Part 27
It took the party several days to reach the port of Grimsby. They were far enough away from Nottingham to secure accommodation at an inn. People here didn't pay much attention who stayed and who didn't, the place was thriving. Full of seafaring folk, nobles, merchants, travellers, peasants and criminals alike all mixed into the town so that no one really cared what the man or woman beside him was up to, along as it was not to steal his purse.
A day after arrival Robin had secured passage for them and the boat left the following morning at dawn. Robin and Marian stood on the quay to bid them farewell and Godspeed on their journey. Robin passed each man and the boy a purse full of money.
"This will set you up in Belgium to make a new name for yourselves, to live the life you want to lead and in the way in which you desire to live it," he said.
"You…." Alistair said. "You both have been or salvation. I am saddened that we have left our people behind."
"We saw that those remained will not starve this winter," Robin assured him.
"I know that you did, thank you,"
"And," said Marian, taking Alistair's hand in hers and squeezing it in a reassuring manner. "Whatever lands and wealth you have, it is love that matters. Love for your son, for each other. It does not matter if you have no where to lay your head as long as you both lay your heads together at night and walk side by side by day," she smiled and he took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing her.
Robin after helping Aubrey into the vessel wrapped his arm about Marian's shoulders and they waved at the departing company. Turning to her he said. "I think it is about time we went back to Nottingham."
She smiled, looked behind her at the gang waiting for the word that they were to move on, before fixing her attention back on Robin.
"Yes. I believe it is."