Robin awoke the next morning with a pounding headache. The woodsmen drank meade all night with the newcomers. At first, they were hesitant about allowing them to stay. The young man from the river, Will, seemed to have the most trust issues.
Once Robin had questioned their use of "ghosts", Will seemed to question his authority. "They've worked so far... Do you have a better idea?"
"Fight back," Robin replied simply as the men laughed in disbelief.
"I reckon I must have cracked that noble head of yours, mate. These are all good men here, but they are farmers, not fighters. You'd be leading us like lambs to slaughter," John Little replied.
"Why does the rich son of a devil worshiper care about what happens to a band of outlaw peasants?" Questioned Will.
"I want the Sheriff dead. He killed my father, slandered my name, and took my land. But I can't do it alone. If you help me, I can make sure you will never be in danger or have to pay taxes ever again, I give you my word."
With Robin's response, the men all partook in the plentiful amount of mead they had on hand and got blissfully drunk as Robin stated he would return tomorrow with food and a pledge to prove his worth.
Upon awakening this morning, Locksley had decided to pay a visit to the church within Nottingham's walls. He remembered that the church handed out alms to the poor at mass, it would be the perfect cover.
XOX
George awoke Sunday morning and immediately prepared himself for mass. He enjoyed seeing his townspeople gathered under his protection, worshiping the good Lord. These days, danger seemed to be looming over everyone and George felt the need to protect. He was glad Marian had agreed to stay with him, he didn't want anything to happen to her.
He hadn't seen her since they retired for the evening the night before. Sarah, ever observant, had wanted to make sure they behaved themselves that first night so she slept over with Marian. She had mentioned that if he could prove to her that he could keep his hands to himself, she'd be able to trust him enough to stop chaperoning. He had rolled his eyes but decided to be on his best behavior. Life was being good to the pair, he could resist and allow them time to get to know one another.
George had donned his Sunday attire of a crushed velvet overcoat with bronze studded accents, tight black trousers, and his knee high boots. The man, once again, was covered in buttons, tightly wrapping his clothing to his form. He had made sure his hair was styled and his beard neatly trimmed. It was important to look your best on the Lord's day, he had always thought. He completed his look with his billowing black cape, as usual. He knew he looked intimidating - he had to. For as much as he wanted to come across as a kind and gentle man, the role of Sheriff needed to be intimidating and tough; if he was perceived as weak, he'd lose all order in the kingdom. He'd allow his true self to be shown to Marian, he'd be able to focus all of his love and attention onto her. He'd spoil her to the best of his ability and protect her with his life.
XOX
Marian eagerly dressed for mass, she couldn't wait to see George. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't irritated at her lady in waiting for being so overbearing, but she supposed it was important to have someone look after her virtue as a noblewoman. Lord knows how easy it was to lose herself under his penetrating gaze and electric touch. Perhaps it is good I am going to mass, I believe I need to ask forgiveness for all of these impure thoughts I've been having, she sniggered to herself.
Marian was dressed in a beautiful red and burnt orange gown, with a sheer burnt orange scarf tied around her hair. She had a red cape with gold filigree draped over her to keep her warm from the cool air as they walked to the chapel. She took her seat at the front left, near the altar and directly across from the Sheriff, whose assigned seat was at the front right.
The chapel was breath taking. It had a high, domed ceiling with stained glass windows which allowed for beautiful prisms of light to shine over the stone walls. The bishop was centered between the beautiful archways as he presented his sermon. The holy man had spoken of honor and respect, as well as the importance of protecting thy neighbor. He concluded by thanking the Sheriff for his duty.
"We beseech thy blessing, Lord, on all your people... but most especially on our noble Sheriff of Nottingham. Grant him the wisdom to guide and protect our glorious city. Grant him also the strength to bring to justice the lawless men who would threaten its safety and prosperity, and the judgment to punish them in your name. Amen."
George blushed and provided the bishop with a humble, tight lipped smile at his well wishes. He couldn't help but turn towards his woman, smiling bashfully. Truth be told, he didn't mind the attention, he did feel he was well deserving of his title and was proud of it. He was just a bit shy at having Marian present for such an acknowledgement. The smile she returned however was so wistful and rewarding that he couldn't help but blush more and lower his eyes to the floor, lightly squirming in his seat. He wanted to go sit beside her, hold her hand... show everyone she belonged to him. As the bishop concluded, everyone stood to exit the church, and George lost sight of the lovely maid and her lady within the crowd.
XOX
Robin dressed as a poor peasant while walking up to the church. He had found some fresh horse manure and rubbed it all over himself in an attempt to prevent the guards from getting too close to him. He had strategically arrived late for church, he would surely be discovered if he was left to mingle.
Locksley rolled his eyes and held in the bile that threatened to expel from his body as the evil Sheriff was given such an honorable mention during the service. If only the townspeople knew him to be the evil, closed minded fool that Robin knew him to be, the Sheriff's reign would end and Robin could star his own.
Soon...
As the service let out, Robin blended in with the poor and disabled citizens who would be provided with alms. He was drawn to Marian like a moth to a flame and easily stalked behind her, unnoticed. The beggars hounded Marian, begging for money, and the lovely woman that she was, asked Sarah to please hand out what money they had on hand. He watched, sneering at the innocence she portrayed. He'd make her his... even if he had to force her. She'd grow to love him. Robin followed her as she disappeared down an empty corridor and found her lighting a candle in remembrance of her brother before silently praying.
He slithered beside her, remaining statuesque as she prayed to her fake God. He had half expected to be struck down upon his entrance into the holy building, but alas, Robin of Locksley appeared to be invincible.
XOX
It was the foul stench that pulled her from her prayers. She opened her eyes as a hushed voice muttered, "alms for a blind man, milady? For one who cannot see your beauty?". Marian's eyes darted to the sandy haired man's, shocked at the nerve he had for showing himself in the house of God.
Smirking, Robin greeted her with a casual, "hello".
"What are you doing here?" Marian asked fearfully. She looked around slowly, as to not earn Robin's suspicion, hoping to catch sight of her black-clad hero.
"Searching my soul," Robin replied sardonically.
"I do not wish to be seen with an outlaw."
"What? You prefer the company of Nottingham?" Robin pointed with his chin through the crowd allowing Marian to finally locate the man. He was distracted, shaking hands with a gentleman she didn't recognize.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. There's a price on your head, all I need to do is scream and he will come running to me," Marian bravely threatened.
"How much?"
"100 gold pieces".
"Is that all? I shall have to annoy your good Sheriff more. Soon it will be 1,000," Robin turned on his heel and stalked away, keeping up his charade of being blind. He wouldn't be caught by the Sheriff... he needed his bounty to increase much more.
As soon as he was out of sight, the fearful maiden ran to her Lord.
Beaming, George took her hand and kissed it. "You shine like the sun, my lady". She wanted nothing more than to enjoy his company, but she quickly informed him of Robin's arrival. George was livid, quite literally growling both in frustration at the man's gall, and for fear of his future wife's safety. "I'm going to hang him from the walls by his own entrails!" He bellowed.
"I'd like to see that my Lord... your... protection makes me feel safe. But I fear for your safety. He's a sick man, I'm afraid he will harm you". Marian strengthened her grip on him, willing him to leave with her. He couldn't allow the knave to go unpunished though.
"Perhaps you'd do me the honor of accepting a small token of my undying devotion to your safety?" He brandished a short but sharp dagger, sheathed in gold and jewels. When Marian accepted his gift, he gave her a sad smile, before turning to leave. He hated that his woman might have to defend herself. George immediately called for his guards to escort Marian and Sarah home safely as he took his remaining guards and Sir Guy on the hunt for the perpetrator.
XOX
Robin's next destination was the Bishop's chambers. He opened the door, not waiting for a formal invitation to find the elderly man removing his rings and other adornments he would like to steal and sell for food.
"These are my private chambers, my son. I have priests that will hear your confession,". The bishop let out a yell as he felt a thin blade press against his rib and felt a dirty, calloused hand cover his mouth to prevent any more vocalizations. Once Robin was sure his prisoner would remain quiet, he removed his hand
"I see the boy I knew in the man before me. Welcome home, Robin." The bishop offered a trembling hand for Robin to kiss. The holy man had no choice but to boost the man's ego, in an attempt to survive this encounter.
"You need to restore my family name. Report yourself as a liar and that my father was no devil worshiper. The Sheriff forced you to lie, but you couldn't hold onto the guilt any longer. I don't care what you say, but fix your mistake or suffer the end of my blade".
"I asked your father three times if he worshiped the dark one... because his answer vexed me so grievously. He said he must meet God with a clear conscience," the Bishops voice was quivering, his eyes saddened by what would surely be his fate.
"You lie!" Robin leapt to his feet, angrily. He raised his dagger to the man, prepared to strike him down when the door burst open to reveal the Sheriff, scowling, with his army behind him.
"On your souls, do not shed blood in the house of God!" Begged the bishop.
Robin quickly slashed his dagger in the air, deeply cutting the Sheriff's face. There was now a deep, gushing wound where he was robbed of a healthy amount of flesh. George gasped in surprise before the pain finally registered and he let out a scream.
"Ahhhh! You Bastard!" George charged after the man, oblivious to the blood pouring from his cheek.
Robin had hidden himself inside the room, looking for a quick escape. As George charged towards the man, his knights behind him, he screamed out "Locksley! I'm going to cut your heart out with a spoon!"
"Then it begins," replied Robin. He lunged forward, piercing the Sheriff in the gut about 5 centimeters before withdrawing his knife with a twist, hoping it would make the wound harder to heal. He bolted towards the chandelier, slicing through the rope so he could use the heavy metal as a counterweight to throw him to his freedom. The guards were shooting arrows at the coward as he made his escape, however they all missed their mark.
The last thing the sheriff was aware of before the room went black was his cousin rushing towards him and a burning hot pain in his abdomen. His last thoughts were of Marian and his fear for her safety.
