Happy New Year! And no better way to start the new year than with a new chapter. And of course, the thanks goes to Kegel for her help with this :)

Chapter 37: Entrance

He knelt when he reached the edge of the trees, mindful of how his body protested to the movement. With the recent rain the ground was soft, his knees sinking into the moistened dirt. Robin grabbed the edge of the branch, pulling it on one side so that he could have a better look. He hadn't really any more of a plan now than when he had left Jane's.

It had taken him some time to convince her that he was ready to leave. She hadn't trusted him, and most likely for a good reason. As he was feeling now, Robin was beginning to question if he should have actually come. He had felt well enough that morning, having had no fever, and the strength had returned to him after a full night's sleep. But it had not lasted, his earlier, fatigued state returning the closer he had come to Sherwell.

But now that he was here, Robin could feel his strength beginning to come back. Perhaps it was from the reprieve he was giving himself now, or simply from seeing the manor from where he sat. He was still within the line of trees, sheltered from view of the guards that patrolled the area. Robin could see the entrance to the mines, and wondered briefly if there was any chance he would make it there unseen.

Unlikely. He let out a snort, shaking his head. Even if he did, what would he do once inside? There were guards positioned at the bottom of the shaft, and Robin doubted they would take kindly to his appearance. Most certainly knowing that if Nathaniel's and Dax's ploy had worked, they all would believe him dead.

No, slipping inside would not work. Nor would fighting his way in. Even in his best condition he was far more than outnumbered. Given his state now, Robin doubted he would be able to take anyone down, let alone all of Alfred's men. It left him few options, and the faintest of hopes.

"I need your help," he said finally, resisting the urge to look behind him. He had heard the other approaching, and knew already who it was.

"You're mad," Dax told him coldly. To this, Robin did turn, meeting his gaze.

"You knew I would come back," he gestured with his hands. How else would Dax know that he had been here? It was obvious the man had been keeping an eye out for his return.

"I figured you would have waited until you were better."

"I need to get into the mines," Robin ignored the last comment. He did not have the luxury to wait until his hurts were fully healed.

"Now you really are mad," Dax shook his head, and turned to leave.

Robin was up on his feet, despite the pains throughout his body. A few quick steps and he had caught up with the other, Dax coming to a stop to face him as he neared.

"You said it yourself," Robin told him angrily. "You said that if I was to do anything, I first had to live. You knew I would be here… and you knew that I would ask this of you. And you promised me that you were going to help me. Or was that all a lie?"

"Help you?" Dax raised an eyebrow. "I helped to save your life. And if you're foolish enough to throw it all away, then by all means, go ahead. That's your decision. Not mine."

"What about Jane?" Robin wondered, curious. "You have a chance to be with her, like the way that you want. Not only that, but you can do the right thing, and put an end to this. I have a plan, but I can't do anything unless I can find a way back into the mines. That's all I'm asking; will you help me with that?"

He stood where he was, unresponsive, hardly even looking in Robin's direction. The man seemed torn, weighing the inevitable decision that had been placed before him. It was an easy choice for Robin. He would have helped if anyone had asked him the same. Yet Dax was not the same as he was.

Robin still was not sure to who Dax was loyal to. While he had never given Robin away, he had been reluctant to help when he first had been taken prisoner. Still, he had helped… and he had done what he could to keep Much safe from harm, two things which Robin was eternally grateful for. But if that had been for Robin's benefit, or if Dax had done it to clear his own conscience, Robin could not say.

Dax met his gaze at long last, shaking his head slowly. "This is foolishness, but I might I have an idea."

Robin nodded, knowing the former was true, but was elated almost to hear the man agree to help. He started forward, but Dax shook his head, motioning for him to stay where he was.

"Stay here… I'll need some time."

He had stayed as Dax had asked him to. For a time he had stayed where he could see the happenings of the manor, which in truth were not much. Most of the people he saw had been guards, and children, moving from the manor to the entrance of the mines, carrying out the duties that were expected of them. He saw Dax once, crossing the grounds, and later on, caught sight of Latimer, causing his breath to catch in his throat.

Robin had pulled back after that, deciding to find a more comfortable spot to rest. He hadn't gone far, a few paces back to where a group of several trees grew in close quarters, fitting himself inside the open area between the trunks. He had wrapped the cloak around him, keeping the hood up to ward off the drizzling rain that had started, and eventually, had fallen asleep.

That was something he was trying desperately to not do here. Robin could still remember how foolish it had felt. To be caught so unawares. Had he been armed, Robin knew he could have done some serious damage. Even Dax had been surprised at how fast Robin had reacted, had barely avoided being belted by the punch. Robin was angrier at himself for having even slept, and being so easily approached. He could only imagine what might have happened had it been someone else who had found him, rather than Dax coming back as he had promised.

They had taken their time, Dax insisting that Robin calm down, before they had gone towards the manor. When he had, Robin kept his head down, and followed Dax to the back, where they slipped inside through the kitchen doors. It had been quiet then, the night fully upon them, and easy to pass through the halls. Robin had been led down a series of hallways, a confusing path, to a room he had not been in before. It was here that he was left to wait once more.

The room was not very large, but it did have a back area that was separated with a bit of cloth. Behind it there were an assortment of supplies; clothing, tools and old parchments that had been withered away over time. It was here he had squeezed into, and now was waiting. Dax had brought him a satchel of food, a flask of water, and bade him to get some rest, claiming it would be morning before anything happened at the earliest.

Rest was not something that would come so easily. Still burning from the humiliation earlier due to his reactions, Robin did not want to find himself in the same situation twice in less than a day. Furthermore, he concluded, it was difficult to sleep in a place where anyone could be your enemy.

Dax and Nathaniel, he knew, would bring him no harm, but he was certain many, if not all, of the other guards, would not hesitate to give him away if they happened to find him. Robin wanted to be alert, wanted to be able to take control of the situation if things did not go according to plan. How he would manage to do that, given his current situation, he wasn't certain. But it would be far better for him to be awake and aware, rather than sleep through it all, and find himself in a worse situation upon waking.

He ate what had been brought, drank half the water in the flask, before turning his attention to other matters. The short time he had spent recovering had done little for him. There was still pain, considerable pain, but less than there had been before. It would be some time before he was well again. If he would ever be. It had been a long time since he had last been completely well.

It was years ago, before his life as an outlaw, before the war even. That was when things were simple, when he was simply the Earl of Huntington, Lord of Locksley, and his only worries were making sure the peasants had enough food to eat and caring for the village.

Robin doubted he would ever be that person again. Years had gone by since he had last lived at Locksley. His short time after his return from war could hardly be counted into that fact. It was as though he had been more a guest there, rather than Lord. The forest seemed more his home now. He found more comfort there than he did while at Locksley, or in Nottingham. And he found comfort being among the others who were back at camp.

Robin had never given much thought to what might happen to any of them when the king returned to England. They had spoken of it from time to time, yes, but they never really discussed it. Of course it was assumed he would be reinstated at Locksley, that Much would finally have his Bonchurch… and the others… it was hard to say.

It was not likely they would stay in the forest forever, though Robin could hardly imagine them anywhere else. Perhaps they would come back to Locksley with him, or go about their own ways, returning to their homes just as he would. Those times seemed more like dreams than anything else, however. Living in the forest… it was what they knew, and by now, it seemed like they had always done so. And being here, the change in accommodations, left Robin longing to have it all back.

It would be so easy to simply leave. To walk through the forest, back to Sherwood, and continue on as though nothing had ever happened. But Robin knew it would not be the same. He would abandon those here who were counting on him. Robin would not be able to live with the guilt, but that was not the only reason. He would not leave without Much.

Robin wondered what the other was thinking. They had not parted on the best of terms the last time they had seen one another. They had fought, briefly, over Eleri. What would become of her, and how would Much handle knowing the truth? Robin could only hope he could talk sense into the man.

He let out a sigh, leaning his head back against the wall behind him. Robin was eager to sleep, yet fighting to stay awake. Thinking was helping him do so, but by now he had exhausted every memory, had mapped out every plan, and tried to find an answer to every question he had. How much time had gone by? More importantly, how much longer would it be before Dax returned?

It seemed too easy, the door opening as he thought this. Robin turned to look, but otherwise stayed perfectly still, watching from where he sat. Through the cloth he could see the forms, silhouettes, moving towards him. He could hear Dax talking, saying something, and then there was another somewhat familiar voice, perhaps another guard. The third was not saying anything, and though Robin longed to see who the three were, he did not dare to move.

Dax spoke with the other for several minutes, and Robin could then hear the closing of the door. Now there were just the two. There was Dax, who he trusted, but try as he might, Robin could not even recognize who the other might be. He sat still, listening to them talk, picking up a word or two, but never really catching the entire conversation. Robin flinched just then, when his name was called. He sat there for a moment, calming himself, before moving to his feet slowly, and edging his way out.

There was Dax, as he suspected, and another man, who he did not recognize, standing in the midst of the room. The clothes he wore were old, worn down, his overall appearance suggesting that he was perhaps much like him, an outlaw, or a petty thief on the run. The man grinned at him, all the while Dax looked at the two.

"What's the plan?" Robin finally prompted, unable to stand in silence any longer. If something was to be done, it was best to have it over with.

"You will become him," Dax nodded to the other.

"If he's becoming me, do I have to become him?" the man wondered, rubbing his chin as he watched Robin. "No offense, but you don't look too fetching for my taste, with all those bandages and bruises."

"The feeling is mutual," Robin muttered, watching him with a bit of disfavor.

"Henry here is an old friend of mine," Dax explained, stressing the 'old' part. "Inadvertently saved his life a few years back, so he owes me a favor."

"I don't understand," Robin shook his head, still not quite sure what this would accomplish.

"Henry's one of our new miners. I found him loitering around in the forest, and took him in. He starts work today. You'll go down as him, and he'll stay here quietly until tonight, when I can get him out safely."

"Will that work?" Robin was eager to try, but cautious all the same. Already he had pressed his luck once. Doing so again was not a wise decision.

"You keep your face covered, and your tongue still, and it will. Henry was presented as a mute… they won't expect you to talk. And it will be too dark in the mines to size you up properly. You'll be with Nathaniel, and he'll help you from there."

This, Robin liked. He knew it could work, that it would work if played carefully.

"When do we go?"

"As soon as you are ready," Dax prompted him, motioning to the chest that sat to one side. "You'll find clothes in there; once changed, we'll use the shackles, put on a show, and they won't even notice a difference."

Work had gone as usual that day. Truthfully there was hardly any change from the menial labor from day to day. Waking in the early morning, crawling through the mine shafts throughout the day, and coming back to the cave at night. Much was used to the entire ordeal by now, which he considered a good thing, coming to the realization he would be here for what seemed a long time.

He didn't want to believe it would be for the rest of his life. With or without Robin's help, he was determined he would find a way to escape, and bring Eleri along with him. At this point, he had not yet told Eleri about his plans. Loose plans they were, for his only idea was to somehow climb up the side of the drip cave, and out the hole Robin would frequently come in. It was easier said than done, he knew.

Much had already attempted to do so once. He hadn't even managed to get off the ground. The constant dripping of the water had made the sides of the cave slippery and smooth. There was hardly anywhere to grab, or even try to climb. But Much thought reasonably if he had some kind of rope to secure to the ceiling above, he would be able to climb without fault. How exactly he would manage to get the rope up there, he wasn't sure. But he was confident he would find a way. As soon as he managed to find a rope, that was.

He used the water provided to wash his hands free of the dust, and grime, frowning as he worked his fingers over the tired and worn palms. There was a new blister there, something he thought was quite impossible. When he had first started, there had been so many, all of which were painful especially more so when they would swell and pop. The cloths provided to help cushion his hands from the constant blows were not nearly enough. But what should the guards care, Much wondered? As long as they did not do the work, it did not concern them.

He settled down next to Eleri, forgetting his previous woes as he saw the first of the children making their way in. Much was hungry, had been hungry since the last meal, and it almost felt like he was always hungry. This was his favorite part of the day. The supper meal was always larger than the rest of them, and more often than not, Eleri would share her portion with him as well.

At first he had felt guilty in taking her share. But she had convinced him time after time that she never ate all that was given, and was glad to have someone kind like him to share it with. The comment had flattered Much, had made him blush, all the more so when the other members of their group were watching them. They had gotten used to the pair spending so much time with one another, that or they simply did not care, for they said nothing either way.

The boy reached them, setting the large basket down and pulling out the wrapped food one by one. It was passed to their left first, Much having to wait until almost the last before he got his own share. Eagerly he unwrapped the bread, still noting it was fresh, and pulled a piece off to toss in his mouth.

He stilled, watching the boy as he chewed. He almost looked familiar, and after a moment, Much realized why. This was the child that had brought him messages from Robin before. It was not uncommon to see him down here, for he would often be seen carrying the food or buckets of water to the men and women who worked. Still, Much had to wonder if there was more reason to it, catching the boy's eyes.

Rhodri, he believed the boy was called, met his gaze before turning away, handing out the last of the bread. Of course, Much knew it was foolish to hope to hear something. It had been far too long since he had either seen or heard from Robin, indicating his earlier belief that Robin had indeed left him behind. So why then would there be something now?

He turned away, ready to go back to eating, but Much paused, knowing that he did see something. He looked up in time to see Rhodri nod, his eyes flickering quickly towards the back of the cave, to where the tunnel would take them to the other cave. Which meant that Robin was here. Much looked the way Rhodri had indicated, frowned, and then went back to his eating.

Rhodri had left by then, not risking in lingering any longer. There was no way for him to tell if Much had understood his gesture, or even was going. Much had it in mind not to. Robin had not come for him before, had intentionally shut him out, and now wanted to command him like a trained hunting dog, to come running when he called. He would not be like that. Robin would find out how it felt to be on the other side.

As he ate the rest of his bread, he looked up, pausing as he saw Eleri watching him. She said nothing, for the others around them were still awake, but he knew what she was thinking. Eleri must have seen Rhodri too, must know that Robin was waiting for him. Scowling he turned away, and prepared his bed roll, more than ready to go to sleep.

He lay on the ground, head resting on his arms as he closed his eyes. Shortly after, he opened them again, eyebrows furrowing as he saw that Eleri had moved closer to him, leaning near so that she did not have to speak very loud.

"When will you go?"

Before, he had always waited for the others to go to sleep. Yet now that Eleri knew of Robin, she would want to come. Much shook his head, closing his eyes again.

"I'm not going," he stated simply.

He wondered what she would say to that. She would be happy, he supposed. Eleri never much cared for Robin, had never taken a liking to him and only seemed to tolerate him when she found out he was going to help. Or so he said. Much could only wonder briefly if Robin had come back to help. He couldn't think of another reason why the man had come…

He opened his eyes to find Eleri still watching him. It was a sad, forlorn expression on her face. That alone was troubling, and he found himself frowning.

"What?"

"You should go," she encouraged him.

"I waited… we both waited for him to come already," Much answered, clarifying himself. "He could have sent word, could have at least let us know. Instead of letting us believe differently."

"Yes," she agreed, nodding. "Maybe he has a reason for that. You're upset with him, but is that any reason to let this chance slip away? What if he does have a way out? You're willing to give that up because of what? To prove a point?"

What she said made sense, but still it left him confused. He sat up, leaning on one elbow. "Why are you saying this? I thought you didn't like him."

She shrugged mildly, turning away as if it were no big deal.

"I honestly don't think my feelings towards him matter in the least," she admitted. "But if he has a way out of here, I want to know."

"And if he doesn't, then it only proves that you were right about him," Much added that fact. He wasn't surprised to see her nod.

"So there is really nothing for me to lose. If you go, you will know the truth as well. That what I've told you is right, or you can prove me wrong, and maybe he is the man you claim him to be."

Much let his gaze drop, thinking over what she had just said. To be honest, he himself was not sure if Robin was the man Much thought him to be. For a long time he had idolized Robin, but perhaps that was because he had no one else. It was like Eleri had told him, a time ago, that it was hard to know any different if you had not seen any different. While Much had seen some difference between his former master, and Robin, that was only two. Robin obviously was better than Hamon had been, but in retrospect, it did not mean that Robin was good.

Much liked to think he was. Still wanted to believe so, wanted to believe that all he and Robin had done for the king, for England, and for the poor to be good. It had to be, didn't it? He let out a sigh, running a hand over his face.

He wanted to get out of here. If he would return to Sherwood, that was unforeseen. He did not want to leave Eleri, was not sure if he could go back to life in the forest. After all, what was there that waited for him? And that was even if Robin would get them out of here, if the man even could…

"At least hear what he has to say."

Much nodded at last, knowing she was right. It was odd, funny almost, because he had a feeling had she not met Robin herself, she would be saying the opposite. Yet maybe it was because Robin had promised her freedom. And she wanted that freedom more than anything else. He met her gaze then.

"Will you come with me?"

In all honesty it was difficult to stay awake. Robin was certain he had drifted off more than once, knowing full well his body was protesting to everything that was going on. Dax was right; he had not fully recovered from his wounds. And it was becoming more and more apparent as the time wore on.

It had taken time for him to change into the clothes Dax had acquired for him. His body was not used to the movements needed, his muscles protesting as he turned and twisted in order to get them all situated. But once he was dressed, no one could tell any different.

There had been a bit of fear with him when the shackles were secured. Memories of recent and past events, reminding him that things never went well when he ended up in irons. Robin had reminded himself that he would be alright, that he was with friends. It was, as Dax had put it, simply for show. All new prisoners were chained, and any without them would be stopped, would be questioned. And when that happened, then they surely would know.

Yet as he was, with the cloth wrapped around his face, the chains binding his arms and legs, no one bothered to look twice. Dax had taken him to the entrance of the mines, and had left him there as Robin went on his own. Climbing had been difficult with his injured hand, had taken him twice as long as it would normally. But it was Nathaniel who was waiting for him at the bottom, and he knew why Robin had been slow.

For a time he was forced to work, being watched by more than one guard. Yet as soon as the others had left, Nathaniel had pulled him to one side. Robin had then led him down the tunnels to where the overhang protruded out into the cave he had met Much in, and with Nathaniel's help, they had used a rope to lower him inside.

It was here he was waiting, hoping that Much would soon arrive. He did not know when Nathaniel would come back for him, and he knew that he had to first speak with Much about what would happen over the course of the next passing days. Rhodri would give Much the signal to come, but Robin hadn't the vaguest notion of what time it was. Not all the way down here. Much would not be able to come until the night.

After waiting for a time, Robin had finally fallen asleep. He knew it would do him good to rest, though it would not cure anything. At least it would help, it would give him some strength to carry on. It was not comfortable, with how he was sitting, that much he could tell when he did wake to find the new aches, and how stiff he was. Robin ignored it, however, knowing he had woken for a reason.

He could hear the voices, and though Robin guessed who it was, he was still cautious. One could hardly blame him, given what had recently transpired. Robin let out a whistle, the common signal used back home in Sherwood, and waited. He didn't have to wait long, the call returning, and it was then Robin knew that all was well.

Moving to his feet was a difficult task, Robin bracing himself against the wall as he edged out from around the corner he had been hiding in. The darkness was cast off from around him, the torch lighting the main area between him and the others. Robin had a feeling that Much would bring Eleri, but part of Robin hoped that he would not. He wasn't sure how he could face her, knowing the truth of what he knew, and say nothing of it. Yet he could not say anything; he could not give in to temptation.

All of them were quiet, Robin seeing the pale expressions on their faces as they sawhim. He had discarded the cloths that had kept his face concealed, and so knew that they could see a great deal even in the flickering light. Robin tried to come up with something to say, to break the silence between them, but found himself at an utter loss of words.

"Master," Much's voice finally was found, heavy in shock as he stepped closer. "What happened?"

"I'm alright," Robin was quick to reassure him. He had not heard Much sound so grief-stricken, not since back in the war when Robin had taken injury. That of course had ended up with a heavy fever, spending a number of days in a restless sleep, fighting off demons. It was strange to ponder over everything, to discover that this was quite the same.

"But you're hurt," the man protested, shaking his head. He switched the torch from one hand to the other, reaching out to touch him.

Without thought Robin pulled back, scowling at the motion. Much had no intention of causing him any further hurts, but all of it had been instinct. He met Much's gaze apologetically, hoping that all of it was not taken poorly.

"I don't understand," Much was shaking his head. If he seemed offended by the slight, he wasn't showing it. Instead there was still concern on his face, an edginess that Robin knew all too well. Robin opened his mouth, about to try and explain, but Eleri cut him off first.

"You were found out."

It wasn't a question. She simply knew; something that shouldn't have surprised him. Eleri, no doubt, had far more experience here than what Much did. Of course she would know, or at least be able to guess to what had taken place. Unable to deny it, Robin simply nodded.

"Found out? What do you mean?"

"How did you get away?" Eleri wondered, paying little attention to Much. Much, however, was not so easily swayed.

"Get away? Get away from what?"

"Some of the guards here are on our side," Robin explained, careful to not use any names. "They helped me, and they're willing to help us further."

"Will someone tell me what's going on?" Much stepped between them, scowling. "What was found out? And what are we getting away from?"

"Alfred," Eleri turned to Much then, meeting his gaze. Robin watched as Much paused, turning back to him the next moment, realization on his face.

"That's why…that's why you didn't come sooner?"

Robin nodded in confirmation. He wasn't sure what else he could say. He certainly did not want to go into detail of what had taken place.

"I take it back then."

"Take what back?"

"Everything I said about you," Much explained quickly. "Well, not everything, just the bad things."

Robin found himself grinning a little, enjoying hearing the old Much. He had missed that too often as of the late, the common sense, the need to over explain. There were a lot of things he was beginning to miss.

"He-we thought you had abandoned us," Eleri added quietly, clarifying herself.

To this, Robin swallowed, meeting Much's gaze even as the man turned away. "I'm sorry, my friend. I would have come sooner if only I could have."

"You're lucky to be alive," Eleri nodded towards him.

Robin agreed quietly. There had already been several people who had stressed his point. Yet by this time in his life, Robin had cheated death so many times, it felt as though it was almost a normal thing to do.

"So what do we do now?"

Much had finally turned back to him, but the guilt was still easy to read in his friend's features. No doubt this would be something they would have to speak of later, when there was more time. However, Robin was grateful for the change of topics. He leaned against the wall for some support, noting how easily he was already getting tired.

"We're going to get you… all of you, above ground."

"How?"

"You'll just have to trust me. But when that time comes, you'll have to be ready. Do you know if any of the others will be willing to help us?"

Eleri was quick in nodding. "From our lot, at least. And the others, I don't see why not. I can't imagine anyone is pleased to be down here."

"How will we know when that time is?" Much wondered, curious now.

"You will know," Robin reassured him. "But say nothing, not until I give word. I do not know how long it will take me to prepare things. But once they are ready, it will go quickly."

"What do we do when we are above ground?" she couldn't help but wonder. "What happens to us?"

"Getting you above ground is the first step," he admitted. "It will be breaking free of Alfred, of the guards, that will be the real challenge. It may involve fighting."

Robin knew the last part for a fact. It was dangerous enough already, what he was going to do, but he would be risking lives even further by subjecting them to armed guards. Yet he would be armed, and so would Dax and Nathaniel. And the miners… they had picks and tools they could use to their advantage. A makeshift weapon was better than none at all.

"And that is all?"

Eleri was watching him, waiting for an answer. Robin nodded slowly. He wished there was more he could say, but he feared he would risk a panic if he did. It would only take one misplaced word to start it all. The less he said to others, the better the plan would hold.

"So we go back and wait? For how long?"

"I will be here, every night," Robin promised, to the both of them. "I will tell you all that I can if you come this way, but if you do come, take caution. I do not want for anyone to suspect what is going on."

"They will not suspect any different than what they already have," Eleri gave him a smile, glancing at Much.

The man was hardly paying attention, his gaze focused on Robin instead.

"You shouldn't be here," he spoke suddenly, causing Robin to frown.

"What do you mean?"

"You should be resting," Much explained, "Getting better. You're hurt, you need to rest… it's what you've always told me."

"I'll be fine, Much," Robin reassured him. "The both of you should be getting back though, before you are missed."

"I won't leave you here," Much was shaking his head, taking a step closer. "What if something happens? What if something goes wrong?"

"What could go wrong in here?"

Much threw his hand up in the air, shaking his head. "I don't know… you could… get dizzy and fall off the side," he pointed hastily, "or the rats… the rats could come and try and eat you."

"Eat me?" Robin scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "Really, Much?"

"They like blood, Allan told me that one time," he explained. "You could be bleeding... and there are rats down here. It could happen."

"You do know that Allan made that up, right?" he wondered, but then shook his head, not expecting an answer. "I will be fine. But you will not be if the morning comes and they do not find you back with the group. You can't stay."

"He should," Eleri spoke suddenly, having stayed silent throughout the exchange. "I'll come and get him before Garner comes. They won't know any different. I promise."

Robin hesitated, but then nodded slowly. He supposed that was true, and he trusted her. And if he was honest with himself, he did not look forward to being left alone. This way, he would not be.

They all agreed quietly, and Eleri bid them both a quiet good-night, before crawling back through the tunnel. Robin watched her go before turning back to Much, still taken aback by the forlorn expression on the man's face.

Now all he had to do was come up with a way to explain all that had happened.

TBC