The Merry Men of the Riverworld (6 page)

“I've been thinking,” he said at last, “that it's time we were moving on. What say you, men?”

They all cheered mightily. The merry men had increased to thirty-eight during their stay in New Chicago: it seemed many were sick of the city and longed for the open road to adventure.

At dawn the next morning Robin and his men gathered at the gate to the city. Jules Verne and most of the people of New Chicago had come to see them off. There were more than a few sad farewells.

“Robin,” Little John said solemnly, “I don't know how to say this, so I'll put it plainly.”

Robin turned. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

“I've decided to remain here,” Little John said.

Robin stared. “What?” he cried.

Abraham Lincoln took off his cap. “I'm sorry, Robin,” he said in his low, powerful voice. “I've been looking for my place in this world, and I think I've found it here. Jules Verne and his scientists need people like me. Their problems came from their system of government. They never planned for the common man. If their quest for scientific enlightenment had paid more attention to people instead of machines, Capone never could have taken over from them.”

“But what could you do?” Robin asked.

“I've already spoken to Mr. Verne. He has agreed to let me draft a constitution to govern this city and its people. Democracy must be kept alive, and New Chicago will be its headquarters. Do you understand now why I must stay?”

“I think I do,” Robin said solemnly. He put his hand on Lincoln's shoulder. “I wish you all the best, my friend.” The two embraced briefly. “Goodbye, Abraham.”

“Goodbye, Robin.”

Robin swallowed, took a step back, and looked over the rest of his merry men. One of the newest additions, a tall, thin youth with straight black hair and a ready smile, stood at the back. “Little John,” Robin told him. “Henceforth you will be Little John.”

“Pardon, Monsieur Robin?” Little John said, looking confused. One of the other merry men translated for him, and a slow smile spread across his face as he understood. “Merci!” he cried. “Merci bien, Robin!”

Robin sighed mentally, but didn't let it show. He'd work on it. After all, how bad could a Frenchman playing Little John be? It couldn't be worse than the first Little John, who'd tried to introduce the merry men to something he called “the Ministry of Silly Walks.”

And so, his band stronger than ever, Robin Hood headed from New Chicago, continuing his quest for justice and King Richard the Lionhearted.

Copyright © 1992 by John Gregory Betancourt; "Introduction" copyright 1994 by John Gregory Betancourt

First appeared in "Tales of Riverworld", 1992

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