In the morning, Rhiannon found herself to be alone. She must have wakened the Sheriff. For, she kept herself awake – tossing and turning the whole night. She couldn't shut the intrusive thoughts from her mind. The ones where she recalled the words of her captor, and the attack. And the words of her lover the night before, when he realized. Now that he knew.

She couldn't live with this. She was angry that she remembered. It would be the ruin of her and must not be permitted to take a hold of her.

It was Sunday. Yet she knew that neither prayers, confession, nor absolution would do nothing to help her. There was only one solution that she could think of.

She grabbed her dressing gown from the foot of the bed and put it on. She arose from the bed and arranged the gown so that it hugged her body, then she fastened the sash about her waist. She slipped on some shoes and went into the den. She looked to the door that led down into Mortianna's lair. She took a breath and proceeded.

It was dark and there was a chill in the air as she made her way down the stone circular staircase.

Mortianna heard footsteps and greeted Lady Rhiannon at the bottom of the stairs.

"My child!" Mortianna exclaimed. "What brings thee here? You look troubled?" Mortianna said as she led Rhiannon into her apothecary.

"Thank you for the lavender soap." Rhiannon remarked. "It was heavenly."

Mortianna raised an eyebrow curiously.

"I'm sure that is not the only reason you are here, Lady Rhiannon." Mortianna said knowingly. "For, you've never trembled in my presence before."

Rhiannon sighed. "Indeed, wise lady." She said. "I need your talents."

Mortianna smiled. "Come, my child." She said. She led Lady Rhiannon to the small table. Rhiannon took a seat there. Mortianna went to the fire. A small cauldron was steeping batwing tea. She ladled it into two stoneware cups and brought them to the table.

"Drink." Mortianna instructed. "It will help."

Rhiannon did so and sipped the batwing tea. Mortianna took a seat across from her and looked at her.

"I need desperately to forget…something. Do you have a means at your disposal to help a person to erase something from their memory?" Rhiannon implored her.

Mortianna eyed her curiously. "Well, I would think that depends…on what it is you wish to forget." Mortianna mused.

Rhiannon leaned forward and grabbed Mortianna's wrists.

"Please, Madam! I implore you. This thing it is I wish to forget, if I carry it with me each day, it will be the ruin of me. Especially, in concern to your master." Rhiannon pleaded.

"Do you wish to tell me, my child? For, I must know what it is you wish to forget before I can agree. I will not do anything blindly." Mortianna stated.

Rhiannon shook her head. "Forgive me, Madam. I cannot speak of it. I simply cannot!"

Mortianna smiled. "Then drink." She instructed Rhiannon as she pointed to her cup. "Drink all of it."

Rhiannon was puzzled but followed Mortianna's instruction. The batwing tea was slightly bitter compared to ordinary varieties, and the liquid had a slight sedimentation to it. It was not the most palatable tea she'd ever tasted, but she drank all of it, notwithstanding.

After a few minutes she finished it and placed the cup on the table.

Mortianna reached across and took the cup. She held it up to her and peered at the debris scattered in various patterns along the base. Rhiannon noticed that her eyes glazed over. She seemed distant.

Mortianna studied it a few moments. She was beginning to see it. She tried to conceal her shock. She saw it. She saw the event that took place that likely caused the precipitous delivery of the lady's child in May. Now she understood the bleeding. Did the Sheriff know? Mortianna drew in a sigh and placed the cup on the table, fixing her eyes upon Lady Rhiannon's.

"Does he know?" Mortianna asked.

Rhiannon looked at her directly as she began to speak. "Yes, Mortianna. I remembered this last night. He was with me when I remembered."

"You're certain?" Mortianna repeated. "Because I will not do it unless he has been told. My Lord Sheriff needs to know that you were violently attacked."

"He knows…everything." Rhiannon said. "And that is why I need your help. I cannot look at him. I can't even look at my own reflection in the mirror!" Rhiannon exclaimed. "I wish to please my Lord. But how can I, if I remember that vile man every time my lover touches me?"

Mortianna maintained her gaze but chose not to speak. Rhiannon continued.

"The last thing I want to come into my mind when my dark prince touches me, is the memory of that terrible man taking his liberty with me! Don't you see? You won't just be doing this for me. You'd be doing this for your Sheriff too." Rhiannon reminded her.

Mortianna finally responded. She stroked her chin with the gnarled fingertips of her left hand. "This is a difficult request." Mortianna mused. "You must know that it will only be you who shall not remember. But your husband will."

"Yes." Rhiannon said.

"There may be times you may feel like the Sheriff is regarding you with pity. But after I do this – you will not understand why it is he may sometimes look at you that way." Mortianna warned.

"That's a chance I'll have to take. For, I will not be able to completely please my Lord if I am constantly reminded of that horrible event. And I haven't been able to get it out of my head ever since I remembered it. Why did I remember it? Especially, when my Lord was present?" Rhiannon cried.

Mortianna could see the matter was greatly troubling her. The intent to please her master was apparent to Mortianna. Still, she had some reservations.

"There is one other thing about it that concerns me." Mortianna began.

"What is that?" Rhiannon asked.

"Every event we live through happens for a reason. They shape our character. You may lose your awareness of your surroundings. Your keen sense of danger. True, the matter troubles you. But it helps define your ability to defend yourself." Mortianna said.

Lady Rhiannon shook her head. "I do not understand. You're saying it's a good thing this happened?" Rhiannon asked, incredulous.

"No. But you have a heightened awareness to people and things around you because of it. You are more prepared to handle danger than most maidens are. When the memory is removed, you may lose your sixth sense." Mortianna warned.

"Still, I'm willing to suffer whatever consequences there may or may not be." Rhiannon stated. "I do not know how I will be able to look my lover in the eye again, or live with myself, until this is done."

"This will take some thought." Mortianna said. For, it would take more than thought to use the only plant extract she could think of.

"How long will that take?" Rhiannon asked. "The sooner I can erase this torturous memory the better."

"There is something I can use. But I need to learn more about it. It's a dangerous seed if ingested in inappropriate quantities." Mortianna hinted.

"Is there only one that will work?" Rhiannon asked.

"The one I have in mind will work the best. But I must get this one right. You understand?" Mortianna said.

"What is this herb that will work to erase this memory?" Rhiannon asked, curiously.

"No." Mortianna said. "If I agree to this, when the time comes, you will not ask me what the plant used is. You will not ask where it is grown so that you may find it." Mortianna cautioned.

"Why not?" Lady Rhiannon asked.

"It is a dangerous plant. Anything that will alter the memory interferes with the mind. When this plant gets into the wrong hands the result is catastrophic. Already, outlaws use it to drug their victims so they can rob them blind!" Mortianna exclaimed.

"But…" Lady Rhiannon began.

"If I agree to this, the day may come when you want more of it than the amount you obtained from me." Mortianna began. "But this is one of those things that if you went looking for it, and took more of it, having already partaken of it, that would cause you to fall into a sleep longer than the one you were in when you were brought to this castle in May." Mortianna warned her.

"I'd just like to know what it is I'm taking, Mortianna." Rhiannon pointed out.

"No, my child. You must trust in me." Mortianna said gently. She couldn't risk Lady Rhiannon knowing anything about thorn apple seed. There had been cases of death. If Rhiannon died, the Sheriff would kill Mortianna for certain. Which is why the matter required more than just thought. The matter required discussion with her master before she would even consider such an arduous task. Mortianna wasn't going to take any chances. She would speak to the Sheriff about this tonight.

When Lady Rhiannon entered back into the chambers, she found the Sheriff standing there in the private chamber. She stiffened. His back was turned. Good. She slowly walked into the private chamber keeping her eyes downcast.

The Sheriff turned around when he heard her footsteps.

"My lady, Rhiannon." He said.

"Yes. Good morning, my Lord." Rhiannon said absently.

"Were you just visiting Mortianna?" The Sheriff asked, curiously.

"Uhm, yes, my Lord." Rhiannon said as she walked over to the bed and sat upon it. "We were…sharing some batwing tea."

The Sheriff raised his eyebrow curiously. "Really?" He asked.

"Yes."

"Rhiannon."

"Mmm." Rhiannon murmured, still keeping her head down.

"Look at me." The Sheriff said.

"No." Rhiannon replied. "Don't ask me to."

The Sheriff strode slowly toward the bed. He stood in front of her, then crouched down before her. He reached across and lifted her chin until she was forced to meet his gaze. A tear was streaming down one of her cheeks. She managed to look into his eyes briefly, then she bit her lip and looked away.

"Rhiannon." The Sheriff said.

"I cannot look at you!" Rhiannon said angrily. "Don't you understand?" Rhiannon cried.

"My lady, there is no reason not to look at me. Don't do this, Rhiannon. Don't carry the blame for this senseless act!" The Sheriff warned.

"I hate myself for it…" Rhiannon whispered.

"My lady…" The Sheriff said. "You must do what you need to do to put it behind you. And I'm going to help you with that. But right now, my love, you can start by…looking at me." The Sheriff smiled.

She couldn't help but melt at his sweet words. Even though she wanted desperately to look upon his handsome face, suddenly she began to tremble. She had never felt so much emotion before at the mere thought of looking her handsome lover in the eye.

Rhiannon squeezed her eyes shut and began to shake her head. "Oh, my love…I cannot do it!" Rhiannon began to sob.

Her chest began to heave and she began to cry so hard it appeared she was losing her breath. The Sheriff put his hands upon her shoulders to steady her. For once, he didn't know what to do.

"I'll kill him!" Rhiannon began to suddenly scream. "Where is he? Tell me! I'll kill him!" She shrieked.

The Sheriff quickly grabbed her and held her to him. "Oh, my lady. It will be okay. Hold onto me, my love. It will be okay. I promise you." He whispered gently.

"George!" She cried out in between sobs.

"Just breathe, my lady." The Sheriff whispered. "Come on, Rhiannon." He wanted to say more, but what could he say? She was clearly tormented. No wonder she had forgotten so much of that time when she was held captive. It was a miracle she even remembered him!

"He ruined me. He has ruined us!" Lady Rhiannon cried as she held fast onto the Sheriff.

"No." The Sheriff said. He held her out in front of him and put his hand on her chin and lifted it up. "Don't you ever say that to me!" He said. "Look at me!" He commanded. She obeyed. But her vision was disturbed by her tears.

"Don't ever tell me that murderous bastard has ruined us!" The Sheriff warned. "Nobody will ever come between us. Least of all, him!"

"Yes." Rhiannon whispered weakly.

"My lady, why don't you rest awhile? Then we must get ready for mass." The Sheriff said.

"Rest would be good. I have a headache. For, I didn't sleep well. But, mass…I wasn't planning to attend. It was the furthest thought from my mind." Rhiannon admitted.

"We should go." The Sheriff said.

Rhiannon raised her eyebrow. "You're kidding. You want to attend mass? You? Oh…I get it. My confession. Yes." Rhiannon expressed her chagrin.

"No, Rhiannon…" The Sheriff began.

"I'll be perfectly fine once absolution is granted! Okay, I get it now." Rhiannon remarked facetiously.

"My lady, you couldn't be more wrong." The Sheriff said, shaking his head.

"Really?" Rhiannon asked.

"Yes. Really. Bishop of Hereford is going to be marrying us. Appearances are important to that lot, you know." The Sheriff explained.

"That's it? That is the reason you wish to go?"

"Of course it's the reason! You know I'd rather stick flaming arrows in my eyes than go to….mass!" The Sheriff remarked with disgust. He sighed, and looked upon his lady standing there, in the burgundy velvet gown that perfectly hugged her curves. "But I can think of other more amusing sport than that, which would hold my interest more than a sermon on a Sunday morning." He added with a smirk.

Rhiannon smiled weakly. Normally, what he just said would've made her want to forget mass entirely and tease the Sheriff into showing her what he meant by that. She sighed. She hoped Mortianna would come through for her soon.

"Yes." She said. "So, will we have to attend mass next week too?" She asked.

"Yes. Unfortunately, I think we had better." The Sheriff said. If, I'm back in Nottingham by then, he thought.

"That's too bad." Rhiannon said grabbing his attention.

"Why is that, my lady?" He asked.

"Oh, I don't know." Rhiannon said as she walked over toward the basin on the table under the mirror and began to splash water on her face. "Because, if we didn't attend mass next week…" She said as she grabbed a towel and began to dry her face. "Then you could've shown me this other – more amusing sport you had in mind." She said.

The Sheriff smiled and walked toward her. She was facing the mirror. He came behind her and put his arms around her, looking at her reflection in the mirror.

"There's the Rhiannon I know." He said. "My spirited, sensual….Rhiannon." He smiled.

She smiled at him as she watched him in the mirror. "You make me that way." She said. Then she looked away again but she tried to be subtle about it. It was very difficult to look at him now. Now that he knew.

"You're trembling, my lady." The Sheriff noted.

"Yes, my love." She said. "I'm cold."

"Come." He said. She turned around and took his hand. He led her to the bed. "Rest awhile, my angel." The Sheriff said.

She laid upon the bed. His heavy cloak was nearby. He picked up the fur trimmed robe and gently covered her with it.

"Sleep, my love." The Sheriff said. "I'll come back to wake you soon for mass."

"George?" She said, suddenly looking at him.

"Yes?"

"Kiss me." She said.

He leaned down and pressed his perfectly shaped mouth against hers. The soft hairs of his moustache and beard tickled her skin. He pried her lips open and touched his tongue to hers. His kiss was soft, gentle, and warm. She would never get tired of him. She wanted more, but she wasn't prepared to give it to him right now. Not until the ugly memory of her attack was gone forever from her mind.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later they were seated with Guy and Lady Meridwyn in the front row of the cathedral. The Bishop was just finishing with his parting words. The Sheriff was glad when it was over. He was only there for political reasons. He genuflected when they all said 'Amen', but the act was shallow and devoid of meaning.

They arose from their seats. The Sheriff told Guy he wished to speak with him. Their ladies informed them they would see them later, and so they parted ways for a brief time.

Ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn were strolling together through the foyer when Rhiannon accidentally made contact with a maiden she was unfamiliar with. The woman was medium height, with a slender frame. She had long, tight auburn ringlets, and large almond shaped, brown eyes. She was wearing an unattractive olive green gown, trimmed in delicate bright yellow ribbons.

"Excuse me." Rhiannon commented.

"My lady. Forgive me." The woman said. She squinted her eyes as she regarded her a moment. "Didn't I just see you with the Sheriff of Nottingham?" She asked, curiously.

"Yes, I believe you did." Rhiannon replied.

"You'll be seeing a lot of her with the Sheriff." Meridwyn added as she pushed her shiny, curly red hair from her face.

"Really?" The woman asked, curiously.

"Indeed." Meridwyn said.

"Why do you ask?" Rhiannon asked her. "Do you know my betrothed?"

"Betrothed?" The maiden blurted. A giggle escaped her lips. "My. How surprising?"

"Do I know you, Madam? For you surely seem familiar with my Lord." Rhiannon demanded.

"No. I don't believe you do." She answered evasively. "I pity you…marrying a man like that." She added.

"Mind your tongue! Or I'll see that you lose your tongue!" Rhiannon warned. "You insult my betrothed…and your Sheriff."

"Huh! I don't live here…thanks be to God." The woman said. She cleared her throat before she continued. "Listen, I mean well. I only tell you because I managed to escape his control. I know what I speak of. You'll find I'm quite serious." She said confidently.

"Oh, really? Then why are you wearing that gown?" Meridwyn taunted sarcastically. She grabbed a hold of Rhiannon's arm. "Come on, honey. We don't need to listen to this rubbish!" Meridwyn said she attempted to lead her away.

"No." Rhiannon said. "Wait, Meridwyn. I want to know who it is I'm dealing with." Rhiannon said. She turned back to face the impertinent woman.

"You will tell me your name." Rhiannon demanded as she stepped closer to her.

The woman fixed her dark eyes upon Rhiannon. She noted the lady engaged to be married to the Sheriff was beautiful. It was difficult to imagine a woman of such beauty willingly wishing to give herself to such a vile man.

"Tell me your name!" Rhiannon barked.

"It is Lady Marian." The woman replied. "My… aren't you a perfect match for him? Lacking in gentility. Just like…him."

"You have no right to hurl your insults. We have never even met before today." Rhiannon seethed.

"I was wrong, my lady. I thought you should be warned about him, But I was clearly mistaken." A beat. "Alas, you're perfect for one another." Lady Marian said.

"Stay away from me!" Rhiannon warned. She turned and walked with Lady Meridwyn, away from the woman.

"Do you know that woman, Meridwyn?" Rhiannon asked.

"All I know is that she was once Lady to Robin of Locksley. They were together when Will was courting me." Meridwyn replied.

"Really?" Rhiannon asked.

"Yes. I don't think she remembered me, though. When I was with Will, he hated Robin. I never heard about her being so insufferable, though. I guess she's still angry about what happened to him." Meridwyn commented.

"Yes. It seems there's a number of people angry at my Lord. As long as they leave me out of it!"

"Indeed." Meridwyn said.

They walked a little further, then Meridwyn stopped and put her hand out on the wall beside her. She bent her head down towards the floor.

"Meridwyn? Are you quite yourself?" Rhiannon asked.

"I don't know. It's very warm in here." Meridwyn said as she fanned herself with her hands. "I feel very strange. I think I need some air."

"Come, Meridwyn." Rhiannon said as she led her into the courtyard.

The air was cooler than the days leading up to it. Meridwyn was glad because she was sure she would faint. Rhiannon led her over to a stone bench where they sat together.

"Are you alright, my friend?" Rhiannon asked again.

"I'm not sure." Meridwyn said. "I've been feeling rather oddly for a few days. It's probably nothing."

"Indeed." Lady Rhiannon said. "Just take some breaths. The air should make you feel better."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Their men were twenty yards away from them, though they did not notice their ladies seated on the bench right away.

"One more day, Guy." The Sheriff said. "One more day for you and your men to continue the search, then I'm calling it off. Because tomorrow – we're going after this sick bastard!" The Sheriff hissed, his jaw tightly clenched.

"Very well." Guy agreed.

"There will be no bringing him back to the dungeon. No toying with him, expecting him to cooperate during interrogation." The Sheriff said. "This time, he gets what's coming to him…the second I get my hands on him!" The Sheriff exclaimed as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

Guy saw the fury in the Sheriff's eyes. Something had changed. He didn't know what it was. But for some reason the Sheriff was indicating that his vengeance was now personal. Guy was curious but didn't think it was appropriate to ask. Besides, he could sense the mania coming from the Sheriff which only ever occurred when he was enraged nearly to the point of madness. What had changed?

"We are heading north to find the maid of Nottingham. We rescue her, and then we kill that monster!" The Sheriff shouted.

"Cousin?" Guy asked, curiously.

The Sheriff ignored him. He began to snarl. "No!" He said, his eyes narrowed in malice. "Not we. I will kill him. Don't you lay a hand on him. Touch him – I swear I'll cut your hand off!" The Sheriff warned. "That sick monster is all mine! And damn…it's going to be the most glorious feeling. The most victorious killing I've ever carried out." The Sheriff rambled absently.

"Cousin? What's going on? You seem rather…passionate about this all of a sudden?" Guy prodded.

The Sheriff looked up. He'd said too much. As much as he wanted to share this with Guy, he couldn't. He couldn't do that to Rhiannon.

"I'm just tired of him, that's all!" The Sheriff spat. "He held my lady in captivity for months. He kidnapped my child! He captured your lady too! Now he has another maid from my county and I'll be damned if I'll sit by and let the bastard slip through my fingers again. It's over! His time is done!" The Sheriff snarled.

"Fine." Guy said. "When do you wish to depart?"

"By midday. We may have a lot of ground to cover." The Sheriff said. Suddenly, he noticed them beyond Guy's shoulder. He squinted his eyes.

"Why does Lady Meridwyn have her head in her lap, cousin?" The Sheriff asked.

Guy tilted his head and narrowed his eyes curiously as the Sheriff indicated behind him at the Ladies Meridwyn and Rhiannon seated on one of the benches. Rhiannon was seated beside Meridwyn. She had her arm around her and was appearing to be talking to her. Lady Meridwyn was leaned forward with her head upon her knees.

"Something is wrong." Guy remarked. The men made their way over to where they were seated.

Rhiannon looked up at them and shrugged.

"My lady?" Guy called to her.

Meridwyn slowly raised her head. Her face was very pale. Drained of all colour. There was perspiration beading on her skin.

"Oh, Meridwyn! What's happened, my love? You're as white as a sheet!" Guy expressed his concern as he knelt down in front of her.

"I do not know, dearest." Meridwyn said. "I feel like I shall faint. But you know that is not like me?"

"Perhaps you need some nourishment?" He suggested.

"Oh, no. Do not mention food!" Meridwyn exclaimed suddenly, covering her mouth with her hand.

The Sheriff eyed her curiously. Rhiannon stood up and took her place beside him.

"Shall I send for Thomas, Guy?" The Sheriff asked his cousin.

"Perhaps that would be a good…" Guy began to say, he was cut off.

"No. I shall be fine. It will pass." Meridwyn said. "It always does…" She added absently.

"What? How long has this been going on?" Guy asked her.

"I'm not sure, my love. Perhaps a week?" Meridwyn tried to recall.

Guy looked at his cousin. "Yes. I think Thomas Crumwell should examine her." Guy said.

"Very well." The Sheriff agreed.

The Sheriff and his lady walked back toward the castle. The page was sent to summon Thomas Crumwell. Lady Meridwyn took to her bed and the physician came to see her just before dusk. Later, the Sheriff received news from Guy that Lady Meridwyn was still feeling weak and was resting. There was no cause for concern, however, and he would discuss the matter with him on the morrow.

Later that night, when Rhiannon was resting, the Sheriff was seated alone in the den beside the fire thinking about killing the man who harmed his lady. As he took a sip from his goblet of the tincture of rapture, the bell pealed. Once again, he jumped and spilled some of the brandy.

He took the goblet with him and made his way down the stone circular stairs that led down into Mortianna's lair.

"You rang, Madam?" The Sheriff asked upon greeting her.

"Come, my child. We need to have a talk." Mortianna said as she extended her hand out to him, beckoning for him to come closer.

His left eyebrow shot north as he eyed her curiously. "Another warning?" He asked as he followed her lead.

"No. We need to talk about Lady Rhiannon." Mortianna said.

"What of her?" The Sheriff demanded.

"She came to see me this morning." Mortianna announced. Suddenly, the Sheriff remembered. What was it Rhiannon said? Oh, yes. They had shared a cup of batwing tea. He sighed.

"What about?" The Sheriff asked pointedly.

"She asked me to take care of something for her. She wants me to make her a potion what will erase a memory."

"Did she tell you what the memory was?" The Sheriff asked. He knew exactly what it was she did not wish to remember. But did Mortianna know?

"No. She couldn't speak of it. So I asked her to drink her tea. She did so, and it was then when I looked into the cup…I saw it." Mortianna whispered. She shuddered.

"Madam, I do not wish to know anything about it. It doesn't do me nor my lady any good to know. But, I do need to know one thing. If you can tell me that is…" The Sheriff said.

"What is that, my Lord?" Mortianna asked.

"Exactly when during her period of captivity did this event occur?" The Sheriff asked. For, he could still hear the words of the murderous insect taunting him about the child's paternity.

Mortianna figured it out straightway. "It happened only once…right before the child was delivered. The child is yours, my Lord. It was he who caused the difficulty with the lady's labour, but he is not the reason she was with child."

The Sheriff sighed. He was relieved to know that much.

"Well, tell me more about her wishes. And do you have a means available to achieve this for her?" The Sheriff asked.

"She wishes to blot the memory out completely because she cannot forgive herself. She says she can't look at you, nor even look upon her own reflection. She is consumed with guilt." Mortianna remarked.

"I know. It's ludicrous. She has no reason to feel guilt!" The Sheriff said shaking his head.

"She is tormented, my Lord."

"Yes. I know that. Can you help her?"

"Not without talking to you about it first." Mortianna said.

The Sheriff narrowed his eyes questioningly.

"There is a plant that will work the best at achieving the result the lady is searching for. But it is one that requires careful consideration and planning." She said.

"Why is that?" the Sheriff demanded. "Which plant do you refer to?"

"Thorn apple seed." Mortianna announced.

"Yes. I've heard of it. It has many uses, doesn't it? I think I've also heard of it called jimsonweed." The Sheriff said.

"Yes. You are correct. I will need to be careful with the quantity." Mortianna replied.

"How powerful is it?" The Sheriff asked.

"It is highly effective for erasing one's memory. But one needs to be careful with it." Mortianna pointed out. "If the quantity is too much, it can be poisonous. She could begin to see and hear things that are not there. She could become confused and combative. In some cases people have been known to enter into a very long slumber. And…" Her words began to trail off.

The Sheriff sighed. "And…what, Mortianna?"

"There have been few instances of death." Mortianna said solemnly.

The Sheriff shook his head. "There is nothing else that would work?"

"Not as effectively as thorn apple seed." Mortianna said. "I did not wish to agree to this before speaking to you."

"I'm glad you did." The Sheriff said.

"What would you have me do, my Lord?" Mortianna asked.

"I can't answer. Not until you tell me more of what my lady said to you about it. Does she know the risks?" The Sheriff asked as he took a sip of his brandy to calm him a little.

"Yes. I told her almost everything I just told you."

"And? What did she say to that?" He asked.

"That she was willing to take whatever risks necessary. She says she wishes to please you. And she doesn't think she can do that, nor live with herself, until the memory is erased." Mortianna confessed.

"How can I make this decision, Mortianna?" The Sheriff asked as he began to pace. "It's important to her, I know. I do not wish for my lady to live in torment with this, but I do not wish to risk losing her over it either!"

"Indeed." Mortianna agreed.

"Can you make it very mild? Perhaps by tricking her into believing it will work – it just might?" The Sheriff mused.

"Yes, I can try." Mortianna said.

"Good." The Sheriff said. "I'm trusting you to watch over her. I have to begin on a journey tomorrow." The Sheriff announced.

"As you wish, my Lord." Mortianna said. "You're going after your former prisoner?"

"Yes. He has taken a maid of Nottingham. I need to rescue her. But I do not know exactly where to find them." The Sheriff muttered in chagrin.

"I do." Mortianna said.

The Sheriff looked over at her, his eyebrow raised curiously.

"I've already seen it. It was mixed in with the vision that came to me when I looked into your lady's cup." Mortianna began.

"Where is he?" The Sheriff demanded.

"He holds the maid of Nottingham in the same cabin where you found the ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn held captive in recently." Mortianna said.

"You're certain?" The Sheriff asked.

"Yes." Mortianna replied.

"Good." The Sheriff said. "That cabin is not that far away." Maybe I will be back by next Sunday, he thought. But would the potion have worked on her by then?

"Mortianna?" The Sheriff said.

"Yes, my Lord."

"I'm trusting you with my lady while I am gone. Whatever it is you're concocting, I want it weak!" The Sheriff instructed.

"Indeed, my Lord. I shall begin formulating the potion on the morrow." Mortianna said.