Chapter 3

Thanks so much to the guest who has left a suggestion for my story. I haven't gone in that direction and you will see why later in the story. But I really appreciate your input and hope you enjoy the rest of the story.

~o~

Despite sore heads the following morning work had to be done. They had a mountain of jewelry and coins they needed to sell in order to get much needed supplies to the surrounding villages. Every outlaw present envied Nasir that morning. He had gone off by himself to sit for his morning prayer and he returned to camp looking refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Much was relieved to see that Will hadn't gone off again during the night. Much had stayed awake to make sure his friend returned to camp. When he finally did return Much wisely didn't engage with him. He rolled over and tried to get some sleep.

As he came awake his dark eyes immediately went to where Will was sleeping nearby. He wished he could talk about it to John or even their new leader Robin but how could he tell them it was his fault Anna had died. He was afraid to tell them. Would they despise him like Will did. Would they blame him too?

He remembered that battle all too well. He hadn't heard Will call out to him. All he could hear was that soldiers sword pounding lumps into his wooden staff. He had to concentrate on deflecting those blows.

Will stared up at the trees. He grimaced at the pounding in his head and the sickness churning in his stomach. But most of all he knew he'd have to get through another day and he was exhausted already.

"Couldn't we postpone meeting up with Conner until tomorrow," John muttered as Marion handed him a pitcher of water.

Robin turned to him.

"Believe me I'd love nothing better but it wouldn't be wise. Even in the unlikely event of Gisbourne and his men finding the goods in the forest there are countless outlaws and opportunists out there. We'd have to leave someone here to guard the caskets and that would bring its own danger."

"Eye, you're right lad," John had to agree.

"Don't worry, you can settle back for a while and eat some of that pork Tuck is cooking up."

"What makes you think I'm cooking up for anyone but myself." Tuck said as he moved the sizzling pieces around in the pan.

"Because you love to cook for other people." Robin gave him a charming smile.

In answer Tuck stabbed one of the pieces of sizzling pork on his pronged fork and held it is out for Robin to take.

"Thanks Tuck," Robin grinned as he took a bite.

"Here, get off he gave it to me."

Marion's thin fingers had moved in for her share.

~o~

After breakfast Robin and Marion set out for Wicham. Mathew always lent them a cart whenever they had goods to off load. They'd meet Connor Farrell in one of the more obscure villages. They didn't have to plan anything with him. Connor Farrell knew when they had come into a haul and they would only have to stop at a certain village and he'd be there. He'd take their goods for a fair price and sell them on to certain dealers. The outlaws would then use the money they had received to buy grain, chicken and cattle to be sent on to the villages. The people of Wicham and other villages couldn't receive money. That would be too dangerous for them. They would each suddenly have an extra chicken or a little more grain in which to make bread. A very subtle change in their circumstance that would slip the attention of the patrols of Nottingham.

~o~

With Robin and Marion gone to fetch the wagon there was nothing for the other outlaws to do but wait. John took first watch, Nasir sharpened their swords, Tuck cleaned the breakfast dishes and Will went to feed and brush down their only horse. He threw his eyes to heaven as he brushed. He could hear the commotion in the bushes a mile off.

"I know you're there," he called out to the figure hiding in the bushes.

With little choice Much moved from his hiding place and went up to join him. He stayed well back not wishing to provoke Will.

"Why do you do that?" Will asked as he brushed out the horses tail.

"Why do I do what?"

"Why do you hide and follow people." There was an edge of anger to Will's voice.

Much could only shrug.

"Are you feeling better?" the boy asked.

Will raised his eyebrows. "I've lost the woman I love what two weeks ago now. Yeah Much I feel great. Life couldn't be better. You should have someone teach you about life and death some time Much."

Will instantly regretted saying that.

Without a word Much turned and headed back towards camp. Will was going to call him back but he found he couldn't. He just couldn't deal with emotion. He began once again vigorously brushing down the horses tail.

~o~

By the time Robin and Marion returned the outlaws were making ready to break camp.

Marion put a hand to Robin's sleeve.

"Robin, let it go." she whispered.

"No Marion it has to be said,"

They all looked expectantly at him. What was the nobleman annoyed about now.

"Who had the watch?" Robin asked. "Tuck was it you?"

"No Robin, I did mine just before dawn."

"Oh it was me," Much spoke up.

"Oh it was me," Robin repeated. "Then why weren't you up in the tree watching Much. The camp is to be guarded at all times."

"I got confused. I thought it was Marion's turn."

"How can it be Marion's turn when she was with me. If a patrol of Gisbourne's soldiers came through here and found the camp unguarded we'd all swing for it. Get it together Much."

"Sorry," the boy muttered as he shuffled off to get his staff and his other belongings.

"Yeah Much come on, you know better than that," John joined in. He was surprised, the boy wasn't usually so absent minded.

Much nodded. He pretended to be sorting through his gear but really he was trying to control the emotion welling up within him. He suddenly felt that someone was beside him and he looked up.

Nasir patted his shoulder and gave him a small smile before moving to collect together his own gear.