Chapter 8: "A spectacle indeed!"
Midday marked Little John's capture. The old woman and her retinue avoided the forest and took the road northward headed for Newark; their prisoner was held fast to her ladyship's wagon by weighty ropes. As they moved further into open country, John was planning his escape. He knew it would not be enough to shed his bonds; he must elude any pursuers as well.
Hildegard's wretched face popped out between the folds of richly embroidered draperies. She eyed her hostage sharply then snapped an order to the nearest soldier. "Secure this creature! These cords could not hold even me, you ignoramus!"
The ropes were replaced with chains and Little John's heart sank as they were clamped not only to his wrists, but his ankles. The party scarcely resumed their journey when a deep voice at the head of the procession called out roughly.
"Ho there! Clear the way for the Lady Hildegard!" There followed the sound of carts and beasts as they were removed from the narrow roadway.
Curious eyes followed the bearded giant as he passed alongside the small caravan. They were coming from Nottingham judging from the direction they traveled. Hoping to find a familiar face or a friend notify Robin, John scrutinized each man. There was no friendly face only a narrow-eyed stare of faint recognition from a burly man who nudged the fellow beside him muttering too quietly to be heard.
John neared the last conveyance in the waiting party, a large iron cage set upon a sturdy wagon; it was similar to the one he attacked to rescue his son and the bow maker from Gisborne's incarceration; but the cage contained no prisoners this time. By the bulk and furry coat John recognized the beast as a bear, curled up with its head and forelegs hidden from view. He could very well imagine the poor creature's fate and wondered if it had been blinded.
"You!" The horrifying woman screeched pointing a crooked finger at the burly, cowering man. "Come along, fool!"
John turned to see the unfortunate who was summoned. It was the same man that earlier had ogled him so closely.
"M'lady, let me take this ruffian off your hands." The man said excitedly, bowing clumsily.
"At what price?" Hildegard inquired, leaning her ancient face toward him.
"Well…" The man stuttered, obviously no match for Lady Battleaxe. "I…er…I will give you ten pounds for him…and gladly, m'lady! Why…I…I could put him in with my bear!" The man laughed heartily, "Oh yes! A fine show it will be…yes, yes!"
Vasey's aunt had only to nod, a motion nearly imperceptible, and the man's neck was caught from behind in a suffocating grip. "Now tell me the real reason you want him, you worm! Who is he?"
"He's…he's one o' Robin Hood's…." The guard tightened his grip. "Oh lady, it's true! He's worth thirty pounds in Nottingham!"
Leering at the pitiful man she hooted cruelly. "One of Robin Hood's? And so easily taken!" Her cackle irritated John's fraying nerves.
Recovering her composure after having a right good laugh at John's expense, Hildegard turned to address the stranger. "I give you your miserable life, vermin! The bear I'll take."
"My bear! But lady…"
"A spectacle indeed!" Hildegard was still chuckling and mumbling to herself as she ducked back inside her covered litter.