A TRAP

The streets of Belfast buzzed with excitement, the murmur of some unknown language hung in the air around Gwen as she made her way through the streets with her father and Will. An elderly man approached the group and began talking to Rob in the strange language. Gwen and Will bought some bread and sat on a nearby bench, waiting for Rob to finish his conversation.

"Michael said that a strange man came through here a few weeks ago," Rob said as he joined them on the bench, stealing some of the bread. "He seems to fit John's description."

"So, what do we do Rob?"

Rob took a deep breath, and than took a bite of the bread in his hand. "We find him."

Thanks to some questioning and some very helpful peasants, they were finally directed to a manor house a day's ride out of the city. The trio sat perched on their horses, staring up at the house from the edge of the forest.

"Come on." Rob dismounted and ran crouched through the bushes.

"Wait," Gwen whispered crouching down beside him. "Someone's coming."

Two riders came down the path, trotting along.

"That's the sheriff," Will said quietly.

"And Carddagah," Rob added, nodding.

"I still say that it doesn't make sense," Will mused as the pair vanished into the manor. "It's like they just walked out of the tower."

Gwen began putting the pieces together in her mind. "What?"

"There was no fight in the tower, no guards were injured. How is that possible?"

Rob started moving forward. "Let's go ask them, shall we?"

"Father wait!" Gwen said quickly, grabbing his shoulder. "It's a trap. It has to be."

Will narrowed his eyes at her. "What are you talking about, girl?"

"It has been too easy, they wanted to be found. John may be ignorant, but he's not a fool. You know as well as I do that a blind man could have followed his tracks."

"John must have known that Phillip would send us after them," Rob remarked.

Gwen nodded. "Leaving Phillip alone," she groaned, "and unprotected. We must get back."

"We can't just leave them here alone Rob, it's dangerous."

"I'll ride back alone," Gwen said, making a break for her horse.

"Gwen-"

"Please Father."

Rob nodded. "Be careful."

Gwen mounted in one smooth motion and then kicked the horse and was off.

Phillip sat alone in the gardens, staring out across the fields beyond the castle. Gwen and Rob had been gone for nearly five days without a word.

"You called for me, your majesty," Froedrick called as he came around the corner.

Phillip smiled at his friend's propriety. "Froedrick please, how many times have I told you? Enough with the 'Your majesty's call me Phillip."

"Sorry," Froedrick replied with a chuckle. "Did you need something?"

"Just the pleasure of your company."

Froedrick nodded. "She's fine. You know as well as I do that Gwen can take care of herself."

"Winston said something the other day that I, I just can't get out of my head."

"About Gwen?"

Phillip nodded. "He says that there's a possibility that we could be married; as long as no one knew."

"That sounds a bit curious, my lord. With all due respect, Winston is- "

Suddenly, the man in question turned the corner. "Is what Froedrick?"

While Froedrick groped to find words, Winston pulled a sword from behind his back. "Now gentlemen, please follow me."

Phillip's hand went instinctively to his hip, but he already knew that he was unarmed. "What is the meaning of this Winston?"

Winston put the sword to the King's throat. "Come on."

He led them to the throne room. "Have a seat gentlemen."

Two men stepped out from the shadows and bound Phillip and Froedrick to nearby chairs.

"Winston, you have no right to-" Froedrick began, but was cut short as Winston's sword came to his throat.

"Don't talk to me about rights. What rights did you afford my father?"

"Father?" Phillip glanced from Winston to Froedrick and back again.

"Carddagah, my lord," Winston answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm at the last two words.

Froedrick stared blankly. "Carddagah is you father?"

Winston withdrew the sword, giving Froedrick a proud look. "Very good, young advisor. And in a few days, John will return to reclaim the throne that is rightfully his. When he does, my father, the sheriff and I will stand loyally by. And there is nothing that you can do about it."

"Why wait?" Phillip said with contempt. "Why not be rid of us now?"

Winston grabbed a goblet of wine off a nearby table and took a seat in the throne. "John has special plans for you."

"Where is your king now? Has he deserted you already?"

"Oh no, he just has some business to attend to first," Winston replied with a smug smile.

Froedrick lifted his head. "What business?"

"To be rid of Robin Hood and his little brat once and for all."

Phillip could feel his muscles tense instinctively. A sick feeling took root in the pit of his stomach. He let out a deep sigh. "Gwen."