A few people have looked at Chapter 2. And thank you BufalloSoldia115 for your review!

If any of you have a guess at what Robin's big secret is, I'd like to know!

Maybe this chapter will make it a bit easier to guess. :)

Robin learns the lesson of:

True friends!

*Every Chapter will start with a flashback from Robin's Perspective*


I had worked alone in Sherwood Forest, but with the amount of attacks and reach of my arrows, the nobility entertained the idea that I had my own band of outlaws assisting me. By my family's old friend, Friar Tuck's, advice I involved no one else in my exploits. It made both living and my leaving of Nottingham much easier. 'Avoid the company of others.' The wise old badger, had said, 'Man or woman, Robin. It is not only your face that must be covered by hood and night, tis your true name that will be your undoing!'

I had not said any farewells to the friar on my departure; my isolation had grown on me so much I saw no need to. Now however, a moment alone was hardly a choice! If Hucklebee wasn't challenging me to a race of him and my arrows, Galleth was pulling me by the shoulders and telling me the same tale of his 'bravery', changing the story with each retelling. I did not mind the company of Little John, he spoke little, and knew where to find food and supplies in the forest even better than I did. We did help others on our journeys. Poor citizens of England were suffering greatly under the rule of Prince John, just about everyone needed a helping hand or more money to keep on living. One day I we could be serving as farmhands to help a family with sick children, the next we would be planning a raid on the local tax collector mansion to get back their money.


One day we were traveling down the open road to a town farther out. I warned Galleth that it was dangerous for us to be out in the open, but the raccoon insisted that whatever danger could befall us, we could manage it. Galleth never listened to any words other than his own. Our journey brought us to the bank of a river where Hucklebee and Little John suggested we rest for the day and continue tomorrow.

"Nay!" shouted Galleth pointing his sword to the sky. "We journey on. The righteous have no time to rest. Who knows what villainy the king's men may accomplish while we dally?"

My sigh of exasperation went unnoticed. All the enemies we have faced so far have been rogues and random thieves. We met a few money grubbers here and there, but definitely not enough for us to be considered 'enemies' to the Prince. "Galleth," reasoning with this knight was often futile, but I still tried. "We must also rest to put up a fight against these men. To neglect rest is the same to neglect practice, let us stay the day here. We will make up the time with new energy and morale tomorrow."

Galleth pondered this for a moment. "Very well, Robin. We shall rest for the night."

I received looks of gratitude from Hucklebee and Little John. Galleth immediately set his crooked lance to the side of a tree and rested himself beneath it, taking my words to heart. Hucklebee came up and tugged on my arm. "By Jove, Robin you truly are a master strategist!" His words were excited, but hushed.

"Twas merely logic." I told him. "Hucklebee, you should rest and stay here with Galleth. Little John and I will find kindling and food for tonight."

I was more often in Little John's company that either of the others. He was a very friendly beast, and with a big heart. He also knew more about the layout of forests than I did, so he and I were often the ones doing chores.

A few trees had some dried twigs and branches beneath them not far away from where we stopped. Little John began collecting nearby berries and nuts in a bag for us to eat later, while I reached down to find the dry twigs and branches for the fire. I took but a few steps from my comrade when a sound made me pause and look up from my lower location. There was a river here. It would make sense, a forest as this requires a source of water. I could see the flowing water making crystal blue leaps over the rocks. It looked so lovely and refreshing. I thought of after completeing my task, I must sneak away from the others and bathe. I try not to do this too often, but we have been so far from such a beautiful river for so long! Oh, I will have to be extra careful so that the others do not follow me. As I was gathering the kindle wood in my arms, Little John spoke up. "Robin… sick?"

I stopped. Sick? Oh dear… perhaps he noticed my hesitation. I tried to distract him. "Sick? Not I, Little John. But these twigs I am unsure are fit to be firewood."

He slowly shook his massive head. "Robin… No like…Water?"

Oh, he did notice. I would never have guessed that Little John would be so observant. Then again, perhaps his quietness is due to a skill in observation. Slowly, I turned around to speak, "Yes." He did not usually demand a long answer, but he will tell Galleth and Hucklebee about this eventually. They will ask if he does not.

"My sister, Marian… when we were young she drowned in a river in front of me. I couldn't save her. I cannot stand being in such running waters." I avoided his eyes as I told my tale. In case he tried to look, I worked to make my face hang with sorrow. Little John is so pure-hearted; it both makes him a great friend to have and a hard person to lie to. I am used to lying when it is called for, but to Little John… it has become harder and harder when he comforts and believes every word I say.

With the sun to my back, I can see his giant paw reaching out to comfort me. I inwardly stiffen. I cannot be touched! "I!" Think fast, Robin! "I will go on ahead, Little John. Here, take my pile of wood back to the others. I will go farther down and search for suitable foods for the fish we will catch." Placing the pile of twigs in his giant arms, I then put distance between me and my comrade.


I indeed find berries and herbs for eating, as well as natural medicines we will no doubt need before we reach our destination. Galleth tends to help every poor farmer, and damsel in distress he finds on the road. We end up wasting our energy and supplies long before we were preparing for the original battle. Galleth is just too reckless. His adventurous spirit is admirable, if it weren't testing my PATIENCE at every possible turn!

Just the other day, Galleth challenged a local noble to a duel because he had not paid for a meal at the tavern. The noble was arrogant and had made some crude remarks to the people at the tavern, though none of us were present at the offence. The noble agreed saying he looked forward to humiliating Galleth the next day. Galleth's code of honor did not forbid him from killing, but felt that there was enough useless bloodshed from the higher classes doing as it was. He said he planned only to defeat the noble, who was a cat, and demand the money he owed the tavern along with the noble's well-known family jewel.

During that venture the work was divided up. While Hucklebee assisted Galleth in dueling practice, Little John stole Galleth a new shield from the blacksmith's, and I scaled the noble's walls to learn what we could about the man. What I learned was that the noble cat had fully planned to cheat, spreading olive oil over the dueling area and traps so Galleth would fall into them. I spent the entire night, sabotaging the traps and placing my own. When I got back I told my friends everything, and we rested to prepare for the morning. Only to find out in the morning that a whole crowd had assembled to watch the duel, and Galleth was pointedly not invited in. According to the guard only those recognized as nobility or knighted could enter and use the arena. The regulation was new. It had been placed upon by that very noble the previous night. And Galleth… everyone knew his title of 'Sir' was honorary (self-given), he had never been officially knighted.

Yet this had not stopped Galleth. He seemed to accept, leading all of us away despite our protests. I had begun looking at the building to see a way to sneak in without the guards notice. I was about to tell Galleth when he went ahead with a plan of his own! Catapulting himself right into the arena! Our only clue as to how the landing went was the resounding roars of laughter from inside the arena. Galleth... But he won the duel, and gave the tavern-keeper the money owed to him, as well as the Celestial Tear that Galleth kept for himself.

Careful planning, exact precision, and Galleth just has to bypass I all and be a bombastic idiot! Though it is unfair to some degree to say that, I suppose. He is by no means…well, he is arrogant but not the degree of the cat-noble. But he is good-intentioned, and seems intent on becoming the hero of legend so desperately needed in these times. And I should not be angry for my plan not being used. We were there to get someone's money back, not fight for center stage.

As I come back to our camp, I take note of the area we are currently in. True that Galleth had stopped when asked, but I need to make sure we are properly hidden. Galleth makes his own enemies, I will need to know if we will be found here and where I should sit and guard other at night. At the beginning, I didn't care much for the others' safety, they were full grown men and could manage themselves, particularly Little John. Then… medicine and wounds needed to be treated, enemies started becoming more dangerous, we often had to rest close when watching for danger to others and I slowly started lessening my distance from them. Most resting periods were done during the day, for our 'raiding' is our most sufficient deed and best done in the dark of night.

Galleth's ability in nightly maneuvers were better than I could have imagined! While his armor clanked and often gave away his location as he ran, he already had the makings of an impressive thief. His Catapult Crash (that I learned was what his crooked lance was for) could send him flying higher and greater distances than I could jump on my own. Galleth still favors frontal assaults, but his fearlessness is to be credited.

Instead of going directly into the campsite, I leap into the trees as I come closer. I do this often not only for the 'Knights' of the Cooper Order, but for my own benefit. After telling Little John my little story, I have to know Hucklebee or Galleth may have heard it.

I listen and watch. Apparently the three of them are conversing.

"Then shall we divide up Robin's share?" says Galleth.

"Robin… coming back." Little John.

Then Hucklebee says, "But if Robin does not like water, then does he like fish?"

Silence. I unconsciously cover my smile. Oh, these silly knights!

Little John, slowly shakes his head, "Poor… Robin."

"Indeed, friend." Galleth says. "Perhaps we hath judged Sir Greensleeves wrong. Though he is not one who searches for company, we should have suspected he had his reasons."

"But Little John said his sister drowned as a child!" Hucklebee interjected, a bit angrily. "Sure that makes it a sadder story, but why ain't Robin with us sept' when he's needed? He don't even sleep in the same clearin' as us. An' all those times, there were no river!"

"Stay yourself, Sir Hucklebee." Galleth says, trying to calm him while tending the fire they sat around. "Robin is a most strange fellow. Though his heroics are known far and wide, he is far younger than I had imagined. Let us not forget he is also an incredibly gifted archer! I would not have anyone else in his place."

"Ah, I ain't complainin' bout Robin, Galleth." Assured Hucklebee, "He's saved our skins far more times than I can count." The fire crackled suddenly. Galleth must have abruptly stopped. "It's the truth Galleth an' you know it. Robin's a fella does a lot ah thinkin'. By the time e'en one of us think up a way in to a scuffle, Robin's already figured a way in and out five times!"

I heard Galleth chuckle. "I admit, tis true what you say."

What? Did Galleth just say, what I think he said?

"Robin is the best strategist. No move he makes is not without reason, nor does it fail to reap rewards."

A surge of gratitude swells inside me. All this time I thought my thoughts were taken for no more than granted when in truth they are noticed! Galleth you hath made me think you a fool many times. Do not disappoint me this time!

"Recall my last exploit: the Duel with Master Meowsley. Robin not only discovered the traps and oil by that crooked-tailed coward, he also informed Little John of what type of shield I needed to turn the plan against him."

"Battering…Dash…"

"That's right!" Galleth was going into a story, I could tell. "A thick, well-enforced shield that whenever I slipped toward that noble would slam him into the traps and keep me protected. Hucklebee, you agreed that I should have had such a shield all along!"

"Aye, I did." Hucklebee agreed. "Robin was gettin' a headache over how many times ya just charge in without thinkin'. I said the shield an you were meant to be!"

Hucklebee! Such words were said in confidence! How dare you blurt them out while telling me to watch my tongue?

But to my surprise Galleth laughed heartily. "Ha ha! I know I try his mind, but know the truth is that I respect it. Though I call him a lad, I love Robin with all that is due to him. He inspired my quest to gather many knights together. And to fight beside him is an honor I could never have imagined nor let pass when the opportunity presented itself."

I roll my eyes.

"Robin…not… want… to come." Little John says little, but he speaks the truth.

"What?"

"He's right, Galleth." Hucklebee interjects again. "Robin wasn't fully convinced. We both said we'd stick with ya ta help. Robin keeps to hisself nearly all the time, part ah that may be bein' press-ganged into the Order. Ye even changed his name!"

"Well…" I could hear the awkwardness in Galleth's voice. "I suppose I was a bit forceful with my, erm, invitation. But the lad has had plenty opportunity to up and run and he has declined."

I could imagine the moment of silence was Little John and Hucklebee sharing a look with each other. Truth, that I hath plenty of opportunities to leave. But I have never tried. Despite my promise and the distance I set up, I have enjoyed more consistent company. And I was on my own quest that aligned with this Order's.

I hear Hucklebee speak up next, "I love Robin too! He's a good friend, when he ain't angry, bossy or pushin' ya away! He's smart an' is a right, fine, good doctor when we need 'em. An' he's sure the best master planner England's ever had." The rabbit stopped for a moment. "But other than that; the news 'bout his sister is the only real thing we know 'bout him!"

It suddenly felt like a stone had been dropped into my stomach.

"His archery is right fine to prove that he's the…Robin Hood." He said the last bit in whisper. I still heard it. "But we can at least say three differ'ent things 'bout each other while Robin's person has only a mark of one!"

I feel as though I am being accused and they do not even know I am present. I had not guessed that this would occur. I have had several stories lined up in my mind to tell them in case they asked about my previous life. Then the thought strikes me. But how could they ask when I constantly avoid them? Oh, how could I have overlooked this? Yes I must avoid too close of company, but I am so used to not explaining myself that I…

That I barely remember how to speak to others. Little John was the first to ask, and it was today that was the first opportunity. A lack of explanation is shadier than a sloppy tale. No wonder Hucklebee feels suspicious. But how do I remedy this? I care for these men and want to part of their noble quest, but how can I stay and keep my secret if there is already a weakening of trust? Assuming there was any to begin with.

Galleth speaks up in a roar. "Now that's enough!"

Galleth's voice… I've never heard him so angry. Not even when confronting an opponent have I heard this kind of rage from him. "I will not hear a single word more against Robin! Though Robin is as mysterious as the night, he is also a true as the steel in my sword! Many a time, when a foe hath attacked as from behind, twas Robin's keen eyes and swift arrows that saved our lives. Many a time as we lie with wound flowing like a river, and tis his quick thinking and knowledge plants and medicine that spared us to fight another day!

"The lad is hardly uncouth, perhaps he has lost some ambition, but he still hath the glow of those who seek to wench the fire that burn against the unfortunate! Tis the sight I saw the first day I met him. Though much of time has passed since then, I will remember it. Robin, even as Greensleeves, shall be a mighty archer that will surpass even his former name! Has he not been instructing all the three of us his secrets to nightly maneuvers? And I, Sir Galleth Cooper, shall charge ahead with my unbreakable Order, its numbers counting for all those who are and are not with me now. Robin's name will be known only to those who share the oath of our Order, he will inspire them to be even greater men! Let him have his quiet and in peace if tis in mourning, his soul will surely find itself consoled in the company as we grow together. Let it be clear that I-"

I leap down from the tree. Galleth has defended me more gallantly than I ever could have imagined him doing. He loves his speeches, and to an extent so do Hucklebee and Little John. Never before did I know Galleth held such respect for me.

"Friends!" I greet them, not in my usual fashion. They all turn, even Galleth who is posing like a statue. "This forest is abundant is not only berries and herbs; I took the time to make a basket to carry as much as possible. Let me quickly sort them and we may get to feasting."

In a short time, most of the berries are eaten, and Little John and Hucklebee engage in conversation, leaving me to Galleth's company.

"You were making quite the monologue as I approached Galleth," I told him, stuffing a blackberry into my mouth. "To what means were you speaking to them about before I interrupted?"

He can say such words to the men, but what of to me?

"Ah… I was… Twas of…" Hm? Speech escapes him? Two impossibilities have happened today. "Twas of our future glory! Yes, that!"

I playfully punch him in the shoulder. "I know you lie. But then, I too. I heard you speaking before I approached. You all find me unsocial."

A look of clear embarrassment comes over Galleth. "Nay! Nay! Robin, thou art entitled to thine secrecy. Little John merely told us of the unfortunate incident of your sister, and Hucklebee spoke his mind out of exhaustion and frustration!"

"I also overheard you defending me." I tell him with a sly smile. "I thank you, Sir Galleth. I am not upset nor even surprised by Hucklebee's words. But your speech of admiration… huh, I fairly say I do not have the words to convey my gratitude."

At this Galleth does something he does fairly often: Hooks me round the shoulder using one arm in a friendly gesture. "Twas a true speech if ever I have spoken! Robin Greensleeves is a worthy ally to have, and an able friend in any time. When we first met I had expected someone of your reputation to be much older. But methinks to have achieved greatness before even thy bread has been grown means a far greater destiny still awaits you!"

Normally, I have pushed his arm off by now. Yet, I feel strangely inclined to let Galleth keep me here. Never has another come to my defense like just now. Nor has one ever been so blindly loyal to never question the meaning behind my actions. Galleth may be a fool, but he is a fool that is noble and loyal to his friends. It doesn't matter that he is not knighted, his kind chivalry and honor is all but dead to any 'nobleman' who could knight him. Galleth goes off into a speech about how our next exploit will gain us new members, only stopping to eat the fish Little John caught.

I eat with them, I listen, and throw in my logic and opinions when fit until darkness has well already fallen. In other words, I try to get let these men know me. When talking about my personal life, I still remain vague and hesitant, and they seem not to press in too far. They are more than eager to hear about my adventures while I was the hero of Sherwood Forest. Even Galleth listened with the interest of a child.

But as the fire dies, someone needs to keep watch. "Let it be I." I usually volunteer for this anyway.

"Nay, Robin, let me." Hucklebee stand up and places a hand on my shoulder. "I used ta guard the carrot field at night sometimes. I'll wake ya when I need a few hours of me own." I sense a tone of an apology in his voice and nod in thanks. I jump up into the trees and find a suitable branch to sleep on, the others find places to comfortably rest while Hucklebee goes off to stand guard. Mayhap we should find some weapons in the next house we raid to better protect ourselves. That might make Hucklebee's watch easier for him next time.

As sleepiness begins to fall upon me, I look up at the many stars that light the night above our heads. I have the best view, being the highest. Perhaps I will awake early for the river instead, I did promise Galleth to make up the for the time we rested. A cooling bath should do just the thing for me. In a whisper, as my eyes feel heavy, I say as I do every night, "Goodnight, Robin, my dearest… brother."


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