Robin Hood and the Dragon’s Mate
Chapter 11

For lunch they ate a bird that Athyn had shot right out of the air, “This kid is a better shot than I am,” Robin joked. Athyn smiled briefly, but he seemed wrapped up in a cloud of anger and frustration. Ashlyn wanted to ask him what was wrong, but the poisonous daggers he shot in her direction told her quite clearly what was bothering him. She knew that if she made the decision to return home to their time, it would be a very long time before he would forgive her, if he ever did.

The friar showed Ashlyn how to pluck the bird. They boiled it in his big stew pot with some of Ashlyn’s remaining berries. The bird was delicious and after skipping the rabbit, she was starving. She tried to remember if McDonalds’ cheeseburgers and french fries had ever tasted this good.

When lunch was finished, they took their time cleaning up, putting out the fire and preparing for the last leg of the hike. The entire group seemed reluctant to reach the cave, and yet determined to do so all the same.

The dragon’s cave was much as she had left it. She saw a wave of anger roll over Will when he studied the collar that the dragon had affixed around her neck. She hadn’t spoken of her hours in the cave and he hadn’t asked. Perhaps Will was afraid of what she might tell him.

Resting her hand on his arm she said, “He didn’t hurt me. He truly believed that I would feel, in time, that being his mate was an honor. He was willing to wait for me to feel that way.”

Will nodded stiffly and tossed the collar onto the pile of blankets. His expression remained stony as Ashlyn led the way back past the hot spring where she imagined herself in a nice hot bath before she focused on showing them the small cave where the dragon had laid out a meal on the large stone table. She heard Alan muttering, “This place has everything we need. Maybe we should set up a base camp here.”

Robin shook his head slightly but Will growled, “I will not be staying here.” Alan grumbled something about how they would have to get on with their lives somehow and then he went to explore a crevice that led from the dining cave.

A few moments later, Alan let out a shout. They all hurried back to the crevice to see if he had been injured. What they saw made the lot of them freeze in shock. There was a pile of treasure that towered over their heads. “With all that we could live like kings,” Alan whispered in awe.

“With all that, we could feed every man, woman, and child in every village from here to London, for the next several winters,” Robin corrected.

Alan looked at him for a long moment and then nodded, “Yes, we could.”

Will reached out and touched the golden coins. He picked a handful up and let them spill through his fingers. They made a lovely tinkling against the other coins. He smiled, “With all this, no child would have to be sold into slavery to feed his family, and no one would starve.” His voice was low, almost reverent.

Then he turned to Ashlyn with a huge grin on his face. He swept her into his arms, spinning her around while she shrieked in surprise. Setting her down, he held her until she was steady. She loved seeing the happiness on his face once more. Even as she reveled in the excitement of the group, she saw the grin fade slowly away, to be replaced by a profound sadness.

She slipped her hand into his and tried to follow his gaze to whatever had stolen his joy. “What is it Will?” She prompted. Then her eye caught on what he was focused on, sitting on a natural stone shelf, was a familiar golden bracelet with the head of a dragon.

She felt an iron fist clutch her stomach. There sat the key to going home to hot showers, the internet, and fast food. It was also the key that would take her away from Will, forever. She felt lightheaded. She lowered herself to sit on one of many treasure chests that filled the room. Athyn came to stand beside her, tears filling his eyes as he glared at the bracelet. Nobody touched the golden bangle. They just stared, back and forth at the seemingly harmless bracelet and Ashlyn.

She felt that her name was apt right now because all she could taste was ash. Suddenly there was a change in the mood of the small cave. Ash looked up to see Will moving to place himself directly in front of her. The reserved sadness that she had grown used to seeing was gone. Robin held up his hand as if to stop him, but Will pushed past him without a glance. He stood before Ashlyn, then he slowly lowered himself to his knees so that he was looking up at her.

“I tried to leave it to you to make this choice, Ashlyn. We all did,” he gestured vaguely to the others, his voice cracking, “But I can’t let you go without at least telling you how I feel.” Robin shook his head disapprovingly but Alan grinned as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Will reached up and took her hand, “I had not experienced happiness until you said that you loved me. Even though I was seconds from death, it was the most wonderful moment of my life.” He squeezed her hand. She could see a flash of desperation in his eyes and then he continued, “Please, Ash, I know that life here is hard, but I swear that if you stay I will work every moment to keep you safe and comfortable. It will be my only goal to make you happy. If you want modern conveniences I’ll…I’ll figure out how to make them for you.”

Athyn grinned at her. Through the fog she realized what Will was asking about the same time that the words left his mouth. “Stay here, Ash. Stay with me…and be my wife.”

Ashlyn gasped. The entire cave fell expectantly silent. She looked up and saw hope fill Robin and Alan’s faces. John stood by the door, his expression almost pleading. Friar Tuck bit his lip anxiously and Athyn nodded frantically. She smiled at him and then turned back to Will, “Are you serious about marrying me? Or do you just want me to stay?”

“I want you to stay, but more than that I want you to be my wife.” He took her hand and reaching into his pouch, he pulled out a simple wooden ring, inlaid with blue glass that matched the piece in her necklace. She thought of all the golden rings with diamonds strewn about the cave. None of them even came close to comparing to the beauty of this wooden ring with intricately carved roses all around it. She allowed him to slip the ring on her finger. She examined it. It fit snugly in place as if it were made just for her.

Looking down at Will’s anxious expression as tears spilled from her eyes, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He pulled away after a moment whispering, “Does this mean yes?” Faint hope flickered behind his eyes.

She smiled and wiped a tear away, “It’s definitely a yes.” She said. A grin replaced the stoic frown on his face as he stood, pulling her into his arms. Pushing back her hair, he then leaned down and kissed her deeply. Before she was ready for the kiss to end, she was being pulled from his arms. Robin swept her into a hug. She was passed around the room until everyone had hugged her twice.

She came to a stop at Athyn. Pushing her fingers through his hair she said. “It means no more PlayStation, no internet and no more McDonalds’ french fries. That okay with you?”

He smiled with excitement, “You bet it is!” Throwing his arms around her, he hugged her tightly. Then he hugged Robin, “We’re staying!”

Robin grinned down at him, “Good thing, we might starve if it wasn’t for your keen hunting skills.” Athyn giggled. He ran out into the main cavern shouting for joy. They all followed energetically.

Ashlyn heard Alan whisper, “What do we do with the amulet?”

Robin replied, “We’ll bury it, be careful not to touch it, though.”

The amulet was disposed of; Ash made it a point to not ask where or how. Over the next two months Robin’s gang worked to move into the dragon’s cave, disposing of all vestiges of the dragon’s presence as well as claiming caverns that connected to the entrance with long winding tunnels, as their own. Ashlyn used the blankets from the dragon’s pile to hang up privacy curtains around the room with the hot spring and it became the official bathing room.

* * *

Will found the perfect cavern for the two of them to share once their marriage was official. It was massive and beautiful. The walls were black and smooth. The flame of a single lit candle would reflect off of them a thousand times to light up the entire room. He worked day and night to make the cavern into a room that she would adore. He kept a blanket up and wouldn’t let her see it until after the wedding. He made a huge mattress and covered it with enough fur blankets to keep them warm during the coldest winter. He carved shelves into the walls and used wood from nearby trees to create a large chest for her to keep her things in.

When he wasn’t working on their room, Will worked on building a new forge outside of the cave. The first thing that he made was a sword for Athyn. He took the iron spike that had been used to anchor the captive children, heated it and hammered it into a fine sword. Then he carefully etched designs across the blade and hilt until it was the most beautiful sword he had ever made.

* * *

A month after Ashlyn had agreed to stay and marry Will, was Athyn’s birthday. Will presented the boy with the sword he had made. Robin gave Athyn a new bow and quiver. Alan had made him a lute of his own and gave it to him along with promises to teach him to play. John fought and killed a bear that lived in a nearby cave when it had wandered too close to their cavern. They’d had bear meat for days after that. On Athyn’s birthday John presented him with a new jacket made from the bear’s furry hide.

Ashlyn surprised him with a handwritten book made with pieces of thick parchment all tied together. The book was titled, “The Truth about Robin Hood.” It told the tales that John and the others had told them about Robin’s adventures. It included the tale about Robin and his band of outlaws meeting a boy and his sister who had traveled back in time.

Athyn felt like he was the luckiest boy on earth as he examined all of his wonderful gifts. He nearly laughed at the idea that just a year ago he had been so happy about getting a PSP. That store-bought trinket was nothing compared to all of these heartfelt gifts made by his new family.

* * *

A few months after Athyn’s birthday, the day of the wedding finally came, John presented Ashlyn with a box containing sweet smelling soaps as a wedding gift. Lowering herself into the hot water, she slipped beneath the surface. Ashlyn allowed herself to relax completely before washing from head to toe. Finally climbing out, she pulled on a silky shift and a soft cottony dress that Alan had brought back for her after one of his many forays into nearby villages.

After running a jeweled comb through her long brown hair, she proceeded to braid it. She tied it with a strip of fabric and looked into a jeweled mirror that was made to match the comb. Robin had found both for her in the room of treasure. She felt like a princess and wondered how she had ever considered leaving this place.

When she left the bath chamber Athyn grinned at her, “We thought you might have drowned. I considered sending a search party.”

Will looked up. His jaw dropped. “You look…beautiful,” he whispered. Then he took her in his arms as she inhaled his woodsy scent. Athyn handed her a small wreath of flowers which she placed carefully on her head with a grin. Then she stood in Will’s arms in front of Friar Tuck. Robin and Athyn took their places on one side of the friar. Alan and John took theirs on the other. Athyn wore a belt that held the beautiful sword that Will had made for him. He looked quite dashing as he stood beside Robin.

Friar Tuck cleared his throat and then spoke, “This is a time of celebration, for these two wonderful people have come together and found mutual joy. They have shared their lives and are ready to create a covenant between themselves. Will and Ashlyn have asked us to pledge our support and encouragement for them as they pledge their lives to each other.”

He reached out and lit a candle then handed it to the two of them to hold. “As this flame burns bright and strong, may its light guide this union between Will and Ashlyn to grow in joy and love.” He took a basket filled with flower petals from Athyn, scattering the petals in a complete circle around the couple.

“Let your love be like the flowers of the earth, beautiful and divine, ever growing, spreading love and joy throughout the earth. May you live within a circle of love. May your unity be a thing of beauty and sweetness.” They handed the candle to Robin. A reverent hush filled the room.

Will once again placed the wooden ring on Ashlyn’s finger, this time for forever. “Ashlyn, I promise to love and cherish you above all else. I ask you to be mine, as I will forever be yours in mind, body and soul.”

Ashlyn took a breath. Looking up into his chocolate eyes, she spoke from the heart, “Will. I have chosen to leave behind the internet and cell phones, fast food and bubble baths. I have given up so much that I had once considered important. And yet, I feel that I have lost nothing. Instead, I gain so much in becoming your wife. I will always love you above all else.”

The friar clapped his hands together cheerfully, “Well then, with the power vested in me by God and his holy church, I now pronounce you man and wife.” Will swept her up in his arms. He kissed her until her head spun. While Alan played his lute, the rest of the outlaws cheered and threw flower petals on the newly married couple. They ate a feast of roasted deer that Athyn had helped to kill. Earlier in the day, Ashlyn had hunted up a good collection of wild potatoes and other edible roots. The friar had made them into a fine stew. There was even a good supply of the friar’s fine ale to drink.

After the meal, Robin led Alan, John, Friar Tuck, and Athyn down the side of the mountain. They were heavily laden with bags of gold which they planned to deliver to the villagers over the next few weeks. Ashlyn would’ve liked to have gone with them to see the looks on the villagers’ faces; but they were leaving now to give the new couple some time alone. Will led her blindfolded to the cavern they would now share. When he removed the cloth that had covered her eyes, she gasped at the utter beauty of their room. The entire cavern seemed to glow with the light of a single candle that sat in a nook which seemed to have been made for that very purpose.

She turned in circles taking in the room while Will waited anxiously. “Do you like it?” He finally asked.

She shook her head slowly in wonder, “It…it’s beautiful.”

He pulled her close and kissed her, “Not nearly as beautiful as you, my love.”

Later, lying in each other’s arms, they were awed by the fact that they now belonged to each other. Will tipped her chin up so that she was looking at him. “Do you regret your decision?” She smiled and kissed him, “Not even for a moment.” Snuggling up against him, she knew that she spoke the truth. No matter what hardships may lay ahead, she would never regret staying with the man she loved.

* * *

Athyn led the way into the third small village. He was thrilled when his friend, David, came running to meet them. “Athyn! I thought for sure you were dragon food.”

Shaking his head Athyn said, “Nah, my friends killed that dragon. And now we’ve come to redistribute some of its treasure.” He reached into his pocket, pulling out a handful of coins, and dropped them into David’s cupped hands.

The boy’s eyes lit up, “Wow! I’ve never seen so much money in my whole life!”

He moved to give it back to Athyn but he just shook his head, “It’s yours now.”

David stared at him in wonder. In a dash, he ran back to his house to show his mother and father what his friend had given him. His excited shouts drew many men and women out of their homes. Robin cheerily began handing out coins to everyone. One of the men invited Robin and his friends to stay for dinner, “We’ll have a celebration!” All of the villagers cheered. They dug a huge fire pit. One of the men donated his largest pig to be roasted over the fire. Everyone brought vegetables, fruits and berries. Friar Tuck began chatting with the man who brewed ale for the village. They sat discussing recipes as the villagers came together to celebrate their good fortune.

One man stepped forward and clapped Robin on the shoulder, “You will always be welcome in our village, Robin Hood.”

Just then a voice called out across the crowd, “John? My John?” Athyn looked up to see a pretty blonde woman pushing her way through the crowd.

John looked up, “Alice?” He gasped and then rushed forward to sweep her up into his arms. They hugged for a very long time and when John finally put her down they both had tears in their eyes.

John looked her over as if examining her for injuries. “How…there was so much blood. I thought…I thought I had killed you.” His last words came out as a whisper and he stared at his feet.

Alice touched his face lovingly, “It was only a few scratches, love. What hurt me was losing you. I waited every night for you to come home, only you never did.”

He looked up at her, distraught, “I couldn’t come back after what I did. I’m not completely human anymore, Alice.”

Not accepting his excuse, she countered. “We vowed to love and care for each other, no matter what.”

Reaching up he brushed a tear from her cheek, “I don’t deserve you, dear.”

She winked, “No, you don’t, but you’ve got me anyway. Don’t you ever leave me again.”

He shook his head, “Never…but Robin depends on my tracking skills. I can’t just leave them.”

Alice looked around as if measuring what she had to keep her there. “Well then, I’ll just have to come with you.” She turned to Robin, “Have you room for one more?”

John turned his pleading gaze on his friend, “She has taught the youngsters of the village. Perhaps she could teach the boy.”

Athyn looked up, his eyes widening in surprised fear. “You mean I would have to go to school again?” The face he pulled had all of them laughing so hard they could barely breathe.

When they finally recovered enough, Alice smiled at Athyn, “Don’t worry, I make learning fun.”

Athyn sighed, “Sure, that’s what they all say.”

Robin grinned at Alice, “Welcome, we will be glad to have you. I’m sure that Ashlyn will be happy for some female company as well.”

A man brought them plates with roasted pig and vegetables. They all sat, eating and talking about where they were headed next.

When Athyn had finished eating, he ran to join David and his friends playing tag. John and Alice filled each other in on what had been happening while they were apart. They were interrupted by a beautiful young woman who had come to thank Robin personally for the aid he had brought to the town. He grinned easily up at her, his blue eyes flashing and she blushed. Alice introduced her as Marian, the daughter of the township’s lord.

Alan pulled out his lute. He began playing a merry tune. Standing and holding out his hand with a smile, Robin asked Marian to dance with him.

She curtsied then took his hand as he led her to an area that had been cleared for dancers. Alice leaned back against John, “I think, my dear, that your good friend is smitten.”

John laughed heartily. When she gave him a questioning look, he explained. “That is one thing I never thought I would see. I think that it would be very interesting indeed to see Robin Hood in love.”

As Robin spun Marian around the dance floor, watching with delight as her long dark hair swung out behind her and a slight blush colored her cheeks, he was thinking exactly the same thing.

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