Chapter 40
The Future is What You Make It
The next morning Robin and Noor prepared to leave. Before mounting their horses they embraced everyone and exchanged well wishes. Once Noor had settled onto her horse, Much handed Abdullah, now called Edward, to her. He then mounted his own horse and prepared to leave with the newlyweds.
Djaq teasingly asked him "Where are you going Much?"
Much smiled at her. "I am going home to Bonchurch where I will eat, take a hot bath and then marry Eve. Possibly not in that order. Besides, these two need somewhere to honeymoon and Bonchurch is secluded."
As they rode toward Bonchurch Robin looked over at Noor. "So my Princess, where will we be going after our honeymoon at Bonchurch? Where do you desire to spend happily ever after?"
"Haven't I told you Robin? Ever after is simply the beginning and the world is ours." Noor smiled at Robin and Edward happily sucked his thumb.
At the top of the last rise, Robin looked back at his men and his childhood home. Everyone stood there waving and next to the barn he saw the ghost of Marion, in just the same place as she had been the day he left for the Crusades. She blew him a kiss, shimmered and then disappeared in the morning air, just as she had when he had truly left her behind that day and chosen to follow King Richard. Whatever paradise she's in, I hope she's happy there, Robin thought.
Turning back around he smiled at Noor and spurred his horse into a faster pace toward Bonchurch.