Priceless

This is a Guy fic. I'm steering away from the BBC story, but there will be familiar faces. Part of the story is inspired by a short story featuring Ellis Peter's Brother Cadfael.

The title implies that there are things in life too precious to put a price on.

Part 1

Little John had been finding dinner. He was returning to camp with 3 rabbits, and some 'chicken of the woods' mushrooms. What delights could Much conjure with these?
His pleasant culinary musings were interrupted by a human ballistic cannoning into him. Such was John's size and strength, compared to this scrap of humanity that the young man was knocked sideways, what little breath he had after running shaken out of him
John pulled him to his feet. Bless the lad he looked terrified. 'Don't try to talk' John said. 'You can't afford to waste breath. just nod or shake your head
'Are you on the run?' (silly question) nod

'From the law?' nod

'Have you heard of Robin hood?' nod, nod

'My name's Little John. I'll take you to see Robin. He won't leave you to the mercy of the law as it stands'.

Robin looked at the young man beside John, eyes like saucers full of awe. This place was the stuff of legend in the area. Robin's ego was very content with this idea.

His handsome face shone with friendly good will as he greeted the guest.

'Any friend of John's is welcome', he said warmly. John sat the lad down.

'He needs something to eat and drink, and to get his breath back before there are any questions'. The others knew better than to argue.

Eventually, John told the gang how the lad had run into him. 'Running like all the legions of hell were after him'. He let the lad tell his own story from then on.

'My name's Meinir. My mother was a welsh woman who married a goldsmith with a villein holding belonging to the Earl of Bonchurch. I'm my lord's villein now and I was content enough with that. My Lord is a hard master and a vile bully but he let's me be mostly. I have a gorgeous girl too.
She's welsh like me, Eirian, lady's maid to the new Countess.

Then 2 months ago, my Lord told me to make a gold brooch, it's a gift for Sheriff Vasey's daughter's 16th birthday next month. He promised me my freedom in return. I want to marry Eirian, and would marry her as a villein happily, but I was promised freedom, and that would make her free too.

I did my best work. Celtic knots, and a rose design made in enamel.

The day came to hand it over. My Lady was full of praise and my Lord sort of grunted which means he was pleased too.

I waited for my payment, my Lady reminded the Earl of it.

He laughed in my face, told me I was a fool and to get back to work.

I walked out, I would've hit him otherwise. Eirian was weeping. My lady tried to comfort her, but she was hurting for me.

Eirian told me to take my payment and run I didn't want to leave her though.

Then my lady said she would take care of Eirian, until the time came when we could be reunited.

She promised her help. Her I believe. That vile louse doesn't deserve such a wife.

I ran then. I wanted as much distance as possible before my Lord started to look for me. Now I don't know what to do. If I'm caught it will be much worse than before.'

relief washed over him and he wept.

Robin was deeply touched by this. His romantic soul thrilling to a tale that a troubadour would have a ball with.

Stay with us tonight, Meinir '. He told the young man. 'I'll sleep on this one'.


As the light of dawn began to shine through the trees Robin sat awake by a fire,he smiled as an idea formed.

Meinir sat up. 'Good morning my Lord'. He greeted Robin'.

Robin patted the log beside him. 'Come and warm your self. We need to talk'.

'Did you know that you can work your way to freedom?'

Robin's eyes were lit with mischief. Meinir shook his head, looking with incredulous hope at the other man. Robin explained that if Meinir could work for a year in a town with a charter, then he would be free. He could not then be taken back to villeinage.

'You need to get away from Nottingham'. Robin announced. 'Lincoln is too obvious perhaps. What about Leicester? If you are a skilled man, the goldsmiths there will be happy to help you'.

Meinir's face lit up with hope, then fell a little again. 'What about Eirian? How do I let her know? 'Leave that to me'. Robin assured him. ' I'll get the message to her. All you need to tell me is the sign you'll send, to tell her you are safely employed'.

Meinir smiled. 'I'll make her a love spoon, as they do in Wales'. Robin patted him on his arm. 'A good plan. It can be handed to the Countess easily enough.

Leave now my friend get a good start'. He gave Meinir food for his journey, and a dagger for protection. He waved him off with good wishes.

TBC


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