For the record these are HUGE chapters so at least a LITTLE feedback would be welcomed! Thanks! ~DFP
Chapter One
The Aftermath
Last Time:
Oncoming hordes of Moors were racing across the field. Soon they would scale the hill and be upon her. She would not die for her country. She would not die for her brother. She would not die in vain. She would not die at all.
4 Years Later
Tempest rode through the countryside of England with a grim expression on her face. Four years had passed making her twenty-one, yet she had seen so much in her life already. The war was far from over, she knew, but her views of the King and such had changed. The good King Richard had forsaken not only his people in England to fight for the Pope, but also his people on the battlefield with him. She was painfully reminded of her reason for parting with Aiden. None of that would have happened if the King hadn't left his army in the heat of battle. Aiden, he would be eighteen now, if he was still alive. That was an unfortunately large if.
She mustn't think of the past now though. She was on a mission from Prince John. Having been his personal emissary in the East had helped further her position of power, and now she was delivering a message to the Sheriff of Nottingham. Many things had changed in four years, she reflected as she rode through a small town. The way of the world was shifting, as was the power that controlled it. Her job was to be on the winning side, or to help the side she was on win. That was precisely what she was going to do in Nottingham. Prince John had suddenly taken a particular interest in the town and had sent her with a letter of intent and had personally instructed her to do what she did best; win at all costs.
In Nottingham…
Sheriff Vasey was sitting in his study with his cousin Sir Guy of Gisborne going over tactics for killing Robin Hood when there came a knock on his door.
"What?" Vasey yelled as the door swung open.
"The papers that you requested." The sandy brown haired youth bowed respectfully.
"Ah yes, bring them here boy!" Vasey called sipping his wine.
The youth obediently strode over and handed the Sheriff the papers.
"See, Gisborne, you need one of these boys! They're great, do everything you ask, really quiet." Vasey rambled, as the boy remained silent.
"What's your name?" Guy asked with genuine interest.
"My name is Aiden, Sir." Aiden bowed.
"Thank you, Aiden. That will be all." Guy stated dismissively.
Aiden backed out of the room and left in silence.
"Something's off about that one. No boy of eighteen should be that quiet." Guy murmured as Vasey shuffled through the papers.
"Oh he returned from the war four years ago. He was a mess! People thought he was crazy, but it was just the grief and the effects of the war. I had him cleaned up, saw potential, you know how that goes. Now he's the perfect squire, better than your Allan." Vasey stated seriously.
"Do you know what happened while he was in the war?" Guy asked curiously.
"No idea, he won't talk about it." Vasey sighed.
"That's no real surprise." Gisborne shrugged.
"No, not really. Now about this trap." Vasey pressed as the conversation twisted back to another of the Sheriff's strange plots.
Sherwood Forest
Robin and his band of outlaws watched in silence as the lone rider approached their trap. The rider was clothed in a dark cloak that obscured all features, yet the flamboyant pure gold ring resting on the middle finger spoke volumes. It was the symbol of a follower of Prince John. The solid gold face of a tiger was inlaid with black onyx stripes. Two sapphires served as eyes and silver was used as fangs. Overall, it was no great question of where this person's loyalties laid.
Little John and Much leapt out of their hiding spots, spooking the great white horse. The rider tried to control the animal while Djaq, Will, and Robin took their place in a circle around the horse and rider.
"It's alright, we won't hurt you if you give us what we want." Robin stated with a cocky smirk on his lips.
The veiled figure said nothing the opaque gray silk obscuring the rider's eyes, while the black of the cloak hid any other features.
"We want only half of what you have." Robin continued trying to understand this silent figure.
Tempest smiled behind her veil knowing that though she could see out they could not see in. What to do? So many different options to chose from. This no doubt was the famed Robin Hood that was a pestilent thorn in Prince John's side.
"We know you work for the Prince from your ring. You can't try and lie to us." Much stated seriously.
"Come closer and I will give you what you wish." Tempest said in a false French accented whisper, how she loved to play with foolish minds, so easy to manipulate.
"That was easy." Will shrugged with a smile.
Robin moved forwards as the others backed away. Just as he was reaching up, Tempest unsheathed the dagger hidden in her sleeve and sliced through the air.
"Master!" Much screamed as Tempest galloped away.
"Robin? Robin!" Djaq yelled worriedly as they ran to their fallen leader.
"I'm fine." Robin grumbled standing up.
It was true he was still alive. Yet, the bloody slice that ran from his earlobe down the side of his neck told a different story. She could have sliced through his jugular vein if she had moved the blade a mere inch north, but she hadn't. That was his first and only warning. The group returned to camp to patch Robin up, they all knew he would have a wicked scar on that side but said nothing. Everyone knew how vain Robin could be.
Tempest trotted her horse through Nottingham Square to the castle gates. After a quick flash of her ring, the guards let her pass without so much as a raised brow. It seemed to be a beautiful day and it was only noon! She made her way to the courtyard and allowed a guard to take her horse to stable whilst a page led her to the library where she could wait for Sheriff Vasey. She did not remove her veil or her dark cloak, not yet it was not safe just yet.
The Sheriff and Gisborne raced down the stairs while the page explained the situation.
"The rider bears the Prince's ring, Sheriff! There's no mistaking it! It is the ring worn by his inner most circle of followers! Pure gold and silver, rare stones!" The page gushed.
"Why was I not informed of a potential visitor? Get a room ready and food! Why me?" Vasey complained worry creasing his brow.
"It must be rather important for the Prince to not send you a notification beforehand." Guy commented as they neared the room the visitor was waiting in.
"Just remember, don't say anything stupid!" Vasey growled at Gisborne as he straightened his jacket and opened the door.
"Welcome, I am Sheriff Vasey of Nottingham. You have come from the Prince?" Vasey questioned nervously as Gisborne shut the door.
Tempest turned her countenance and body still hidden by the dark cloaks. "Are you loyal to the King?" She questioned in her false French accent once again.
"No, good gracious no! He has left his people to fend for himself. Prince John is the only one decent enough to ascend to the throne." Vasey exclaimed seriously.
Tempest carefully untied the large black cloak and let it slide to the ground as she unfastened her veil. She stood before them in a stunning dove gray blue dress that barely touched the ground. The long gray sleeves clinging to her arms like only silk can. The bodice of the dress was the same gray with light blue pieces of thread woven in a braided style to criss cross down the front. Long tails of blue, gray, and white silk trailed behind her from the ribbon belt fastened at her waist. Gray doe hide ridding boots offset the light colored dress as she silently stepped forwards into the light. Her deep russet hair was braided upon her head to form a crown until it all came to the back to cascade down in a river of reddish gold. She was a stunning creature to behold, her emerald eyes shinning fiercely in the noonday light as she stood before Guy and Vasey.
"Then allow me to introduce myself, I am Tempest personal emissary of Prince John and am here to aid you in the ruling of Nottingham." Tempest stated her French accent having vanished, only to be replaced by the dulcet tones of purebred English.
"Why were you wearing dark cloaks?" Vasey asked his eyes wandering over her body as he tried to keep his mouth from turning bone dry.
"It is not proper for a woman to travel alone, especially one wearing the Prince's ring." Tempest commented watching as the two men eyed her lustfully. "May we be seated? It has been a long ride." Tempest proposed.
"Yes, of course, how rude of me!" Vasey exclaimed as he rushed to pull out a chair for her.
"Thank you." Tempest docilely spoke.
"How was your journey?" Vasey asked curiously.
"It was good overall. I had a meeting with your Robin Hood." She stated with a look of distaste marring her features.
Both Guy and Vasey stiffened. "Are you well?" Guy questioned concern lacing his deep voice.
"She hasn't even met the annoying night watchman yet, Guy! I'm sure she's quite well." Vasey smirked.
Tempest turned her shocking green eyes on the dark haired man and smiled with elusive charm. "I don't believe he will be a problem. He has tasted the edge of my sword and should know now to keep away." Tempest stated.
"So you didn't kill him?" Vasey asked slightly disappointed.
"No, I make it a habit to give them at least one warning, after that they are fair game. I have been sent here by Prince John as I aforesaid, and am here to help you. This is a letter explaining my duties and credentials." Tempest informed handing Vasey a letter with the Prince's seal upon it.
Vasey took it and opened it to read while Tempest turned her interest upon Guy.
"You are Sir Guy of Gisborne?" She questioned quietly her hands folded in her lap.
"Yes, I am the Sheriff's Master of Arms." Guy nodded trying his best not to stutter, he felt like a young boy all over again!
"I have heard great things about you. I am most interested in seeing how you perform and live up to your valued reputation." Tempest said her voice taking on an edge of seductiveness.
Vasey glanced up sensing his Captain's inadequacy at handling this perfect female's charm. "He has proven invaluable to me." He stated returning to the parchment and hoping that Guy had recaptured his wits enough to handle an intelligent conversation.
"You reside in Locksley?" Tempest queried calmly knowing her affect on men and trying to keep the room's environment neutral.
"Yes, that is my home now. The Sheriff graciously awarded it to me after Robin became an outlaw." Guy informed.
Tempest nodded in thought. "I am surprised that a man such as yourself was happy with such a small amount of land." Tempest stated frowning slightly.
"It is more than enough for my needs." Guy stated with a small smile.
"I would not be surprised if Prince John saw fit to gift you with Sussex." Tempest stated causing the Sheriff to choke.
"Sussex?" Vasey coughed.
"I was only testing the waters Sheriff, we of the court know how protective you are of Sussex. Have no fear, the Prince wishes to bestow great gifts upon you both. I have told him many times how important Nottingham is and he whole-heartedly agrees with me. He wished you would come to court more often, but seeing as the distress this town is put in during your absence, I will give him excuses." Tempest said with another radiant smile.
"The Prince values me?" Vasey asked light dancing in his eyes.
"Why yes. I am helping him create future plans in which you are both to be seated in great power." Tempest said regally.
"You hold quite a bit of power in this country for a woman." Guy stated curiously.
"Gisborne!" Vasey exclaimed his eyes widening to dinner plates, knowing the woman would most assuredly take offense to the comment.
"Why thank you Sir Guy. I do, and I have worked harder than any man to obtain it. I like you two, very observant. I think we shall make great friends, and I take good care of my friends." Tempest stated as Vasey relaxed in his seat.
"We shall not disappoint." Vasey stated with a smile.
"Good, very good. You must tell me though, in all honesty, who in this castle is of questionable character." Tempest asked watching as a look passed between the two men.
"There are a few whom we tend to eye suspiciously but there are no major problems." Vasey stated casting a quick glare to Guy when he thought Tempest wasn't looking.
"I see, I wish to retire until the evening meal if that meets your approval, Sheriff." Tempest said stifling a yawn.
"Yes of course! I'll have a servant show you to your room." Vasey stated with a smile as he led her outside of the room to a page.
"Until evening." Tempest curtsied before leaving with the page.
Vasey slipped back into the room and sat down in front of Guy.
"How much do you care for Marian?" Vasey asked slowly watching emotion flicker over Guy's face. "This Tempest is bound to find out sooner or later and she will make her decision of Marian's true loyalty. She can see through falsities, Guy. I suggest you examine your feelings and decide what you truly want." Vasey stated before leaving the room and his cousin to think in silence.
Sherwood Forest
Marian arrived at the camp shortly after lunch. She was surprised when no one rushed out to meet her, then she realized why.
"Robin, your face!" She exclaimed as she rushed to sit next to Robin.
"I'm fine." He groaned.
"What happened?" She asked fretting.
"Prince John has sent someone and I got to close. You have to find out who it is and why they're here." Robin explained.
"Of course. I'll talk to Guy, I'm sure he'll know." Marian nodded.
"We don't know what this person is capable of, so be careful." Robin said as he felt the long wound on his neck.
"I will be." She said with a smile.
"It's nice to know we have someone on the inside." Robin stated with a smirk.
"I'll see you later." Marian smiled as she gently kissed him.
"Mm, can I get another one of those?" Robin asked innocently as Marian walked away.
"Good bye Robin." She called over her shoulder as she mounted her horse and headed back to the castle.
"I really do love that girl." He said with a sigh as he stood to find the rest of his group.
Tempest sat on her bed, happy to be alone in the quiet. She sighed in contentment as she glanced outside. The sun hurt her eyes with its brightness, but it could be worse. It could be like it was in the beginning when she couldn't even venture out into the sun. She winced at the memories. That was the past though, and now she was here in Nottingham. It was so interesting, all these new characters. Mysteries to unravel and such, she'd gotten bored with the court life after she'd figured out everything. Prince John understood her attention span and had been willing if not incredibly hesitant to let her go to Nottingham and help Vasey sort out his problems. It seemed though, that there were traitors here. Tempest smiled, a challenge, such excitement! Vasey had been upset with Guy, was that his name? Why though, it had been when she'd questioned them over the questionability of people inside the castle. Who was it that Guy was so hesitant to give up? She hoped that she wouldn't have any problems with the dark knight he had so much untapped potential. If she did, though, it would only prove that much more interesting of a mystery to unravel.
