So very terribly sorry about its lateness. Stinkin' life and its editing-blocking obsticles! But anywho, it's here now :) Though I must say that we can't promise that the next chapters will be put up any sooner...refer back to that life problem...read, review, and dwell in the mystery :)
Alfred stormed down the hallway of his castle, not truly paying attention to his destination. He glared down at the stone floor that streamed past his feet while his mind stabbed at the image that was stuck there: Robin Hood.
No matter what he'd tried, that outlaw and his friends always slipped away. The sheriff curled his hands into fists as he pictured that smirk that seemed produced just to irk him; it worked and that felon knew it.
The sheriff had raised the taxes and set new ones to compensate for vast numbers that Hood had stolen, but that only put more in the pile for him to take, seemingly whenever he pleased. Alfred hated to admit it, but it completely baffled him how the coins and valuables continued to disappear. Doubling the guards rarely did any good.
"Ah! Sheriff! So good to see you. I was wondering where you were."
Alfred glared at the man striding up to him. Lord Fredrick was visiting from London, apparently attempting to regain Prince John's favor after some unfortunate incident that Alfred seemed unable to obtain information on.
"Yes, I've been busy. The position of sheriff is not without its duties."
"Ah, yes, I've heard of the unique situation here in Nottingham. Robin Hood is its name, no?"
Alfred frowned at the blond haired man. "There have been difficulties with a certain outlaw, but it's no concern of yours. I can tend to my own city."
Fredrick blinked before nodding his apologetic agreement. "Indeed, I'm certain you can. I am sorry for the interruption. If I might detain you for a second more..."
Alfred sighed, thinking of Scarlett's penchant for hospitality and forcing himself to be polite. "Of course."
"I have questions about this outlaw of yours, and I was wondering-"
"I do not have time for questioning on such a pointless topic. There is no issue with Robin Hood. If you want information, talk to the guards. I don't waste my time with such petty threats."
"That's not what I've heard." Fredrick raised an eyebrow. He casually straightened the sleeve of his embellished coat. "I've heard he's quite the nuisance. The small, yet pesky and persistent mosquito that drains you of your wealth."
Alfy tweaked his neck as a sudden itch crept across his skin. "Well, I wouldn't be so sure. He is, after all, just an outlaw."
Fredrick gave a polite smile. "Quite right. Nothing the great Sheriff of Nottingham can't handle." He chuckled, and Alfred hesitantly joined in.
"Yes, of course." The sheriff said, shifting his weight and clearing his throat. "Well, I do have work to attend to, and you must be tired after your long trip from meeting with the prince."
"Nothing a good night's rest won't cure." Fredrick replied with a nod. "We shall meet again before I depart, I hope?"
"I will plan on it." Alfred stepped aside to let Lord Fredrick pass. He vanished down a corridor, leaving the sheriff alone with his thoughts.