Chapter Seven----------------------------
Anna's search party returned to Sherwood a few hours later. Robin was surprised when he saw them come close to camp: Anna was clinging to Allan, and clearly had been crying.
The siblings separated from the other two, and walked out of sight, into the trees. After seeing Anna, a rare thing occurred, Robin admitted he was wrong, if only to himself. He got up and went over to Djaq and John. "Where did you find her?"
"She was in the castle. In the hallway, right outside of the dungeon door. I found her there, she was crying, Robin. She won't tell anyone why she was crying or why she was there." Djaq looked in the direction Anna and Allan had taken.
"Do you have any ideas?" Robin asked.
Both shook their heads, "No. . ."
They were interrupted when a man rode into camp, a long, black coat flowing behind him. "Do you know Anna-A-Dale? I'm an old friend of hers?"
The outlaws exchanged shocked glances. Finally, Robin spoke up, "She isn't here right now. Wait a few minutes. She's just gone off for a walk with her brother. I could get her though, if you'd like."
"I'll wait. I just have one question, why is she in the forest. I heard there are outlaws." His eyes wondered about his surroundings, as if one was going to jump out at him.
"Oh," Robin grinned, "She can explain that."
Anna and Allan strolled through the forest. Allan was smiling, she was holding on to him exactly the same as when their first dog, had died. "You can tell me anythin'. Well maybe not a few things but." He flashed his famous smile.
"Not right now, Allan."
"Alright, alright, at least I can say I tried," he squeezed her hand. "Do you think we should 'ead back to camp?"
"Yes," she mumbled.
They were almost to the clearing where the others stood. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"
"Allan!"
"Fine! Sorry!"
First Anna stepped out into the outlaws' sight, then Allan. "What happened? If you don't mind me asking?" Robin strode to her.
"Nothing. . .Marian is safe. . ."
"Hmm, okay." He walked off, pondering where she had been. And how it involved Marian.
Their visitor, as soon as she came into his vision, walked over to her and swept her up into his arms, "Anna!"
Almost as startled as everyone else, she whipped around to face him, "Adam! I'm a married woman, get off me!"
"Married?" All of the outlaws, and Adam stared at Anna, dumbfounded.
Realizing what she had said, Anna blurted, "Well, no!"
"Goodie," Adam kissed her.
Only momentarily though, Anna kicked him, strangely the same way Marian's impostor had kicked Robin. She got the same reaction as well. "I told you to get off!"
The man groaned, "Same Anna." He grunted as he got to his feet unintimidated by Anna's disapproval, "So how's my little brother doing? In his letter, he mentioned you."
"I don't know who you're talking about."
"Surely you remember Joel! How could you forget?"
"Shut up, Adam."
He shrugged, "What did I say?" He was all excited. I understand you two are engaged. I can't let him have you! I'm in love with you, plus I would be ten times the better husband!"
"Adam." She sighed. "I need to tell you something important. Very important. Involving Joel." Anna took his hand in hers and lead him away from the rest of the gang.
Soon their shouting could be heard, "Then just tell them who it is!"
"Shut up, Adam! You don't get it!"
"I get the main point! You can't just let them do this!"
"I have to!"
"No you don't!"
"It does not involve you!"
"What do you mean 'it doesn't involve me' he's my brother!"
"Do you think I enjoy seeing him like this?"
"I'm starting to wonder! Just tell them!"
"I can't!"
"Do you think I care about Robin Hood and his lover? Well, I don't!"
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Nottingham!"
"You are not!"
"Ow! Let me go! I need to help Joel!"
The sudden silence scared the gang. They didn't know if it was good or bad. "Maybe I should go check on them?" Allan disappeared into the trees. He returned sooner than expected, "I'm just going to leave them be!"
"What are they doing?" Djaq asked.
"Making up."