For this story I put that Robin married Marian years ago...
Characters from the show: Robin, Will, Little John, Allan, Much, and Djaq
Character NOT from the show: Raven
I don't own ROBIN HOOD...
Chapter 1: The Beginning...
1175 - It was a dark and stormy night; all of Locksley was in the grand hall of Locksley Manor beacuse the wind was blowing off the roofing of people's homes. Six people where in the master bed room while the Lady of the Manor was giving birth to her first child two years after of marriage.
There where two nurse maids in the room, one delivering the child and the other making sure the Lady was breathing and pushing when she needed to be. One of the woman's husband was standing outside the door making sure no one went in. The other woman's one year old son was sitting in the corner looking away from the birthing mother.
"Alice," the woman delving the baby shouted over the Lady's screams. "It's time."
"Yes, Jane." Alice nodded as she took hold of the Lady's shoulders and told her to push.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" she screamed. The Lord was holding his wife's hand as she pushed. He could feel his wife crushing every bone in his hand.
The entire manor was quite, except for the rain and wind outside. Everyone was waiting for news of the baby to be born. Many wished for their Lord to be blessed with a son, others wished for a girl.
After a lot of screaming and pushing, the baby was finally born. The little child cried its heart out as it was passes to the brand new mother. As soon as the new mother held her child the baby stopped it's crying and smiled at its mother.
"It's a girl." the mother breathed.
Alice walked to the door of the master bedroom and knocked once. The door was opened and Alice's husband came in. "John, it's a girl."
John told the news to the people waiting in the great hall. They all rejoiced and thanked God that the child was healthy.
"What's her name?" Jane asked the newly found parents.
The mother never took her eyes off the little girl she had just given birth to. "Raven." she said. "Raven Wilhelmina Locksley."
The little boy walked over to the bed and smiled at the bundle of joy. "Why Raven Wilhelmina, Lady Marian?" he asked.
"Raven beacuse her father's name is Robin and they're both birds." The Lady took her eyes off her child and looked to her husband, then to the boy. "Wilhelmina beacuse you, my dear William Scarlett, were such a good sport during all of this."
Will kept his gaze on the baby and swore to himself that he would protect this child for as long as he could. Though he was only a year old, Will was very mature about everything and being in the same room as a birth didn't affect that. "Hello, Raven." he whispered. The baby, Raven, smiled like she instantly knew he was her best friend.
"Congratulations Lady Marian and Master Robin." John said as he came into the room.
John was being hassled outside about every little detail on the child. "What's her name?"
"Raven." Robin smiled as he held his daughter for the first time and surely not the last.
~~~17 YEARS LATER – 1192~~~
For the past five years her life was a totally different game. For the past five years as her father fought in the Holy Land, she has lived with her mother and Sir Guy of Gisborne who runs her fathers estate while he her gone.
Like she does everyday around noon, Raven is reading a book by the window that overlooks the Locksley village. She has always loved the view from that window and it has been known as Raven's Nest for years. She heard a yelling from downstairs and figured it was her mother and Sir Guy again.
Lady Marian and Guy haven't seen eye to eye since he's taken over the Locksley estate and the new Sheriff had come to town. These five years had been full of yelling and nothing more.
"Marian, listen to me." she heard Sir Guy yell. "He's not coming back after five years! No letters, no nothing! Except that he might be dead!"
This was a new argument that Raven had not yet heard. Marian yelled back "He is coming home! I believe Robin is alive, he'll come back."
"And what if he doesn't?" Sir Guy asked.
Raven could hear her mother scoff. "I will still never marry you."
There was a slap that sent chills down Raven's spin. She bolted from her window to the grand hall to find her mother on the floor and Sir Guy standing over her. "You will marry me, Marian."
"Leave her alone!" Raven yelled at Sir Guy as she helped her mother off the floor.
Before Sir Guy could do anything, one of Sir Guy's guards ran in. "Ten bags of flower are missing from the stores, Sir Guy."
If there was one thing that made Sir Guy mad, it was when Marian and Raven got in his way. If there was one thing that made Sir Guy happy, it was when someone stool something. If someone stool something from the stores, he would send them off to Nottingham and they would be hanged. One less for him to worry about in the village.
"Fetch my horse." he said and left the room.
Raven helped her mother to a chair and called forth Marie, a servant girl, to fetch some water and a damp cloth. Marie did as she was told and brought Raven her things. Raven gave her mother the cup of water and dabbed her mother's cheek with the cloth.
"Haven't you learned by now, mother, not to anger Sir Guy?" Raven asked her mother.
Her mother smiled. "I guess some of your father rubbed off on me."
They laughed for a split second. Lady Marian took the cloth from her child and motioned her to go. Raven smiled a half hearted smile and ran outside. When Sir Guy went out into the village Raven always followed. Raven was always worried for one family that lived in the village, and his face brought a smile as bright as day to hers.
"SIR Guy of Gisborne, to you, and bow before your master." A guard spat as she arrived in the elevated ground in the center to the village. Sir Guy and his men where just a few feet in front of her.
The man that stood in front the villagers looked at Gisborne blankly. "Sir Guy of Gisborne." the man bowed. "My name is Robin, Earl of Huntington and Lord of this manor. Your services here are no larger required."
Everyone began to bow down as and man put an animal pelt on Lord Robin. A smile spread across her face until her face hurt, a tear of joy ran down her face. Her father was home at last.
Once Gisborne and his lot retreated, Robin began to walk her way. She never thought she'd see his face again. At first she didn't think it was even him. Five years ago he had no hair on his face, and now he had a scruffy beard. It looked good on him.
He passed where she stood as he strolled to the house. She must have changed that he didn't recognize her; yet again she was eleven when they last saw one another.
"Father!" she called out.
Robin turned around and saw her standing on the raised ground with tears in her eyes. It was his little girl, he just knew it. They ran to each other and gave a strong embrace. Neither of them wanted to let go.
When they heard Robin's manservant cough they broke apart. Raven in turn hugged him. "Much." she squealed.
As they broke apart Much examined her. "My, how you have ground, Miss Raven."
Raven blushed. "Still the gentlemen, I see?"
They laughed as they made their way to the house. It has been so long since Robin or Much have laid eyes on the beautiful home. When they entered they we instantly greeted by Thornton, a man that has been In Locksley serving the Noble family since Robin was mere boy. Thornton put out his arms for a hug but put them right back done.
"Thornton." Robin said.
"Welcome back, sr." Thornton replied. Robin rushed and gave his friend a hug.
Thornton smiled and looked to the young woman that stood next to him. "A bath for the master. And fresh cloths immanently." Robin went back and stood between Much and Raven as the girl ran up the stairs to start the bath. "Mary!" Thornton called to the kitchen.
Much looked a bit awkward when he said, "And me too." Thornton too felt awkward, but he kept smiling. "Pardon?"
"Thornton," Though Robin was a bit sad, it gave him pleasure to tell Thornton the news of Much's new found freedom. "Much is no long my manservant."
Thornton's smile was slowly slipping away, "Oh?"
Robin smiled a bit. "In recognition to his services to me in the Holy Land, he's to be made a free man. I am granting him the fields and lodge at Bonchurch. Until then, he's a guest in my house."
Raven was over come with joy. Much had been there for Raven her entire life and she always wished him to be free. The times when her mother and father were away in Nottingham Town, Much would make sure she was feed and taken care of. Much, in some way, was like a second father to her. When her father and Much left she felt like she was losing two fathers.
After a moment of silence, Much spoke up with confidence, handing Thornton Robin's bow. "And I would like a plate of something while I bathe."
Thornton's smile was completely gone as he took the bow from Much and nodded, "Very well."
Much took off in the wrong direction and without a movement form anyone Thornton said, "That is the way to the servant's quarters."
Raven laughed to herself as she stool a glance at her father who was smiling at his dear friend. Much turned back. "I knew that." Much said and made his way up the stairs to the bathroom.
Sir Guy then walked in, making Thornton and Raven shake in fear. Guy made his way in front of Robin before he spoke a word. "Welcome back, Locksley."
Robin looked into Sir Guy's eyes, who had to turn his head away from the gaze. "Now, I have kept your lands for you. I have managed your estate to the best of my ability under the guidance of the Sheriff." Gisborne took a step toward Robin. "And I would appreciate more respect in front of the populars."
Robin ignored him. "How many years have you been here?"
Guy looked to Raven, his eyes giving her chills down her spine and nothing but hatred for him burned in her heart. "Three years, four winters."
Robin's bright eyes looked right into Guy's soul. "And yet you still do not have the respect of the populars."
Gisborne sniffled and realized her was clearly defeated. "My men and I will leave directly for Nottingham."
Robin's gaze followed Guy to the door and said. "My servants will help you pack."
Guy stopped and turned back, "How was the Holy Land?"
"Blood thirsty." Robin walked to the dinning table. Raven could only imagine the horrors that her father had seen and how many men he had killed.
"I understand the King is winning, thanks be to God." Gisborne said as he followed Robin back into the house.
"He's killing more people." Robin stated.
Guy smiled his sly smile. "Ah, is that not winning?" Guy asked.
Robin got angry. "Show me an argument ever settled with bloodshed, and then I'll call it winning."
"Do not pretend that you do not love war." Guy spat back. "I've seen you fight."
Robin wondered, "When?"
Guy turned away, once more in defeat. "I do not recall."
"I have changed."
"Ah." Guy breathed. "Council of Nobles meets tomorrow at Nottingham; of no doubt the Sheriff will call a feast to celebrate your safe return."
Robin nodded. "Goodbye."
Guys turned, "Goodbye."
Robin followed Guy to the door. "One thing." Guy stopped. "I shall celebrate my safe return too, by pardoning any and all wrong doers from my estate awaiting trial or punishment."
"Only the Sheriff can pardon, you know that." Guy stated.
"It is custom for the Sheriff to exceed to his Noble's request on such matters." Robin stated in return.
Raven watched the conversation as if it were a game to see who is the best at stating facts and pissing off people the easiest, and each of them knew much and was easily pissed off. She'd say Robin was winning.
Guy gave in once more – it just wasn't his day, "Well then, I suggest you take it up with the Sheriff." He finally left, leavening Thornton, Raven, and Robin alone in the grand hall. Smiles crept on to each of there faces acknowledging that Robin had clearly won the battle…
Robin turned to Thornton. "Where is my lovely wife, dear friend?"
Thornton's bright smile fled from his face, retreating deep down inside and a sad expression marched on. Robin did not yet know of the abuse Sir Guy had done to Marian and Raven, mostly Marian. "She's in her - I mean your - bed chambers, my Lord."
Raven walked very fast up the stairs before Thornton could even finish. She wanted to shield her father from knowing what Sir Guy has done and has been trying to do. His girls were strong and could carry their own weight, he need not worry but he will anyway. She feared he would find out anyways, but she would rather later than sooner.
Robin walked up the stair case as Raven stood in front of the master bedroom. Robin smiled as he saw his daughter and kissed her atop the head. She did not move. A fake smile that Robin had always fallen for was spread across her face. At first Robin paid no mind to the smile and then after a minute or two of just standing he got worried.
"Can I go inside?" he asked his daughter.
"No." she said back to her father.
"Is something the matter?" he worried.
She shook her head like a mad man, "Nothing's the matter, father. Why would you think that?"
Now Robin knew she was hiding something. He knew his daughter wouldn't act like this unless she had something to hide from him.
"Move aside, Raven."
She took a deep breath. "Can't do that father."
Robin got fed up with her behavior and nudged her aside. He swung open the door to his chamber and saw his wife attending a red mark on her face. It was all red and swollen.
"Marian?" he whispered.
She turned. Her beauty was something he never forgot, but yet it seemed she had gotten more beautiful in the years they were apart. He pictured her flawless face every night and day while he was away. Her picture was the one thing that kept him sane in the hot long days and cold long nights.
"Robin?" she ran to him and embraced him in a hug that made up for the five years they have been apart.
Now that Robin was closer he could fully see the mark on his wife's face. "What happened?" he asked. Raven came in and saw her parents love for each other blossom once more.
"I walked into door as it opened nothing big." Lady Marian smiled.
Raven whispered to herself, "Been happening a lot since you left."
Robin looked to his shinning daughter. "What, Raven?"
Raven smiled. "Nothing father."
A servant girl came into the room, bowing her head to the three Noble's in the room. "Miss Raven, Will Scarlett is here to see you."
Raven thanked the girl and ran out of the room to where Will waited. Since Gisborne had shown up, she hasn't seen him all that much. They had to sneak away just say hello and even that wasn't enough. Will was like an older brother to Raven and she missed him and Lukey immensely much. Once she saw his bright Scarlett green eyes and lovely smile she knew she had fallen for him. She was in love with Will since the moment she could walk and talk. They played together when they were children, hung out with each other when they were ten, and now that they're teenagers they sneak off. Raven didn't know if Will had the same feelings for her as she did for him.
Will handed her a bag that was tied up with string. A smile spread across her face as she saw a little heart shaped wooden locket with a butterfly engraved on it, on the backside of the butterfly was her first and last initial. "Happy Birthday, Raven."
Raven rapped her arms around his neck. Will returned the hug and laughed. Ever since Will has been able to carve wood, he's given Raven a divine piece of art. One year she got a jewelry box, another year she got mirror frame, and another year she got the most comfortable wooden chair ever. But this gift, this one was the best.
"Let's go into the back garden." Raven suggested.
Will agreed and they walked to the garden, but before they got outside Raven grabbed a small leather sack.
They walked around the garden for a few moments until she stopped. She couldn't wait any longer. It was killing her not to give it to him.
"This is for you."
Will took the leather sack that Raven had held out for him. "Gisborne confined me to my chambers all last week so I couldn't give this to you."
He opened up the sack and saw a leather bracelet. Will usually hated when Raven got him expensive things but when he saw what was on the bracelet, he couldn't help but smile. "Happy late Birthday, Will."
On the leather bracelet was a silver plate that was engraved, but Will was unable to read more than his name.
"It says: You can choose your destiny, but which path will you choose?" Raven said.
When ever Will or Raven was unable to see the path they needed to travel they told each other that very saying. When Will was ten, he was given that chance to work in the castle in Nottingham Town. He would have loved to work in the castle with Sir Edward as Sheriff, but he loved his family more and was better with wood than dishes. He thought he had made the wrong choice to where he must go in life, but the path is never clear.
"Listen, Raven." Will said making Raven's cheery mood disappear. "Benedict was taken by Gisborne earlier."
Raven looked back to when se first saw her father. Now she remembered seeing Benedict was being held by one of Gisborne's men. In fact, it was that man that yelled at her father that held Benedict. Now she was frightened.
"Yes." she gulped.
"I'm frightened her might rat us out." Will said a bit sad.
Raven looked to her dear friend. "He wouldn't tell on us, would he?"
Will sighed. "He'll tell Gisborne it was me and Lukey. I told neither of them that you were the one that helped me take the food from the stores."
Tears burned in her eyes. "No, Will." she whispered. "I am more responsible for this crime then you are. I should be the one punished, not you."
As Raven began to cry hysterically Will pulled her into a loving hug. "Shhhhhh, Raven. It's going to be ok."
"It's not going to be ok." Raven stopped her tears and pulled away. "Most likely, with this Sheriff, you'll be hanged. If you are hanged,
I would not be able to tell you how I really feel about you. If you are hanged, I would not know if you feel the same way."
Raven walked over the small pond in the middle of the garden. She oved him, he doesn't know. He may feel the same, she'll never know. Now she fears she'll be alone for the rest of her natural born life. Without Will in her life, she might as well die.
"Raven, what are you saying?" Will asked somewhat confused.
"What I'm saying is," she took a deep breath. "I love, William Scarlett and I dear you may not feel the same way about me."
She turned to him. At first she saw shock on his face, then relif. Before he could say a word, one of Gisborne's lot showed up and took him away. Raven ran after the man. She followed the guard and Will all the way to his hut in the village.
"Stop!" she ordered the man. Now she saw Lukey and Dan, Will's father, outside the hut. Lukey was in shackles and someone was pitting a pair on Will.
"What is the crime you are charging these two?" she asked as the men looked at her.
"These two were involved with steeling the ten sacks of flower if the stores. They're to go to Nottingham." on of the guard said.
The other guard shoved Will and Luke into a caged carriage. They ordered the driver to go as soon as they got onto their horses.
Tears slowly fell from Dan and Raven's faces. The people that have kept them both whole where to go to Nottingham and most likely be hanged and they can do nothing until Robin goes to Nottingham in the morning.
After the carriage was out of sight, Raven went and took Dan by his good hand, for his other one was cut off, and they walked to the manor. "I am so sorry, Dan." Raven said.
Dan looked at her with a slight smile. "It's not your fault, Miss Raven."
Something inside Raven went dark. It was her fault and now three men are going to hang for her stupidity. Like father like daughter, I guess. She thought, remembering her father's story about how he learned to take responsibility for his actions the hard way.
When they arrived to the manor, Raven learn that her father went to see the old Sheriff, her mother's father, and had everyone in the village come up to the manor and eat. No one that lived or worked in the manor was to eat until everyone in the village has eaten. That sounds just like her father. Raven made sure that Dan had eaten something and then went over to some orphaned children from the village's orphanage.
After an hour everyone began to leave. Raven made sure all the orphan children got out of the manor together. When all were out the children followed the nun to the orphanage. She stood by Dan when she saw her father and Much coming back. They stooped when a man from the village named Jeffery stopped him. Jeffery did some trick with his eggs which made her father laugh. When Jeffery left, Robin noticed her and Dan by the side of the manor.
"Dan?" Robin asked as her hurried over. "What's wrong?"
Dan pushed himself off the side of the manor. "Young Benedict got frightened. He told Gisborne's lot who took the flower with him." Tears gathered in Dan's eyes.
Robin sighed. "Your boys."
"They've taken them to Nottingham. Robin…"
Robin looked up. "I will resolve this. I will talk to the Sheriff, I promise." He put his hand on his friend shoulder.
The next day Much, Robin and Raven road to Nottingham. They made their way through the streets and noticed that it was market day, but yet there was no market.
"It's been like this since the new Sheriff has arrived. He's raised taxes so much that no one can afford to trade." Raven said as she road ahead of the pack into the castle's court yard.
The four of them dismounted their horses and made their way into the castle. Robin and Much noticed that Raven didn't seem fazed by the gallows in the middle of the court yard. Years ago, when Sir Edward was Sheriff; the gallows were rarely used and only brought out when necessary. It looked like the gallows have been outside all month. Something wasn't right.
The three of them made their way to the great hall were the council was behind held. As they went to the door, Raven was stopped by a guard. "Sorry, no woman aloud."
Raven gave him a strange look. "But my mother, Lady Marian, is in there."
Robin smiled. "It's alright, Raven."
Robin and Much made their way into the council's room, leaving Raven to sit outside in the court yard for a few hours. There was nothing to do. She wanted to see Will in the dungeons, but the guards wouldn't let her.
As soon as her mother and father came out with Much she ran to them. "Father, are you going to the dungeons?" she asked.
He smiled. "Yes, and no you can not come."
She looked at him. "But father. I wish to see Will and Luke before anything that may happen to them."
He put a hand on her shoulder. "Fine, you may come."
She smiled and hugged her mother goodbye as she, her father, and Much made their way to the dungeons. When they got there the guards had not choice but to let her in. They followed the jailer down the steps into the dungeons. He tossed the keys to another man. "Bring out the Locksley lot."
When they walked to the interrogation room, a prisoner yelled. "Hey, Jailer. Jailer, that's me. Jailer! Aren't you listening? I'm from Locksley. Jailer! I'm from Locksley!"
Soon after they entered the room, three men were pushed into the room. First was Benedict, then Will, followed by Lukey. Raven's heart skipped a beat when she saw Will's face.
"Give your names." the Jailer demanded.
Will looked right into Robin's eyes. "Will and Luke Scarlett."
"What is your crime?" Robin asked.
Will, as noble as ever, stated, "Living in the wrong place at the wrong time. Living under an evil Sheriff. Where do our taxes go? They go to Nottingham, to the Sheriff, to his birds..." he was cu off. One of the men smacked him. Raven gasped.
"Name." the Jailer said to the third man.
"Benedict. Son of Richard Giddins. Surf of Locksley." Benedict said.
"What is your crime?" Robin asked.
"Stealing flower."
"Are you guilty?"
Benedict didn't answer.
"What is your punishment?" Robin asked.
Benedict hesitated. "Don't know."
Much looked over to the Jailer. "Hanging? No surely not."
Will's eyes went wide. Raven's heart filled with guilt.
"What? Hanging?" Benedict shouted.
Luke stepped forward. "Robin..." Benedict cried. "No!"
The three were dragged out of the room. Will's eyes were on Raven. To her surprise they were not filled with hate or anger, but compassion.
"Do you mind?" the Jailer asked as the door closed. "We don't tell
them if it's the dangle. They kick up a hell if a stink."
Much spat back. "For stealing flower? Hanging?"
The Jailer smiled. "The Sheriff wants an example. We've just had word..."
Robin stood. "I'll be speaking to the Sheriff. Meanwhile you treat these prisoners well, or you will have me to answer to."
"You've got one more." the Jailer smiled.
Raven put a hand on her father shoulder, making him claim down a bit.
A tall man was pushed into the room.
Robin sighed. "You are not from Locksley."
The man smiled. "I know." he looked to Raven. "But you saved me once before."
Robin raised his voice. "That was a long way from Nottingham. Here I am known."
"But your saving those others, you'll save me. For my wife, my new born babe." the man cried.
Much looked at him. "You said your wife was expecting."
The man smiled. "Nope. She 'ad it."
Robin looked to his daughter with regret. "Your lies today may be your undoing. I can not save the others and I fear you shall share their fate."
The man's smiled disappeared. "What fate?"
The three walked out of the interrogation room as the man began to talk to the Jailer. "I'm not from Locksley. Did I say Locksley. There's been a mistake here. I'm from Rochdale. Rochdale. That's why they call me Allan A Dale!"
The Jailer joked back. "Yeah and I'm from Whilewales." Allan sighed.
"Serve him with the Locksley lot!"
When they arrived to the great hall where the feast for Robin's return was being held, Robin turned to the Sheriff. "Ah, Huntington. You missing your own feast. Rumors bound."
"What rumors?" Robin asked.
"That you're weak. That you've returned weakened from your exurtions in the Holy Land." the Sheriff replied.
"My father is not weak." Raven spat at the small man.
Robin turned to her. "Raven, go sit your grandfather. I will be down in a moment."
"Yes father." Raven went to her seat beside her grandfather and ate some roast pig.
After the feast, Raven was to return home alone as soon as they road pass Knighton. Once she got home she had trouble falling to sleep. Tomorrow her love was to be hanged.
Raven awoke early and road out to Nottingham with her mother. When they got to the Sheriff's castle they went to the grand hall to meet her grandfather.
When it was time for the hanging, all the Nobles gathered at the front steps in the court yard. Raven's father walked up to the steps. "Lords, Ladies, people of Nottingham. We are gathered here today to witness the carrying out of justice in the name if God and King Richard." the Sheriff said. He put a scroll to his mouth and shouted "Bring out the prisoners."
Everyone turned to see four men being led to the gallows. "Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntington, having recently returned from the Holy War with a personal commendation from the King himself, will read the proclamation."
One of the men, Allan A Dale, started to run away, but was grabbed back and pushed up the stairs. Robin grabbed the scroll from the Sheriff an unrolled it. "Enjoy." the Sheriff said.
As everyone was being pushed on the gallows platform, the Sheriff whispered to Robin and Raven heard beacuse she stood next to him. "Oh and a, no second thoughts Locksley or your friend, Much, will be dropping in on us as out special guest today."
Both Raven and Robin looked up to see two guards holding Much over the edge if the castle wall.
"Let it be heard and known about the lands and realms of Richard, his majesty, King of England, that on this, the 26th day of April in the year or our Lord 1192, the following men, having been trialed under law and found guilty. Benedict Giddins of Locksley, Will Scarlett of Locksley, Luke Scarlett of Locksley, Allen A Dale of Locksley. These same men have been sentenced to be hanged by a rope until they are dead." Robin declared.
Raven kept her eyes on Will as the drums began to sound and the white hoods began to be put on the four men's heads. People began to cry out, Dan called his sons names.
"May the souls..."The Sheriff said.
"Wait!" Raven said.
Robin gave his daughter a look. "What?" the Sheriff asked.
She gulped. "Don't they get a last word? You know, so people can remember them by?"
The Sheriff looked at her. "A clue: no."
Once more the drums sounded. "May the souls..."
"Wait!" a man yelled.
"Now, now, now please don't kill my brother, my little baby, my ingrate cousin!" the Sheriff shouted.
"By the power of Antony, our Bishop, i claim benefit of clergy for these men! They cannot hang." the man stated.
The Sheriff was confused. "These are not Holy men. These people cannot plead the cloth. Get on with it."
The man continued. "I came last night to administer their last rights."
"So?" the Sheriff asked.
"And each one came to God through me, repenting their sins and asked to take the cloth. I felt duty bound to consult the Bishop and he inter confer status of novis onto each man."
"Shut up."
The man read from a scroll. "I, Antony, very rerent fickle apushtolic, here by confer..."
The Sheriff got pissed off. "SHUT UP!" Everyone looked to the Sheriff. "Is this possible?"
A man at his right said, "They could not have become novises overnight."
They looked to the man. "They have become postulance. Novis novises if you like. And so are under the protection of the church."
The man and Robin shared looks that tipped of the Sheriff. "Novis novises? How novel? Well, hang them, and arrest him."
The man ran but was caught my two guards. One of them ripped of the bearded the man had to revile the man was Jeffery.
"Where's the drum?" the Sheriff asked, mimican the drums noise. "Watch and enjoy, Robin. Your priest won't talk and then you will be done for my friend."
The drums beat was getting fast and Raven's heart began to race.
"My the souls of these men fine forgiveness in heaven." the Sheriff said.
The men pulled back on a rope and the benches where pulled back. All four men began to hang. Dan yelled his boys he loved them and told them he'll see them in heaven. The Sheriff began to walk away. Tacna began to cry and Robin was fed up.
Robin attacked a guard for his bow and four arrows. Everyone ran front the steps. Raven ran to her mother.
He armed the bow and shouted. "People of Nottingham," he let go, hitting the rope and let down Allan A Dale. He armed it once more. "These men have committed no crime worth more then a spell in stocks." he let go again and cut Will down. Raven was joyful. Robin armed his bow with two arrows. "Will you tolerate this injustice? I, for one, will not!" he cut down both Benedict and Luke this time.
A man came after Robin. The fought until the guard was knocked out. More and more came. Raven raced down the steps to Dan. Luke and Benedict stood with him. She helped them run out of the castle. They ran to the North Road.
"I'm sorry for all that has happened." she told the three.
Dan, once more, said. "It's not your fault."
She gulped and admitted her sin. "But it was. I was the one who gave Will the flower. He in turn gave some the Benedict and told no one how he got it. I wanted to take blame, but Will wouldn't let me."
Some how, the three understood. Raven helped the village with whatever she could and it didn't surprise them.
"Now get going. Someplace safe." she said. "You can't stay here."
"But where will we go?" Benedict asked.
"We could go to Scarborough. To Auntie Annie's." Luke suggested.
Raven nodded. "Go, than. I will tell Will when I see him next."
The three took the road in the direction they needed. Raven stood and watched until they were gone.
"Now to find father." she said.
She began to walk down the road and saw her two horses running in her direction. When they passed her, one stopped making the other stop with it. A man hopped of the horse and shouted to her. "Raven?" It was her father.
"Father!" she cried as she hugged him. The other three men got off the horses and walked over to the two. "Much, Will." she smiled.
She looked over to Allan A Dale. "Mr. A Dale." she held out her hand.
Allan took it, "Nice to meet you..."
"Raven. Raven of Locksley." she spoke proudly.
"Raven." he smiled and kissed her hand.
"Allan, get away from my daughter." Robin said sternly.
Allan backed off with his hands raised in the air. "Raven. Let's go."
"Where are we going? Your an outlaw now, meaning if you go back home you'll be hanged." she stated.
"Fine. We'll all go to the fields overlooking Locksley and stay there until you bring us a few things." he said and they all took off for Locksley, leaving the horses in the road.
Will pulled Raven to the back of the group. "Where's my brother, my father, and Benedict?" he asked.
"They went to Scarborough to your Auntie Annie's." she said. Will seemed a big calm now, but she worried.
When they made it to the fields above Locksley, Raven was told to fetch Robin's bow, quiver, and sword, Much's sword and shield, and some of Will's things.
She did as she was told and went into the village and got Will's thing first. She brought his things back in a sack and then left for the manor. She gathered all of her father's things and then Much's. When she came back and gave them their things she said goodbye.
"It's not goodbye." Robin said. "See you later, child."
A tear ran down her cheek. "I don't want you to go, father." She cried.
Robin took his daughter into a hug and held her for a while. "I won't go far, I swear. If you need me, just travel the North Road."
Raven sniffled. "Alright. See you later, father."
The four men left. Raven went back to the manor and found Sir Guy in the great hall having all of his things moved in.
"Hello, Raven. Miss me?" he joked.
What did you think?
Should I continue?