Denial, chapter 59: Into the Lion's Den
Title: Denial, chapter 59: Into the Lion's Den
Author: teamlavender
Characters/Pairings: Much/Carter, Robin, Legrand, Little John, Will/Djaq, King Richard
Rating: PG-13
Genre: gen, angst
Words: 3426
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: This continues the 'Round-Robin' fic 'Denial'. Beta'd by teamlavender & jagnikjen . Takes place during 2x13.
Summary: Will Much & Carter welcome the gang with open arms when they finally arrive at the king's camp?
Previous chapter summaries & info about writing for Denial are here...
>>>------------------------->
Into the Lion's Den
by teamlavender
Stars faded as dawn greeted the outlaws and their guide, Bassam. They'd left under cover of darkness from the warmth of the pigeon handler's home and slipped unnoticed through the streets of Acre. Deserted alleyways and gloomy passages had given way to the vast desert as they headed northeast from the city. There was nothing here save a small patch of wooden crosses where Crusaders now slept forever and an abandoned village that sat stark upon the landscape.
John noticed that Will seemed overly protective of Djaq as they made their way up one more rise. His arm was on her waist one moment, his hand in hers the next, tugging her along though his own feet dragged in the sand. It was certainly nothing like walking through Sherwood, where leaves might cover rocks, or tree branches might trip you. He'd never realized that sand, which slipped through fingers like water, could prove just as tricky to traverse as the forests of England.
Bassam and Robin stopped at the top of the hill. The others drew up beside them. Legrand's deep laugh boomed out at the welcome sight. Will and John exchanged a glance. Small armies they had seen; massive encampments like this - hundreds of tents, camels, mules, horses, and wagons - suddenly brought the war home to them.
Djaq shivered and squeezed Will's hand. Despite the suffering the Crusaders brought, she trusted Robin to convince his king that the time for fighting was over.
"There." Bassam waved his hand toward the desert floor. "Your king's camp."
Robin extended his hand in thanks. "Shukran, Bassam."
The old man turned to Djaq as the outlaws began their trek down the hill. "Does he understand flight, the pale one?"
"Who?" A coy smile lit Djaq's face. "Yes." She nodded. "I think he does."
"You have my blessing." Bassam wrapped his arms around Djaq and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
She turned and caught up with Will. Sliding her hand into his, she pressed her head against his arm. New life stirred within her womb. Her child...Will's child...their child...would know peace.
>>---------------------------->
Legrand was in high spirits as they approached the Crusader's camp. He broke away from the outlaws just as they reached the perimeter.
"I'll be right back, mes amis," he called back to them as he strode over to the Guard's store tent and tore back the flap at the entrance, ducking inside. It took his eyes a second to get used to the darkness before he spotted the man sitting inside. "Carbonnier! How are you?"
The tent's occupant looked up in shock.
"You look like you've seen a ghost, man! It's been less than a year!" Legrand laughed. "Where are my things?"
The dark haired man pointed shakily to several chests in the corner. "We...we were going to send them back..."
"Back? Back where? I was always returning here...you know that." Legrand opened one of the chests and rummaged through it. He pulled out a long white Templar tunic with the Royal Guard insignia on the front and a matching cloak. "Aha!" He took off his dark green tunic, slipped the white one on over his armour and fastened the long cloak around his shoulders. "Much better! Now I really feel like I'm home!"
He turned and grinned at the other man as he picked up his staff again. "Can't stay - I must talk to the king, but I'll be back shortly to collect the rest - good to see you again!"
"You...you, too, Legrand..." the other man stammered, still lost for words.
>>---------------------------->
"My name is Robin of Locksley and these are my friends, the king's loyal subjects," the noble-turned-outlaw told one of the soldiers.
"More than that," Legrand added as he caught up with the outlaws. "Lord Locksley served along side me in the king's private guard. I can vouch for him personally."
John's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open when he saw Legrand in the same regalia as the other knights. His tunic and cloak had been carefully stored during his absence and, fresh on, they were noticeably cleaner than most of the others around them. His height alone meant Legrand would have stood out in any crowd, but the overall effect made it hard for John to tear his gaze away from the tall Frenchman.
Djaq noticed John's reaction and nudged him in the ribs. "My patient looks good in his uniform, no?" she teased.
"Um, yes. He looks very..." John paused for a moment. "Noble," he finally said, sadly. He hunched his shoulders, nervously tugged at the scarf around his neck and pulled his jacket closer, trying to disguise his lack of a shirt.
Djaq realised he was doing the thing he often did in company of trying to make himself look smaller. She frowned as she saw she'd made him uncomfortable, which had not been her intention.
"We have urgent business with the king." Robin's voice was confident, determined. From his tone a casual observer could not doubt his right to be there, even though he wore no uniform.
"Saving his life actually!" Legrand grinned.
The soldiers looked at Legrand with a slightly confused expression but waved them all through.
Legrand frowned but then his face brightened again as he pointed to a tent several hundred yards away. "Look, John!" his voice rang out. "The king's tent!"
"Robin!" Carter rushed down the hillside, but came to a sudden halt as he spotted Legrand. His face paled and his mouth opened in surprise.
"Carter!" Robin said, wrapping his arms around the blond soldier.
Carter stirred and shook himself as if waking from a dream.
Legrand eyed him carefully, puzzled by his reaction. They had never been close, but why would the English knight be so stunned to see him there? First Carbonnier, then the guards at the camp entrance and now Carter. Were none of his old comrades pleased he was back? Something about the whole situation felt wrong.
"We must talk," Carter said quietly in a tone that was calm but foreboding, dark and cold like the desert at night. His words did nothing to allay Legrand's sense of unease.
"Yes, with the king," Robin replied. He looked around the camp, suddenly fearful that something had happened to his former manservant. He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Where's Much?"
Will pointed toward the king's tent. "Is that--?"
Djaq smiled and nodded. The manservant she remembered was gone. Their friend wore the red tunic of a squire. He stood straight and confident. The scruffy beard that warmed his face in Sherwood was trimmed back neatly. In his new clothes, without his old ragged cap and with his blond locks shorn short he looked every inch the noble knight in training.
"Much?" John said.
The former outlaw turned, his eyes widening when he spotted the gang. Sucking in a breath, he forced himself to finish his conversation with the Saracen messenger. "Shukran, Mahmoud. As-salamuh Alai-kum."
He turned from the messenger and hurried over to where Carter stood with Robin and the others. The quickness in Much's step masked both his joy and fear.
"Squire Much - congratulations on your new position! Ut prosim!" Legrand shouted at him.
"What does that mean?" John asked Djaq.
"It means--"
"It means that I may serve," Much interrupted. "It's the motto of the king's private guard." He extended his hand to the French knight. "Thank you! We'd heard you were dead, Legrand."
"So that's it!" Legrand grinned, greatly relieved to have his puzzle answered. "Does this hurt?" He pounded his palm against Much's arm.
"Ow!" Much gave an exaggerated cry. He smiled at Carter. "He's definitely not dead!"
Robin's face lit up. "You know Latin now?" he said as he pulled his old friend into a hug.
"And Arabic!" Djaq added, impressed.
"As if listening to him go on in English wasn't bad enough!" John said, but with a smile as he clapped Much on the shoulder.
"It's good to hear your voice, Much, no matter what you're speaking!" Will said.
Carter saw the great joy in Much's face at being reunited with his friends, especially Robin. He also saw the frowns on the faces of those round about them. Too many assumed the rumours about Robin and the gang were true. Carter desperately wanted to reach out to Much - to protect him from the reactions of their comrades but also to calm his own jealousy.
"And before I forget..." Robin said with the familiar cheeky grin Much had sorely missed. "I believe this belongs to you." He reached into his shirt and pulled out...
"My cap!" Much exclaimed, taking it from him, wide-eyed. "But...how in the world... Where did you...?"
"Well done, Robin - now he can't even speak English!" Legrand laughed.
"A certain yeoman who sailed with us from Cyprus thought you might like it back," Robin explained.
"Brooks!" Much turned to Carter with a huge smile. It died almost instantly as he saw the frown on Carter's face and then looked past him toward the crowd gathering around them. His heart sank as he remembered all of Carter's warnings and the promises he'd made him.
Much looked back into the unsuspecting faces of his friends. "It is good to see you. All of you," he said sadly. He suddenly wrapped his arms around Robin. "Run," he whispered. "Get away while you still can. The sheriff--"
"What?" Robin pulled away, confused by Much's sudden change in attitude. "What are you talking about, Much?"
Much looked down at the sand and twirled his old cap nervously in his hands. He'd craved this reunion for months but now he was scared and it was all going horribly wrong. "I'm sorry, Robin. I... I can't talk to you," he said quietly, stepping back away from them.
Robin's face reddened. "You can't...? You think you're better than me now do you, Lord Much?" He spat out Much's title with disdain.
Legrand placed his hand on Robin's shoulder, warily studying the faces of his former comrades. "Let him explain, Robin," he said calmly.
Much looked from Legrand to his former master, his eyes moist. "No! It's not that, Robin. The sheriff's message--"
"I took you into my home!" Robin shouted as he shrugged Legrand's hand off, every ounce of his energy focused on Much. "You had nothing but the rags on your back! I gave you food, shelter..." He glared at his friend. "This! This is how you repay me! Refusing to acknowledge me when I need your help!"
"How I--?" Much shook his head vehemently. "Robin, Carter and I have been upholding your name these last few months after Vaizey's--"
"If that were true, then why are you talking to me as if I am your enemy?"
"Leave it, Much." Carter placed his arm between Robin and his squire.
"But I must explain!" Much protested.
"He will find out soon enough." Carter's tone was firmer this time. He wasn't sure what might transpire, and his only thoughts were how he might protect Much.
Robin scowled at Carter as he pulled Much away from the group. "And you! Turning my best friend!" Robin spat. "I should have run him through myself rather than send him off with a Wilton!"
Much's eyes clouded and he half-turned, unable to look at his former master as Robin turned his anger on Carter.
"You're nothing but a foolish crying coward, just like your brother Thomas!" Robin snarled at the former assassin.
Carter froze at Robin's harsh words.
"Robin!" Much cried. "Don't--"
"Better a coward than a traitor any day!" Carter drew his sword and pointed it at Robin's throat. "Leave now or die!"
The other outlaws stepped forward to Robin's side, reacting angrily as Much grabbed his lover's shoulder.
"Carter, stop!" Much shouted. To Robin he said, "He doesn't mean that!"
Robin and Carter glared furiously at one another. The others could see the pain on Much's face, but that wasn't enough to hold back John's growing anger. He scowled at Much. "You have forgotten your friends, Much."
"Just go, Mas... Robin!" Much implored as Carter put down the sword. "There is nothing you can do here."
"Let's go, Robin. Something is not right." John held his leader back as he looked hard at Much and Carter.
"John, I--"
"I can see where your loyalties are now, Much," John interrupted him, eyeing Carter suspiciously.
Robin turned and snorted. "I'll go when we've seen the king. He'll decide what I can and can't do - not a former manservant!"
"Let's hope the king's decision is a well informed one, Robin," Legrand said. He had been watching the crowd as the argument between the former friends had developed. The hostile looks and dark mutterings did not bode well.
The gang headed for the king's tent and the crowd closed behind them, many of them laying hands on sword hilts.
Much paled, the pain of Robin's words replaced by his fear for his friends' lives. "Carter, what can we do? They are not traitors. We both know that."
"Robin must face King Richard, and you, my love, must hold your tongue. They'll learn about the rumours from the king, and perhaps they'll understand why we urged them to leave."
"But--"
Carter held a finger to Much's lips. "Promise?"
Much nodded. This would all be cleared up shortly. The king would listen to reason.
>>>------------------------>
The angry voices drifted to the king's pavilion. Richard paid no mind even when he thought he'd heard Carter call 'Robin' and saw him bound down the hill.
James had wandered outside, spotting the squire, Much, in the crowd that gathered. He looked for Locksley, the one familiar face he'd expected to see and nearly choked as Legrand came into view as well. He swallowed back his surprise then hid a satisfied smile - Locksley and his gang were about to meet their fates.
James turned and called back to the king. "We have visitors, Your Majesty."
Richard raised a brow, listening as words carried more clearly on the breeze now. He stepped outside the pavilion as his two former favourites appeared. Full of confidence, he greeted the two men. "Robin of Locksley. And Legrand? You certainly look well for a dead man."
"Your Majesty," the two knights said as they fell to their knees.
We have much to talk about! Come," Richard called, smiling at them before turning back into his tent.
Carter tipped his head at Much, whose mouth curled into a crooked grin. Legrand noticed the gesture and took it as a good sign. His respect for Carter was strong despite the altercation with Robin. He valued his opinions and had trusted his judgement when they'd served together. And Richard seemed genuinely pleased to see his former guards. Perhaps their worries had been in vain.
John, Will and Djaq caught up to them and Legrand handed his staff to John before he and Robin followed Richard into his tent. Much and Carter entered behind them.
James took one of the guards aside. "Keep an eye on them," he said, tipping his head towards the three outlaws. The guard nodded and James entered the tent, closing the curtain behind him. He moved to stand by the King's side.
Richard folded his arms across his chest. "Robin."
"Your Majesty, I bring grave news. You received my messages, I trust."
The king's brow furrowed. "I did," he said, his face growing more serious, "and more."
Legrand shifted uneasily. He had served Richard long enough to recognize that tone in his voice. He felt his skin crawl.
Carter had noticed it, too. He watched the king carefully as Robin spoke again.
"Then you'll know the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Black Knights are plotting against you. They are planning to take over England."
James remained impassive though his heart began to pound. He knew what was in the cards, and it was all he could do to hide his amusement as Carter and Legrand picked up on the clues. Much had that eager-to-please look on his face, a look of righteousness that made James want to gag. And Locksley - he was so engrossed with his own ego that he'd failed to see the signs at all.
"That's what you said and I believe you," Richard replied with a knowing look toward James.
"But now the sheriff is coming here to find you and kill you," Robin continued.
"Really?"
There was a sharp edge to Richard's voice that made Legrand squirm. They'd lost this argument before it had even begun. Much seemed to understand what was happening and his face grew pale.
"You have to let me protect you," Robin urged.
"I must allow you to protect me?"
"Yes," Robin replied.
Richard looked past Robin. Disappointment and utter disbelief pained his face as he saw Djaq outside the tent. They have recruited your most loyal servant to come here. He is a man that you would trust with your life and he travels with a Saracen woman. Richard's eyes met Robin's again. "Oh, Robin, of all people, you?"
Robin frowned, confused. "Your Majesty?"
"Of all the men who have served me, you were the one I loved most."
"And I have cherished that."
"When I sent you home to England, I thought I was sending a piece of me. I thought you would represent me there."
"In a small way, I think I have."
"Robin, stop it," Richard said impatiently. "I know the truth!"
"What truth?" Robin cried, his voice more concerned as he struggled to understand the king's words. "Your Majesty, you are in danger."
"It is true, Sire!" Legrand insisted.
"And you!" Richard aimed a vicious black look at Legrand. "Turning on my mother whom you are sworn to protect!"
"What! Your Majesty, I nearly died saving the Queen Mother from the sheriff!"
"This is Vaizey's doing," Robin added, spotting Much nod in agreement. "He would say anything--"
Richard cut Robin off with an impatient wave of his hand. "And you would call my brother a liar?" he asked.
"Prince John was not there--" Robin shook his head in frustration. "Have you not heard from Queen Eleanor?"
"Why, Robin?" Richard's eyes grew fiery. "Have I not done right by you?"
"Yes, you have," Robin shouted. "And I've come here to save you!"
Whatever love Richard once felt for Robin evaporated like water poured on the desert floor. "Still, you deny it," he said, his anger growing. He glowered at Robin and shouted, "You attempted to kill my mother and now you have come here to murder your king!"
Much started to take a step forward but, Carter held him back. "Your Majesty, no," Carter said. "I can vouch for Robin. When I was in England--"
"Quiet!" Richard ordered Carter.
The sounds of a scuffle made the hairs on Legrand's neck stand up. He grew more uneasy as voices outside the tent escalated in number as well as volume. He knew without turning that John, Will and Djaq were being forcibly subdued. He had seen the king's anger aimed at many men before and rarely did things turn out well for those on the receiving end.
Richard stared accusingly at Robin again. "You are a renowned marksman with a bow, are you not?"
"I am," Robin replied.
"Then you could have killed my enemies a thousand times over," Richard argued. "You expect me to believe you would travel to the Holy Land to protect me instead of simply aiming an arrow in Nottingham."
"Your Majesty," Much cried out before Carter could stop him. "We couldn't just shoot the sheriff. We can explain--"
James stepped forward and viciously back-handed Much, a powerful punch that sent the squire to the ground.
Carter unsheathed his sword quickly, its tip menacingly close to James' throat.
The older knight spat, "Carter, your squire still does not know when to hold his tongue!"
"James." Richard glared. "Leave me to dole out punishments to my knights else you will find yourself run through with my sword." He turned to Carter as Much found his feet unsteadily. "Put that away."
There was a loud shout outside that was instantly recognisable to those who knew his voice as Little John. Legrand shifted restlessly, then suddenly tore out of the tent.
"Someone go after him." Richard sighed. He knew what he had to do next and it gave him no joy at all.
With a jerk of his head, Carter ordered Much to follow Legrand. Their friends would need protection from the mob growing outside.
Richard turned back to James. "Assemble the men. Execute them."
>>>----------------------->
Will Marian, Allan and Guy escape the Sheriff's evil clutches. Find out in chapter 60....
Author: teamlavender
Characters/Pairings: Much/Carter, Robin, Legrand, Little John, Will/Djaq, King Richard
Rating: PG-13
Genre: gen, angst
Words: 3426
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: This continues the 'Round-Robin' fic 'Denial'. Beta'd by teamlavender & jagnikjen . Takes place during 2x13.
Summary: Will Much & Carter welcome the gang with open arms when they finally arrive at the king's camp?
Previous chapter summaries & info about writing for Denial are here...
>>>------------------------->
Into the Lion's Den
by teamlavender
Stars faded as dawn greeted the outlaws and their guide, Bassam. They'd left under cover of darkness from the warmth of the pigeon handler's home and slipped unnoticed through the streets of Acre. Deserted alleyways and gloomy passages had given way to the vast desert as they headed northeast from the city. There was nothing here save a small patch of wooden crosses where Crusaders now slept forever and an abandoned village that sat stark upon the landscape.
John noticed that Will seemed overly protective of Djaq as they made their way up one more rise. His arm was on her waist one moment, his hand in hers the next, tugging her along though his own feet dragged in the sand. It was certainly nothing like walking through Sherwood, where leaves might cover rocks, or tree branches might trip you. He'd never realized that sand, which slipped through fingers like water, could prove just as tricky to traverse as the forests of England.
Bassam and Robin stopped at the top of the hill. The others drew up beside them. Legrand's deep laugh boomed out at the welcome sight. Will and John exchanged a glance. Small armies they had seen; massive encampments like this - hundreds of tents, camels, mules, horses, and wagons - suddenly brought the war home to them.
Djaq shivered and squeezed Will's hand. Despite the suffering the Crusaders brought, she trusted Robin to convince his king that the time for fighting was over.
"There." Bassam waved his hand toward the desert floor. "Your king's camp."
Robin extended his hand in thanks. "Shukran, Bassam."
The old man turned to Djaq as the outlaws began their trek down the hill. "Does he understand flight, the pale one?"
"Who?" A coy smile lit Djaq's face. "Yes." She nodded. "I think he does."
"You have my blessing." Bassam wrapped his arms around Djaq and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
She turned and caught up with Will. Sliding her hand into his, she pressed her head against his arm. New life stirred within her womb. Her child...Will's child...their child...would know peace.
>>---------------------------->
Legrand was in high spirits as they approached the Crusader's camp. He broke away from the outlaws just as they reached the perimeter.
"I'll be right back, mes amis," he called back to them as he strode over to the Guard's store tent and tore back the flap at the entrance, ducking inside. It took his eyes a second to get used to the darkness before he spotted the man sitting inside. "Carbonnier! How are you?"
The tent's occupant looked up in shock.
"You look like you've seen a ghost, man! It's been less than a year!" Legrand laughed. "Where are my things?"
The dark haired man pointed shakily to several chests in the corner. "We...we were going to send them back..."
"Back? Back where? I was always returning here...you know that." Legrand opened one of the chests and rummaged through it. He pulled out a long white Templar tunic with the Royal Guard insignia on the front and a matching cloak. "Aha!" He took off his dark green tunic, slipped the white one on over his armour and fastened the long cloak around his shoulders. "Much better! Now I really feel like I'm home!"
He turned and grinned at the other man as he picked up his staff again. "Can't stay - I must talk to the king, but I'll be back shortly to collect the rest - good to see you again!"
"You...you, too, Legrand..." the other man stammered, still lost for words.
>>---------------------------->
"My name is Robin of Locksley and these are my friends, the king's loyal subjects," the noble-turned-outlaw told one of the soldiers.
"More than that," Legrand added as he caught up with the outlaws. "Lord Locksley served along side me in the king's private guard. I can vouch for him personally."
John's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open when he saw Legrand in the same regalia as the other knights. His tunic and cloak had been carefully stored during his absence and, fresh on, they were noticeably cleaner than most of the others around them. His height alone meant Legrand would have stood out in any crowd, but the overall effect made it hard for John to tear his gaze away from the tall Frenchman.
Djaq noticed John's reaction and nudged him in the ribs. "My patient looks good in his uniform, no?" she teased.
"Um, yes. He looks very..." John paused for a moment. "Noble," he finally said, sadly. He hunched his shoulders, nervously tugged at the scarf around his neck and pulled his jacket closer, trying to disguise his lack of a shirt.
Djaq realised he was doing the thing he often did in company of trying to make himself look smaller. She frowned as she saw she'd made him uncomfortable, which had not been her intention.
"We have urgent business with the king." Robin's voice was confident, determined. From his tone a casual observer could not doubt his right to be there, even though he wore no uniform.
"Saving his life actually!" Legrand grinned.
The soldiers looked at Legrand with a slightly confused expression but waved them all through.
Legrand frowned but then his face brightened again as he pointed to a tent several hundred yards away. "Look, John!" his voice rang out. "The king's tent!"
"Robin!" Carter rushed down the hillside, but came to a sudden halt as he spotted Legrand. His face paled and his mouth opened in surprise.
"Carter!" Robin said, wrapping his arms around the blond soldier.
Carter stirred and shook himself as if waking from a dream.
Legrand eyed him carefully, puzzled by his reaction. They had never been close, but why would the English knight be so stunned to see him there? First Carbonnier, then the guards at the camp entrance and now Carter. Were none of his old comrades pleased he was back? Something about the whole situation felt wrong.
"We must talk," Carter said quietly in a tone that was calm but foreboding, dark and cold like the desert at night. His words did nothing to allay Legrand's sense of unease.
"Yes, with the king," Robin replied. He looked around the camp, suddenly fearful that something had happened to his former manservant. He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Where's Much?"
Will pointed toward the king's tent. "Is that--?"
Djaq smiled and nodded. The manservant she remembered was gone. Their friend wore the red tunic of a squire. He stood straight and confident. The scruffy beard that warmed his face in Sherwood was trimmed back neatly. In his new clothes, without his old ragged cap and with his blond locks shorn short he looked every inch the noble knight in training.
"Much?" John said.
The former outlaw turned, his eyes widening when he spotted the gang. Sucking in a breath, he forced himself to finish his conversation with the Saracen messenger. "Shukran, Mahmoud. As-salamuh Alai-kum."
He turned from the messenger and hurried over to where Carter stood with Robin and the others. The quickness in Much's step masked both his joy and fear.
"Squire Much - congratulations on your new position! Ut prosim!" Legrand shouted at him.
"What does that mean?" John asked Djaq.
"It means--"
"It means that I may serve," Much interrupted. "It's the motto of the king's private guard." He extended his hand to the French knight. "Thank you! We'd heard you were dead, Legrand."
"So that's it!" Legrand grinned, greatly relieved to have his puzzle answered. "Does this hurt?" He pounded his palm against Much's arm.
"Ow!" Much gave an exaggerated cry. He smiled at Carter. "He's definitely not dead!"
Robin's face lit up. "You know Latin now?" he said as he pulled his old friend into a hug.
"And Arabic!" Djaq added, impressed.
"As if listening to him go on in English wasn't bad enough!" John said, but with a smile as he clapped Much on the shoulder.
"It's good to hear your voice, Much, no matter what you're speaking!" Will said.
Carter saw the great joy in Much's face at being reunited with his friends, especially Robin. He also saw the frowns on the faces of those round about them. Too many assumed the rumours about Robin and the gang were true. Carter desperately wanted to reach out to Much - to protect him from the reactions of their comrades but also to calm his own jealousy.
"And before I forget..." Robin said with the familiar cheeky grin Much had sorely missed. "I believe this belongs to you." He reached into his shirt and pulled out...
"My cap!" Much exclaimed, taking it from him, wide-eyed. "But...how in the world... Where did you...?"
"Well done, Robin - now he can't even speak English!" Legrand laughed.
"A certain yeoman who sailed with us from Cyprus thought you might like it back," Robin explained.
"Brooks!" Much turned to Carter with a huge smile. It died almost instantly as he saw the frown on Carter's face and then looked past him toward the crowd gathering around them. His heart sank as he remembered all of Carter's warnings and the promises he'd made him.
Much looked back into the unsuspecting faces of his friends. "It is good to see you. All of you," he said sadly. He suddenly wrapped his arms around Robin. "Run," he whispered. "Get away while you still can. The sheriff--"
"What?" Robin pulled away, confused by Much's sudden change in attitude. "What are you talking about, Much?"
Much looked down at the sand and twirled his old cap nervously in his hands. He'd craved this reunion for months but now he was scared and it was all going horribly wrong. "I'm sorry, Robin. I... I can't talk to you," he said quietly, stepping back away from them.
Robin's face reddened. "You can't...? You think you're better than me now do you, Lord Much?" He spat out Much's title with disdain.
Legrand placed his hand on Robin's shoulder, warily studying the faces of his former comrades. "Let him explain, Robin," he said calmly.
Much looked from Legrand to his former master, his eyes moist. "No! It's not that, Robin. The sheriff's message--"
"I took you into my home!" Robin shouted as he shrugged Legrand's hand off, every ounce of his energy focused on Much. "You had nothing but the rags on your back! I gave you food, shelter..." He glared at his friend. "This! This is how you repay me! Refusing to acknowledge me when I need your help!"
"How I--?" Much shook his head vehemently. "Robin, Carter and I have been upholding your name these last few months after Vaizey's--"
"If that were true, then why are you talking to me as if I am your enemy?"
"Leave it, Much." Carter placed his arm between Robin and his squire.
"But I must explain!" Much protested.
"He will find out soon enough." Carter's tone was firmer this time. He wasn't sure what might transpire, and his only thoughts were how he might protect Much.
Robin scowled at Carter as he pulled Much away from the group. "And you! Turning my best friend!" Robin spat. "I should have run him through myself rather than send him off with a Wilton!"
Much's eyes clouded and he half-turned, unable to look at his former master as Robin turned his anger on Carter.
"You're nothing but a foolish crying coward, just like your brother Thomas!" Robin snarled at the former assassin.
Carter froze at Robin's harsh words.
"Robin!" Much cried. "Don't--"
"Better a coward than a traitor any day!" Carter drew his sword and pointed it at Robin's throat. "Leave now or die!"
The other outlaws stepped forward to Robin's side, reacting angrily as Much grabbed his lover's shoulder.
"Carter, stop!" Much shouted. To Robin he said, "He doesn't mean that!"
Robin and Carter glared furiously at one another. The others could see the pain on Much's face, but that wasn't enough to hold back John's growing anger. He scowled at Much. "You have forgotten your friends, Much."
"Just go, Mas... Robin!" Much implored as Carter put down the sword. "There is nothing you can do here."
"Let's go, Robin. Something is not right." John held his leader back as he looked hard at Much and Carter.
"John, I--"
"I can see where your loyalties are now, Much," John interrupted him, eyeing Carter suspiciously.
Robin turned and snorted. "I'll go when we've seen the king. He'll decide what I can and can't do - not a former manservant!"
"Let's hope the king's decision is a well informed one, Robin," Legrand said. He had been watching the crowd as the argument between the former friends had developed. The hostile looks and dark mutterings did not bode well.
The gang headed for the king's tent and the crowd closed behind them, many of them laying hands on sword hilts.
Much paled, the pain of Robin's words replaced by his fear for his friends' lives. "Carter, what can we do? They are not traitors. We both know that."
"Robin must face King Richard, and you, my love, must hold your tongue. They'll learn about the rumours from the king, and perhaps they'll understand why we urged them to leave."
"But--"
Carter held a finger to Much's lips. "Promise?"
Much nodded. This would all be cleared up shortly. The king would listen to reason.
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The angry voices drifted to the king's pavilion. Richard paid no mind even when he thought he'd heard Carter call 'Robin' and saw him bound down the hill.
James had wandered outside, spotting the squire, Much, in the crowd that gathered. He looked for Locksley, the one familiar face he'd expected to see and nearly choked as Legrand came into view as well. He swallowed back his surprise then hid a satisfied smile - Locksley and his gang were about to meet their fates.
James turned and called back to the king. "We have visitors, Your Majesty."
Richard raised a brow, listening as words carried more clearly on the breeze now. He stepped outside the pavilion as his two former favourites appeared. Full of confidence, he greeted the two men. "Robin of Locksley. And Legrand? You certainly look well for a dead man."
"Your Majesty," the two knights said as they fell to their knees.
We have much to talk about! Come," Richard called, smiling at them before turning back into his tent.
Carter tipped his head at Much, whose mouth curled into a crooked grin. Legrand noticed the gesture and took it as a good sign. His respect for Carter was strong despite the altercation with Robin. He valued his opinions and had trusted his judgement when they'd served together. And Richard seemed genuinely pleased to see his former guards. Perhaps their worries had been in vain.
John, Will and Djaq caught up to them and Legrand handed his staff to John before he and Robin followed Richard into his tent. Much and Carter entered behind them.
James took one of the guards aside. "Keep an eye on them," he said, tipping his head towards the three outlaws. The guard nodded and James entered the tent, closing the curtain behind him. He moved to stand by the King's side.
Richard folded his arms across his chest. "Robin."
"Your Majesty, I bring grave news. You received my messages, I trust."
The king's brow furrowed. "I did," he said, his face growing more serious, "and more."
Legrand shifted uneasily. He had served Richard long enough to recognize that tone in his voice. He felt his skin crawl.
Carter had noticed it, too. He watched the king carefully as Robin spoke again.
"Then you'll know the Sheriff of Nottingham and the Black Knights are plotting against you. They are planning to take over England."
James remained impassive though his heart began to pound. He knew what was in the cards, and it was all he could do to hide his amusement as Carter and Legrand picked up on the clues. Much had that eager-to-please look on his face, a look of righteousness that made James want to gag. And Locksley - he was so engrossed with his own ego that he'd failed to see the signs at all.
"That's what you said and I believe you," Richard replied with a knowing look toward James.
"But now the sheriff is coming here to find you and kill you," Robin continued.
"Really?"
There was a sharp edge to Richard's voice that made Legrand squirm. They'd lost this argument before it had even begun. Much seemed to understand what was happening and his face grew pale.
"You have to let me protect you," Robin urged.
"I must allow you to protect me?"
"Yes," Robin replied.
Richard looked past Robin. Disappointment and utter disbelief pained his face as he saw Djaq outside the tent. They have recruited your most loyal servant to come here. He is a man that you would trust with your life and he travels with a Saracen woman. Richard's eyes met Robin's again. "Oh, Robin, of all people, you?"
Robin frowned, confused. "Your Majesty?"
"Of all the men who have served me, you were the one I loved most."
"And I have cherished that."
"When I sent you home to England, I thought I was sending a piece of me. I thought you would represent me there."
"In a small way, I think I have."
"Robin, stop it," Richard said impatiently. "I know the truth!"
"What truth?" Robin cried, his voice more concerned as he struggled to understand the king's words. "Your Majesty, you are in danger."
"It is true, Sire!" Legrand insisted.
"And you!" Richard aimed a vicious black look at Legrand. "Turning on my mother whom you are sworn to protect!"
"What! Your Majesty, I nearly died saving the Queen Mother from the sheriff!"
"This is Vaizey's doing," Robin added, spotting Much nod in agreement. "He would say anything--"
Richard cut Robin off with an impatient wave of his hand. "And you would call my brother a liar?" he asked.
"Prince John was not there--" Robin shook his head in frustration. "Have you not heard from Queen Eleanor?"
"Why, Robin?" Richard's eyes grew fiery. "Have I not done right by you?"
"Yes, you have," Robin shouted. "And I've come here to save you!"
Whatever love Richard once felt for Robin evaporated like water poured on the desert floor. "Still, you deny it," he said, his anger growing. He glowered at Robin and shouted, "You attempted to kill my mother and now you have come here to murder your king!"
Much started to take a step forward but, Carter held him back. "Your Majesty, no," Carter said. "I can vouch for Robin. When I was in England--"
"Quiet!" Richard ordered Carter.
The sounds of a scuffle made the hairs on Legrand's neck stand up. He grew more uneasy as voices outside the tent escalated in number as well as volume. He knew without turning that John, Will and Djaq were being forcibly subdued. He had seen the king's anger aimed at many men before and rarely did things turn out well for those on the receiving end.
Richard stared accusingly at Robin again. "You are a renowned marksman with a bow, are you not?"
"I am," Robin replied.
"Then you could have killed my enemies a thousand times over," Richard argued. "You expect me to believe you would travel to the Holy Land to protect me instead of simply aiming an arrow in Nottingham."
"Your Majesty," Much cried out before Carter could stop him. "We couldn't just shoot the sheriff. We can explain--"
James stepped forward and viciously back-handed Much, a powerful punch that sent the squire to the ground.
Carter unsheathed his sword quickly, its tip menacingly close to James' throat.
The older knight spat, "Carter, your squire still does not know when to hold his tongue!"
"James." Richard glared. "Leave me to dole out punishments to my knights else you will find yourself run through with my sword." He turned to Carter as Much found his feet unsteadily. "Put that away."
There was a loud shout outside that was instantly recognisable to those who knew his voice as Little John. Legrand shifted restlessly, then suddenly tore out of the tent.
"Someone go after him." Richard sighed. He knew what he had to do next and it gave him no joy at all.
With a jerk of his head, Carter ordered Much to follow Legrand. Their friends would need protection from the mob growing outside.
Richard turned back to James. "Assemble the men. Execute them."
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Will Marian, Allan and Guy escape the Sheriff's evil clutches. Find out in chapter 60....