Chapter 3: Will Stutely is Captured
The next spring morning, all of the brothers and Merry Men sat down to breakfast on Sherwood Compound and Farm. Conrad helped himself to hard-boiled eggs the chickens had just hatched that morning, and a fresh glass of milk squeezed from the cow. Just then, Robin tapped his own glass to call for silence.
"We have another mission," he announced. "We will be traveling via Sherwood Forest to Canterbury to investigate claims of corruption by the social elite. There will be plenty of thieving involved, but it could get messy, so be armed."
Gwyn smiled. She was fond of Canterbury, as she had honeymooned there with Froderick after they were first married. As such, it worried her that the poor might be suffering there.
"Also," her father continued. "I believe it is not dangerous enough for our youngest recruit to not join us." He winked at Conrad, then faced his daughter. "What say you, Gwyn?" Gwyn swallowed a bite of food before replying.
"Provided he stays close to me, that should be fine."
Conrad was excited. He was not allowed to go on every mission, so the sporadic adventure with the Merry Men was most welcome. As soon as the meal was over, everyone split to gather supplies for the journey. Conrad guided his, Gwyn's and Robin's horses from the stable and tied them to the front gate. Then, he ran back to the tool shed to collect weaponry. He and his family always carried bows and arrows, their weapon of choice. But, he also supplemented with a medium-sized broadsword attached to his belt. When he returned, he saw most everyone was prepared and ready to go. Froderick, Tuck and some of the other brothers were waiting with them.
Conrad embraced his father, and the latter placed a peck on the boy's forehead. "Be careful, son," the deacon warned. Then, he kissed Gwyn goodbye. "Love you," they both echoed. Everyone climbed aboard their steeds and trotted off in the direction of Sherwood Forrest.
"Be safe!" Froderick called as he watched his family and their followers gallop away.
The ride through Sherwood Forrest was always pleasant. It never ceased to amaze Conrad – the sights, the sounds. Robin also never failed to notice this, and would chuckle at his grandson's rapture.
"There's nothing to see, boy," he would tell Conrad. "I used to live here in these woods, you know, many years ago. Riding through the wilderness is a far cry from having to survive in it."
About midday, the band reached the other edge of the trees and galloped across the plains. Canterbury was but a few miles away. Just when they could see the city in the distance, Robin slowed. "We'd better store our horses somewhere safe and enter the city on foot. We'll have the element of surprise on our side if we do it that way. But, where to put the beasts?"
"There, Master," said Much the Miller's Son. A mill was close by. "I know the family that lives there, and they're no friend of the rich. I bet if we ask, they'd be glad to store the horses for us." The Merry Men approached the mill, and Robin met with the merchant out front. The miller was glad to meet the famous Robin Hood, and promised to store the steeds and keep their presence here to himself. The band then continued to approach Canterbury on foot. It was not a long hike, as they would only have to traverse three hills and an open field. It gave Conrad some time to chat with his mother.
At last, they reached the front gates. Everyone pulled hoods over their heads to disguise themselves and went inside. Robin warned everyone to keep their eyes and ears open. They progressed through the streets and the main square, where merchants were hawking their goods.
Just then, Will Stutely spotted a poor beggar woman being bullied by some men in dark robes. They were taking some alms from her. "Leave that poor woman alone!" Will called as he approached. Before the men could react, Will had swiped the coins back from them. He tried to flee, intending to return the money to the lady when he had lost these men in a sure pursuit. But, one of the men was quick. He tackled Will Stutely and then through back his hood. It was one of the Sheriff of Nottingham's deputies!
"You're under arrest for thievery and defying the rule of law!"
The commotion was quickly noticed by the common people; the Merry Men among them. Conrad wanted to rush forward. If he were beyond the crowd he could hit that bastard straight in the eye with an arrow at 20 paces, easy. But, Gwyn held him back.
"No, son!" she told him. "They'll nab you too!" The deputies tied up Will Stutely and began to cart him away on a horse. Robin managed to steal another in the confusion, as only a master robber could, and pursue them. But the Sheriff's deputies were too fast and out ran him with little effort. Defeated, Robin let the beast go free and jogged back to Canterbury.
"Couldn't catch him," he hissed to Little John and Will Scarlet. "Out of here quickly! Get the horses and make haste back to the Farm!" The Merry Men and Gwyn and Conrad raced back to the nearby mill and retrieved their rides. Then, the band galloped at a furious pace back across the plains, through Sherwood Forest and to their home beyond. Froderick was tilling some crops when they approached.
"Halloo, all!" he called, giving his wife a kiss in greeting as she dismounted. "How'd the mission go?"
"We broke up some corruption, but Will Stutely got nabbed by some sly fellows in black. We think they work for the Sheriff," Little John reported.
"There's only one place they'll go with him," Robin added. "York. They'll try him there, and most likely hang him. We have to get there by morning tomorrow!" He turned to his Merry Men, 140 strong. "This mission does not require all of you – just some of our best fighters. Little John, Will Scarlet, Much, Gwyn, Allen-a-Dale – I want you all to accompany me. Oh, and Tuck – could you spare an extra staff and join us?"
"I may be old," the friar said, "but I've still got a spring in my step!" Arthur-a-Bland, George-a-Greene, David of Doncaster and Gilbert with the White Hand also volunteered.
"I want to go too!" Conrad said. Gwyn rounded on him.
"Absolutely not! You were ready to hit that one man with an arrow, and he could have grabbed you as soon as look at you! This is much too dangerous; no place for a boy your age!"
"I can help, Mother!" Conrad protested. "11 souls can't rescue Will Stutely. Make it an even dozen, and we might have a chance!"
"You asked for my permission, but my answer is no," Gwyn stated firmly. "And that is final! You will stay here with your father until we return. Understood?"
Conrad was fuming, but he could not talk back with Froderick right there. So, he simply mumbled "Yes, ma'am." Gwyn softened and planted a kiss on his forehead.
"You'll be much safer here," she assured him. She turned to Froderick, who pulled her into a tight embrace and gave her a long kiss.
"Be careful," he implored her. Gwyn shut him up with another kiss.
"Don't worry," she replied. The chosen members of the rescue party mounted their horses. It was a long ride to York so they would have to leave right then if they had any hope of recovering Will Stutely alive. They galloped off into the evening. Conrad watched them go sadly. Then, he followed his father into the monastery to prepare for evening prayer and dinner.
That night, when everyone was fast asleep, Conrad stole out of bed. He slipped out the window, across the rooftop and dropped to the ground. When he had reached the stable, he quietly roused his horse, gathered supplies and mounted him. Then, he took off into the night after his grandfather's party.
