Chapter 17 "The forest is a comforting companion."
Robin walked aimlessly along the well-known river that ran a short distance from camp; he struggled daily with the dilemma of how to retrieve Marian from self-imposed exile, a perilous circumstance for the leader of wanted men. He knew any day his friends would confront him with his lack of leadership. His lieutenant would not be silent much longer; injuries may have slowed him down, but Little John would speak his mind eventually.
The rumor mills in the villages were at full tilt gossiping about the trouble with Robin and how were they to manage against the Sheriff without him. A year ago the earl's son returned from the Crusades and immediately took to the forest to save the villages from the Sheriff's savagery. They depended on his help, but Robin was unable to help himself, let alone anyone else.
After five years away, he rebuilt his relationship with his oldest friend and hoped to rekindle their romance. But as he put service to his King before Marian, she put the safety of her father before him. Robin did not like being second.
When he thought Marian would join him in Sherwood; they could do their good works together and Robin was on the highest of highs. The Fates had other plans. Edward took ill and Marian ensconced them in Rufford Abbey. Robin tried to sympathize with her need to care for her father, but there were dozen's of nuns to tend to Edward and see to his every need.
In one of their many arguments he selfishly shouted, "I have needs too, Marian!" He regretted saying it, but it was true. None of his arguments, good or bad could persuade her. Robin felt he had lost her for a third time. How often had he resisted the recurring impulse to go to the abbey and confront her, but another rejection would be impossible to bear.
The sounds of nature were all that disturbed the silence and all that consoled him now. The forest was a comforting companion. Always available, the trunks of sturdy oak were made to lean on or pound with his fists. The graceful branches and fluttering leaves absorbed his sobs; his anguish carried away by the breezes. Gentle rains masked his tears and washed away his pain. And finally, when he fell into exhausted sleep, the soft grasses nestled him like a babe.
"She is gone," he told his tall, forest friends. Three little words described the crumbling of his world.
Crossing the river at its narrowest point, Robin stepped cautiously from stone to stone. He spotted Much upstream, sleeping in the sun. Not wanting to be seen, the hooded man entered the sheltering trees, blending into the shadows. The path he followed passed a small woodland lake. Deciding a swim in the cold, clear water might clear his tortured mind, he stepped into the sunlight.
Finding a secluded spot near the lakes' edge, he unlaced his tunic and tossed it carelessly to the ground along with his Saracen bow and quiver of arrows. Thinking better of it, he picked up his belongings and concealed them in the hollow of a fallen tree near the water's edge. Removing his belt he laid his sword down for quick access, stepped out of his leggings and dove quickly into the lake, the icy water jolting his senses.