The next morning, I arose early from a sleepless night. Nightmares of blood and the gallows haunted me.
I dressed slowly as the sun rose. I pulled on a simple black gown, appropriate for mourning. I left my room and went down to the dining hall.
It was still early, and the castle hadn't quite woken up. Only faithful servants and groggy guards moved about. Sarah caught my eye and made her way to me.
"You're up early, milady," she observed. It always made me uncomfortable how she insisted to address me as a noble instead of equals when we weren't alone.
"I had trouble sleeping," I explained. She nodded in understanding.
"Come," she whispered, "Let's get some food into your stomach."
I sat down as she disappeared into the kitchen. Since there was no one to talk to, my mind began to wander to the horrors that the morning would bring.
Sarah quickly returned with some eggs and ham. I barely ate, merely pushing around the food on my plate. I knew anything I'd get down would come right back up. Sarah seemed to know that, too; she didn't force me to finish.
After a while, I heard someone enter the hall. I didn't turn to look. As I continued playing with my food, I couldn't help but think how ashamed Charlotte would be of my behavior.
"Marian," it was Guy. I looked up at him.
"I would just like to let you know that the Sheriff and I understand if you do not wish to attend the hanging today. It is no place for a lady."
For some reason, his comment infuriated me. How dare he decide where I do and do not belong? Miraculously, I managed to contain my anger, rising from my seat to meet his gaze.
"No, I'll be fine, thank you," I said as I brushed past him and made my way to the square.
People had already begun to gather, mostly lords and commoners who happened to be passing by. It sickened me how people could watch someone die then immediately return to their lives. Perhaps it was because hangings took place so frequently that people were desensitized to them. They had become a part of life for England, or Nottingham at least.
Charlotte hadn't arrived yet. I took my usual position two places down from the Sheriff's chair. Charlotte sat right next to him, and I stood beside her.
I scanned the faces of the crowd, not realizing there was really only one face I was really looking for…Robin's. If he was smart he'd disguise himself, but I still thought I could pick him from the crowd.
"Morning!"Charlotte greeted cheerfully as she took her seat. Her sudden appearance startled me. For some reason, I felt like I had something to hide.
"Well, you are in a good mood this morning," I recovered before she noticed.
"Oh, I'm just so relieved that we are getting rid of the traitors! It makes me feel so much safer!"
I gave her a confused look. I was about to explain to her that they weren't traitors, that they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, but trumpets began to sound. The Sheriff entered.
He took his seat at the head of the square, clearly establishing his position of power. Guards were posted all around him, the gate, and the archway from where the prisoners would come out.
"Good people of Nottingham," he began. Here we go again.
"As you may have heard, we have discovered some…traitors in the castle," he smiled evilly, as if on cue the 'traitorous' guards were brought out. Secretly, I think the Sheriff enjoyed the theatrics and drama of a hanging and did everything in his power to make it a real show.
Everyone remained eerily silent. From whispers I'd heard, everyone was probably thankful to the guards for 'saving' one of Robin Hood's men. From what I heard, they really loved Robin and his band of "Merry Men." So instead of booing or cursing or throwing things like they sometimes did, the crowd in the square remained silent.
"And a traitor in my castle, to me," he continued as the noose was situated around their necks, "Is a traitor to the crown."
At that moment, time seemed to slow. I could sense it. I wasn't just seeing the hanging; I was feeling everything about it: the rapid heartbeat of the victims wondering which would be their last; the shallow breath of the crowd as they waited for the drums to stop; the deep booming beat sounding from every drum in the square. Then, I sensed something else. I flinched just as what I was sensing whizzed passed me…and hit just above the Sheriff's head. It was an arrow.
But surely he couldn't be that good?
"The only traitor to the crown, Lord Sheriff, is you!" a voice called from nowhere and everywhere as two more arrows were shot, each hitting right above the Sheriff's shoulder. Most would say Robin was a bad shooter for missing the Sheriff three times. Being an archer myself, it's usually harder to hit around something than to actually hit the thing. Robin had gotten very good.
He popped up on one of the guard towers. I notice a ruckus on the other two, but Robin had everyone's undivided attention.
"Hood!" the Sheriff shrieked.
"The one and only," Robin gave a bow. The smirk in his voice made me want to roll my eyes. He would get himself killed one of these days.
"GET HIM!" the Sheriff cried, face already reddening. The guards were caught by surprise, so while some sprang into action, others ran around meaninglessly causing collisions and whatnot.
If it wasn't for a sudden pressure on my arm, I would've started laughing. I turned to see Charlotte out of her chair, nails digging into my skin. Her eyes were filled with fear as the band of outlaws began to pile into the square.
I noticed Little John first. He plowed through five guards to get to the platform. Already on the platform, I noticed Will moving silently throughout the chaos, freeing the two prisoners. Much grabbed them, and managed to sneak them out undetected.
I chuckled to myself. They'd actually pulled it off! Chaos continued to ensue courtesy of the hunt for Robin Hood. Somehow, he and his men managed to escape without the Sheriff, the guards, or me for that matter, knowing. All we were left with was a couple of bloody steps and a mess to clean up. I smiled. Well done Robin Hood.
The guards are saved, but are Marian's troubles over? R&R!