CARTER SPENDS THE NIGHT (CARTER)

[Roe]

Roe had not been so drunk as Carter so he was basically able to gather up a few odds and ends for breakfast .... some porridge and carter's choice of beverage, when he decided to wake up. Roe wondered how well Carter knew Robin or if he knew him at all. Roe reasoned that Carter's questions had not just been a fishing expedition.

"Hey Carter, how's the head? If you're feeling up to it you might get the little I hasve for breakfast while its hot. And no smart comments about the cooking ... beggars can't be choosy yu know, eh ... and I just might use one of those swords above your head on you .... like I almost did Sir Guy yesterday morning," he laughed.

[Carter]

Carter shuffled towards Roe, holding his head with a pained expression on his face. The breakfast smelled inticing, even if it didn't look it. He sat himself down on a chair opposite Roe and grinned. "It kills!" he said, continuing to massage his head. He spooned some porriage into his mouth and felt the warm substance trickle down his throat. It was unlike Carter to not make a smart comment. "I'll try and restrain myself," he said with a grin.

At the mention of the swords, Carter looked up and saw them. He nodded in approval. "Nice." he said simply, taking in the assortment of weaponary that were hung beside them. He took another spoonful of the porriage and raised his eyebrows at Roes next comment. "You did what to Sir Guy?" he said, his eyes sparkling. Sir Guy was not someone easily forgotten, and he remembered him all too well.

[Roe]

Yes .... he had figured that it was bothering him some. Although he thought that it unlikely that Carter was inexperienced at drinking, the way the tankards were arrayed around him at the Inn. "I'm afraid I feel quite responsible for your condition. I thought that if you were feeling quite well you might become more talkative. You did, but you didn't reveal anything other than that you had more questions for me than I had real answers. Sometimes I becaome talkative without really saying much. You appear to operate in the reverse .... not saying much at all. I'm sorry for even having those inclinations with you. Being a Templar I should have realized that you were a pretty straight arrow."

"Oh, Sir Guy. He camde collecting tax money personally for the Sheriff .... 10 crowns a month .... which I paid. He just thought I should do it with more respect and expected that I should back down to him .... I back down to no man .... or weasel. I did my best not to confront him, since the people of Locksley would be the ones to suffer. But I expect he'll be back, eh?"

[Carter]

Carter raised his eyebrows at Roe's confession. So he was trying to get information out of him. It explained a lot. "What in particular did you want to know about me then?" said Carter, leaning back slightly in his chair and fixing Roe with a patronising smile. It was true that Carter wasn't the most talkative of men, in the best of times. He only really needed to say what needed to be said. Unlike Roe, who seemed to add a lot of extra stuff inbetween. Carter was sneeky. He never showed his true emotions on his exterior, and could often be extremely intimidating. But on the other hand, if he warmed to someone, Carter could put someone completely at ease. It just goes to show what an effect a man could have on someone, even before he opened his mouth.

Carter smirked as he listened to Roe's story about Guy. "Yup. Guy's a nasty one. I look forward to meeting him again." It was almost inevitable that he would, they would probably bump into each other sooner or later - it was just Carters job to make sure that meeting was way into the future. Running into the Sheriff or Guy was the last thing he needed. "You don't think he'll be coming around here any time soon do you?"

[Roe]

So Carter was asking what he wanted to know about him. Roe had realized for some time that there was a difference between what Carter could tell you and what he would tell you. "I don't expect you tell me anything really important, Carter, not on purpose anyway. The fact of the matter is that you are as a close-mouthed as clam, when you want to be, which I imagine is most of the time. Despite your great ability to conceal it was obvious, though, that when the name Robin is mentioned your ears perk up right away."

"So its obvious that you are looking for him, either to kill him, or as a friend. I hope you are a friend .... I'd hate to have to try and kill you .... it would be a close-run thing I think. I'm assuming, for arguments sake that Robin of Locksley and Robin Hood are one in the same. I was once a ward of that house, and as such swore an oath to defend them. It is true that I have been gone for 15 years, and though I taught him a bit of bow once, I have had no connection or contact with him in that time. Even as he was becoming a teenager, I was apprenticing in this house, which belonged to Dan Scarlett, the best carpenter in these parts. It was to be my trade, since my nobility was unrecognized. So .... what be you Carter ...... friend or foe?"

Roe nodded his head at Carter in affirmation. "Yes, I'll just bet that you would take him well. Such as he are always overconfident because the common folk cower in their presence. They can not tolerate those who don't bend their knee in their presence. That's why he felt he had to deal with me, plus the facts that my comments nor expression were very respectful either," he laughed.

"I'm afraid I reached the point and age long ago where I will put up with too much game-laying before I pull at my swords. All I came here for really is to come home and get away from the Crusades and turn my hand back to carpentry, and then you come along. It is gratifying, though, to hear that Robin has apparently turned out so well, unlike some of the rest of us," he smiled. "I don't know .... I think Guy can be pretty unpredictable .... let's hope not ..... I guess if does we might have to kill him this time, eh, and run off to the Forest with Robin," he chuckled ever so darkly.

[Carter]

Carter raised an eyebrow at Roe's change of attitude. He couldn't help but smile to himself at Roe's words. He'd have to try and kill him? Not only did Carter have the advantage of being slightly younger than Roe, but he also had shown that he could defeat even Robin Hood in combat. What did this man have over him? But Carter had grown to like Roe, and wouldn't have liked having to fight with him. He was just going to have to come out with it. "Relax." he said with a casual smile, "there's no need to try and kill me today." he shifted slightly in his chair. "You're right - I am seeking out Robin Hood, but I'm one of the good guys. I have a message to him from the King." Carter suddenly became a lot more serious. "So you don't know where I could find him?"

[Roe]

Roe sensed that they were both coming to a point of decision. While it was true that it was Roe forcing it to a head, he felt that it was necessary that they both come clean with one another if they could. At least Roe felt that it was necessary for him to. It all depended on the amount of trust that Carter had in him after just a few hours. It was not the safest or easiest course that he had ever taken. He was a little older than Carter, but had several more years of battle experience he reckoned. All-in-all he thought them to be evenly matched. However, he was betting and hoping taht Carter had become more a friend than an adversary. He knew that he would soon find out.

Roe tensed his body up, getting it ready to move quickly. However, he soon saw that both Carter's body language and words were not all that threatening. In fact, Carter seemed to be enjoying himself at the Scarlett's old table. "I'm glad of that," he responded. "I just cleaned the kitchen yesterday I hate to have it a mess so soon again," he said quite sarcastically. So, he was seeking Robin, but for what purpose he wondered. "And just who are the rest of these good guys?," and then he heard the name of the king uttered.

"Look Carter, I know that Robin fought in the King's service and you are still in the King's service, apparently. When I left here 15 years ago I was basically a dispossessed nobleman without a country. I had and have no great feeling one way or the other for the Lionheart. He made no special effort to gather any of veterans up. Though I do not have any great allegiance to Richard .... I do to this land and to its people. That's one thing we tried to impress on Robin as a lad and I suppose it stuck, eh. Do I know exactly where he is .... no .... as I said I have never laid eyes on him. However, from what I have heard from folks about I have a good general idea of the area in the Forest he frequents. But you must know him .... I expect that he would find you before you find him .... that would be his nature."

"It has surprised me how well I still know Sherwood. If you wish I could accompany you on your quest. It wouldn't be a bad thing to have some more blades at your side, would it? You would be in charge of our group of two, but I would ask you a favor. When we run across Robin don't identify myself for him. If he recognizes me it is fine ... if not its the way its supposed to be. There's no need to dredge up old memories and old questions unnecessarily, and nobodyy will probably recognize me anyway. So .... is that agreeable with you? If not, now, and you want to go alone .... that's fine too."

[Carter]

Carter beamed at Roe's suggestion. He certainly had no objections. He had learnt to trust this man - he felt like he had known him for a lot longer than he actually had. Of course, he would have to pay if this man turned out to be on the side of the Sheriff, but he seriously doubted that was the case. But before he said anything more, he decided to tell Roe the whole story. "Alright. Here goes..." he whispered to himself.

"I guess I'd have start at my brothers death. He was killed in the Holy land. I was told that Robin Hood had been the murderer, so I, foolishly, sought out to kill him. I made an arrangement with the Sheriff, and then we set up a trap for him. Some of the Sheriffs men made trouble in this village, Locksley, and then I sent them on their way, with a bit of skill with the sword and arrow, to convince Robin I was on his side. And then, when I was in his circle of trust, I turned against him. But I obviously misjudged the skills of Robins Gang, and ended up being tied up by a tree in their secret Camp. But well, you can't tie me down with a simple piece of rope." Carter grinned. "So I escaped, and eventually had my sword to Robins throat. But that was when he told me the real story. My brother had been a coward, and had died because of his own fault. Robin had tried to save him." Carter's eyes dampened. "He died, crying in Robin's arms. But he wasn't crying. He was laughing on the other side of his face..." Carter trailed off and there was silence for a few moments.

"Well anyway, Robin and I tricked the Sheriff, using a potion one that his gang members had concucted to make him look dead. We did what we had to do, and it all turned out alright in the end. I then went to the Holyland, and fought for a period of time for King Richard. And in the Holy land was when I had my second adventure with Robin."

Carter looked back up at Roe, making sure he was still paying attention. there was no way he was going to repeat his story again.

"They were on a mission. Firstly to save Robin's wife...or whatever...Marian. But they also wanted to turn in the Sheriff to the King excetera." Carter had talked a lot more than what he was used to, so tried to cut things down a bit. "I helped them out. They saved the girl, but the Sheriff escaped unscratched. Which sucks." Carter stared into the distance.

"And now...I need to find him again. King Richard sent me to help settle things down a bit here. And I knew the place to go in order for that to happen is, in Robin Hood's direction. And if you want to accompany me on my search, you are most welcome." Carter ended his story with a large grin, and then rocked his chair back and rested his feet on the table.

[Roe]

Roe still know he could honestly read this Templar or not .... he seemed to be quite adept in hiding his true thoughts and emotions. However, the look on his face and that big grin seemed to indicate that he was happy with the suggestion that Roe had made. Then he saw that Carter was settling back to tell him something. Was it possible that he might settle down and really tell him everything that was going on. Roe certainly hoped so, but was unsure whether to count on it coming from this man. However, he had to admit, it was an easy enough thing to have trust in Carter, for some reason.

Certainly it seemed that when Carter went into an explanation he didn't feel like holding much back, and at least in this case, he didn't. He provided a lot of detail and he started out from the beginning, which of course, is always best. Roe never had had a brother, but the many boys he had had contact with at the Huntington's and Scarlett's had been like brothers to him, and he could well understand how Carter would have felt, And understood how it was easy to blame Robin.

"Oh no, not the Sheriff! You certainly didn't take many chances, did you Carter. I don't doubt that you had more than sufficient skill to show off, as well, didn't you." Roe didn't speak anymore as he concentrated on the story that Carter was telling. His story told him many things about both Robin and Carter. Carter was loyal, first to his brother and his memory, as well as to the King and Robin. Robin, apparently, was not only an able leader of men, but one who could persuade and understand. That understanding ..... Roe wondered .... had he gotten it as he had watching all of the blood being spilled in the Holy Land?

He knew that understanding of how Carter felt had changed Carter from vengeance to friendship. Upon hearing the trickery that was perpetrated on the Sheriff, Roe just chuckled and shook his head. Robin, it was obvious, also liked to take risks and tweak his adversary on the chin. Then he told him of a dual mission to the Holy Land .... to save both .... Marian .... his wife? And the king. He shook his head negatively when he learned that the Sheriff had escaped. "But you all came out it safe and sound, didn't you .... that's what 's important." Finally, Roe heard the invitation he had been waiting to hear, and he saw that Carter was finished with his story now that he had settled back in his chair with that big grin on his face.

"Fine and good, we might as well not waste the day around her on such a fine weather day as this. If they are in the area I think they are, we can get there by mid-afternoon. I expect they will be located somewhere where they can have a lookout posted that can see 'visitors' coming from a ways off. That limits the possible campsites down a mite." Roe stood up and through off his cloak and put on his old crusader knight's robes, through the 2 swords in their scabbards across his back, a small hatchet on his side, and tied on the belt with several knives, and then through his cloak on again.

"I believe in going prepared .... for anything ..... I would hate to be caught unprepared by Sir Guy. Besides, I feel absolutely naked going out in the open and not being armed. Just to let you know Carter, I can sword-fight with either hand, and preferably with both, at the same time, a skill I have no doubt that you've acquired too," and Roe threw a quiver of arrows over his shoulder along with a re-curved bow. "Just reach up into that cabinet and you'll find some dry bisquets to sustain us on our journey, as well as a couple of flasks to wash it down with. So .... do you want to go or is there some reason that we should stay here a while longer?"

[Carter]

Carter grinned. His head wasn't hurting as much now, and he felt more than ready to set on his way. Roe seemed to be fascinated by his story. He was glad of that, as if he wouldn't have found it interesting Carter would have wasted a lot of his breath. He wolfed down his last bit of porriage and withdrew his chair with a loud scraping sound. He jumped up. "Alright then, what are we waiting for?"

Roe seemed like a very knowledgable and clever man. Why didn't I think of that? thought Carter, as Roe mentioned the lookout. As Roe strapped on his assortment of weapons Carter raised an eyebrow. "You certainly do believe in being prepared." he said, looking down at the single sword that was against his hip and making sure that his casket of quivers and arrow were safely resting against his back. Roe certainly looked much more impressive than he did. He shrugged.

He jumped up and grabbed the biscuits and the flasks, and then turned around to face Roe. "Ready." he said grinning. He was more than ready.

[Roe]

"Just waiting on you slow-poke," Roe grinned. "You don't think I should take the horse, right .... it'll be easier traveling on foot .... don't you think?" Roe saw that Carter was giving him the once-over with what he was bringing with him. "Ordinarily, I would probably travel light, but since I'm not sure how soon we'll be back here I thought it would be a good idea to take the full complement," shrugged.

"Its not that I'm trying to impress anybody, outside of maybe the Sir Guy, I suppose," he chuckled to himself. "Well, if you've got everything, let's go. I'll feel better, honestly when we're safely in the forest, and well on our way. I really don't feel absolutely safe in Locksley. There's no telling when Guy will come sweeping in to collect some more taxes from people that don't have anything to begin with. So the sooner the better ... so come on leader," he smiled.

[Carter]

Carter laughed and threw a biscuit in Roe's direction. "Hey. If I'm going to be 'leader' you'll need to give me more respect!" he said with a grin. "No I think we should go by foot. It would be much easier." Carter made sure that his bow, arrow and sword were strapped on correctly, and then made his way for the door.

"Alright then. Let's go." he said, putting on his serious face. As he stepped out the door, various villagers were passing by, some completely ignoring them, others giving them strange looks. They probably looked quite strange, emerging for a simple village house carrying a great assortment of weapons. He nodded at a panic stricken woman that had walked past, and then speedily jogged away. Carter turned back around to Roe and raised an eyebrow. "Right then, to the forest!"

[Roe]

Roe deftly caught Carter's bisquet pitch, "Ah yes, many apologies, my liege ... please forgive the disrespect of not bowing in your presence," he said, nodding deferentially in the younger man's direction. "Someday I will learn my proper place in the world, and the honor that it is to just merely walk in your shadow," he chuckled with a sly grin on his face, wondering if Carter would be surprised by this side of his personality. "I entirely agree about the horse. She was always good in the brush, but we will travel much better on foot, I think, as well," and he followed him out the door, noting the occasional stares they were receiving, as soon as they were outside, then seeing several villagers who were in full retreat at their sight.

Roe thought it would be best if they got out of the open areas near the village as quickly as possible. "I was taught that, more often than not, the the quickest distance between two points is a straight line .... so indeed .... let's go." Within moments they were in the brush and Roe was immediately more comfortable and secure. "It must have been quite a change for you to adapt to .... going from the vast open spaces of the desert to the closeness of the Forest. Personally ... I always found it harder to go from here to the desert, than from the desert to here. However, I expect that adaptation ws nothing compared to losing your brother in the Holy Land. If you don't mind me asking ... why did you blame Robin for your brother's death and what made you want to work with somebody like the Sheriff, anyway?"

[Carter]

Carter smiled at Roe's sudden change of character. The words he had just spoken were ones more likely to come out of his own mouth. He shook his head. Perhaps he was catching on.

They were eventually hidden by the wilderness, and it seemed this promped Roe to ask more questions. Carter wasn't used to answering questions. He enjoyed the more myserious silent yet deadly approach to life. But Roe was the opposite. He seemed to want to know a lot about Carter. Be that of his own personal interest, or some other unknown reason. "Yes, I suppose the thing that supprised me most was the change of climate." he said. "But I'm easily adjustable." he grinned.

And then Roe brought up the subject of his brother. Of all the subjects he could have brought up - that was by far the worst choice possible. He suddenly turned deadly silent, he face was hard and emotionless. He really didn't want to talk about his brother, but he answered the question about the Sheriff. "It seemed befriending the Sheriff would be the easiest way for me to find and kill Robin Hood. Plus I might have gotten something else out of it if I had done it for him, besides, how long has he wanted Robin Hood dead himself?" He answered Roe's question in a emotionless monotone. A small noise that sounded something like a laugh escaped from his mouth. "And why shouldn't I believe Robin Hood had killed him? I suppose I was just overcome with rage."

Carter kicked a few leaves that were in his path with fustration. Whenever he forced himself to talk about anything linked with his brother, a strange mixture of anger and sadness overwhelmed him. Not only because of the fact he had been killed, but also the fact he had died a cowards death, and Carter had gone on a false rampage to evenge something not worth evenging.

[Roe]

Roe thought that Carter had reacted quite well to his joking attitudes and words. He had figured out that that was the way that Carter tended to confront his surroundings, or shut his emotions off entirely. Carter was the exact kind of Crusader that Roe had always appreciate in the field .... one who could risk all for the right reasons and not take things to seriously, unless of course they dealt with Carter personally. This, Roe discovered with the sudden sea change of carter's attitude, and Roe realized the mistake he had made, almost immediately.

"Forgive me, Carter, I should have known and realized that this was an area that, not only should I not go, but there was nothing positive to be gained out of it by me knowing. Its just that I hae had so few friends for such as long time I thought that I could ask some questions. Please don't feel that you have to respond to any of my questions, unless you think them deserving. Besides, the pain that there would be in losing a brother is too large to be imagined. I for example lost all of my family at a young age and then was raised in a family, where I wasn't quite a son and wasn't quite a son. Besides, very soon after my arrival, they had Robin to contend with, and that would be enough to fill anybody's life, eh? So ... my most sincere apologies," and Roe vowed to walk on in silence until he had something that Carter would want to hear or listen to.