Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

The Long Road Home by Ecri

Part 2B: Best Laid Plans

Azeem knew the water and the poultices he applied to the torn skin of the child—for that's what this youth the others seemed to consider a man was to him—had to hurt. He pondered all they had just learned. Scarlett's secret had been a big one, and he was surprised at how well the Christian had taken it, how quickly he had accepted it. Of course, it was the only thing that made sense.

Both men must see in each other something they need or they would not be so quick to embrace, he thought. That the hatred could turn so quickly to something else was surprising, but then these were emotional times. With battle to be joined so soon, was it really any wonder that things had come to a head so suddenly for the two? They were still a long way off from creating a brotherly bond. They did not yet know each other. They merely knew of each other. They would need to put aside animosity and learned behavior in order to become true brothers.

What they had now was tenuous, but they were not likely to have time to forge anything more solid before they raided Nottingham. Assuming the Christian could tear himself from his new found brother's side long enough to devise a plan.

Azeem suppressed a smile. Allah had a plan. That was the only thing of which he was certain. There was a reason he had been sent so far from home, and perhaps it was in order to help these two.

He finished cleaning and binding the wounds and turned to Fanny. "He needs food, water…"

She was already spooning a hearty stew into a bowl as John prepared a cup of water for the injured boy. Azeem could see the man was already nursing some guilt over the way he'd greeted Will Scarlett upon his return to the camp. Likely, it would take time before the man forgave himself, though he was certain that Will hadn't thought twice about it. That boy was accustomed to mistreatment if Azeem were any judge. If Azeem read him right, Will Scarlett expected mistreatment at every turn and only its absence was ever met with any sort of astonishment. He shook his head slightly as he considered how unlikely it was that those expectations ever fell short of being met. Azeem had been in this wet and bleak country for only a short time, but already he knew that hardships were as common or more so here than in his homeland. Try to tell the English that, he thought, and they will send me home before I have fulfilled Allah's plans.

While Will ate under Fanny's watchful eye, Azeem pulled Robin aside. "We must talk, Christian."

Robin caught the serious tone, and though Azeem could see he had no desire to be separated from his brother so soon, he nodded in agreement. "What is it?" He spoke to Azeem, but he was trying to keep one eye on Will.

Azeem noticed this and dragged the man a few feet away turning him around so that his back was to the younger man.

Robin almost laughed, but caught Azeem's expression. "What is it?" he asked again, concern plain on his face.

"There is much to consider. Do not let your fears for him cloud your judgment. We have a raid to plan. We have to take Nottingham if we are to save those men, the boy and your Lady." Azeem's eyes searched Robin's face for some sign that he understood the complications. "You must speak to him. You have questions. He has questions. Resolve what can be resolved before beginning our preparations. You must both be focused on our goal and not on each other."

Robin smiled. "I understand your concern, Azeem. Believe me, I know what's at stake. Wulf and the others…we cannot fail to save them…"

"And Marion?" Azeem asked.

"I won't let Nottingham have her."

"Nor would I expect you to, Christian. Just remember it may not be possible to save everyone."

Robin shook his head. "We will because we must."

Azeem watched the man join Will Scarlett and the others. He prayed to Allah that the man truly did understand that sometimes even with the best of intentions, Allah's plans included things you could not possibly foresee.

To Be Continued