Chapter 4
New friends
We were heading through Lynderhurff woods when we heard a twig snap from behind us. I began to turn around but Robin shook his head to stop me. After awhile we came to a sharp turn to the path. Robin grabbed me and we hid behind a tall oak tree.
We sat and watched as a man in a crouched position started around the turn. I was going to ask Robin what we should do but when I turned around he wasn't there. I looked around frantically and then turned my eyes back to the man. If he came any farther he would see me and I would be forced to fight him.
Then from the other side of the path a voice called out. "Halt." I looked up to see Robin arrow on his bow pointed directly at the man. As the man turned to look at Robin I pulled out my sword and stepped out from behind the oak tree. Robin smiled "your surrounded." he said in a cool nonchalant voice. The man turned around and saw me.
He dropped the daggers he had been holding and tried to run. Robin grabbed him by his shirt collar. "The next time you try that. I will shoot you." He growled. The man nodded. "I won't run just let me go!" He cried.
"After you tell us why you were following us." The man looked at me "I...I had no choice." He stammered. Robin let go of his collar but kept his bow in hand "go on." The man looked back at Robin. "The sheriff took my Wife and my son. He said if I did not bring you and the girl in 7 days to Nottingham he would hang them.
I could tell he was telling the truth. The sorrow in his voice the tears no one could act that much. "We can rescue them." I said Robin looked at me. "How do you know he is not lying?" he demanded. I shrugged "I don't but we could use all the help we can get. If he tries to escape we will know he was lying and you can deal with him as you wish.
The man bowed. "Thank you kind Lady, my name is Karzach. I am in your debt." He turned as if to leave. "Hold it right there!" I commanded. "You are going to help us. You heard the conditions. Do you really want to leave?" He stood stock still then turned around. "Of course not." He grumbled. I was beginning to wonder if I had made the right decision.
By the time we reached the edge of the forest it was dawn. It's better to stop then risk being seen." said Robin. We all agreed and set up camp. When everything was set up I sat down and drew my sword. In all the confusion of the town and the events of today, I had forgotten all about the words that were encrypted into the blade.
I examined it. It read "Venit mors ieiunium. parce omnes qui non merentur.". I called Robin over "do you know what it means?" he took it and looked it over. "It looks like Latin." He handed it back. "I can't be sure though I never understood Latin." I gazed at it and sheathed it again. "There will be time for that later. Now we need to make a plan."
We decided the best way to save Dan and Karzachs Wife and son would be to go across the Mann flu river, cut through the forest of Thurgarton, and follow the fraught flu river to Papplewick were Robin would go to Sherwood to get help wile Karzach and I continued to Nottingham were Robin and his Gang would meet us .
By the time we were done planning it was getting dark. We took down camp and started towards the Mann flu river. When we finally got there I took it all in. "Robin there's no way across." Robin didn't answer. "Robin?" he looked at me. "Hold on let me think."
Karzach cleared his through. "If you don't mind me saying that log looks easy to carry. We could use it as a bridge it looks long enough." I smiled that's a great idea. I ran over to the log. "Come on Robin. Come help." We all pulled but the log wouldn't budge. Robin shrugged "it was a good idea but we need a new plan."
We sat on the bank the rivers water flew by. I looked up as a crow flew through the air if only we had wings. Then it hit me literally. the crow flew right into me. I jumped up startled. The crow held on to my sleeve with its talons and pulled its way up to my shoulder.
I tried to knock it off but it just pinched harder on my shoulder. "Get off of me you stupid bird!" Karzach laughed. "I think he likes you." I glared. This only made him laugh more. Then Robin started laughing and then I started laughing to. "Well." I said when I got control of myself "I guess I should name him."
"How about claws?" the crow pecked my ear. "Or maybe not." Karzach came over. "What do you think about Black wing?" The crow flew into the air and came back with a mouse in its mouth and flew to a rock. I rubbed my shoulder "I guess he liked it." Robin frowned "don't get attached to him. He probably won't stay when we move on.