Tales of Robin Hood - A Blog Tour and Book Excerpt for "Rogues and Kings"

BOOK EXCERPT

Allan gave Robin a crooked smile. “Would serve John right if we stole the treasury from right under his nose.”

Robin butted him with a clenched fist.

“Which of course you said don’t even think,” Allan added, rubbing his arm.

“Too dangerous,” Little John agreed as he cracked the first of five eggs into water boiling in the pot over the fire.

A gleam lit Allan’s eyes. “They’ll be putting more coin in the coffers on the morrow.” He tapped the coin pouch hanging from his belt. There was not a clink to be heard. “All those vassals paying their due at the feast.”

Little John smiled mischievously. “Guess he’ll get no coin from you.”

Allan lifted his flagon to that truth.

“Let me make sure you’re nowhere near my son,” Robin teased. He finished his bread in one bite.

“I hate to tell you, but Richard doesn’t need me at hand to nudge him on. Hood’s in his blood,” Allan said.

Robin grabbed the flagon from him and took a long slow draw of the watered wine. How would he ever tell Marian both his sons were Hood?

“Marian…” Henry lowered his head as if he’d heard Robin’s thoughts. He scrubbed his hands over his eyes, and then turned to Robin. “She’s in Lincoln.”

Robin choked, spewing his drink and dampening his friends. “What?” He could feel blood rushing from his face.

“Marian’s come to attend Little John’s daughter,” Henry said. “I told her about Richard. She knows our ruse, and helped me convince Lady Nichola to ask the king about retaining Richard’s service.” He chuckled. “She isn’t ready to draw and quarter you yet.”

Robin threw up his hands. “I won’t deny she has every reason to do that.” He shared a laugh with his friends but then furrowed his brow. “If there is a god he’s testing me. Richard and Marian beneath the king’s eye. I’d rather face a dozen Saracens than have them there.”