"I miss Harry."
There it was. Albie had been waiting for Sophie to say that, waiting and dreading. But when the statement finally came, Albie was unprepared. It took her a moment to formulate a response, one she hoped Sophie would find satisfactory. One that meant Sophie wouldn't say it again.
"Me too."
"Really? But you said he wasn't a good brother?"
"I said he wasn't a good man."
"Oh."
Sophie was curious now, Albie knew. She would bring it up again. Albie would have to think of something to say, to begin to explain. It had never occurred to her that she should tell Sophie the truth, her little sister wouldn't understand. Sometimes Albie wished Sophie was the eldest, so she could do the protecting.
"I'm going to go for a walk," Sophie declared.
She jumped down from the table, bored of stitching, and strode from the room. This proclamation was not a rare one. Sophie often went for walks. At home she used to walk around the grounds for several hours, in and out of every room, circling the gardens. Albie used to follow her, at a safe distance so Sophie didn't notice, just in case she ever got lost. Albie gave it a few moments, allowing her sister a head start.
Sophie walked with intent, as she always did, but this time it surprised Albie. Sophie didn't know Nottingham, how could she know where she was going, what she was looking for? Nevertheless, they were soon out of the castle, out of the courtyard, and into the market place. Albie strained her neck, peering over heads and shoulders, struggling to maintain a glimpse of her sister. Still Sophie seemed purposeful, head up, arms swinging gently by her sides. Albie rushed forward, pushing her way through the crowds. She had never been anywhere so packed full with people, so alive with energy. Sophie seemed at ease in the hustle bustle, Albie just felt uncomfortable.
The road was practically bare now. Its soft curve stretched far into the distance, Sophie's small figure the only blot on the horizon. Dust rising with every footfall, Albie wandered after her, her curiosity surging. Sophie was going to the forest. Why? Sherwood, what lay lurking in Sherwood that tempted Sophie so? How did she even remember where it was? The forest was dangerous.
"Sophie!" Albie called into the distance, enough was enough, the game was over now, "Sophie!"
Albie broke into a run, into a sprint as her younger sister disappeared into the trees.
"I was looking for Robin Hood."
There was Sophie, looking forlorn. She thought she was in trouble.
"What?" Albie panted, gazing at her sister, how did she –
"Brandon was telling me about him," Sophie explained, "I wanted to find him. He protected us, didn't he? I wanted to say thank you."
"He didn't protect us Sophie, you're confused."
What was Brandon doing? Going against the Sheriff was risky, but telling Sophie about it, glorifying Robin Hood to her? That was, that was… Brandon had a death wish. He knew Sophie was a blabber mouth.
"No, you're wrong, Albie. Brandon said…"
It was too late, the damage was done. Brandon's word was gospel to Sophie, it was law.
"I don't want to hear what Brandon said! He was wrong, you're wrong. Don't ever mention Robin Hood again, Sophie, do you understand?"
"But I just wanted to say thank you!" Sophie cried, her eyes watering.
"You're welcome," an unfamiliar voice broke through the trees.
Albie spun around. They were alone. Who had spoken, where had they spoken from? And then… a man was in front of her. He had fallen from the sky – fallen from the trees, Albie corrected herself.
"Are you Robin Hood?" Sophie asked politely, arriving at Albie's side, wiping away tears.
"Yes," he replied, smiling kindly, "are you Sophie?"
She nodded.
"Is this your sister?"
Sophie nodded again.
"We're going, Sophie…" Albie began, placing a firm hand on her shoulder.
"My men didn't attack you," Robin said, "I thought James would have made that clear. We saved you."
Be silent, Robin Hood, in front of Sophie be silent.
"No, no you didn't," Albie replied, resisting eye contact, tempted almost to cover Sophie's ears, "Brandon didn't tell us anything other than that you are an outlaw. You're dangerous. Come on, Sophie."
"I don't understand," the little girl mumbled.
"I don't either," Robin agreed, staring curiously at Albie, "look, it makes little difference to me or my men, but we can protect you – if that's what you're worried about. Your safety doesn't have to come at the cost of an alliance with the Sheriff. If you help us, we'll help you."
"I don't want your help."
"But you might need it."