Page 50 of Queen of Sherwood

“I want a nice, orderly line, heathens!” she added.

I smiled at John, who winked at me, and everyone started congregating toward Bess’ fire. The veteran Merry Men stood in the back, allowing the younglings to go first.

As I stood in line with Robert, I asked him, “Any word from Uncle Gregory or Briggs?”

My brother nodded, lowering his voice. “I made some calculations last night, which is why you didn’t see much of me after the talk with Marian.”

“And?”

“This area is large enough to house the Oak Boys. I’ve sent a messenger to bring the rest of my crew here.”

I blinked. “Without consulting me?”

He reeled, sputtering. “I—erm. Apologies, sister, I thought you said—”

“I’m only teasing, brother.” I gave him a sly smirk and an elbow in his side. “When might they arrive?”

He shrugged. “No more than a few days, traveling light. We don’t have much to pick up because we’re leaving most of our things behind.”

“You think that’s wise?”

Robert nodded. “The Oak Boys camp can act as our backup hideaway, since Sheriff George is oblivious to its existence. We’ll need supplies there, if we ever want to use it again.”

“What if other bandits find your spot and ransack it?”

“Then we’ll rebuild. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. Are you?”

It was my turn to be taken aback. “Of course I am.”

Robert grunted. “Good. Because they’re en route already. There’s no turning back this tide.”

Nervousness settled in the pit of my belly.

My older brother put a hand on my arm and squeezed. “Don’t worry, Robin. This will be good for everyone. The women of my camp can teach yours the chores and efficient work they do. Will is already teaching others tactics for the battlefield. Tuck seems ready to start a prayer class, for those interested, and Alan seems ready to teach music lessons.”

I chortled. “Or woodworking, if nothing else.”

Robert chuckled. “The future is looking brighter, sister, and it’s all because of you.”

My laugh died, my lips firmed. “Because of us, Robert. None of this would be possible without you and the Oak Boys.” I threw a look to Alan, Will, John, and Tuck in the distance. “Or the men who keep me upright.”

“They’re good men.”

“Aye. The best men.”

Robert smiled at me knowingly, and my cheeks heated at the hint of teasing I noticed in his eyes.

Luckily, Bess saved me, saying, “Planning on eating, bosses?”

Robert and I blinked, shared a look, and hurried up to the cooking pot.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said with a half-bow. Robert repeated the same awkward movements, and we held our bowls out like grubby little children begging for scraps.

Leaders or grunts, it seemed no one got in between Bess and her authority over mealtime.

THE SKY TWINKLED IN daylight, and I swore I could see every dew drop of perspiration in the fading fog sweeping through camp. I tried to follow the swirling plumes of mist, blinking and parting my lips in fascination.

It had been over an hour since we’d eaten, yet my stomach still grumbled. Strange, that, because I was full, and the food had been delicious.

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