Grant What I Wish

Grant What I Wish - Chapter 12. Intermezzo

Chapter 12. Intermezzo

Inside this new love, die.

Your way begins on the other side.

-Rumi

The Road from York

1195

The trip back to Sherwood was tortuous and difficult. For the first part of the journey, the travelers were forced to ride away from the main road, through thick undergrowths, in order to avoid meeting Isabella and her guard. They were tired and wanted nothing more than an eventless trip home where food and rest awaited them.

They travelled in two contingents-Robin rode with Kate, Alan, John, and Tuck, while Guy rode with his warriors. There was much speculation about Guy's companions. When Kate raised the subject of Gisbourne's mercenaries again, Robin had replied tersely that they were paid soldiers hired for their fighting skills.

"But surely they won't remain with him, now that your mission is over?" Kate exclaimed.

Robin shrugged and replied, "Why not? They are skilled in fighting, and stealthy in their approach. You saw the way they carried themselves in Nottingham and York. We could use them in the upcoming battle."

"What upcoming battle?" Alan, who had been busy eavesdropping, could no longer contain his curiosity.

Robin pulled up his horse and turned to face the others. "I met a traveler while in York who had just returned from London. It appears that Richard has become aware of John's perfidy, and is bound for England to confront him and establish his brother Geoffrey as his heir rather than John. Troops are amassing on the coast near Dover to meet Richard, and march with him on London."

Kate turned to Robin, her face ablaze with excitement, as she said breathlessly, "But that is wonderful news! If Richard returns, then all will be set to right."

Robin smiled at her indulgently, and brushed a finger across her cheek. "Perhaps-in any event, we must be prepared to assist Richard. I am certain that Prince John will do all that is in his power to thwart Richard's attempts to return. We must be vigilant, and do what we can to further Richard's cause." He looked around at the circle of concerned, caring faces, and added, "But for now, let's go home to Sherwood." He looked about the faces crowed around him in surprise, as if in the chaos and confusion, he had only just noticed an absence in their group. "Where is Much?"

Alan grinned. "He remained behind to care for Meg."

"I forgot about Meg. How is she?"

"Much better," Alan replied, tongue in cheek. "Much watches over her like a mother bear tends her cub. Won't let any of the rest of us lift a finger for her."

Robin gazed at him speculatively. "She seems to care deeply for Gisbourne. I hope Much will not get hurt as a result of all his kindnesses to her."

"I don't know, Rob," Tuck chimed in thoughtfully. "From what I've observed, it appears that she is becoming just as attached to Much as he to her."

"That's good-she will be good for him, and help him to forget-other things," he ended hastily, glancing at Kate. "Come, we're for home," he exclaimed, and they turned their attention and feet toward Sherwood. He wondered where Guy and his warriors were-would they reach Sherwood first, or had they been detained. He was surprised to find he was worried about Gisbourne, and shook his head in disbelief. What was happening to him?

********

Several miles ahead, Guy turned to glance at Marian. She had been strangely silent since their escape from York, and he wondered what she was thinking. She rode between Imad and Ma'mun, stubbornly remaining slightly behind him. He was puzzled by her behavior-after the warmth and concern she had shown toward him in York, she was now reticent and cool. He could recall nothing that he had said or done to offend her, and was consequently baffled by the wall that she had erected between them. He had attempted to ride next to her several times, but she had rebuffed his attempts to converse with her. She was not rude-in fact, if he did not know better, he would say she was shy with him. She had never been that way with him before-frightened, yes, and aggravated, certainly, but never shy. Since she cared for Hood, not for him, he did not know why she would feel that way.