Chapter 10
Many of you have been asking for a POV from Robin as well as more interaction between Regina and Robin. At least I got one of your requests met!
To all my reviewers, thank you for your kind words and your guesses. I enjoy reading them! Helps me know I'm on the right track with the story.
From above in their tree house, Robin watched as Lucille walked away from Sade. It was the walk that got his attention, had gotten his attention. She walked not like a woman of her years should. Most women in this stage of their life had aches, especially considering she had crashed into a tree the day before. She should be in some pain. But it wasn't just that. The way she held herself, it reminded him of her.
He turned, facing the cabin. Stooping over, he picked up items Roland had scattered about. The house itself was modest but it had to be so the tree could support it. There was a common room and on either side a bedroom for him and his boy. When Robin would go away, Roland would sleep with Little John's family. He was friends with their children but they didn't sleep in the trees so Roland had an extra reason to be excited when his father was home.
Robin came to the clay the queen had given Roland. Robin was truly touched she gave the boy anything at all. If he had asked why, she'd probably say no one should have to endure the pine cone crafts he was churning out, but the outlaw remembered how she had it safely on display in her private chambers. His son meant something to her, and that meant something to him.
So now that Roland was seeking Lucille out, a strange woman he did not know and he'd actually made her something of the clay, Robin couldn't help but wonder. Yet his conclusion seemed so preposterous. Why would the queen be here in disguise? Wasn't there enough to do for her, not the least which was trying to find out who sent the orcs to attack her people. If he voiced this theory to Friar Tuck, no doubt the older man would say Robin would do anything to keep from believing the evil queen was back to her old tricks again, attacking anyone who got in her way. To himself, the outlaw could admit there was some truth in that.
After tidying up, he left down the ladder. Regardless of Lucille's story, Robin actually did have reason to go see Regina, report to her what the tortured orc had revealed. Little John insisted that wasn't necessary, her own men would handle delivering such information. Robin disagreed, after what happened to Johnson, his new replacement wasn't eager to head off to see the queen for any reason.
As he walked, he passed by Sade. Earlier, Robin watched as the young man was called away from the training, he knew how much the young man had wanted to be part of their quests but he just didn't have any talent for it. Often, Sade allowed depression to overtake him and after failing in his attempt with Little John, he seemed on his way down again. But now Sade's mood had improved, was it because of his talk with Lucille?
"Hello, Sade."
"Morning, Robin," Sade said, pushing his wheelbarrow to the area where they stored the wood for the bonfires. "It's a lovely day, isn't it?"
This was a change! "Yes, it is. I am glad to see your spirits are so high. I…, I was worried your earlier bout with John had depressed you."
"Oh, that." Now his face fell and Robin mentally kicked himself. "I'm going to be a merry man! Robin, you'll see. Someday."
He sighed. He wished Sade could feel a part of the group without having to actually risk his life. "You already are."
Sade paused, and looked back at him. "I guess. But in the meantime, it's enough to be contributing in other ways."
"True! What had you come to this decision?"
He shrugged. "Well, that older lady, Lucille, she pointed out how important it is for tasks, even if they are rather common, to get done. Plus she noted that I improved on those tasks, like using a wheelbarrow instead of trying to carry the wood in several trips."
"Did she now?" Robin said. Perhaps he was wrong about Lucille. He couldn't imagine the queen giving encouraging words to Sade, especially over jobs that she no doubt would think were beneath any person of significance. "That was kind of her. She's taken to you then?" Sade was a rather simpleton. The queen didn't seem to have much patience for such types. More proof that he was kidding himself over Lucille.
"I don't know. Maybe. She might just feel sorry for me." Emotion crossed Sade that Robin did recognize. The boy was lost in his past.
"Sade," Robin started but the young man went on.
"I told her about what happened in Boon Hills."
Robin's heart went out as it often did for the boy, to go through something like that and to lose everything, most people don't recover. Considering everything, he actually was doing far better than one would think. On the other hand, Robin wasn't sure talking about orc attacks was a good idea. Older people like Lucille would remember the wars with the ogres and until Robin figured out what they were dealing with, they needed to keep rumors from spreading. "I'm sure she hated to hear about your family, Sade. Hearing of orc attacks tend to scare women old enough to remember the past. They fear the dark wars returning."
Sade shook his head. "I don't think so. She just wanted to know if they were the same ones as from Tripp's Landing and I did let her know you thought so, but otherwise-"
"Tripp's Landing? You told her about that?"
"No. She brought it up."
Robin put his hands on his hips. How did she know about that? The remote location of the region kept many from even knowing an army had been sent out. "She, you mean Lucille, actually said Tripp's Landing?"
Sade stood up straight. "Yeah, asked me if my orcs were the same as from there. Why?"
How could she know? She said when the queen allegedly burned her house, she specifically said that she didn't know anything about where Regina had been. "Nothing, Sade, I'll leave you to your duties." Robin hurried away, his mind spinning: an old woman who had very little injuries from a bad accident, Roland's interest, and now her knowledge of Tripp's Landing. Lucille was the queen!
Robin walked back to the central area looking for her. He spotted her as she stood awkwardly with the women of the camp. To anyone else, she might only look uncomfortable trying to fit in with women considerably younger. But Robin noted she was attempting to follow along with their chores, in this case, peel potatoes. She had no idea what she was doing. She was trying to copy the other women's actions. It was almost comical except Robin wasn't amused. He was concerned and had to make it his top priority.
What was she doing here?
Skylar knew he was here. When the master entered, the energy of the room shifted. Instinctively he stood up straighter as he approached. He had impeccable timing. The informant was spent.
"Has he told you everything?"
"Yes, My Lord." Skylar stepped aside so he could look at the man, what was left of him. He was stretched out on the rack. His breathing was ragged and he could hardly talk now struggling for breath. The master leaned into him, Skylar could see the soldier shudder.
The man's hollow eyes looked back to him. "Please, just kill me."
This made his persecutor smile. "All in good time. Did you tell us everything?"
"Yes."
Skylar held his tongue. The man had come to them. Well, they came upon the man leaving Tripp's Landing. He had been punished by his own queen so he was quite eager to relay any information, as he no longer held any loyalty. But the master didn't believe in information that was freely given, so after taking down his report Skylar was ordered to torture him and see if he changed or appended his story. He had not.
Stepping back, Skylar's superior reached out his hand in the air above the man's face. With his palm flat, he stated a few words, the man known as Johnson began to shake and spew. His spirit began to escape out of the openings in his face, absorbed by the hand. Through the eyes, the nostrils and the mouth, the white smoke drained until it was all gone. Johnson's head flew back lifeless.
Bringing his hand closer to his body, his master turned to Skylar. "So it's this thief, this outlaw Robin Hood, I have to thank for ruining my plans?"
"Yes, My Lord," Skylar bowed. His master loved it when people bowed to him. "Johnson's story never wavered. Curious that someone like him would be helping the queen."
The other agreed. "Yes, we'll have to do something about that. What do you suggest?"
Now was a timely moment. Anything that displeased his lord could cost Skylar his life but if his idea was successful, he would be greatly rewarded. "I think sending out an assassin would be the best course. Now that our numbers are down, it wouldn't drain our manpower and the bandit's death may go unnoticed by anyone of importance."
His master considered it. "Yes, I agree. You know who to send?"
Again, he bowed. "Yes, I do."
It was early afternoon. Robin had packed and was ready. He was going to have to take Regina away before he confronted her. He had no idea how she would respond. He hoped she wouldn't hurt anyone, but it would be foolish to ignore her earlier acts. However, maybe he'd be better off doing it in the camp; safety in numbers. But Robin doubted it, if there was one thing he had learned about Regina she didn't like to be criticized and doing so in public would probably make things worse.
It was hard to remain silent. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. What was she doing here? Why was she spying on them? He had no answers. Plus, she now knew how to get to their hideout. The men would absolutely panic if they realized this. Were they in danger from her black knights? If she wanted that, she would have already summoned them. So what was she up to?
He approached her now and she stood once she saw him. "Lucille, remember I told you that when the time comes, we would escort you home?"
Her eyes narrowed. He had made it sound like it would take a few days and in reality it would. He had to make up some story to his men as to why he was leaving so quickly as well as taking Lucille with him. He hated lying. But he had to get her out of here. "Yes, I do."
"The time has come. I'll wait here as you gather your things." He crossed his arms. She studied him which forced him to hold his breath. He felt like she knew exactly what he was up to.
"I'll be just a minute."
After she walked away, he scanned the people around him. They looked confused but they wouldn't question him. John would explain later what they would think his plan was. As he waited, Roland padded over, looking down. The pain on his boy's face had Robin's body physically aching. He knew Roland had hoped he'd stay longer and Robin usually would. But with Regina here he had no choice. "Don't go."
Kneeling down, he took him into his arms. He'd already said goodbye but Roland was trying one more time to keep him here. His son had no idea how hard it was to not give in. "I'm sorry, I will be back as soon as I can."
Glancing around, Roland whispered, "I don't want her to go either."
"Who?" Robin was curious how Roland had figured it out. Surely the queen hadn't actually told the boy. Roland didn't answer right away. He glanced down at Robin's chest, not being able to make eye contact. Clearly lying. "Lu-Cile."
Kissing his forehead, Robin answered. "You better say goodbye to her."
She approached then and Roland walked up to her. He immediately bowed like any knight would do for his queen. She had several conflicting emotions run across her face, Robin had no idea what any of them were. "Goodbye Roland."
The pair walked towards the horse area. Regina simply had a bag with her. Robin had his pack. She asked him, "So you're leaving too? You just got back?"
"Yes, I have news I must take to the queen. She'll want to hear it."
As the horses were taken out, one of the merry men approached her with a blindfold. She took one look at it and said, "No!" Robin had to bite back a smile. If he wasn't sure before ,he sure was now.
"I'm sorry, but we must insist." She looked like she was going to argue but then remembered herself. She allowed the blindfold then they hoisted her up on the horse. Robin got on his and reminding her to hold on, he guided them out of the camp. Slowly.
They rode in silence. She was so quiet. He kept turning around to make sure she kept the bandage on but so far she was complying. She really had no reason not to, he was positive she knew exactly where they were. After about an hour, he slowed down and got off.
"We're stopping?" she asked.
"Yes, Lucille, we are." He walked over to her. "Let me help you down."
After he dropped her to the ground, he removed her blindfold. Taking her bag, he handed it to her to carry. He already had his pack on him. "What are you doing?"
"These horses are trained to head back to camp on their own. We will be traveling by foot."
He could plainly see she didn't like that plan one bit. "You expect an old woman to go miles through the forest?"
It was time this was over. "We both know there isn't an old woman here, Your Majesty."
He expected her to argue. To be upset he had seen through her disguise. Instead, she relaxed. "Finally!" With a wave of her hand purple smoke appeared and Lucille transformed into Regina. She was wearing perfectly tailored clothes to fit her curves, this outfit was leathered and obviously designed for royals to go hiking. Robin couldn't stop staring. She truly was very beautiful.
What do you think? How about the dark lord? How much danger is Robin in? Did anyone notice the slip Regina made a couple of chapters ago with Tripp's Landing and Sade? I thought Robin wouldn't exactly think of Regina being encouraging to a guy like Sade. What's funny is if she had met while being the queen, he'd be right, she wouldn't have the least bit patience with him.
Please review! PLEASE.