Deception

Chapter 99

- Chapter 99 -

"Leave the door! Everyone is to follow me! Robin's orders! With me! To the cellars! Those who can walk help those who can't." Guy shouted gaining everyone attention and he lifted up a small boy and began leading them through the tunnel in the direction of the cellar. Robin hovered near Tuck and leant against a barrel looking weary, the poison was beginning to take effect.

"Are we ready?" He asks agitated.

"Yeah, we're done, we're done. Archer?" Tuck questions as we both shake our heads. I see Robin wince as I rush to his side, but he brushes me off. I think he wants to still be strong for the gang and men, but I don't know how much longer he will be able to pull it off.

"Get these people out!" Robin shouts but it seems that took a lot of his energy as I watched him force himself to stay upright.

"Let me help you, please" I whisper into his ear as he nods taking my arm and using me as a walking stick as we guided everyone into the cellar. Keeping quiet we watch through a grate as the Sheriff's men passed by ahead of us. After waiting to make sure that the last man had gone Guy tries to pull on the grate but it doesn't budge.

"Try it again. Come on." Robin whispers as John impatiently crawls forward through the peasants.

"Out of the way!" He grumbles causing an echo as we all shush him. We waited a minute to make sure no one was coming before I watched John spit on a hand, then rubs them together and grips the grate with both hands.

"Come on, John." Much encouraged as he continued to pull.

"Come on, John. Come on, John." I whisper as he began to puff out air from his mouth pulling harder. He groans loudly before the gate breaks free yelling with excitement only for us to shush him again. Smiling I pat him on the back as Robin and I crawl through after. Guy led the group at the front and Robin and I stayed at the back to ensure everyone got through. When Kate came through she noticed that Robin was leaning heavily on me at this point and frowned.

"You're hurt." She tries to see where as he merely smiles and pushes her forward.

"Just go on to the other side. I'll see you there. Go on." He encourages, she glances back at him but continues to go as I look at him with a knowing look.

"She mustn't know. All right?" He told me causing me to sigh only to have Tuck stop us.

"Know what? What's happened?" He asked as Robin began to pant a little bit harder.

"There's something you need to know." I whisper as he gazes at me for an answer. I began to whisper what had transpired earlier in the tunnels with Tuck as we quickly made our way out. One by one the peasants were helped out, before Robin and I were the last ones. Robin bent over on his hands and knees panting heavily as I grew more and more anxious of what was about to come.

"John... get them all to the forest. Tuck, you set everything up?" Robin questions as he nodded in response.

"Esme... you come with me. Come on." He encouraged as he grabbed a bow and arrow and ran off into the forest. I don't know how he was able to find the strength to do it but I followed after him quickly. We positioned ourselves just outside Nottingham as I helped light the tip of Robin's arrow. He winced pulling back the bowstring and I was worried he wouldn't be able to shoot it. Taking in a deep breath he let the arrow fly as we ducked back into the forest for protection.

BANG! A series of explosions rock the castle as Robin and I turn to watch the mass destruction. Suddenly the castle collapses in a cloud of dust and smoke as I watch in horror and relief. Man made this weapon and it will only bring death with it. Glancing back at Robin I saw lightness overcome him. As though he had just been relieved of the heaviest weight in the world. He smiled wobbling as he walked allowing the grass stalks to brush against his hand. Turning back I urge him forward trying to make sure I can get him back to say goodbye to the others.

"I'd forgotten how beautiful sunsets here can be. Sherwood. This is home." Robin sighs behind me as I struggle to blink back the tears in my eyes. Grabbing hold of his arm I pull him back into the trees where we find the gang waiting, looking just as solemn as I feel.

"Is it true?" Much asks with tears flowing down his face as Robin embraces him.

"The final battle."

"No." John whispers shaking his head.

"No, this can't happen. There's... there's a cure."

"Much...... so many times." Robin smiles as I watch Much tremble. Struggling to keep my own composure Guy quickly gathers me in his arms as I bury my head in his chest.

"This isn't fair." John complains.

"Oh, come on, John! Today is a good day to die!" We all try and laugh as John and Robin share a firm hug before Robin turns to Guy and I. He smiles taking a step towards us only to groan and stumble. Guy was quick to catch him and help him back to his feet.

"And you... you make sure this doesn't finish here. Because this... this is where you belong. You take care of her..... you understand." He encourages towards Guy who looked down at Robin grimly.

"I promise" He whispered.

"These men are your brothers now. Our work isn't finished yet, Tuck. You found me again, and you saved me. Kate... Brave Kate. I'm sorry I have to leave you. All of you. Esme. You lead them; lead them until Richard is home." Robin finished as I gathered him in my arms for one final embrace.

"I promise" I croak as he starts to make his way back to the woods only to pause and look back at me.

"Please" Robin begged towards me holding out his hand. I felt Guy gently push me towards him as I grab Robin's arm and place it over my shoulder leading him deeper into Sherwood. His home. He groaned placing a hand on his stomach as we disappeared away from the others. Walking silently and holding Robin deeper into the forest, his kneels crumble beneath him taking me with him. He was too heavy for me to carry any further as the tears kept streaming down my face. Laying him down I placed his head in my lap, as his gaze seemed to be unfocused. His breathing was becoming heavy and his eyes were starting to droop.

"Esme." He whispers as I smile sadly through my tears down at my brother.

"I am here Robin." My voice cracking seeing him this way.

"Promise you'll fight for me, till Richard comes home." We both smile as he goes to laugh only to cough.

"I promise my brother. It's time for you to rest, for the greatest adventure is yet to come." I vow struggling to remain strong as his breathing starts to slow down.

"I love you Esme."

"I love you Robin. Now and forever." I gave him a soft kiss on his forehead as he lets out his last breath. His head slumps to his chest. The birds continue singing to the setting sun, oblivious that the legendary Robin Hood has died in their midst. Knowing that he's gone I don't hold back as I let out a wail out in agony. Rocking back and forth I can't help but play with his hair, he looks so peaceful. I can't believe he is actually gone. My sobs echoed in the silent forest as I saw the gang come over towards me with a stretcher they had prepared.

Much, Little John, Tuck and Guy carry Robin's body on a stretcher while Kate and I trails solemnly behind. White lilies clasped in Robin's hands over his chest dance with every step. The men take a break and put the stretcher down. A devastated Much looks down at Robin's body. Tuck walks away a step.

"I never thought... it would end like this." Much sobs.

"It does not end, Much. Robin Hood goes on. Our work here is far from finished." Tuck spoke as Much looked up at him with grief.

"Our leader and our friend is dead. No, we can't go on."

"Would you let his legacy die along with him? He wouldn't want us to give up." I finally speak as they all look to me before gazing down at Robin. I felt Guy stand behind me placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"As long as Prince John and his allies bring misery and suffering to the people of England, we will fight it." I encourage.

"We are Robin Hood." John agrees as I smile slightly in his direction. One by one the others all stood up in agreement as we cheered Robin's name before we grabbed his stretcher and buried a fallen hero.