The death of Royston White
Roy sees no way out for them, unless he does one thing, only he can do that one thing. Bravery was never Royston White's asset. He was cunning, devious and rude. Never brave. Today he would be brave. 'RUN ROBIN' Robin looked back and recognised a spark in his eyes. Something different, but very much the same Roy. The same obnoxious Roy who bullied Much. The same caring Roy who could not kill Robin Hood. The Roy who had cried. The Roy who suffered. The Roy who is already a dead man. Who would die a dead man.
'But not forgotten' vowed Robin as guards wielding steel instruments of death advance on Roy. He would never be gone, not really. Mrs White weeps noisily, shrieking for her son, who was dead to her just yesterday.
Allan and Will stand, shell-shocked at the scene which unfolds before them.
'My name is Royston White, I fight for Robin Hood and King Richard' he chants, the words tumbling from his mouth. 'Robin must know' he thinks 'they must know I die for them, I fight for them.' 'My name is Royston White, I fight for Robin Hood and King Richard' now he's started he cannot stop and he know these will be his dying words. The next time he utters them his voice falters, and then it is no more.
Pain. It sears through his body like poison. And in that moment of pain and loneliness he think of his friends. The ones who know him best.
John. He loves John like a Father. John is his safety and they are a team. He will always love John and he knows, in his heart of hearts John will always love him too.
His Mother. His only family, real family. He feels nothing but guilt for the years he left her thinking he was dead and tears fall from the dying mans eyes.
Allan. Nothing but trouble and a winning smile. Roy liked him, with his disregard for rules they would have been friends.
Will. Quiet and kind and talented, Roy had always been able to spot a talent, even if he saw none in himself. A good spy too, Roy would have always wanted Will on his side in a fight.
Much. Roy didn't really hate Much, he's just too sensitive and easy to tease. Roy aches as he realises he never told Much he sees him as a friend.
Robin. He failed to betray Robin Hood. He believes in hell now, and what will happen to him now that he planned to murder Robin Hood. He dies for Robin Hood.
His vision vanishes all together but not before he sees, between two of the guards spearing him like meat, his friends, his family, disappear through the gates safely.
He breathes his last breath and is content. His brother and Father greet him warmly and lead away from those steps, Nottingham, The Outlaws and into a new place, a better place. No dogs, no Sherriff or taxes or sleeping on wet leaves. A place where at last Royston White, the dead man, Robin Hood's man, an Outlaw, is safe.