Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
The Long Road Home by Ecri
Pt. 1D Familiar Ground
The smoke had thinned little in the hours since battle had ended. Thick and acrid, it carried with it the odor of burned wood, soil, hair and meat. As much as the flame had burned flesh, the smoke had burned lungs and throats, making the search difficult, but Azeeem could not give up. He moved from body to body with what remained of Robin's men at his side. They searched for survivors, but he searched only for the Christian. He had vowed to stay with the man until his life debt could be repaid, and he could not accept that he might have failed in fulfilling that vow.
With each discovery of another dead companion, those who remained felt their hopes die a bit more. It was also in noting who was missing entirely…for it did not escape the notice of those left behind that many had been taken prisoner.
Azeem wondered what they would do if they discovered Robin's dead body.
It was then that he saw, in the glow of some light he could not name, appearing to walk through the smoke…came Robin of Locksley.
Azeem smiled. The man could not be killed.
He met Robin, calling out to him. "Christian! You live!"
"I do, though I can tell you it was a near thing."
Azeem nodded then gestured to those behind him. "We have been gathering the dead, but…Robin…you should know, Nottingham's men took many prisoners."
Robin glanced at John who stood just behind Azeem, Fanny tucked protectively under one arm. "Who?" He asked.
Azeem shrugged. "Some have fled, but we have witnesses who saw Wulf among those taken."
Robin looked at John and Fanny. "We'll get him back."
Fanny nodded and brushed at her tears. The small group, heartened at having found their leader, began the work of clearing the debris and burying the dead.
To Be Continued