Note: Chapter 2 is here! Yay!

Nottingham Castle

"GIBOURNE!" The sheriff roared down the hall, slumping back into his chair. The small sing bird in the cages paused their cheerful tunes and then began their warbling again. The tall, handsome man strode into the room. His black eyes looked around the room with caution, waiting for his enemy, Robin Hood to burst from the shadows.

"We have a small problem," The Sheriff said nonchalantly. Guy of Gisbounre rolled his eyes, crossing his arms and staring at the balding man.

"What would that be, my lord?" he asked. The Sheriff chuckled, standing from his chair and heading to one of the multiple wooden cages of birds he kept with him in his bedchamber.

"Prince John does not like the fact that I have not yet captured and killed, the outlaw, Robin Hood. So he is planning on replacing me with Lord Robert of South Hampton," the sheriff explained as he drew one of the small canaries out of its coop.

"What can we do about that sir? We cannot oppose a direct order from Prince John," Guy sighed, watching the tiny bird shriek and squirm in the sheriff's gloved hands.

"That, Sir Guy," the sheriff grinned, "Is where you are wrong. It was not a direct order but more of a threat. Lord Robert is sending his three daughters to visiting Nottingham tomorrow. We must show them hospitality, kindness, and we must not let them get into Hood's hands!" Sir Guy grunted, walking to window, looking down on the guards.

"So…we will send them straight into the forest." Guy started, turning back to look at the Sheriff of Nottingham.

"But my lord. Isn't that exactly what we wish to avoid? Sending them into the forest is like throwing a bone to a pack of rabid wolves and hoping they'll ignore it," Guy explained, leaning on the desk. The sheriff grinned, releasing the bird from his grip, "Poor Guy, you are so naïve."

Locksley Village

Robin stood carefully in the shadows, watching Will deliver basket after basket of food and money to the villagers of Locksley without tiring while Much and Allan were already complaining.

"Robin?" He glanced over his shoulder at his wife. Marian smiled sweetly, kneeling down beside him.

"What are you doing?" she asked simply. He nodded towards Will, who had started to help an elderly couple by chopping their firewood. His strokes with the long axe were sharp and violent, instantly splitting the wood. She nodded, putting a slim finger to her lips.

"I'm worried about him, Marian."

"He just lost Djaq," she whispered, "Give him some time. He'll calm down." Robin nodded, remembering the times he'd almost lost Marian, when Guy had stabbed her and when she had almost married Guy to protect her late father, Sir Edward. He shuddered, kissing Marian before revealing himself.

Striding out into the village, Robin was met with cheers and thanks as he approached his men.

"Come lads. We still need to get to Clun and Nettlestone before sundown," he said, beckoning to them. Will took a deep breath and strapped his axe to his back, waving to the people of Locksley as they disappeared over the hill and into the woods.

"Oy! Robin!" Allan said from up ahead as they approached the main road. Robin jogged up to his companion, looking down. A long caravan of rider less horses passed by, their sable bags bulging clamored down the dirt path. A single, elaborately decorated wagon was in the middle of the fray, surrounded by two dozen guards. Robin grinned, pulling his Saracen bow off his back and lodging an arrow in place.

"Marian. Take one of the men with you and make the rest of the deliveries. I believe we just found this week's food supply," he chuckled, aiming the arrow for the nearest, oblivious guard. Marian snorted, turning to Much, who protested but went along anyways. Robin and the other spread out in the trees, watching the procession move along loudly through the thin Sherwood trees. Robin whistled, nodding and they all burst forward, weapons drawn and poised for battle.

"Come now boys, you know the drill. Hand us the money and we won't hurt you…" Allan said cheerfully. Robin smirked, "Do it." Suddenly, all the guards dropped their weapons and ran for the trees, their uniforms flapping in their wake.

"Isabella!" a female voice called from inside the wagon, "Where in the name of god have all the guards gone?"

"Well, I'm sure I don't know!" another girl replied. Will rolled his eyes, leaning on the axe that came up to his shoulder, waiting for something.

"Ladies…" Robin smiled, turning his charm on. The door the carriage flew open, and three young women climbed out, each having an equally annoyed look on their faces. Allan A. Dale grinned cheerfully.

"Isabella," the one in the middle started, "We're surrounded by men…"

"Charlotte. It seems we are…" she said, clearly bored.

"What the heck," the third one spat out. The other two laughed, pulling swords from behind their backs. The little one revealed an angry looking dagger, twirling it expertly in her hand. Allan strode forward confidentially, putting on a cocky grin.

"Girls, please there's no need for—" the girl named Charlotte's fist flew out, cracking Allan in the nose. He groaned, clasping his hands to his face. Blood trickled through his fingers as the girls smirked.

"Bloody hell! I'm not joking that really hurt!" he whined, his voice muffled.

"Who's next?" Isabella dared, looking at them all fiercely.

Disclaimer: Ta-da! Come on and R&R and tell me watch you think!