Chapter 6: Same old Allan

As dawn broke the following morning the outlaws got up to prepare for their journey north. As Much sorted out some breakfast for everybody Robin made an announcement.

"I think someone should stay behind," he said, scratching at the stubble that shaded his jaw. "With the fire we haven't made deliveries in Nottingham for a few days. I know there are a few people that will be desperate for us to visit. And I'm sure you all want to come to rescue Esther and William, but I really hope one of you will…"

"I'll stay," Cassie said immediately. Everyone turned to look at her and she shrugged. "Like Robin says, there are deliveries to make. Remember Alyson? Her baby is due any day now. She'll need money and food."

John looked at her suspiciously. "That isn't the only reason."

Cassie glared at him. "Yes it is."

"No it isn't!" Allan gestured towards her with his spoon. "You want to investigate what started that fire, don't you?"

Much gave a long-suffering sigh. "Cass, I told you, it was an accident."

"No it wasn't!" she snapped back. "Fire doesn't just happen, especially not when there's a glass lying around that is used to make fire!" She looked round defensively. "What does it matter if I want to find out what happened? Surely it's a good thing – what if it happens again?"

"Fine, Cass, you can stay," Robin decided. "But be careful."

"I will!" she insisted.

Robin narrowed his eyes at her. "I mean it. No walking around accusing people. And be subtle – you're an outlaw remember."

"Oh really? I forgot," she retorted sarcastically. "I promise, Robin. I'll be careful."

"And make the deliveries first, before you start your detective work."

"Of course I will, I know what's important Robin," she said with a sigh.

Robin was still eying her suspiciously. "I think someone should stay to keep an eye on you."

"I am not a child!" Cassie exploded. "I'm going to get the deliveries done, I'm not going to get caught, I'm just going to ask a couple of questions! You can trust me, Robin."

"All the same, I think it's best if two people stay here. Just in case anything happens."

"I'll stay," Allan volunteered himself, raising his spoon again to signify his offer.

Cassie looked at him and then at Will, who was sitting silently by the fire staring into his bowl. He had barely spoken a word since he stumbled from his bunk, rubbing his eyes blearily.

"Maybe Will should stay," she suggested, Will's head snapping up at the mention of his name. "He's had such a long journey, I think he should rest."

"I don't know," Will said. "The King trusted me with this, I feel like I should go."

"The King trusted you with delivering the message," Robin reminded him. "Cassie is right; you've had a long journey, and you will be needed after we bring Esther and the child back here.

Will gave a slight smile. "I have missed making deliveries," he admitted. What he didn't say was that he would be relieved to be able to relax in the relative safety of the camp, rather than bolting from danger as he had been doing the past few days.

"That's settled then," Robin said. "John, Allan, Much – we need to leave as soon as possible."

Cassie stood, gathering the breakfast pots, and left the camp to wash them in the stream. As she padded through the forest she waited for the footsteps that she knew would soon sound behind her.

As she reached the stream she heard twigs cracking behind her, and within seconds Allan appeared, leaning against a tree.

"What's going on, Cass?" he asked.

Cassie glanced over her shoulder as she knelt by the stream. "What?"

Allan gave a short laugh, but it was empty of humour. "You. Ignoring me, avoiding me, pretending I don't exist."

"I don't know what you mean," she replied lightly, dunking a dirty plate in the cool water.

Allan snorted. "Right. Yesterday, when I offered to go to Nettlestone with you, you completely ignored me. And just then I offered to stay behind and you asked Will to stay instead!"

"I thought it was best that he stayed," she replied quietly. "Didn't you see his face? He's scared, Allan. He was chased all the way from Portsmouth by someone who would have tortured him for the King's secret. He needs to relax for a few days."

Allan indignant face slowly melted as he realised that her words were right. He hadn't even stopped to think how Will must be feeling.

"Fine," he said eventually. "That makes sense. But Cass, I'm not being funny, but you've changed. Since I kissed you."

Cassie stood up, wiping her damp hands on her tunic. "Are you surprised, Allan? We talked, we agreed to be friends, and then you go and kiss me!"

"Well I'm sorry, but I thought we were going to die! What was I meant to do, say 'see you later mate' and punch you on the arm?"

"We weren't going to die," she replied quietly.

"Maybe not, but I was scared alright!" he snapped. "I didn't think I was going to get another chance. I love you, Cass."

Cassie looked at him sorrowfully. "We've been through this, Allan."

"Thought that kiss might have changed your mind." He managed one of his cocky grins and Cassie laughed.

"It wasn't that good," she teased, scooping a handful of water from the stream and flicking it at him.

Allan wiped water from his face, their laughter slowly dying in the air. "Nothing's changed, then."

Cassie shook her head. "I'm sorry."

"Worth a try," he replied with a shrug before turning and walking into the trees, his nonchalance disappearing as soon as he was away from her. He paused to slam his fist against a tree trunk in frustration, wincing as the bark scratched against his knuckles. Robin had been right, all those days ago – women and emotions, they weren't pretty and they weren't worth the bother.

As Allan stood there, staring at the traces of blood oozing from the wounds on his hands, he felt anger surge through his body. He was furious at himself for letting himself feel, for letting himself care about something. Because if there was anything Allan knew, it was that if you let yourself care for something it inevitably got taken away from you. And only pain was left.

At that moment he made a promise to himself. He would stop caring; he would be the Allan he used to be, only worrying about number one. And even if he couldn't switch off his feelings, he could pretend. If there was one thing Allan A Dale was good at, it was putting on an act.

He walked back to the camp, forcing an arrogant stride into his gait. It was only a few minutes before the four outlaws were ready to leave, a few belongings, coins and food packed into bags. As they said their goodbyes Cassie caught hold of Allan's arm.

"Look after yourself," she told him softly.

He winked at her. "I always do," he replied, pulling out a coin as if to illustrate his words and flipping it into the air before catching it and pocketing it. He tipped an imaginary hat to her then turned away, his smirk instantly fading along with his façade. Same old Allan, he thought to himself bitterly.

Author's Note: Thank you again for all the funny reviews! I love them! Don't worry, either next chapter or the following one we will find out more about the Will/Djaq issue!! I won't keep you in suspense for too long... There will also be a bit of detective work concerning the arsonist!