Chapter 14: Lottie
Cassie moved swiftly through the market place in Nottingham town, ducking from the protection of one stall to another. On the far side of the market place she could see Allan, keeping to the shadows cast by the eaves of the surrounding buildings.
A few days had passed since the ultimately tragic voyage north and the returning of both Tristan and William to their home. The gang had swiftly returned to their routine of doing what they did best; helping the poor. Today, Cassie knew that Robin was at the blacksmith's forge persuading him with a sack of gold to take on Tristan as an apprentice. John and Much were making deliveries in the poorer areas of the outskirts of town and Will was down in Marks Street, taking money and food to Alyson who had given birth two days previously.
Cassie was on her way to the tanners, which stood at the north eastern corner of the market place, to a designated drop off point. A stench emanated from the vats of tanning hides, but she pulled her scarf over her nose and slipped round to the back of the building. Hiding in the alley way which ran behind the yard of the tanners was a young woman, holding a rag over her own mouth and nose.
"Oh, bless you for coming," she said in obvious relief.
"Treat the little ones," Cassie replied with a smile as she handed over a pouch of coins. "There are some meat pies selling cheap in the market place."
The woman grasped Cassie's hands. "God bless you outlaws," she said, gratitude radiating from her, before she bit at her lower lip. "I hope you don't mind my cheek, but I have a friend…she's got herself in a bit of bother, I was hoping you could maybes help her an' all."
"Of course," Cassie replied. "Can I meet her?"
The young woman nodded and led Cassie back into the market place and towards a stall where another girl was idly browsing through some linens. "There she is," the woman pointed.
"Lottie!" Cassie exclaimed in surprise, recognising the long brown braid and round, friendly face of the castle maid that she had tricked during her mission to rescue Tristan.
Lottie's eyes grew wide as she realised it was Cassie, before her expression changed to one that Cassie supposed was meant to be angry. However, with the childlike innocence that Lottie possessed with her large eyes and the smattering of freckles across her nose, she couldn't seem to pull off anything more severe than mild discontent. "You!" she gasped, shaking her head. "I should have known I was being fooled, a new maid just showing up, and wanting to go to the dungeons! I believe everyone's stories, me mam always says I'd believe a horse if it started talking. Haven't learned though have I!"
"Lottie, why do you need our help?" Cassie asked in a low voice, moving closer to her. "Does the Sheriff not pay you enough?"
The girl snorted. "Sheriff doesn't pay me a penny. Lost me job falling for your lies! And now me mam is sick and I've no way of getting her medicine or a decent feed."
Cassie's heart constricted with pity and guilt. She had never stopped for a moment to think how those the outlaws used would suffer the consequences of their actions. "I'm so sorry," she said sincerely.
"Yes, well, it's done now ain't it? So who are you, really? Are you truly part of Robin Hood's gang?"
"Shhh!" Cassie looked around wildly, then dragged Lottie away from the market and into the narrow space between two buildings. "Yes, I am." She pulled out her tag as proof and Lottie's eyes got even wider.
"Oh you are so lucky!" she breathed. "Robin Hood is a hero, and I hear he's handsome too! You must go on all sorts of adventures."
Cassie laughed. "Trust me, I could quite happily live with less excitement in my life. Now listen, take this." She pressed a pouch of coins into the girl's hand. "We'll help you and your mum as much as we can."
Lottie was still gazing at her with thrilled eyes. "I know who you are now! You must be that Cassandra girl, the one from Stonewell. I heard what happened to your pa from one of the guards, a sad tale so it is."
Ignoring the mention of her past Cassie grasped Lottie's hands. "When the King returns and the Sheriff is finished, I promise you I will ensure you a job. If I get Stonewell back, you will be guaranteed employment. You have my word."
A low whistle sounded in the street and Cassie peered out of their hiding place to see Allan waiting for her. Lottie peeked over her shoulder.
"Is that him?" she breathed, voice practically trembling with excitement. "Is that Robin Hood?"
"No," Cassie replied. "One of the gang, though."
Lottie looked up at her, eyes sparkling. "Thought you said you didn't have a fella."
"I don't," Cassie replied shortly. "Come on." Flicking her hood up she led Lottie over to where Allan was waiting with Tristan. She felt a sharp poke against her spine and turned round to see Lottie gazing at Tristan.
"Is that him?" she whispered.
"No," Cassie said again. "That's Tristan."
"Tristan," Lottie repeated, still gazing at the young man with wide eyes.
Suppressing a giggle Cassie walked up to the two outlaws. "Everything okay?" she asked.
Tristan nodded. "Robin sorted it all out with the blacksmith. I'm officially an apprentice." He smiled proudly. "I just wanted to see you to say goodbye. And thank you."
Cassie pulled him into a brief hug. "Just behave yourself," she warned him playfully. Realising that Lottie was still staring up at Tristan, a rapt expression on her young face, Cassie gestured towards the girl. "Will you do me a favour? Escort Lottie home, make sure she doesn't get into trouble?"
Tristan looked startled, then nodded. "Of course," he replied, awkwardly offering his arm to the girl. As the pair walked away Lottie's giggle drifted back to them on the breeze.
"Well," Allan said, staring after them. "I did not see that one coming."
"I only did it to protect her from you," Cassie teased. Allan looked at her, wounded, and she laughed, slipping her arm through his. "Come on. Let's go home."
Author's Note: Ooh the updates are coming thick and fast this week!! I just really want to get this fic finished before I leave uni (for ever!) on Saturday, and there is only one chapter to go now! And that is almost written!
Thanks for the reviews!