Chapter 19: "Lots of land to confiscate."

"What are you doing downstairs, Gisborne?" The Sheriff sneered, "You're supposed to be attending to that…thing!"

"I've news from Rufford, my lord. Lady Marian has abandoned sanctuary and returned to Sherwood."

"Well la…la…de…da…de…da, we could all see that coming, couldn't we?" The Sheriff was rather sluggish this day. Like Gisborne, the past week had never seen a goblet of wine out of reach. "And poor Sir Edward at death's door. Do you know what this means, Guy?" For the first time in a week there was a hint of a smile from Vasey.

"Yes, my lord, it means we can fine the abbey for harboring a vicious outlaw."

"I've always said your brains were in your backside, Gisborne!" The balding man rolled his eyes and took a long draw from his goblet. "As a novice at Rufford, Marian was an eligible heir to Edward's lands."

The knight grunted in agreement, "but I still do not see…."

"Aqua et igni interdictus, you idiot! Marian is outlawed; she cannot inherit."

"Then if Edward dies…"

"His lands are forfeit and I can keep my arrangement with Hugh de Burgh." The Sheriff chortled, dancing around and clapping his hands together, delighted at this turn of events. "Confiscating Edward's lands will give me nearly as much pleasure as inheriting Aunt Hildegard's!"

"But my lord," Gisborne asked, interrupting the devil's dance, "don't his lands go to the church?

"Not if his daughter is outside Rufford when he dies, and I have a whole abbey full of nuns that will swear to it!" The greedy Sheriff began skipping and singing an inane rhyme: "Lots of land to confiscate, then tonight we celebrate!" His juvenile lilt irritated Gisborne on every level.

Safely away from the lake, Marian slumped against a tree, needing a moment to rest. It occurred to her that she had not eaten since leaving Rufford, and maybe there was a cache of provisions in one of the majestic oaks lining the little-used path she followed. Actually the outlaws had many such emergency stashes throughout the greenwood. Food and weapons stored strategically in the event they were needed in times of trouble. Much was the best at finding them since the exact locations were frequently forgotten.

Marian checked several possibilities until she found one. Retrieving the neatly wrapped bundle from its secreted place, she untied the leather thong and found a small dagger, dried meat and a flask wrapped in blanket sized cloth. After filling the vessel at a nearby stream, she returned to the larder tree to enjoy the feast.

Feeling relaxed after the meal, Marian closed her eyes; her thoughts focused on the man with expressive, cerulean eyes and the unforgettable smile.

Robin moved silently among the reeds, making his way back to the place where he was last clothed; he dressed quickly. He was uneasy, but having his bow and quiver was reassuring. Strapping his sword belt to his hips, Robin took a deep breath and wondered who was watching him. In just moments he picked up the trail and began his pursuit.

The hooded man was a good distance from the lake when he came upon one of the gang's hidden caches. There was his love; Marian's back was to him, but Robin knew it was her. He watched as she dusted off her dress and headed away from him. Marian was watching me, he thought? Why is she in Sherwood? He tried to be hopeful, but then he considered that her father may have taken a turn for the worse - God forbid - or he was dead. That would mean Marian's departure from Rufford had nothing to do with him.

The more his mind worked on the problem, the more uncertain he became. Perhaps there was a clue he missed at the lake, and he began to retrace his steps. Forcing thoughts of Marian away, he thought about his meeting tonight with his men. He had accomplished little this winter and could no longer justify his behavior; they deserved more from him. Helping the people of Nottinghamshire must be all that mattered now.

Author's note: "Aqua et igni interdictus" – is Latin and literally means"forbidden to be furnished with water and fire." Being without water and fire, meant you were outlawed.