(by Jo)

Robin of the Hood

Nottingham

By Bailey

Marion was sitting thinking about the day Robin Longstride had come into her life.  He had brought her sad news that made a major change in her life.  Her husband, Robert Loxley, was dead.  With his death came an uncertain future for her and the people who relied on the Peper Harrow estate for a living. 

He was handsome, this yeoman messenger, a strong and quiet man who had returned her father-in-law’s sword, taken by his son 10 years earlier when he went on crusade.  She was grateful that he had, but the news of Robert’s death hit her hard.  It wasn’t that she had been in love with her husband; they barely knew one another and they had only been married a week when he left, hardly enough time to forge a close relationship.  She had been an old maid when Robert married her.  He gave her the chance to have a permanent home and the possibility of children, and she gave him someone to come home to.  It was a marriage of convenience.  But then aren’t all marriages that?  However, in fairness to Robert, he was a kind and generous man with a pleasant face and easy attitude.  It would have pleased her to have him return so they could truly take the time to be married and perhaps even fall in love.

As Walter Loxley, Robert’s father, and Thomas Millerhold, the Sheriff of Nottingham, had both said; without an heir, Marion would soon be turned out once Walter died.  He was already eighty-four, having had Robert late in life.  He couldn’t live too much longer and her fate would be sealed.  She had no male child that could inherit Walter’s lands and so she would no longer have a home.

Walter had suggested that Robin Longstride should take his son’s name and become Walter’s heir and Marion’s husband.  He mentioned that they need not have children, but somehow she knew he would have wanted that eventuality.  Longstride was someone Walter knew from before, she had been sure of it.  Or at least he knew his family.  She had been shocked and angry when Walter first suggested the ruse, but she realized that Walter was simply trying to protect her.  Though she resented and rejected it she also realized that Robin Longstride was attractive and her lonely heart was not immune to that fact.

In the end, she didn’t even outwardly have a chance to mourn her husband for her husband had returned in the form of Longstride.  He accepted Walter’s offer of pretending to be Walter’s son in return for the sword he’d brought back. Marion was sure now, that Walter would have given him much more, probably his lands and his title.  Though Marion didn’t like the situation she had reluctantly gone along.  And, in time, they had fallen in love during the charade.  She was now Marion Longstride and didn’t regret it.  Her only regret was that Robin may never see the son or daughter she now carried.  Late in life she was to realize her dream, but couldn’t imagine raising their child without her beloved husband, if King John was to have his revenge.

Robin Longstride sat astride his horse, bound in chains, while riding toward his certain fate in London, having been captured while helping one of the villagers in Nottingham.  It was his fault for going there when he knew well and sure that he shouldn’t.  The Sheriff of Nottingham had been hosting soldiers sent by King John to ‘help’ him capture Robin of the Hood.  And they did.

Again he returned to thoughts of his wonderful wife and the child she carried.  Robin recalled that Marion had been quietly introspective when he told her that Robert Loxley would not be coming home, that was before he realized that she was in fact Loxley’s widow.  She didn’t get emotional but he could tell it affected her greatly.  He hated to be the one facing Loxley’s father.  He knew it would hit the old man at least as hard if not harder.

He hadn’t expected to be invited to dinner the day he arrived in Nottingham but it was nice to have a bath and wear regular clothing.  He and his friends hadn’t realized just how heavy full chain mail was until they decided to wear it, that being part of their disguise as escorts of the crown when returning it to England after King Richard’s death.

They had come upon Robert Loxley and the legitimate knights who were returning Richard’s crown just as they were being ambushed.  The entire escort was killed except Robert, who was only barely alive when they got to him.  It was then that he made Robin promise to return his father’s sword. It was also then that Robin and his men donned the clothes of baron’s sons and pretended to be the dead escort so they could cross the English Channel on the boat that waited for King Richard and his men.  This action alone could make them outlaws, all of them.

They rode to Nottingham and then parted ways.  Robin hadn’t been sure where his friends had gone after he wished them well and left to deliver the sword to Loxley.  After ten years together it was like losing his family when he said good-bye.  They were, after all, the only family he ever had.  He wasn’t sure what fate held for him and he didn’t want to include them if it went wrong.

He was grateful now that they had stayed in Nottingham, waiting to see what would transpire.  They didn’t think twice when he asked their help in stealing the seed grain from the church as it was being transported from Nottingham to York and they helped him plant that seed for the people of Peper Harrow.  They were with him in all his endeavors and were as much outlaws as he was, simply through the act of helping.

Marion.  He always came back to her in his mind.  He was instantly attracted to her.  She wasn’t the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but she had a nice face and beautiful hair and a bit of a temper that excited him.  He had never cared for simpering females and she was anything but.  She was capable.  She wasn’t the lady of the manor hiding in her ivory tower while the servants toiled.  She shod horses, helped with plowing, cared for the livestock and the servants.  It was Marion Loxley who kept Peper Harrow going through the force of her will.  Walter was blind and though he was still he Lord of Nottingham, Marion was the one who made it all work.

She “invited” him to her bed chamber that first night of the ruse, but instructed him that if he touched her she would unman him.  He had to smile at that.  She probably would have at that time.  Now however she would protect that part of him fiercely since they had become husband and wife in truth.  He had watched that night as she readied for bed, only the thin curtains to interfere with his sight.  He appreciated her figure and went to sleep with thoughts of how to bring her to him respectfully.

Walter had been candid about Robin’s father and Robin’s own shadowy past.  He seemed to need Robin to become his son, to help shelter Marion and to temper the deep pain he felt at losing his real son, his true future.  His first wife had borne him only one child and died in the process, the babe followed only two days later.  He waited until he was in his forties to again take a wife.  Although Walter and his second wife had three children, two had died early in life, one from a fever and the other from a disease they didn’t have a name for.  Only Robert had survived.  With his passing Walter’s line ended.

Longstride, however, had been very important to Walter and William Marshall, the king’s advisor, when he was a child.  They had sought to protect him after his father’s death but managed to lose contact after they left on crusade.  He once again became very important to them when Robin had spoken out for a charter of rights at a war gathering where Marshall had tried to bring King John and the northern barons together to fight the French invaders.  The barons were ready to fight King John for having taxed them into near poverty.  It was Longstride’s speech that brought forth a promise from King John to sign a charter of rights once the French were defeated.

Shortly after his speech, the French, led by the king’s traitorous friend Godfrey, ripped though Nottingham and Walter was killed.  Once the French invaders were defeated, King John became jealous of Longstride.  The army looked up to him and the barons accepted his counsel.  John was afraid they might rise up and dethrone him in favor of Longstride.  So he declared Robin an outlaw for the balance of his life and even though he had promised to sign a charter of rights, King John reneged.

Chapter Two

“My Lord!”  Albert Finney, William Marshall’s most trusted servant, stopped short.  His slender body and keen blue eyes reflected anxiety as much as his voice.

Marshall turned from the pretty woman standing near the fireplace to acknowledge his servant.  “What is it, Albert?”

“My Lord,” he bowed as he answered,  “I have news from our friend in Barnsdale.”

Barnsdale, not Nottingham.  That meant it was about Robin Longstride.  They never mentioned Nottingham anymore.  Sir Walter was dead and they couldn’t take a chance that King John would realize they were talking about the outlaw ‘Robin of the Hood’.

Marshall, tall and handsome with graying hair and beard, motioned Finney to wait before speaking.  He excused himself from the woman, bowed and left.  Finney followed him out of the large room and down the corridor to a small sitting room.

“What news?”

“They have trapped Robin Longstride and are bringing him to London to face King John.  He is to be hanged in public.”

“Is there any chance his men will rescue him?”

“Not likely, sir.  There are thirty men guarding him and the element of surprise left Longstride’s men late in acting.  His captors have a full day advantage.”

Now that Godfrey was dead and Marshall was again King John’s advisor, he was staying at the palace.  “Let me know as soon as they reach London.”

Bowing, Finney again acknowledged his Lord and then turned to leave.

Marshall lingered on in the small room.  He was unsure exactly what he could do to help Robin, but help him he would, if and when the opportunity presented itself.

Marshall knew King John would be a poor leader, but when he outright went back on his word to sign the charter Marshall realized they needed to help keep Robin Longstride safe.  Marshall would never undermine the throne but he would not turn his back on Longstride.  He owed it to Robin’s father and he owed it to Robin.  He had hopes that one day Robin would find a way to secure the rights that both he and his father had spoken so passionately about.  For now, Marshall would do what he could to help Longstride without directly opposing King John.

Two days later Marshall and a room full of people King John kept as his court, stood watching as Robin Longstride was dragged in, wearing chains.

John rose from his throne and walked down the few steps to face Robin. He stood on the last step so he would appear to be a little taller than the outlaw. “So we finally have the man who mocks our honor by pretending to be a knight.  What did you think to gain?  Money?  The true son of the realm’s wife?  His lands?  Or was it a higher quest you had in mind, filling the people’s mind with treasonous ideas?  Hum?  Is the crown what you had your sights on?  Yes, I think so.  Did you imagine that my barons would so easily follow you on this quest?  They stand to lose all their lands, given to them by the crown’s generosity.  In other words, my generosity.”

Robin quietly answered with his deep baritone voice.  “I simply did what was requested of me.  I have no need to be king nor do I wish to challenge your right.  I only want justice for our people.”

“My people!!!  They are my people not yours!  Are you suggesting that I am not just and merciful?”

Robin glanced at Isobelle.  She was watching intently from her throne next to John’s and she seemed somehow sympathetic toward him.  That surprised him mightily.  “You are not everywhere, Your Highness, and your representatives are unjust.  They hurt and kill in your name.  The people are not allowed to hunt deer when their animals are taken, as tribute to you, sire.  What are the people to do?  All I ask is for limits to be set so there is justice, so a man can feed his family.  They are your people, sire…care for them!”

“You insolent dog!”  John in a rage hit Robin full on with his fist.  It caught him along the temple, cutting a wide line across his cheek and the force knocked him unconscious.  He dropped to the stone floor as King John yelped, having nearly broken his own hand with the blow.  “Take him to the dungeon.  Give him nothing to eat or drink until I say otherwise.”

He stepped back as the guards dragged Longstride out.  Looking out across the faces of his court he said, “Is there anyone here who stands for Longstride and his treacherous ways?”

No one in their right mind would have answered ‘yes’.

The same beautiful woman who was speaking with Marshall the day he was informed of Longstride’s capture, was watching the entire exchange with great interest.  She liked what she saw of the outlaw.  He was handsome, intelligent, and his voice touched her.  She very much wanted an audience with him, to explore his ideas and hear him talk with that deep soothing voice.  She smiled.  She would find a way.

“Out! Everyone out!”  John’s physician was tending to his hand as everyone filed out of the large room.  “Not you, Marshall!  I would have words with you!”

William Marshall turned back to the throne.  He bowed. “Sire?”

“What say you?” he shouted.

“Say, Sire?”

“Are you not my loyal advisor?  What say you about this…this traitor?”

“What would you have me say, Sire?  He is captured and on his way to the dungeon.  What more is there to say?”

“Ouch!”  King John flinched and shoved his physician away. “I’m already hurt; must you inflict more pain?”

The doctor bowed and apologized.

King John, slender but well built, stood around 5’ 10’’, with dark expressive eyes and near black hair.  Though good looking, he was a petulant and arrogant man. “I have won, have I not?  He will hang in the public square as an example to all my subjects.  This insistence they have for written laws goes against my crown.  The Devine Right of Kings is clear.  I need share none of my power with the barons or the people.  Why do they not see that?”

Marshall thought for a moment.  Anything he might say could be misinterpreted. “Perhaps you should not have given your word regarding the charter they requested.”

“I did what I had to do to get the barons to fight for me.  I needed them, Marshall. The French were invading.  Should I have ignored the situation?  We would be speaking French now!’

“Still, Sire, you have lost credibility.  Your promise is now suspect.”

“John, you should listen to Marshall,” a soft voice suggested.  “You need the loyalty of the barons and the people.  What they ask for is not unreasonable.”  Isobelle, John’s pretty, young consort, destined to some day become queen, was pleading and Marshall was surprised that she went so far.

“When I want your opinion, Madame, I will ask for it!  Now I think it is time for you to join your ladies.”  As she passed he said, “Don’t ever question my decisions at court again.”

Marshall was even more surprised when she answered back, “Did you not end court some minutes ago, my lord?”

Chapter 3

“Oh, Marshall!” the young woman exclaimed.  She was the same young woman who was at court the day Longstride was brought before King John and the same woman William Marshall had been speaking with the day he was informed of Longstride’s capture. “Please!  I just want to speak to him.  He’s fascinating.  I’ve never seen such a man before!  He was magnificent!”

William Marshall, as always, was charmed by her. She had become the daughter he never had.  However, he would not be easily won over in this situation. “By proclamation of your uncle, King John, he’s just an outlaw, Claire.  It is best if you leave it alone.”

“Oh, pooh!  If I must I will speak with my uncle.”

Marshall cocked his head to the side. “And you think your grandmother will allow it?”  He could see so much of her grandmother, Queen Elenore, in this young woman.  There was no doubt that she was Richard’s illegitimate daughter.  Her hair was the same bronzy blond, curly mane that ‘The Lionheart’ had and her eyes were as blue as the sky, like her grandmother’s.

Although Richard’s sexuality had been suspect, it was well known that he spent time with the ladies and had begotten an illegitimate son as well as this young woman, his beautiful daughter.  He had no legitimate heirs.  The son would probably be recognized, depending on whether John produced any male heirs who lived to maturity, but Claire, on the other hand, probably would not be, even though Richard had not been shy about bringing her to the palace and doting over her.  During those days, before the third Crusade took Richard away, she and Elenore forged a close bond.  Because of that bond she received all the courtesies due Richard’s daughter except for being officially recognized. 

“I would be surprised if Grandmum didn’t go speak with him herself.  He’s just the kind of man she always said should rule.  My father was too interested in war and my Uncle John is too interested in bedding women, to be true rulers.  My father should have been more interested in his people and so should his brother.”

Marshall paled at the words she spoke.  They were critical of the king and could be interpreted as treasonous.  William Marshall knew how cruel John could be and that he resented having Claire here.  She reminded him of Richard.  He only tolerated her because of his mother’s love for the girl.  That alliance though would not stop him from ridding London of his niece and it wouldn’t necessarily be through exile.

William stepped closer to her and in a low voice said, “Claire, I warn you to temper your words. John has spies and they report to him constantly.”

Claire lowered her head.  “I didn’t mean to criticize, Marshall, I only meant that he would be in better stead if he were to embrace his people instead of…of…”

“Rule them?”

“No! No, that’s not what I meant!  He should rule them. It is his right and destiny, but he should do it with love not hate.  It seems he only looks on them as a tool to pay his way.  He doesn’t really care about them as people.”

Marshall answered again in a quiet voice. “I will not help you gain an audience with this outlaw.”  When she turned to argue he continued, “I won’t because, his words are infectious and I am afraid you would be caught up in his quest for a charter.  You are very much alike. Now I must take my leave, my lady.”

He bowed and turned, ending the conversation. William Marshall quickly walked away and immediately went to his private quarters. 

As he left, she wondered at how he came to know the man well enough to make that statement.  He fought with him against the French invasion, yes, but usually it takes time to come to know someone that well.  Completely undaunted, she decided on a different course of action.

“But, Grandmum, I only wish to talk to him.  I want to know what he thinks and why.  He piques my interest.”  Claire had immediately sought out her grandmother.

Elenore looked at her granddaughter and wondered at how much she reminded her of Richard.  Richard had been her favorite child; she had adored him.  As such she wanted to protect his child.  She had already spoken to John and expressed her desire to keep Claire undeclared and thus take her out of the line of monarchy.  She would not be marrying anyone of royal blood, but neither would she be a target for those who would seek to end the Plantagenet line.

Elenore had looked for a suitable husband for her.  However, Claire always had objections to the ones she chose.  She truly believed that she should decide for herself whom she would marry.  Of course that was a mark of the lower born and rarely allowed in royalty.  But since Elenore truly loved her granddaughter she allowed her to linger into near old maid status.  Now, with this fascination for Longstride, she realized the young woman was attracted to him.  That was not to be encouraged.  She could easily run afoul of John and he would relish any opportunity to either banish her or have her executed, so dark were his feelings for her.  In fact Elenore was afraid that once she died, Claire would follow her shortly after.

And so, it was time to seriously consider a husband for Claire.  It was unfortunate that Longstride was considered an outlaw and was to be executed; he would have been a perfect match, though it was rumored that he, in fact, married Loxley’s widow.  That could have been remedied through annulment were he not in such a situation.  Marshall would be the next best choice.  Only one problem there, Marshall was already married to a beautiful woman who had given him three sons.  He would never consider divorcing her, not even for his queen.  Perhaps another avenue was open and would prove a better option than leaving Claire to John’s devices.

“Claire, I forbid you from seeing Longstride.”  She held up her hand, stopping the anticipated argument.  “I will go see him and once I do I will decide if you will be allowed.”

“But, Grandmum, he’s to be executed tomorrow.  I may never have the chance, even if you approve.”

Elenore shook her head. “I will go see him now.”  She quickly grabbed two red, juicy, apples from the bowl on the table and secreted them in the folds of her dress.

As she walked out of her chamber she called to two of the guards.  They were men who she was certain held sympathy for her and not her son.  “Come with me.”

Claire decided to follow them.  She would not be allowed to enter the dungeon, but she could wait near its entrance in case her grandmother approved the audience.

Robin was sitting on a block of stone, the only raised thing in the cell.  He’d slept on the hard stone floor last night and felt fatigued from it.  Even though on crusade he’d slept on the ground and it was uncomfortable, it was not like the cold, hard stone.  His head hurt from the blow King John delivered him and he was hungry and thirsty.  He had anticipated at least bread and water but so far it seemed either they had forgotten about him or didn’t want to waste the food and water on a man who was slated to die tomorrow.

It wasn’t that he was afraid to die.  God knows he came close more than once.  The scar on his ribs under his left arm was proof of that.  He had long ago been scared out of being scared to die.  Now however, things had changed.  He still wasn’t afraid to die; he was afraid to leave Marion alone to raise their child by herself.  He knew she could do it and that his friends would help, but he wanted more for his son or daughter than he had.  He missed having his father raise him.  There were so many things other men had told him about their fathers and things they shared while growing up.  He wanted that for his child.  Perhaps Marion would re-marry, although he doubted it.  He wanted and needed to be there for both of them.  He realized that short of a miracle, that wouldn’t happen.

He heard noises outside of the cell door and it suddenly opened.  He quickly stood, thinking perhaps they were going to feed him or maybe he had been unconscious longer than he thought the day before and it was, in fact, his execution day.

He was completely surprised when Queen Elenore walked in with two guards.  She dismissed them and they reluctantly left.  The taller of the two expressed, “My lady, we will be just outside the door if you need us.”

She waived them away and turned to Longstride.  He bowed, motioned to the block of stone and said, “I’m sorry, Your Majesty; I find I have only stone for you to rest upon.  Please don’t think it reflects my opinion of you.”

Elenore couldn’t help but smile at that.  Claire was right to be attracted to him.  Even though he was dirty he held a certain dignity that wasn’t often shown in the lower classes.  He had done several things that impressed her, not the least of which was his voice for the people, his defense of England when France had invaded (Marshall told her of his prowess and the respect the barons showed him), he fulfilled his promise to return Loxley’s sword and he made certain the crown was returned and given to the next rightful heir.  None of these things were his responsibility.  He simply did them because they needed to be done and he was honorable enough to see them through.  It was too bad neither of her sons by Henry II, who inherited the crown, were of the same mind. 

She had already been impressed with him when he presented her the crown after Richard’s death.  He had posed as Robert Loxley and she thought at the time that she was happy it was Walter Loxley’s son who was given the honor.  She had never met Robert before but was glad that he had returned alive.  Walter would be relieved.  Now she knew different.  Robert was buried somewhere in France along with the Loxley name.

She settled herself on the stone while again taking her measure of him.

“Your Majesty, may I ask a question?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you think it unwise to be here alone with an outlaw like me?  I could force you to have me released.  I am, after all, a bit desperate.”

She handed him a juicy red apple. “You seem unusually calm for such desperation.  I don’t believe you are the kind of man who would abuse a woman to further his situation.”

Robin smiled a small smile.  It didn’t reach his eyes.  Rather, a haunted look passed over him and she didn’t miss it.  “You wouldn’t believe the things I’ve done in the name of the church and for England.  My soul has holes in it from such action, my lady.” 

She nodded and quietly said, “I wasn’t there, but I have heard.” 

He looked at the apple a moment before taking a bite.  It was wonderful.

“Still, I don’t believe you would do such a thing.  More’s the pity.  If I were you I would hold me hostage and threaten to kill me while keeping the guards at bay.  I would then drag me to the last cell, lock me and the guards in that cell and leave the dungeon.  There is a young woman named Claire Sochett waiting at the entrance.  She would be willing to show you how to leave the palace unnoticed.  However, you would have to take her with you.  Her life would be forfeit otherwise.  Of course, that is only what I would do.”

Was she offering to be his hostage?  Did she want him to escape?  Yes, he could see it in her eyes.  But why?

She answered his question before he could ask it. “The crown is in peril if the people do not have a champion who will fight for their rights.  Sooner or later they will turn against the crown and all will be lost.  Better a charter than anarchy.”

They sat for the next few minutes and talked quietly while Robin finished both apples.  “I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you water.”

He smiled, “I am too, but this was the finest banquet, and I thank you, my lady.”

Chapter 4

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!”  Bang, bang.

King John jerked open his bedroom door.  “What…is…this…racket!!?”

John stood naked before his Head of Guard. The man bowed, trying not to notice his king’s state of undress. “Your Majesty, the man known as Robin of the Hood has escaped.”

“HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN!!!”  John was so enraged that his eyes seemed to pop out.

“Sire, Queen Elenore went to see him earlier, and he took her hostage.  The guards didn’t want her hurt, so they cooperated.”  William Marshall stood next to the unfortunate Head of Guard; always the voice of reason, he also sought to calm the king. 

“My mother went to see him?  And she was allowed?  The fool who let her in will hang in Longstride’s stead!”

“Sire, the man only did what Queen Elenore asked.  He saw no reason to deny her request.  He is the simpleton, Your Majesty.  It would not go well to execute someone who is not in command of all his faculties.  He is like a child.” 

Marshall was again stunned by the brilliance of Queen Elenore.  Even though he had yet to speak to her at length, he was sure she had planned the entire visit around who would be on guard and who would be with her. 

“No one realized there was an escape until her ladies became alarmed.  They realized she and her guards were both gone and they asked Southridge to check with his guards to see if they knew where she was.  They searched the palace and that’s when they found them in the dungeon cell near the entrance.”

“Fine, Marshall, Southridge can hang instead.  It was his responsibility to keep Longstride confined.”  John looked daggers at Southridge, who simply looked stunned.

In a quiet voice Marshall said, “Is this the justice you spoke of at court, Sire?”

“Are you questioning me, Marshall?  Are you a part of the conspiracy?”

“No, Sire, I am not!  However, hanging any man who followed the orders of his superiors would confuse the populace and make them question all orders coming from anyone who commands them.  They would be afraid to act for fear of becoming the next example.”

John thought for a moment.  He was furious.  They had lost his prize.  Now what to do?  He snapped, “Your life will be spared, Southridge.  Have you at least sent someone to find him?”

“I have sent 30 men to look for him, Sire.”  Southridge was sweating and relieved that the king wouldn’t follow through.  “We have reason to believe your niece, Claire, helped him leave the palace.  She was seen with a man earlier and she left the gate with two horses just after nightfall. She claimed that she was riding to Marlboro to see her cousin.  When they asked why she needed two horses, she said she wanted to arrive by morning and would need to ride through the night to get there.  She has been foolish enough to ride alone before so they didn’t question her further.”

“They didn’t think it unusual for a young woman to ‘ride through the night’ alone?”  He was surrounded by stupid people.  “You see, Marshall!  I always knew she was a traitor…would be against the crown…my crown.  I should have had her dispatched immediately after Richard was known to be dead.  I had no need of her; I only allowed her to live because of my mother.  Is she unharmed, by the way?”

“Yes, Sire, she was not hurt and according to her, Longstride probably would not have followed through, but her guards weren’t so sure.”

“I will speak with her tomorrow. Now…good night!”  With that he slammed the door closed and returned to Isobelle in bed.

Longstride, on the other hand, was riding into the night with Claire. 

After Queen Elenore and her guards were locked safely in the last cell, Robin had made his way to the entrance of the dungeon and, sure enough, a young woman was there waiting.

“Are you Claire Sochett?’

Claire answered “yes”.  “And you, sir, are Robin Longstride.”  It was a statement not a question. 

“Yes.”

She immediately worried about Elenore.  “Where is my Grandmother?”

“Grandmother?”

“Yes, Queen Elenore.”

Robin’s face paled.  He had no idea that her majesty was including her granddaughter in this dangerous situation.  Why would she do that?  “She is locked in a cell with her guards.  I did not hurt her and she will be fine once they are found.”

Robin did not expound. He didn’t want to implicate Queen Elenore, even to her apparently compliant granddaughter.

“So, you are free!”  she smiled.

“Not until I’m out of the palace and back where I belong.  Have you any idea how I can leave here without drawing attention to myself?”

She smiled, “Yes I have; follow me.”

She led him down a corridor to a very steep stairway off to the side.  They each grabbed a torch and took the stairs down, down to the lower levels of the palace.  Robin wondered if she was taking him to another section of the dungeon.  Shortly, however, it became apparent that it was a storage area where food and water were kept against possible invasion.

They wandered through the barrels of water and oil, flour and dried fish.  “Are you sure of where we are going, Princess?”

Claire stopped.  “I played here as a child.  I know it like my own hand and just so you will know, I am not a princess.”

“You said Queen Elenore was your grandmother.  How can that be?”

She wasn’t sure why but suddenly she was embarrassed by her birth.  It had never bothered her until now, but before this particular man she wished to be seen as more than just a bastard.  She lowered her head. “I am King Richard’s illegitimate daughter.  Since I have not been, nor do I anticipate that I ever will be declared, I am not entitled to be called Princess.”

Robin could see she was upset and moved to comfort her.  “My lady, I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.  I’m sorry.  But I have a question before we go any further.”

She raised her eyes. “What question?”

“Why are you helping me?”

“Why?  Isn’t it obvious?”

“No, my lady, it is not.”

“Come, I have a better place to talk.  They will likely scour the entire palace once my grandmother’s ladies realize she is missing.  It’s a good thing it’s a large palace.”

She led him further into the storage area to a small room.  There were empty sacks, crates and barrels.  The barrels here were marked with red crosses. She tossed him a sack and said, “We should not waste time.  Start filling your sack with provisions while we talk.  This is the royal family’s personal larder.  I thought we should have the best.”

Robin noticed a small smile on her lips.  She was truly quite lovely, somewhere around seventeen, nearly an old maid.  “Why are you helping me?”  He wanted to return to the previous conversation.

“I didn’t realize I was going to until I saw you come out of the dungeon.”

“Then why were you there?   Did you accompany your grandmother?”

“Yes and no.  I knew Grandmum was going to see you.  I had asked her to approve an audience for me with you and she said she wanted to talk to you first. So, when she left for the dungeon I followed at a distance and waited at the entrance in case she returned and had approved.”

Robin was stuffing dried fish and jerky into his sack while Claire filled smaller sacks with flour, salt and herbs.

“Why would you be interested in speaking with me?”

“Why?  Because…because of what you said at court the other day.”  She didn’t want to tell him she thought he was the handsomest man she ever laid eyes on.  She couldn’t tell him his voice went straight to her heart and regions south.

“Then, if you did not accompany her, how would Her Majesty know you were waiting?”

Claire laughed, “Oh… because she’s a sly old fox.  I imagine she knew I would follow.”  She thought a moment. “How did you know my name if you never heard of me before?”

Robin had to admit, this was a quick-witted, intelligent woman.  “Her Majesty mentioned you to me.”  He thought for a moment, “Is there any reason why she would want you to leave with me instead of staying here?  Other than if we were to be seen together?”

“I would imagine that she was hoping you would take me to your hideout.”

“Why?”

“Because King John will more than likely have me murdered once Grandmum dies.  She’s trying to protect me.”

“Why would he do that?  You are no threat to him.”

“He hates me because I remind him of my father.  He hated him, too, because he was Grandmum’s favorite.  More so now that he is king.  You see King Richard spent large sums of money on Crusade and he was ransomed as well.  All of which lessened the money to which John now has access.  That’s why he’s taxing the people into poverty.  I agreed with all you said at court and wanted to discuss it further before they put an end to you.”  What she didn’t tell him was that she would have offered to help him escape if her grandmum hadn’t already taken care of it. 

He was glad that she agreed with him, but Robin hadn’t expected to take the young woman back to the greenwood.  The more who knew of the forest hideaway, the less safe it was.  Especially since he had no good reason to believe this woman was helping him for any other purpose than to provide the king with information.  If she did he could swoop down and kill all who lived there, including Marion and his friends.

“She helped you, didn’t she?”  Claire smiled at him.

“Who?” 

“Grandmum.”

“That would be treason.”

She smiled at him.  He wasn’t going to admit to anyone what Elenore of Aquitaine had done for him.  He wanted no harm to come to the old lady.

“Are you ready?  We need to get the horses and be through the gate before the alarm is raised.  Once it is, they will close the gates and we will be unable to leave.”

Robin nodded, “Ready.”

They found another stairway and they climbed.  Once they reached ground level, Claire whispered, “Be very quiet.  This hall echoes.”

They sneaked along the wall keeping to the shadows until they reached a door.  Once through it Robin could smell the familiar aroma of horse and straw.  Through one more door they could see the stable boy sleeping against the wall.

“Do what you need to, but do not kill him.  Tim is a friend,” she whispered.

“I may be an outlaw but I’m not a murderer.”  That was not true. Acre proved that.

“I’ll start saddling the horses.”  Claire moved toward the stables just as Tim woke up.

“Claire!  What are you doing here so late?”  The boy stood to go help her.

Robin came up from behind and knocked him out then tied and gagged him.  He moved to the second horse Claire had drawn out of a stall.  He saw the worried look Claire cast at Tim.  “He’ll wake with a headache, nothing more.”

She nodded and they finished.  They grabbed two bows and two full quivers as well as a sword for Robin.  The weapons storage room next to the stables was well stocked and Robin didn’t feel at all bad for taking the best there was, either.

It was nearly dark when they left the stable.  There was no one in the courtyard except the guards near the gate at the far end.  They were standing there talking on the left side. 

Claire said, “As I approach the gate I’ll keep both horses to my right, stay to that side and quickly move into the shadows.  Get to that small shack just outside of the gate, then, rejoin me once I move out again.  I don’t think they will be able to see you from there.”

“Won’t they find it strange that you’re leaving at nighttime alone?”

Claire smiled, “I’ve done it before, though Grandmum wasn’t happy.  I like riding at night and I sometimes ride to Marlboro to see my cousin.  I doubt it will be a problem, unless we wait until the alarm is raised.  If they try to detain me, however, don’t wait.  It is better you escape.  I will do what I can to slow them from the chase.  Now, no more questions.”

Claire walked the horses’ right up to the guards and engaged them in conversation while Robin stooped next to the horses, keeping low enough that the guards couldn’t see him.  As soon as they stopped, Robin quietly moved away into the shadows.  He slipped around the huge gate and into the freedom of the outside yard.

Making his way to the shack, he waited on the far side for Claire to join him.

Claire assured the guards that she would be fine.  She mounted and walked the horses through the gate.  Once she drew near the shack Robin moved close and Claire quickened the pace to a fast walk.  Robin kept pace while they quickly moved further along the road leading away from London.  Once they were sure the guards could no longer see them, Robin swung onto to his horse and they spurred into a full gallop.

The night was dark but the stars were magnificent. 

Chapter 5

“Mother, I don’t understand. Why you would need to speak with an outlaw?  Especially one who questions the rights of my crown?” 

John was upset. She could see that and she could understand why.  “I simply wished to evaluate the man myself before he was hung and I no longer had the chance.”

“Evaluate?  What is there to evaluate?  He tried to turn the barons and the people against me, Mother!  That is simple treason.  He paraded as a baron’s son, making all of us look like fools.  Even Marshall was taken in by him and he was Walter Loxley’s long time friend.  And Walter Loxley allowed it!  He continued it, the fraudulent old bastard!  He meant to give Longstride his name and lands.  Why?  To make me look a fool, nothing less!  The whole pack of them…liars and frauds!”

Elenore quietly asked, “Can you imagine what Walter Loxley felt when he found out that his only son was dead?   And, his daughter-in-law, whom he loved very much, was in danger of being left homeless, through no fault of her own except to not have conceived during a whole week’s marriage.  I think you should try to understand your subjects more.  Try to see through their eyes and realize they are simply trying to live as best they can.”

John glared at Elenore, “Well, it’s a good thing you aren’t in control, Mother, or we’d soon be crowning a commoner that lives in the wood.”  With that he stomped out, leaving Elenore alone.

Later that day Marshall joined the queen in the field near the palace.  She always looked to spend time with her beautiful owl when she needed to think.

Marshall smiled and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

“Do me a favor, William.  Do not be formal with me today.  I think of you as a son. You know that, and I need a son more than an advisor right now.”

“As you wish, Elenore.”

“Tell me what you know of Longstride and please don’t feign ignorance.  I know you, William, I know you well.  You are completely loyal to the crown but you also care about the people.  You must know more about Longstride than what you saw in battle.”  Queen Elenore, though petite, had a formidable personality.  She always seemed larger than she was because of it.  Today, however, she looked tiny, worn, and aged.  It bothered him to see it.

William Marshall had been saved by Queen Elenore during a skirmish when he a young man.  She had ransomed him and he had great affection for her and would do nearly anything she requested, and so he began.

“Robin Longstride’s father was a mason in Barnsdale…”  He proceeded to tell her of how Walter Loxley and he had come to know the mason, Thomas Longstride, and of his great passion for a charter of rights.  When Henry II found out about the traitor who encouraged the unrest in his people, he issued an order for Thomas Longstride’s death and the death of his family.  Robin was his only child and the boy’s mother was already dead, taken during the last plague.  Loxley and he decided to secrete the boy out of England and took him to a family in Normandy that they both knew would care for him.  It was not long after that they became involved in the second Crusade.  When they finally returned to find Robin, he was gone.  They had lost him.  It wasn’t until Robin returned Richard’s crown that Marshall again thought of Thomas Longstride.  He knew Walter Loxley’s son and even though it had been ten years since Marshall had seen him, he knew it was not Robert Loxley who presented the crown to the queen.  Since he wasn’t sure why the man was using the Loxley name, Marshall had kept his counsel and said nothing to anyone, until he went to see Walter again to seek his support.  He also explained what Walter Loxley had asked of Robin and why.

“I thought perhaps Walter was the one who instigated the charade.  So Longstride did what Walter asked of him and is now an outlaw because of it,”  Elenore frowned.

“No.  He’s an outlaw because John fears that the people will rise up and overthrow him in favor of Longstride.”

“Yes, there is that,” she said.  “I have cautioned John about his dealings with the people, so has Isobelle, but to no avail.  He simply will not listen.  I fear, William, that if John doesn’t change course, your prediction will come true.” She thought a moment, “I believe Longstride to be a good man.  I have entrusted him with Claire’s life.”

Marshall was sad that Claire was gone from the palace permanently, but he was also relieved.  He would have helped her to leave once Elenore died but it was uncertain whether he would have the opportunity.  He knew John wanted her dead and he might well have had it done immediately upon Elenore’s death.  “Don’t concern yourself, Elenore. He will keep her safe.  In truth, he would make a fine king were he born of royal blood.”

Elenore cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow.  “Treason from you, William, of all people.”

He smiled, “No, no treason, only an observation.  I would never go against the crown.”

She nodded, “I wonder, is that not what we have already done?  You for allowing him to escape years ago and me for allowing him to escape now?”

“We are not hurting John…I believe that.  We are allowing him the chance to save his crown and become what his subjects need him to be.  It is up to him to take this opportunity and use it wisely.”

“Ah, William, that is the rub.  I love my son but I didn’t endow him with wisdom.  And so, you and I will need to tread carefully and ease him into becoming the king he should be.  I fear it won’t be easy.  Longstride must be protected.  The charter can save John in spite of his actions.  It is the one action that can make him loved.”

Robin and Claire rode hard for the first hour then slowed back to a canter to give the horses a rest.  They rode right into a trap.

A man stepped from the darkness into the road.  Even at the slower pace they were hard put to stop the horses before riding the man down.  The moment they were completely stopped, a net fell from the trees overhanging the road and covered them.  They could barely keep the horses from becoming entangled, raising the possibility that one or both horses could suffer a broken leg.  There was also the chance that either rider could be hurt as well.  So they did their best to slide off their horses without becoming more entangled and did what they could to calm the frightened animals.

“Stay where you are and I’ll release you.”  It was a deep voice that commanded them.  They could not discern the face clearly in the rising moon light.  “Try to escape and my bowmen in the trees will kill you.”  The man was a mountain.  He stood six and a half feet tall and around 280 pounds, all muscle.

Slowly he peeled the net off and backed away.  “Who are you?  Where are you going and what business do you have here?”

Robin started to answer but Claire answered first.  “My husband and I are on our way to my cousin’s home in Marlboro.  I’m Sarah and this is Kelley.”

Looking at Robin he asked, “Does your woman always speak for you?”

Robin was searching the trees, trying to tell where the archers were.  “I find that it is easier to allow her to talk than to keep her from it.”

The man roared with laughter.  “I find the same.”

The sound of racing horses reached them.  The man looked down the road and then to Robin.  “What have you brought to us?”

“Nothing, if you let us go.”

The man assessed the situation then motioned them to follow him as several men climbed down from the trees and did the same.  The man led them deep into the surrounding trees.   Just as they vanished into the dark forest a group of men rode, at a fast pace, past where Robin and Claire had been netted.

Once they were gone, the man again asked, “What have you brought us and who are they?”

Robin was reluctant to answer, knowing that he had a large price on his head and his man would probably welcome the reward.

“They look to capture me.”  Again Claire spoke.  “I am King John’s niece and I have run away with Kelley.  We are in fact not yet married, but will be soon.”

“And King John doesn’t want this?”

“No. Kelley is not of royal blood.  John was planning to marry me to a French duke to quell the bad blood between England and France.”

The man accessed her carefully.  Her clothes were of high quality and that indicated that she was probably either royalty or perhaps a baron’s daughter.  Her words were viable but something about her and the man she was with did not tell of love run amok.  If you were to defy the King it would have to be a good reason to do so.  These two didn’t seem to be in love.  Oh, the woman was perhaps taken by the handsome man but he was obviously not enamored with her.  As a matter of fact, he seemed wary of her.

“I see.  Well, I think you should come with us.  You will rest and we can talk more in the morning.”

“We thank you but we must be on our way.” 

“Sarah, it wasn’t an invitation.”  Robin cocked his head and gave a jerk indicating that they should follow the man.  He then turned to the man.  “Now that you know our names, I would know yours.”

The man nodded, “I am Thomas.”

With that he turned and walked further into the trees.  They came to a clearing and Thomas indicated that his men should make a fire and that Robin and another man should tend to the horses.  He showed Claire to a tree stump and motioned her to sit down.  

Robin thought about trying to escape, but he couldn’t leave Claire alone with these men and it wasn’t possible to disable the man that was with him and grab Claire away from Thomas as well.  So he decided to wait and hope for a better opportunity later. 

They sat around the fire and ate.  Robin kept close to Claire in case any of the men decided they needed entertainment.  He would be no match for eight stout men, but he wouldn’t allow them to rape Claire without a fight.

Thomas kept watching him.  He was protecting the woman but there was no show of affection.  The firelight was bright enough that he could now see both of them well.  Suddenly he realized, “So, trying to return to the greenwood, near Nottingham, are you?”

Robin didn’t say anything, he only watched as Thomas stared at him.  At that moment one of his men returned from scouting the area.  “Rupe, nothing’s afoot.”

“I thought your name was Thomas.” Robin called him on the deception.

“And I thought yours was Kelley.  We both know elsewise.  You don’t remember me, but I was with Baldwin during the invasion, as were my men.  You’re Robin Longstride.”

Claire wasn’t sure what to do.  Should she claim otherwise or keep quiet?  For once she decided the latter.

“Since you know who I am, you know there is a reward. I will go with you willingly if you take the lady to Baldwin and ask that he take her in.”

“Robin, no!”  Claire was definitely upset.

“I have no intention of taking the lady to Baldwin or of taking you to the king.  Methinks the king will hang you upon sight this time.  How was it that you escaped?”

In a meek voice Claire admitted it was her.  She wanted no blame to fall on her grandmother should this Thomas or Rupe or whatever his name was, decide to turn them over to John.

Rupe clarified who they were and what they were about.  “We ran into your men day before yesterday.  They were on their way to London to see if they could help you.  I discouraged them.”

“Why?”  Robin knew that John, Will and Allan would be hard to dissuade.

“Because Baldwin didn’t want them to be captured.  We had a plan to help you escape and they had no part.  Seems we don’t need it now.”

“Why would Baldwin care about helping me to escape?”

Rupe guffawed and so did his men.  “Are you so unaware, Robin Longstride?

Robin sat contemplating what the man had said.  They were going to help him escape.  He knew his men would try something, and he had sorely wished they wouldn’t.  The chances of it working were small and he didn’t want to see his friends killed on the miniscule chance that they might get him out of the palace.  On the other hand, these men had been willing to risk themselves to see him freed and he didn’t even know their names.  Why?  He must truly be missing the point.

“I admit to my ignorance.  Will you unburden me?”

Rupe and the others shared glances with one another.  “Tis because of what you said at the gathering, before the invasion.  We would follow you for what you expect from King John.  We need the charter to protect our families and to protect ourselves from unfair treatment.”

“But anyone can raise the call. It need not be me.

“No, you speak like no other.  Even the barons listen.  We will do whatever is needed to keep you from King John and we will do what you ask of us.”

“How did you discourage my men?  They aren’t harmed, are they?”

“No,” Rupe said.  “But they won’t be happy once we let them go.”

“Let them go?”

“Yes, we have them locked up.”

“I don’t think so.”  The unmistakable voice of Will Scarlett, with his Welsh brogue, came out of the night.

The men around the fire quickly stood.

“Stay where ya are.  We wouldn’t want to kill ya.”  That was John Little.

Robin smiled. 

Slowly Robin’s men came into the firelight.  John stood ready with a cudgel.  Will and Allan had arrows pointed at Rupe and his men.  John Little, the name was completely opposite the man.  He was tall, heavily muscled and well proportioned.  Will Scarlett, expert archer, was well named.  His deep red hair topped a slender body and handsome face.  Next was Allan Adayle, another deadly archer.  He was their troubadour.  He loved to sing and play and did well at both.  He was stockier than Will but about the same height, with long hair and heavier beard.  Last was Loop. Around seventeen, he was the leader of the orphan boys who had inhabited the greenwood well before Robin and his men did.  He was surprisingly good with knives and sword and currently brandished both.  He and the orphan boys had helped Marion when the French invaded Nottingham.  Though he was still considered the boys' leader, he had willingly shared that leadership with Robin Longstride.

As Loop stepped closer, he saw Claire.  She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.  He was embarrassed and unsure near her.  She made him feel like he should have bathed or changed clothes…or something.

Claire reacted to Loop as well.  He was still rangy and colt-like, slender with a mop of dark hair.  But the fact that he obviously lived hard, didn’t detract from how handsome he was. 

Robin assessed the situation and made a decision. “John, I think you can put down your cudgel.  Will, you and Allan as well, can stand down.  Loop, what are you doing here?  You should be taking care of the greenwood.”

Loop jerked his eyes away from Claire and looked at Robin.  “T’was more important to rescue you, Robin than to run roughshod over me boys.  They know what I expect and they will keep lookout without me there to tell them.  I gave orders before we left, for them to help Marion and to rotate shifts in watchin’.  Marley will keep them in line.”  Marley was the second oldest boy in the group and he backed up Loop in everything he said and did.

Robin nodded his approval, however he really didn’t like Loop putting himself in jeopardy.  Robin had promised Loop’s mother to watch after him.  True, that was back when she thought him to be Robert Loxley, but a promise was a promise no matter when it was said or by whom.  Besides, he liked the young man.  He was quick witted, courageous and was a natural leader.  Still, there was a certain sadness in the loss of his youth while being the leader of so many younger boys.  He’d been nearly a father to them and though he was proud of his accomplishments in keeping them alive, he had sacrificed being care-free for those few precious years between childhood and manhood.  Robin had tried to relieve him of some of that burden, especially with the smallest boys, showing them the affection a father would show.  He did it while trying not to usurp Loop’s position.  He only wished to comfort the youngest ones while giving Loop less responsibility.  And he took great pleasure in helping all the orphans learn new skills.  They were his family as sure as John, Will and Allan.

Robin immediately introduced his men to Rupe and he, in turn, introduced his men to Robin.  “And the lady is Claire Sochett.”  He turned to his men. “She is the reason I am free.  I am in her debt.”

Chapter 6

By nightfall the next day, Robin and his men were back in Sherwood Forest.  The greenwood community welcomed them and Marion was relieved to tears.  That was something Robin was not used to.  Marion was warm and feminine even though she could out work the best of men, but she was rather stoic in her emotions.  When Robin saw the tears it nearly killed him.  They greeted the growing number of inhabitants before retreating to their hut.  Robin grabbed clean clothes and made for the stream a short distance away.  He didn’t want to come to their bed filthy, for that was what he was. 

Meanwhile, Claire had been given over to two women who were sharing a hut.  Both of their men had been killed when the French came through Nottingham. 

Although Robin had been less than happy about bringing Claire with them, he at least made Will put a blindfold on her so she wouldn’t know how to find the village from outside the forest.  He had wanted to give her over to Baldwin, as he initially suggested, but reconsidered because it put Baldwin in the position of harboring a fugitive from King John.  If the king found out, the baron could lose his estates and his people would be vulnerable should John replace him with someone more like himself.  He owed Baldwin for trying to rescue him and couldn’t leave him vulnerable. 

The next morning Robin woke with Marion cuddled close.  He stayed still, just looking at every feature of her dear face.  He had thought, while in the dungeon, that he would never see her again.  When they made love last night, it was like never before.  He wanted her to know just how much he loved her.  The morning sun filtered through the seam of the door and illuminated the room just enough that he could fully appreciated the woman he’d never thought to find, his wife.  He still had a hard time believing he was married and soon to become a father.  During the crusade and afterward he came to feel that he wasn’t a man who was worthy of such a woman.  He had taken his pleasure here and there, but never gave much thought to becoming a family man.  His life had been mostly bereft of love and he wasn’t even sure he could give love.  That was, until Marion entered his life.  It was as if a door was opened and when he stepped through everything changed.  He hadn’t realized that when he became Robert Loxley in the French forest, that he would become a whole new person in reality.

“Are you painting a picture?”  Marion giggled as she slowly opened her eyes.

“No, just memorizing your face.  How are you feeling?”  He reached under the covers and placed his hand on her enlarged stomach.  He could feel his child moving and it affected him far more than he could have imagined.  ‘His child...that held so much meaning for him.  For a moment he said a prayer under his breath for its well being and for Marion’s, at the coming birth.  He couldn’t imagine losing her as often times happened in childbirth.  Marion was thirty-one, hardly a young woman and having her first child at this age could be dangerous.  He made a promise that he would be the best husband and father he could be, if God only granted his wish to be both.

He pulled her close. “I didn’t hurt you last night?”  He was a little more ardent than he had meant to be.

She looked up at him. “I am fine, Robin, more than fine, especially since you arrived with a beautiful young woman.  You didn’t tell me who she was or why she was with you.  She obviously appreciates you as much as I do.  I just hope the feeling isn’t returned from your side.”  Marian grinned as she said it.  There was no doubt in her mind about how Robin felt.

Robin frowned, “Marion?"

Marion turned her head down and laid it on his chest, with her arm across his lower abdomen.  “She’s in love with you, Robin.”

“What? No!  What foolishness is this?  She’s Queen Elenore’s granddaughter and she helped me escape.”

“But why did she help you?”

“She said she agreed with what I said at court the day they dragged me in front of the king.”

Marion looked up into his handsome face.  Sometimes her husband, smart and courageous man that he was, could be so naïve when it came to matters of love.  “So, you’re saying that she would risk death for treason simply because she believed in what a complete stranger said?”

“’Tis what she said.”

“Oh, I’m sure it was.  But I’ll wager she was impressed with more than just your speech.”

“And that would be…what?”  Robin wasn’t fishing for compliments as some vain people do. He really didn’t see what she would find so fascinating about him if not for the speech, especially considering what Rupe had said.

Marion smoothed her hand over his chest and down to his manhood.  “Well, I don’t imagine she saw you naked,” she caressed him there and then slid her hand up to his cheek, “so it must be your handsome face.”  She stretched up to kiss along his jaw line.  “Whatever it was, I’m glad she helped you escape.  I couldn’t…”  She couldn’t say anymore without crying and so she laid her head back down on his chest and let the sound of his heartbeat quiet her fears.  He was here now and safe.  That was all she needed.  Perhaps it was a good lesson learned.  He would be more careful the next time he left the greenwood. 

He’d been taken once before through no fault of his own.  Two young orphaned brothers had been proud to show him their knowledge of the forest and had unwittingly led him into a trap. The Sheriff of Nottingham had captured him and imprisoned him in a deep, dry well with no food and only rancid water to drink, for nearly three weeks.  His friends had found him before it was too late and they brought him back to the greenwood.  But he returned with a high fever and had very nearly died.  (NOTE: Reference to Jo's story, Greenwood, written as an immediate sequel to Robin Hood)

It had taken months to get him back to his former self.  During his time of recovery he had more time to spend with her and she had gotten pregnant as a result. To keep Robin safe, they had told the villagers in Nottingham that Robin died of the fever.  But the ruse didn’t last.  There were still those in the greenwood who interacted with those in Nottingham and Robin’s death was finally known to not be true.  They spent the first few months of her pregnancy glorying in the wonder.  And then he was gone again, this time to be hung in London.   “Robin, please,” she whispered, “promise me you will not venture out of the greenwood ever again.”

He hugged her tightly and whispered, “I love you Marion, but I cannot be a prisoner even in Sherwood.”

She knew that would be the answer but had to make the request anyway.  In truth it was the only answer she could hear from him; she would not respect him if he simply hid here.  But it would not allay her fears of losing him.  It was a dilemma that made her heart ache.

Later in the day, Robin left Marion and walked through the little village.  There were twenty families and numerous orphans who depended on Robin and his men for protection and direction. 

When Claire saw him she walked up and stated, “I didn’t know you were married.  She’s lovely.”

He smiled at the thought of her. “Yes, she’s everything in life for me, she and this little part of the world.”

“And, how many more children do you have?”

He laughed at that one. “All the orphan children.  I look at them as if they were my own.”

“So, you only have one child, the one your wife is pregnant with?”

He cocked his head. “Yes, why are you so curious?”  The thought that she might be in love with him darted through his mind.

“Oh…no reason.”  She had the unkindly thought that perhaps his older wife would die in childbirth, thus freeing him from her.  That was not worthy of her, yet she couldn’t help being jealous of Marion.  After all, this was the first time she’d been in love and she didn’t want to share him.

Chapter 7

“So, he’s free?”  Old Baldwin, Baron of Barnsdale, stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Yes, m’lord.  Rupe reported that he and his men captured him along with Claire Sochett two nights ago.  Longstride’s men managed to escape their confinement and met up with them.  Since Longstride’s men had the upper hand, they had to let him go.  It is assumed that he is now back in Sherwood.”  Baldwin’s trusted advisor, Cooper, waited for his baron’s response.

“Spit!  I wanted him to come here.  I needed to speak with him.  Fitzrobert would have come to confer as well.”

“I understand, m’lord. What are your orders?”

“Send someone to Nottingham.  Have him ask for work and tell him to find every opportunity to make contact with Longstride or one of his known men.  I would meet with him as soon as possible.”

“Yes, m’lord.”  Baldwin’s advisor bowed and retreated.

The old man stood looking out the window of his home, one much like Walter Loxley’s had been.  Not only was Loxley dead, a shame in and of itself, the estate had been taken over by the sheriff, a nasty little man that no one had a good word for.  It could have been worse he supposed, King John could have sent someone like himself to oversee the possibility of capturing Robin Longstride.  Although he couldn’t think at this moment who that would be. 

Baldwin remembered Thomas Longstride and his hope for a charter.  He could see the need for justice even back then.  He had not intervened when King Henry’s henchmen came and murdered Thomas.  His father had just died and he was the new Baron of Barnsdale.  He hadn’t wanted to test King Henry and perhaps lose Barnsdale.  It was a regret he still felt.  He knew Marshall and Loxley had taken the man’s only son to safety.  It was little comfort.  Since that day he had seen many atrocities to his people and heard of them elsewhere.  He was angry that the crown expected more and more tribute from him, but he also cared about the extra burden placed on his people.  His father had instilled in him the precept that in order to hold power you must also protect those who had none.  He still believed in that and protected his people with a passion.  He truly felt that the charter was more important now than ever before.

He needed to make sure Longstride wasn’t captured a third time.  After all, the first two times he was lucky to escape with his life.  He wanted to protect him and he was too vulnerable in Sherwood.  The problem was where to keep him that no one would find out. Both Fitzrobert and he wanted to shelter him in their compounds, but it was too dangerous.  If King John found out the punishment would be swift and terrible. They were sure of it.

Marion had stayed in bed this morning.  She was feeling exceptionally tired and Robin asked her not to do more than was necessary.  She had gone back to sleep once Robin left on a hunting trip.  When she awoke, she took her time getting up.  She decided that she would do as Robin asked and moved to a chair near the open doorway.  She sat in the sun, ate a light breakfast and then mended two of Robert’s old shirts that she had brought for Robin from Peper Harrow.  Her back was bothering her and she decided that perhaps if she walked down to Emma’s hut it would relieve some of the tension.  She barely walked out of the hut when her water broke.  No! It was more than a month too soon! 

John was just coming up the path as she doubled over with a strong cramp.  He saw her and ran the rest of the way.  “John, go get Emma and ask her to come here.  Then find Robin!”

“It’s your time?”

“Yes, John, please!”

She turned back to her home and pulled her wet clothes off. It was a bit of a struggle, but she managed to get her nightgown on and lay down on the bed.

Robin had never been afraid like this in his life.  He knew the baby was early.  When he heard Marion cry out several times it was nearly more than he could bear.  Will, John and Allan were all there with him as was Friar Tuck and Loop.  They all prayed under their breaths that all would be fine.

Hours later, Emma came out of their hut.  “She’s looking for you, Robin.  She’s very tired, but doing well.”

“And the babe?”  He could hardly ask.  They hadn’t heard a cry and that didn’t bode well.

“He’s small, but seems to be doing well.  Just remember, when they’re that much too young…”  She couldn’t be the one to put a curse on the child for saying what everyone knew.  Time would tell if Robin’s son would live or succumb to the difficulties of life.

Robin stepped into his small home.  Marion was smiling at him.  “Come, meet our son.”  He could see her in the light of several candles.

He knelt next to the sleeping pallet where Marion was nursing the baby.  He never saw anything so beautiful…his son and his wife.  The boy seemed to be enthusiastic about his meal and Robin couldn’t help but smile.  He leaned over and kissed Marion and ran his finger over the little hand that was curled at Marion’s breast.  To his surprise, the tiny fingers wrapped around his larger one. From that moment Robin was a lost soul where his son was concerned.  There was nothing and no one who would threaten his little family and not pay dearly for it.

Once the baby finished, Marion covered herself and handed him to Robin.  She could see he wasn’t sure about holding him.  “Just keep a hand under his head or cradle him in your arms.  You’ll have to present him to the rest of the village.  Have you chosen his name?”

“I was thinking Aaron.  It’s a good Bible name.  What say you, mum?”

She laughed at that.  At one time she never thought she’d be called ‘mum’. It was a wonderful word.  “It is your choice, husband, but I like it very much.”

He smiled at her again, then stood up and walked to the door of the hut.  The entire village was waiting when he stepped outside.  He raised the little bundle above his head and said. “This is my son, Aaron.”  Then he lowered him into the crook of his arm and said, “Welcome, little one, to your family.”

Normally he would have celebrated with the rest of the village, but Robin chose to spend time instead, just watching Marion and his little boy sleep.  He finally fell asleep himself late in the evening.

Everyone was happy for Robin and Marion, even though it was tempered with the thought that little Aaron was still in danger. 

Everyone was happy for them…except Claire.  For the last few days she’d done everything in her power to make Robin look at her as a woman.  She had even gone so far as to literally throw herself at him.  They had been walking in the woods, Robin was showing her some of the plants and herbs that he wanted her to find and bring back to the village.  It was the task he’d chosen for her.

He was crouched in front of a plant, explaining the medicinal uses and pointing out the ways to tell this particular plant from another one that looked very similar and was poisonous.  She crouched opposite him as if listening to what he was saying.  When he raised his head to look at her, she grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him.

It was so unexpected that for just a moment he lingered.  Then he jerked back.  “Claire, what was that?”

“I love you, Robin Longstride.  I have since the day I first saw you.”

He stood up. “Claire, I’m a married man. You know this.”

She smiled, “Marriages can be annulled.”

He frowned, “I don’t want an annulment.  I love my wife.  Now I think it best if we go back to the village, and I don’t want to hear of this nonsense again.”

He had treated her coldly afterward.  It was as if he was punishing her for loving him.  She wasn’t used to a man not finding her attractive.  She had, all her life, been told how beautiful she was.  This outlaw found it easy to spurn her affections even after she had saved his hide.  Well, she’d see about that!

Claire listened to the two women she shared the hut with, Martha and Shona, as they prattled on about some doings in the village, not the least of which was young Aaron.  They were nice enough people but most assuredly serfs.  Although she had been raised a bastard, her mother had been the daughter of an important man in the rather large village where she lived.  He was advisor to Baron Keller and a man who was respected.  Had King Richard not spoken for her mother, her grandfather would surely have turned both of them out.  As it was, Richard paid for the care and feeding of her mother and her until her mother died of a fever.  That was twelve years ago.  When Richard heard of the death he had William Marshall go fetch the girl and she had stayed in the palace ever since.

“I believe I’ll take a walk.”  The ladies broke their conversation long enough to acknowledge her leaving and mentioned that she should take a shawl.  Of course the advice went unheeded.

She walked down the little lane between the other huts and turned off toward the stream.  She had caught Robin bathing there one day, stark naked and glorious. She hid behind a bush and drank her fill of him.  It was easy to imagine his strong arms around her and his lips on hers.  But now he’d dismissed her as if she were some silly, stupid child.  As her anger with him built, so did her plan to get even. 

She noticed how Loop watched her.  He was interested but kept his distance, as well he should.  She may be a bastard but she was well above him.   After all her father, acknowledged or not, had been a king.  But his interest could be of use to her.  She would gain his trust and once she knew where in Sherwood they were living, she would then ask him to return her to London.   She would tell King John. He would forgive her for having helped Longstride once he destroyed the village and then she would be in his good graces and no longer under a death threat.  Not bad except for one thing.  How to keep Robin from being caught?  She still loved him and didn’t want any harm to come to him.  He would have to love her after she saved him again and he was no longer tied to Marion and the boy.

Claire finally left the stream and walked back down to the village.  Loop was talking with Will when he saw her.  She smiled and kept walking.  That should do well enough.  He’d be courting her in no time.

Marion was sitting outside with little Aaron.  She wanted to soak up as much warm weather as possible while it lasted even though the sun was nearly down.  Winters here were long and harsh.  She watched as Claire came near.

“How are you and Aaron, Marion?”

Marion smiled, “Oh, we’re doing fine.  Would you like to hold him?”

No one in her life had offered to let her hold a baby before.  There were none in the palace, and the people in Marlboro were not friendly with her cousin, who seemed to be barren.

“You wouldn’t mind?”

Marion motioned her over.  “Come, sit.”

Once Claire got comfortable, Marion placed Aaron in her arms.  He turned instinctively toward her breast and began nuzzling her.  “What’s he doing?”

Marion laughed, “He’s confused.  He’s looking for something to eat.”

The feeling that washed over her was like nothing before.  Suddenly she understood the need to be a mother, to become a true woman.  She looked into Aaron’s little face and saw Robin.  There was no way she could allow harm to come to him.  Well, perhaps she would have to make sure both Robin and Aaron would escape.

The man in question walked up just then.  She watched to see how he would react.  He simply smiled.  He wasn’t cold; perhaps it had been just her guilty conscious that made him seem so.  Loop was just behind him.  He had a sad look. Why?

Aaron chose that moment to become frustrated with the lack of nourishment and began crying.  Marion quickly took him and excused herself, going into the hut to feed him.

“So, Claire, how is living with Martha and Shona?”

“It’s fine, Robin.  I will admit that I’m not much use to them.  I don’t cook and you saw my knowledge of medicinal plants.  I can use a bow and can even hold my own with a sword, but what use is that for a woman out here?  I’m useless.”

Loop was astonished.  “You can use a sword and bow?”  He had always been impressed with Marion’s skills but somehow Claire didn’t seem to be the type to know these things.

“My father taught me starting when I was five.  He said that I needed to be skilled in case it was necessary.  I suppose he was referring to my defense against King John. After my father left to crusade, William Marshall continued my lessons.  He is a very good knight.”  She turned to Robin. “You knew him, Robin, did you not?”

“Yes, he was a good friend to Walter Loxley and a good man in a fight.”  He nodded to them, “Loop, Claire, I’ll bid you good night.”  With that he disappeared into his hut.

Again, she noticed that Robin had given nothing of substance away.  She thought that perhaps Marshall and Longstride knew each other far better than they indicated.  Well, there was one more reason not to follow through with her plans.  She loved William Marshall like a father.  He had always been good to her, taken time to teach and counsel her.  She couldn’t do anything that would endanger him.

“I’ll walk you back to your hut.”  Loop hadn’t asked.  It was a statement.

“Can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“Why did you leave home to take care of the orphan boys?”

Loop looked away.  “It needed doin’.  Besides, I don’t hold with the king tellin’ us we can’t hunt for our livin’.  He’s taken everythin’.  Me mother lives like a slave ‘cause of him.  I won’t live like that.  I’d as soon die as a poacher than be a slave.”  He looked back at her, a fire in his eyes. “Come, I’ll walk you back.”

Chapter 8

“Well, Southridge, is he found?”  King John gritted his teeth.

“Not yet, Your Majesty.  We’re sure he’s back in Sherwood.  We still have to find out where.  Sherwood Forest is huge and they have covered their tracks well.  I was assured that the Sheriff of Nottingham has spies among the people, and they are listening for any information on Longstride.  He is hoping his men will find someone who is willing to become a Judas for money or will unwittingly lead them to him.  Until then, we have to wait.”

The king leaned into the man, “You had better hope something is revealed soon.”

Southridge was seriously thinking of leaving London for the quiet life of a farmer.  Perhaps he should even consider joining Robin of the Hood.

In Barnsdale Rupe reported to Cooper and Cooper in turn went to report to Sir Baldwin.

“What is it that can’t wait, Cooper?”  Sir Baldwin was hosting a conference of all the northern barons.  After having spoken with Fitzrobert right after Robin escaped, they decided to invite all the barons who were of the same mind as they.  It wasn’t that they wished to remove King John, although some had expressed it, it was more that they needed the charter he promised in order for them to support him.

“M’lord, our man in Nottingham just reported that a spy for the Sheriff of Nottingham has been identified and taken to Sherwood to be executed.”  This was an outright fabrication.  Rupe had told him that their man now knew who to contact in order to meet with Longstride.

“Executed?  No!  John will turn every blade of grass in Sherwood to find him if that happens!”  Baldwin thought for a moment.  “Have Rupe go to Nottingham.  Have him make it clear that he must speak with Longstride.  It is of utmost importance.  He needs to convince Longstride to return the spy unharmed and to leave Sherwood for the time being and go to Aquitaine.  He will know of where I speak.  He must be made to understand the king’s spy must not be killed.”

Cooper bowed and left to give Rupe his instructions.

Robin walked the path to John’s hut.  He was finding it harder and harder to do the ‘men’ things he always did before.  He wanted to stay with Marion and Aaron all day.  His greatest joy was to hold his son while he slept.  That replaced making love to Marion for the time being.  He had to forgo relations with her until she was fully healed.  It was hard but she was understanding and helped ease him with her hand.  He marveled everyday at his good fortune.

Will ran up to him. “Robin, Robin!  Remember Rupe?  Well, he’s in Nottingham asking for anyone who can get word to you that he must speak with you immediately.”

“Who sent the word?”

“Old Carney.  He spoke to Maggie.  She’s at your home with Marion.”  Will waited while Robin digested what he’d said.  “You aren’t thinkin’ of meeting with him?”

“If it was important enough to contact Maggie, I need to hear it.”

“But Robin, she’s still working for the sheriff, and even though she hates it he could have people watching her.  It’s dangerous to all of us.”

“Will, Maggie knows how dangerous it is and it’s just as dangerous for her.  But she knows these woods better than anyone but Loop.  She knows how to get here without being followed.”

“All right then. What about meeting Rupe?  Where can you do that and not have to worry?”

Old Carney, the owner of the pub was one of Robin’s trusted contacts.  Maggie, though she worked in the sheriff’s household, was highly trusted and the only outsider who knew the exact location of the greenwood village.  She had been there many times and was very aware of the responsibility she carried.  Her loyalty was completely with Marion, her long time friend and former employer, and her new husband.

Robin and Will quickly went to see Maggie.  The girl was only eighteen but wise beyond her years and educated by Marion whilst she worked at Peper Harrow.  Robin considered her cute and sweet, but she had proven on several occasions that she was also rock solid in her loyalty.  She looked on Marion like the older sister she didn’t have.

She was sitting, holding Aaron and smiling. “He’s a beautiful child, Lady Marion.”

Marion laughed, “No longer ‘lady’, Maggie, and I don’t miss it.  Please don’t call me that.  We are friends as we were before, but now without formalities to interfere.”

Robin and Will entered the hut. “Will told me why you came.”

She looked at him with that pensive look she often used.  “Carney said the man seemed very concerned.”

“Maggie, tell Carney to tell Rupe we’ll meet two days from now at the old Cragsharp watch tower.”  The tower hung off the side of a cliff overlooking a steep, jagged ravine several hundred feet deep.  From there the entire valley, below where the ravine rounded and eased, could be seen.

He thought for a moment as she stood to hand Aaron back to Marion.  “And Maggie…please, be careful, both for us and for you.  The sheriff wouldn’t think twice about having you killed as an example and if not him, the king surely wouldn’t.”

She smiled, “Don’t worry, Sir Robert. I’ll be careful.”

She knew full well what his real name was and had never been under the ruse.  Like most of the villagers, they were willing to accept Robin as the new Sir Robert because it had pleased Walter and it would have kept Marion from being thrown out of Peper Harrow.  So everyone accepted him as such.  She had said the name to reassure him that even though Marion and he lived in the greenwood, they would always be the lord and lady of the manor.

She curtsied to Robin, hugged Marion, and kissed Aaron on the head before she left.

She was gratified that they would worry about her well being.  They would be even more so if they knew what she suffered under the employ of the sheriff.  She was happy to help them and came hoping to see if the new baby had yet been born.  Besides, young Loop was to be seen there.  She and he had been friends since they were babies.  He had grown into a handsome young man and she was very impressed with his leadership qualities.  He had never shown her any inclination towards courtship, but she hoped one day he would.

In Barnsdale the conference was just breaking up when Cooper rushed into the huge conference room.  He bowed and hurriedly spoke, “M’lord!  Around 100 of the king’s soldiers are outside the gates and they are demanding that all of the barons housed here are to be turned over to them.  They say you are traitors and will be hung in London.  If we don’t give you over, they will burn the village!”

Baldwin, Fitzrobert, Keller and Burns were all listening to Cooper.  The other three barons of the north had already left the conference earlier in the day.  At least they were safe.  They all looked at each other.  Obviously someone had informed on them, but who?

“Cooper, have Miller take the barons to the lower storage room and lock the door so no one can enter.  Hide the key and wait until the king’s men have left.  Then, once you are sure they are gone, escort the barons out of Barnsdale by way of the forest path.”

“And what of you, m’lord?”

“I will give myself over to them with the explanation that there are no other barons here.  They will want to search…let them.  If they ask why the door to the storage chamber is locked tell them that it has been so for many years since the key was lost.  It is not governed by a master key so they should accept the explanation.”

Keller spoke up, “No, Baldwin, we cannot allow this.”

Burns was next. “He’s right.  We cannot let you pay for this alone.”

Baldwin shook his head.  “What good would come out of all of us dying?  I would expect that King John will appoint a new baron on my demise. He won’t allow my son to inherit from a traitor.  I only ask that you, Fitzrobert, try to keep whoever it is, from abusing my people.”

Fitzrobert nodded, “I will… you know I will do whatever I can.”

Baldwin nodded his head.  “Now, Cooper, have Miller take them down to the storage room.  Then come back here.”

Cooper did as he was told.  Baldwin had outsmarted him.  He couldn’t tip his hand and outright tell the king’s men where the barons were hiding.  He’d have to wait until Baldwin was taken, then get word to Banner, otherwise he might be seen as the traitor in Baldwin’s house.

Baldwin stood at the gate while his men were pulling it open.  He had already argued with the king’s bullyboy from atop the manor’s wall and it was made clear to him that if he didn’t come willingly they would destroy everything.  So, here he was giving himself up, all the while protesting that no barons other than him were there.

The soldiers did what he expected and searched everywhere.  As also was expected, they found nothing.   However, the knight in charge, one Harold Berringer, decided to take Baldwin along to London anyway.  The king could decide what to do once they arrived.

Cragsharp brought back horrible memories for Robin.  It was here that Thomas Millerhold, the Sheriff of Nottingham had brought him and imprisoned him in a deep well with no water and no food.  He was there for nineteen days.  When his friends had finally found him, he was nearly dead from typhoid fever and starvation, not to mention dehydration.  It was only due to the unselfish devotion of his friends and the love of his wife that he finally beat the fever and lived.

Now here he was again, recalling those horrible days he spent at the bottom of the well.  The lookout tower itself was perfectly placed to watch the comings and goings of anyone in the valley far below, except to the extreme west where it was impossible to see due to the wall of rock.  He decided on this place to meet with Rupe simply because it was halfway between Nottingham and Barnsdale and anyone approaching would be seen in advance. 

They were just inside the slowly deteriorating tower when they saw Rupe making his way up the steep trail to the building.

Will and Allan were outside in cover of the trees just in case anyone was following Rupe.  Though they were confident that he was an ally, they weren’t taking any chances.

Once he reached the top, Rupe slid from his horse and tethered her to a tree branch, then made his way to the tower.  Robin stepped from the doorway just as Rupe arrived.

They looked at each other and both offered a hand.  They shook and Robin asked him to come inside.

“So, Rupe, what’s so important that we needed to meet?”

“Sir Baldwin wants to meet with you and he asks that you not execute the spy you captured.  That is, if you haven’t already.  Once you meet with him you are to go to Aquitaine.  He said you’d know where.”

Robin was confused. “Spy?  What spy?  We have no spy and no plans to execute anyone.”  Then it hit him.  This was a ploy.  Rupe was probably being followed.  Robin stepped outside and made the shrieking sound of a falcon so Will and Allan would know to stay in cover. 

Rupe realized the same thing.  “I didn’t see anyone following me.  Maybe it was a mistake.”

“Who told you this?”

“Cooper, Baldwin’s advisor.  He instructed me on the baron’s advice.”  Rupe could feel the tentacles of fear touch him.

“Who told him?”

Rupe shook his head.  “I don’t know.  I was only told to warn you not to kill the king’s spy.  That it would bring more sorrow than safety.”

“We must leave now, before they can catch us in their net!”  Robin ran out of the tower and swung up on his horse. Rupe was right behind him.

There was only one way up to the tower and one way down.  They had to make it to the bottom before whoever was following them had them trapped.

Will and Allan joined them, pushing the horses at breakneck speed.  They moved far faster than was safe but having seen Robin when he came out of the tower’s cistern, filthy, fevered and near death, they didn’t want to take the chance that they might also end up there.  So, they moved.
 

The four men were just at the bottom of the trail that led up to the tower when they saw ten men on horseback coming through the trees.  As quietly as possible they melted into the surrounding trees and slipped off their horses, holding them close and keeping them from crying out to the new horses.  Once the king’s men began the trek up to the tower, Robin and company moved further into the trees and skirted to the west, keeping the western wall of the ravine between them and the sight of their followers.

Chapter Nine

King John was boring a hole into Baldwin’s face.  The entire court was here to see what would happen to Sir Baldwin.  William Marshall stood to the side, wondering what he could do to help the man, but nothing of substance came to mind.

“I have been told that you held a conference that included six other barons. That conference was designed to remove me from my God-given throne. I want the names of those men.”

Never one to be cowed, Baron Baldwin answered, “If you were told of a treasonous conference, have the one who told you to give the names.  I would welcome knowing my accuser, since there was no treason involved.”

King John’s face was a mask of fury.  He stood and descended the steps.  Marshall was certain he knew what was coming.  He’d seen it before with Robin Longstride.

John’s face was mere inches away from Baldwin’s.  He quietly said,   “My spy was at the conference.  He informed me of all that was said, so don’t bother to deny it.”

“Do you speak of Harold Banner?  Sir Banner, who has wanted my land since he was a child?  Is it he who has told you these lies?”  Baldwin stopped a moment to let the insinuation sink in.  “Will you execute me and give him Barnsdale as a prize for his lies?”

John squinted his eyes and all could see him working this out in his mind.

Isobelle asked, “So, good baron, what was the conference about if not treason?”

She had lightened the mood of the court with those few words and earned John’s ire in the process.  He turned on her.  She pleaded with her eyes not to follow through with his threats. She said one more thing, “Godfrey.”  She was reminding him of the selfish and treacherous ways of those whom you may call friend, and it hit the mark.

John turned back to Baldwin, “Answer the lady’s question.”

“We spoke of the invasion and how we could be more prepared.  We made plans to join forces in a more orderly manner should it happen again.”

“And were there any discussions about a charter of rights?”  John felt he had him there.

“What good would it do to prepare a charter of rights, Your Majesty?  You would only burn it again.  Without your signature it is only paper with words.  They carry no weight.  If you ask, were we planning to dethrone you, the answer is no!  If Banner has more lies to say then let him come say them, now…to me…in front of this court.  Let him produce the charter if he is saying that we made one.  I challenge him to produce it.”

Baldwin hadn’t actually lied, he misdirected.  Yes, they worked on the charter but no actual charter had been made and no one would have signed it for the same reason Baldwin stated…John would never sign it.  However, as simple as the conference seemed in his statement, there was plenty of support given should this sort of action be taken by John.  The barons may have been given their lands by a king, but they weren’t about to have any king simply take them back because he wanted to.  Their lands were theirs and returning them wasn’t an option for many reasons.  As such they decided that should one of them lose their land for any reason other than loss of blood succession, as had happened with Walter’s land, they would, as a group, challenge the king and if necessary, would bring war upon him.  That was the treasonous part.

“So, you would have this court believe that you are a loyal subject and are not planning to take my crown for someone else?  You would not replace me with Robin Longstride?”

Baldwin nearly laughed.  Instead he shook his head. “Sire, Longstride is not of royal blood. Why would we consider jeopardizing all that we have just to seat a yeoman on your throne?”

“BECAUSE HE CALLS TO YOUR NEED!”

“Then usurp him, Sire, by answering our need instead.”

That caught John short.  Baldwin had maneuvered him into exactly what he wanted, all the while making it seem as though he was defending himself.

“I should not have to answer your need.  My rights as your king are clear.  I tell you to what you are entitled, not the other way ‘round.”

“Then, your majesty, our people’s oppression may very well be your undoing, no matter what we barons say.” 

John raised his gaze to encompass all who were at court that day.  “So, you heard him.  Treason, is it not?  From him own lips!”

“Sire, I did not say we would take part in removing you, but the danger is that the people may rise up and do it.”

John refocused his attention on Baldwin. “And how would they do that if their barons put down a rebellion?”

Baldwin shook his head. “Who makes up the armies, Sire? The people.  They shed their blood for their king and country, but if they are pressed too far, they will do neither.  Their blood will be shed for themselves not for king or country.  All the barons in England will see that their influence will be ignored.  The only treason here is yours, Sire, your treason against your people.  It may well be the undoing of the crown.”

Robin and company returned to the greenwood after sending Rupe back to Barnsdale.  Robin had a special affinity with Barnsdale.  Though he had only vague memories of it, it was where he was born.  Not only that, but he liked Baldwin.  He was a crusty old man, but honest and fair.  He wanted the charter as much as anyone and risked much in helping Robin. 

Claire sat listening as Robin told the village about the trap that had been narrowly escaped.  “It was Sir Banner, I’ll wager.  He probably has a spy in Baldwin’s manor.”

All eyes turned to her.  “What?  Why would you think it was Banner?”  Will had an eye for Claire.  He couldn’t understand why Loop all but ignored her.  He’d seen her practically throw herself at the young man and wished it was him instead of the orphan boys' leader.

She turned and smiled, “Because, Will, I’ve heard things in the palace.  John had Banner meet with him on several occasions after he destroyed the charter he was to have signed.  They have been friends since childhood, much like he and Godfrey were.  Though John should have learned a lesson from Godfrey, he is not secure in his rule and needs to rely on friendship for direction.  Instead, he should listen to William Marshall; he would never lead the king astray.”

Robin thought for a moment. “So what is Banner hoping to gain, Claire?”

“Well, if I were to guess, it would be Barnsdale.  He has wanted it since his father died because it is next to Banner land.  He would become the most landed baron in all England.  Who knows, perhaps next he would aspire to the throne.  He’s a very ambitious man.”

Robin recalled the man.  He was not as impressive as Baldwin or Fitzpatrick. He seemed to always be in the background, testing and giving no opinion.  He was Robin’s notion of slippery.  “So you think he would capture me to impress King John?  How would that gain him Barnsdale?”

“It wouldn’t, Robin.  He has to be up to something more.  I’d again wager that he is somehow trying to undermine Baldwin to John.  Now, I can only guess, but it has to be something important enough for John to seize Barnsdale from Baldwin and give it to Banner.”

“And what would be important enough for that to happen?”

Claire thought for a moment. “It could be nothing.  After all, King John owns all land in England; he only suffers the barons to manage it for him.  However Baldwin’s lands have been in his family since the first king ruled.  It would have to be something intolerable.  Treason against the crown comes to mind first and the groundwork was set when the northern barons wanted to fight John before the invasion.  Baldwin gave John further cause when he spoke outright against the king the day John burned the charter in London.  So, if I had to guess, it must be some charge of treason.  That would be most likely.  You said you went to meet with someone.  Was that someone from Baldwin?  If so, the trap may have been set to catch both you and Baldwin’s man together and then accuse Baldwin of consorting with you to make him seem a traitor.”

“Thank you, Claire. You bring knowledge and a point of view that none of us have and I value you for that.”

Claire was shocked and gratified that he would thank her in front of the entire village.  She suddenly felt a part of them; she felt like an advisor, like William Marshall.  If Robin trusted her then she could easily direct things her way and set her plan in motion.  She could have Robin to herself once the plan was set.  But did she want that?  Suddenly and unexpectedly the answer was no.  She was a valued part of the village now.  She was now responsible for these people.  She would never be anything but Richard’s bastard daughter to John and his court, but here she was someone important. 

If she were to be an advisor and an integral part of the greenwood community, then she must pledge to herself to defend the village and its people with her life.  This would be her honor.  This would be the meaning to her life.  Never before was there meaning, always there was only the title of bastard.  She would never be married to anyone that would make a difference for England.  She would never be Elenore of Aquitaine.  But now, in this little village, she could become someone who took part in changing England’s future, if Robin could only secure the charter.  She would help in anyway she could, for that was now her destiny.

Robin took what Claire said under advisement.  He hadn’t mentioned that Rupe was the person they were to meet with. He didn’t want the villagers to know the names of their contacts in case the greenwood were ever found by the wrong people.  What the villagers didn’t know, they couldn’t tell.

“No, Robin, don’t leave Sherwood again.  Not so soon.”  Will worried for his friend.  Not only was he afraid that he would be captured and killed, he didn’t want John, Allan and him to be left to care for the village without Robin’s leadership.  He’d always been there directing them and none of the three wanted to claim that responsibility if Robin died.

“Will, we need to warn Baldwin that he could be in danger.  I owe that to him.”

“We understand that Robin, but Will’s right. You risk everything by placing yourself in harm’s way.”  John had become even more fiercely protective of Robin since Aaron was born.  “Think of Marion and Aaron, if nothing else.  They need you as much, no, more than we do.  Think of what you endanger.”

Robin shook his head. “Do you not think that I have considered what is at stake here?  My whole life is here in the greenwood with my family and friends.  I can barely tell where one ends and the other begins.  You are all my family and therefore under my protection.  If I do nothing to insure that protection, then what good am I?  Baldwin is an ally.  We need him and the other barons on our side.  The day may come when we must fight King John and if we do we will need the help of the barons to defeat him.”

“Then let one of us go.”  Allan never said much.  His form of talking was more in song.  He expressed himself very well in that mode.  “I don’t want to have to sing a ballad for the dead hero of the people, ‘Robin of the Hood’.”

“Rupe said that Baldwin needed to speak with me directly.  I can’t send one of you.  I don’t like the idea anyway.  We all have loved ones here in the greenwood and they all depend on us to make them happy and take care of them.  Your deaths would hang as heavy as mine were you caught.  Now I have need to see my wife and son.  I’ll give this thought and speak with you on the morrow.”

With that he excused himself and they watched as he walked toward the little hut that Marion and he called home.

“I think I should go in his stead.”  Allan, John and Will all turned at the same time.  Claire stood there.

“Why should it be you?”  Will couldn’t believe how lovely she was and her counsel at the village meeting made him realize that she wasn’t just another woman full of talk.  What she said had made perfect sense.  He was completely smitten.

“I know Sir Baldwin and I can explain Robin’ concerns.  Should John’s spies catch me I will simply tell them that he forced me to help him escape. I was taken to a place with no name and kept there until two days ago, when I escaped and went to Barnsdale for help.  As far as Baldwin is concerned, he would not turn me over and would never confirm that I was liaison for Robin of the Hood.   They would return me to London and, at least for the time being, my grandmother will protect me.  In other words, I wouldn’t be risking as much as Robin or you.  I am the logical one to go.”

Will looked at John, “She makes sense.”

“Aye, she does.  We’ll put it to Robin in the morning.”

Chapter Ten

Claire rode into Barnsdale and straight to the manor.  To her surprise Baldwin wasn’t there.  Cooper told her that he’d been taken to London by the king’s men.  She told her story of being forced to aid Longstride in his escape and Cooper offered to have her escorted to London.  When Claire asked for refuge instead, he refused and had her confined to a room on the upper levels so she couldn’t leave on her own should she decide on that course of action.  She was effectively a prisoner.

A man arrived at the manor and Claire could see him from the window in her room.  He was one of Banner’s men who often came to the palace. “A spy,” she thought.  “I wasn’t far off the mark, but the true traitor has to be Baldwin’s trusted advisor, Cooper himself.”

Will had helped Claire convince Robin to let her go to Barnsdale, then, volunteered to accompany her.  He would stay in the forest waiting for word from Claire that all was well and if none came, he was to return to Sherwood and report to Robin. He was becoming concerned.

While he watched he began thinking about the evening before they left.  Loop was finishing making the last of his arrows for the day and Will stopped to inspect his work.

“Loop, you’re doing well.  Your work is as good as some of the best makers I’ve seen.”

Loop looked up and smiled.  He needed approval from Robin and his men.  They counted far more than the approval of the orphans.  Oh, he loved the boys, but they were children and easily impressed, not so with adults.

“Thanks, Will.”

Will hesitated a moment then asked, “Loop, what do you think of Claire?”

Loop finished what he was doing while thinking about his response.  “Well, Will, she’s beautiful and smart and she can use a bow and a sword, or so she says.”

Will noticed that he hadn’t said anything of how he might feel about her.

“Aye, she’s all that.  But what do you think of her as a person?”

Loop knew what Will was asking, but he wasn’t sure how to answer.  “I don’t know, Will.  There’s something underneath that I haven’t figured out.  She’s taken with Robin, I can tell you that much.”

“What?  Robin? No!  She’s been flirtin’ with you.”

“No, Will, she’s after Robin.  I’ve seen her eyes when she looks at him.  It’s Robin she wants.  I think she wants me to help her in some scheme she may be hatchin’.  I don’t want nothin’ to do with her more than I haffta.  Besides if I were to think of takin’ a woman it’d be Maggie.  She’s a girl that fits me.”

“You don’t think she would do somethin’ to hurt Marion, do ya?  I mean if she wants Robin, she’d hafta remove Marion first, right?”

“I don’t know.  All I know is…I don’t trust her.”

Will thought on Loop’s words until he finally fell asleep.  Loop was a smart kid and read people pretty well.  He’d have to watch Claire.  As much as it pained him to think of her as a spy or traitor to the village, he wouldn’t hesitate in killing her if she endangered the people he cared for.

He was just about ready to leave and go raise the alarm in Sherwood, when Claire and an escort of twelve men rode out of the Baldwin manor.  He could see Claire looking in his direction.  She put her right hand on her left shoulder.  It was a sign he showed her.  It meant all was not right.

Will was torn; did he leave her and return to Sherwood or follow and see where they were taking her?  He presumed it was to London, but one never knew for sure.

Baldwin was again dragged into the throne room in front of John’s court.  Claire Sochett, Richard’s daughter, was there in front of the king.  They were arguing.

“Is it not true that you helped him escape?”

Claire raised her head and squared her shoulders.  It made her look regal.  “Your majesty knows full well that I did.  However, the circumstances were…that he would have killed me if I had not helped him.”

“And that outlaw simply let you escape?  How convenient.”

“No, sire, they did not let me escape.  I slipped out when one of their men fell asleep.  I stole a horse and rode as fast as I could.”

John nodded, and sat contemplating her words.  She was lying; he would bet on it.  He should just have her hanged as a traitor, in the square where all could see.  But he hoped to catch two traitors at once, and so he had sent for Baldwin.

Claire turned and saw Sir Baldwin limping as he dragged his chains.  He was dirty and abused, somewhat worse for the wear.

“You know this man?”  The king rose from his throne. 

Claire answered, “Yes, you know I do.  It’s Sir Baldwin.”

“And you ran to him for protection?”

“I did.”

“Why?”

“Because Barnsdale land was close.”

John smiled wickedly, “And how did you know that?”

Claire stood stock still for a moment. She’d never been to Barnsdale before and John knew it. “I came upon an old Roman road stone that indicated the way to Victus.  William Marshall had told me once that Barnsdale was built upon the site of a Roman fortress and the name of the fortress was Victus.  So I followed the direction from the stone.”

John turned angry eyes to Marshall. “Is this so?”

William Marshall smiled at Claire; she really was her grandmother’s image in looks, spirit and intelligence.  “Yes, sire, she is correct.  I’m gratified that she remembered my teachings.”

“And this was the only reason you were in Barnsdale?”

“No, sire.  I was there to request sanctuary from you.  I knew you would consider me a traitor and I also knew you wished me dead for many years.  I only hoped that Baldwin would keep me there until I could make arrangements to go to Aquitaine.  There I would be no threat to you, although never have I been, and I hoped that you would let me live out my life there.  My only offense to you was that of being your brother’s daughter.”

He turned to Baldwin.  “And…would you have given her sanctuary?”

Baldwin knew if he said yes John could consider him a traitor.  If he said no he would be in the clear for now but would still be suspect.  He needed to balance his need to keep his position and to still be honorable.  Claire had given him a way out.  “Yes, your majesty, I would have given her sanctuary.  I knew of no offense she committed to the crown and I would have given her escort to Aquitaine, for the fealty I swore to her father and for the affection I have for her grandmother.”

King John snarled under his breath.  “Then I will have you escorted to Aquitaine, dear niece.  And you, sir, will contemplate your loyalty for a little longer in the confines of my dungeon.”

“But your majesty, he has done nothing wrong!  Please, release him.” 

John approached Claire.  He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “If you wish to live long enough to reach Aquitaine, I suggest you be quiet.” 

He took a deep breath, trying to get his anger under control.  “Southridge, have Claire taken to her room and make certain that she doesn’t leave it until she is escorted out of London.”  He thought for a moment longer. “Have Baldwin returned to his cell until the escort for my niece is ready, then have them both escorted, one to Barnsdale and one to Aquitaine.” 

John turned. “Sir Baldwin, consider yourself lucky that I am in a light mood.  But I warn you; even a hint of treason from Barnsdale will earn you a rope and a short drop.  COURT IS OVER!EVERYONE OUT!!!”

John quickly left the room.  Isobelle was surprised that he left in such a hurry and with no consideration to her.  She looked to Elenore but got nothing more than a shake of the head.

Elenore, on the other hand, was soon hurrying to Claire’s room.  She wanted to see her granddaughter one more time, probably for the last time.

Will Scarlett had managed to infiltrate the palace through the stables.  He quietly made his way to a balcony above the great hall where court was being held.  He could hear and see without being seen himself.  He was proud of Claire and how she handled herself and he was happy that Baldwin would be returned to Barnsdale.  He thought that he should return to Sherwood and let Robin know what transpired, so he left the balcony once court was ended and made his way back to the stable.  He was in the huge hall that Claire had warned Robin about. It echoed and a person could hear everything that someone was saying on the other side even though they may not be seen because of the deep shadows near the wall.

He heard the voice of a man he was sure he knew.  It was a peculiar voice, rather high for a man, and there was a bit of a lisp.  It was one of Sir Banner’s men.  He recognized it from when they fought the French together.  The other was Banner himself, if he wasn’t mistaken.  He listened quietly for a moment.

“King John has given in to Baldwin.  He is sending him back to Barnsdale.  We need to convince John that Baldwin is the traitor I’ve accused him of being.”

“How do we do that, m’lord?”

Banner thought and after a moment he said, “Isobelle will be traveling to Kent for a wedding in a week.  John will not be going with her.  I want you to have Riley attack the escort and kill Isobelle.  Leave indications that it was Baldwin’s people.  King John will not forgive Isobelle’s death.  He loves her with a passion.”

Will could only leave as soon as possible and warn Robin what was afoot. He would not want Baldwin accused of such a heinous crime.

“Kill the king’s consort?”  Robin shook his head.  Will had just told Robin of the trip to London and the deadly trap that Banner was planning.

Will explained, “To all accounts the king is going to marry her as soon as the annulment of his current wife arrives from Rome.  I heard it in the market when I was headin’ to the palace.  Banner intends to make it look like Baldwin’s men did it and that way he will be assured that King John will kill Baldwin and conscript his land.  Then all Banner has to do is point out how loyal he was in reportin’ the treason.  The king will give him Barnsdale and the biggest traitor to the crown will have the most land and power of any baron in England.  It’s like Claire said, he may well be lookin’ to take the crown for himself.

“And what of Claire?”

“She is being escorted to Aquitaine and Baldwin is with her until they break away and take him to Barnsdale.”

“Claire wants to go to Aquitaine?”

“I don’t know, Robin.  I think she just said that to cover for Baldwin.  You should have seen her. She was…she was magnificent.  You understand what I’m sayin’?  She faced up to the king and never faltered.”

Robin smiled.  He had known for a while that Will was taken with Claire.  He only wished his sights weren’t so high.  He was afraid that Claire would break his heart, and that was the last thing Robin wanted for his good friend.

“Yes, Will, I have seen, in her, the same things I saw in Queen Elenore.  It is a shame that she will never marry royalty. She would be a formidable queen just as her grandmother is.”  

Robin walked in a circle for a moment, trying to formulate a plan.  He looked up to John, Will and Allan. “We need to free Baldwin from his ‘escort’ and bring him here and we need to time it while Claire is still with him.  She can come with us or, Will, you can take her to Aquitaine once this is over.  Either way, I want her out of danger.   I owe Baldwin and we can’t risk that he will be killed if the second part of my plan doesn’t work."

“And what is that, Robin?”  John could see the plan forming in his friend’s eyes.

“We have Loop and a few of the greenwood boys go with us.  They are best at silent moving in the forest.  They will free Baldwin and Claire at night, then take them back to Sherwood.  We will then meet and follow the escort from London to Kent and try to stop the attack while it happens.  The attack must begin before we intervene or Banner will have an excuse to tell King John that we attacked his escort.”

He turned to face John. “I want you to go to Barnsdale; take Jack with you.  They may know you but they won’t know him.  Have him find Rupe and bring him to you.  Tell him what we are doing and ask for his help. If he will help, tell him to meet us at the old Roman temple ruins near Barnsdale.  Remind him there is a traitor among them and to be careful.”

John nodded, “I’ll go now.”

Robin watched as John strode off.  He was surrounded by good, strong people, people who never questioned his leadership or his decisions unless his life was in danger.  He would never be able to express how much he cared for them.

He hated to put Jack in any danger, but the orphan boy would be able to ask questions and not be recognized.  He was only eleven or there about, but he was deadly with a knife and quick with his wit.  Robin was confident that he would carry out the task with great relish.  He lived to impress Robin and Robin knew it.  He was another son in Robin’s growing family.

They talked about how they would go about following Isobelle’s escort and how they could disrupt the attack, where it was most likely to happen and when.  It was all conjecture and dangerous but it needed to be done.

It was after sundown when Robin finally entered his home.  Marion was just finishing carding some wool.  The sheep they had relieved the sheriff of were helping to supply wool for the village and Marion had volunteered to make as much yarn as possible before winter so new sweaters and such could be made for the younger children who grew out of their clothes at an alarmingly fast rate.

He just watched her for a moment.  Her figure had changed very little except now her breasts were much larger.  She actually looked younger than before.  Motherhood agreed with her.  Dear God, how he loved her.

Marion smiled, “So husband, what news?”

He pulled her into his arms before answering.  “I love you, Marion.”

She turned her mouth to his ear. “That’s not news, only a very welcome reaffirmation.”

She pulled back and looked at his face.  “Something is wrong.”

“Yes.”  He launched into a full explanation of what Will had seen and heard.  He didn’t want to worry her, but neither could he keep what they were going to do a secret.

“I want to come with you.”

“No, Marion.  I allowed you to assist after Walter died, but it was only because you needed revenge for his death and Robert’s.  This is different. There is Aaron now.  I need to know that he will be protected and taken care of.  Should anything happen to me, go to Normandy, raise Aaron there.  He should not be a target for King John as I was for King Henry.  I want my son to live free and if this goes wrong, I fear none of you will be free.  John will hunt you down to the last man, woman and child if he thinks we were in league with Baldwin should Isobelle be killed.  Promise me you’ll take Aaron and go.”

She had never seen him so serious and it scared her.  But as his wife she would not gainsay him. “I will, Robin, I promise I will.  But don’t make me fulfill that promise.  Come home to us.”

He kissed her and from there he showed her again how much he needed and loved her.

Chapter Eleven

John Met with Rupe, who assured him that he and his men would help.  Two days later they met at the temple ruins and rode for the fork that would separate Baldwin and Claire in different directions. 

It all went according to plan and Loop and the other boys took Baldwin and Claire to Sherwood.  They were again blindfolded before being taken in.  Once they arrived at the village Claire questioned the orphan leader.

“Is it Robin who still doesn’t trust me or you, Loop?”

He gave her a long hard stare.  “Both.”

“Why?  I’ve helped Robin and I’ve helped Baldwin.  Why would you not trust me?”

“You want Robin for yourself.”

“Are you jealous?”

“Jealous? No.”  With that he walked away. 

“Sir Baldwin.”  Marion came to see how things went.

“Lady Loxley.”  He bowed.

“Longstride, Sir Baldwin, I am just plain Marion Longstride now.  No more lady and happily so.”

Old ways die hard and he asked, “Do you know why they brought us here, m’lady?”

She smiled, “Robin felt you would be safer here until after the raid they plan on Isobelle’s escort.”

Baldwin looked shocked. “They would harm his majesty’s consort?”

“No, sir, they plan to keep Banner from killing her.  He was overheard in the palace plotting to have a group of his men attack her carriage on the way to Kent.  They are to kill her and make it seem as though your men did it.  Robin hopes to rescue her ladyship and bring her here for her safety.  Banner hopes to make you a murderer and then he can claim your land when John rewards him for being loyal.”

“'Tis a dangerous road he travels, Marion.  If it goes bad King John will not rest until Robin Longstride is dead.”

She closed her eyes. “I know Sir Baldwin, I know.”

Many miles away Robin and his men waited near the road to Kent.  They had followed the caravan from near London to this place.  They left it and rode through the woods at a distance to get to there before them.  It was the most probable area for Banner’s men to attack, so they waited and hoped that they had chosen well.

Just as the caravan was nearing the place where Robin and company were waiting, the murderers began their work.  They swooped down upon the escorts and killed the guards.  Then one man dismounted and opened the carriage.  “Get out!” he shouted.  He reached in and grabbed Isobelle, pulling her from the carriage.  “It’s too bad a woman as beautiful as you needs to die, but it is for a good cause.”  He had a dagger and was just about to stab her with it when he heard Robin and his men riding toward them.  He grabbed Isobelle and brought her to his chest with the knife to her throat.

Robin’s men made short work of the assassins and waited to see what would happen.  If he killed Isobelle this was all for nothing.

Robin dismounted and approached the man, bow and arrow at the ready.

“Whoever you are, stay back or I will kill this woman.”

Robin answered, “Kill her and your sorrows are just beginning.”  He slowly raised his bow and aimed.  The man would most certainly kill Isobelle, he had no other choice.

Robin let fly before the man could think about what he said.  The arrow hit him in the forehead and he dropped like a stone.  The knife left a slight wound to Isobelle’s neck as the man fell and she stood stock still, frightened into total submission.

“M’lady, are you all right?”  Robin watched as she paled and he caught her as she fainted.  He lowered her to the ground and waited.

“M’lady?”  Robin shook her lightly. “M’lady, please wake up.”

Isobelle slowly opened her eyes and focused on the man who was holding her.  “You are Robin Longstride.”  He helped her sit up.

“Yes, m’lady.  We need to get you away from here.  Sir Banner may have more men near here to report to King John.”

“Report what?”

“Your death at Sir Baldwin’s hands.  But I assure you it was not Sir Baldwin that plotted this.  One of my men over heard Sir Banner at the palace planning it.”

“But why?  What have I done to him?”

“Nothing, m’lady.  He wanted to implicate Baldwin in your death so King John would give him Baldwin’s land.”

“But why would anyone think Sir Baldwin would want me dead?”

“Because the king loves you.  It would deal him a crippling blow and send a message.”

“And what message would it send?”

“That the barons would take all that he cares for if he doesn’t comply with a charter.  It would start a war between them. Sir Banner would be in good stead once a war was in progress.  He might even take the crown for himself if he could make sure John dies in the war.  And, m’lady, from what I hear of Sir Banner, he would make certain King John died one way or another.  Now we must leave here.  We are going to take you to Sherwood for the time being to keep you safe.  Once I’m sure you are under no further threat, I will have you returned to London.”

She looked at him carefully. “Why would you care?  You are under a death threat from John and a war would not affect you or your people.  It might even make things better, depending on the outcome.”

“I care because this is my land.  I want to see the people live and prosper not kill one another.  I did not fight the French only to see my own people tear our country apart.”

“King John is right to fear you.  It would be easy to replace him with someone such as yourself.”

“M’lady, I don’t want the crown; I only want justice.  I am no threat to King John or his throne.”

Riley was overdue in reporting Isobelle’s death.  Banner, however, had no doubt that the deed was done.  The number of men he’d sent to dispatch her far outweighed the men John sent to protect her.  King John was again holding court and Banner saw no point in waiting for his reward.

“Sire!  Sire!” he cried. “Bad news.  Your lady, Isobelle, has been killed on her journey to Kent.  To all accounts it was Baldwin’s people.”

John stopped.  He was obviously stricken and Banner relished the look of devastation.  “Dead?  Isobelle is dead?”

“Yes, sire.  I just received word from one of my men.  They came upon the carnage and he reported to me only moments ago.”

“Baldwin did this?  You are certain it was Baldwin?”

Queen Elenore closed her eyes.  Even though she and Isobelle had gotten off to a bad start, she had become convinced that the girl loved her son and wanted only what was best for him and England.  And, as it turned out, she was supportive of Longstride because he would ultimately help John far more than he could possibly hurt him.

“I WANT BALDWIN’S HEAD!  BRING IT TO ME, BANNER, AND I SHALL GIVE YOU BARNSDALE!”  John didn’t even dismiss court.  He turned and nearly ran from the room.  Elenore immediately went after him.  She found him in his bed chamber in tears.

“John,” she spoke softly, “I don’t believe Sir Baldwin would do such a thing as Banner says.”

“Don’t take his part, Mother.  I know you hated Isobelle.  You might have even had a hand in this!”
 

Elenore stopped short.  “If you believe that I could hurt you in that way, then have my heart cut out.  But I ask that you think for a moment. Who would gain more from this deed?  Sir Baldwin only wishes a charter; Banner wants a crown.”

“A crown, Mother?  What folly is this?  Banner has been my friend.  He would never seek my crown,” John sobbed.

“Was it not Isobelle herself who cautioned you?  She reminded you that Godfrey was also once your friend.  She loved you and wanted what was best for you.  Even she did not trust Banner.”

“What am I to do without her, Mother?  What am I to do?”  He cried like a baby and Elenore went to him and held him like she had when he was a little boy.

“You will get through this, my son,” she whispered.  “It will not be easy, but you will get through this.”

Sir Banner nearly shouted with glee after King John left.  All he need do now is bring the king Baldwin’s head and Barnsdale was his.

Chapter Twelve

Marion smiled at Robin.  “If you bring anymore refugees to the greenwood, we’ll need more construction.”

“I know, Marion, but I had to bring them here.  Banner will find out that his trap was sprung and nothing was caught.  Once he does he’ll only seek another way to spring another trap.  We need to somehow convince King John of Banner’s treachery.”

“You don’t believe Isobelle would speak for Baldwin?”

Robin nodded, moved Aaron to his other shoulder and kept patting his back, looking for a burp.  It came, loud and juicy.  His father just grinned and wiped his little mouth with a cloth and settled him into the crook of his arm.  He continued to Marion, “She would try to convince him, but King John hates me enough to ignore her; I believe that.  And, because it was our people who rescued her, King John might well say we set the trap in the first place.”

“But didn’t Baldwin’s men help?”

“Yes, but it may well be Baldwin’s own advisor who helped snare Baldwin. Claire saw Banner’s man come to Barnsdale and Cooper greeted him.  She’s sure he’s the traitor.”

Claire was looking for Will.  He wasn’t with the orphan boys when they came and led her and Sir Baldwin away from their 'escort'.  The boys were a constant wonder to her.  They were quiet as church mice and yet as effective as well-trained troops.  Loop was probably responsible for that.  He’d led them for the last couple of years and with Robin’s influence they had become wilier.  She admired Loop; he would someday perhaps take Robin’s place as leader of the greenwood, when Robin was old and not eager to lead any longer. 

Funny, but she could no longer see herself with Robin.  He was still handsome and intelligent, but over the last couple of weeks Will had occupied her fancy.  He had risked everything to follow her to London; he was lively and smart, loyal and solid.  He was interested in her as well, she was sure of it.  Claire needed her niche in life.  Why not as the wife of one of Longstride’s friends, and as his advisor?  That plan pleased her far more than she would have thought.

Claire found Will chatting up one of the former pub girls and she saw red. What was he doing with that tart?  She stormed up to him and was immediately lost for words.  What was she to say?  She had never given him so much as a look before.  “Will, I would speak with you.”

They moved a few feet away and Claire started, “Are you interested in Maralee or are you looking for a favor?”

Will studied her for a moment.  “What do you care?  Why don’t you look to Loop?  I warn you, though, stay away from Robin.  He’s happy with Marion.”

She tilted her head and answered, “I don’t want Robin, and I know where to find Loop.  It was Will Scarlett that I sought out.”

He was leery of her. “Why?  Is there some scheme you wish to hatch?  ‘Cause know this, I will not be your pawn.”

“I don’t want a pawn. I want a husband.”

That stopped him dead.  Was this a joke or a ploy?  “Enough of your nonsense!”  He started away.

“You wouldn’t marry me?”

He turned to rebuff her and was caught by surprise.  The confidence he’d seen at the palace was nowhere to be found.  She had tears in her eyes and a lost look on her face.  His heart couldn’t help but go out to her.  In a quiet voice he asked, “What’s this?”

“I have come to see, Will Scarlett, that you are a man of substance, a man that could make me happy.”

He moved a step closer.  “I’m no one, Claire.  You are the daughter of a king.”

“The bastard daughter of a king,” she corrected him.  “I count with no one except my grandmother.  The greenwood is my home now and it will always be so.”

“Then you have no plans to go to Aquitaine?”

“No.”

“You wish to stay here and marry…marry me?”

“Yes.”

What should he say?  She was everything he wanted but was she playing him?  Did she have an ulterior motive?  He moved to her, searched her eyes and found no deception.  Then he slipped his arms around her waist and drew her to him.  She melted to him like butter to warm toast. 

The moment Will embraced her she fell apart.  He held her as she sobbed.  “What’s this now?”

She sniffed, a little self-conscious.  “I don’t know, Will.  I’m not usually given to tears.”

He carefully wiped the tears away and kissed her.  She’d been kissed before but not like this.  This took her breath away and made her tingle clear down to her toes.  When Will finished, she grabbed his ears and said, “Again, do it again.”

Chapter Thirteen

A courier from Queen Elenore arrived at Barnsdale and Cooper heard him out.  So, Banner had carried out his plan and King John now wanted Baldwin’s head on a platter.  He would need to be very careful from now on.  Baldwin was well loved by Barnsdale’s people and if they found out that he had helped Banner his life would be worth nothing.

They needed to find Baldwin since he had not returned to Barnsdale.  He called his most trusted courier and gave him a letter to take to Banner.  Cooper gave him instructions and sent him off.

Not far outside Barnsdale Rupe and one of his men waited.  They saw Cooper’s man leave and immediately followed him.  Their mission was to confirm his part in the raid on Isobelle’s escort and to find out what he was sending to Banner.

Several miles away Baldwin’s men were dressing in the clothes of the dead escort.  They would stay with Isobelle all the way to the palace.  Robin, John, Allan and Will would follow at a distance, making sure that they arrived without incident.  Sir Baldwin was at the head, bringing Isobelle back to King John.  Robin had argued that he might be struck down before reaching King John, but he would have it no other way.

The coach and its escort rolled right into the palace courtyard and Isobelle disembarked with Baldwin’s help.  Southridge met them, having been notified that Isobelle’s coach had arrived.  He took no note of the actual men who comprised the escort.  He was more concerned with the contents of the coach.  He fully expected that they would be unloading Isobelle’s body.  Instead, there she was.  She was dressed in homespun instead of her palace finery, but it was her without a doubt.

The first words from her mouth were, “I must see King John immediately.  Sir Baldwin is under my protection until I confer with his majesty.”

Southridge bowed, “He is holding court, m’lady.”

“He was so worried about me that he is holding court?”

“My lady, he has been in mourning the entire week.  He held court to divert his sorrow.”

“Mourning?  He thought me dead?”

“Yes, m’lady.  Sir Banner brought the news a week ago.”

She looked at Baldwin and then indicated that they needed to go to court.

Baldwin’s men slowly drifted away from the coach and melted into the palace.  They were to make sure that John exacted no revenge on Baldwin.  Meanwhile, Robin and company filtered into the confines of the courtyard and through the stables into the palace.  Will showed them the balcony where he had watched Claire the last time he was there.

Banner was standing next to King John’s throne as if he was consoling him.  He had anticipated news over the last week and had sent more of his men to find out what had happened.  None of his men were accounted for and there was no trace of King John’s men either.   The coach was unaccounted for as was Isobelle.  This left him very uncomfortable, but he needed to be here in the palace in case he needed to act.  He would not think twice about running John through should things not turn out as he wanted them to.  He already planned to take over the throne once a revolt could be organized.  If need be, he would kill John himself and then offer to sign a charter if the barons would make him king.  And why wouldn’t they?  John had no heirs and Richard’s bastard son had not yet been recognized.  This might very well work out for the best.

Baldwin entered the throne room first, along with Southridge.  When Banner saw him he exclaimed, “There, there Majesty, is the one who killed your love!”

“Hold your tongue, you snake!”  Baldwin didn’t wait for the king to speak.  “I had no one killed, your highness!  I was, however, responsible for helping to keep her safe against your enemies.  Look to Banner for treachery!”

“You miserable murderer!  KILL HIM!!!”  Banner urged Southridge, who looked away.  “No stomach for it?  Then I will!”

“YOU WILL NOT TOUCH HIM!!!”  Isobelle strode through the door and up to Banner.  “You, Sir Banner, are the traitor!”  She turned to King John. “Robin Longstride and his men saved me from an attack that was arranged by Banner.  His man meant to kill me and make it seem that Sir Baldwin did it.”

“Lies!  I would never do such, Your Highness!  You know me.”

“I have proof, sire.”  Baldwin held out the letter from Cooper to Banner that Rupe intercepted.  “My man Cooper was in with Banner.  I knew nothing of what he and Banner planned.  Read the letter and you will see.”

All the while John stood looking at Isobelle as if he was seeing a ghost.   She was real, she was alive, and thank God it was all a lie.  He turned to Banner. “ENOUGH!  I thought I knew Godfrey as well.  Take Banner to the dungeon!  I will deal with him later!”  

He stepped down from the throne and over to Isobelle.  As he reached her, Banner drew a dagger and moved to stab the king.  There was a sudden whine and Banner fell with an arrow through his shoulder.  The shot came from the balcony overlooking the throne room.

The entire court turned to see who fired the arrow but no one was there.  Robin, Will, John and Allan left immediately after Robin let fly.  They needed to leave the palace before Baldwin explained. 

Queen Elenore went to Isobelle and welcomed her home as did William Marshall.  Later in the day they sat and spoke of Robin and the greenwood.  Isobelle told them that she had come away with very good feelings about its people and had pledged to see that they were treated fairly.

That night Baldwin, Marshall and King John sat and conferred.  Though John was grateful for Isobelle’s safe return, he still would not consider a charter.  He did, however, as a favor to Isobelle, lift the death penalty from Robin and his men.  After all, Robin Longstride had saved his life.  He still considered them outlaws and they could still face his court if caught.  It wasn’t much of a difference but at least they wouldn’t hang.

The week after they returned to the greenwood, Will and Claire were married.  Loop began courting Maggie, Marion announced that she was again pregnant and life went on.

Robin never gave up the hope of a charter and with the help of the northern barons he finally succeeded in June 1215.  King John was forced to sign and accept the charter giving the people of England rights by law.

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