A/N Please forgive me for indulging in a little more Robin baiting at the
beginning!
**************************************
I was accompanying her Ladyship on a pleasant ride in Sherwood Forest when we were set upon by brigands. I stuck out a leg and booted my attacker in the face, knocking him to the floor. I allowed myself a split second's glow of satisfaction before hastening to my Lady's aid. Instead of fighting the thief off, she was demanding to see the ringleader! Honestly, that girl is so irresponsible!
Accompanied by several more of their company the two ruffians escorted us through the Forest. I was beginning to wish I served a completely different family. I was trying to look out for the safety of the Maid Marion whilst attempting to keep my own footing as some filthy ragamuffin pushed me down a steep rocky slope by poking me in the back with his stick. I looked up and caught sight of a naked man swimming on the pool beneath the waterfall. Oh damn and blast him - it was that bloody Robin!
"Cover your eyes my Lady!" I called, scuttling down the hill to catch up with her before she clapped eyes on the naked vagrant. "My Lady! My Lady!"
But the Maid Marion had already seen him. She was staring down open mouthed, breathing erratically, her bosom heaving. I really can't tell what she sees in him. He had a tan line so his bum was whiter than the rest of him. I folded my arms. If her Ladyship must insist on getting into trouble.
*
I must say, these outlaws certainly know how to entertain. My Lady had insisted on staying in the Forest, and I relented, even though I knew it was just so she could dally with Robin of Locksley. The people who dwelt here had fashioned a fine home for themselves up in the trees. There were all sorts of tree houses and bridges running between them. It was a proper little community here. Now night had fallen and there were fires lit it was actually very cosy. I was particularly enjoying the company of an overweight monk who had recently joined the band. He explained that the Sheriff's men had ridden into the village and evicted the peasants. Their homes had been burned and their belongings stolen or destroyed. I looked up again at the village in the trees. All that had been done with their own bare hands. It was truly extraordinary. The monk told of how Robin of Locksley had ridden into Sherwood Forest and defeated Little John, the former leader of the outlaws and had taken control of his men and was readying them to take a stand against the Sheriff of Nottingham.
My friend the Friar Tuck was a bit of a drinker. He may no longer be able to serve the Lord Jesus in the sanctuary of the monastery, but he can still worship him through nature in brewing his beer. The ale flowed freely that night. My Lady had disappeared somewhere with Robin, the two of them were probably engaged in a lovers' tryst somewhere. Down here, people had taken up musical instruments and there was dancing, drinking and merriment. There was one awful moment when Fanny, Little John's wife, went into labour and there were complications with the birth. People began to panic, we were lost without medicine. The Easterner stepped in, and a struggle ensued between him and John and the Friar, as no one trusted a non- Christian with the lives of Fanny and the baby. There was animosity between the Friar and the Easterner, as the former deeply mistrusted the strange ways of the East and the latter refused to accept a God other than Allah. But all that was changed when the foreigner emerged triumphantly from Little John's hut holding the newborn baby aloft. It was a truly joyous occasion. Friar Tuck and the Easterner shook hands and put aside their differences. There were tears in my friend's eyes. After the birth and the truce there was an atmosphere of jubilant celebration in the Forest. Even my Lady, who had reappeared with Robin, let her hair down and joined in the merriment. We danced and laughed until we dropped. I had never had so much fun in all my life.
*
The next time I entered Sherwood forest was on an urgent errand for the Maid Marion. The Sheriff of Nottingham had issued his claim on Dubois property, the villagers had been driven into the Forest and there was a price of 1000 gold pieces on Robin of Locksley's head. My Lady had given me a letter to deliver into the hands of Richard the Lion-Heart to beg him to return and liberate his people. I was bending down to investigate an injury to the horse of the priest who was accompanying me when I felt a sudden blow to the head.
When I regained consciousness the shadows were growing longer in the Forest and it was past midday. My horse was gone as was the priest and as was the letter. I had awoken in a different part of the Forest to where I had fallen and I was totally lost. My only hope was to find the camp where the outlaws stayed and to seek their help.
I had been wandering round for over two hours when a voice called "Sarah! Is that you?" There was a rustling in the bushes and out popped the good Friar. I was so glad to see him. I told him what had happened and he said he'd take me to Robin immediately. Robin dispatched one of his men to send the message on to the King. He said someone would accompany me back to Dubois castle in the morning.
An hour later and I was chatting to Friar Tuck about beer when a trumpet sounded in the trees. Little John came rushing from the direction of the sound and gasped that the Sheriff of Nottingham himself was on his way with three score of his men. There was instant commotion. Men were shouting, women screaming and children crying. Robin of Locksley climbed on to a convenient branch and began addressing the men whilst the Easterner peered through that contraption of his and relayed information back to him. Friar Tuck seized my arm. "You've got to run Sarah! Escape whilst you still can! Run!" he pushed me roughly into the undergrowth. I stumbled forward a few paces and looked back. But the good Friar had gone. My heart was pounding and my legs felt as if they would give way in any moment. I stumbled round in confusion as arrows whizzed over my head and the frenzied shouts of the men filled the air. It was then that I caught sight of the most devastatingly gorgeous man I had ever laid eyes on. He was dressed all in black, with a luxurious black and gold cloak that draped over his horse's hindquarters. His shirt was half open, revealing a smooth, manly chest, and his muscular thighs strained in tight breeches. He had thick dark curly hair and mysterious dark eyes that were staring right at me. I was rooted to the spot, absolutely mesmerised. The man swung off his horse in one fluid movement and advanced towards me. My heart missed a beat and my breath caught in my throat. Wordlessly he slipped an arm around my waist. His face was inches from my own, and he smirked slowly. He suddenly pushed me roughly up against the nearest oak tree and forced his strong thigh between my legs. He was breathing faster now, running his hands up and down my body, and smirking as I trembled with desire. I reached up slowly, my hand shaking and I let my fingers entwine themselves in his luxuriant dark hair. If it weren't for his thigh between my legs still holding me up I would have sank to the ground as he bent his head towards me and kissed me roughly, forcing his tongue into my mouth. I responded hungrily, reaching with my other hand into his hair.
"COUSIN! Come quickly!" a sinister, gravelly voice shouted suddenly. The devilishly handsome man I was with broke off the kiss with a groan of frustration. "We have John and the boy! Locksley's getting away! Come quickly Cousin!" The man let out a torrent of curses and leapt up onto his horse. He paused and reached down to place his hand round the back of my neck.
"I will deal with you later," he growled. With that, he turned and thundered off into the Forest. I leaned against the tree for support, still breathing heavily, my mind reeling from the erotic encounter I had just experienced. I forced my fuddled mind to make sense of what I had heard. Little John and Will Scarlett captured? I couldn't skulk in the bushes any longer, I had to help in any way I could. I emerged into the clearing in time to see the Easterner swing from a rope and knock Guy of Gisborn off his horse with both feet. Gisborn howled in pain and shouted obscenities at him. I instantly recognised the distinctive voice of Guy of Gisborn. He was the man who had called to his cousin earlier. It was well known that Gisborn was the cousin of the Sheriff of Nottingham. It couldn't be! No - Gisborn must have several cousins, as does Lady Marion. Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of a flash of gold and black cloak through the trees.
"Capture the wench and bring her to the castle! We will return to look for Locksley tomorrow!" his finger was pointing straight at me. One of the nearby men swooped down from his horse and scooped me up onto his steed, pointing his sword at my throat. In the struggle and confusion both Guy of Gisborn and the man who had ordered for me to be captured had ridden away. I could no longer deny who he was. I was shaking with terror and worry for my friends as the soldier tied me up. However I did not put up as much resistance as I could have done. Maybe I felt I could help John and Will if I was taken to the castle. But the truth could not be completely denied. I longed to feel again the touch of the man I had met in the undergrowth. My head feared for my safety and that of the others, but my body greatly desired the Sheriff of Nottingham.
**************************************
I was accompanying her Ladyship on a pleasant ride in Sherwood Forest when we were set upon by brigands. I stuck out a leg and booted my attacker in the face, knocking him to the floor. I allowed myself a split second's glow of satisfaction before hastening to my Lady's aid. Instead of fighting the thief off, she was demanding to see the ringleader! Honestly, that girl is so irresponsible!
Accompanied by several more of their company the two ruffians escorted us through the Forest. I was beginning to wish I served a completely different family. I was trying to look out for the safety of the Maid Marion whilst attempting to keep my own footing as some filthy ragamuffin pushed me down a steep rocky slope by poking me in the back with his stick. I looked up and caught sight of a naked man swimming on the pool beneath the waterfall. Oh damn and blast him - it was that bloody Robin!
"Cover your eyes my Lady!" I called, scuttling down the hill to catch up with her before she clapped eyes on the naked vagrant. "My Lady! My Lady!"
But the Maid Marion had already seen him. She was staring down open mouthed, breathing erratically, her bosom heaving. I really can't tell what she sees in him. He had a tan line so his bum was whiter than the rest of him. I folded my arms. If her Ladyship must insist on getting into trouble.
*
I must say, these outlaws certainly know how to entertain. My Lady had insisted on staying in the Forest, and I relented, even though I knew it was just so she could dally with Robin of Locksley. The people who dwelt here had fashioned a fine home for themselves up in the trees. There were all sorts of tree houses and bridges running between them. It was a proper little community here. Now night had fallen and there were fires lit it was actually very cosy. I was particularly enjoying the company of an overweight monk who had recently joined the band. He explained that the Sheriff's men had ridden into the village and evicted the peasants. Their homes had been burned and their belongings stolen or destroyed. I looked up again at the village in the trees. All that had been done with their own bare hands. It was truly extraordinary. The monk told of how Robin of Locksley had ridden into Sherwood Forest and defeated Little John, the former leader of the outlaws and had taken control of his men and was readying them to take a stand against the Sheriff of Nottingham.
My friend the Friar Tuck was a bit of a drinker. He may no longer be able to serve the Lord Jesus in the sanctuary of the monastery, but he can still worship him through nature in brewing his beer. The ale flowed freely that night. My Lady had disappeared somewhere with Robin, the two of them were probably engaged in a lovers' tryst somewhere. Down here, people had taken up musical instruments and there was dancing, drinking and merriment. There was one awful moment when Fanny, Little John's wife, went into labour and there were complications with the birth. People began to panic, we were lost without medicine. The Easterner stepped in, and a struggle ensued between him and John and the Friar, as no one trusted a non- Christian with the lives of Fanny and the baby. There was animosity between the Friar and the Easterner, as the former deeply mistrusted the strange ways of the East and the latter refused to accept a God other than Allah. But all that was changed when the foreigner emerged triumphantly from Little John's hut holding the newborn baby aloft. It was a truly joyous occasion. Friar Tuck and the Easterner shook hands and put aside their differences. There were tears in my friend's eyes. After the birth and the truce there was an atmosphere of jubilant celebration in the Forest. Even my Lady, who had reappeared with Robin, let her hair down and joined in the merriment. We danced and laughed until we dropped. I had never had so much fun in all my life.
*
The next time I entered Sherwood forest was on an urgent errand for the Maid Marion. The Sheriff of Nottingham had issued his claim on Dubois property, the villagers had been driven into the Forest and there was a price of 1000 gold pieces on Robin of Locksley's head. My Lady had given me a letter to deliver into the hands of Richard the Lion-Heart to beg him to return and liberate his people. I was bending down to investigate an injury to the horse of the priest who was accompanying me when I felt a sudden blow to the head.
When I regained consciousness the shadows were growing longer in the Forest and it was past midday. My horse was gone as was the priest and as was the letter. I had awoken in a different part of the Forest to where I had fallen and I was totally lost. My only hope was to find the camp where the outlaws stayed and to seek their help.
I had been wandering round for over two hours when a voice called "Sarah! Is that you?" There was a rustling in the bushes and out popped the good Friar. I was so glad to see him. I told him what had happened and he said he'd take me to Robin immediately. Robin dispatched one of his men to send the message on to the King. He said someone would accompany me back to Dubois castle in the morning.
An hour later and I was chatting to Friar Tuck about beer when a trumpet sounded in the trees. Little John came rushing from the direction of the sound and gasped that the Sheriff of Nottingham himself was on his way with three score of his men. There was instant commotion. Men were shouting, women screaming and children crying. Robin of Locksley climbed on to a convenient branch and began addressing the men whilst the Easterner peered through that contraption of his and relayed information back to him. Friar Tuck seized my arm. "You've got to run Sarah! Escape whilst you still can! Run!" he pushed me roughly into the undergrowth. I stumbled forward a few paces and looked back. But the good Friar had gone. My heart was pounding and my legs felt as if they would give way in any moment. I stumbled round in confusion as arrows whizzed over my head and the frenzied shouts of the men filled the air. It was then that I caught sight of the most devastatingly gorgeous man I had ever laid eyes on. He was dressed all in black, with a luxurious black and gold cloak that draped over his horse's hindquarters. His shirt was half open, revealing a smooth, manly chest, and his muscular thighs strained in tight breeches. He had thick dark curly hair and mysterious dark eyes that were staring right at me. I was rooted to the spot, absolutely mesmerised. The man swung off his horse in one fluid movement and advanced towards me. My heart missed a beat and my breath caught in my throat. Wordlessly he slipped an arm around my waist. His face was inches from my own, and he smirked slowly. He suddenly pushed me roughly up against the nearest oak tree and forced his strong thigh between my legs. He was breathing faster now, running his hands up and down my body, and smirking as I trembled with desire. I reached up slowly, my hand shaking and I let my fingers entwine themselves in his luxuriant dark hair. If it weren't for his thigh between my legs still holding me up I would have sank to the ground as he bent his head towards me and kissed me roughly, forcing his tongue into my mouth. I responded hungrily, reaching with my other hand into his hair.
"COUSIN! Come quickly!" a sinister, gravelly voice shouted suddenly. The devilishly handsome man I was with broke off the kiss with a groan of frustration. "We have John and the boy! Locksley's getting away! Come quickly Cousin!" The man let out a torrent of curses and leapt up onto his horse. He paused and reached down to place his hand round the back of my neck.
"I will deal with you later," he growled. With that, he turned and thundered off into the Forest. I leaned against the tree for support, still breathing heavily, my mind reeling from the erotic encounter I had just experienced. I forced my fuddled mind to make sense of what I had heard. Little John and Will Scarlett captured? I couldn't skulk in the bushes any longer, I had to help in any way I could. I emerged into the clearing in time to see the Easterner swing from a rope and knock Guy of Gisborn off his horse with both feet. Gisborn howled in pain and shouted obscenities at him. I instantly recognised the distinctive voice of Guy of Gisborn. He was the man who had called to his cousin earlier. It was well known that Gisborn was the cousin of the Sheriff of Nottingham. It couldn't be! No - Gisborn must have several cousins, as does Lady Marion. Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of a flash of gold and black cloak through the trees.
"Capture the wench and bring her to the castle! We will return to look for Locksley tomorrow!" his finger was pointing straight at me. One of the nearby men swooped down from his horse and scooped me up onto his steed, pointing his sword at my throat. In the struggle and confusion both Guy of Gisborn and the man who had ordered for me to be captured had ridden away. I could no longer deny who he was. I was shaking with terror and worry for my friends as the soldier tied me up. However I did not put up as much resistance as I could have done. Maybe I felt I could help John and Will if I was taken to the castle. But the truth could not be completely denied. I longed to feel again the touch of the man I had met in the undergrowth. My head feared for my safety and that of the others, but my body greatly desired the Sheriff of Nottingham.