The Force of Destiny, Chapter 15
Original Post
Rating: PG
Pairings/characters: Sakina (OC), Atiya (OC), Carter, Djaq, Eve, Will, Thornton (of Locksley)
Word count: 2330
Spoilers: While this alters the end of S2, there are still minor spoilers for the whole run of the show, including S3.
Summary: Immigrants from the Holy Land bring huge news.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with TA, the BBC, or the production of the show, and intend no infringement through my tale.
previous chapter
-15-
Thornton was relieved that Sir Guy was not in residence when the Saracen woman and child came to Locksley Manor. He had been meeting with Master Robin lately, but Thornton remained unconvinced that it was not a trick of some sort. The two visitors did not attract as much suspicion as they once might have done, as the villagers were now accustomed to the outlaw Djaq, but they hardly passed unnoticed. The woman was clearly aware of the attention they received, but did not let it bother her, holding her chin up as she walked up the street.
The little girl, who could not have been more than three, was no more concerned by the people staring at them. however, instead of ignoring them, she stared back, her light blue eyes a startling contrast against her skin.
Word had already reached the big house by the time the woman knocked at the door. When Thornton opened it, she said in heavily-accented, yet flawless English, “I need to speak with Robin of Locksley.”
The butler blinked. “I am sorry, but he’s no longer in residence.”
Her collected manner disappeared, to be replaced with a hint of panic. “Do you know where I can find him?”
Glancing around to ensure they would not be overheard by any of Gisborne’s men, Thornton said, “Take the Great North Road toward Nottingham, and make some noise as you go. He or his gang will find you.”
The woman gave him a confused look, but nodded. “Very well. Thank you.”
“Thank you!” the little girl repeated, and rewarded him with a smile that stirred something in his memory. But before he could put his finger on just what that was, the two had turned and begun walking out of Locksley again.
* * * * *
At the site of the outlaws’ new camp, Carter grunted as he passed Will a large beam. The weight of it pulled at the scarred muscles in his belly, and he did his best to ignore the ache that shot through his abdomen and down his leg. He cursed the sound and the cause behind it; he should be fine by now. He had been injured before and still taken down a dozen men as his blood ran. Once, he had an arrow bury itself so deeply in the front of his leg that it nearly came out the back, had fought off one wave of enemies, pulled the arrow out, and fought off another group before even looking at the wound. But, one little dagger to the gut, and he was relegated to this; grunting against the pain as he lifted a hunk of wood.
Will caught his eye, wordlessly asking if he was all right, and Carter responded with a brusque nod. He appreciated the younger man’s tact, which was part of the reason he was so glad to help here instead of going off on missions with the majority of the gang. Much, especially, had a habit of asking how he was faring if they had to do something particularly physical. While he appreciated that the group all looked out for each other, and was pleased to be included, the frequent reminders of his brush with death were unwelcome.
And, he admitted to himself, that was the real reason he became so frustrated every time he felt that pain; it was a reminder that he had come so close to death, just as he had truly come to appreciate life again. It happened so quickly, he hardly realized what the sheriff had done. He was going to stop the little troll, and the next thing he knew, he was laying in a warm, sticky pool, paralyzed by shock.
“I think I have the main alarm working,” Djaq said, breaking into his reverie. She finished tying the metal plate in place on the mechanism that was much like the one at the old camp.
“Why don’t you and Eve go test it?” suggested Will, giving his wife a warm smile that sparked a note of loneliness within Carter.
Just as the women moved to go, the alarm clanged. Everyone started in surprise, then grabbed their weapons and took off at a run toward the North Road. Most of the gang was out on deliveries, but they were due back soon; hopefully, whoever was on the road would be easily dealt with.
The outlaws were still several yards off when a lovely song reached their ears. Carter recognized the tune as one he had heard in towns in the Holy Land, before realizing that the words were in their native tongue, not English. He exchanged a surprised glance with Djaq, who also knew it.
Quietly, the four of them crept toward the edge of the forest, keeping low so as not to be seen. However, when they spotted their quarry, the lack of need for such caution became evident.
A young woman was walking slowly down the road, matching her stride to the small girl holding her hand. As they made their way toward Nottingham, the woman sang, likely to pass the time.
Nodding to each other in silent agreement, the outlaws put away their weapons and went into the road, making noise as they did, so as not to frighten the travelers.
The woman appeared relieved to see them, which was not what they had expected. Before any of them could speak, she asked, “Which of you is Robin of Locksley?” Her eyes alighted initially on Djaq with surprise, before flitting between Carter and Will, settling expectantly on Carter.
Dumbfounded, it took them all a moment to respond. “Robin’s not here,” Carter replied carefully.
“What do you want with him?” Djaq suddenly shot out, in the same language the woman had been singing in. Carter suspected she was trying to catch the woman by surprise, but it did not work.
“It is a private matter,” came the even reply. Will raised an eyebrow to Djaq, who translated for him and Eve, her face reflecting her suspicion.
Eve, meanwhile, was watching the child, who was smiling shyly at her. Smiling back, she gently said, “I’m called Eve. What’s your name?”
The little girl hesitated, looking up at the woman questioningly. “This is Atiya,” the woman answered for her. “I am her mother's sister, Sakina.”
Carter leaned over to Will, murmuring so only he could hear, “Could we take them back to the old camp?”
Will considered this, and then nodded. "I'll wait for him at the new camp." To Sakina, he said, “Robin should be back soon. If you go with my friends, you can wait for him.”
For the first time, Sakina appeared uncertain; but, she agreed, and they set off into the forest. The going was slow because of Atiya’s small legs, but Sakina did not appear comfortable enough for anyone to suggest carrying her niece. So, they moved at an amble, which was unusual for people used to running through the woods.
“You have a very pretty name,” Eve told Atiya, walking near her.
“What are their names?” Atiya asked, pointing to the other outlaws.
“That is Carter, and Djaq.”
“'Djaq’?” Sakina repeated.
In a tone which brooked no arguments, Djaq said, “Yes. Djaq.”
After a beat, Sakina inquired, “Who was the other man with you?”
“Will. My husband,” Djaq added pointedly.
“Are you two married, as well?” Sakina asked Eve and Carter.
“You ask a lot of questions,” said Djaq.
Her friends tried not to look at her askance. Carter understood her suspicion, but did not share it; he was good at picking up on whether someone harbored ill intent, and was getting none of that from this woman.
“I am sorry--” Sakina started to apologize, but Carter shook his head and smiled at her.
“It’s all right. We are just used to being careful. But to answer your question, no, Eve and I are not married.”
He was rewarded with a grateful smile that transformed Sakina’s pretty face into a beautiful one. She said to Djaq, “I am sorry if I make you uncomfortable. That is not my intent.”
Djaq stopped walking, and they all followed suit. “I would not be uncomfortable if you would tell us what you want with Robin.”
“Djaq,” Eve admonished softly.
Sakina was either an excellent actress, or was very honest when she replied, “I must discuss it with him first. It is... delicate.”
Djaq seemed about to retort, when Eve said her name again, more sharply. Gaining her friend’s attention, Eve continued, “It is delicate. And also obvious.”
She glanced toward Atiya, causing her friends to do the same. The girl gazed back at them innocently, her lovely, pale eyes suddenly recognized by the two who had not yet realized their significance.
Carter’s eyebrows went up and Djaq’s jaw dropped. Sakina made a small sound of distress.
“It’s all right,” Eve reassured her. “We will not say a thing until you get to talk to him.”
But, it was too late to calm her down; after a tense couple of months spent on the journey there, uncertain as to what their reception would be when they arrived and without the means to return if they were sent away, Sakina found herself crying, on the edge of hysteria.
“Auntie?” Atiya asked, fear creeping into her small voice.
Sakina tried to say that she was all right, but was unable to speak.
Eve leaned down to Atiya. “It’s all right; your auntie is just very tired. Why do you not come with me, and we will see if we can find some pretty flowers to cheer her up?” She held out a hand for the little girl to take, which she did, glancing uncertainly back at her aunt as they moved off. Djaq took Sakina’s arm and guided her over to a fallen tree, which they both sat upon. Carter stood next to them, unsure of what to do.
After she had calmed down, Sakina said, “I am sorry. I know I should not be here, but I did not know what else to do. My sister never even told me his name until she was dying; before that, I knew only that he was a Crusader. When she caught ill, I insisted that she tell me so that I could answer Atiya, if she ever asked whom her father was. But then, things got difficult... I did not know if I could keep Atiya safe on my own. I sold everything and we left, and the whole time I was not even certain if what Nadira had been told was the truth, or if she had been lied to, as some of our friends were. But, I had to try... I had no other choice...” She seemed about to start sobbing again, but Carter finally spoke up.
“You were right to come here.” Both women looked at him in surprise. “Robin would want to know.”
“Yes, he would,” Djaq conceded.
With no small amount of relief, Sakina sighed. “I am glad to hear that.” She stood, moving to where she could see Eve and Atiya a short distance off. “Is his house nearby? I am afraid I have pushed Atiya too hard today; we have been stopping for rests, but the closer we came to Locksley, the more I wanted to arrive. Then, when we got there and were told to keep going... I am surprised she is in such good spirits. I do not wish to impose for myself, but I want her to be able to sleep in a bed soon.”
Djaq exchanged a glance with Carter. “With whom did you speak at Locksley?” she asked.
With a shake of her head to indicate that she did not know, Sakina answered, “An older man.”
“Probably Thornton; that is good. And what did he say to you?”
Hesitantly, Sakina recounted the short conversation. “Should he not have had us come this way?”
“No, it’s not that,” said Carter. “But I am afraid you have a mistaken impression of Robin’s living situation-- of all of our living situations.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’re outlaws. There is no house; we share a camp in the forest. It’s getting crowded at the moment-- not that we will not be able to find room for you; but do not expect anything grand.”
“It is grand, for a forest camp,” Djaq qualified, with a touch of pride on Will's behalf. Carter grinned at her.
“True enough.”
Worried now, Sakina cut in. “You are outlaws? You mean, criminals?” She darted a glance at her niece, weighing her chances at being able to retrieve the child and run, if necessary.
“Only because we have been forced into it,” Djaq reassured her. “The law is corrupt. Robin was outlawed for standing up for the people who are hurting, and the rest of us stand with him. We are criminals in that we steal from the wealthy, but it is for the benefit of the poor. ”
“That sounds... dangerous.”
As if amused by her comment, the scar on Carter's stomach twinged.
“It can be,” Djaq admitted. “But, we can see to it that you and Atiya are safe.”
Sakina finally nodded. “I am without options, so I have to trust that you are right.”
She called Atiya back over, and smilingly accepted the handful of blossoms which the girl clutched in a tiny fist.
“You are better now, Auntie?”
Kissing the top of her niece’s head, Sakina replied, “Yes, my love, I am better.”
Holding her arms up, Atiya pleaded, “Carry me?”
Reading the exhaustion on Sakina’s face, Carter started to offer to carry her, but Djaq cut him off. “Could I? I think I know the song your auntie was singing earlier.”
Everyone seemed surprised, but took the olive branch for what it was. By the time they reached the ravine, they were all chiming in, much to the child’s delight.
next chapter
*
Rating: PG
Pairings/characters: Sakina (OC), Atiya (OC), Carter, Djaq, Eve, Will, Thornton (of Locksley)
Word count: 2330
Spoilers: While this alters the end of S2, there are still minor spoilers for the whole run of the show, including S3.
Summary: Immigrants from the Holy Land bring huge news.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with TA, the BBC, or the production of the show, and intend no infringement through my tale.
previous chapter
-15-
Thornton was relieved that Sir Guy was not in residence when the Saracen woman and child came to Locksley Manor. He had been meeting with Master Robin lately, but Thornton remained unconvinced that it was not a trick of some sort. The two visitors did not attract as much suspicion as they once might have done, as the villagers were now accustomed to the outlaw Djaq, but they hardly passed unnoticed. The woman was clearly aware of the attention they received, but did not let it bother her, holding her chin up as she walked up the street.
The little girl, who could not have been more than three, was no more concerned by the people staring at them. however, instead of ignoring them, she stared back, her light blue eyes a startling contrast against her skin.
Word had already reached the big house by the time the woman knocked at the door. When Thornton opened it, she said in heavily-accented, yet flawless English, “I need to speak with Robin of Locksley.”
The butler blinked. “I am sorry, but he’s no longer in residence.”
Her collected manner disappeared, to be replaced with a hint of panic. “Do you know where I can find him?”
Glancing around to ensure they would not be overheard by any of Gisborne’s men, Thornton said, “Take the Great North Road toward Nottingham, and make some noise as you go. He or his gang will find you.”
The woman gave him a confused look, but nodded. “Very well. Thank you.”
“Thank you!” the little girl repeated, and rewarded him with a smile that stirred something in his memory. But before he could put his finger on just what that was, the two had turned and begun walking out of Locksley again.
* * * * *
At the site of the outlaws’ new camp, Carter grunted as he passed Will a large beam. The weight of it pulled at the scarred muscles in his belly, and he did his best to ignore the ache that shot through his abdomen and down his leg. He cursed the sound and the cause behind it; he should be fine by now. He had been injured before and still taken down a dozen men as his blood ran. Once, he had an arrow bury itself so deeply in the front of his leg that it nearly came out the back, had fought off one wave of enemies, pulled the arrow out, and fought off another group before even looking at the wound. But, one little dagger to the gut, and he was relegated to this; grunting against the pain as he lifted a hunk of wood.
Will caught his eye, wordlessly asking if he was all right, and Carter responded with a brusque nod. He appreciated the younger man’s tact, which was part of the reason he was so glad to help here instead of going off on missions with the majority of the gang. Much, especially, had a habit of asking how he was faring if they had to do something particularly physical. While he appreciated that the group all looked out for each other, and was pleased to be included, the frequent reminders of his brush with death were unwelcome.
And, he admitted to himself, that was the real reason he became so frustrated every time he felt that pain; it was a reminder that he had come so close to death, just as he had truly come to appreciate life again. It happened so quickly, he hardly realized what the sheriff had done. He was going to stop the little troll, and the next thing he knew, he was laying in a warm, sticky pool, paralyzed by shock.
“I think I have the main alarm working,” Djaq said, breaking into his reverie. She finished tying the metal plate in place on the mechanism that was much like the one at the old camp.
“Why don’t you and Eve go test it?” suggested Will, giving his wife a warm smile that sparked a note of loneliness within Carter.
Just as the women moved to go, the alarm clanged. Everyone started in surprise, then grabbed their weapons and took off at a run toward the North Road. Most of the gang was out on deliveries, but they were due back soon; hopefully, whoever was on the road would be easily dealt with.
The outlaws were still several yards off when a lovely song reached their ears. Carter recognized the tune as one he had heard in towns in the Holy Land, before realizing that the words were in their native tongue, not English. He exchanged a surprised glance with Djaq, who also knew it.
Quietly, the four of them crept toward the edge of the forest, keeping low so as not to be seen. However, when they spotted their quarry, the lack of need for such caution became evident.
A young woman was walking slowly down the road, matching her stride to the small girl holding her hand. As they made their way toward Nottingham, the woman sang, likely to pass the time.
Nodding to each other in silent agreement, the outlaws put away their weapons and went into the road, making noise as they did, so as not to frighten the travelers.
The woman appeared relieved to see them, which was not what they had expected. Before any of them could speak, she asked, “Which of you is Robin of Locksley?” Her eyes alighted initially on Djaq with surprise, before flitting between Carter and Will, settling expectantly on Carter.
Dumbfounded, it took them all a moment to respond. “Robin’s not here,” Carter replied carefully.
“What do you want with him?” Djaq suddenly shot out, in the same language the woman had been singing in. Carter suspected she was trying to catch the woman by surprise, but it did not work.
“It is a private matter,” came the even reply. Will raised an eyebrow to Djaq, who translated for him and Eve, her face reflecting her suspicion.
Eve, meanwhile, was watching the child, who was smiling shyly at her. Smiling back, she gently said, “I’m called Eve. What’s your name?”
The little girl hesitated, looking up at the woman questioningly. “This is Atiya,” the woman answered for her. “I am her mother's sister, Sakina.”
Carter leaned over to Will, murmuring so only he could hear, “Could we take them back to the old camp?”
Will considered this, and then nodded. "I'll wait for him at the new camp." To Sakina, he said, “Robin should be back soon. If you go with my friends, you can wait for him.”
For the first time, Sakina appeared uncertain; but, she agreed, and they set off into the forest. The going was slow because of Atiya’s small legs, but Sakina did not appear comfortable enough for anyone to suggest carrying her niece. So, they moved at an amble, which was unusual for people used to running through the woods.
“You have a very pretty name,” Eve told Atiya, walking near her.
“What are their names?” Atiya asked, pointing to the other outlaws.
“That is Carter, and Djaq.”
“'Djaq’?” Sakina repeated.
In a tone which brooked no arguments, Djaq said, “Yes. Djaq.”
After a beat, Sakina inquired, “Who was the other man with you?”
“Will. My husband,” Djaq added pointedly.
“Are you two married, as well?” Sakina asked Eve and Carter.
“You ask a lot of questions,” said Djaq.
Her friends tried not to look at her askance. Carter understood her suspicion, but did not share it; he was good at picking up on whether someone harbored ill intent, and was getting none of that from this woman.
“I am sorry--” Sakina started to apologize, but Carter shook his head and smiled at her.
“It’s all right. We are just used to being careful. But to answer your question, no, Eve and I are not married.”
He was rewarded with a grateful smile that transformed Sakina’s pretty face into a beautiful one. She said to Djaq, “I am sorry if I make you uncomfortable. That is not my intent.”
Djaq stopped walking, and they all followed suit. “I would not be uncomfortable if you would tell us what you want with Robin.”
“Djaq,” Eve admonished softly.
Sakina was either an excellent actress, or was very honest when she replied, “I must discuss it with him first. It is... delicate.”
Djaq seemed about to retort, when Eve said her name again, more sharply. Gaining her friend’s attention, Eve continued, “It is delicate. And also obvious.”
She glanced toward Atiya, causing her friends to do the same. The girl gazed back at them innocently, her lovely, pale eyes suddenly recognized by the two who had not yet realized their significance.
Carter’s eyebrows went up and Djaq’s jaw dropped. Sakina made a small sound of distress.
“It’s all right,” Eve reassured her. “We will not say a thing until you get to talk to him.”
But, it was too late to calm her down; after a tense couple of months spent on the journey there, uncertain as to what their reception would be when they arrived and without the means to return if they were sent away, Sakina found herself crying, on the edge of hysteria.
“Auntie?” Atiya asked, fear creeping into her small voice.
Sakina tried to say that she was all right, but was unable to speak.
Eve leaned down to Atiya. “It’s all right; your auntie is just very tired. Why do you not come with me, and we will see if we can find some pretty flowers to cheer her up?” She held out a hand for the little girl to take, which she did, glancing uncertainly back at her aunt as they moved off. Djaq took Sakina’s arm and guided her over to a fallen tree, which they both sat upon. Carter stood next to them, unsure of what to do.
After she had calmed down, Sakina said, “I am sorry. I know I should not be here, but I did not know what else to do. My sister never even told me his name until she was dying; before that, I knew only that he was a Crusader. When she caught ill, I insisted that she tell me so that I could answer Atiya, if she ever asked whom her father was. But then, things got difficult... I did not know if I could keep Atiya safe on my own. I sold everything and we left, and the whole time I was not even certain if what Nadira had been told was the truth, or if she had been lied to, as some of our friends were. But, I had to try... I had no other choice...” She seemed about to start sobbing again, but Carter finally spoke up.
“You were right to come here.” Both women looked at him in surprise. “Robin would want to know.”
“Yes, he would,” Djaq conceded.
With no small amount of relief, Sakina sighed. “I am glad to hear that.” She stood, moving to where she could see Eve and Atiya a short distance off. “Is his house nearby? I am afraid I have pushed Atiya too hard today; we have been stopping for rests, but the closer we came to Locksley, the more I wanted to arrive. Then, when we got there and were told to keep going... I am surprised she is in such good spirits. I do not wish to impose for myself, but I want her to be able to sleep in a bed soon.”
Djaq exchanged a glance with Carter. “With whom did you speak at Locksley?” she asked.
With a shake of her head to indicate that she did not know, Sakina answered, “An older man.”
“Probably Thornton; that is good. And what did he say to you?”
Hesitantly, Sakina recounted the short conversation. “Should he not have had us come this way?”
“No, it’s not that,” said Carter. “But I am afraid you have a mistaken impression of Robin’s living situation-- of all of our living situations.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’re outlaws. There is no house; we share a camp in the forest. It’s getting crowded at the moment-- not that we will not be able to find room for you; but do not expect anything grand.”
“It is grand, for a forest camp,” Djaq qualified, with a touch of pride on Will's behalf. Carter grinned at her.
“True enough.”
Worried now, Sakina cut in. “You are outlaws? You mean, criminals?” She darted a glance at her niece, weighing her chances at being able to retrieve the child and run, if necessary.
“Only because we have been forced into it,” Djaq reassured her. “The law is corrupt. Robin was outlawed for standing up for the people who are hurting, and the rest of us stand with him. We are criminals in that we steal from the wealthy, but it is for the benefit of the poor. ”
“That sounds... dangerous.”
As if amused by her comment, the scar on Carter's stomach twinged.
“It can be,” Djaq admitted. “But, we can see to it that you and Atiya are safe.”
Sakina finally nodded. “I am without options, so I have to trust that you are right.”
She called Atiya back over, and smilingly accepted the handful of blossoms which the girl clutched in a tiny fist.
“You are better now, Auntie?”
Kissing the top of her niece’s head, Sakina replied, “Yes, my love, I am better.”
Holding her arms up, Atiya pleaded, “Carry me?”
Reading the exhaustion on Sakina’s face, Carter started to offer to carry her, but Djaq cut him off. “Could I? I think I know the song your auntie was singing earlier.”
Everyone seemed surprised, but took the olive branch for what it was. By the time they reached the ravine, they were all chiming in, much to the child’s delight.
next chapter
*