Chapter 21: "Have you seen her?"
As night crept into the forest the outlaws settled around the fire with bowls of Much's fish stew; the quiet hum of conversation filled the air.
From out of the darkness a voice called out, "Robin Hood?"
A man ran into the light of the campfire. Will, Djaq and Allan instantly readied their weapons; Much picked up his shield; the ladle in his other hand was raised threateningly. Little John wondered who would be dumb enough to travel through Sherwood alone, and at night.
Robin walked over to their guest who was too well dressed to be a serf. Despite being doubled over from exertion, Robin dragged the gasping man into the firelight for a closer look.
"You are Sir Edward's steward," Robin said, recognizing him from Knighton Hall.
"Milton, my lord."
"Call me Robin."
"Yes, my…Robin," Embarrassed by the informality, Milton smiled sheepishly, but still bobbed his head to outlawed lord out of respect. "Sir Edward regained his strength at Rufford and should be in Lincoln by tomorrow at the estate of his cousin. We kept his improving condition a secret from Marian, from everyone. With the help of Mother Agnes we managed to keep the Sheriff and Sir Guy unaware of Edward's condition, too." Milton crossed himself as he took a breath. Much handed the poor man a flask which was gratefully accepted.
After a long drink, Milton wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and continued, "For the last week or so I've been doling out Knighton Hall's animals and household goods to different villages. Edward would not leave anything of value with his villagers for fear of the Sheriff's reprisals. We had help from every village so the Sheriff would not suspect our activities."
"That is great news," Much enthused, "Edward is recovered!" They all nodded in agreement, except Robin. He feared Milton would say Marian was to go with him to Lincoln.
Willing the thought from his mind, he forced a smile and said, "You've been a very busy man, Milton."
"Busy and lucky!" Milton grinned. "The Sheriff was preoccupied hosting Prince John's ambassador, so he paid us no mind. Even Sir Guy was conspicuously absent, but I do not know why."
"So why are you here tonight?" Much asked, wondering why Robin had not asked the obvious question.
"I finished packing the personal belongings for Sir Edward and myself, and I am to join him in Lincoln." Milton smiled proudly then took another sip of water.
The outlaws looked at each other feeling there was more to Milton' story; they remained silent.
"I have the wagon packed and hidden in the woods near the Great North Road. But before I leave I must find Lady Marian and tell her…." Milton paused, taking a gulp of air.
"Tell Marian what?" Robin was suddenly interested, and impatient.
"I went to the abbey to tell the lady to go home for her keepsakes and clothing, whatever she wants that is not already on its way to Lincoln with her father. Sir Edward says he is too old and frail to continue fighting against the Sheriff and can no longer protect his lands. Once the Sheriff hears of this, Sir Edward expects him to confiscate all of Knighton Hall."
Robin turned away from Milton and stared into the crackling fire. It had all come full circle, he thought, both he and Marian lost their ancestral holdings to the Sheriff's evil regime. They were both homeless for the foreseeable future. The news weighed heavily on Robin's heart and he fought to hold back the tears welling in his stormy blue eyes.
The other outlaws stepped into the shadows, but all ears were tuned to the conversation.
Turning back to Milton, Robin indicated the steward should sit. "Forgive me, Milton, I should have offered you a seat earlier." The grateful man plopped down immediately on a fallen tree trunk situated near the fire.
"So how is it you've come this far into the forest?"
"Lady Marian left Rufford some time after midnight and the sisters believe she was coming to Sherwood. I thought she might be here."
An audible gasp could be heard above the hiss and sizzle of the campfire as five voices held their collective breaths. A night breeze whispered through the canopy of unseen leaves as the half moon rested behind a bank of gray clouds.
"Marian already knows." Robin said standing up and turning to his friends.
"Master, what do you mean? Have you seen Marian?" Much stepped forward to stand at Robin's side.
"I saw her from a distance. She was headed toward Knighton." Robin kicked himself mentally; all that registered this afternoon was that Marian was headed away from him.
"Are you sure? You did not talk to her. Maybe…."
Robin was not in the mood for one of Much's endless theories. "Why else would she leave Rufford?" He shouted; it was not a question to which he needed an answer. Turning to Milton he said, "You can go on to Lincoln as planned; Marian probably reached Knighton hours ago."
Milton, acutely aware of the charged undercurrent, could only agree. "I'll leave at dawn. Oh, I left a horse in Nettlestone. Please take him, a repayment for your hospitality."
Robin was staring off into the forest so Little John walked up to the man and shook his hand. "Thank you, Milton, 'ave some supper; rest yourself."
"Yes, yes," Much hurried to scoop a bowl of stew, "I think you will find this is spiced to perfection." Much stepped back proudly; his infectious grin brought smiles to all their faces. Robin had disappeared into the darkness.
Much spun around, tearing off his head scarf and throwing it to the ground. "I am not going after him! I am not!"
Djaq and Will looked at each other and walked into the forest still holding hands. Little John sat against a tree, bending his outstretched legs at the knee and resting his arms on them, wrists dangling.
"I'm not being funny but he's become a magician our Robin, disappearin' all the time!" Allan repeatedly threw his dagger into a dirt ring he had drawn with his foot. He stopped long enough to ask, "Should we go after him?"
"No!" John shouted definitively. "Give him space…tonight." The look of despair on Robin's face when their visitor mentioned Edward's surrender of his lands concerned his big friend and he wanted none to invade his privacy – but only for tonight.
Much took a deep breath and began clearing the dishes while Milton, bless his heart, had another helping of fish stew.