His dream...

With a smile on his face, Robin woke up. It broke suddenly and in its stead, sweat was dripping from his forehead. With his fingertips he searched in straining agony for the satchels he had taken last night. His and hers together. Neither could be found.

The realization struck him and almost paralyzed him. He fell on his back, but when he felt Much stirring beside him, he rolled on his side to avoid anything the man would have to say should he knew his master was awake. He closed his eyes and dag his nails in the dirt.

"...Does he matter so much to you?"

Gisborne was forcing his way in her life. He was the man who had stolen his life. A threat to both of them. Of course he mattered.

"He matters, when he goes around the shire, looking for your hairpin. It's inappropriate." He stopped to take a few breaths, but felt the air like poison in his lungs. Then his eyes fell on the hairpin she put on the table. It was a very expensive piece. Silver, with huge gemstones. Not Marian's taste. She never would have bought it. It was Gisborne who gave it to her, he had to be, but he couldn't ask. He couldn't have her admit it.

"Men like him, do not bother themselves with the concept of propriety when it contradicts their wishes." She had already teased her hair into a braid and now was preparing to mask herself.

"Maybe he hasn't been discouraged enough," Robin said bitterly.

"Grow up!" Marian said and angered him more.

"Like your friend, Sir Guy of Gisborne?"

"He's a mean to an end."

"What end?!" the more calm she appeared the less composed he felt.

"Helping me, helping you."

"Help? Can you find those people who died at his hand and tell them that this man can be of any use? That he is capable of anything else but harm and torture?" Robin was certain that the world would be a better place without Gisborne's vile presence. And one day he, Robin, would see to that.

"You're in no state for this conversation."

Robin could feel his blood boil. He balled his hand into a fist and hit the wall. It was difficult, so very unbearably difficult, to keep calm. "You do nothing but scolding me, and yet you will speak up for him? Why? Because he isn't as bad as he looks?"

"No, he is as bad as he looks, but what do you see in him?" She asked in an accusing tone. "You see a man who doesn't show mercy? Well, he doesn't know what mercy is. But we know better, don't we? You said that I do nothing but scold you. You're wrong. I only remind you of your mistakes."

Robin hissed and ran to the door. Marian, standing next to the door, took a step to her right and stopped his desperate get away.

"No, you started this now you'll see it to the end." She stated firmly and forced him to listen. "It is only because you raise the expectations. So I expect more from you. You claim to be better than him, so be the better man. Don't waste yourself in a man-to-man fight with him, for he isn't the problem."

"He's part of it. Vital part." He fixed his eyes on hers.

"And once eliminated he'll be replaced by another one who may be worse, for all we know. Then what? Poverty will still be poverty. Suffering won't disappear over night. Don't tell me you haven't thought of that."

"I have," he grunted. "I know."

"Then forget about him and do what you gave up everything and everyone in your life to do; fight for the people. Be their hands, be their voice. They need you, more than you need your revenge. Be the man you were raised to be."

She questioned him again and he was getting tired of it. "I am the man I have to be. Perhaps your mask, over the years, has began to distort the way you see things, Marian. And I am only too sorry for that." And without another word or glance at her he stormed out.

"Oi!" Allan's voice caught him unaware. "Merchant on the road. I'm guessing a load of money or goods to sell! He will have to do without either!"

"A merchant?" Djaq was the first to react and Will was quick to follow.

"Aye! Lucky George!" Allan was beaming. "Won't be calling himself Lucky after today, I'm telling ya!"

John didn't wait another second and got to his feet.

Only Much was left behind. "Another nightmare, Master?" His voice was dripping with concern. And yet he knew the answer. Much knew everything. Things he had observed, guessed, or heard while his master was talking in his sleep. Never an open confession, never a full disclosure.

"Yes," Robin whispered without revealing any details. He couldn't bring that on Much, too. It would be too much for him.

He remembered Marian's comment about the loyal servant. He had to protect Much not only for his sake, but for his own. What would become of him, should something happen to Much?

Robin put his arm over Much's shoulders and wore his brightest smile.

"Come on. Allan shouldn't have all the fun!"

"This man had more than enough fun in his life, I am sure!" Much seemed to welcome the adventure. "After that...maybe we should go to Locksley and see the people. They are so fond of us. Well, you mostly, but there are a few that like me more, you know!"

"I am sure that they are more than a few!"

Robin wanted to visit Marian but it just seemed like he'd be stirring trouble. He needed time to decide what to do and how to do it. Knighton could wait. Shehad waited for five years. A couple of hours wouldn't make a difference.

What could possibly go wrong in a couple of hours?

THE END