Enide had just sat herself down on the narrow bed to have a long sulk, and possibly refuse supper if it was brought to her, when there was a quiet knock on the door.
“Lady Enide? It’s Marion. May I speak with you?”
“The door’s locked. I can’t let you in.”
“I know. They’ve given me the key. What I wished to know is if you would be willing to speak to me.” There was a pause before Marion added, “I’ve news of your grandfather.”
Enide leapt off the bed. “You’ve seen him? He is well?”
“I have not seen him, but my friends have. Sir George is well and we expect he’ll come here tomorrow. My lady, may I come in? I feel a little silly talking to a door.”
Enide patted her hair and smoothed out her skirts. “You may enter,” she said. The door opened and Marion walked into the chamber, accompanied by Robin and Tuck.
“These are my friends,” Marion stated, gesturing to the two men, “Robin and Tuck.”
Enide nodded and tried not to seem too impressed by the handsome face of the young man who kissed her hand. Then she remembered the names Marion had uttered. “You’re Robin Hood!” she cried, as the realization suddenly hit her.
“Yes,” Robin said, “and I didn’t shoot Gisburne.”
“I know. I just saw him. No, wait. What I mean to say is...So, my grandfather is well?”
“He is well, my lady, and he’ll be happy to learn that you are safe.”
“He is…He is your prisoner, then?”
“No, he was our guest, my lady,” Tuck said.
“Did you rob him?”
“He had no money. He sang for his supper.”
“And told us stories,” added Robin.
“That’s what Grandfather does best,” Enide said, a faint tinge of bitterness in her voice. “He is happier living in the past than thinking about tomorrow.”
“That cannot be true, my lady, for tomorrow he shall see you,” Robin stated.
Enide stared at the outlaw for a moment then smiled. “Why on earth are you in a convent?” she whispered to the woman beside her. Marion blushed and might have answered if the door hadn’t opened and a nun had appeared – Sister Agnes, in fact, with the tray of supper Enide had considered refusing.
“We should leave,” Marion suggested when she saw both Enide and Tuck eyeing the plate of food hungrily. “We will return again in the morning. Sleep well, my lady.”
“I will,” Enide answered around a mouthful of bread.
After Enide’s guests left, Sister Agnes kept the young woman company while she ate her meal. When Sister Agnes left, Enide noted with interest that she had forgotten to lock the door.
It was nightfall by the time Nasir and Sir George reached the outlaw camp. They flopped down wearily by the fire and gratefully accepted the bowls of stew John placed in their hands. Nasir noticed the stranger sitting with his friends, but assumed by his tattered clothing that he was a friend not a foe.
The other outlaws allowed the tired hungry men to finish their meal before they pressed them for information. Although Nasir tended to speak as few words as possible, he still managed to tell his friends the news.
They were surprised to learn that Marion had been in Sherwood and that it was she who had, in a sense, found Enide. John and Will exchanged amused smirks when they heard that Robin had insisted on accompanying Marion back to Halstead with the excuse that he wanted to meet Lady Enide. Even a grinning Much wasn’t fooled by that story.
“You don’t know the burden that has been lifted from my heart now that I know my granddaughter is safe,” Sir George said after Nasir had finished his tale. “By Saint Thomas, if I ever find that worthless vagabond, I’ll – ” The stranger, who had looked more and more nervous as Nasir’s narrative had progressed, lurched to his feet and might have run out of the camp if John hadn’t managed to grab him.
“My dear boy, what is it?” Sir George asked. “You don’t look at all well.”
“’E’ll be all right,” Will said, clapping the other guest on the shoulder. “Won’t you?”
The vagabond nodded mutely and sat down.
Sir George studied the vagabond in interest. “I can see that this young man is troubled by just looking at him. What terrible plague is eating away at your soul?”
The vagabond looked as if he might try to bolt again. Will kept a firm hold on the man’s shoulder.
“Speaking of plagues, where’s Gisburne?” Will asked.
Nasir shot his friend a warning glance, but it was too late.
“Sir Guy and I have parted company. He refused to join me on my quest, so I told him that it would be best if we followed separate paths.”
“Oh, that’s…a pity, that is,” Will replied, grinning. John jabbed him in the ribs.
“I realize that you and Guy aren’t on the best of terms – ” Sir George said. Will laughed loudly. “But I had hoped that maybe there was still some chance, that maybe it wasn’t too late…Oh, never mind. I’m just a foolish old man with silly dreams in my head.”
“No, that’s not true,” Much protested. “You’re going on a quest.”
“Am I?” Sir George shook his head. “I’m going to get some sleep. I must rise at first light and ride to this priory to retrieve my granddaughter. Then I’ll be going home.”
“But Sir George – !”
The knight raised his hand. “Enough. I’ll hear no more about it.”
Much closed his mouth. He looked confused and hurt.
Sir George’s heart softened. “I could use some company on my journey…if you wish to come with me tomorrow.”
Much smiled slowly and nodded.
Will returned from his watch in the early hours of the morning. It was still dark, but he had no trouble finding John, whose shaggy head was just visible in the moonlight, the soft rumble of his snores pinpointing his location. Will stepped over Much carefully and was about to tap John on the shoulder, when he noticed that something was wrong.
The outlaw stood frozen for a few moments, trying to determine what was amiss. Then he heard a twig snap just outside the perimeter of their camp. Will pulled out his sword and crept silently towards the source of the noise. Through the trees, he could discern a dark shape. He squinted and studied the form more closely. Suddenly he knew who it was.
He treaded towards the man without a sound then, when he was directly behind him, he brought his lips close to the man’s ear.
“Going somewhere?” the outlaw whispered. The man started violently and would have screamed in fright if Will hadn’t had the foresight to clasp a hand over the man’s mouth. Will felt the vagabond’s warm breath on his fingers as the man fought to steady his nerves. Will removed his hand. “After all we’ve done for you, you’d just leave without saying nothing?” the outlaw demanded.
“I had no choice," the vagabond answered hoarsely. "You heard the old man. If he finds out that I took his granddaughter, he’ll kill me.”
“’Ow’s ’e going to find out? We weren’t going to tell ’im.”
“It’s not just him. There’s Gisburne.”
Will laughed. “Gisburne! You’re worried about Gisburne? ’E’s lost somewhere in Sherwood. Lost for good if we’re lucky.”
“I’m not: lucky, that is.”
“No, me neither,” Will admitted. He sighed and leaned against a tree. “Where would you go? If it isn’t Gisburne chasing you, it will be some other Norman pig.”
“I’d settle for any place far away from Nottingham.”
“You’d be safer ’ere with us in Sherwood.”
“Living as an outlaw? Stealing from the rich to give to the poor?”
“Why not? We do it. Besides, you’re already an outlaw. You’ve just been stealin’ from the wrong people, that’s all.”
“And I keep what I steal,” the vagabond added.
“Yeah, well, nobody’s perfect, are they? Look, stay with us until Robin comes back. ’E’ll know what to do.”
“You think he’ll help me?”
“Don’t see why not.”
“I’ve heard that Robin Hood is a good and clever man.”
“Aye, well, don’t tell ’im that. It’ll go straight to ’is ’ead. But it’s true. If anyone can ’elp you, ’e can. ’E always knows what to do.”
“What do you think we should do?” Tuck asked.
“You’re asking me?” Robin said.
“You’re the leader.”
“That doesn’t mean I always know what to do. I’ve-I’ve never had to deal with this…kind of thing before.”
“And you think I have?”
“Well, we have to do something. Sir George will probably be here soon.”
“Perhaps we should look again. You search the infirmary this time and I’ll – ”
“What are you doing?” The outlaws turned quickly. Marion had crept up behind them. She had heard two familiar voices in the garden and had decided to investigate.
“We’ve been looking for you,” Tuck stated quickly. “We’ve got trouble.”
“Trouble?” Marion asked in alarm. “What sort of trouble?”
“Lady Enide has disappeared again,” Robin said. “We haven’t been able to find her anywhere.”
Marion stared at Robin, observing the flustered expression on his face. She started to giggle. “Lady Enide isn’t missing. You haven’t been able to find her because she’s still in bed!”
“What?” Robin and Tuck cried.
“But it’s almost midday!”
“Is she ill?”
“I’m not sure,” Marion answered. “One of the sisters went to see her this morning, but Enide ordered her to leave. She’ll have to stir from her bed soon, though. Her grandfather is here. That’s why I was looking for you.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s speaking with the Reverend Mother. I’ll take you to him.” Marion led her friends from the garden, and they entered the priory.
They found the Prioress and Sir George in the chapel, engaged in a quiet but earnest conversation. Sir George stopped talking abruptly and stood. The Prioress blushed and, for an instant, resembled a shy young girl.
“Is everything all right, Reverend Mother?” Marion asked cautiously.
“Yes, everything is fine, Marion,” the Prioress answered with a small smile.
Sir George took a step towards Robin and held out his hand. “I want to thank you for sending word to me so quickly about my granddaughter and for protecting her until I could be here to ensure her safety myself.”
Robin took the knight’s hand willingly. “It was no trouble, Sir George. Where is Nasir? Is he with you?”
“No, he’s back at your camp. Much accompanied me instead. He kindly offered to see to my horse while I found Enide.”
“And here he is now,” Tuck said.
Much entered the chapel, saw Marion, and hugged her immediately. “Where’s Lady Edith?” he asked.
“It’s ‘Enide,’ Much, and, last I heard, she was still in her chamber,” Marion answered.
“Why, that doesn’t sound like Enide at all,” Sir George said in concern. “I hope she’s not ill…I must go to her at once.”
“Of course, Sir George,” the Prioress said. “Marion, will you take him to Lady Enide’s chamber?”
“Yes, Reverend Mother.”
“I’m sure she’s fine, Sir George,” Tuck said as they walked out of the chapel.
“I hope you’re right, my friend.”
They walked in silence until Robin could no longer resist asking the question that had been forming in his mind.
“Sir George, why did the Prioress blush when we came in?”
“What? Oh!” The knight started chuckling. “I met her once when she was…Well, she was younger than Much here. She was a bold spirited girl. I never thought she would become a nun!”
Sir George knocked loudly on the door of his granddaughter’s chamber. “Enide?” he called. “Enide!”
“Grandfather? Hold on. I’m coming.” There was a pause and the sound of movement inside the room. Then the door opened and Enide was throwing her arms around Sir George’s neck. The knight held her tightly and it looked as if he was trying to hold back tears. Robin looked at Marion with a grin and noticed that she was staring at something else entirely. Guy of Gisburne was standing by the window, his arms crossed over his chest.
“The Reverend Mother told you to leave,” Marion said coldly.
Gisburne smirked. “Sister Wolfshead follows rules now, does she? I never thought I’d live to see that day.”
At the sound of Gisburne’s voice, Sir George’s attention snapped from his granddaughter to the man by the window. “What is he doing here?” the older knight demanded.
“Sir Guy has kindly offered to escort me to Nottingham Castle.”
“She’ll need to stay somewhere while you go off on your quest,” Gisburne said as Sir George glared at him.
“Quest?" Enide asked eagerly. "Is that why you were going to Nottingham?”
Sir George met Enide’s gaze reluctantly. “It doesn’t matter now. We’re going home.”
“Home? But what about your quest?” Enide pouted and laid her head against his arm.
“Because of this quest I almost lost you. I won’t allow that to happen again.”
“But your quest meant so much to you, Sir George,” Robin said. “You can’t abandon it now.”
“I can and I will.”
“But, Grandfather – ” Enide began.
“No, I have made up my mind. We’re both going home. Gather what you need, girl, and then we’ll be on our way.”
Enide exchanged a quick look with Gisburne and, for an instant, it looked as if she might object. Then she saw the stern look on Sir George’s face and quickly complied.
She only had the one gown with her, the one she was wearing, so she sat on the edge of the bed and began to braid her hair into two plaits.
“I’m not a child, you know,” she stated peevishly. “I can be left unattended.”
“I did leave you unattended. You traipsed off to Nottingham and were kidnapped by a vagabond!”
“That could have happened to anyone. Besides, I only followed Guy to the
alehouse because of you.”
Sir George laughed. “Because of me.” He didn’t sound convinced.
“I had to know you were safe, Grandfather, and as I knew you would be coming to see Guy – ”
“I told her to stay at the castle,” Gisburne said.
“No, you didn’t," Enide scoffed. "You just ran off as soon as you had received word of your precious vagabond.”
“Yes, and I would have caught him if it hadn’t been for you.”
“Oh, I see. It’s my fault now that I was kidnapped, is it?”
“Yes!”
“Oh, and I suppose it was my fault that the vagabond hit you on the head!”
“Well – ”
She stood up, only one braid complete, and stormed over to her grandfather. “And this quest of yours. Am I
to blame for that too? Speak up. Say it if it’s true. Grandfather…?” The knight was staring fixedly at the bed. “Grandfather!” Enide repeated, fear creeping into her voice. Sir George moved slowly towards the bed.
“There’s blood on that pillow…” Sir George whispered, pointing to the few drops that had stained it. Suddenly Sir George flew across the chamber, his fist smashing into Gisburne’s face.
“Grandfather!” Enide shrieked.
“You have defiled my granddaughter!” Sir George shouted. “I’ll kill you!”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Gisburne demanded, touching his nose gingerly. When he pulled his hand away it was smeared with blood. Sir George grabbed him by the front of his tunic and hauled him back on his feet. Then Gisburne found himself pinned against a wall, Sir George’s furious dark eyes only inches away.
“You were hit on the head, and now I find drops of blood on my granddaughter’s pillow,” Sir George hissed.
“You-you have no proof,” Gisburne countered weakly.
“No proof?” Sir George thundered. “There’s a lump on your head and blood on her pillow! That’s my proof!”
“That blood could have come from anywhere.”
“Oh, you mean there’s another man in this priory who wounded his head? I was under the impression that there were no men here at all except for us!”
“Sir George, surely your granddaughter would never commit such a terrible sin,” Tuck said, not relishing the idea of seeing more blood shed in the priory.
Enide placed a hand on Sir George’s arm and tried ineffectually to pull the older knight away from the younger one. “Grandfather, do you really think so little of me that you would suspect that I…that we…Oh!” Enide stared at her grandfather in haughty silence for a moment, absently rubbing the back of her right hand with her left thumb. Then she looked down at her hand and studied the scratch she had acquired during her frantic escape through Sherwood.
“Do you see this scratch, Grandfather? Grandfather!” This time she did manage to pull him away. “Look at my hand.” Sir George lifted her hand and studied the long red line that marked her skin. Enide extricated her hand and lay down on the bed. She rolled onto her side and rested her hand on the stained pillow. “Is it not possible that the blood on this pillow came from my hand?” she asked.
“But…but his head…The pillow…Oh, my dear child, could it be so?”
Enide sat up but said nothing.
Sir George turned to Gisburne, who was still standing against the wall. His eyes were fixed on the floor.
“I…I’ll be in the chapel,” Sir George said quietly. “Come when you’re ready, Enide.”
“I’m ready now,” she answered, still braiding the second plait as she rose from the bed. Sir George nodded curtly and walked out the door.
Gisburne lifted his eyes to meet Enide’s gaze. She grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of the chamber. The outlaws followed them silently. The knight and lady had apparently forgotten about them.
“Idiot!” Enide hissed as she and Gisburne headed down the corridor. “I knew you should have bandaged your head!”
“What? Are you a physician now?” Gisburne retorted. Enide smacked him on the back of the head, ensuring that the knight might have to see one when he returned to Nottingham.
Tuck didn’t look particularly well either. He had stopped walking and was staring at the knight and the lady in horror as they continued down the corridor.
“He…She…They…” He crossed himself.
Robin frowned sympathetically and patted his friend on the shoulder. “Lancelot and Guinevere, remember?”
Sir George, Enide and Gisburne were standing by the altar in uncomfortable silence. Three heads turned to the door quickly, and even Gisburne seemed relieved when he saw the outlaws enter the chapel.
“I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye,” Sir George said.
“I’m glad you didn’t,” Robin answered. “I was hoping you would join us for another meal in Sherwood before setting off on your journey.”
Sir George shook his head. “After everything you’ve done for us already, we couldn’t possibly impose.”
“Then allow us to escort you through Sherwood,” Tuck suggested.
“You can’t say it’s an imposition,” Robin added, “because we’re traveling through Sherwood as well.”
“Then it would be foolish of me to refuse such excellent company,” Sir George said.
Gisburne couldn’t hide a snigger.
“Do you have something to say, Guy?” Sir George demanded sternly.
“Not a word. I’ll leave you to your ‘excellent company’. I should be in Nottingham.” Gisburne took a step, but Sir George pulled him back.
“Guy, there’s something I need to say to you and if I don’t say it now I don’t know if I ever will.”
Gisburne’s eyes narrowed and he stared at the knight for a long time. “What is it?” he said at last.
Sir George stood directly in front of Gisburne and clasped him by the shoulders. “I thought you were my
last hope, that because you had been my last squire, all that was left of my courage, strength and honour was stored somewhere inside of you.
They were the virtues I tried to bequeath to you, but I was too late, wasn’t I? You had already received your inheritance.”
“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Sir George smiled sadly and laid a hand on the younger knight’s cheek. “No, this time I think you know exactly what I’m talking about. All too well, I fear.”
Gisburne stood frozen for an instant, then pulled himself away. “Safe journey, Sir George,” he uttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He walked quickly away from the altar.
“Guy,” Enide called. He stopped and turned abruptly. She was holding up the handkerchief that was stained with his blood. “Won’t you take this?”
The corners of Gisburne’s mouth rose slightly, almost betraying a smile. He shook his head, turned again, and left the chapel.
The knight had almost reached his horse when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
“You’re not going to arrest us? Gather your men to hunt us down?”
“Not today,” Gisburne said.
“Still searching for the vagabond?” There was the faintest hint of sarcasm in the outlaw’s voice.
“I’ll find him,” Gisburne stated angrily, “and when I do he’ll swing, just as you’ll swing one day, Wolfshead.”
“But not today.”
“You’re going to escort Sir George and his granddaughter through Sherwood. You said you would.”
“You say that as if you trust me,” Robin said in surprise.
Gisburne laughed sharply. “Trust you? I’d never trust you.”
“Then why – ?”
“You won’t kill him. He’s like one of your precious serfs. He believes in you, would probably support you if you asked him to. You need him. You want to keep him alive.”
“Yes, I want to keep him alive, but I want him to live because he’s a good man and I like him, not because I need him. You’re the one who needs him, but you can’t see it. He reached out to you and you pushed him away.”
“Is that what you think?” Gisburne asked coldly.
“Yes, that’s what I think.”
“Then you’re an even bigger fool than he is.” Gisburne turned and started to walk away.
“You liked him once. What happened? What changed? Is what he said true?” Gisburne stopped for a moment. Robin thought he might choose to answer the question, but then the knight started walking again. He didn’t look back.
“We can leave when you wish, Sir George,” Robin said when he entered the chapel. “Are you both ready?”
“Yes,” Sir George replied.
“No,” Enide answered. Her grandfather turned to her quickly. “I’m staying here,” she explained.
“Here? But-but we’re going home.”
“No, you’re going on your quest. I’ll stay here and wait for your return.”
“But…No! We’ve discussed this, Enide. I can’t risk losing you again because of – ”
“It’s not a foolish, old man’s dream! It’s your dream and it’s what my father would have wanted. Brother Tuck has been telling me of your quest. It’s noble and good and I would never forgive myself if you sacrificed it because of me.”
“Now, Enide, look – ”
“I’m staying in this priory, Grandfather, and that’s all there is to it.”
“By Saint Thomas, the girl is more stubborn than I am!” Sir George cried, unable to conceal the faint hint of pride in his voice. He placed an arm around Enide’s shoulders and drew her to him.
“It’s a sweet gesture, my dear, but I can hardly venture out on a quest without a squire, can I?”
“Then find one,” Enide said.
“What?”
“Find another squire.”
Sir George stared at her blankly. "But Guy was my last squire. He was the only one left.”
“No, you made him your last squire. It’s time you found another one to take his place.”
“I think she’s right, Sir George,” Robin said.
Sir George still looked uncertain.
“Enide would be well looked after here,” Marion said.
“Yes, I know that, child,” Sir George answered. “I just don’t like the idea of Enide staying in a priory so close to Nottingham and that varlet – I mean vagabond.”
“Sir George, I promise that if any unwelcome visitors come, I’ll take care of them,” Marion stated firmly.
“You’ll…take care of them?”
“Oh, yes,” Robin said, grinning at Marion.
Sir George smiled himself, finally feeling comforted.
“What do you reckon they’re lost?” John muttered lazily, tossing a twig into the fire.
“Much has no sense of direction," Will said, yawning and stretching his limbs. "They’re probably goin’ around in circles.”
“Do you really think they’re lost?” the vagabond asked, almost sounding hopeful.
“With Much as a guide? I doubt they made it as far as Wickham, let alone ’Alstead. Now, if Much had just listened to me last night – ”
Suddenly a young man crashed into the camp and lunged at Will.
“Much!”
The young man, employing a move John had taught him, managed to slam Will on his back. “I’m not lost! Me and Sir George got to Halstead just fine!”
“I know,” Will gasped, managing to roll Much off his stomach.
Much’s forehead creased in confusion. “You know? But you said – ”
“We could see that thick head of yours behind that tree couldn’t we, you daft fool,” John said.
“You could not!”
“Aye, lad, we could.”
Much frowned and swatted Will’s hand away as the other outlaw tried to ruffle his curls.
“So where are the others, then?” Will asked, rubbing his hand.
“Right here,” a voice announced, and Will found a sword resting against his throat.
“Robin,” Will growled in greeting.
“Oh, very good,” another voice said, a voice that could only belong to Sir George. “You had Much here distract them, while you crept up on them.”
Will glared at Much, who was grinning from ear to ear. “Why, you – you…”
Robin pulled Albion away and Sir George found a place for himself near the fire. Tuck had already started preparing another meal.
“What was that all about?” Will demanded.
“Sir George wanted to know about our defences,” Robin explained cheerfully.
“It looks like they could use some work,” Tuck said, tossing some herbs into his pot.
“But-but it was Much!” Will protested. “’Ow was I supposed to know that – ?”
“And Nasir never gave us any warning!” John added, glaring at the Saracen who had just entered the camp.
“Your leader was demonstrating to me how important it is to post a sentinel like our friend, Nasir.”
“And what can happen when you don’t,” Robin added.
“Or what can happen when Nasir doesn’t give us the signal,” John grumbled.
“All right, I understand about Nasir, but what part was Much supposed to be playing again?” Will asked.
“I was the distraction,” Much proclaimed, wearing an even wider grin than before. Scarlet nodded slowly then jumped on the young man, wrestling him to the ground.
“Where’s Lady Edith?” John asked as Will and Much rolled past him.
“Sir George has decided to go on his quest after all,” Robin said, smiling at Sir George. “Lady Enide has decided to stay at Halstead.”
John glanced at the vagabond, who seemed very relieved to hear the news.
Robin saw the look pass between the two men and decided it was time that he was introduced to this stranger. “Who’s your friend, John?”
“Ah…uh…this is…uh…”
Will scrambled quickly to his feet, leaving a groaning Much nursing his knee. He grabbed Robin by the arm and pulled him out of earshot. “’E’s the vagabond,” Will whispered, casually brushing some dirt from his shirt.
“What? You mean that’s the man who – ?”
“Shh!” Will hissed. “Sir George doesn’t know.”
“Well, I can see that: Sir George hasn’t killed him yet!”
“I told the vagabond you’d ’elp ’im.”
“Oh, you did, did you?”
“Look, ’e only took ’is granddaughter because Gisburne was chasing ’im. ’E never really wanted to kidnap ’er.”
Robin sighed. “All right. We’ll…we’ll think of something.”
Will thumped Robin on the back. “I knew you’d ’elp. You won’t tell Sir George, will you?”
“Sir George has already tried to kill Gisburne today. I think he’s had enough excitement for now.”
“Sir George tried to kill Gisburne?" Will asked eagerly. "When? Where? Back at ’Alstead? Is Gisburne ’urt? Is ’e going to die?”
Robin shook his head and returned to the fire. He found Sir George and the rest of his men discussing Sir George’s search for a new squire.
“There must be dozens of squires who would jump at the chance to go on a quest,” Tuck said, trying a little too hard to sound enthusiastic.
Sir George favoured him with a sad smile. “A boy might be willing, especially once he’s tired of training in the castle yard and cleaning armour, but his father would never allow it.”
“Why don’t you pick ’im?” Will joked, pointing a finger at the startled vagabond. “’E’s not doing anything.”
Sir George’s gaze immediately fell on the vagabond as he began to appraise him. Robin also studied him, deep in thought. The vagabond shrank from this close inspection and glanced wildly around the camp, vainly looking for some means of escape.
Robin had started smiling. “Why not?” he said. “He can’t be any worse than Gisburne.”
“You’re not serious!” Will cried with a laugh.
“Well, it would solve his problem and help Sir George.”
The vagabond stood up. John pulled him back down.
“He’s not of noble birth,” Sir George said.
Robin gazed fondly at the other outlaws. “No, but then neither are my friends and they are the best men I’ve ever known.”
“Hmm…” Sir George conceded. “Do you know anything about the rules of chivalry?” he asked the vagabond.
“No.”
“Do you know how to care for weapons and armour?”
“No.”
“Have you any training in combat?”
“No.”
“Can you at least use a sword?”
“A little.”
“Hmm…Well, I suppose I could teach him. Do you have a horse?”
“Aye,” John began, “it’s over – ”
Will kicked his friend’s leg, but Sir George had already seen the horse tied to the tree.
“Why, it looks remarkably like my granddaughter’s horse,” Sir George said, looking at the vagabond suspiciously.
“It is her horse, my lord,” the vagabond confessed.
Will jumped in quickly. “’E found it wandering in Sherwood and, as ’e couldn’t find its owner, ’e brought it back ’ere.”
“Well…I suppose Enide won’t be needing a horse at Halstead…” Sir George studied the vagabond again and suddenly smiled. “You’ll do, boy.”
“What?” the vagabond exclaimed. “But I-I’m not…worthy. I don’t deserve this…great honour.”
“Nonsense.”
“Sir George, there’s something I need to tell you. I’m the – Oww!”
Now Will had kicked the vagabond.
“He’s the perfect squire for you,” Robin said.
“Yes, yes, I can see that,” Sir George answered, gazing kindly at the vagabond. He held out his hand and, after a moment of hesitation, the vagabond took it gingerly.
“I’m happy that you have agreed to join me on this quest – But how silly of me. I haven’t asked you your name!”
“Oh…uh…it’s not important,” the vagabond muttered.
“Well, I can’t keep calling you ‘boy’ or say ‘You, there, come!’”
“You can tell us, lad," Tuck prodded gently. "Go on.”
The vagabond swallowed and nodded reluctantly. “It’s…It’s Perceval.”
John and Will immediately howled in laughter, Robin and Tuck looked astounded, and Sir George was ecstatic.
“It is a good name,” the knight said. “Your father chose well.”
“Actually, I never had no father…”
Sir George grinned. “Neither did half of my other squires. It makes no difference to me.” He stood up and, when the vagabond remained seated, he beckoned the younger man to rise as well.
“We should be on our way.”
“But the meal," Tuck said in alarm. "It’s not ready yet.”
“We’re fasting, remember?”
“F-fasting?” the vagabond asked. He didn’t sound too pleased at the prospect.
“Yes,” Sir George replied simply. He grabbed his new squire’s arm and practically dragged him to his horse.
“Uh…this thing we’re looking for…”
“The reliquary of Saint Cuthbert.”
“Aye. It’s…uh…worth a lot, is it?”
“My dear boy, it’s priceless.”
“Really?”
Robin shot the vagabond a warning glare. “If you find the reliquary, you’ll be returning it to its rightful place.”
“If we find it?” Sir George said. “You should have more confidence in our quest. I’ve finally found my squire. How can it fail?” He threw an arm around the vagabond, who looked nervous, nauseous and, strangely enough, excited too.
Perhaps Sir George had found his squire after all.
