Chapter 4: "The Tortoise"
Robin stood beside the small stream running below the new campsite. The brook made little bubbling sounds as it flowed along to the place where he last held Marian in his arms. He could not bring himself to visit the spot. After only three days in Sherwood, Marian retreated to Rufford Abbey with her father.
Founded near the end of the reign of Stephen, the abbey was dedicated to honor the Blessed Virgin. Rufford Abbey sat in the center of Sherwood encompassing thirty acres along the banks of the River Trent. With Marian in residence there, she was right in the middle of Robin's world, but not in his life.
The original plan was to take Edward to his cousin's estate in Lincoln after Robin saved him from the Sheriff's deceitful plan to eliminate the nobles loyal to King Richard. Edward, who was already ailing, had not fared well in the damp forest and Marian feared he would not be fit enough to make the long trip. Her solution, ensconce him in Rufford Abbey to protect him from the Sheriff, and she would accompany him and nurse him back to health.
Robin hated the plan and did his best to talk her out of it. But, she would accept no other option. Marian had been at Rufford for over six months and Robin was despondent. The memory of her clung like an evening mist to the paths and places she frequented. Robin still saw her at times, at the very corner of sight and would turn suddenly only to have the vision disappear. Some days every color in the forest reminded him of his love.
After all they overcame; Robin could not accept this latest reversal in their journey back to each other. He was certain after saving Edward and Marian slugged Gisborne at the altar, she would join him in the forest and they would fight together against the injustices in the shire. His mind understood her devotion to her father, but his heart could not bear always being second; Robin was painfully realizing what Marian experienced when he chose to leave her to follow his King.
Once again Robin withdrew from the group; once again he lost Marian. "I'm here; I am alive," he pleaded with the stoic trees. "Still she finds reasons to stay away. Will she ever stop punishing me for going off to war?" That was Robin's understanding of the situation and his men grew tired of his self pity.
Even months ago his comrades' encouragement could not penetrate the hard shell Robin grew concerning Marian. Much nicknamed him 'The Tortoise' because every time the subject of Marian was mentioned Robin withdrew inside his shell oftentimes leaving the group for two or three days at a time. The leader would not tolerate such behavior from his men, but it became his habit.
After his last disappearance a week ago his men demanded they get back to work. For two days they were active and productive once more. There were purses, trinkets, foodstuffs and grain, all taken easily enough. The old, good days had apparently returned, except for one thing – Robin initially chose a pattern of attacks along the major routes to Nottingham, but it soon became clear their movements brought them successively nearer to the environs of Rufford Abbey.
"We'll be robbin' at the abbey's gate t'morrow," Alan observed dryly as the group returned to camp that night.
John whistled to silence him. "Leave it alone!" he cautioned.
The activity of the day had taken its toll and none mentioned a need for food, not even Much. Everyone settled quickly for the night and was soon in deep, dreamless slumber.
Robin alone remained awake that night, apart from the others, watching the fire die. He knew exactly how near they were to Rufford – he wanted to be near it, knowing Marian was there. He hoped to see her, and each day planned their raids along that route.
That was the last time the gang had a normal day. John took off and had not returned. Now, Alan appeared on the pathway and seeing the depth of Robin's contemplation, debated whether or not he should disturb him. He chose to approach and laid a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Don't you think you've been pining long enough?"
"It's not a dog or a horse I've lost, Alan."
"I know. But it's been months now."
Robin's eyes flashed blue fire, "I cannot forget her!" Alan should know better than to intrude upon him here. Whatever he had to say could wait. Then, he quietly added, "I never give up…on anyone."
"John is not back yet. Much went as far as Duxford. They say 'e left 'ere last night."
"What was he doing in Duxford?"
Alan answered with a shrug. The way Robin was acting lately, the subject of women was one the band avoided out of kindness. "Djaq and Will are looking for a trail…you comin'?"
With a quick nod from Robin, the two departed.