"You know, I really am too clever," the Sheriff said thoughtfully to the captain of his guard as they strode the halls.
The Captain seemed unsure of how to answer. He was unsure if he was meant to answer at all. "Of course Milord," he said simply.
The Sheriff seemed slightly put out. "Well aren't you going to ask me why?" he said accusingly.
The Captain held back his groan. "And why is that Sire?" he said after a pause.
"Glad you asked!" the Sheriff said with a flourish. "Well that is a difficult question to answer. After all, there are so many options. For I am clever for so many different reasons. But today, we shall focus on today. And today, I have taken something small and meaningless and created a situation from which I cannot lose."
His gloating was put on hold as he saw Gisbourne approaching him. "Any sign of them?"
"Not yet," Gisbourne said, feigning a look of disappointment. "But I assure you, Hood told me his plan. The fool trusts me."
The Sheriff smiled in approval. "I love it. Hood will bring them all to the North entrance and will encounter the lovely surprise of fifty of my best men. However did you manage it Gisbourne?"
"I have a friend on the inside who I knew would vouch for me."
The Sheriff groaned. "And I suppose that you are about to beg me to allow this friend to live."
"Only if it pleases you Milord. Your judgment is law after all."
The Sheriff stopped, looking Gisbourne up and down. "You know, I think I like you Gisbourne. You would betray your own friends to see my plans succeed. And you have a way with my enemies."
Gisbourne bowed his head modestly. "I only wish to do my duty."
The Sheriff strode about as he thought aloud. "And you have no lands to speak?"
"No Sire," Gisbourne said with a small cough.
"Minimal funds?"
"Times have been hard."
With a swift turn, the Sheriff surprised Gisbourne by saying, "come and work for me."
Gisbourne widened his eyes slightly. "I'm sorry? What?"
"Come and live in Nottingham. I could give you lands. Estates. You just need to prove yourself to me."
Before Gisbourne could reply, there was a crash. "Robin Hood!" the Sheriff bellowed, shoving both the Captain and Gisbourne forward. The Captain ran forward to investigate but came back to inform that them a guard had dropped a crate whilst unloading supplies.
"Of course," the Sheriff said, straightening his tunic. The gold thread shone from the light from the staffs as he paced about the main entrance way. He sat down upon an ornate stone bench. "I have no reason to worry," he said with a laugh. "My plan is flawless. Perfect even. There is no way Hood could ever get past me."
Gisbourne and the Guard would have listened, but there attention was focused elsewhere. For at that exact moment, two servants entered through one of the left archers, sweeping away the dirt, one of them happened to be Allen. The other was one of his favourite French men. They both kept their heads down, pretending to sweep their way across the courtyard. They were dressed in the usual garb of servants with mud and dirt smeared all over their faces and clothes. As long as he kept his head down, and his partner kept silent, Allen would never be discovered.
The Sheriff was a tad upset at their mere presence. "Do that later!" he yelled. "Get back to your quarters."
Allen tried his hardest to keep the smile from his face, having witnessed the Sheriff had just ordered them to the very place from which he was trying desperately to keep them from. So instead, they kept their heads down, bowed slightly and quickly walked away. Allen dared a small wink to Gisbourne as he passed.
"Now where was I?" the Sheriff said, more to himself than those present. Gisbourne and the Captain were far more interested in the weeping widows who wandered past. There were five in total, all dressed in rags. The few words that escaped past the sobs spoke of an accident and small words like that. Amelia played her part well and seemed to be enjoying being a little more practical in her ways of helping the Merry Men. The shortest widow looked a tad less enthusiastic. Much had groaned continuously about having to play a female. But they had insisted. And not just because we enjoyed seeing him uncomfortable. Robin also insisted on an able-bodied Merry Man being in every group where possible.
The trick worked like a charm. The Sheriff rolled his eyes at the sight. "I detest widows," he moaned. "That damn moaning. Get rid of them."
The same went for the young lovers who dashed past next. They pretended to be startled by the sight of the Sheriff and ran off. Matthew had been a tad uncomfortable at playing such a role. But a fair few females insisted and then fought over who would accompany him.
And still the Sheriff continued on his mad boast ignoring the sick and injured who limped past. And so he ignored the inquisitive village folk seeking Noble council. And the fistfight that somehow managed to break out where he was standing. And that was just our first few ideas. For each Merry Man would drop off their intended, sneak out of a small trap door, run around the castle wall and select a new group. Eventually they ran out of ideas and began to repeat the old ones. The Sheriff was none the wiser.
Not all were as blind as the Sheriff. But Gisbourne was a part of the plan. The main concern was the Captain of the Guard. Gisbourne watched him closely out of the corner of his eye, waiting for a sign. But the Guard said nothing. His face remained blank. Some considered him dimwitted. But Allen saw a look in his eyes. Something that made him trust him. Somehow, Allen just knew that he was on our side.
"We could actually do this!" Allen said in astonishment as he made my way back successfully once more. Only Simon was left.
"You sound surprised," Robin said, sounding hurt.
"Well honestly I am. It is a plan that you thought up."
Benny returned shortly after me. "Shall I take Simon? We haven't been lowly servants in a while."
"No I will handle this one," Robin said, clapping Simon on the back. "I hate just sitting around."
"You were hardly just sitting around," Benny said. "You were guarding everyone in case they were discovered."
"Yes well, it got a tad tiresome. So time to go. Come on Simon."
Simon was all too happy to allow Robin to accompany him. After all, most would feel safest under the protection of Robin Hood himself. "And if they recognise you?" Allen asked Robin in a hushed voice.
His smug laughter was the only response.
.
.
.
Polly danced about the corridor, most likely imagining herself in Marian's 'ruined' gown. Marian looked at her with an odd look upon her face. She felt a strong feeling of wistfulness. For it seemed so long since she could dance about with the joy of being a child.
"Polly," Marian said, trying her best to sound stern. "You are supposed to be my Lady's Maid. Do you really think that would entail dancing around like a fool?"
The girl just giggled. "Unbelievable," Marian said with what was intended to be a sign. The action turned into a laugh. "Do you ever worry about anything?"
"Why should I worry?" Polly said absentmindedly, pulling at the snags on her collar.
"Well you have had quite the day today."
"Yes and wasn't it wonderful?" Polly said, flinging her arms back in happiness.
"The child is well and truly mad," Marian said to herself in wonderment.
Eventually, Polly was forced to stop for breath. "I know I shouldn't say this, but I have had so much fun!" Polly said as she slumped down on the floor. "And my, Robin Hood is just as handsome as they say."
Marian snorted. Polly's wide eyes fixated upon her. "Don't you think so?"
Marian let out a nervous laugh as her eyes darted about. "Polly you are much to young to understand…"
"Oh I understand plenty," Polly said with a smirk. "You were far too busy watching Guy to even notice Robin."
"Well I-" Marian tried to say but could not quite find the words. "Who could have possibly raised you to be so forward child?"
Finally Polly showed the slightest hint of sadness. "My parents died long ago."
Marian slowly knelt down beside her. "I am so sorry," she said, resisting the urge to kick herself.
Polly just shrugged. "Oh well. 'Twas a long time ago."
But Marian knew that the child was lying. There was far too much sadness there.
It was then that they heard the cry. That horrid shriek of a man dying.
"Wait here," Marian said firmly, all joking aside. Her face was a mask of seriousness that almost stunned Polly.
"But I'm scared," she whimpered.
Marian clasped both the hands of the girl. "Today I have seen many people. Outlaws and slaves. All showed great strength. But none like you. Now I need you to wait here. Be completely silent. I will come back for you."
Polly nodded her head, blinking back tears.
Marian rose quickly, patting the hidden pocket in her skirts. One dagger was sheathed and ready. It was not much, but it would do. She did not wish to frighten Polly further so she made an effort of calmly walking down the corridor until there was a turn. From there, she ran silently, her feet barely hitting the ground. Her curls feel free from the pins in her haste. There was just something about that scream. Something that made her blood run cold.
She found a scene of complete chaos and confusion. The outlaws had been discovered. The plan had taken a little longer than expected and the Guard's had changed their positioning. Bad timing was the main factor. A large clump of guards strode past just as Simon stumbled backward, knocking over a large sculpture and making a spectacle of himself. When they had stopped to inspect him, he had not know enough English to convince them of his innocence. So the approached him, swords at the ready. "Well aren't you glad I was here now?" Robin said, drawing back his hood and puling forth his own sword. Benny and Allen were not far behind as we had followed in secret, thinking that something was due to go wrong. But even with the extra men present, they were still horribly outnumbered. The ruckus we made managed to create quite the stir however. The noise of it all brought Matthew and Leon to the throng. It also, unfortunately, brought forth the Sheriff and Gisbourne. Gisbourne was forced to fight against them to keep up appearance. And sadly, he was just as talented with a sword as he was with a bow. He held back as much as he dared but seemingly he wished to prove himself to the Sheriff. Simon had grasped at a sword of a fallen guard and managed to wave it about, knocking back a few guards rather impressively. But he still lacked the skill and training.
Robin heard the words all too clearly as the Sheriff muttered them. "Kill him." Without a word, a guard strode silently behind Simon and plunged his sword deep into his side.
A guard leapt in front of Robin, drawing his attention away. But he still heard the screams. When finally he could look again, he saw Gisbourne breaking rank to drag Simon's limp body away from the fighting and down a small hidden hallway.
There were too many guards and it was clear that the Merry Men were struggling. The Sheriff's smirk could no have been wider. "I really am too clever," he said with delight.
Finally the remaining Merry Men arrived, including, to Allen's surprise, Will and Luke. "Where the hell have you been?" Allen roared.
"Honestly," Luke said, "we disappear for one day and this happens. Can we not trust you with anything?"
The numbers began to tread more in their favour. The added Merry Men joined the fight with a fresh set of eyes and were still refreshed from a day of rest whilst the guard began to tire. Needless to say, the Sheriff no longer looked smug.
With one final swing, Robin knocked back his final guard. His head snapped around to search for his next target but there were no more. The ratios were definitely in their favour and he found himself with a brief moment of rest. "What happened to Simon?"
Allen pointed as he ran. "Gisbourne pulled him back here."
The small corridor was extremely small so Allen followed behind Robin. There was just one small side-room, covered by a curtain. From there, they could hear voices. They spoke in hushed tones but Allen could still hear one phrase before we reached them. It was Simon who spoke, saying, "Je veux ce qui a été promis."
Before Allen had time to question, Robin had pulled back the curtain. There we saw Gisbourne knelt beside Simon. But Simon was worse off than they could have ever imagined. When Robin saw him being carried away, he saw only a wound to the side. When that curtain was gone, it was difficult to see where the blood originally came from for it coated him so.
Simon looked to us with fear in his eyes. "Please," he begged, panting from the effort. And then, in broken English he managed to say on line. "It… was… him…" And he pointed a shaking finger at Gisbourne. His hand only rose a few inches before it became limp. He convulsed, making a horrid gurgling sound as he choked upon the blood drooling from his lips. Finally, his whole bodied shuddered one final time and then was still.
Robin drew his sword. The sound of the metal created a clear ringing sound into the silence. And he pointed it toward Gisbourne. "What did you do?" he said in a dark voice.
Gisbourne looked up to them, blinking back tears. His voice stammered and only sounds came out. "He … I …"
Robin held back his sword as he strode forward and used his spare hand to yank Gisbourne up by his collar. "What did you do?" Robin said again, this time yelling.
"Nothing!" Gisbourne cried. "He said that to save me!"
Robin's sword was not at Gisbourne's throat and his eyes were full of hatred.
"Robin!" Marian yelled, rushing forward to pull him back. It took all of her strength as Robin simply jerked his shoulders back to try to throw her off. But she pulled back harder and eventually he stumbled back. Gisbourne simply slid down to the wall to sit limply down.
"He killed Simon!" Robin said, trying to get around Marian. She continued to doge back and forth to not allow past. "Look at him!" she yelled, gesturing to Gisbourne. The man seemed a mere shadow of himself. Completely lost. "Do you really think him capable of such a thing?"
"I think him capable of lying and putting on a good show!" Robin snarled, shoving Marian out of the way. She stumbled back and Allen caught her.
"Robin, let him explain," Allen said, my voice sounding more like a croak.
Gisbourne stared into nothingness. "He was dying and he knew it," he whispered. "So he wanted me to say that I assisted in his death. He knew that I needed the Sheriff's favour."
"You align yourself with our enemy then!" Robin yelled.
"Which is hardly a crime punishable by your blade!" Marian said.
"But he is lying!" Robin added, still yelling.
The other Merry Men began to trickle in. The braver ones stood close, waiting for defining orders. Some stayed outside. "I saw Simon when Gisbourne was being pulled away," Allen said quietly. "His wounds weren't as dire as they are now."
"Can you be sure?" Lilly asked, kneeling down beside Gisbourne. "There was so much occurring at once. Perhaps you were mistaken."
"So now Allen is a liar?" Robin said, his fury turned toward Lilly.
Lilly looked to him, chin held high. "I think you are fast to condemn Robin. And I shall not stand for it."
She stood in front of Gisbourne and Marian joined her. "More guards could be along any moment," Lilly said sternly. "I suggest we move on."
Robin remained staunch. "But he-"
"Move on, Robin!" Marian yelled.
It took a moment but finally he sheathed his sword. "Come on," he said to us quietly. "We head back to camp."
Once he turned, Allen saw Lilly breath out a sigh of relief. She finally let go of all of the fear she had been holding back. Marian touched her arm appreciatively and Lilly smiled back.
A hand touched Allen's shoulder, startling him. "Come on," Leon said kindly. "We best be heading back."
.
.
.
Allen and Leon walked side by side without speaking and eventually Leon noted how Allen muttered beneath his breath. "What are you thinking?" he asked curiously.
"Nothing," Allen said, not wanting to explain myself.
Leon slowed his walk, ensuring that they were a fair distance behind the last Merry Man. "Now you listen here," he said, using a strangely authoritative tone. It certainly made Allen snap to attention. "We have been friends since we were children. So I know when something is weighing upon you. And seemingly it is something that you feel unable to share with either Robin or myself. And that worries me, more than you know. So you better start talking!"
Allen slumped his shoulders and finally explained. "I heard Simon say something to Gisbourne before Robin and I arrived."
Leon looked concerned. "What was it?"
Allen sighed. "It was in French. But I recognised a few of the words. I think it was something about a promise."
"A promise?" Much said, crinkling his nose slightly. "Maybe that was the promise. That Simon would blame Gisbourne so that he would gain favour?"
"That would make sense if it was the Sheriff who had walked through those doors. But Simon knew it was us. He looked right at Robin!"
Leon nodded. "And? What else?"
"What else?"
"What else has been bothering you? Surely there is more."
And like a tidal wave, it all came crashing forward. In hushed tones, Allen told Leon everything he knew. About the mysterious stranger with the broach and how that same symbol was seen on Roger and Piers and about Polly's true patronage.
Leon listened silently, never interjecting or causing a disturbance. At any given moment, Allen expected him to laugh or strike him for lying. When he finished his tale, Allen waited to be told about his madness. But the words never came. In fact, he spoke the words that Allen never expected to hear. "I think you're right."
It startled Allen so, that he was forced to a halt. "Come again?" he stuttered.
"I believe there is something going on. Something larger than all of us. And we need to find out what it is."
"What do you think I've been doing?" Allen asked, incredulously.
"You have been sitting ins suspicious, too nervous to do any real work."
"Well alright then, what do you propose we do?"
Once more, Allen was not suspecting a genuine answer. But Leon simply smiled. "Just find a way to convince Robin that we need to visit Derby. I will handle the rest."
