9 Allan a Dale’s Plight

CHAPTER 9 Allan a Dale's Plight As Robin and Allan a Dale ate, the young minstrel told his story. At first, his words came slowly. When he saw that Robin Hood and his men were listening carefully, the words began to tumble forth. Allan a Dale traveled through the countryside, singing his songs and playing his harp. One day, he stopped at a farmhouse, where he sang for the farmer and his fair daughter, Ellen. The girl was so beautiful that Allan a Dale returned and watched for

her. At first, he was shy. As his feelings grew, he became bold enough to walk with Ellen. They sat on a riverbank, and he told her she was his one true love. She confessed that she loved him, too. Allan a Dale broke a sixpence and gave Ellen half of the coin to wear around her neck. When the farmer learned that his daughter was in love with Allan a Dale, he became very angry. He had already promised her to Sir Stephen of Trent, a very old knight. But Ellen did not love the knight. Allan had learned that very morning that Ellen would marry Sir Stephen in two days. "I have a good mind to pummel Sir Stephen!" said Little John. "An old man like that has no right to marry such a young girl." "Are you certain she will marry him?" asked Robin. "She will do as her father tells her, but she

will die of heartbreak," Allan mourned. Robin thought somberly for a moment, and then his eyes brightened. "I think I have a plan. Tell me, Allan, do you think fair Ellen would marry you if we brought her before a priest and got her father's blessing?" "Of course she would," said Allan a Dale. "Then my plan should work. We need only a priest," Robin said. "I know none around here with any great love for me, though. That's the sticking point." Will Scarlet spoke up. "I know a priest who would surely perform the ceremony. He is the Curtal Friar of Fountains Abbey, not far from here." "Then we shall go see him tomorrow," decided Robin. "Don't worry, Allan. We have your troubles in hand." Allan a Dale's tears had dried by then. He had heard many tales of how Robin Hood

helped people and wanted to believe that Robin could help him. Allan's spirits rose, and he picked up his harp. His voice was so sweet that the men asked Allan to sing one song after another, late into the night. Finally, Robin called an end to the evening. "Tomorrow we must find the Curtal Friar of Fountains Abbey. We need to go early if we are to help young Allan," Robin announced. Following his lead, everyone retired for some much-needed rest.