Grant What I Wish

Grant What I Wish - Chapter 13. Sacrifice (Part 1)

Coleman Barks is responsible for the beautiful translations of Rumi's poems in these chapters. This one is a particular favorite of mine.

Chapter 13. Sacrifice (Part I)

Who makes these changes?

I shoot an arrow right,

it lands left.

I ride after a deer

and find myself chased by a hog.

I plot to get what I want

and end up in prison.

I dig pits to trap others

and fall in.

I should be suspicious

of what I want.

—Rumi

Sherwood Forest and Locksley

1195

A solitary rider drove his horse furiously through the forest along the Great North Road. He had heard tales of outlaws who stopped hapless travelers and robbed them of their purses. As a result, he moved as swiftly as he could to avoid thieves. He had heard tales of Robin Hood who stole from the rich to give to the poor. While he had no gold or silver, he was carrying an important message to London from the Sheriff of Nottingham. It had been impressed upon him that it was critical that this message be delivered with little delay. He could feel the sweat bead upon his brow at the thought of what the Sheriff would do to him should he not succeed. While his mistress was fairly new to Prince John’s entourage, she was savvy to the ways of scheming and treachery, and a cruel and vengeful woman. It would not do to fail in this mission.

His journey ended abruptly as his horse came to a sudden stop, and he was thrown from the creature’s back. As he lay on the ground, winded, several men erupted from the thick green foliage lining either side of the road to surround him, impeding his further progress. He recognized Robin Hood from Nottingham, but was shocked to see Guy of Gisbourne kneel before him and extract the letter from his breast pocket, murmuring pointedly, “I’ll take that.”

They knew about Isabella writing to Prince John, the messenger thought fearfully. What else did they know?

“Tie him up,” Robin ordered, and Alan and Guy set about binding the man’s wrists while Tuck read the letter out loud for all to hear.

My Prince,

I understand the urgency of your request, given that we have received word that Richard returns from the Crusades within the month to join troops that are loyal to him in Loughborough. As you have so masterfully stated, we must be prepared. I will dispatch 300 men along with food and supplies at sunset to join your forces at Doncaster.

Have courage, my lord. England will soon be yours.

Your devoted servant,

Isabella

Robin’s face suffused with anger. “You tell your mistress that England will never be a slave to Prince John, not while Robin Hood remains alive,” he spat at the messenger as Guy and Alan turned his horse toward Nottingham, roughly settled the messenger on his back, and slapped the horse’s rump, sending it off at a rough canter.

Guy gazed at Robin blankly. “Where will she come up with 300 men?” he asked in puzzlement.

“Robin!” bellowed John from the hollow below the road. “The sheriff has taken all of the men from Clun.”