Hi all, hope your enjoying the first chapter, here's the second! -DODV

Chapter 2

Unexpected Visitors

Robin Hood was still uneasy about the news of someone killing the Sheriff's men. While others might think it needed to be done, it was a quick path to becoming just as cruel as the ones your fighting against. Tuck had took Robin to the site where this newcomer had ambushed Gisborne and his men. He could tell where the coach carrying the taxes had been, for bodies were strewn around in a roughly rectangular shape. Two of the bodies had arrows sticking out of them, they were completely black. The others had been killed with a sword, with as much bloodshed as possible. The sight was not uncommon to Robin, after fighting in the Holy Lands. However, he had thought he'd left that behind him across the seas.

Tuck was kneeling over a particularly mutilated body, saying a prayer from the soldier. Normally Robin would have said that he didn't deserve it, then he thought of how the man had died. Robin's head snapped up from his thoughts at the sound of a twig cracking. He wouldn't have heard it were it not so unnaturally quiet. The observation sent him reaching for an arrow as one raced towards him. Robin crouched down just in time as a black arrow soared over his head. He strung his bow and waited for any sign of movement. Tuck was now up and ready as well.

"I am Robin Hood stranger," Robin called out, "we also oppose the Sheriff and his men." Another arrow came out of the forest, this time Robin saw where it came from. He carefully drew back his bow string and waited.

"We help the poor by robbing the rich, namely the Sheriff." Robin continued, and he saw the smallest movement in the trees ahead of him. He released his arrow, and a hiss of pain greeted him. Drawing another arrow Robin charged forwards to find a small man dressed in black armor and cloak staggering back. Robin's arrow was in the man's upper leg, and blood was seeping from the wound. With a grunt the man broker off the shaft of the arrow, leaving the head of it imbedded in his flesh. The two locked eyes, and Robin's breath caught in his throat. The man's face was covered by a mask, but his eyes were clear to see. They were a pale green, and Robin thought of Marion dead in the Holy Lands. The stranger didn't waste the opportunity of Robin's distraction. Before Tuck or Robin could stop him, the man rushed around them towards the bodies. The man stopped only seconds to retrieve his two arrows and continue on his way. Robin starred after him in shock.

"That wouldn't happened to be-" Robin started, only for Tuck to nod.

"The man who attacked Gisborne?" Tuck finished. "Yes."

When Robin and Tuck made their way back to the hideout, they found four eager men waiting for them. Much came up to Robin first, inspecting him for any signs of injury. His eyes landed on a very small scrape on Robin's right cheek. Much's eyes widened a little at the thought of him being in a scrap.

"Where did you get that?" Much asked, slightly too dramatically.

"What?" Robin asked, unsure what he was talking about.

"On your face," Much said, indicating which one he was talking about. "What is that?" Robin raised a hand to the scrape and winced as his fingers brushed against it. He thought of the near miss of the second arrow that had been shot at him. It must have grazed him without his knowledge. Now that it had been pointed out though, the small cut stung quite a bit.

"We ran into Nottingham's newest celebrity," Tuck told the men, and all activity ceased. "It seems that his reputation lives up to standards." Robin thought back to the masked man, and how he had allowed him to escape. It was probably better not to mention that slip up.

"I did get in a shot of my own of course," Robin said looking over at Tuck with a pained expression. "How could you forget to mention the hero?" The others snickered at the remark, but Tuck held up his hands in surrender.

"Yes, Robin is correct on that account," Tuck then began to describe what had taken place between the man and Robin. At the mention of Robin wounding the black clad man, the others congratulated him.

"Maybe we can track him, if there's blood to follow." Allan said, Robin nodded.

"We'll have to look into it later, see if its still there to follow. For now, we need to focus on what's going on with the Sheriff." Robin told them.

"The fair," Will said. The Sheriff was hosting a fair in Nottingham, and those who attended were guaranteed that they would have a splendid time. Robin planned on using this as cover to sneak into Nottingham castle to steal what he'd missed out on days before. He had everything planned out, including how he was going to get into the Sheriff's stronghold. It all involved precise timing, and stealth.

"Hey Sheriff!" Robin called from the courtyard of Nottingham castle. He looked around as soldiers rushed towards him and laughed. It was always fun to have a few rounds with the Sheriff's lackeys. Robin was on a tight schedule however, so he made do with slipping into the castle and bolting away. Somewhere around the area the rest of Robin's band would be creating a distraction as Robin himself made his way towards the Sheriff's room. The plan was simple compared to half of the other schemes that he had pulled off rather successfully. In fact, it shouldn't prove any problem at all seeing as he wasn't trying to get into the Sheriff's vault of anything like that. Robin smiled as he went, certain now more than ever that he was prepared for anything.

…...

The good Sheriff of Nottingham sat in his room, listening to Guy of Gisborne's report on the festivities in Nottingham. He hadn't heard anything worth paying attention to yet, so he simply looked past Gisborne. The words floating to him were recognizable, but were paired with none of the ones he wanted to hear. Namely Robin Hood, outlaws, taxes, and anything that had to do with the oh-so-mysterious man in black. The Sheriff looked over to the door of his room, and locked eyes with a shadow. The pale green eyes that seemed to size him up were the only visible part of the intruder. The rest seemed to melt into the surrounding darkness, and at that point he needed no name for the masked man he'd been hearing so much about.

"Shadow!" the Sheriff exclaimed, sitting up straighter and spreading his arms in an open gesture. "So nice to meet you at last." Guy turned around in confusion, but when he saw the silent figure lurking in the corner he went for his sword. The newly named Shadow moved faster than both men could follow. He silently drew his bowstring, and suddenly an arrow was between Gisborne and him. The latter froze with his sword ready to attack while the former regarded them with a cool calculated gaze. The Sheriff was pleased to see no pity in the eyes of the man standing before him. It wouldn't be hard to sway such a man with a logical deal.

"I assume this is the man you've told me all about, Gisborne." the Sheriff stated, it wasn't a question.

"Indeed it is," Guy spat, and Shadow pulled the bowstring even further back in warning. The Sheriff stood slowly, still maintaining his open posture. While it was meant to show he was willing to talk, the Sheriff was coiled and ready to dive out of the way of an arrow sent his way. He wasn't a fool.

"Why don't we put away our weapons and talk this out like civilized men?" the Sheriff suggested. Guy glanced at the smaller man the Sheriff had called Shadow, then back at the slightly taller man in the fur robe. Slowly he lowered his sword, ready for the arrow pointed at him to be released. The Sheriff turned his attention back on Shadow, and watched as he too lowered his bow. The tension on the string never loosened however, proving the other man' intelligence as well.

"Right then," the Sheriff said, clapping his hands together, "lets get down to business." Shadow said nothing and neither did guy, both men watching the other with mistrust.

"Fine, I'll do the talking." the Sheriff announced. "I've heard about your mishap in Sherwood, and I would like to extend a deal to you. You join me in the hunt for Robin Hood, and I'll let you live." Shadow still said nothing, but his eyes were now trained on the Sheriff. Despite himself he felt a chill run up his spine, the eyes that watched him were almost ghostly and void of life.

"Is that a yes or a no?" the Sheriff asked, "Its hard to tell when you don't say anything." Shadow moved, and suddenly the bow he held was up again. The black arrow he held was now aimed at the chest of the Sheriff, who blinked.

"I'd say that was a now," Guy hissed, and moved to attack Shadow when the door to the Sheriff's room burst open. Standing in the threshold was none other than Robin Hood, and he too had his bow drawn. The outlaw looked at the scene playing out before him in surprise, then noticed where Shadow was aiming. Suddenly the outlaw was aiming his arrow at Shadow, whose aim never wavers from the Sheriff.

"He's mine to kill Hood, you'll have to settle for being second." Guy said, and pointed his sword at Robin. The Sheriff just starred at the strange sight before him. Then he saw the small mark on Robin's face.

"Hood, I see you've had a brush with death today already." the Sheriff mused.

"Oh yes Sheriff, but death was wounded far greater than I was." Robin retorted. The Sheriff followed Robin's gaze, as did Guy. The three men saw the shinning liquid still on Shadow's armor, and the piece of shaft sticking out his leg.

"So we're all acquainted then, marvelous that means I don't have to introduce anyone. Shadow you do seem to get around," the Sheriff laughed, but was cut off when the man in question loosed his hold on the arrow just a fraction. Robin Hood seemed confused by the unfamiliar name, but quickly realized who was being referenced.

"If I may make a suggestion-" the Sheriff started, but the cold voice that cut him off made the room grow silent.

"A clue: No!" with that Shadow released his arrow, and the Sheriff dove to the ground. Robin Hood attempted to subdue the man, but Guy commandeered the outlaw's attention. Shadow slipped past the now brawling men, and came up to the Sheriff who was trying to crawl away. He slung his bow over one shoulder, and pulled out one of his wicked daggers. He pressed the tip into the base of his skull, and the Sheriff froze as blood began to trickle down his neck. Shadow crouched down next to the Sheriff, keeping constant pressure on the back of his neck. The Sheriff looked into the Shadow's eyes once again, and he didn't like the ruthlessness he saw. Before his death could be dealt, both Gisborne and Robin came to his aide. Both men knew that Nottingham would be destroyed if the Sheriff were to die. The only reason that he was still alive was because of that small stipulation.

Gisborne kicked Shadow away from the Sheriff while Robin moved behind him. The outlaw proceeded to restrain Shadow while the Sheriff ran out into the hallway screaming for his soldiers. Shadow responded by flipping Robin over his head, and leaping out of the window in the room. Robin leapt to his feet, and looked out the window to see Shadow using his escape route. The men outside had shot an arrow with rope up to the Sheriff's window. With a unbelieving shake of the head Robin quickly snatched a bag of money, and joined Shadow on the slide down the rope.

Outside chaos was reigning as the outlaws fought off the Sheriff's men. When the first person had come sliding down the rope the outlaws had been fully ready to retreat with their leader Robin Hood. However, the black clad figure coming towards them was clearly not Robin. Tuck, who had been the first to see Shadow descending, called out over the noise.

"Little John! Stop that man!" he told him. The large man looked over at the small figure trying to slip away from the brawl. With a growl John charged the figure and raised his staff. Only to be stopped when the man turned and caught the staff with his two daggers. John tried again, this time sweeping the man's legs out from under him. Shadow fell, cracking his head onto stone steps with a sickening sound. He didn't move afterwards. Little John then found Robin standing next to him, looking at the unmoving cloaked man.

"What did you do that for?" Robin asked, and John started to speak before Robin waved at him to stop.

"Just take him with us," Robin ordered, and ran off to rally the others into a retreat. Grumbling Little John slung the smaller man over his shoulder and followed after Robin, noting how little his package weighed. The outlaws quickly regrouped and fled, Robin tossing the pounds that he had taken from the Sheriff onto the ground. The people that had been watching the odd scene came alive at the sound of dropping coins. As one they dove into the path of the Sheriff's men and covered the outlaw's escape.

Bearing an extra man, the outlaws returned to Sherwood otherwise empty handed. Robin instructed Little John to set the black clad man down where everyone could keep an eye on him. He still had yet to stir after the fall he'd taken. Much moved closer to the unmoving man, and hesitantly poked him with a long stick. Satisfied that he wasn't going to get up soon, he inched closer until his face was inches from the mask.

"He's not dead is he?" Much asked, and the Friar came over to them. He deafly checked the unconscious man's pulse by moving his armor away from his wrist.

"Alive and fully able to kill any of us when he wakes up," Tuck assured him, and Much visibly paled.

"So how'd you pick up the stray?" Allan said as a joke, but it fell flat. Robin shrugged.

"He about killed the Sheriff when I stumbled across him," he explained, which earned a low whistle from one of the men. Much leaned even further towards the mask that Shadow wore, and moved a hand to it. Carefully he started to take it off before any of the other outlaws could try and stop him. Much leaned away from Shadow, taking the mask with him. The outlaws froze, and Robin looked down at the newly uncovered face is awe.

…...

"How did he even get in here?" Guy of Gisborne demanded as his and the Sheriff's men cringed. He had been asking himself that same question every time his thoughts drifted back to the man the Sheriff now insisted on calling Shadow. He's met the man twice within a span of days, and already he'd eluded his grasp. If it hadn't been for that dammed Robin Hood, everything would have been fine. By the time Guy had made it outside to find the black clad nuisance, he only found his target being carried off. So now the men that had let the irritating man slip in unnoticed in the first place were earning his wrath.

"One man, who is not even bold enough to show his face, outwitted all of you!" Guy raged, stalking past the men he was now fed up with. He still remembered those eyes starring back at him. They were hauntingly void of emotion, and he had no doubts that the man would have killed him. The thought that Robin Hood may have possibly saved his life and the Sheriff's by result only fuelled his anger further. Robin Hood would have to wait, Shadow was now the center of Guy's wrath.

…...

Robin had been expecting anything but what he was now seeing to be hidden behind the mask. The serene face of a beautiful woman greeted his and the other outlaws eyes. She had pale skin, as if she had never seen the light of day. Her hair, though slightly disheveled from battle and the mask, was straight. It was the color of tree bark, but there were dark natural highlights set in it. As the men kept starring, Shadow woke from her sleep to find her mask gone. The change that took place startled the outlaws.

The almost angel like feature of the woman when unconscious were replaced by hardened cold calculation. Her eyes, that were the pale green similar to Marion's, remained as ruthlessly void of compassion as ever. Before anyone could truly recover from the initial shock, the woman already had Much by the throat. She held him in place and pulled back a gloved fist before smashing it into Much's face. The man was thrown back from the impact and landed in a heap. Shadow rocked back onto her shoulders and kicked herself onto her feet gracefully. Allan charged her, only to be knocked back by a kick to the stomach. The same went for Will, only this time the kick was placed below the belt. Little John swung his staff at her, which she ducked under then grabbed for herself. She then twisted the staff to loosen his grip before cracking his end into his chin. Shadow went for her bow and rolled out of the way of Robin and the Friar who were the last ones standing. As she drew an arrow she swept Tuck's legs out from under him and pulled back the bowstring. She aimed for Robin, only to find that he was in a similar position. The outlaws slowly shook themselves off, and flanked Robin Hood. Little John rubbed his chin, and looked over to the woman matching glared with Robin.

"Her, I do like." he announced.

Please leave a review on how I'm doing! A writer has to have feedback for their confidence issues! -DODV