Flashback

Chapter 1

It was a lovely day….lovelier than usual for this early in spring. It was normally very rainy and cool. But, today the sun was shining. There was a warm, gentle breeze and nary a cloud in sight. After being cooped up all winter, which seemed to last forever, young Master Robin, age 12, grabbed his bow and arrows and bounded for the door.

"Just where do you think you are going?" he suddenly heard from behind.

He turned to see his mother standing with her hands on her hips. She had one eyebrow raised and a smirk on her face. Lady Mary Katherine was a striking woman. She was tall and thin, with light brown hair held up loosely with combs and eyes the color of the bluest ocean. Robin favored his mother's looks more than his father's, right down to the smirk he wore quite often. She was a refined lady, thoughtful and kind. She often spoke her mind, but she never raised her voice.

"Why, good morning, Mother", he grinned. "It's such a glorious day. I cannot wait to get out there to practice my shooting."

Mary Katherine just looked at him and shook her head. "You've no need to practice, Robin of Locksley. You already win all of the contests in all of Nottingham as it is. She smiled a warm smile and added, "and besides…..your new teacher will be arriving soon to begin your studies in French."

"Oh, Mother. Why must I learn French? I already spend all my time studying Latin and mathematics."

"You know very good and well that you will get nowhere in this life without both of those. You must be able to speak English and Latin in order to communicate in this world, especially at church. And as for the mathematics, that will only strengthen your ability to run Locksley when the time arrives."

"I know. But why French as well?" he whined.

Mary Katherine placed her hand on Robin's shoulder and said," Because, my son, a learned man is a prosperous man. The more you are educated, the more successful you shall become in the future. It is also the language of our king. It can only benefit you."

Blowing out through his lips, he asked, "When does she arrive?"

"Two hours time."

Robin flashed a grin, the one she could never say no to. "May I go shoot my bow until she arrives? Pleeeease? I'll love you forever!" he said kissing her cheek.

"Oh, all right. Go! But do NOT be a minute late", she smiled back.

"I promise", he said as he bolted out before she had a chance to change her mind.

She continued smiling and shook her head as she turned to go about her day.