, but before it could take hold, she took his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. "If this is all the time we have, then let us not waste it with sadness." She pressed her mouth to his, her lips soft but demanding. Will hesitated at first, but after a moment, he leaned into the kiss, feeding her determination with his own.

She broke the kiss and pressed closer, hands traveling over his chest and then lower, until she had the ties to his pants twined around her fingers. She pulled once, and waited for him to react. But instead of the surge of excitement he had expected, Will felt something very different. All the anger and bitterness of the day fell away, leaving only relief, melancholy and a deep exhaustion in its wake.

He gently pushed her hand way. "Later," he said. "I just want..." He could not bring himself to tell her he was too tired to go on. Will wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, hoping she would understand. And she was Djaq, so she knew just what he meant. She curled up against his chest and he tightened his arms around her, enjoying their closeness, the feel of her skin, the smell of her hair. He let out a long, contented sigh and Djaq echoed it. She kissed him softly, and after a few minutes, they both fell asleep.

-000-

When Will woke up, the sun was low in the sky, and the shadows warred with the red-gold embers on the forest floor. He stretched his arms and legs, then noted with dismay that there was no sign of Djaq anywhere.

Panic welled up in his chest, sharp and sudden. He stood quickly, hatchet in hand, alert for any sign of trouble. Where could she have gone? What if someone had found her? What if Gisborne had caught her again? All sorts of scenarios came to Will's mind, each worse than the next, as he hurtled through the trees trying to find Djaq.

Halfway to the river, he dropped his hatchet in surprise. He could clearly hear Djaq's voice, but rather than the screams and protests he was expecting, she was singing. In all the time he'd known her, she had never shown more than a passing interest in music, and he was certain he'd never heard her sing.

Will walked slowly in the direction of the sound, curious and amused. Djaq was many things, most of them wonderful, but she was not a particularly good singer. The song was not familiar, though after a few minutes, Will recognized the simple rhythm of the piece and its sing-song cadence from his own youth. It was a lullaby.

He finally saw Djaq, sitting at the edge of the stream in only her shirt, singing softly to her still-flat belly. It was the most wonderful thing he had seen in his short life, and for a time, he watched in silence, torn between the need to join her and the desire to let her have a bit of privacy.

Eventually, the song came to an end, and Djaq, perhaps sensing she was being watched, turned around and greeted him with a shy smile.

He returned the smile and dropped down onto the edge of the stream next to her. "I was worried, didn't know where you were."

Djaq nodded. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to wash before it got too dark." She raised an eyebrow at him, and then, standing quickly, she stripped off her shirt and stepped into the water, wading out a short distance before calling to him.

Will watched in amazement, not sure how to react. The sight of her, naked but obscured by the water, was a mixed blessing. Her lithe grace, the curves he had to conjure from memory, roused him, but there was also disquiet now. A few moments ago, he had seen her as she would be soon, a mother to a child, and Will could not fight off the feeling that it was wrong to desire her now. The thought vexed him, and he frowned as he watched her.

She caught his eye and giggled. "Are you just going to sit there with your mouth open? Or are you going to join in?"

Will hesitated, but on reflection, he decided he was going mad, because there was no real reason to turn down an invitation like this. He peeled off his clothes and joined her, walking in until the water was waist-deep and he was standing right in front of her.

Djaq moved closer and flattened her palm against his chest, studying it for a moment before gazing up at him. She gave him an odd look and dropped her hand.

"Will, are you alright?"

Can you see everything then? He forced his disquiet down into some hidden corner of his heart and brought his hands to her waist. "I'm fine. It's just..." He cast about for some way to explain what he was feeling, but his thoughts were only half-made, and they made little enough sense, even to him. "It's nothing. I'm fine."

He moved his hands up from her waist to her shoulders, stroking her water-slicked skin with his fingers. It was different, touching her like this. The water made every plane, every curve of her body more definite, and as he molded his fingers to her skin, he marveled at her, at once so familiar and yet so intriguing. He let his hands travel lower, into the dip between her breasts, intent on his exploration. He cupped a breast, fascinated by its soft weight, the way it fit perfectly in his hand, how it seemed rounder and heavier than he remembered...

He stroked his thumb across her nipple, making her shiver and press herself closer to him. He murmured absently against her skin. "You're...you're different now."

She pulled away a little, looking confused. "Different? How?"

He pulled her back against him, not liking the distance between them. He cupped the other breast. "You're bigger. Here." He dropped his hand to her waist and then lower, caressing the curve of her hip. "And here."

"Oh." She gave him a frank look. "It's because of the baby. Things will change, Will. You might not like-"

He brought his fingers to her lips. "No more talking. Not now." He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her roughly, prodding her lips open with his tongue until they yielded and she opened her mouth to his with a sigh of pleasure.

Djaq broke the kiss, trailing her mouth down his neck and across his collarbone. He tried to reciprocate, nuzzling her neck and stroking her back, trying not to be overwhelmed by his own desire, by his desperate need to make sure she was never parted from him. But all his care and self-control disappeared when she touched him. He felt her fingers on him, warm despite the growing cool of the water. He growled, and moved her hand away, picking her up by the waist and moving them both towards shore. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and clutched at him to keep her balance. "Will, what-"

He said nothing as he flopped down on the grassy embankment, unable to speak over the pounding of his heart and the blood rushing through his veins. He heaved her on top of him, grabbing her hips and pressing himself quickly inside her. She gasped as he entered her, surprised. But after a moment, she sat up and straddled him, rocking her hips against his as he thrust into her, trying to find their rhythm.

He lamented that he could not kiss her, or even really touch her, from this vantage point, but when he opened his eyes, he was awed once again just by the sight of her. Her eyes were closed, and her face was flushed with desire. The cooler air had combined with their coupling to raise goosebumps on her flesh, on the dark rings of her breasts. Will found himself mesmerized by the sight, unable to pull his eyes away, even as neared his own climax.

"Djaq," he groaned her name, overcome by the moment. Her eyes snapped open and as she locked her gaze with his, Will knew, with the perfect clarity that only the act of love could bring, that he was utterly and completely at her command. Her soul had called to him, and he had answered, surrendering all that he was and ever would be. All his conceit that he could have her had been as nothing, and it was she who had taken possession of him.

She was like the forest itself, rare and beautiful, but also wild and unpredictable. No man could hope to tame her and make her his. He had tried, in his own way, and he had failed. But as he spilled his life into her, as he heard her cry out his name over and over, he decided the sacrifice of his soul was well worth the reward of being able to walk with her, even if only for a little while. I love you. There never was anyone else. There never will be.

He felt more melancholy than joy when it was over, but it receded as Djaq wrapped her arms around him. She laid her head against his chest, and they held each other until their breathing slowed and they came back to themselves. She snuggled against him, planting soft kisses on his chest. "I'm tired now," she said, laughter in her voice.

He allowed her amusement to dispel the last of his sadness. "Well, you should be. This wasn't my idea, after all."

"Oh? I do not remember you protesting a few minutes ago."

He laughed in response and gave her a tight hug, adoring her more than ever. He stroked her hair and her shoulders, after a few moments, she sighed and fell into a light sleep.

He willed his body to stillness and his mind to calm so that she could rest for a while, and as Djaq dozed, Will came to a decision.

-000-

Djaq startled awake as Will shook her gently. "What?"

"Get dressed. Quick." He rolled away from her. "I hear voices. Someone's headed this way."

She looked at him in alarm, and scrambled to find her clothes, putting them on in a haphazard fashion. "Who?"

"No idea. But I see light, probably torches." He had pulled on his trousers and had his hatchet in hand, but the rest of his things were strewn all over the embankment. They were in no state to ward off an ambush.

Djaq sent up a silent prayer and readied her dagger, prepared for anything, but deeply worried for their lives. Fortunately, it never came to that.

A moment later, Allan hurtled through the trees, nearly toppling her in the process. Behind him followed Little John and the mute girl, both carrying torches.

Allan spoke through panting breaths. "We were worried about you. Both of you. It's dark, and we thought you might be lost." Then, he noticed Will's half-clad state and gave them a curious look.

Djaq colored, feeling stupid in front of their friends, while Will pretended to be very interested in the underbrush and the tops of his boots.

John cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "We'll go on back. Why don't you two just follow us? When you're ready."

Djaq nodded, thankful for John's understanding. Allan was still smirking at them in amusement, and she guessed some bawdy remark was on the edge of his tongue.

Will glared at Allan. "Do you mind?"

Allan chuckled. "Alright, yeah. Calm down, keep your shirt on. Oh, wait..." His words dissolved into his own laughter and he waved in their direction before following John and the mute girl into the woods.

Once they were out of earshot, Djaq sighed. "Well, that was...different."

"Yeah." Will was distracted as he searched for his things. Some of his tools had fallen out of his belt when he had undressed so hastily, and he was busy tracking them down in the underbrush. "It's probably good they came though. It's getting late."

Djaq nodded, jamming her feet into her boots and straightening her clothes. "Torloton is nearly a day away. It will be harder if we have to travel in the dark."

Will had been strapping on his toolbelt but stopped abruptly. She frowned at him. What now?

He took her hand in his. "Listen, Djaq. About that." She felt his thumb stroke over her knuckles. He was trying to reassure her, but Djaq felt only worry at the gesture. "I think you should go with Little John. To Newstead."

"What? After all this?" She squeezed his hand. "Why?"

"Because it's important." He brought her hand to his mouth, and kissed her fingers, the act so tender it nearly made Djaq cry. "I don't like being away from you. Not even a little bit. But we should help people, as much as we can, whenever we can.

"But not for the king. And not even for Robin. For all those people we've lost, the ones who cared. Your father, and mine. Bassam-"

"Marian."

Will nodded. "Yes, especially Marian."

Djaq smiled, cupping his cheek in her hand. "You are so good, Will Scarlett. The world will remember that about you."

He reddened and shook his head. "I don't care about all that."

"I know." She kissed him softly. "It will be very hard to be away. Impossible."

He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. "We'll see each other soon. Say, in four days. Just meet me here, midday or so."

Djaq considered it and nodded. "Yes, that's a good idea. I'll find some excuse to slip away, shall I?"

Will laughed. "Well, after what they just saw, I don't think you'll really need an excuse."

She joined in his laughter, pleased his mood was so much better than even a few minutes ago. She kissed him again, this time more soundly. "I love you. Never forget it."

"I know. And I won't," he said. He smiled, but it did not quite reach his eyes. "Be careful."

She nodded, taking his hand again as they walked back to the clearing, to their friends and their new lives.

-000-