The Rebels of Cordovia Page 17

  When Daniel finally walked up to Robin and saw her mouth still agape, he said, “Close your mouth, Sweetie. You shouldn’t be so surprised. He taught you everything you know… how to use a sword and to be a great archer, like he had been taught.”

  “You knew?” Robin said with astonishment.

  He nodded. “I had a long talk with your father. I found out that he knew the king personally and was the leader of the legionnaires. He agreed to talk with the people.”

  She gazed at her father with pride. He was walking up the steps to the platform to speak to the people.

  Andrew was more nervous than he had ever been in his whole life. He had lived incognito for years, wearing a scruffy beard to hide his identity, and teaching his children about the importance of freedom. Now it was time to talk to the people. He remembered how he had ridden alongside the Legionnaires. He had once been their devoted leader at one time. Now he would face them once again. It had been many years. Would the Legionnaires recognize him? Would the people remember him?

  Andrew hesitated as he finally placed his foot on the platform and turned around. What he saw tugged at his heart. There, standing before him, were one hundred Legionnaires in their blue uniforms. Men he once knew years ago… men who wore their uniforms with pride. Men he loved!

  As he stood before them, speechless, and a little choked up, he saw recognition in their faces. He saw stunned surprise mixed with emotion. The Legionnaires glanced at one another and then back to Andrew. As if in unison, all one hundred men began kneeling on one knee and bowing their heads in humility and reverence. This took him aback. They had remembered him. He quickly blinked a few tears away as he looked upon them.

  After a few seconds of silence, he saw the people in the audience begin kneeling as well, mainly those old enough to remember him. When the younger generation whispered to their parents and heard their reply, they instantly knelt beside them with reverence.

  Andrew’s emotions were on the edge as he felt tears well up in his eyes. He wiped them away and raised his hand in the air. All was silent as they waited for what he was going to say.

  “You have touched my heart deeply by your reverence and I thank you,” said Andrew in a loud voice. “What Daniel has said is true. King Edmund told me he did not want a king to rule the people. He said a wicked king would be unjust and deceitful.”

  He took a deep breath and scanned the citizens before him. They were listening to every word he was saying.

  “I, too, have been in hiding just as my father’s faithful servants and his Legionnaires. I was shocked when I heard of my father’s death and then I was ostracized from my own kingdom.” He gazed at the Legionnaires and smiled. “I once served alongside you and you knew my father, King Edmund. He wanted us to be equal and to be free.”

  The people cheered and many called out, “Jonathan! Jonathan! Jonathan!”

  It had been a long time since he had heard his name and it warmed his very soul. He bowed before his people, wiped the tears from his eyes, and then humbly walked down the platform steps and toward the most astonished young woman he had ever seen.

  Andrew had told his wife that he was Jonathan when he married her. She knew the truth but they felt it best to not tell anyone for fear of his safety. Besides, their children needed to live a normal life like the rest in the village.

  Robin literally flew into her father’s arms and clung to him while Daniel walked up to the platform to take over. Daniel was shocked, to say the least. He had suspected that her father was one of the Legionnaires, but not the heir to the throne.

  As he raised his hand in the air to settle the people down, he said loudly, “All of us, and I mean everyone, will now follow the Legionnaires to the Palace and dethrone the king. There are over five thousand of us. He only has three hundred soldiers. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t give up.”

  Nathaniel called out, “That’s not so. My one hundred soldiers and I will be standing beside you, Daniel.”

  Daniel laughed as he said loudly, “Correction! The king only has two hundred soldiers now.”

  With that announcement, the Legionnaires saluted and led the people to the palace to take out an unjust king. Daniel watched as Nathaniel and his one hundred soldiers took their position behind the Legionnaires. Behind the soldiers were two hundred and fifty rebels, plus twenty-five of Robin’s Rebels. And the people followed last, cheering, and letting everyone know they were supporting Jonathan by calling out his name.

  Daniel was in awe at what had just happened. As he walked toward Robin, he was trying to figure something out in his mind. He looked a little confused when he finally stood beside her.

  Robin lifted her brow and asked, “What’s bothering you?”

  “I’m not sure. Did I fall in love with the baker’s daughter or the king’s daughter?”

  Andrew laughed. “Neither. If the people will have me, she will be a judge’s daughter. Otherwise, she’ll still be a baker’s daughter.”

  “I have no doubt what the people will want, sir,” said Daniel with great respect. “I saw the way the people reverenced you. You will be our new High Judge.”

  Chapter 27

  King Rupert immediately abdicated and left the country so he would not have to stand trial. Without hesitation, the people let Jonathan know they supported him. One week later Jonathan began putting together a group of judges as his father had requested. He vowed to bring about more jobs for his people, higher wages, and very low taxes.

  While Jonathan was busy, Daniel told Robin that his men had a surprise for her at their camp. She quickly dressed in her red flowered dress that he had bought for her and waited for him to pick her up.

  When Daniel arrived and saw her standing on the porch of her home, he gazed at her and smiled as he said, “You look lovely.”

  Robin was thrilled by the way he looked at her. He made her feel beautiful. He helped Robin upon her horse, allowing her dress to lay gently over the horse’s back. Then they trotted down the road.

  He glanced at her as they rode along and said, “I like the rosy flowers on that dress. That’s why I bought it.” Then with a mischievous grin, he added, “You look great in rose colored clothes.”

  When he lifted his brow teasingly and grinned, Robin’s eyes widened as she said sternly, “If you want me to go to the woods and visit your men, you won’t be talking about my corset, if you don’t mind.”

  He chuckled.

  Robin’s eyes narrowed as she asked, “You didn’t tell them, did you?”

  He shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t do that. I just can’t help teasing you.”

  Pressing her lips together, she held back a smile. He was such a rogue.

  By the time they rode into camp, it was dusk and no one was in sight. Daniel helped Robin down from her horse and led her toward the table. There were candles lit and two plates and cups placed on the table. Instead of benches, there were two wooden chairs. There was a small fire in the pit with a black pot hanging in the center.

  Daniel pulled a chair out for her and waved his hand toward the seat. He smiled as he seated her and said, “This is the first time I’ve been able to do this. My father keeps doing it and won’t let me.”

  Robin giggled. “I love your father.”

  After Daniel seated himself, he clapped his hands and music began playing from the woods. The sound of a couple violins, a flute, and mandolin floated through the air. Each note filled the air with the most beautiful love song ever composed. The music was played in perfect harmony, having an essence of angelic beauty.

  Robin’s attention was drawn to the woods, from where the music came. She looked at Daniel and he was smiling at her, watching her response to the music.

  He then clapped his hands once again and Simon walked out from his shack and headed for the fire pit with a wide grin. He took the pot from the fire and sat it on the table. Then he scooped out the pheasant that had been well seasoned. He put it onto a platter and set it on the table. Next h
e dished potatoes and string beans onto another platter. After spreading butter all over them, he placed it on the table in front of Daniel.

  “Is there anything else you would like?” asked Simon with a bow. “Would you like me to serve you?”

  Daniel chuckled and said, “No, we’re just fine. Thanks, Simon.”

  Simon grinned. “I’ll leave you alone then. Don’t worry about your privacy. The men are deep enough in the woods that they can’t see a thing.”

  He glanced at Robin and smiled, and then walked into the woods and disappeared.

  Robin was elated at such a delightful meal. The pheasant smelled scrumptious and the vegetables looked wonderful. Daniel took her plate and served her some meat, potatoes, and beans.

  “Thank you,” Robin said as she gazed at the man she adored.

  She felt as if she were dreaming. Robin could not believe that he had planned such a wonderful evening. The food was delicious, the conversation delightful, and the mood romantic.

  After they finished eating, Daniel stood and held his hand out toward her. “Would you like to dance? Last time you danced with my men. Now it’s my turn.”

  She smiled and slid her chair back as she said, “I’d love to.”

  Taking her hand, Daniel led her to an open area. Then he put his hand on her waist and pulled her close. The music was lovely and created a sense of romance in the air.

  As they danced, Robin felt as if she were in heaven. Daniel had completely surprised her. She hadn’t expected such a wonderful evening. The stars were out, the moon was shining, the candles were lit, and a small fire in the pit was aglow… not to mention the romantic background music. Daniel had created the perfect mood.

  When Robin looked into his eyes, she noticed he was gazing at her with a look that took her breath away.

  She rested her cheek against his and whispered, “Thank you.”

  He nodded, not saying a word as he pulled her close to his heart.

  As they danced, she felt as if they were in a world of their own. The music was playing but no one existed but the two of them.

  When Robin felt his arms gently tighten around her, happiness overtook her and she knew this was what it felt like to be in love. After a while, Daniel pulled back and looked into her eyes. The message he communicated was one of adoring love and devotion.

  Giving her a smile, he whispered ever so softly, “I must have done something grand in my life to have met such a lovely lady. And you were my reward.”

  A thrill went through her as she listened to his sweet words and felt his warm breath against her cheek.

  Soon his eyes trailed to her lips. Then he slowly leaned toward her and brushed his lips against hers. He gazed into her eyes and waited for a response.

  Robin smiled back as she wrapped her arms around his neck, giving him the message to kiss her again. He must have gotten the message because he grinned and pressed his lips to hers.

  Daniel’s lips were soft and warm, ever so tender against hers. As he deepened his kiss and pulled her into his arms, Daniel let her know of his everlasting love. Then he spread whispering kisses along her jaw line and neck. As he kissed her, he caressed her back, making Robin sigh from his affections. She instantly tightened her arms around his neck.

  Noticing the effect he was having on her, Daniel smiled and kissed the tender spot just below her ear as he ran his hand up her back.

  When Robin softly sucked in her breath, gasping slightly, Daniel pulled back and looked into her face with an uplifted brow. “I’ve never had a woman react to my kisses like you do.”

  “What?” asked Robin breathlessly.

  Daniel grinned as he said, “What is it? Every time I kiss you and rub my hand along your back, it seems to have an effect on you.”

  Robin blushed and bit her lip as she said, “I can’t help it. That’s one of my weaknesses.”

  “Weaknesses?” asked Daniel with a grin.

  She nodded. “I used to bribe my sisters to rub my back at night as we lay in bed and talked. I absolutely love it.”

  “Really? What did you bribe them with?”

  She giggled. “I told them that I would do one of their jobs such as sweeping the floor. It was worth it.”

  Daniel smiled and thought about her words. Then he narrowed his eyes as he asked with a bit of mischief in his voice, “What would you bribe me with as we lay in bed?”

  Robin’s eyes widened as she stepped backwards and slapped his broad chest.

  “No, no!” he exclaimed quickly. “I didn’t mean anything inappropriate. I promise. I meant after we get married.”

  Robin was stunned. She stood with disbelief as she stared into his face. “What… what did you say?”

  Daniel chuckled. “After we get married, what will you bribe me with? I’m curious.”

  Robin’s heart fluttered as she whispered, “You’re asking me to marry you?”

  He nodded.

  With a squeal of excitement, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

  He laughed as he watched Robin’s joy bubble over.

  Then he called out to his men, “We’re getting married.”

  When the music stopped and she heard cheering from the woods, Robin quickly stepped back away from Daniel. She had completely forgotten they were not alone.

  With a blush, she said meekly, “We’re going to get married.”

  The men came out of the woods and congratulated her. They hugged Robin and shook Daniel’s hand. The rest of the night was celebrated with the Freemen as they played their instruments and danced.

  ***

  Two weeks later Daniel and Robin stood in front of the minister, vowing to love one another forever. When they turned around and saw the crowd that had filled the cathedral, Robin was amazed. She hadn’t expected so many people to show up. As soon as the people of Cordovia found out about Jonathan’s daughter getting married, no one could stop them from attending.

  As they walked hand in hand down the aisle, she smiled at them and waved. Robin noticed her rebels, including Daniel’s Freemen and nodded at them. When they stepped outside, Robin was shocked, absolutely stunned. She gasped when she saw the streets and open areas filled with people, waiting to see the newly married couple. When the people saw them, they cheered and started clapping.

  Daniel squeezed her hand and whispered, “See how much they love your father?”

  When Robin felt her father’s hand on her shoulder, she turned to him and noticed how touched he was. Robin knew he loved the people of Cordovia and they were there because she was Jonathan’s daughter. These people attended her wedding to show their support for their new leader.

  Jonathan put his hand in the air and smiled. As the crowd settled down, he called out in a loud voice, “Thank you for your love and support. Thank you, my dear people of Cordovia!”

  When Robin heard his voice crack, she knew the crowd had affected him greatly. She then waved to the people so they would know of her appreciation as well.

  As the crowd parted for the bride and groom to walk through, Daniel squeezed her hand lovingly and kissed her lightly on the cheek. When the crowd cheered, he lifted his brow curiously. He kissed her cheek again and the crowd cheered once again.

  “Did you hear that?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Hear what?” said Robin with puzzlement. “The crowd cheering?”

  He laughed and then said with a mischievous tone in his voice, “Let’s give them something to really cheer about.”

  “What?” asked Robin curiously.

  When Daniel looked at her father, Jonathan nodded and laughed. He knew what the people wanted.

  With a roguish grin, Daniel took his beloved into his arms, dipped her toward the ground, and kissed her thoroughly. The crowd roared even louder. That was exactly what they wanted.

  Robin’s veil hung away from her face and touched the ground as he held her in his arms. The crowd continued to cheer as he gave her a lingering delectable kiss. Sh
e gasped when Daniel finally broke the seal of their lips. Her face was bright red and her eyes were wide.

  Daniel smiled and said, “Listen! They loved it.”

  Then pulling her upright, he took Robin’s hand in his and led her down the steps and through the crowd, toward his waiting carriage and a new life together.

  Little did the crowd know, as they passed them, that Daniel and Robin Marie were leaders of a rebel group that had made their freedom possible!

  Authors Notes

  As a teenager, I remember hearing the stories of Robin Hood and I was spellbound by each story. I watched every movie that came out about Robin Hood and how he cared for the people. I thought about how awesome it would be to live during that time period just because of Robin Hood. As I thought about it, I decided to create something similar but centuries after the legend of Robin Hood…possibly around the 1700s. But this time, I wanted two major groups of rebels fighting for the rights of the people. A man and a woman would be their leaders who were expert archers and swordsmen. I hope you enjoyed my little story of adventure, love, and bits of humor.

  My sweet husband is my love and support. He was so excited when I told him my idea for this new story. He, too, loves the legends of Robin Hood.

  Author Serena Clarke created my book cover. She is part of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing Team and is a very talented Graphic Designer. Serena Clarke has written a fantasy/romance series that has adventure with a tender love story. If all fantasy was written like this story…so believable, I believe I would read more in this genre.

  In her first book, The Treasure of Isian, Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love? Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!