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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
The Long Road Home by Ecri
Part 5: Accusations
The days that followed were busy ones. Marian spent her time seeing that everyone was safe and healthy and writing letters to her cousin, King Richard. She'd sent one to London in case he did not get the ones she sent to him abroad and went there before coming to her in Nottingham. Not that she was entirely certain he would come right to her at any rate. He had other responsibilities to see to when he returned, and she knew she could not possibly be at the top of his list.
She only hoped her letters might convey some of the urgency the situation demanded. In the few days since the Sheriff's death, a struggle for power had already begun. Several Lords from nearby had begun to try to assert their own right to rule over Nottingham and annex it to their own property. Marian had urged Robin to step forward, for certainly if his father were alive, he would have been a prime candidate.
Robin had shaken his head sadly. "He hasn't been cleared. Most people remember him as a devil worshipper. He died in disgrace. The other Lords would not accept me as their equal any more than they would accept Will."
In his eyes she had seen a flash of determination as he'd said that and she imagined that he intended to be sure the people of Nottingham accepted Will Scarlett even if no one else did.
What she intended to do was to be sure he got that chance. Her letters to King Richard would eventually secure his pardon and the pardons of the other outlaws. That was all he had asked of her besides letting the King know that Nottingham had been plotting against him, so there still existed a danger that someone else would pick up the tattered remains of that plot. She had also, though she had not told Robin, informed King Richard of what Robin and Will had suffered. It was abbreviated of course, and her implication that Lord Locksley would surely have restored his birthright to his second son if he had but known of his existence was liberally infused with moments of heroism from both Locksley sons. She described the Sheriff's treatment of his prisoners in as much detail as she dared—mentioning that she'd witnessed Will being brutally tortured as he attempted to direct attention away from a young boy who would surely have been the Sheriff's preferred target otherwise—and ended her letter with a telling of how the Sheriff of Nottingham had nearly forced her to marriage and to bear his sons in a brutal attack that still haunted her dreams. Richard had always had a soft spot for her, and she knew he would be livid with the Sheriff and grateful to Robin for saving her.
She could only hope that the Crusades had not so altered the cousin of her memories and that, upon his return to England, Richard would restore Lord Locksley's lands to his son. His sons.
Today wasn't the day to dwell on that, however. She had planned to travel today to a nearby town to speak to some Noblemen who'd retreated there until the dust in Nottingham settled and they would be in a better position to determine how things stood and whom they should support. She hoped to convince a few to stand by Robin, though she would have to be discreet until she could reliably determine who was trustworthy.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Will Scarlett prowled around the castle looking for something to distract him. He'd been confined to bed for days…an endless amount of time to him as he'd never even had a bed before in his life but had always made do with a mat on the floor in his mother's home, and later with a bit of forest floor if he were having a good day.
His recovery had been slow, and his exhaustion after the initial day or so when Azeem had told Robin not to allow him to lose consciousness had led him to spend much of his time sleeping.
After the exhaustion had dissipated and he and Robin had spent some time being awkward in each other's company rather than getting to know each other, Will had begun to beg to be allowed to help the others.
Azeem had been adamant at first that this was not wise, but after a few days, he had reluctantly admitted that there was little danger, but that it was up to Robin. Robin of course had erred on the side of caution. He did not want to take any risk with Will's life, he'd explained.
Will, however, had had enough. He felt isolated—even more so than he had most of his life, which he'd never have imagined possible. He was also more than a little afraid. He wasn't sure if anyone aside from Robin had actually forgiven him for his transgressions, both real and imagined. Some of these men were just as stubborn as he was, they just tended to go along with the majority and not speak out. Unlike Will. He'd been speaking out against nobles most of his life, and he'd seen no reason not to do the same against Robin when they'd first met. Granted, his past had likely skewed his perspective. He'd wanted to prove Robin was what he'd thought he was. The time Robin had spent in Sherwood had only confused him. That was the crux of the problem.
The fact was, no one really knew the truth, not even himself. He wasn't sure if he had intended to kill Robin when he'd bargained with the Sheriff. He wasn't sure what he would have done if he'd been able to speak to Robin in Sherwood before John had attacked him.
He'd been desperate. That was the only thing he knew for certain. Thinking back on what Robin had asked him, he realized that he'd longed to ask the same. What were Robin's intentions? In the end, he had learned just that, but he had spilled his secrets first.
He had never been more afraid.
When he'd revealed who he was, Robin had called him a liar and had screamed that it wasn't true. Will had expected that, and for a moment he'd been sure that he'd been right about Robin, that he would turn his back on them…on him. Robin's embrace had surprised him.
That he had seemed willing to do whatever was necessary to save Will's life when the thief had been tied to that barrel had surprised him even more.
Finally reaching the outdoors, Will stepped through the door and breathed deeply of the morning air. He closed his eyes taking in the smell of the hay and the pine and the cooking fires. He opened his eyes again and was shocked to be face to face with Azeem.
The large Moor had a grin on his face. "Young Christian!" He greeted Will. "You're out!"
Will nodded and looked around afraid Azeem might call Robin's attention to him. "Yes, and I'm trying to stay that way! Please don't tell Robin…"
Azeem laughed. "You were less afraid of him before he knew who you were, Young Christian."
Will's eyes flashed with a hint of the anger and pride that he'd clutched at so fiercely all of his life, but he found he could not cling to it as desperately as before. Shockingly, he'd retreated to truth. "I'm not afraid of Robin. I just don't want him insisting I stay inside. I've never been so still in my life!"
Azeem nodded, still laughing. "Of that I am sure, Young Christian. I will not tell him! Enjoy your freedom while you can!" and his head moved to indicate Robin of Locksley heading in their direction.
Will smiled and ran.
Robin caught up with Azeem and glared. "Are you encouraging this?"
"He will be fine, Christian! You should be more concerned about speaking to him than keeping him locked in that bedroom!" Azeem sobered and placed a hand on Robin's shoulder. "You cannot be so afraid to lose him that you chase him from your side. Speak to the boy and you may find you like and respect him enough to become friends rather than locking him away to keep him safe."
Robin stared at Azeem and shrugged off his hand. "I don't know what you mean."
"You are a stubborn man, but even you are not so obtuse as that, Christian!" He laughed again as Robin raced off after Will.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Will ran only a short distance away. He was leaning happily against a wall, grinning over the fact that he'd left Robin far behind. His eyes roamed across the horizon, and he frowned. There was something there. He squinted and leaned a bit away from the wall. He could make out only that there were several people on horseback riding toward Marian's home. They could be friends, but all of Robin's friends were here. That meant they had to be enemies.
Forgetting he was hiding from Robin, he tore back the way he came frantically searching for him. His eyes scanned around him, his head turning this way and that until, inevitably, he found himself racing headlong at a horse. The horse reared, startled, and Will tried to sidestep, but succeeded only in taxing his much recovered, but still recovering, body. The mud beneath his feet from last night's rain certainly didn't help. He fell first to his knees, and then to one side. He brought a hand up reflexively to protect himself, but knew it would not help if the horse chose to come down squarely on him. A moment later, the horse was yanked to one side, and Will blinked in surprise.
John Little stood there soothing the frightened creature, and Robin had somehow magically appeared by his side. Before his brother could ask him anything, Will grabbed his arm with his right hand and pointed out towards the perimeter where he'd seen the riders. "Someone's coming…half a dozen on horseback…" he panted trying to regain his breath. Then he shook Robin. "I don't know who they are…but…"
Robin nodded, getting the point. "But we don't have many friends and benefactors." He looked at John. "John, take Will back to his room and let Marian know what's going on. I'll gather the men to secure the walls." He looked Will in the eye. "I know you're going to say you're fit enough to help, but do me this favor. Go back with John. You may have recovered from your injuries, but I haven't."
Will wanted to protest, but what could he say to that. He swallowed the words that tried to escape him and nodded instead. Robin helped him to his feet and Will followed John. He spared a glance back at Robin only to see him staring after him, a concerned look on his face.
Once inside he turned to John. "You don't have to take me all he way to my room, John. Go. Find Marian."
John laughed. "Rob will ask me if I took you to your room, an' a good liar I am not!"
Will laughed and they continued walking.
As soon as they reached Will's room, John patted him on the back. "You stay put, you hear?"
Will nodded, but had to ask a question. "John, we've known each other a long time. You've been a friend to me even when I didn't deserve it…but why is it you're more concerned for my welfare now that you know I'm his brother than you were before?"
John blinked his eyes rapidly in confusion, then laughed heartily throwing back his head. When he finally stopped laughing long enough to speak, he shook his head at Will. "That's what you think, is it? If that were true, Will Scarlett, I'd not have spent half the sleepless nights I did tracking you through Sherwood to be sure you were safe before you officially joined my band of merry men."
It was Will's turn to be surprised. "You did what?"
"Oh, aye, and I'd have taken you in sooner, lad if you'd have let me. You were…"
Will nodded ruefully. "Piss and wind."
"Aye," John laughed. "That you were." He sobered and placed a hand on Will's shoulder. "What happened to your mum, Will, I wish I'd been able to stop it…"
Will looked down and tried to turn away. He'd run from that night all his life, dreading sleep in case the memory of it came to life with the waning of the sun, hiding from things that might remind him of it…learning not to look at a fire too closely or to stare too long at the flames…it was what he'd been dreaming when Robin had asked him to tell him the tale of how he'd become an outlaw.
John sighed and Will chanced a look up at him. "Will, you're not as alone as ye think."
Will didn't know how to respond to that. "I don't know what to say."
"Say nothing, then, Will, but keep yourself alive for the sake of your brother and the others around here who are a bit attached to ye, piss and wind and all."
"I thought…especially when I came back from Nottingham…I thought you hated me."
John's smile fell. "I'm sorry, lad. I was worried for Wulf, and seein' you standing there could only mean you'd made a deal."
"I did."
"But I should 'ave known ye wouldn't betray us."
"I didn't know I wouldn't."
John smiled sadly. "That's because you've spent your life thinkin' you were alone and listening to no one…not even yourself. It's time to put it to rest, lad. Whatever burden you're carryin'…put it down. Or at least share it with that brother of yours."
"I suppose I haven't got much to lose."
John laughed again. "Now that you say so, no, ye don't!"
"Go on," Will said. "Find Marian before Robin sends a search party for you." Will slipped inside his room and closed the door.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
John found Marian and the Lady insisted on going with him to see who was coming to the castle. Arguments did not move her. "This is my home," she said, "and whoever is coming may be a family friend or may have news."
The best John could do was stick close to her side and protect her if the need for protection arose. He fingered a knife he held concealed at his belt, wishing he had a staff as the feel of the wood in his hands made him feel safe and invincible.
When they arrived, Robin was already speaking to the new arrivals who seemed neither hostile nor friendly.
That changed when they saw Marian.
"Lady Marian!" One called out to her and leaped from his horse. "We heard there was trouble in Nottingham and feared the worst!"
Marian laughed and ran the last few feet to greet the man. He caught her in his arms and swung her around a time or two before setting her lightly down.
John glanced to Robin who took this all in with an odd expression on his face; half jealousy and half confusion.
Marian took the man by the arm and led him back to Robin's side. "This is Robin of Locksley…"
"Robin of the Hood?" The man was shocked and looked disapprovingly at Marian. "You are harboring a thief here?"
Marian laughed. "I'm harboring many thieves, Henry. The Thieves of Sherwood Forest are welcome here."
"Your mother was quite concerned when she heard what was happening, but I confess it did not occur to her—or to any of us, that you might be so deeply involved."
"Henry, you've no idea what's been happening here. I'll explain it all to you. Come inside and take some refreshment."
As Henry moved away, she caught his arm. "But first, let me properly introduce you. Henry, this is Robin of Locksley."
Robin held out his hand and the two shook. "Henry…"
"Henry, Duke of Essex."
"Duke of Essex…" Robin looked to Marian for explanation, but her face told him clearly that it would come later.
Marian gestured toward John. "And this is John Little."
The Duke seemed surprised at the bulk of the man before him, but shook his hand politely.
"Oh, and this is Azeem."
The Duke's surprise doubled. "Yes…um…hello."
In moments, Marian led the man and his entourage away chatting with him and asking questions about life in London in general and about her mother in particular.
John watched her go before moving to Robin's side. "She's full o' surprises, wouldn't ye say?"
"That she is, John." He stared after Marian for a moment or two, then shook himself from his thoughts. "We need to send a group to our camp in Sherwood. I want us ready to move back to it if necessary. I don't want us causing Marian any more difficulties."
John nodded. He'd been thinking much the same. "I'll take a group out there today, then. We'll start repairs and let you know how long it would take to get things livable."
Robin nodded. "Thank you, John. I'd go with you, but I want to keep an eye on this Duke, and on Will. He doesn't do well in the presence of Noblemen or Royalty."
John clapped a hand on Robin's back. "You're right about that. Don't worry, Rob. We'll get Sherwood sorted."
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Robin followed Marian and the Duke at a discreet distance. He didn't want to intrude. They were obviously old friends. He didn't recall her being friendly with any Duke when he was younger, so they must have met after he'd left for the Crusades. He regretted those five years more and more.
He'd had visions of glory and of fighting a worthy cause. Instead he had missed the last five years of his father's life. He had returned home to find an England topsy-turvy to everything he remembered and held dear.
Had he gained anything?
That was a question he'd been up nights considering. The only things he'd gained had been good friends…Azeem, and, since his return…Marian, Will…the rest of the Sherwood residents.
A new thought occurred to him with such startling clarity that he wondered for a moment where it had come from. He had gained Marian and Will since returning, it was true, but the Robin he'd been when he'd left would never have pursued Marian, and would likely have denied the veracity of Will's claim to be his brother. If he'd never left, he would have been home when his father died, but most likely he would never have reconciled.
If he had never gone, he would be alone right now.
He shook his head as though to shake loose the thoughts. They gave him a headache the more he considered them.
He neared Marian and the Duke in time to hear the Lady invite him to stay the night.
"I wish that I could, My Lady," the Duke replied, "but I'm afraid I must be off very soon. I am on business for the Crown."
Marian blinked but covered her surprise. "For King Richard?"
"No, for Prince John. He has sent me to see to some rumors." He smiled and kissed her hand. "Nothing that need concern you, Lady Marian."
Marian smiled, but it was a smile that did not reach her eyes. "Well, I wouldn't dream of keeping you from it." She withdrew her hand from his, her tone a bit icier than it had been earlier, but the Duke did not seem to notice. "You will at the very least stay for a meal, won't you?"
"I should not, My Lady, but I find I cannot tear myself from your company. I would be pleased to dine with you."
"Then please, take some time to freshen up. We will be serving our midday meal shortly." She gestured to a private room and moved off toward the kitchen. "I will make sure there is sufficient food."
Robin watched the Duke watch her. There was something about the man, he didn't like at all, but he couldn't be sure it wasn't merely jealousy on his part.
He followed Marian into the kitchen where he found her consulting with Fanny on how to stretch the meal and make it at least look sumptuous.
"Why do you care so much for appearances?"
Marian scowled. "I care nothing for appearances for their own sake, but this serves a purpose. If the Duke returns to Prince John with news that I am vulnerable and that I am housing Sherwood's Thieves, I may lose my home and find myself in no position to help Richard…or you."
"I am moving my people to Sherwood at the earliest possible moment." Robin informed her.
She scowled again. "And if that had been moments before the Duke arrived it might have done us both some good. Now, he has the ear of the Prince. He can make any report he wishes. I must make him wish to make the one I wish."
Robin shook his head. "Can you do that?"
She smiled. "I can try."
"Whatever you need my people to do, say it and it will be done."
She smiled. "For now, we must make it seem as regal as possible. He may simply write off the presence of so many peasants as a woman's softhearted hope to save so many homeless children. I will certainly lead his thoughts in that direction. Have no one speak ill of Nottingham or of Prince John in his hearing."
Robin nodded. "I'll spread the word."
Robin had done just that, and the refugees of Sherwood Forest were willing to do anything to help Marian since she was seen by many to be their guardian angel.
When the Prince of Thieves returned to Will's room to let him know what was going on, he found his brother asleep. He smiled at the sight. Will had apparently been waiting for him, and gotten tired. He was asleep sitting at the small table, by the bedside, his hand on a half full cup of water. Robin debated moving him to the bed, but he had no experience in such things, and decided that, given Will's exertion of the day, he most likely needed sleep in any form.
He pulled the door gently closed and went to the dining room to meet Marian and the Duke.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
The meal had gone smoothly. Robin began to understand how well Marian played the games of a successful courtesan despite—or perhaps because of—her insistence that she hated the politics of it all. Robin accompanied her and the Duke into the Courtyard to bid farewell. He only hoped the man would take his leave quickly so he could discuss things in detail with Marian.
The Duke spoke kind words about Marian's hospitality, of the food she'd served regardless of how humble they all knew it to be.
"You are too kind, Your Grace," Marian laughed as the Duke reached his horse and prepared to climb upon it. Before he'd gotten a foot into a stirrup, a cry of rage erupted from nearby.
A moment later, a dark blur launched at the Duke, a flash of silver the only indication of the real danger.
Robin moved quickly and intercepted Will moments before he would have stabbed the Duke with the blade he held in a white-knuckled grip.
Robin struggled to maintain his grip on his younger brother while also struggling to understand what had caused the attack to begin with.
"You're the one!" Will screamed, his tears falling hot and fast and his voice deepened with his anguish. "You did it!"
The Duke, realizing that the attacker was one of the peasants, drew his own sword and seemed ready to take Will's life if Robin would just release him.
"Lady Marian, who is this peasant?" The Duke's emphasis on the last word made it plain what he thought of peasants in general and of this one in particular.
Marian stepped forward inserting herself between Robin, still struggling to hold Will, and the Duke. "Your Grace, please forgive the misunderstanding. I'll see to it. Don't trouble yourself."
The Duke hesitated but slipped his sword back into its jeweled scabbard. "I will hold off taking any action for the moment, My Lady, but an explanation is required." His tone brooked no argument.
Marian stepped closer to the Duke and slipped an arm through his. "Oh, come now, we've had such a pleasant visit. Let's not spoil it by retreating to protocol."
"I am well within my rights." The Duke insisted, his eyes blazing a fury that bespoke emotion heretofore unseen in his rather bland countenance. "He is accusing me of something even if he is incapable of making it clear what that might be."
"I'm not disputing your right, Your Grace. I'm merely requesting that we put it down to misunderstanding and you may continue on your business for the Crown," she smiled as she emphasized the Crown in case he'd forgotten he was not on his own time but on Prince Philip's, "and I will look into it further." She gestured to Will, who still struggled with Robin, but was no longer shouting. "The boy's been unwell. He's barely left his room in days. It's likely he woke from some dream or other and charged down here not being able to tell real from imagined."
The Duke smiled and Robin began to think she had persuaded him to leave, but Will's struggles had merely subsided because his own rather depleted reserves of strength were nearly gone. He struggled weakly to break Robin's grip, though it was obvious that he did it only because he was too stubborn to give up. He surely knew he would not win. Robin looked down at his brother. His face was contorted in anger and hatred…worse even than any look the younger man had saved for Robin's benefit before he'd learned Will's identity.
"Will," Robin whispered, hoping to keep this between them. "What is it? What has this man done to you?"
He didn't notice that the Duke had indeed heard his word choice and took special interest in Will's reply.
"Robin…he…" Will paused and through visible effort brought himself under control. He stopped trembling, slipped his knife into his boot, and stood, slightly off balance, but under his own power. Robin tentatively released his hold on his brother, his eyes still searching for answers.
"You can tell me." Robin insisted.
Will looked Robin in the eye and nodded. "He…killed my mother."
To Be Continued