Red To Black

Chapter Three

Seeing the look on Eric's face, Robin immediately jumped into motion. She knew that when Eric got serious, which he seldom did, he always had a very good reason.

Pushing back the fabric of her home, she rejoined the crowd outside. Except, now, they were anything but joyful. Now, the room was strangely quiet, so much so that Robin was surprised she had noticed the abrubt change from inside her tent.

People were whispering in groups all across the cavern, and she fought the urge to tell them to stop. She hated whispering. She had never liked the sound or the idea. In her opinion, it was better to be brave and say what you think out loud than quietly gossip away in your own little corner.

She quickly made her way over to the familiar, scrawny build of the resident secret-keeper. Seeing Robin, Jack burst into a sly grin. "Robin! Nice to know you missed me. Come crawling back for more?"

"For once, Jack, could you please keep it professional? I just want to hear the news." She had no idea how she had once had feelings for the guy, as annoying and immature as he was. Never again, she told herself. All I need are Tink and Wendy.

Jack frowned before complying. "Fine, fine. Always a stick in the mud, eh, Eric?" When he spotted Eric's glare, he grew serious. Well, as serious as the guy could get. "Just seconds ago a big fancy carriage came through, all decked up and shiny. Well, I caught a glimpse of the coat o' arms, and it turns out it's a neighboring ruler, fresh in from his country. So I was wondering, what's this guy doin' here?

He leaned in, as if everyone in the room didn't already know. "I talked to a pal of mine, who works at the castle, and it turns out this guy came here to discuss the border problems with the Mayor. Considering how many folks have been crossing that border, I'm surprised he didn't come sooner. But you know how the Mayor is. He's gonna wanna get two birds with one stone, and we all know who's highest on his Wanted list right now."

Eric raised an eyebrow. "So you think he'll try to take us out, using this other king? How will this guy have any better chance at finding us than the Mayor has?"

Jack shook his head, "That place is older than this country itself, and has more rumors about it than even I know. I wouldn't bet on this guy failing. Too many rumors for some o' them not to be true." He scratched his head, looking at Robin directly. "If I were you, I'd try to get him doubting the Mayor. Best case scenario, he ends up on our side. Worst case scenario, he stays with the Mayor. It's worth a shot."

Before Jack could say anything else, Robin turned away, this time heading for the navy tent near the entrance. She knew Sebastian would be there, and she just needed to think.

Pulling aside the worn fabric, she walked inside their humble shelter. Sebastian was in the far corner, curled up with a book, and didn't look up when Robin approached. Moving slightly, he allowed her to put her head in his lap and she closed her eyes. She felt a hand reach down and twirl a lock of her hair, and she snuggled closer to him.

"I don't know what to do," she whispered.

"Who says you have to? You could let someone else do the saving for once." She heard him put the book down, and she grabbed his hand.

Squeezing it, she told him, "You know how I am. I can't just stand back and watch as others risk their lives for me."

"What about Tink? You could get caught every time you leave here. You and Wendy are all that little girl has, and we both know Wendy couldn't support her on her own." Sebastian sighed, his breath tickling Robin's hair.

Robin sat up, looking Sebastian dead in the eye."Every day I go out there, I don't do it because of Tink, I do it for her and Wendy. They are the only reason why I still put my life on the line."

Sebastian smiled. "I thought you'd say something like that," he told her. "I knew I'd never convince you. I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing."

Robin grinned back at him. "Excuse me, I always know what I'm doing!" She cried out in mock outrage. "I'll bet a whole copper that I've never once doubted myself on a mission."

His eyes twinkled. "And how exactly will you pay me? 'Cause I'm already thinking of a few moments where you totally felt unsure."

She pulled out the purse, waving it in his face. "How do you think? And if you're thinking about when I was a teenager that doesn't count!"

Sebastian scowled. "That's unfair. I was going to choose that one time where you slipped and fell into the water and you-"

"Stop! Stop!" She shrieked, clamping a hand over his mouth. "I thought we agreed not to mention that!"

"Fine," he relented when she removed her hand. "But, I think I recall another. Remember that time we raided our first tax collector's coach? When that huge mercenary guy came at you, you totally froze up. Eric had to save you."

Robin glared at him, reaching into the purse and handing him a silver. "There," she told him. "Keep the change. You've been giving too much to your brother recently. You should save up yourself."

He reluctantly pocketed the coin. Robin went to close up the purse when an idea hit her. "That's it! I know how we can do it!" She jumped up, pulling a startled Sebastian with her. "I've got it." She smiled at him, a dark, suspenseful flash of teeth.

Sebastian swallowed hard. He knew that look. She tightened her grip on his hand. "And you're going to help me."

***

"Are you sure you want to do this? There's a good chance it won't work, and the elders don't exactly approve." Wendy asked Robin, a worried look on her face.

Robin smiled and embraced her. "Of course I'm sure. Every time I leave I risk danger. This'll be no different, I'll come back to all the same. And I'll be successful." She leaned down to talk to Tink, who was currently holding Wendy's hand. "I'll be back soon, sweet, I promise."

The little girl looked up at her with wide eyes, before rushing forward to give her a big hug. Robin wrapped her arms around her, wondering briefly how anyone could abandon such a child. Then, knowing if she stayed any longer she'd never leave, she released Tink and turned to leave.

"Wait," Wendy called softly. "I want to give you something before you leave." The old woman reached a hand into her pocket and pulled out a necklace. Pressing it into Robin's palm, she urged her to accept it.

Robin studied it, something about the way the light bounced off it entrancing her. It was a beautiful silver pendant, worth several gold pieces at least. On the chain was a silver tree, studded with diamonds. It took her breath away.

"It was your mother's." Wendy told her. "At least, I would assume so. The clasp is slightly worn, so it's been worn. But she left it for you." She paused. "I know you don't want to take it, but it was meant for you. It was the only thing that was with you when I found you, all those years ago."

Robin's grip tightened on the necklace. "If you knew I wouldn't want it, why give it to me?"

The woman let out a breathy sigh. "To be honest, I have no clue. But sometimes you've got to listen to your gut feeling, and my gut was telling me loud and clear to give it to you." She gently rested her hand on Robin's fist. "Please, just take it. For my sake."

Robin relented. "Fine. But only if you put it on me." Wendy smiled, and took the necklace from her. Turning around, Robin let her put it on. When she felt the woman's hands drop from her neck to her shoulders, she spun around and gave her a big hug.

"What was that for?" She asked, eyes misting up.

Robin began to walk away, lifting a hand up in farewell. "I'll see you later. Take care of Tink for me." As she shut the fabric behind her, she heard the faint sound of Tink asking, "Grammy, where's Mommy going today?"

Wendy replied softly. "She's going to stop Grandaddy."