Sherwood Rogue

Chapter Four

I sat up in the darkness, shaking off the last bit of sleep. Supper was ready for serving, and the mouth-watering smell of fresh bread and roasted meat must have woken me. I stood up and stretched, muscles feeling much looser after soaking all day, then walked to the table to sit next to Much.

Upon returning from the warm spring, I had fallen asleep and no one had bothered to keep me awake.

"Try to stay with us." Much laughed, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"It was a long day, Much. Too relaxing. That makes me more tired than working all day." A huge yawn followed my words as I looked around at all the men talking excitedly. "What's up? Why's supper so late tonight?"

"It's Mid-Summer's Eve! There'll be a feast, and the fires will be lit. It's a special night for you, too."

I looked at him, seeing anticipation and excitement in his eyes. "Why?"

"You'll see."

Men passed food around, but no one touched anything on their plates. They all looked at Robin expectantly, so I did, too. Robin sat, smiling, waiting for everyone to quiet down.

Soon, the only sounds were the pitch torches crackling from their brackets in the trees. A huge stack of firewood stood in the clearing, ready for the flame.

I knew there was history about this ceremonial feast. They lit the fires and danced. The fire symbolized life and fertility. If you leapt through the flames, it was good luck. In ancient times, the tribal chieftain took on the identity of the god to perform the rituals of the evening and bless the people, the crops, and the beasts, but I didn't know if they still practiced that now. I sat back, excited by this unexpected activity.

Robin stood. "Tonight," he said, "is Mid-Summer's Eve. In the tradition of our people, we light the fire, dance, and sing. Tonight, we celebrate our freedom. Freedom we have fought for, worked for, traveled for. Freedom some have died for. Tonight, we celebrate the mid-summer fires. We laugh at the past, or cry, and hope for tomorrow." Robin looked around the table, his eyes dark and solemn. "Tonight, we celebrate Mid-Summer's Eve."

He returned to his seat, and I wondered at his demeanor. I'd thought this was a festive time.

"John," he said, gesturing to the giant of a man sitting beside him. Little John got up and walked around the table. I watched him, surprised when he stopped behind me.

"Stand up!" John said when I didn't move. I stood, stepping over the bench. "Come with me."

Bewildered, I glanced at Much, who shooed me off. I followed John back up the table.

Robin turned on his bench and gestured for me to kneel. Glancing around at the seated men, I saw them craning their necks to get a good look at what was happening. I knelt before Robin and lowered my gaze to stare at his feet.

"Look at me," he whispered, and I raised my eyes to his. He drew his sword, took my hands, and put them on the blade.

He spoke in a loud, clear voice. "You come to me, asking me to accept your oath. Is there any reason I should?"

"None, sir," I answered, sensing the ritual in his words. He wanted to hear more. Though I had no lines, I continued. "Save a desire to serve you to my last breath."

Robin smiled in approval. "Do you swear then, by our Lady and by my sword, that you will abide by my rules and serve me for the good of the brotherhood?"

"I swear," I said. The moment brought back childhood reflexes, so I crossed myself.

"Then tonight, we also celebrate a new brother!" he announced. His words had a hint of laughter behind them, and I smiled. I was now a "brother" of his people.