"That was curious, cousin." Guy said as they left the dungeon.

"What is?" The Sheriff asked. He was relieved to be out of that loathed place.

"We didn't learn anything new. You didn't ask about the child?"

"Good things come to those who wait, cousin. Who said that?" the Sheriff mused. "Whatever. The point is maybe now I can kill two birds with one stone. We find out about the outlaws who you thought I'd given up on. Plus, I'll get him to tell me about my child."

"I have a funny feeling he'll tell you anything, except with regards to your child." Guy pointed out as they walked together down the long corridors of the castle.

"I have my ways." The Sheriff remarked, curling the corners of his mustache up in a grin.

"That was years ago. Why are you suddenly so interested in the fugitives from Locksley's band?"

"It's not a sudden interest, Guy. It's an ongoing interest. I never rest when there's a matter of unfinished business." The Sheriff replied.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

"Is she awake?" Rhiannon asked Mortianna as they were just outside the door leading into the innermost chambers.

"Yes." The witch replied. "She's been asking for you." The witch turned and glided to the door, opening it for Rhiannon.

Meridwyn was still supine on the bed, but this time she was propped up by several pillows. She smiled when Rhiannon came through the door.

"Meridwyn!" Rhiannon exclaimed as she walked closer to the bed, taking in the sight of her friend.

"I'm afraid our adventures must be placed on hold for awhile." Meridwyn said.

Rhiannon seated herself beside her on the bed. "How do you feel?" she asked.

"Weak. Light headed. Unable to support my weight." She sighed. "It's going to be awhile, Rhiannon. This is going to kill me. I'm already bored of it!"

"You only just awakened, Meridwyn. You cannot be expected to be up dancing yet."

"Tell me what happened, Rhiannon." Meridwyn asked, suddenly changing the subject. "How long were we with – him?"

"That man, the one that George and Guy were looking for?" Rhiannon asked.

"Yes."

"Not even one full day."

"They found us…" Meridwyn whispered.

"Yes, they did eventually." Rhiannon smiled.

"Sometimes I look at Guy, and it seems he's trying to tell me something. Something important. But he keeps withholding from me."

"So he hasn't mentioned anything to you that's important?" Rhiannon pryed. She was certain Sir Guy would've asked for Meridwyn's hand by now.

"No." Meridwyn shook her head. As she did her eyes found a light dancing upon Rhiannon's hand. The sunlight seemed to be reflecting from…a ring?

"What is that?" Meridwyn said, reaching for Rhiannon's hand.

"That – is my engagement ring from the Sheriff. It belonged to his mother once." Rhiannon said as she let Meridwyn take her hand to bring it up nearer to her eyes.

"It would seem the woman had some taste!" Meridwyn exclaimed. "It's beautiful. So, when are you to be married?"

"Well, that's just the thing, Meridwyn. Things have been, shall we say – rather strange?" Rhiannon spoke tentatively.

"Have you quarreled?" Meridwyn asked, unable to stifle a yawn. She was already beginning to tire.

"No. Not really…."

Meridwyn chuckled. "You either did, or you didn't, my dear."

"Well, I suppose not, but things have been very strange indeed."

"How so?"

"He's really pressing the marriage issue." Rhiannon said matter of factly.

"He's backing down now?" Meridwyn frowned. "I should have guessed. The whole thing never did suit his nature…" she said carelessly.

Rhiannon started to interrupt, but paused a moment to reflect on Meridwyn's words. It was then she realized, just how much she really did wish to be his wife. Yet, something was making her question him.

"No. He's trying to push me to do it soon. Very soon. For some peculiar reason, he's really rather keen on it." She paused before she added "A little too keen."

Meridwyn grinned. "If you only knew the scores of maidens I've heard over the years complaining over the exact opposite about him!"

"He's mentioned children too." Rhiannon pointed out.

"Of course, Rhiannon. That's what married people do!"

"This is somewhat different. But never mind that. I'll save this for a later time. Right now, you need rest again."

"Yes." Meridwyn whispered. She was feeling rather sleepy, despite herself.

Rhiannon kissed her cheek as she leaned in to say goodbye for now.

"We will talk again later, my friend."

"Forgive me." Meridwyn smiled. "I do feel weakened just now."

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

The prisoner looked up. Hector was outside of the door peering in through the barred window.

"You've been granted your hood." Hector announced.

"Careful. Aiding a prisoner is tantamount to treason. You're not permitted to speak with me, remember?" the prisoner taunted.

"It's too late now isn't it?" The guard said. "You heard him. Yet still you chose to say nothing." He said, curiously.

"It doesn't concern me."

"I must go to my other post at the castle gates. Later you will have your hood." Hector said.

"Indeed." The prisoner replied. And you shall have your reward, he thought to himself with a satisfied grin as he watched the young guard disappear from his view.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Sheriff was meeting with some of his staff in the Council Quarters later that day. As the meeting droned on, he couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that he'd made a grave mistake when he spoke to the prisoner earlier. Guy was right. He got so distracted by catching his young guard up to no good, and perhaps attempting to distract the prisoner from talking so freely about how well he was 'acquainted' with Lady Rhiannon, that he forgot to gleen information about the most important matter at hand.

Curses! I let him get the better of me, the Sheriff thought. He would have to have a better plan the next time he went to meet with him. He had to find out where his child was. He had so many arrangements yet to make, for the child's safe return, until he could find it within himself to mention this to Rhiannon. And before that, he had his wedding to plan. He had to make all these things happen - and fast!

His thoughts were interrupted as the meeting continued.

"The people of Nottingham request a reduction in their taxes, sire." The Scribe spoke up, as he made his own notes which would be put into a final draft to submit to the Sheriff. It was his duty to take down all of the notes of their meetings.

"What is new?!" The Sheriff barked. "I've been hearing their whining for years over it!" He shook his head and lifted his silver water goblet to his lips and took a generous swig. He hated these meetings. Nothing ever seemed to get accomplished. Such tedium was difficult to endure, even at the best of times. He stood up abruptly.

"Does anyone have anything new, of value to tell me?" The Sheriff demanded. "Otherwise, I'm adjourning this meeting. In case none of you remembered, I have other matters needing my attention."

One of the Black Knights in the Sheriff's militia spoke up. "Some of your men are in need of new armour, my Lord Sheriff. The metal is becoming worn. Alas, it is no longer helpful in protecting the soldiers."

"What?" the Sheriff spat. "What are they doing with them? Using them for target practice for sword throwing?!" He barked.

"No, sir. But, some of your men are indeed in need of new armour. They asked me to bring this to your attention this day at our meeting."

"Fine, whatever! Give me the names of the men in need of it. I'll have the blacksmith measure them for new armour." The Sheriff huffed. He nodded to his Scribe. "I hope you're taking all these points down in your note taking."

The Scribe nodded. Just then they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Enter." The Sheriff called out. A page was standing in the doorway. He came forward as the Sheriff motioned for him to come in.

"A young maiden is here to see you, my Lord Sheriff." The page announced.

The Sheriff narrowed his eyes. "Who is she then? Another villager come to plague my door complaining about tax relief? Send her away!"

"No, sir. She says you knew her sister."

The Sheriff was puzzled, his curiosity piqued. He looked around the room. "Will you excuse us?" he commanded those assembled. "We shall continue our discussions next week."

The staff took their leave, and after a few moments the Sheriff summoned for the mysterious maid.

A guard brought the young maiden into the room. She was slender, with golden blonde hair, and blue eyes. Striking, yet not what he would interpret as beautiful, unlike his lady Rhiannon. She was wearing a light yellow gown which made her hair appear to be so golden it was almost reddish in colour. He recognized her immediately, and suddenly forgot what the page said about why she was here. It couldn't be! She had been missing for over two years!

He stood up. "Hecate! I thought you were…"

"No, my Lord Sheriff. You speak of my twin. I am Hestia, her sister."

"Indeed." The Sheriff sighed. He had a bad feeling his bad day was just about to get worse. "And what do you want with me?"

"My sister has been missing two and a half years." She spoke softly. He had to admit her cadence was a little sharp in comparison to that of her sister.

"Yes, I am aware of that." He muttered.

"You employed her as your consort." She began. "My sister and I shared everything with one another. She told me about it. Alas, she was quite taken with you, in case you didn't know."

He sighed and took his seat again. "Perhaps she was. I am sorry she went missing, but know this: I had nothing to do with her disappearance!"

"Yet you didn't execute a search for her." Hestia pointed out.

"I had other matters needing attention at the time."

"She went missing, yet you did not bother to look for her?" She repeated, unmoving.

"What is this about?" the Sheriff asked impatiently.

"I want to find her. Dead or alive." She paused a moment then added, "She deserves a proper burial if she be dead."

"Yes. I'm sure she does. And?..."

"I want you to search for her." She replied bluntly.

"You want me to search for her?" The Sheriff shook his head. "You wait until now! Well, it cannot be done now. I have a wedding to plan with my betrothed."

"How convenient. I see my sister's welfare was the last item on your list of priorities." She stood staring at him and gave him a moment to think on that. "I've heard about your lady. I saw her too. Quite stunning. I wonder?..." the impertinent woman mused.

"You're wasting my time." The Sheriff arose from his seat. It was time to call for the guards.

She spoke before he could summon them. "I wouldn't call for your guards just yet." She said as he was near to the door. As if she could read his mind. He turned around to face her. He narrowed his eyes and folded his arms across his chest waiting for her to continue. Hestia drew closer to him. She was definitely more spirited than her sister. Even though Hecate meant nothing more to him than a means to fulfill a basic need, he was suddenly aware he'd met the right sister.

"I am certain your lady has no knowledge that you once had a consort in your employ, living right here in this castle." She said.

He sighed. He knew exactly where this was leading. "You think you can trick me?" the Sheriff inched slowly closer to her and grabbed her by the arm. "You dare to threaten me! I suppose you're going to tell me you want gold to shut you up!"

"No." she said, unfazed by him. "I don't want your money. Just a little of your time. I told you what I want. You! To find my sister."

"And I told you, it cannot be done. Not now. Some of my men are already on a mission in the north." He hesitated to say. He didn't know why he felt the need to justify his reasoning with this insufferable woman.

"Yes. And your wedding, you mentioned. And will she wish to marry you when she discovers the details of your past?"

The Sheriff tightened his grip on her arm. "I could easily arrange for the removal of your lying tongue!"

"What lies? Is it a lie that you employed my sister, for the sole purpose of servicing your precious needs?" Hestia asked without hesitation. Without fear it seemed.

The Sheriff shook his head, loosened his grip, and pushed her away. "We are finished here." He said.

"So you will not look for her?"

"In time. She's not the only maiden missing in this and two other counties. But we will find them. All of them." He said curtly. He paused a moment then added huskily, "And you will stay away from my lady, and this castle! If you need to speak to me, you may send a messenger." This was going to end, he decided. If Lady Hestia dared this nonsense again, he would have no trouble going back to his old ways, and signing the writ of execution to have her hanged.

Lady Hestia nodded. "I will be in touch." She said as she left.

He went back to his desk and banged his fist upon the table in a moment of rage. Curses! She dares to storm in here and attempt to blackmail me! He thought. Well, she would have to wait. His thoughts were interrupted as the door opened. Excellent, another intrusion, he thought. He looked up. Lady Rhiannon was standing there before him. She stood in a light blue gown trimmed in delicate Spanish lace. She was a vision with her silky sable hair cascading over her creamy velvet skin. He came around to the front of the table and leaned against it to face her with his hands gripped on the edges of the table to steady himself.

"My Lord?" she said as she came closer to him. "Something troubles you?"

He attempted to conceal his anger over the previous meeting with a half hearted smile. "No, my Lady. Just the usual matters that are part and parcel of my duties here in Nottingham."

She knew there was more to it than that. She could tell by his expression. The steely gaze, the way his jaw was tightly set. The way his body appeared to be ill at ease. She moved closer still until she was two feet away. He only stood there looking at her, and she could tell his mind was elsewhere.

"I ran into a strange woman on my way in here to see you. She had just come from this chamber. I've never seen her before." Rhiannon said.

"Yes." He said as he turned to look away from her. "A villager who wanted to speak to me about her taxes."

"I didn't think you met with your townspeople individually?"

"This was an error in communication. You're right, I don't meet with them individually. My guard misread her intentions." The Sheriff said a little too quickly. He hated to lie to her, but she could not know. He had taken great pains for her not to find out about Catherine and Hecate. If she ever did, he doubted she would ever marry him, whether or not she found out she had borne his child. Damn that cursed, evil, conniving little twin for her boorish games! He had no patience for it. He was feeling the anger rising in him. It was taking a great deal of control to keep it on a low simmer as he stood there facing his lady.

She moved closer still. "What troubles you then?"

He put his hands on her shoulders. "My lady, there's always things for me to concern myself over. I've been away for a time, and now I must sort out the matters that have been waiting for my return back to Nottingham." He paused a moment and sighed. "You mustn't concern yourself with it."

"If you are to be my husband, what concerns you concerns me." She said.

He smiled. She was so understanding. "I will do my best to share some of these matters with you in the future, my lady. But right now, we have more pleasant topics to think about." He was glad to shift his focus from the rest of the miserable day he'd had thus far.

She swallowed. "Yes. Indeed." She whispered.

"We have a wedding to plan." He said.

She went over toward the window and gazed out of it. "Yes." She said. Here it comes, she thought. She knew this discussion would be happening soon after their arrival to Nottingham.

He slowly came up behind her and put his arms around here. She leaned back into him, still gazing out the window, and held his arms with her hands.

"Marry me, Rhiannon." He whispered. " The sooner the better."

"When?" she asked, hesitantly.

"You need time, I know." He turned her around to face him. She looked up at him, he suddenly became so animated. His eyes danced with light. He made it difficult to be annoyed with him. He smiled as he continued.

"I shall arrange for all of the necessary assistants to aid you. I know the best Seamstress in Nottingham. She can help you fashion a gown of your choosing. We need a Chef for the feasting. My own personal Chef, Jean Louis, makes wonderfully tasty dishes and confectioneries. I know a man in Nettlestone who has the best greenhouse this side of London. You shall have any blooms you desire." He paused and fixed a sultry gaze upon her. "You shall have all the help you need, my lady." He smiled.

"I'd like Meridwyn to be my witness." Rhiannon said. "It will be some time before she is well enough to attend, my Lord. Alas, she is rather weakened."

"Yes. Well then, we shall wait until then, my angel." He brought her body into his and embraced her, stroking her hair. He kissed the top of her head. "Of course, you should have her there to share in our special day."

Damn the Gods! He thought. Why was nothing moving along in the right direction? And at the proper speed?

"Mortianna and the physician are taking excellent care of her though, my Lord." Rhiannon said. "I am sure she will be well in due time."

Mortianna! Why didn't he think of her before? Of course! Mortianna would know what to do. She practically helped to bring Lady Rhiannon back from the dead! She would have a means at her disposal to speed up Lady Meridwyn's recovery. He was so elated to have thought of it, the first bit of hope this entire cursed day, he placed his hand under Rhiannon's chin and tilted it up toward him. He bent down and bestowed upon her soft lips, a long, languid, passionate kiss.