Free Robyn Hood: Fight For Freedom by K. M. Shea Page A

Sherwood.”
    Much grew violently pale, behind him Will Stutely turned green. Will Scarlet’s color remained normal, but he inexplicably gained four wrinkles on his forehead. Similarly, Little John snapped the bow he was trying to mend.
    “What did you say?” Little John carefully asked, seated in front of a fire a short distance away from my hut.
    I left my room, closing the door behind me. “Her mother and the prince have plans to marry her off to Sir Guy of Gisborne, that odiously pompous knight who was riding with Prince John when we robbed him,” I explained, walking up to Little John’s fire.
    “The one with the bad haircut?” Much recalled.
    “That would be him,” Will Scarlet agreed. “Little John and I got a good look at him in Nottingham Castle. I can’t believe Maid Marian’s father would let her marry such a fop. He’s not a knight, he’s bloody broke!”
    “Says the earl who lives in the forest like a common squatter,” Will Stutely piped in.
    Will Scarlet shot him a glare.
    “Lobb,” I called.
    “Yes Robyn?” Lobb asked from the edge of camp. He was returning from guard duty. “Go with Tom and get Friar Tuck. Tell him his assistance is required.”
    “Yes Robyn!” Lobb hummed before disappearing off into the woods.
    “What do we need Friar Tuck for?” Much asked. “I thought you finally gave up saying your last rites before every robbery we pull.”
    “This is about King Richard’s ransom. If I recall correctly Marian said he was being held for 150,000 marks. Unfortunately when we rob we don’t just get solid coins. We have gold and gems as well. I’m hoping Friar Tuck will help us get those valued and switched. Better yet, he may be able to find others who are trying to free King Richard. He’s connected with our band, but he is a priest. Even Prince John would think twice before killing one of God’s men,” I said. “Much, Stutely. Could you start to gather up the gold? We’re going to count it.”
    “Right,” Will Stutely nodded.
    “Sure thing Robyn,” Much agreed, casting a wary glance at Little John and Will Scarlet.
    “What will we do about Marian?” Will Scarlet prompted.
    I rubbed my forehead. “I’m still trying to figure that out,” I paused for a moment. “It would almost be easier to get enough money to free King Richard from his prison rather than try to dissuade Sir Guy of Gisborne against Marian.”
    Little John snorted and Scarlet chuckled.
    I smiled at their familiar actions. Leave it to Marian to create enough chaos that would get all of our minds off the last few days. “When I get our monetary amount amassed I plan to visit Marian. With luck we’ll be able to free King Richard within the year,” I said.
    “In no way would that be in time to save Marian,” Little John said , moving to stand closer to me.
    “Correct. But big mouth Marian will inform her father, who might possibly hold out from giving his consent before Chr istmas,” I gambled, taking a few steps away from the tall man. I was quite aware of his presence after his shocking confession. I couldn’t help it.
    “The dashing outlaw Robin Hood needs me, or so I am told?” Friar Tuck announced, plowing through our camp with his large girth. Lobb and Tom hovered in his wake.
    “Why it is the good Friar Tuck! I did not expect you to arrive so soon,” I greeted, walking up to my father-figure with a grin.
    “I was on my way to visit you when these two nervous rabbits found me,” Friar Tuck said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder at Lobb and Tom. “So, what causes the Bold and Brave Robin Hood to call me?” he winked, affectionately patting my head.
    “It’s about King Richard’s ransom,” I said.
    “Ah,” Friar Tuck acknowledged.
    “I mean to figure out how much of his ransom we can pay,” I said. “We need to start counting our assets and calculating this out.”
    Friar Tuck rubbed his chin and nodded. “I know Queen Eleanor is mustering up as many funds as she can