Chapter 27
Schemes and Revelations
When James returned an hour later he went directly to Robin. "First, Noor has a gift for you to give the 'servant girl'. Second, what do you intend to do and how much trouble are we getting into? Tell me right off, Robin. You know I'll go neck deep with you and Much into the mire, but I want to know exactly what I'm getting into." He sat comfortably and then tossed a packet into Robin's lap.
"Noor has a gift for Marion?" Robin asked James incredulously. What kind of herbs could Noor think Marion needed? The only herbs he had ever seen the women of the harem take he sincerely hoped Marion would not need soon. She hadn't set a date with Guy yet, had she?
"Well, actually, they're a gift for you. Noor thought you could use this servant to deliver them though. Apparently if you would wish to make someone, oh how did Noor put it, extremely and completely relaxed while still completely awake – a small bit of this mixed with wine would be sufficient. She said to tell you just for reference, it would take approximately ½ handful to turn your Sheriff into what she called a 'zombie' and a full handful for his lackey, Guy. She also said there are about 4 handfuls in the bag." James smiled wryly at Robin.
"You know there are days I think the rumors about Noor may be right." Robin chuckled. "Perhaps the men weren't entirely wrong and the woman truly is a sorceress who can read our minds."
"I think she's just more perceptive than most people give her credit for. My wife always told me that was a man's greatest flaw. We never realized just how much smarter our women were."
"How is Emma doing James? You haven't mentioned her since you arrived. Surely you're excited to see her as soon as this is over?"
"Emma died last winter, Robin. King Richard received word from Prince John just before we left. Apparently the winter's sickness was hard this past year in London and Emma was taken just past Christmas." With that James wiped away the small tear in his left eye. The guilt of losing Emma would never leave him.
Robin put a comforting arm around him. "Your Emma was a good woman, James. I'm so sorry." Why was it that their world had fallen apart while they were out defending God? Robin had wondered about that many nights. It was one of the lingering questions he thought he would always have about the Holy War.
"Goodnight Robin"
"Goodnight James."
Tomorrow he would take the powder to Marion. Perhaps if she could manage to drug Guy and the Sheriff they could make the peace process work. With the Sheriff and Guy out of commission, Marion's father would be forced to take over the peace negotiations and a true lasting peace could be established. Rolling over, Robin sighed contentedly. Between all of them, they could make peace work. He pushed thoughts of what he would do about Noor and Marion from his head.