South of Windstorm & Moving on

[Robin of Loxley]

((For ease i have combined the two threads iffn thats ok))

He had been on His way back from the east with a strong contingent of Rangers , when He had seen the smoke rising in the distance. Turning to one of the Rangers riding along side of Him , He motioned for him to investigate and to return with a report.

He felt an unease pass through Him at that moment.........surely the Franks had left or been defeated by now..........a worried frown passed over His face as He and the rangers with Him broke into a gallop......heading for the meeting place...........The beckoning call of the horn ,that was hurriedly pressed against his lips, would soon find those Rangers within hearing distance and would be passed onwards and His questions would nae doubt be answered.

With a sense of urgency that was unexplainable........they rode swiftly towards home.........

[The Rangers]

*The camp fires burned brightly, food and ale passed around while they took stock of the situation. Little had made up a place for young Henri to sleep next to his, and between them all, the odd foreign word combined with many hand signals, they had settled him within the camp and fed him well.

Word was that still to the North and South several of the foreigners were to be found making their way towards the Castle, but no knowledge of numbers or leaders was learned as yet. For a while, at least, the men gathered together and enjoyed a good meal.

Suddenly the sounds of a horn echoed through the air ...

They listened....some standing and searching the edges of the trees. Others nodding to each other with mouths full of roasted venison. Gerrad grinned as he looked towards the thicket. Todd and Owen playfully thumped each other and Little ruffled Henri's hair. Any moment now, their Leader would appear....He was coming home...all would be well again.*

[Robin of Loxley]

*Riding into the clearing..........dissapointment flickered briefly across His face as He saw the men before Him...........there was a look of almost ........slackness amongst them.........some grinned......some were eating nonchalantly......others just were there!!........

"by the stars "......He thought to Himself................what manner of happennings could have caused thus ??........

Dismounting swiftly......He beckonned Gerrad , Little & Godfrey to His side and questioned them of what had happenned...............and why they stood idly about whilst there were obviously things to be done .......

This day was nae one that He cared to remember.........Aelrick would have turned in his grave iffn he had seen such slackness of them..........and He said such to them...........holding each one accountable for their actions or non action...........

Demanding a full report from each man..........and nae in the mood for excuses........He waited patiently...........(when all he wished for was to wash the grime of the journey from His body)

He waved at Jorgen........and indicated that he was in charge of His steed............and of those that had ridden in with Him..............The frown softening for a moment...........Then He turned and waited for His mens reports............noting the uncomfortable silence.......as He waited..........

[Henri the ships boy]

Henri had hardly noticed the journey from Windstorm to the Ranger’s camp deep within the forest. The herbs he was chewing had dulled his pain and made him fall asleep after a few short minutes of sitting on the wagon with some of the other Rangers.

When they arrived at the camp, however, Henri was wide awake again, gingerly climbing off the cart, always keeping close to Ranger Leetteel. Soon a modest makeshift shelter and sleeping place was found for the boy, at first Henri was content to sit and watch, eating sparingly from the cooked meat the Rangers shared.

Again and again he had tried to talk to the men around him, but all had simply looked dumbfounded when they heard his words which they couldn’t understand. Communications had been so difficult, and only were accomplished by using hands and feet. At one point, Henri had tried to speak to the other boy in the camp, but that one hadn’t even responded to him.

Chewing on his piece of meat and drinking from a water bag which was half empty already, when he saw another man on horseback riding into camp. From the looks of him he had travelled many a day, but it was also clear to Henri that the man was angry. He knew that face… from Captain Remard, when he had been at the receiving end of de Sennis’ ire. Many times he had felt the man’s fist in is face, his boot in his back or stomach … fearfully Henri looked towards Leetteel, wanted to be close to his protector, but soon was made to stay behind as the burley man went over to the angry one.

Instinctively, Henri wrapped himself closer within his blanket, casting his eyes down and scooting a bit away from the fire he sat close to, so that the angry man hopefully wouldn’t notice him.

[The Rangers]

*Slowly the cheerful banter became hushed whispers, mouths gaping open and suprise showing upon the faces of men who had been fighting for days. They were tired, hungry and in need of guidance once more only to watch their Leader arrive with what seemed a heavy heart. Could it be bad news.... more sightings of the enemy....the men could only wonder at Robin's obvious dissapointment.

Jorgen had beamed a bright smile, eager to tend the horses, doing what he had learned even without speach, nor hearing..the lad went about his duties oblivious to any problems that may be arising within the camp. He was slight of mind, easily pleased and content with his life. The newest arrival had him quite confused at times though, and he wondered for a moment of the young man as he slipped bridles from tired horses and filled water buckets. The thought did not stay for long and he helped with the saddles and blankets, always something new to replace images that came to his mind, nothing seemed to bother him for long.

Little was aware of Henri....the look of concern showing upon the lad's face bothered him.....he tried to smile..reassure, but he had to leave the lad for a while....there was much to be explained. He reached over and ruffled his hair again....nodding to him then pointing to his bedding. Perhaps the lad would rest and they would start over again in the morning...he had to find a way of communicating for his brain was becoming fuddled with all the foreign talk.

Owen and Gerrad were quick to speak with Robin.....they explained how Tyrun had been severely injured...the French boy saving his life...the ships....fighting...many lives lost. They told of the Rangers staying in the Castle Infirmary and those still out in the lands doing all they could. Little joined them and spoke of how they had come upon Tyrun and another......he was unsure now if to show him the lad.......perhaps he would not be so pleased. He was angry.... frustrated at his Leader's low opinion of them......they hard worked hard gathering the villagers, setting traps, making it look as if the plague had taken hold of the lands.

He looked to Robin now and frowned, his thick set chest rose and fell again sharply as he sighed. He was not normally given to speaking out, but his Leader needed to know they had not shirked their responsibilties and he growled low as he spoke.*

"By thunder Robin.....dus ya thinks we's jist bin 'avin us a picnic 'ere while yers bin gawn!!"

*He shrugged and moved aside......he needed to think....there was Henri........he did not want to lose the lad now he had befriended him. Shaking his head, he mumbled about loyalty and honour kicking the dirt beneath his boots heavily and turning to leave.*

[Robin of Loxley]

As Ranger Owen , Gerrad & Little approached Him....He focussed His eyes just above Gerrads head and stared hard at that spot for a moment.....concentrating so hard that for a brief second nothing else in His world existed.

He then allowed His eyes to start becoming aware of things slightly to either side of that spot........slowly expanding his range of awareness and vision outwards.........only when He had full peripheral vision and awareness did He lower His eyes and look at Gerrad hwo stood patiently before Him .as he had seen Him do this many a time.

He listened in shock as Gerrad and Owen spoke their accounts of what had happenned.....and his heart went out to all those that had suffered whilst in battle........He had noticed whilst they were speaking that the Rangers within the camp looked tired and worn....something that He had nae noticed when He had first ridden into camp........and now He regretted His hasty and harsh first appraisal when He entered the camp.

It was at this point that Ranger Little spoke "By thunder Robin.....dus ya thinks we's jist bin 'avin us a picnic 'ere while yers bin gawn!!"

He shifted His gaze from Gerrad and Owen and looked with kindness to the man who rarely spoke in anger.........." Nae i do not my friend.......please fergive me.......it was unjust and unwise to speak as ahh have ".........Placing a hand upon the mans shoulder He continued ...."Ahh have known ye fer almost as long as ahh can remember Little......and nae a more loyal & honourable man could One find........That goes fer all of ye good Yoeman , can ye forgive a foolish man and stand by his side as ye have done afore ?? "

He looked at Gerrad and Owen and asked them to gather all Rangers within a few hours........ahh wish to speak to them and iffn agreeable.......to have them come with me into battle on the morns rise.

Turning back to Little with a smile........." Now ........who is that lad over there ?? "

[The Rangers]

*A feeling of calm seemed to enter the camp as the small group of Rangers spoke with their Leader, the initial sense of forboding and dissapointment had left them now...to be replaced with understanding. It had been too long since any of the men had been in the presence of Robin, many were in need of his guidance, his honour and truth.

Little towered above his leader....the gentle giant shuffled his feet in the dirt, he felt his face flush as Robin clasped his shoulder. He mumbled words of loyalty and there being no need for an apology. He was embarrased, for so rarely did he speak harshly, his own hand reaching for Robin's arm showed the Leader all was as it should be.

Owen and Gerrad had both nodded and acknowledged Robin as he spoke.......they knew what had to be done and backed away to return to the camp fire. They would ready the men and prepare them for what ever the new day would bring. Gerrad looked longer at his mentor and asked him to rest a while and eat......he knew they were all going to need what strength and courage they could muster for the days to come.

Little watched his comrades move away and was about to do the same when he was asked of the lad. He swallowed hard and screwed up his face, searching for the right words. His brow furrowed deeply..his lips pursed in thought. Glancing over to where the young lad sat staring about....he then looked intently at Robin and tried to explain.*

"Ahhhhhh that lad.......aye.....he be young 'Enery Robin......erm........tha one who did save tha good Cap'n Tyrun from tha seas."

*He lifted his large arms in submission.....letting them drop to his sides in a gesture of helplessness.*

"We dint know what was ta become of 'im.......'im bein' foreign 'an all..............so...........erm.......we dun brings 'im 'ere like. It were 'is choice........a goodly lad 'e be."

*Little was babbling on and realised he was probably digging himself into a bigger hole. He continued to explain that they had all forgotten to give him up to the Castle guards and Sir Joseph after he had his ribs bound......and that he took sole responsibility for the lad and would teach him the ways of the Rangers.....if he was allowed to stay........*

[Henri the ships boy]

What were they talking about? They were looking at him now… Henri ducked even further into his blanket. The angry man looked in his direction… surely he would send him away, back to his ship. To Captain Remard. He would get a beating for leaving the ship… maybe the captain would even accuse him of trying to sell them out to their enemies, the English. His intentions could not be further away from the truth, however. All he wanted was a decent life, without beatings, without having his head dunked under water until he almost drowned. He wanted a life with warm, dry clothes and bread that wasn’t infested with maggots.

Henri winced as he turned away some more … his broken ribs ached. He stuffed another bushed of pain killing leaves into his mouth and began to slightly rock back and forth. He didn’t mean these men no harm, why couldn’t that angry man see that?

[Robin of Loxley]

* He nodded His head up and down as Ranger Little spoke...

"Ahhhhhh that lad.......aye.....he be young 'Enery Robin......erm........tha one who did save tha good Cap'n Tyrun from tha seas."

He nodded again as Little continued..........

" We dint know what was ta become of 'im.......'im bein' foreign 'an all..............so...........erm.......we dun brings 'im 'ere like. It were 'is choice........a goodly lad 'e be."

He replied as He stroked His chin..... trying hard to not to smile...." A most perplexing problem M'Friend " and listened intently as Little continued........

"We had all forgotten to give him up to the Castle guards and Sir Joseph after he had his ribs bound and ahh take sole responsibility for the lad and will teach him the ways of the Rangers.....if he is allowed to stay "

He smiled as Little finished ........pausing thoughtfully..........Rubbing His chin again..........

"This will nae do M'Friend............ye can nae take such a responsibility solely upon thyself so.........and what would Sir Joseph think iffn he found out ye had tricked Him so ( knowing full well that Sir Joseph would have allowed Little to get away with it)........No this will nae do !!........ ( Pausing).....ahh would think it more appropriate M'Friend that we should all take responsibility fer tha lad........and each and every one of us teach him the ways of the Rangers.......iffn of course that is what he desires "

Slapping Little on the back He grinned at him and looked at the lad again..........seeing the discomfort the poor lad was obviously in and asked Little to bring the lad forth...........

Just as he did so..........a Ranger broke into the camp and ran up to him........."Robin...Robin......... the Franks have been defeated "

Looking slightly amazed at the man ( as all reports had indicated otherwise and He was expecting a battle)..........He replied........."Well then man..............what are ye waiting for.............break out tha ale and lets celabrate "..........

He looked about Him for a moment at the Rangers and thought to Himself........ "How strange the way of things are !!"..................

[The Rangers]

*Little had blabbed on and on....all the while not quite making out his leaders reaction...digging a bigger hole and near to burying himself it it. He truly had expected Robin to be at ease with the situation, and for a moment he thought all was lost and started to panic somewhere deep inside, wondering what would be best for young Henri.

When his Leader had finally spoken...the relief was just too much to confine and he roared with laughter.*

"Cor blimey....yers did 'ave me goin' there fer a moment Robin!"

*He slapped the man's back and nodded.......turning on his heel to fetch Henri, his laughter echoing around the camp.

He approached the lad with a warm smile...indicating to him to stand and follow. He placed his hand to his heart....then to Henri's heart and spoke the word 'F r i e n d' very slowly. He repeated the word and placed his hand back over his own heart ....all the while pointing to where Robin stood. He did this several times, hoping Henri would understand and not look so afraid. His arm then went around the lad and he started to walk back to introduce him to Robin, stopping in his tracks as a messenger arrived, bellowing forth the news they had not been expecting so soon.

"By tha Gods...........!!" He roared again and hugged the lad closer....much like a bear would do.

Before long, casks of ale were being opened and a merry dance was soon taking place around the fire. Little stood with Henri and Robin....he was unsure how the lad would take the news...he may have had friends on those ships, they might now be lost to him. He could not explain, but smiled at him again and repeated the words Friend...'Enery.....Little and now Robin as he watched his comrades celebrate.*

[Henri the ships boy]

Henri smiled shyly when he saw Leettell coming his way again, standing up with slow, deliberate moves to avoid bumping his injured ribs. He looked at the burly ranger intently, feeling the man’s hand on his chest, then watching his hand move to his heart.

“F-R-I-E-N-D”. Henri nodded. “Vous voulez dire l'ami? Je suis votre ami, et cet homme également ? (You call me friend? I am your friend, and that man there as well ?). He looked over to where the angry man stood, obviously their leader by the way the men looked at him. Henri was still sceptical, but tried the new word himself now. “F-R-E-E-N-D?” He repeated the gestured with the hand Leetteel had used.

He even took a few steps with him towards the leader of these men when another came running and after that all of them broke out in cheers and smiles. Henri wasn’t sure what had happened … the men were happy and joyful…usually when Henri had seen his comrades on the Forell like that, they had just closed a very good deal, or had defeated one of the many pirates who roamed the open seas, like the Vikings did. ….Slowly a sombre realization struck the boy – if these English were so elated, it could be that they had won a victory over his ship, the Forell.

He stood amongst the merry men and just watched, not sure if he should be happy for his likely freedom, or sad, for if these men had taken the Forell, anyone on her would be dead by now. Henri looked at the leader….he looked like a noble man. If he understood his tongue, this uncertainty could be lifted from his young soul.

It took all his courage, but Henri stepped closer towards the leader of the woodmen and spoke in a quiet voice. “Avez-vous gagné la bataille ? Avez-vous tué capitaine de Sennis?" (Have you won the battle? have you killed Captain de Sennis?) He watched, anxious, his eyes darting back and forth betwen Leetteel and the leading man.

[Robin of Loxley]

He laughed heartily as Ranger Little bellowed with laughter and watched as the men around Him prepared for a feast and what would seem like a night of merriment.

He noted that the lad Henri had come over to stand with Him along with Ranger Little and that the boy looked scared and confused........then the lad spoke to Him in his native tounge.
"Avez-vous gagné la bataille ? Avez-vous tué capitaine de Sennis?"

He went over the words the lad had spoke several times afore He thought that He had the gist of what was being spoken..........and then it was some time before He was able to form the words that He wished to reply with....for it had been long since He had heard or spoken the lads native tounge.....

Stumbling over the words and pausing often......He hoped that He made sense to the lad...........


Nous avons gagné la bataille contre les contreseings mais je ne sais
pas encore du destin de votre capitaine.

Ne vous inquiétez pas, vous sont sûrs ici si vous souhaitez rester
avec nous. Venez laissez-moi regarder vos blessures.

(We have won the battle against the Franks but i do not know yet of the fate of your Captain. Do not worry , you are safe here if you wish to stay with us . Come let me look at your wounds.)...............

He touched the lads ribs with hardened yet caring hands .....and felt the lad wince at His touch...........

Il blesse oui ?

vous devriez vous reposer et ne pas vous déplacer trop, pour au moins
un dépassement de la pleine lune, puis vous serez bien mieux oui. Le
garde forestier peu s'occupera de vous bien.

(It hurts yes? You should rest and not move too much , for at least one passing of the full moon, then you will be much better yes . Ranger Little will look after you well.)

Ruffling the lads hair with His hand and smiling at him......He turned to Little and spoke with concern.....

"Keep the lad still Little........do nae let him walk as he has done thus far......i am sure that at least three ribs be broken an tha lad must be in much pain........."

Smiling at Little........He raised a hand to the mans shoulder.....then turned and called for Gerrad..........and awaited His coming.........

[The Rangers]

*Little kept his large arm beneath the smaller one of Henri's....he felt the lad leaning against him slightly, although he was trying so hard to show them all he was strong and courageous. As he listened to the strange words spoken...he had tried himself to decipher them into something to understand. The care shown by his Leader was as he had always seen and come to expect from the honourable man, but he was quite suprised when Robin spoke in a foreign tongue.*

"By tha Gods Robin!" *He chuckled then and grinned, knowing all would be well now and the Lad would feel more at ease.

He listened intently, some words seemed to sound much as his own...perhaps it would not be so hard to communicate if he used his hands and expressions too. He smiled to himself and looked at Henri with a grin.

"Aye........I shall take care of 'im lest 'e be me own Robin."

He continued to nod towards the Lad, hoping he understood and then turned as Gerrad was called forth.

It was not long before Gerrad walked briskly towards them, his features showed a more relaxed stance than of late and he held four tankards of ale out towards the men and lad. Alert as always but with an ease not felt in a long while....he waited to see what his Leader would require of him.*

[Henri the ships boy]

Henri smiled broadly, for the first time since he had decided to safe the Viking man and toss his lot in with the woodmen he was with now. That leader, who had been so angry – he spoke his tongue!

"Oh mon seigneur, je suis si reconnaissant, enfin quelqu'un pour parler ma langue ! Dieu d'Oh que je n'ai pas pensé que n'importe qui me comprendrait. Merci, Milord ! ... Je souhaite rester avec vous. Mon capitaine me battrait et m'appellerait un traître. Je resterai ici avec vous....and deviens un de vous... oui!" (“Oh my lord, I am so grateful, at last someone to speak my tongue! Oh God I did not think anyone would understand me. Thank you, Milord! … I wish to stay with you. My Captain would beat me and call me a traitor. I will stay here with you….and become one of you …yes!”)

Henri then looked up to ranger Leeteell, beaming back at the large man, his giddiness only interrupted by a slight cought fit which he quickly suppressed however. Looking back to the leader, Henri shyly touched the Lord’s arm. “F-R-E-E-N-D… A-M-I!” He then repeated the gesture with Leetteell, touching his chest. “A-M-I, qui? Vous êtes mon ami … vous êtes mon ... freend !

Turning back to the leader of these men, Henri smiled at the now much kinder man who spoke his tongue. "Quel est votre nom ? Vous pouvez m'appeler Henri" (What is your name? You can call me Henri)" All of a sudden the boy felt tired, but now in a now happy way. Even though he was almost a man at 15, he slung his arms around Leetteell’s waist, sighing slightly before another painful coughing fit threatened.

[Lady Edfeil]

(awww!!! This is a sweet thread!))