PART TWO
Robin's head brushed against the pillow. He managed to open his eyes despite the pain that throbbed in his head. He wasn't in Wickham anymore. He wasn't even in Sherwood. He was in a castle, judging by the fine chamber and bed he lay in. Then he realized that it was Huntington, the very castle he had been born in.
Robin scanned the room and recognized it as his own. There was a man seated in the corner of his chamber. His head rested in his hands and fair hair touched his fingers. He lifted his head and Robin stared at him in amazement.
"Gisburne?" he croaked, trying to find his voice. The man turned his head and was out of the chair in an instant.
"By Heaven, Robert, I thought you were dead!" he exclaimed, pulling his chair up beside the bed. Robin couldn't believe it. Gisburne was actually
concerned about him. And he had called him "Robert". He never called him Robert. What was happening here? Was this a dream?
"I should never have left you alone with that horse, Robert, but I thought you could handle him. I didn't know he would buck."
"What happened...Guy?" asked Robin, deciding to use the knight's Christian name since Gisburne had already used his twice. Gisburne didn't seem
to notice.
"You were thrown off your horse during the hunt."
"The hunt? What hunt?"
"Don't you remember? Are you all right? I can fetch the physician," said Guy beginning to rise.
"No, stay...I'm fine," replied Robin, wishing that he really was. Gisburne leaned forward. He reached his hand out towards Robin, who flinched and tried to sit up.
"What's the matter with you? I was only going to feel your head for a fever. You act as if I'm going to hurt you, as if you don't trust me." Robin was about to say just that, but held his tongue instead. He was better to keep silent until he knew how he had arrived at Huntington and why Gisburne's attitude had suddenly changed so dramatically.
"I should never have allowed you to go on that hunt," continued Gisburne, as he actually began to reprimand himself. "Father's going to be very angry when he returns and finds you like this."
"What did you say?" cried Robin. Guy gave a start.
"I said Father's going to be very angry when he returns. He'll want to flog me for this."
"Father?" exclaimed Robin again. Did Gisburne know that they were half-brothers then?
"Look, are you sure you're all right?"
"Yes...yes, I'm fine." Gisburne leaned back in his chair and studied Robin, shaking his head. Then the door burst open and a young woman came into the room. She sighed almost thankfully when she saw that Robin was awake and sat down on the edge of his bed.
"Thank God you're all right, Robert," she spoke quietly, squeezing his hand. "I've brought you some broth to eat. You'll need something to get your
strength back." She smiled serenely and her pale, anxious eyes seemed to clear a little as he took it from her. She was small and thin. Her hair was
pulled back a little too severely in a braid along her back, but she had simple beauty and there was kindness in her manner. She gave Guy a reproachful
glance and Robin watched them both as he broke his fast. Were they friends? Enemies?
"You should never have allowed him to go, Guy. You're reckless enough with your own safety, but to have taken Robert along..." Robin waited for an
angry protest or sharp words, but there were none.
"I should have taken you along, Margaret. We would never have caught anything, but we would have been safe. You could have prayed for the good of the hunt," he teased. She hit his arm, but she didn't do it hard enough to hurt him.
"It's beastly to hunt down poor, defenseless creatures. It's horrid."
"Well, the hounds have a right to their supper, don't they? And the horses needed some exercise..."
"I don't care. I still don't approve of the sport."
"Oh, you'll never change, Margaret," he stated
with a grin. She turned away from him in false contempt and focused her attention on Robin again.
"Don't you think that Guy is an absolute boar? I would shun his company from now on," she chirped. "How do you feel, Robert? Are you truly well?"
Robin's mouth had fallen open a little and he was watching her in wonder.
"Who are you?" he asked, before he could stop himself. She gasped and almost fell off the bed. "Guy, he doesn't know me anymore! He's
forgotten who I am!"
"I'm getting the physician," replied Gisburne prudently. He rose from his chair, held it out for the woman, then left the room. She seemed a little dazed and hurt, as if Robin should have definitely known who she was. Gisburne
knew her and even appeared to be on amiable terms with her. Robin couldn't remember seeing her before in his life.
"I'm sorry," spoke Robin gently, trying to soothe any hurt feelings.
"Oh, no, don't be. You can hardly help it. It's not your fault. You really don't know who I am, do you?"
"No, I don't," he admitted.
"Robert, I'm your sister...Margaret."
"Sister?" he gasped. Now it was his turn to be shocked. How could this be? How could she be his sister? He didn't have a sister.
"Actually," broke in Margaret, as if reading his thoughts, "I'm only your half-sister. Guy is my full brother."
Of course, thought Robin. Margaret. That had been Lady Gisburne's name. This young woman must have been named after her.
"Margaret of Gisburne was your mother," said Robin aloud.
"What? My mother was Margaret of Huntington. I've never heard of her being called by that other name before. Well, at least you remembered that her
name was Margaret. That's something." Yes, but according to this woman's story, Lady Margaret was never a Gisburne but a Huntington, which meant that
Lady Margaret must have married his father. But then how did he himself fit in, or his own mother for that matter? Lady Margaret had only died recently
and she had died at Croxden Abbey, hadn't she?
"What happened to your mother?" questioned Robin. Margaret shifted in her chair and looked slightly taken aback.
"She died in child-bed...shortly after I was born. Guy and I barely knew her. It was your mother who helped raise us. Your mother, Robert.
Can you remember her?" Robin paused and thought about what he should say. He was saved by Gisburne as Guy entered the room with the physician, who Robin knew
as the kind and aged man who had helped him out of many injuries and illnesses as a child. The physician re-examined Robin's wounded head with the
same thoroughness that Robin remembered from his childhood. That is, if this man had existed during his childhood. The physician turned to Guy and smiled calmly.
"There's no need to worry, my lord. I'm sure that with plenty of rest, our young Master Robert will be well again and able to remember everything."
"Well, that's good," stated Gisburne, who appeared to be sincerely glad about it. "I'm not taking my eyes off of you again, Robert."
"Yes, well, you're going to have to, Guy. Robert needs his rest and you won't be able to give him any," retorted Margaret. "I will attend to him
myself."
"That seems like sound advice, my lady," spoke the physician. "Under your care he's sure to recover. I'll leave you to it." The physician left and Guy was about to do the same. His sister stopped him.
"Can I speak to you, Guy?"
"Of course."
"Alone?"
"If you feel it's necessary."
"I do." She rose from her chair and kissed Robin's cheek lightly. "You just try to sleep. I'll return shortly." She took Gisburne's arm and nearly pulled him from the room. Robin was curious. He wished to know what she had to say
to Gisburne in private, but he was too tired to find out. All of this was so confusing and bizarre. What had happened?
Suddenly, he recalled how Herne had turned the Wheel of time and Wickham itself had seemed to spin with it. Had that turn of the Wheel resulted in
this? Everything was so different now, especially Gisburne! His face and body were the same, but his whole manner had changed completely. He was like
a different person altogether. Then, there was his sister. It was as if she had appeared out of nowhere. Where were his friends? Were they alive
in this strange new world and time? They certainly weren't in this castle. Robin hoped they were safe in Sherwood.
He yawned and struggled to stay awake. As soon as he could, he would have to find a way to return to Sherwood. Once there, he could find Herne and
his friends. He needed to discover what had happened and escape from this time.
"Guy, I really think that there's something the matter with Robert," persisted Margaret.
"But the physician said that he would be fine. He had a bad knock on the head, that's all."
"He acted like he had never seen me before."
"Yes, that is strange. You are both so close. He should have remembered you. He remembered me."
"Well, you are brothers. Perhaps your tie with him is stronger."
"Yes..."
"He seemed to know our mother, although he called her Margaret of, um...Gisbone, or some such name, instead of Huntington."
"Gisburne? Are you sure?"
"Yes. Have you heard that name before?"
"That was what he called me when he first woke up. I don't know why. I've never even heard of this Gisburne before."
"Then why should he call you by that name?" Guy's brow creased and he shook his head.
"I don't know," he replied. "I really don't know."
Chapter Two
Robin woke the next morning to the sound of birdsong outside his window. He blinked pleasantly as a ray of sunlight fell across his bed. It took
him a few moments to remember where he was. When he did, he was more determined than ever to go to Sherwood and find his friends. He felt greatly
replenished after his night of peaceful slumber. He was prepared to meet up with almost anything: even his new sister and brother.
He pushed the blankets back from his bed and managed to find some suitable clothes to wear before heading down to the great hall. As the
oldest son of the Earl of Huntington, it would be Guy's place to be there, dealing with some sort of business while their father was away. Robin
soon discovered that this was true, but the business Guy was dealing with was Margaret.
"Guy, I refuse to marry that man," she protested. "He's a hideous, Welsh...animal!"
"But I hate him! Guy, he's rude and brutish and, and...disgusting! You said that yourself when he came here a year ago. Why, he's not even Christian!" she cried, crossing herself. Guy sighed and looked away.
"Margaret, there's nothing I can do. If Owen of
Clun wants to marry you--"
"Owen of Clun!" Guy and Margaret turned
abruptly, seeing their younger brother for the
first time in hours.
"Robert, you should be in bed," spoke Margaret in concern. "You need your rest."
"I'm all right," said Robin, his mind still reeling with the news of Owen of Clun. He had thought the man was dead. "What is this marriage you're
speaking of?" he questioned.
"Oh, you remember Owen of Clun," spoke Guy.
"He's that Marcher lord King John was trying to win
over, so he could pass through his land when he attacked Llwellyn. Half of the nobles in this shire came to the feast Father agreed to hold in Clun's
honour. Owen was close to agreeing to King John's terms, but then decided against it for some reason..."
"But now that King John plans to march against the Welsh, he is more eager than ever to seek passage through Owen of Clun's lands," interjected
Margaret. "Lord Owen of Clun will agree to this if he is given more land and power. He wants an alliance with Father and to do that he needs me.
Don't you see, Robert? I've been made the pawn. In order to succeed, Lord Owen hopes to marry me!"
"Margaret, it hasn't been agreed to yet," argued Guy.
"But according to this letter, it would seem that it has!" she exclaimed. She folded her arms and fumed silently to herself. She was more than just
a little angry about this and Robin could tell. Of course, if he had been in her place, he would have been furious too. He had met Owen of Clun and
could understand why anyone would hate him.
"You can't make her marry him," stated Robin firmly. "Owen of Clun is evil." Guy lifted an eyebrow and studied his younger sibling for a
moment before speaking.
"It's not my choice to make. It's Father's."
"But Father isn't here," persisted Margaret, "and Owen of Clun could demand an answer before he returns."
"And you refuse to marry him."
"I believe that any lady would. Guy, think about it. Would Father allow me to marry a man like that?" Guy bowed his head, his eyes fixed on the
letter Margaret had placed on the table beside them.
"He wouldn't," replied Robin. "Even if the King did wish it. Guy..." he paused, still not comfortable with using Gisburne's given name. "Guy,
you mustn't agree to this. The King must find another way to form an agreement."
"You see," spoke Margaret, "Robert agrees with me."
"Be quiet, both of you!" snapped their older brother. "I'm trying to think." He took the letter in hand and began to skim through it. "It says here that there will be a feast in two days at Nottingham Castle. An agreement will be reached then. The High Sheriff, Robert de Rainault, will be representing the King in this matter. And, I suppose since Father is away, I'll be representing
him...Besides that, the letter tells us nothing we don't know already." Guy put down the piece of parchment and lifted his eyes again. "I'm going to Nottingham."
"Today?" asked Margaret.
"Now," he answered. "See that my horse is saddled," he told a servant.
"Are you going to talk to the Sheriff, Guy?" inquired his sister.
"It appears that I'm going to have to. He seems to be the only man who understands what's going on here! Margaret, you'll have to see to things while
I'm gone. Robert, you should get some rest!" he called, as he headed out of the hall.
"Guy, wait!" Robin followed him out. "I want to go with you," he spoke, knowing that this could be his chance to go to Sherwood and find his friends.
"You're not well. You should stay at Huntington. You'll have other opportunities to go to Nottingham."
"I said I was fine," repeated Robin, trying to sound earnest. "I could help. I want to help."
"Yes, well, all the same I think you should stay here, Robert."
"But Guy..." But the older brother was off again and Robin almost had to jog to keep up with him. Robin was determined to go with Guy to Nottingham.
He had to find a way to reach his friends in Sherwood, even if it meant begging Gisburne for permission to do so! It reminded him of the arguments he used to
have with his father. Then Robin realized how much Guy was like the Earl of Huntington and was startled by that fact. Through all of his encounters with
Gisburne had he been battling his evil brother or his father? They entered the courtyard.
"Guy, she's my sister too! I have every right to go!"
"Right? Don't speak to me about rights! I'm your older brother, Robert. I have every right to tell you to remain here!" Guy erupted suddenly.
Then he paused, gained control over his emotions, and even managed to smile. Arguing with his brother wasn't sensible. If Robert really wanted to go,
why should he stop him. Their father wanted Robert to take on more responsibilities...
"Well," spoke Guy, "I suppose I could use some company on the journey, especially since we'll be riding through Sherwood..." Robin beamed at the
thought of it. "All right, you can come. But I'm giving you our sister's horse to ride!"
* * * *
It was a bright and beautiful day. The sun's rays were filtering through the trees as the two brothers entered the forest. The branches of the
trees circled closely around them and Robin felt more secure because of it. They had entered his domain now. He listened to Guy's incessant
chatter with half an ear and fell to thinking of the freedom he would soon hold again in Sherwood.
"Looking for outlaws, Robert?" queried Guy, and Robin turned to him in surprise. His glances through the trees must have been more eager than
he had realized. "They say there are quite a few in these parts," added Guy. "We shall have to watch our backs."
"Yes," murmured Robin. Guy began speaking about the joys of the hunt again and the wonders of a good horse. At least in this respect Gisburne hadn't changed.
Suddenly, Robin's trained ears heard a twig snap. He knew that someone was about. He looked in the trees, but saw no nets or rope for anyone to swing down from. However, he did see a rope lying across the road and deciphered the trick.
There would be at least one man on either side waiting for a traveler or soldier to go past. When the victim had come close enough, they would raise
the rope and knock the rider clear from his saddle.
Robin would have indicated this to Guy, but he seemed so enthralled with the subject of hounds that...
"Jesus Christ!" roared Guy. He stared furiously at the men who had surrounded him, but it was the other brother who was the more shocked of the two.
"Robin!" he gasped, and the dark-haired young man beamed a polite smile. It was Robin of Loxley, a man who should have been dead. Robin, the Earl
of Huntington's son, gawked at the outlaw in disbelief. How was this possible? How could Loxley still be alive?
"You filthy serfs!" cursed Guy, who desperately wanted to rise from the ground, but couldn't. There were at least five arrows aimed at his throat.
Loxley studied his fallen adversary for a few moments. Then, he signalled to his men, none of whom Robin recognized, to lower their weapons. Guy stood up
brusquely, ignoring the hand Loxley offered him. "How dare you assault me?" he shouted. "Who are you, boy?"
"My name is Robin Hood," stated Loxley calmly.
"Robin Hood, is it? Yes, I believe I've heard of you."
"But I don't believe I've heard of you," spoke Loxley boldly.
"I am Guy of Huntington, the Earl of Huntington's son."
"Are you?" Loxley smiled again. "Who's this?" he asked, nodding his head in Robin's direction.
"He's my brother, Robert," answered Guy. "Not that it is any of your business, cutthroat. I demand that you let us pass, or I'll see that you
have the Sheriff of Nottingham to answer to!"
"We mean you no harm. We only want your money."
"My money!"
"For the poor and oppressed."
"But I've brought no money, wolfshead."
"Then we'll have your horse."
"What good will my horse do you?"
"Well, he'd earn a fair price at the market and, if nothing else, he could feed a whole village for a month," joked Loxley. The other outlaws
laughed heartily, but Guy wasn't amused. His sword was soon out of its scabbard.
"If you want my horse, wolfshead, you're going to have to fight me for it," challenged Guy.
"Fight?" questioned Loxley, and Robin was surprised to see him hesitate.
"What's the matter? Do you lack the courage?" prompted Guy. The other outlaws exchanged concerned glances, but Albion appeared nevertheless.
Both swords crashed together and the fight began. Robin noted that Guy's skill had remained about the same, while Loxley's had greatly deteriorated. He
swung Albion through the air with heavy, clumsy strokes, like a boy just learning to fight. Then, Robin realized that this was probably what he was.
None of the other men wore swords at their belts. It was obvious that they couldn't fight either. Perhaps without the skill of such men as Will
Scarlet, none of the outlaws had been properly trained to do so. Will. Where was he? Where were any of them?
Loxley gasped as Albion was wrenched from his hand. Guy held his sword at the outlaw's throat.
"No!" cried Robin. He quickly dismounted his horse and ran between them.
"I wasn't going to kill him," stated Guy cooly, placing his sword back in its scabbard. "I wouldn't have wasted my breath." The other men quickly had
their arrows aimed again, but Loxley ordered them to lower their bows.
"You fought well," admitted Loxley. "The horse is yours."
"As it always was," retorted Guy. He mounted his steed and Robin had no choice but to do likewise. He looked around miserably. What had happened? Where were his friends?
"Robin!" called a voice, and Robin's heart gave a jump.
"Much?" The young man appeared, but he stared up at Robin blankly, his nose crinkling in confusion.
"Do I know you, sir?" he asked. Guy was watching Robin with questioning eyes.
"Do you know this boy, Robert?"
"No," answered his brother quietly. "I must have been mistaken."
"Much, where have you been?" demanded Loxley. "You should have been here over an hour ago."
"I was helping Father."
"You're an outlaw, Much. You shouldn't have even been there."
"But I promised, and-and he said I could go with him when he went to Laxton."
"Laxton! Much, you're the best archer I've got. I need you here!"
"But Robin--"
"How are we supposed to fight for the people if you're not even here half the time? What if someone passes through Sherwood? We'd need your help then."
"Yes, I'm sure he would," commented Guy, rather smugly. "Why don't you just turn yourself in, Robin Hood? Your petty raids and ambushes are
pathetic. You're nothing but a common nuisance. I shall report this outrage to the Sheriff and see that you are hanged for your impudence. Come,
Robert, these men are idiots." Guy gave his reins a sharp jerk and his horse glided smoothly past the outlaws. Loxley's gaze fell upon Robin for a
moment, before he and Much began to argue again.
