Lord of the Forest by Kay Berrisford

Author:Kay Berrisford
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Romance, fantasy, Historical, Gay
Publisher: Kay Berrisford
Published: 2020-03-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Robin stood firm and squared his shoulders. Though Herne's weatherworn brow crumpled, Robin discerned no mortal threat from the legendary woodsman…at least not yet.

When Herne looked at Cal, hatred flashed, and Robin felt him tremble. Herne had no doubt heard the worst of Cal from the fairies that swarmed around them. No matter. Robin wouldn't surrender Cal to them.

"Good day to you, huntsman." His voice betrayed only a slight tremor.

Herne inclined his head. "Is this man your hostage?"

No wavering now. "He is my friend."

The huntsman bared his teeth, then looked down at the Elfaene. She'd slipped to Herne's side without Robin's notice. The crown of her head didn't reach his stallion's flank. "Robin Hood protects the enemy," muttered Herne. "We cannot trust him."

"Patience," she replied and sighed up at Robin as if he were a child unable to perform the most basic task. "Stop playing the jester, outlaw. You have been trying to escape the Greenwood for over a day, and my prayers for you have gone unanswered. Is it not obvious that the forest refuses to set you free till you give the traitor up?"

"We have been waylaid, that's all," said Robin. "Let us be, and we'll find the paths we seek."

"Oh, in the name of the Goddess, look!" She slapped Herne the Hunter's massive thigh, inciting a grunt from the great man. "Is not this fine specimen a worthier partner for Robin Hood? We sought you because we have a new plan for fighting the barons—a better plan that you will like. Let Herne take the boy off your hands."

"You can't pass me over to him." Cal tugged Robin around.

"I'd never do that." Robin dropped his tone to a whisper, though he suspected the fairies gleaned every word. "But I think we should parley."

"Oh. I see." Cal curled his lip. "You've tasted my sweetmeats, and now I'm to be discarded. How noble, fair outlaw."

Cal's unfounded attack made dropping his hand easier. "I won't let them take you," said Robin. "But if the Elfaene is offering a new scheme to fight this charter, I must reconsider her alliance."

Herne alighted from his stallion, landing with a dull thud that shook the ground. The Elfaene gripped Robin's tunic and steered him toward the huntsman. Herne smoothed down his leather surcoat, drawing Robin's attention to the silver-rimmed hunting horn that hung from a chain at his side, which Herne used to summon his army of the undead.

The sight disgusted him. He'd rather die than join forces with anything as vile as the Wild Hunt.

"Herne has a scheme," announced the Elfaene, lifting her dainty arms. "He will only lead his band of wrath as a last resort. You and he will first draw up a charter of your own and give the barons an ultimatum. You will demand the freedom of the forests be returned to the common people. If they fail to please us, Herne will blow his horn and unleash the Wild Hunt, and you, Robin Hood, will thieve all that's left of the barons' wealth with your army of outlaws.

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