The sheriff and Lady Scarlett had been gone for some time and Archer could not say he was disappointed. The atmosphere was stifling with Scarlett constantly mothering him and Alfred questioning his welfare with all appearances of genuine concern. Suspicion had awoken his brain almost immediately, and he was pretty sure he knew that they were doing—playing up to him for information.
Still, Archer reasoned, it wasn't a terrible way to recover. He'd just get in the way in the forest with a broken leg anyhow. Once he had recovered, he'd escape, go back to Robin, and apologize.
With a start, he realized he was no longer alone in the room: there was a young girl standing in the doorway, staring at him.
"Aren't you in Robin Hood's band? I think I saw you when my family received food a few weeks ago." The girl looked at him seriously with doe-like brown eyes.
Archer nodded slowly. Was this a ploy of the sheriff's for information? He'd have to be alert.
"Look," she said, after noticing his wary expression, "I know you probably don't trust me, but I can get messages from him to you. I've been assigned to bring you food every day."
Their eyes locked. "What's your name?" Archer asked.
"Sarah." she replied.
"Sarah, you could help me a lot, but I need proof that you can get to Robin before I give you any messages."
Her chin lifted in a look of pride and courage so uncommon among peasants. "Fair enough. I'll get you your proof."
Archer regarded her uncertainly. "What do you want in return?"
The look on her face softened. "Nothing. This is repayment for those nights when food and money were left on the doorstep because we had none." She appeared uncomfortable as her eyes rested everywhere but on him, and he realized there were tears in her eyes. Then, just as quickly as she had come, she hurried out the door.
