Disclaimer: I don't own BBC Robin Hood - was sad when it ended though
AN: I may have lost all motivation for this story but I refuse to leave it unfinished. I've written three of the chapters today and will have the last three up some time before the new year ~ Hannah
Book Three Victory
King Richard | Daisy | Archer | Sir Guy | Robin Hood | Daisy
KING RICHARD
The war, King Richard thought, had been going on far too long and really he'd forgotten why it had started in the first place. He'd sat down for the most comfortable meal with the leader of the opposition and together they had decided what would need to happen in the future and had come to several agreements. His absence in England had duly been noted. He had thought that England would survive without him but then the war had been raging far longer than he had imagined. He always knew his brother was a snivelling scheming sort of man but he hadn't been prepared for the news of what his brother had been doing in his absence.
Now that the war had come to a close King Richard could no longer put off the happenings of England or the path that his brother, Prince John, had taken. However, he knew the risks of riding in on a loud fanfare and had even gone so far as to discuss the manner with his once rival and now ally.
There would be no fanfare of announcement of his return. Rather King Richard would return in secret. Starting with the army he had here in the Holy Lands he would gather more people as he travelled back through England. He would show the people who was really in charge, dethrone his would-be King brother and weed out any other worms he could find.
He never thought that he'd have to march upon his own Kingdom but needs must. He could completely believe the actions of his brother as Prince John had always been a jealous fellow. He just couldn't believe that his Mother or his closest confidants could sit by and let Prince John ruin England. King Richard knew he had his work cut out for him, it would be a damaged England he returned to and not the protected and prospering one that he left.
King Richard couldn't help but let his thoughts drift to his closest ally and adviser. He was a man who could command a room full of ruffians in a single second and a man who took joy in making his daughter laugh in delight. Speaking of, he hadn't heard from him in quite some time but the thought of foul play had never entered his mind. They had been boys together and despite the difference in nobility King Richard's Father had allowed them to play together. King Richard often thought if he were to have a child he'd want his friend's daughter to be their playmate. It wasn't something that was widely done but King Richard had been made that child's godfather. Imagine that, out there, there was an impressionable young woman whose godfather was the King of England. She was very important to Richard.
Richard wasn't a fool. He knew what his brother was doing to England and knew of the many assassins sent to kill him and that their loyalty was to England and Prince John. Hope was not completely lost for Richard. He had made many such trusted advisers during his time in the Holy Land, one being a certain Robin of Locksley, who despite losing his title and land was still loyal to the King.
It was to Robin that King Richard sent secret letters too. Letter that contained information about what was happening and the talk of his return. Yes, return. The war in the Holy Land finally at an end, peace had been achieved and King Richard was finally able to return home. A stealth mission for sure because of the terror Prince John had inflicted. King Richard would have to return secretly so as not to arouse his brother's suspicion. He would have to take back his throne with a master stroke.