Chapter 2
Robin stepped back out into the sunshine, looking up as he walked away from the hut, seeing Azeem leaning against a tree not far away, packing away his various bandages and medical potions that he had used on Will's injuries. The older man looked surprised when he glanced up and saw Robin walking towards him. Azeem straightened up from his task and caught his eye, giving him a curious look. Robin ignored his look, instead deciding to get to the matter at hand.
As Robin came near he caught Azeem's eye, "We need a plan. Some kind of distraction to rescue the men tomorrow." Robin made to move past his friend on the walkway, "I have some ideas but it will take some time to…"
As he spoke the last words he abruptly felt a hand come down on his shoulder. Robin stopped in his tracks, turning around to face the older man. He raised his eyebrows questioningly at his friend, giving him his full attention.
"What is it?"
Azeem returned his gaze evenly, yet unsure what to say to his friend.
The man was surprised at how quickly the Christian had chosen to leave his new brother alone. Although Azeem did not know Will well, he could tell the young outlaw was in pain, and not just from his injuries. He would wager that vulnerability was not an emotion that was familiar to Will. Despite how stoic he had seemed when Azeem had treated and stitched his wounds, the emotional pain had been palpable beneath the surface. For all his youth it was obvious Will was practiced at hiding his emotions. Except anger.
He wondered if Robin had failed to notice Will's state of distress and exhaustion or if he was deliberatel0y choosing to ignore its existence for the time being. It was well known in the camp that Will and Robin went out of their way to avoid each other since the incident with the arrow. While Robin's affable personality easily made him friends amongst the villagers, Will had never been won over. Azeem was disappointed that Robin knew little, if anything about his new brother.
He decided to try a different tact. "You need rest Christian. We have time enough to plan."
Despite the events of the day Robin managed a smile and a slightly amused look. "You want me to take a nap?"
Not about to be sidetracked, Azeem glanced back in the direction of the hut and nodded his head meaningfully towards the structure. "You should not leave your brother alone. He is injured."
Robin's look of amusement faded, becoming alert as his expression quickly changed to one of concern. He too turned back to look towards the door of the hut. "You said he was going to be fine. Are his injuries worse than you said? What are you not telling me…?" he demanded. He made to move past Azeem as he started back quickly in the direction of the hut.
Azeem again grabbed hold of his arm to stop the man. "I was not talking about his wounds. They are unlikely to turn bad."
"Oh?" "Then what did you mean?" Azeem could see the man visibly calm down as he realized that Will's injuries were not dire. Still, he was pleased to see the display of some brotherly concern from his friend. As much as the Christian was in shock from today's revelation, he had hoped the Christian would feel some familial bond with Will.
"He is injured and exhausted. But that is not my biggest fear." "I do not think you should leave him alone right now. You are the elder are you not?" Azeem gazed at his friend with a calm yet alert expression as he posed the question.
"Yes. By quite a bit actually," Robin admitted. As he answered his friend the realization of the age difference between him and Will struck him. Robin had been well into his twelfth year when his father had become involved with Will's mother. That would mean Will was thirteen years younger than him. He was suddenly dumbstruck by this fact. While he always knew Will was young, his tough and often hot-headed demeanor seemed at odds with his actual age.
It was difficult to imagine or even grasp the concept that he now had a brother. All this time. Did father know? His mind shied away from following this train of thought. What would that mean about the father he had grown up with if the man had known about Will this whole time? Despite their differences over the years Robin had loved his father fiercely. His time in prison had only sharpened the happy memories of his father and the desire to return home and repair the relationship.
His parents had been told that his mother was barren after his birth. As much as Robin could recall his father denying over the years that he needed or desired more children, somehow he had always known this had bothered him. If he had known about Will, surely he would have loved him and raised him. His heart squeezed in pain at the thought that his beloved father had abandoned this child he was responsible for. Or even worse, Will's belief that their father had inexplicably somehow loved Robin more. None of it made sense and he felt frustration over the many questions swirling about his mind. Robin knew with certainty that he was not ready to ask Will for the answers. Perhaps I don't ever want to know the whole truth.
Robin's thoughts were brought back to the present abruptly as the screech of a hawk flying overhead broke the sound of silence in the forest.
He looked over again at his friend, who remained standing beside him with that same calm expression on his face. Azeem watched him with a knowing look, as if he could somehow read Robin's inner thoughts and turmoil. Despite Robin's affinity for the man, his unflappable demeanor sometimes drove him insane. Just once he wished the man would act a bit more human and go crazy sometimes like the rest of them.
Azeem finally broke the stalemate. "You cannot just ignore what happened today. Will is your brother now."
Robin hesitated between defensiveness and acknowledging the truth. He gave a deep sigh. The truth won, yet was uttered in the softest of tones.
"I can not fix this. I'm scared to even try...I have no idea how to be a brother Azeem."
Robin almost wished he could take the words back as soon as they were out of his mouth. He was reluctant to admit this fear that had immediately sprung up the moment he had realized the truth of Will's words in the clearing.
Although Robin attempted to ignore the many accolades that were heaped on him for his various exploits with Nottingham, he was not immune to them. He knew he was not infallible, but the idea that he could not fix this situation using his sword or some courageous act left him feeling cold with fear. Some hero I am.
Predictably, Azeem did not appear phased by Robin's reluctant confession.
"You can not undo the past my friend. Life can only be lived forward and you must find some way to overcome this fear. Will is your brother and, despite what it appears, he does need you. He is still quite young."
Although Robin could acknowledge there was truth to his friend's words, he could feel his emotions bubbling to the surface and he felt overwhelmed by them. The day had been filled with great loss, between the deaths of many of the villagers, as well as the loss of Duncan. Then this shocking confession from Will. Robin felt exhausted from even contemplating all that had transpired. Maybe I am in need of that nap.
He felt his chest grow tight, even as he realized at the same time what actions he needed to take. "I do not know what to say to him."
Azeem regarded him sagely for a brief moment, before finally turning away to resume his previous task of packing up his medical supplies.
"Then say nothing."
