Robin's Long Journey Home: A Tale of Adventure

By William H.C. Hatteroth III

With help from their friend Michel, Robin and Springfield are now in possession of something called a decoder. Believing this decoder belongs to a spy organization they call The Falcon Crest group, it is vital they leave France and return to England as quickly as possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664138186

William H.C. Hatteroth III

The author was born in 1948. He was awarded the Eagle Scout Badge in 1962. In high school, he was a three-year varsity athlete in Swimming, which he expanded on by working with the Red Cross to teach Swimming to disabled children. After working over forty years for other people, William started his own business. For fun, he became involved in Community Theater, as well as becoming an award winning magician. Through these venues, he is still actively supporting many local find-raisers, charities and community activities.

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Copyright © 2021 by William H. C. Hatteroth III.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 06/22/2021

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

INTRODUCTION

Story telling has entertained us throughout the ages. Some of these tales tell of gossip, history or folk lore, while others hold us tight in it grasp with stories of adventure, mystery and yes even secrets. My favorite stories to tell are those where I have the opportunity to weave together a combination of all. That is why, this day, I have chosen to continue with more adventures of Robin of the Green hood.

You see while in France Robin and Springfield came into possession of a device that needs to be returned to England. This object was found when a rare puzzle box was opened. A puzzle box is the safest kind of storage box. If one is broken into or someone uses the wrong combination all that was inside would be destroyed. Surely the importance of this object is great. It is Robin’s and Springfield’s belief this device belongs to a suspected spy ring known only as the Falcon Crest Group.

If I have sparked your interest, settle in, as I am about to begin this wonderful tale of Robin’s Long Journey Home.

CHAPTER 1

Robin and Springfield had just gathered the last of their belongings and were heading to the stable. This early morning found only these two wandering the corridors. The manor house seemed to be completely deserted otherwise. Even the cook, who rises before everyone else to start breakfast, could not be heard in the kitchen.

"It’s time Robin, we will need to hurry. It’s a full day’s ride to the fishing village. The earlier we get on the road the better are our chances of getting to the village before sunset.

I am really looking forward to seeing England again. But Lady Elizabeth was very kind to us. I feel sad now that it is time to go.

Yes Robin I too will miss all this manor house had to offer. Duty is calling us back now and we are obligated to answer the call. The school needs to see this thing Charles calls a decoder. It may turn out to be quite valuable to Sir Guain and the school. Springfield winked in Robin’s direction.

Robin was only half listening, and didn’t notice the wink. "I think I will miss Michel most of all. When he pulled the last piece and the puzzle box opened, I thought my heart would jump out of my chest. You know, it is funny Springfield. I believe Michel is the first, in the entire world, to open a puzzle box without knowing the combination. Yet he can’t tell anyone. No one will know of his greatest success.

That is what sets Michel apart from others, Robin. He does not seek glory from others. To him it is in the knowing that he did it. That he had the ability to accomplish the solution. For Michel, it is in the doing, not in the bragging.

Robin nodded his head in agreement.

Everything had been made ready for their departure the night before. Horses and an escort were to be provided to take them the twenty miles to the fishing village. The escort was to provide protection while traveling and was also needed to return the horses. This fishing village was the closest port where ship passage could be purchased.

Springfield, our lie to Elizabeth and her staff, do you think they will find out? The captain of the queen’s guard has a lot of contacts.

I see no reason for him to make inquiries. Our cover story was, on the way up the coast of France we got off the ship to visit old friends, the captain and his new bride Lady Elizabeth. After our visit we are simply continuing our journey. It all follows reason. Now if we had told them we were off to England, well, there would have to be a lot more explaining to do not to raise suspicion. The villagers will not care which ship we take. It is a major port. People come and go on almost every ship that anchors there.

Robin shivered a little. Still, there is something about this lie that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. He took off his cap and rubbed his hair. Returning the cap to his head he looked to Springfield. I don’t know why, I just feel there will be trouble over this lie.

Springfield readjusted the cap on Robin’s head, giving it a slight tilt to one side, There, that’s better. Now, we are almost at the stable. There can be no more talk about our real plans once we enter. Stable boys have big ears and I was not told by Charles who our escort is going to be. Springfield paused outside the stable, Is there anything else that needs our attention before we enter?

Robin shook his head no as he pulled the door to the stable open.

Upon entering, the first thing Robin saw was Michel preparing the horses for travel. He rushed to greet him with true joy. Embracing him and with much difficulty, Robin managed to raise him just an inch or two off the ground. Placing him back down Robin smiled, I didn’t see you last night. It troubled me that I didn’t get a chance to say a final goodbye.

Before Michel could speak Springfield approached him and extended his hand. "I, my friend, will not try to lift you. Will a hardy hand shake be OK with You?

Much more than just OK, Michel said taking Springfield’s hand.

Michel, it is a full day’s travel to the fishing village and another day to return with the horses. I want you to know, it means a lot to me. Robin looked at Springfield, To both of us that you were the one that wanted to be our escort. I can think of no better traveling companion.

Springfield started to smile then gave a pretend cough.

Giving Springfield a momentary glance, Robin answered his smile with a wry one of his own. Springfield is a good companion too. It’s just that he seems to always be around and he knows all my stories.

While the men were laughing Robin extended his hand, Michel gently pushed it aside and grabbed Robin in a gentle embrace.

Robin and Springfield are tall, muscular men. But compared to Michel they do not look it. Michel is well over three hundred pounds of muscle. He stands almost seven feet tall. Springfield liked Michel very much and would never say anything to hurt his feelings. Still the thought of Michel riding that far on a horse brought only one thought to Springfield’s mind, poor horse.

ooo

The ride to the fishing village was a good one. The three rode next to each other and talked the entire way. Entering the village Robin led everyone to the Late Crowing Rooster Inn.

We can rest here. I saw no ships in the harbor so we can try to entertain here for a meal and a room. You can tell Elizabeth, Springfield and I would not allow you to return without proper rest. Robin leaned over in his saddle to touch Michel’s arm, You deserve a day off and everything is on us tonight. It is our way of saying thank you for solving the puzzle box. No arguments, understood?

Michel was grinning from ear to ear. Thank you both for your kindness. Robin, I say this with the understanding you just might take me up on it once again. So please understand, I say it with true sincerity. He turned to face Springfield, Either of you can bring me a puzzle at any time. I will do my best to solve it for you.

Both Robin and Springfield broke out in a merry laugh. I know you will Michel, Springfield said patting him on his back. "Now let’s give these horses a rest and see what delights we can find inside.

Honestly Michel, where else would we bring a puzzle? Because of your passion for puzzles you are without a doubt the best solver of puzzles in all of France, if not the world. Robin meant every word. No one could open a puzzle box without the right combination, no one that is until you did it.

After dismounting Michel noticed the inn sign. Why do you think they call this place The Late Crowing Rooster?

Holding back his laughter Robin tried to look as serious as possible, I learned from our first visit here, this village has fishermen, farmers, and bakers that live here. All have to get up before dawn to go to work. If you hear the rooster crow you know you are late to work.

Michel started to laugh so suddenly he startled the horses.

The inn keeper had remembered Springfield and his son Robin of the Green Hood from from their last visit to the inn. He was quite eager to book them for that night’s entertainment. He sent two members of his staff to spread the word throughout the village that Springfield and son, the two greatest entertainers in all of France would be at his inn tonight. He happily supplied food and drink for them, all without charge.

Michel had never been treated this way before. Inn keepers normally would look at his size and fear he would eat them out of house and home.

That night was unbelievable. The inn was full beyond capacity. Springfield did most of the entertaining to allow Robin and Michel time to sit as friends and enjoy each other’s company. Robin did do two segments. The first was the bow trick. Michel did not volunteer but laughed louder than anyone else in the room. Robin followed by telling the story of the Falcon and the Robin. At closing time no one wanted to leave. The louder the inn keeper yelled for the customers to leave the more they protested, demanding more entertainment be provided.

Robin leaned over to whisper to Michel, I don’t think we are going to get any rest tonight. If Springfield stops now it might cause a riot.

Michel patted Robin’s hand, Let me help you with this. Michel gave Robin a warm smile quickly followed with a wink of his eye. He stood to address the crowd. As he did so, many of the customers upon noticing the size of this man, went silent. Michel took a quick look around the room which quickly quieted the rest of the crowd. Speaking in a calm low voice, he began. People, tonight was something I will not forget as long as I live. The entertaining was beyond belief. But Springfield and Robin grow tired and so do I.

Michel had captured everyone’s attention. The room was completely focused on him. Everyone in the room, including the inn keeper himself wanted to hear what this very large man was going to say next.

I ask you all as politely as I can, to leave. Then with power behind his voice he added I don’t want to take you to task. As he said this Michel reached down, grabbed the chair sitting next to him, and with one hand, he raised it high over his head. The man sitting in the chair started to scream for help out of sheer terror. By