CHAPTER 28: "Tell me the truth!"

The outlaw camp was quiet. It had been an eventful day yet no one was talking about it, especially not Robin. He was contemplative, idly drawing in the dirt with a stick. His friends sat silently around the campfire, watching the logs shift and spark into the evening air. Will dropped an armful of firewood, making only a half-hearted attempt at stacking it.

Despite their curiosity, the outlaws did not ask about Robin's earlier encounter with Gillian. They had all heard the stories whispered in the villages, and Robin let it be known it was a topic best not mentioned. But today, it was a prickly silence, an uneasy calm.

Out of the night Marian burst into camp, marching passed the others to stand before Robin. The sight of her, ragged and bruised, brought everyone to their feet.

"Marian! Are you all right?"

"Where have you been?"

"You are hurt!"

"Whoa! I'd like to see the other guy?"

The questions came fast and furiously; Marian ignored them all as she glared at Robin. "Your girl's a real fighter."

Robin jumped to his feet, "Marian! What happened?"

"Nothing I could not handle," Marian said proudly, ignoring the pain as she pulled her shoulders back and tossed her head indignantly. Wisps of brown hair stood out in every direction and particles of dry grass, leaves and dust fell around her after the headshake. Fortunately Robin had the good sense to cover his mouth before he burst out laughing at the sight.

Trying to smooth her hair as if that was the only thing out of place Marian asked, "So tell me about her?"

"Who are you talking about?" He shouted, flinging his hands in exasperation.

"Gillian, you fool!" The shocked look on Robin's face hid a wry smile as he imagined what must have happened in the forest.

"You and Gillian were fighting over…" Little John jerked Much by the back of his tunic, choking him to silence.

Nodding at the others, they followed John into the surrounding trees – out of sight, but close enough to hear the conversation. Will and Djaq pointed toward the trail Marian blazed into camp. John nodded his head in the direction of Nettlestone and mouthed the word 'go.' It was understood the couple would see Gillian safely back to Nettlestone.

Robin headed back toward the fire; Marian followed closely behind him.

"I want to know, Robin. What does she mean to you?"

Turning to face her once, Robin said calmly, "I do not know what you are talking about." Feigning innocence, he was delighted at the touch of green he saw behind those fiery blue eyes.

"Really?" She paced in front of him, "...that is NOT how she tells it! She ambushed me in the forest! Wanting to kill me!" Every exclamation rose in timbre and pitch.

"Gillian did this to you?"

"Did to me!? You should have seen her, the little tart!" Marian walked over and pushed him in the shoulder, "I want to hear it from you, what is between you?"

"Marian, I believe you are jealous?" Robin flashed his cheekiest grin.

"Of that village idiot?" Marian shook her head, "I do not think so."

"Marian…" Robin taunted.

"Tell me the truth!" The more she screamed at him, the more he smiled.

"I am!" He shrieked, but the cheeky grin was quickly back in place. "You ARE jealous."

Marian lashed out, swinging her open palm to slap him.

Reflexively Robin grabbed her wrist; Marian struggled only briefly before the angry passion subsided. Caught up in the heat of the moment, the two suddenly kissed; just as quickly they parted, stunned into shocked silence.

Chapter 29: "I always have; I always will."