Robin: Lady of Legend

Chapters 1-7

The story begins on Robin of Locksley, a noble girl's, eighteenth birthday, and depicts her struggles to define herself in a society that believes women are fit for little more than governing a household and bearing children. When her father announces her surprise engagement to the Sheriff of Nottingham, she tries to reason him out of it and when that fails, resolves to run away. Intending to seek refuge at the court of her cousin, the King, she disguises herself as a lad for protection and begins the long journey to London Town. On the way, she passes through Sherwood Forest and falls into the company of a farmer named John Little. Her travel is interrupted, however, when the pair is accosted by a band of foresters led by the Sheriff's nephew, which results in a fight that culminates with Robin killing a man. Horrified, she flees into the forest and resigns herself to her new life as an outlaw.

At first, Robin passes her time by constructing a makeshift shelter, honing her archery skills, and learning how to use a sword. She also takes walks through the forest, though she strives to avoid human contact when she does. One day, she encounters a group of soldiers beating a young boy to death and manages to scare them away. Her good deed backfires, however, when the grateful youth follows her home and proceeds to bring other displaced persons to her camp. Unable to rid herself of these unwelcome guests, she reluctantly accepts their presence. By the end of a harsh winter, the group has transformed itself into a family.

Come spring, Robin realizes that some members of the camp have begun to pilfer supplies from nearby peasant families, and she resolves to put a stop to it. Her actions lead to a verbal showdown with Sir Guy of Gisborne that results in his exile and her becoming leader of the band. It also results in the birth of the band's code of honor and of their "rob from the rich, give to the poor" philosophy.

Chapters 8-15

Robin begins to lead her group on successful forays against corrupt merchants and nobles. Her motto is "no killing" which her band strives hard to obey. The money from these expeditions is split among the band and the needy families in the surrounding towns, and some of it is used by the band to buy new clothes.

The Sheriff, having thus far failed to capture Robin "Hood" (so named because Robin wears a hood to hide her hair), establishes an archery tournament in the hopes of trapping the outlaw. Robin not only wins the tournament, but humiliates the Sheriff in the process. He retaliates by sending his men into the forest to look for the band, though their search ultimately proves unsuccessful.

Free to roam the woods once again, Robin reencounters John Little and invites him to join her band. His induction celebration is cut short, however, by the news that the Sheriff has captured Will Stutley, one of the founding members of their band. Robin vows to rescue him, but fears that doing so will result in many deaths. Though the Sheriff nearly kills Robin at one point, the band manages to escape without loss of life.

Shortly thereafter, Robin has a chance encounter with her cousin Will Scarlet and learns that her sister, Maid Marian is to be wed to the Sheriff of Nottingham in her stead. Determined to prevent the union, she stages a daring rescue that leaves her band whispering in mistaken assumption about her connection to the girl. Life returns to normal, though Robin finds herself struggling with her growing feelings for Little John.

Chapters 16-24

Determined to kill Robin Hood, the Sheriff sends Guy of Gisborne into the forest to assassinate his foe. Robin and Gisborne fight, but a timely rescue by Little John causes Gisborne to flee with a scarred face. Robin has also been wounded, and in caring for her Little John learns the secret of her true gender.

Feeling betrayed by her deception, Little John turns cool toward Robin, though he does promise not to reveal her secret. Hurt by his abandonment, Robin seeks out other diversions. Along with Will Stutley, she poses as a butcher and lures the Sheriff into the forest, where she and the band "host" him to a lavish dinner for which he pays handsomely. Her hope is that the Sheriff will realize that his greed harms everyone (including himself) and that the outlaws are people worthy of his respect and mercy, but later actions on his part prove this hope unfounded. Her actions make Little John realize, though, that Robin is a worthy leader whether or not she is a girl, and the two reconcile.

His time in Robin's camp also leads the Sheriff to realize that Marian was there voluntarily, and he seeks retribution by fining her father into poverty. Robin's band offers Lord Locksley a loan, which he reluctantly accepts. Marian also gets engaged to Will Scarlet at this time.

Winter approaches, and on Christmas Eve, Robin and Little John go into town to buy some presents. At the last minute, she decides to stay for Midnight Mass, which Little John thinks is foolish, and the two part in irritation. Robin attends Mass, but she is recognized and captured. Though she is set to hang the next day, Little John and Will Stutley stage a daring castle rescue that results in her liberation and the death of Guy of Gisborne.

Back at the camp, Little John and Robin at last admit their love for each other and get engaged. They have a dual wedding with Marian and Will in the spring, which is cut short when a messenger from the Queen arrives and summons Robin to a tournament in London, promising them a full pardon for everyone in their band if she wins. Though wary of a trap, Robin and Little John decide it is worth the risk, and the book ends with them departing from their Sherwood home in the hopes of procuring a better life for their people.

Characters

In order of appearance:

Folklore Characters

Fictional Characters

Setting

Robin: Lady of Legend is set in Nottinghamshire, primarily in Sherwood Forest, though events occur in Locksley Town, Nottingham Town, Lincoln Town, and London, Ancaster, Cuckney, Harworth, Tamworth, Radford, and Mansfield are all mentioned, as is the Yorkshire town of Doncaster. The story takes place during the Middle Ages sometime around the 13th century, although it does not specify when. Royalty is mentioned, though not by name. Similarly, the Crusades are referenced briefly, though not which one.

Awards