Heart of Sherwood Page 32

  Robyn responded with a storyteller's flare. "My dear Vicar, these honest, loyal English men and women are in a round-about way the victims of our good King Richard." At that his eyes rounded and he puffed out his chest, but she continued. "You see, being a good Christian king, he answered the Pope's call to Crusade and left his kingdom behind to be administered by regents and, while they did the best they could, staving off the worst that could happen, Prince John did all he could to undermine the absent King. He rallied barons to his cause with promises of great reward. Local sheriffs became corrupt and lords abusive toward their serfs because there was no one watching out for the people's welfare. These men," she said motioning to her gang, "are not thieves by choice, but out of necessity. In Nottingham, one cannot even raise his glass to King Richard without being falsely accused of a crime, evicted from his home or sacked. I was more than happy to steal the Prince's treasure and give it straightway to the Queen in order to hasten the King's return to his land, for I am confident that when he sees what the rebellious barons of Nottingham have done, he will make things right for these before you."

  While Richard stood mesmerized, soaking in the tale, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian made their way forward to offer greeting. Marian had been dividing her time between her manor and the outlaws' camp while anxiously awaiting her father's return. "Greetings Reverend Father," Tuck exclaimed in a loud sanguine voice. "Always glad to meet a fellow man of the cloth." Then he scrutinized the tall gentleman. "Do I know you? Whence do you hail?"

  But he had no time to answer Tuck. Marian's eyes lit with recognition, and in her exuberance ran to Sir Robert, wrapping her arms around his neck with tears of joy.

  "Papa!" She kissed both his cheeks, pulled back to look into his worn but joyful face, then hugged him tightly once more. "Papa, you are home at last!"

  "Marian, my heart!" He enveloped her in his strong embrace, elation lighting his eyes. "But what are you doing out here in the forest in an outlaw camp?"

  Robyn felt the power of Marian's emotion and her own heart swelled with joy. She was beaming affectionately at Marian when Richard sighed and gave a nod to the others. They all threw off their robes—except Sir Robert who was entangled with his loving daughter—to reveal the light armor and crusader's surcoats beneath.

  Robyn's attention snapped back to Richard and, seeing that was the proper cue, she fell to one knee at his feet and declared, "My lord and my King!"

  The others, most of whom had never seen the monarch and would have no idea what he looked like, followed their leader and proceeded to bow before the Lionheart.

  But Gilbert, who had fought at the King's side, recognized him at once and echoed Robyn's words. "Our King has returned!" he shouted excitedly before making his bow.

  "Sir Gilbert?" Richard tilted his head. "Is that you, my man?"

  "Aye, Sire."

  "Arise, loyal citizens of England, for at last I have come home. A friar, a lord, a thief and my own sweet goddaughter! Have you no hugs for me?" Richard turned a doting eye toward the lovely girl. "Why, you have become a grown woman whilst I was away!"

  Marian released her father and embraced Richard with jubilance, kissing his cheeks as well. "Your Highness, welcome home!"

  "Listen to you, 'Your Highness'! No more 'God-papa' for me?" With a broad smile, he kissed her cheeks in return.

  Blushing, Marian stepped back, gave a little curtsey and gushed, "This is the happiest day! I do so love you both!"

  Then a querying look appeared on the King's face. "Come to think of it, why are you here?"

  "Well, you see," she stammered and backed up beside Robyn who rose to her feet at her side. "Robyn and I…"

  Richard held up a hand and smiled at her. "And speaking of Robin," he said turning his attention to her. "I believe I owe a great deal to you and your brave men. Tell me, lad, what reward can I offer for your service to England?"

  Robyn's eyes lit. "Pardons for my men, Sire. They have risked all and gained little. Indeed, they were never real criminals after all."

  "It is done!" he declared jovially. "Just give a list of their names to my scribe here," he said motioning to the man on his left, "and he will have the papers drawn up. But mayhap something for you?"

  "I…" Robyn hesitated, shooting a questioning glance at Marian.

  "I have it!" Richard announced. "Take a knee, son. I shall knight you here and now and bequeath to you the land and title of one of those treasonous barons holed up in the castle. Then you will have the proper rank to court my fair goddaughter, if her father approves," he added with a wink to FitzWalter.

  But Robyn's expression was shadowed with uncertainty. "Your Highness," she said in a hush so those beyond their immediate circle could not hear. "I am honored, truly, but I fear the matter is a bit more complicated. If you could allow me one indulgence–that after my men and I help you secure Nottingham, you may grant me a more private audience in which to make my petition." Then she bowed, her head low in humble supplication.

  Richard rubbed his beard, puzzled by the request. "I suppose that is not too much to ask after the tremendous service you have done me. Very well, now," he waved. "My escort and I must withdraw to Nottingham to command the siege. I plan an attack in the morning and your archers would be most welcome." Robyn straightened and nodded appreciatively. "I must say, the songs and tales about you are indeed true, but I wanted to see for myself. I am most glad to have done so. And by the by, I hear Nottingham is devoid of a sheriff, as they tell you dispatched the former one."

  Robyn lowered her gaze and nodded again.

  "Good riddance!" he pronounced, further absolving her. "Sir Gilbert," he said raising his gaze to the thin older man whose head lifted at the mention of his name. "I believe you have the rank and experience to fit the position."

  Engulfed by astonishment, life suddenly rushed into the old man like one who had been reborn. "Thank you, My Lord King! You are too kind!"

  "Nonsense! I tire of hearing about corruption and misuse of power and know that shan't be the case with you overseeing Nottingham. Robert, you will have plenty of time to enjoy your beautiful daughter once the castle has fallen. Oh, and I almost forgot!" Richard reached inside his surcoat and produced a small pouch. "For the poor," he said tossing it to Robyn. "Now, if someone could kindly point us in the direction of Nottingham."

  *~*~*

  That night as all gathered around the campfire celebrating the King's return, Robyn sat on a smooth log with Marian resting her head on her shoulder. Joy radiated like sunbeams from every soul and Robyn could feel Marian's delight. Her own anxious thoughts wandered to their private meeting with the King and how–and if–a way would be found for her to remain with the woman she loved. Then a thought struck her: regardless, she would have to leave her band of merry men and no longer live in Sherwood. This chapter of her life was at a close.

  In a moment of emotion, Robyn pushed to her feet and stepped into the midst of the gathering. The others quieted to hear what their leader had to say.

  "Friends," she began, trying to strike an optimistic tone. "Tomorrow we join our beloved King on the field of battle to drive the rebels from Nottingham and put England back to rights. Then you will all receive your pardons, returning to your homes and families. After the castle is won, you shall see me no more."

  Abruptly glad faces turned sad and murmurs of "Why?" "When?" and "Where will you go?" arose from the congregation.

  Robyn lifted a hand to calm them. "You shall have your lives back, and there is a home to which I must return as well. But have no fear: if ever injustice raises its ugly head, if the poor are oppressed and freedoms threatened, Robin Hood will be there to defend the weak and thwart the plans of the wicked."

  She raised her eyes to the stars and spurred on with inspiration continued. "I love you all, each and every one, and will not forget you. You shine, like the evening and morning star, the brightest in all the heavens."

  She looked back out across the crowd, her eyes touching
each of theirs for a twinkling: Alan A Dale, whose music and laughter brightened her days; Arthur Bland, who longed to return home; Much the Miller's son, who never complained; David Doncaster, with his youthful exuberance; Friar Tuck, whose knowledge and wisdom guided her; Gilbert Whitehand, her tortured mentor; young Charles and Christina, who had their whole lives ahead of them; and Little John, her strong right arm and substitute father. She thought of Will Scarlet and Roger the farrier who would forever live in her memories.

  "Whenever I look into the sky and see this star, I will think of you, and the love that shines in my heart for you all. And mark this truth–as long as our nation is made of such as you, who love what is right and fight courageously against tyranny, then England will stand for a thousand years as a beacon of freedom and justice before all the world."

  Amid tears and cheers, and with Marian at her side, Robyn slipped away for the privacy of her tent.

  *~*~*

  Nottingham Castle, the next day

  King Richard, wearing only light armor and helmpiece, along with his escort marched out onto the field ahead of the army to a fanfare of trumpets and great cheers. He was joined by such noteworthy names as Sir William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke, Ranulph de Blondeville, 4th Earl of Chester, David of Scotland, 8th Earl of Huntingdon, Sir Alfred of Ivanhoe, and the venerable Archbishop of Canterbury, Herbert Walter, as well as scores of lesser nobles and hundreds of knights, footmen, archers, and engineers. But despite the display, the defenders of Nottingham opened fire on them. Richard wondered if perhaps they didn't recognize him, so he commandeered the nearest cottage for his personal lodging to always be in their sights.

  Sir Guy and the other barons came to Nonant, Prince John's propagandist who had joined them at the castle, upon witnessing the spectacle without to discuss their options. "That is King Richard, I tell you!" Sir Guy exclaimed, sweat pouring from this troubled brow. "He will have us all hanged if we persist."

  "Nonsense," Nonant proclaimed serenely. "'Tis but a ruse. Prince John promised he would return with the French army before Richard could reach Nottingham, did he not?"

  "Yes, milord, but—" began a nervous Raoul le Clerc.

  "And do you not believe the word of our honorable Prince? Has he not been true to his pledges in the past?"

  "But Your Grace," Sir Guy continued. "You were not on the wall. You did not see him standing at the front of the army, arrows raining down at his feet, yet he did not even so much as step aside. He stood confident and firm, like, like," his frantic mind searching an adequate term. "A lion!"

  The younger bishop waved him off akin to an annoying fly. "A show meant to frighten us into submission. That alone should convince you I am right, for what king would stand in front of an army unprotected?"

  Sir Hugh Diggory contradicted John's spokesman. "With all due respect, Bishop, but I have heard Richard declare out of his own mouth that any man who is unwilling to stand at the front of his army is not fit to lead it. I must agree with Gisborne."

  But Lambelin sided with Nonant. "This castle is strong, and we have gathered much meat and grain. We should hold out until Prince John arrives."

  Gisborne gave Nonant a hard stare. "For all our sakes, I hope you are right."

  Tensions were high in Nottingham castle the next morning. "What if it is the King? Last night's battle did not go well for us," Gisborne insisted. "What if Prince John never comes?"

  "Nonsense," Nonant chided.

  Raoul le Clerc offered a suggestion. "Let us find out for certs; then we can make an informed decision as to our next course of action."

  "And how do you propose that?" the propagandist retorted with a dismissive sneer.

  Hugh Diggory's eyes lit with inspiration. "I have a brave and loyal knight, Sir Fouchier de Grendon. We can send him and his squire, Henry Russell, under a white flag of truce to ascertain the true identity of he who leads the attack against us. Sir Fouchier accompanied the King to the Holy Land and will surely recognize his features if it is indeed he."

  The other nobles looked eagerly to Nonant, pleased with the suggestion. "It is a brilliant idea," Gisborne exclaimed. "Only good can come of knowing the truth."

  Nonant snorted and turned away from the weak-willed barons. "Do as you like," he said with a wave of his hand. "What do I care if you get your knight killed?"

  *~*~*

  Diggory called for his cavaliers and sent the two out carrying a flag of truce. Young David of Doncaster's sharp youthful eye was the first to spot them.

  "Let them pass," Robyn directed, "but keep watch on them."

  Two camp guards rode out to meet Sir Fouchier and his squire and escorted them into the fire-lit camp where King Richard and his officers were taking their dinner. "My Liege," addressed one of the guards with a sharp bow. "These two came from the castle to see if it is truly you."

  Richard stood, a goose leg in his hand, and twisted from side to side so they could get a good look at him. "Well, what can you see?" he asked in a cheerful tone, seeming completely at ease and unconcerned. "Am I here?"

  Sir William Marshall and Sir Robert FitzWalter both laughed while the knight and his squire turned pale and fell to their knees. "Your Highness!" they exclaimed and removed their head pieces at once.

  Richard sat back at his table and said to them, "You may return to the castle and tell the others what you have seen. I suggest you see to yourselves as you decide on your next steps."

  With that, the two men raced back to inform the barons that it truly was King Richard.

  "I knew it!" Gisborne declared slamming a fist into his open palm.

  Nonant took a step back from the panicking lords. "How were we to know? It could have easily been an impostor."

  The nobles looked about their circle and proceeded to discuss their options and how best to save their necks.

  In the meantime, a certain knight and his youthful squire returned to the King's camp and surrendered, throwing themselves on the Lionheart's mercy.

  Deep into the night, when almost everyone was asleep, Sir Guy of Gisborne along with his knights and retainers slunk out of Nottingham under the cover of a moonless sky to return to his own estate and pretend he had not been there at all.

  On the morrow, the rebellious barons surrendered, swore they were acting under Prince John's orders, that they had no idea they had raised a bow or sword against the true King, and prostrated themselves to declare their allegiance to Richard, and him alone.

  *~*~*

  Nottingham Castle, March 30, 1194

  Robyn and Marian stood in formal attire before King Richard, who was flanked on his right by Sir Robert FitzWalter and on his left by the Queen Mother, in a private alcove off the great hall. Richard was dressed to impress with his white crusader surcoat emblazoned with its big, red cross, a crimson cloak adorned with a snowy fur mantle draped about his shoulders, and a sturdy gold crown bejeweled with rubies and emeralds. He had just dealt with the disloyal barons, choosing to make them pay financially rather than with their lives. The entire nation's treasury being exhausted, he needed funds to oppose Phillip of France who was advancing against his borders in Normandy. He declared all titles and lands of the traitors forfeit; however, they could buy them back at a premium price. Most agreed after much groveling and apologizing for being foolish enough to follow Prince John.

  Both ladies acknowledged the royal family with deep curtsies.

  "This is my friend, Maid Robyn of Loxley," Marian gave introduction.

  Richard bore a puzzled expression on his stately face. His brows drew together as he raised a hand to rub his burnished beard.

  "But where is Hood?" He inquired. "I thought this meeting was for his benefit."

  Hesitantly, Robyn removed her wimple along with the thin braided gold fillet that encircled her head holding the linen in place to reveal her short hair. "Your Highness." She swallowed the lump that had risen to her throat. "Robyn of Loxley and Robin Hood are one and the same."

  The three
sucked in air simultaneously as visages of astonishment swept over them.

  Robyn continued meekly. "This is what I meant when I said it was complicated."

  She watched in nervous anticipation as realization washed over the King. His expression of disbelief softened into amusement. "Well, I'll kiss the hare's foot!" he laughed, light dancing in his eyes. "Mother, Robert," he said catching their gazes and motioning toward them and then to Robyn. "Do you see this? Do you know what this means?" Marian's father still seemed confused but a sly, clever air of perception shone on Eleanor's face. "The finest archer in all of England is a woman! I'll be buggered!"

  Marian's gaze passed from Eleanor to Richard then to her father, who was beginning to comprehend. She moved her hand a few inches to brush Robyn's ever so tenderly in reassurance. "But Maid Robyn," he asked with a curious tilt of his head. "How? Why?"

  Robyn recounted the story of the Sheriff's ultimatum and her banishment, meeting the outlaws, and all that followed. Then Richard, who seemed thoroughly charmed by the revelation declared in a deep, jovial tone. "It would appear as though I owe my throne and my life a good deal to you and your men. The rest of them are men, are they not?"

  Robyn's cheeks turned a bright crimson. "Yes, Your Highness." She lowered her head, not sure if he was laughing at her or the simple absurdity of it all. "But don't forget Marian," she added, raising her chin with bright eyes. "She was very instrumental in gaining information and helping with the planning, not to mention transporting the treasure to the Queen. All in all, it was a group effort."

  Marian's face lit as Robyn raced to add her to the credits.

  Richard smiled warmly. "Milady, I would knight you if I could. But alas," he said with a sigh and resigned shake of his head. "Neither the law nor society allows for such. It goes without question that your family lands and title shall be returned to you at once to do with as you wish and you are not required to marry anyone to keep them. That much I can do for you. But isn't there something more? I feel like there should be something more."