Chapter 36
As they entered the cottage, they noticed that Allan and John had already arrived.
"You took your time," Allan smiled.
"We got a little side tracked," Robin commented in return, but he then focused his attention to Marian, who was tending to the baby.
"Any luck?" She asked when she saw him.
"Apparently she has left and relocated somewhere near Kirklees Abbey," he sighed.
"Kirklees?" Marian repeated in confusion.
"According to the man I conversed with, she felt that it was safer than practising right here."
"So what is going to happen now?" The father of the baby asked.
"We will have to find her," Robin sighed.
"The baby's condition does not seem to grave, however, it would be wise for him to be checked," Marian suggested.
Robin simply nodded before turning to the family.
"We should take the baby with us. We do not know the seriousness of your child's condition,"
"We will come to," The father said firmly.
"It could be dangerous," Robin reminded him.
"This is our son. We will not leave him."
"We understand that," Marian told him softly, reaching for Robin's arm. "They should come with us."
Robin sighed and nodded to her.
"We must leave right away."
Whilst everyone prepared themselves and things for the baby, John and Allan approached Robin.
"What is it?" He asked them, sensing that it was something important.
"As we were running, we travelled past Locksley," John started.
"And?" Robin encouraged.
"And it was filled with mercenaries," Allan finished.
Robin sighed anxiously and brought his hand to his lips in a thinking notion. Marian, having overheard, approached them and placed a comforting hand on Robin's forearm.
"It was the same in Knighton," Robin informed her gently, without looking at her.
She remained silent, contemplating what she had heard. Robin heard her gasp and looked down at her.
"Do not worry,"
"What about the villagers?"
"We will help them?"
"How, when we are leaving them?"
"They will manage for a moment,"
"I will remain here," she told him defiantly.
"No, Marian do not do this?"
"People are in danger, our people," she reminded him.
"I know, but for the moment there is nothing we can do."
"Yes there is. I will be more useful here. There will be no point in us all going."
Robin sighed at her defiance, but knew she was right.
"Much, Allan, John," Robin called.
They instantly came over and waited by Robin's side.
"You three take this family to find Matilda. Marian and I will remain here."
"What?" Much gasped. "But surely not Master, I mean, we should stay together."
"It will be wisest if Marian and I remain to tend to the villagers. I trust that you three will be able to carry out this task."
John and Allan nodded understandingly, although Much was less convinced.
"But Master…"
"Come on Much," Allan groaned, grabbing him by the hood of his cloak and leading him out of the cottage, with the family in tow.
"Thank you for your help," the father smiled.
"It has been no burden. Now I trust that my men will help you travel safely."
"Of course,"
The man then turned to his wife, who Robin could see was standing with his own wife, embracing the baby.
"Marian?" Robin called softly.
She looked up, and reluctantly parted with the mother and baby and went to stand at his side. They both walked the family and the gang to the edge of the forest where they then parted.
Robin then turned to look at Marian.
"What?" She asked.
"Nothing," he replied thoughtfully, leaning to press a small kiss on her lips. "First let's go back to the camp," he added with a suggesting smile.
"The people…" she objected lightly.
"…Can wait for a moment, I need to speak with you." He told her seriously, taking her hand and leading her towards their camp.
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