Robin Hood and the Sorcerer (1) - Recap

The first of a two parts sees the beginning of Robin Hood back in the village of Loxley in the year 1180, back when Robin was still a small boy. During a raid on the village by the Sheriff of Nottingham's soldiers, Aileric, Robin's Father, slips away quietly with his son, leading him to the safety to the Miller (father of Much). Upon leaving him in the Miller's care, Aileric once more leaves to face his destiny. Aileric dies in a Stonehenge-like setting, cut down by the Sheriff's soldiers' arrows. We learn that not only was Aileric a 'rebel,' but also that he is the keeper of the sacred Silver Arrow (Herne the Hunter's Silver Arrow to be more specific). In Aileric's death gasp he foretells the coming of 'the hooded man.'

Fast-forward fifteen years to Sherwood Forest, where Robin is looking for his step-brother Much, who has stepped out to bag himself one of the king's deer. When spotted by eagle eye Sir Guy of Gisburne, right hand man of the Sheriff, both Robin and Much are brought to Nottingham Castle and thrown into the dungeon. In that same dungeon Robin discovers four others who have been there for at least two months, and among them, Will Scarlet. Unwilling to be led to a similar fate as those around him, Robin not only plans an escape, but also incites the others to follow (all but the old prisoner that is).

In the meantime we are introduced to Marion and Friar Tuck. Marion, the ward of the Abbott Hugo de Rainault, brother of the Sheriff, is biding her time as a guest in Nottingham Castle before she will leave to join the order (become a nun). However, someone else has other plans, namely the Baron Simon de Belleme, very wealthy and influential man not to mention a top class a devil-worshiper. When the Baron is turned down, he also foretells 'the hooded man's' arrival and that the Sheriff will come begging for the Baron's help when he does.

Back to Robin... the escape plan went off near perfectly, except for Robin becoming locked behind the castle portcullis and needing an alternate route of escape. While running away from Gisburne he hides in Marion's room, and she aides in his concealment. They share a brief encounter (verbal that is) in which Robin tells her he plans to seek refuge in Sherwood Forest, then Robin taking his leave, pulls a hood over his head and disappears... 'the Hooded Man\," Marion whispers in revelation.

When in the forest he is approached by Herne the Hunter and his destiny is revealed to him, yet, as most probably would , he dismisses Herne as some silly man draped in a deer carcass. Still travelling through the forest, Robin finds a huge hulking man with a pentagram on his chest standing in his path. A fight ensues and in the aftermath, Robin has the insight to wash away the pentagram, unlocking a spellbound John Little... "John Little! Little John more like it, " Robin exclaims. At that moment the others from the dungeon appear for a convenient chance meeting.

Around the campfire they're speaking about their plans, which including slipping into society unnoticed, keeping their heads down, doing what their told... an idea Robin obviously takes umbrage with. At that moment, Robin spots Herne again, and this time is lead to Herne's cave where everything is explained. This time Robin listens and accepts his new role as Robin in the Hood (or Robin Hood). With his longbow and fine sword (Albion, one of the Seven Swords of Wayland, charged with the powers of light and darkness), Robin sets out to awake the others, both literally and mentally. Just as they untied in the dungeon under the leadership of Robin, they do so once more, and when Much comes running through the forest distraught over the slaughter of his father (Robin's step-father), Robin seeks vengeance in the way of staking claim to Sherwood Forest.

While escorting Lady Marion on her way to the abbey, Sir Guy is ambushed by Robin and his men, and once more victory is his! He spares Gisburne's life and chooses to tie him up on horseback and send him to Nottingham with a message for the Sheriff. "Robin Hood holds Sherwood... Herne's son has claimed his kingdom."

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