Several days later, after the dead had been seen to and those that would live had been tended, Richard summoned them all to his presence once more.

Gisborne was up and moving, though he would be slowed for some time as the dreadful wound healed. It had been touch and go for a while; the blade hadn't damaged anything vital but the wound was deep and had it had been difficult to avoid infection around the stitches.

John, also, was still moving slow. Tom rarely left his side, preferring to help him along when he'd allow it. When asked why he had come to join the fight while so badly wounded in the first place, he'd simply shrugged. "If we were going to die, I wanted it to be together," he'd answered quietly.

Robin still sported a sling to support his damaged shoulder. The injury had been made worse by his drawing of the bow to kill Prince John; but he couldn't have done nothing. It would take several weeks yet to knit completely.

Richard allowed them to rise and regarded them all steadily. "You have been my staunchest allies, my best defenders," he said slowly. "Each of you deserves reward for what you have done. Sir Guy of Gisborne, we will begin with you." He watched the knight for a moment. "You have, in the past, attempted to kill me, and yet at the end nearly gave your life for mine. For that, all past transgressions are forgiven. Have you anything to ask of me?"

Guy lowered his head for a moment, obviously thinking. Thomasina could still open doors for him, still offer him power and wealth, if she'd accept it. He knew she never would, and he had no right to ask that of her. Her love for the big woodsman was painfully obvious to all. "Just this, Your Majesty, if you would. Thomasina and I were married for the wrong reasons, and I would set that right. Dissolve this union, allow her to be free."

There was a surprised intake of breath from where she stood on his left but no other reaction. Richard considered carefully for a moment. "I will think on this," he said finally. He, too, had seen the way she regarded John and he wanted to be sure he did the right thing. "Robin, Earl of Huntington, Lord of Locksley Manor, your lands are restored to you. Hold them in my name and continue to serve me well. Djaq, is it?" He held out a hand to her. "You are not of my people, and yet you have helped them full willing. What do you wish of England in return?"

"Nothing," was the firm reply. "You have made peace with my people, or at least withdrawn your army. That is enough." She smiled slightly for him as she took Will's hand.

"Each of you deserves far more than I can give," Richard said quietly. "For your services, each of you shall have lands, and you shall look to Locksley for leadership. He will decide which lodges each of you will control." He looked to Thomasina. "Your husband has set you free, if you wish it," he said slowly. "But your lands and dowry would remain with him. If you object, tell me now." He didn't think she would.

Tom looked over at her John where he stood silent, watching her. "I don't object," she said softly. "I've no need for such things, truly. I'm happy where my heart is, with John." She took his hand and gave Gisborne an apologetic glance. "For what it's worth, I didn't give you much of a chance," she said softly. "I should be sorry for that, but I can't be. What passed between us, I can't forget. I forgive you for your part in it, and for how you hurt me. But I can't forget."

Guy gave her a head shake. "Nor should you. If I've learned anything from this, it's that not everyone is as they seem; and not everything should be believed at face value. Perhaps someday there can at least be peace between us."

Richard nodded slowly. "Then let it be so," he said quietly. "Go home, all of you. I may call upon you again at need. You have my eternal thanks."

Robin threw his arm around Much's shoulders as they departed. "If I remember right, you were looking at Bonchurch," he said lightly. "I think sir Guy could be persuaded to allow that to you, yes?"

Gisborne gave them a mock growl, but inwardly was pleased. He would have allies on his borders if he did so, and there was more than enough for them all. That Richard had granted the former outlaws lands and status wasn't lost on him; but he was finding that power and wealth weren't everything. Sometimes, it just came down to what was right. And he was glad he'd found his way before it was too late.

It would take days for them to set everything up, but for now – for now, they were content, all of them.

They were Robin Hood.

~fin~