So, this is going to be a very different chapter. Because so much is going to happen in this one and I am going to have to follow three different plots (Robin, Tuck, and Valeria), I will be breaking this chapter up into several sections which I hope will be easy to follow. I have never done this before so bear with me. But I think everything will be fine! And this chapter will be an extra long one too!

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing of Robin Hood nor am I making any profit off of this story. I only own my lovely OCs.

"Alright, men," Robin whispered, "Ready for this?" Only minutes before, they had seen Sir William's coach pass through the gates of Nottingham Castle. His men all nodded in affirmation before placing the hoods over their heads and entering through the gates as well. Robin smirked. It is just too easy to enter this castle, he thought. Of course, he was not unhappy with this, though sometimes he would secretly wish that for once there could be some excitement when it came to entering Nottingham. Perhaps a brawl with a guard, a plea for mercy. He loved putting on a good show. Something. But Robin just sighed at the thought and continued to lead his men through the tight weave of peasants. They passed through the market and neared Pitt Street. Once there, they hid themselves in an alleyway and prayed no one found them.

Valeria was the first to remove the cloak from her head and her red curls bounced out of the covering. Tuck and Allan did the same but Robin, Much, and John remained hidden by the hoods.

"So far, so good," Robin praised in a low voice. He turned to his gang. Raising an eyebrow at Valeria he asked, "Sure you're ready for this?" The woman had made up her mind a long time ago and so she simply nodded. Robin grinned. "Good." He replied simply, "Now, remember my men will be here for you. Whenever you need to speak with them outside of the assigned meeting times, use this white chalk to make a small 'x' on the pole outside of the castle kitchens." He placed the white chalk in her hand and she in turn placed it down her bodice. No one would dare look there, she thought with a silent chuckle.

She glanced at the men and saw that all but Tuck were watching her. She smiled smugly, only wishing that she could ask them what was running through each of their minds. But then again, maybe she didn't want to know the details of their thoughts concerning the chalk concealed within her bodice. It was only then that she really knew the full extent of how she was dressed. She new serving wenches were meant to be attractive to the eye, she was even attractive to the gang now that she was in such a dress that showed no propriety. The tight laces of the bodice showed off all of the angles and curves of her body. She blushed. What had Guy thought of her? Then, her thoughts turned to another very real problem. If even Robin Hood's gang was having a hard time not staring at her inappropriate attire, what would the guards think? Most importantly, what would they do? The thought made her squirm and she straightened her back, showing that she was ready to go before her thoughts made her change her mind.

"Well, I guess you're ready, Valeria," Robin nodded before looking at his other men. "Sir William has arrived less than ten minutes ago. He will be meeting with the Sheriff at this very moment to give him the missive. Tuck," he turned to the dark-skinned friar, "Get that message before the Sheriff sees it. Allan," the cheeky man grinned, "You must be very convincing." Allan, like Valeria, was also dressed in servant's attire, the proper dress for a male serving boy. "Convince the Sheriff of Willam's illness. Once both of you are finished, meet back here and wait for Much, John, and I. I have arranged for there to be a cart waiting near the rear entrance to the castle. We will place William inside and meet you back here." He took a breath before turning to the girl before him. "Valeria, you will make your way to the kitchen where you will introduce yourself as the new maid. Because of your being unable to speak, you probably already know that you will need to communicate through your tablet, but you should not have to say much, so it should be rather easy. The castle is always in need for another serving girl." He crossed his arms and smiled. "God speed everyone. And Valeria, I promise that my men will always be there to meet with you. If you are in danger, all you need is contact us."

"Yeah," Allan chimed in with a chuckle, "Just keep that chalk with ya at all times. Never know when it'll come in handy." Valeria blushed and Allan swept her up into a tight embrace before letting her go. And then, without so much as a glance back, the men had all left her. For the first time in a month she was alone. It felt strange...very strange indeed. She let out a deep breath and made her way to the kitchens.

XxxxXXxxXXxx

Tuck and Allan split up from the others at the main entrance to the castle. They walked up the stone stairs and in through the heavy oaken doors. They both walked through the corridors, past the kitchens, and up a flight of stairs before they made it to the Great Hall, the room where the Sheriff would most certainly be.

Suddenly, the latch on the door clicked and Tuck quickly pushed Allan behind the wall. The friar peered from around the wall and watched as a middle height man walked out from the Great Hall. His mustache was waxed with great precision and curled at the tips. He was dressed in a yellow jerkin, and a plumed hat rested on his brown locks. His eyes were tired but he held a faint smile, perhaps of amusement. It showed in his sculpted dimples. The man was soon lost from sight and Allan and Tuck came from around the wall.

"Sir William Drake of York, I presume?" Allan whispered.

"I have no doubt," Tuck's deep voice answered back. "We best get that missive now."

Allan grinned, "Let's put on a good show then."

Allan walked up to the large doors and knocked, banging his fist as hard as he could upon the solid oak. He heard a voice from inside calling him to enter and he did so. Dressed as a serving boy, he entered the room and bowed before the Sheriff. Vaisey sat in his rather large chair, a table was set before him. On his face was a sneer, but it was different from the ones Allan had previously seen. It looked as if the Sheriff was trying to smile. He seemed happy, a light shone in his eyes.

Allan raised himself from his bow and began to address the Sheriff. "My lord Sheriff," he said with as much respect as he could muster, "There is a guest to see you. A friar who goes by the name of Tuck." He pointed to the dark man who stood in the entrance-way to the door.

"A friar?" Vaisey stroked his chin before grinning. "Well, no one is dead," he chuckled, "So what use do I have for a preacher?"

Allan opened his mouth to speak but Tuck intervened, "You have every need, My lord Sheriff. It is my wish that I not leave here until I have prayed over you and asked God for forgiveness for your blackened soul."

Vaisey chuckled and set the precious missive upon the table. Allan eyed it warily before turning back to the Sheriff. Vaisey seemed to be in a very good mood indeed. He stood up and began to advance around the table towards Tuck. The friar's expression was firm as stone as the Sheriff continued to advance towards him.

"And what makes you think your prayers," Vaisey clasped his hands together as he grinned, "Will cleanse my so-called 'blackened soul', hmm?"

Tuck's face feigned mercy and forgiveness, expressions of a friar. "No soul is without hope of redemption."

"La-di-dah-di-dah...Better men than you have tried." The Sheriff replied simply but he was still smiling, though Allan noticed that it had taken on more of an annoyed sneer than anything else.

Tuck remained firm and began to walk around the Sheriff, inching closer and closer to the missive. All the while, he continued to talk. "That may be true. Of men, I am the worst of the worst. But even the worst can be righted. Don't you think?"

Vaisey raised an eyebrow and unclasped his fingertips. "Yes, yes of course," he spoke in a hushed tone. "But even the right can be a hidden wrong."

Friar Tuck smiled faintly, "I see that you are catching on quickly."

"No," the Sheriff replied in the same hushed tone, "I am just a smarter man than most of the imbeciles in this damn castle." He chuckled before asking, "As friar, does cursing violate your code?"

"Ungodliness violates our code. But cursing is a disease that inhabits many men. If we were to blame every single man who swore, who could we justify?"

The Sheriff looked puzzled. "Indeed." Was all he could muster and it seemed Tuck had won the battle but then Vaisey eyed the man warily and asked, "Then why, may I ask, are you really here?"

Tuck returned the Sheriff's hardened stare before a forgotten Allan spoke up from behind. The Sheriff turned his eyes upon the serving boy. "My lord Sheriff, forgive me for this intrusion, but I have been told to tell you that-" He stopped for only a moment as he watched his comrade pick up the missive, tuck it quietly into his shirt, and then place a similar decoy message upon the table. Allan turned his gaze back upon Vaisey who was looking even more impatient than before. "I was sent to tell you that Sir William of York sends his highest regards but he is feeling quite ill and is still weak from his journey. It has been said that he will need two to three days before he is well enough to convene. He asks for your forgiveness and prays that you will be gracious enough to reconvene the meeting for the day after tomorrow."

The Sheriff yawned and shrugged, "Yes yes, very good then." He replied as he turned away from Allan. "Tell William that his request is granted. For now I shall amuse myself with this-" he broke off as he plucked the 'missive' from the table and held it up for Allan to see. "This is all I need, my dear boy. Now-" he looked around, "Ahh!" He shouted as he turned to Tuck once again. "You were saying my lovely friar?"

Tuck smiled. "I will be taking my leave of you, my lord. I am afraid that there is nothing else I can say or do."

Vaisey grinned smugly, "No..." He shook his head slowly, "I don't think there is. Boy, show our friar friend the door." Allan and Tuck made their way towards the door but the Sheriff stopped them. Allan sucked in a breath and turned to Vaisey. "Are you forgetting anything?" He fingered his chin. "Perhaps a bow?"

Allan let out a mental prayer of thanks and bowed to the Sheriff; then,, they were allowed to leave. Tuck and Allan both exited the Great Hall and let out long breaths of relief.

Allan chuckled and clapped Tuck on the back. "We've got it my friend."

Tuck nodded solemnly, "Now, let's get back to Robin."

"Oi," Allan called as he grabbed the man's shoulder, "I'm not being funny, but smile a'lil. We got the missive, don't we?"

"I won't say the mission is accomplished until we have given this message to Robin. Let's go."

Tuck turned to leave and Allan followed. "Rain cloud." He muttered under his breath.

"What was that?" Tuck asked with a slight grin as he saw Allan blush.

"Nothin'." The outlaw lied.

XxxxXXxxXXxxXX

Robin peered from behind the wall. He had been able to lead Much and John cautiously through the weaves of people in the marketplace. They had successively entered the castle through a small entrance in the west wing. Making their way up two flights of stairs, they were now on the third floor of Nottingham Castle. Allan had told them previously that very few people walked the corridors of this floor because it was often uninhabited. Marian had always lived on the second floor, the Sheriff had been located on the bottom. Allan had also pointed out that Sir William would most likely be directed to a room on the third floor.

To Robin this made perfect sense. Sir William was going to be held as a temporary hostage, even if Sir William himself did not know this. It would only make sense that he would be on the middle floor of the castle, equal distance from the main entrance and any intruders coming from the rooftops of the castle.

And so, they had made it safely to the third floor and Robin peered around the side of a wall, looking for any sign of anyone else in the corridor. He ducked when he saw a single maid leave a room off to the left. He waited until she disappeared before she motioned to his two men and led them to the door the woman had just exited.

Robin eyed Much who took a deep breath. John tightened his grip on the staff. They had not discussed how they were going to capture William or even how they were going to get out of the castle. This would all be reliant on Robin's fast brains and, probably, his undeniable charm.

Much's knuckles rapped on the door and they heard a shuffle of feet from the other side of the door. In a moment, the door had swung open revealing the man whom was undoubtedly Sir William of York. His mouth opened to ask a question as he peered at the three men standing at his door.

Before he had a chance to utter a single word, Robin had taken the man by the throat and backed him against the nearest wall. William was struggling, trying desperately to call for help but Robin shushed him and forced him to look into his eyes.

"Quiet, quiet, quiet, my friend." Robin chuckled, "You can try and scream for help all you want but you are on the third floor. No one shall hear you." William relaxed somewhat and shut his mouth as a sign that he would remain quiet.

Robin nodded and released his throat. "Alright then," he said, "Now we can get down to business." His eyes stayed plastered on Sir William as John closed and locked the door behind him and Much shut the window, also locking it.

"Who are you?" William inquired as he stroked his neck gingerly.

Robin winked, "That, my friend, is no concern of yours. I think that you are the main focus of this meeting."

William raised an eyebrow, "What meeting? This is more like a kidnapping! You barged into my room!"

"You wouldn't be entirely wrong, my friend." Robin grinned as he stepped back a small distance from the emissary. He watched in amusement as William's eyebrows only raised further. William carefully sidestepped to the mirror and began to fix his flattened mustache. He gently took his index and middle finger and worked on returning the curl to his facial hair. Throughout all of this, he kept an eye on the whereabouts of the three outlaws through the reflection in the mirror.

He spoke and this time his voice was firm and thick. He had a heavy British accent mixed with some other accent. Perhaps Welsh? Robin tried to guess. When he finished waxing his regal mustache William turned to the outlaws again. "I do not know what you mean, sir, but I am afraid that kidnapping me is quite out of the question." He raised his head higher and pursed his lips. He looked much more like a snob with every minute that passed. "I do not know whom you are. But I am Sir William Drake of York, emissary and trusted friend to the King of England."

"John is no King." Robin spat out, "He is a spoilt Prince who gives himself airs."

William sneered, "And what are your names so that I might relay your tyranny to His Royal Highness?" He clasped his hands together and when the outlaws did not speak, went on to say, "And now if you don't mind, what is it you really want?"

Robin's anger was gone once again and he smiled with all of the charm he could possibly muster. "I would like for you to come to our camp and deliver to us the message that you are going to give the Sheriff."

"Why don't you just ask Vaisey yourself?" William asked with the same snobbish attitude. His back was as stiff as a board. His face seemingly unaffected by Robin's not-so-subtle charm.

"Let's just say I and Vaisey are not on the best of terms. So, I will give you two choices. Either you come with us willingly, tell us of John's message, and then we decide what to do with you, or," Robin grinned mischievously, "We will have to take you by force."

"Ha!" The man laughed mockingly, "And how do you suppose to do that? There may be no one up here but as you said, I am on the third floor. Shall you take me out by the roof or the front door?" Robin rolled his eyes. William was just playing with him and he knew it. He was losing patience by the second.

"You would be surprised. I do hope you are as light as you are thin." A puzzled look crossed William's face before Little John wielded his staff and struck him over the head. William fell limp on the ground, his forehead already beet red where John had hit him hard.

Much scoffed. "He honestly didn't see that coming?" He seemed genuinely confused. First, the man had seemed so smart, educated, and confident. And then to be brought down by a single blow to the temple? Much shook his head. He would never understand nobles.

"Come on." Robin replied, "Let's get him back to Sherwood. John, do you think you can carry him?"
John turned and gave Robin a strange look as if he thought the outlaw was joking. "The man is half your size, Robin. He should be as easy to lift as a twig." With no other sound but a grunt, Little John lifted William up off the ground and onto his shoulder.

Robin shot him a cheeky grin. "Good, now let's get him outta here and back to house-wife Gisborne."

"Pretty sure Guy won't like it if he learns you called him that," Much chuckled as Robin opened the door and popped his head out, looking for anyone inhabiting the halls.

Hood took two steps out the door. "Well, then, you best be sure not to tell him, Much." His manservant could hear the grin in Robin's voice and it made him smile as well. Then all went solemn as they concentrated on leaving the castle undetected.

XxxxXXxxXXxxXXxx

Valeria blew out a long breath. A million thoughts were running through her head as she neared the kitchen doors. She just could not believe it. Had she been told three months previous that she would be working as a spy for Robin Hood in Nottingham Castle itself she probably would have keeled over dead. Now, she was really here. And she was scared but her heart was beating in the thrill of such an endeavor. Something, the twenty-one year old had never experienced before.

And it was with that thought that her hand stopped shaking and she was able to turn the handle of the door with ease. She stepped inside the kitchen and was immediately caught up in the smell of all the different kinds of food. Most dominant were the fresh loaves of bread resting on a nearby table. She licked her lips before her attention was broken by the sound of a woman addressing her.

"Hey, girl!" A woman walked up to her with her two hands placed on her hips. Flour was smeared across her forehead and cheeks. Her eyes were stormy as she glared at the new-comer. "Who are ya, and what are ya doing in here?"

Valeria shook her head and bowed her head. Feign innocence, she remembered Robin telling her. She hoped she was doing it properly. She looked back up at the woman and held her throat.

"Cat got your tongue? I asked you a question." The woman replied firmly.

Valeria blinked before taking her tablet out of a satchel that was tied around her neck. She took some of her chalk and began to write, the scratch of the chalk drowned out by the sound of the kitchen staff around her. When finished she handed the tablet to the woman. The woman read the writing and raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm. You're a mute, are ya?" She asked, eying Valeria with a deathly stare. "And lookin' for a place as a serving gal?" Valeria nodded and took a deep breath to keep her body from shaking too violently. This woman scared her already. Her eyes were empty and soulless but they held malice and ferocity. "Well, I suppose you be in luck today, gal. The kitchen hand have been rather short these days what with one woman's family being sick and another's farm being sold. So you've got the job. What be your name, gal?" She handed the tablet back to Valeria so that she could answer. "Valeria, hm? Awful pretty name for a serving gal but I s'pose it'll do. My name is Mrs. Gretchel, not that it be matterin' to you cuz you can't speak." Mrs. Gretchel continued to look at the young girl before her. She was skinny and pale but the dress brought her a beautiful figure, a figure which would certainly catch the eyes of all the men in the castle. That could be worth something. The woman nodded and dropped her hands from her hips. "Alright, gal, you may start right away. I've been informed not five minutes ago that our Sheriff's guest, Sir William is ill. I am placing him in your care. You are to clean his chambers, bring him his meals, and see to all of his needs... And I mean allllll of them, regardless of what they be. Ya hear?" She barked.

Valeria blushed at what the woman was implying before she nodded. Mrs. Gretchel sneered, "Good. Now off with ya. Go and check on Sir William. He is on the third floor." She walked away and Valeria gave a small smile. The plan was going fantastically, right down to her 'taking care' of William. Now none of the maids would know that he was missing and she would have very little work to do. This made her grin further and she turned to walk through the kitchen.

One of the women walked backwards and knocked Valeria to her knees. Her tablet fell out of her hands and so did her chalk. It rolled several feet away from her. She boosted herself back to her feet and she noticed with horror that her tablet had split down the middle and had broken into two halves. She picked up the pieces and sighed. Now what would she do without her one way of communication?

She felt a presence beside her and turned to see a young girl, perhaps the same age as Valeria. Her hair was a dark black that was tied back by a white kerchief. She was also thin but her arms were well muscled and she gripped a rolling pin in one hand. In the other, she held Valeria's chalk. The woman had a smile on her lips as she handed the chalk to Valeria.

"Here," she said cheerily before frowning, "I am sorry about your tablet. And on your first day too. Don't worry, it ain't gonna be all that bad though. Keep your head screwed on tight and you will keep outta trouble. I promise."

Valeria smiled faintly and nodded. She already liked this young girl. She seems nice enough, Valeria thought as she pocketed the chalk. "Your name is Valeria, right?" The woman asked, "My name is Merridin, but most people just call me Merri. I think that you probably will be bunkin' with me since one of the girls who quit was sleepin' in our room."

Valeria gave the woman a look of gratitude and then looked down the corridor that she knew she must walk. Her eyes turned to a confused stare as she tried to decide how best to get to William's room. Merridin seemed to understand. "Ah yes. If you're gonna be the maid for Sir William ya best know where to go. Take the stairs to the left until you reach the third floor. It should be the fourth room on the left side." Merridin flashed Valeria a smile before a loud clang of a bell could be heard. Merridin sighed, "Well, that's the supper bell. I best go and serve the dinner. You may take that plate up to William." She pointed to a serving tray that was set on the table. Then, she walked away.

Valeria sighed before grabbing the tray and following Merridin's instructions. She climbed the stairs to the third level and then knocked on the fourth door on the left side. When there was no voice she walked inside. Sure enough this was Sir William's room. Clothes were neatly situated on the bureau and the bed was turned down for the night. Valeria smirked. She had finally made it. She had made a new friend. She had found a job. Everything was working out perfectly. Now, she just had to keep from getting caught.

Well then, she's in the castle and I think this chapter came out rather well. Do you?

Oh! And Merridin's beautiful name is courtesy of mah best friend Emma, whom thanks to this story, has now become addicted to ! Friends, welcome our newest member of awesomeness!

Okeyyy that was real awkward but it is just one of those days. Plus, I feel super proud of this chapter and I think it is definitely my favorite. I am slowly learning to add more depth to my stories rather than just keeping on the surface. Stories with layers are always so much more interesting because you have so many different things to uncover. So let me know if I am starting to accomplish this!