“The people see us as the champions, and they’re coming to help. Something big has started here. But you know what happens if Wendenal hangs Will and Elena? He takes it all back. He re-establishes himself as the power, and nobody wants to join us anymore for fear of swinging on a rope. But think, just think, about how far the story will spread, how much good we’ll be able to accomplish, if we get away with it. The people would think we’re invincible. And with them on our side, we very well may be.”

“There’s so much we don’t know,” Tuck spoke. “None of us know that castle.”

“I know the castle,” Marion said instantly, surprising even herself. “Well enough, that is.”

“But we have no idea where Will and Elena will be.”

“That’s not true, Friar.” Another of Robin’s winning smiles. “We know precisely where they’ll be during the funeral.” A murmur swelled, a secret rally, and it grew. “Any of you interested in paying the late Sheriff de Lacy some final respects?”

They cheered.

Out of the most solemn and dour days Marion had seen, there was suddenly a purpose, and a drive, a bond had bridged these men who an hour ago had been gathering their things to dissolve and disappear. Robin had done more for their sense of hope in the last ten minutes than Marion had ever done.

And for it, she was thankful.

All she said was his name, and Robin left his place without hesitation to wrap his arms around her. It would have been a precious moment if the boys hadn’t hooted and whistled at them, leading her to swat her cloak at their childishness. They were all little brothers for her reproach.

“Come on, boys!” John rallied them. “There’s an awful lot for us to do … just over there. Any number of important … you know. Things.”

He winked at Marion and the stream of men flowed past. Alan pounded something importantly onto Robin’s chest, something dark. Marion recognized it as the archer’s cowl Robin had torn from his head when he’d left them. The two men exchanged a quiet moment, then Alan joined the others.

Once the rumble of men passed, Marion spoke quietly through her smile. “I knew you’d come back.”

He scrutinized her face, and shook his head. “No you didn’t.”

She had to laugh. “You’re right. I thought you were gone forever this time. I’m glad to be wrong. Turns out you may be more like your father than you think.”

Their heads flirted closer to each other. She enjoyed the familiarity of his arms, of his face. More importantly, the drive behind his eyes, and how he seemed to flourish with purpose. It was like seeing the man he’d always meant to be, before he’d run away from the world.