Chapter 37
The following day, as promised, the trainer allowed the boys a day of leisure. Prior to being allowed to take their leave, however, the trainer informed them that upon their return tomorrow, there would be a test of the academic studies they had been working on.
Some of the young squires decided to return to the castle and remain with the intention of lounging and taking it easy for the day. Others, like Robin and Much, decided that their day would be more entertaining than that. They went into town to find some adventure and fun.
Once in town, the first activity was to find something to eat. "You know what I miss the most?" asked Much.
"What?" replied Robin.
"My mum's pies. I miss the smells that come from the kitchen. Mmmmmm. Yes. That's what I miss."
"They do feed us well here."
"Don't get me wrong. They do feed us well. I enjoy being here. I just miss my mum's cooking."
"She is a very good cook. I miss things from home as well."
"Marian?"
With a smirk and a reddened face, Robin nodded. "Am I that obvious?"
"Only to me. But, you do speak of her often."
"I cannot wait to be home. I want to speak with her."
"Soon. We will get to go home soon."
"Indeed. Now, what should we eat?"
The two friends spent the next several hours enjoying their day of leisure eating and looking at the wares the different vendors had to sell at market. Robin found a beautiful blue scarf the color of Marian's eyes and couldn't resist buying it for her. Much picked up a brooch that sparkled with green jewels.
"This is lovely", he stated.
"Let's buy it, too", said Robin.
"It will look very nice with that scarf you bought for Marian."
"I was thinking that it would be very pretty with that shawl that your mum wears every day. It matches her eyes. You can give it to her and tell her how much we missed her pies."
"Oh, I cannot afford that, Master."
"I will buy it for you to give to her……from both of us!"
"I cannot accept ………………."
"Why not? I am so much happier that you are with me, my friend. And, …I also miss her pies", he said with a smile that reached his eyes. "Let me do this so she will know we missed her and she will have something nice from London." Much nodded gratefully, gave Robin a simple thank you, and it was done. Soon after, they came across the old man that they had previously helped with the broken wheel. They bought a loaf of fresh bread to share and stayed to visit with the old man.
"So, tell an old man. What have you youngsters been up to? Been learning lots?"
They proceeded to share their experiences with the training and their visit from Prince Richard.
"Where you young lads hail from?"
After explaining where they came from and how they had ended up in London, he told them how he had a wife and a son but had lost them to the pestilence some years ago. He had no other family and was often lonely. He really enjoyed the boys taking the time to speak with him and share their adventures.
"Not many lads like yourselves willing to give an old man such as me the time of day." The peasant went on about their kindness to befriend him and how much he appreciated it.
Meanwhile, back at the castle, a shadow moved quietly through the dark corridors. With most of the boys in town and the others lounging in their rooms, the shadow easily snuck around in the quiet hallways. In his hand he held papers rolled into a scroll and tied with a piece of twine. As he lurked in the darkness, he snaked in between the columns until he came to a room with a closed door. He slowly opened it and peeked in to see that no one was around. He then quickly stepped inside, left the papers under a pillow, and snuck as quietly out as he went it. He found it hard to keep his grin from growing as he slithered back to his own room.