Much held Robin in a what he hoped was a comforting embrace, worried as his friend's body could not seem to stop its violent shaking. If only Robin would cry, perhaps things would be better.
He remembered Robin's behavior the other times they'd believed Marian dead. This time would be even worse, Much feared. Years of living together as man and wife had deepened the already endless love between the two. Worse yet, the loss of his children would surely send Robin over the edge of some vast unknown pit of hell. Much knew how greatly he treasured his daughters, loving them more than life itself. The loss of all three of his loved ones at one fell swoop was unthinkable...unbearable.
Much would do whatever he could to help his friend, but his friendship, love, and loyalty could never be enough to get him over this loss. It needed a miracle to save Robin this time.
...
Evening. Darkness setting in, extinguishing the light of the day that had seen his precious angels die. Evening on the hilltop. Torches...hundreds of torches carried by those who have returned to see Marian and the girls be buried under the ground.
God was right when He claimed to be a jealous God. He bestowed blessings and then snatched them away when they were too precious for mere humans, jealously seizing them for Himself. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Thanks be to God. Jealous God. Cruel jealous God.
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead give him a serpent? You, Father...You will give him a serpent. You are the Father who does that. Why did I not teach Ellie and Grace the correct answer to God's question? Why? Because I'd never, never guessed the answer would be God.
"Merciful Father, we gather together to honor and bury these..."
You are deceived, Father Gregory. God has no mercy. Not today He doesn't. He allows Gisbourne who was dead to live and walk free, while Grace and Ellen and Marian lie cold and silent, to rot under the ground.
Gisbourne. Gisbourne is the serpent. The huge black snake that slithers over the ground and hides under rocks.
"Our hearts are pierced by their untimely deaths, yet through it all, we gain comfort, knowing that You, Heavenly Creator, are still in control."
So, You are in control, are You? Just like King John. Well, be warned, I never was one to tolerate injustice.
"Heavenly Father, we humbly ask that You be with us to guide our steps and comfort our hearts, as only You can do."
No, thank You. I'll do this alone. I'm through with You.
"Receive their souls into Your Heavenly Kingdom..."
Jealous God. Cruel God. Why give when You only seek to take away?
...
The crowd in Locksley surged, as many came to honor the dead. The light from hundreds of torches turned the night to day, but darkness dwelt in every heart.
Robin's friends watched his grim face as Father Gregory spoke words of comfort. All were devasted in their sorrow, yet their grief could not diminish their fears. Danger lurked behind Robin's eyes. He was in some terrible dark place, and they knew him well enough to realize he would not rest until he acted upon his fury.
And act he did. Just as the first clods of earth hit the wooden caskets placed in the ground, Robin took off like a man possessed down the hill toward his house. Before anyone could get close, he had gathered his weapons, mounted a horse, and was seen riding furiously toward the forest.