Early Monday morning the Sheriff was holding his lady next to him in his bed. She knew he had to leave this day, he told her about it the day before.
"Must you leave?" Rhiannon whispered as she nestled against his smooth chest.
The Sheriff kissed the top of her head. "Yes, my angel. There is a maid missing from my county. She is in danger, as you once were. I must find her." He said.
Rhiannon sighed. "I know. I just grow tired of having to say goodbye to you." She kissed his chest. He stroked her silky sable coloured hair.
"Then let's make a pact never to say goodbye, my lady." The Sheriff whispered.
She smiled and raised her head to look at him. He looked at her curiously, for she had barely looked at him ever since she remembered her attack. It was killing him that she couldn't look at him. Finally, her face was facing his but her eyes were looking down. Slowly, she lifted her eyes. She managed to look at him only for a few seconds, then she lost her courage and looked away. She put her head on his shoulder.
"Forgive me, my Lord." She said.
"It's okay, my lady. I can't begin to imagine what's going through your mind. But everything will sort itself out…in time." He said.
"Yes, my Lord. I'm sure it will." Rhiannon said. She hoped Mortianna was working on the potion. Though, she never did agree to it. She would have to speak to Mortianna later, after her lover left on his journey.
"I won't be gone long, my lady. I don't need to venture very far this time." The Sheriff said.
"I'm relieved to hear that." Rhiannon said. "I shall feel better when you've returned to me. And maybe then, I will be ready."
"Ready? For what?" The Sheriff asked.
"Ready to give you myself. To give you…all of me." She said quietly.
"When you're ready, my angel. I shall wait however long that it takes." He promised her.
"I know." She said. "I'm grateful for your patience." She sighed. "So, my prince…instead of saying goodbye, what are we going to say?"
The Sheriff smiled. He was beginning to like it when she called him that. "I don't know, my lady. How about: fare thee well?" He suggested.
"That sounds good. Or maybe: I'll be seeing you?" She said.
"Well, either one works for me." He smiled.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
A few hours later, the Sheriff was upon his black mare. He met with Guy near the stables.
"I'm surprised you didn't wish me to take one of the knights with me in your stead." The Sheriff remarked. "You sure you're up for this?" He asked.
"Yes, cousin. I'm ready." Guy said.
"But…Lady Meridwyn?" The Sheriff asked, curiously.
"She will be fine." Guy said.
They urged their horses along and rode them beside each other.
"You wish to tell me about it?" The Sheriff asked as he looked over at Guy.
"My lady and I must set a date for our nuptials." Guy remarked.
"I don't think I ever did congratulate you, cousin." The Sheriff said.
"Yes." Guy said. "Everything is moving so…fast."
The Sheriff regarded him with a puzzled expression. "You must be jesting. You call that fast? You've been courting her for years!" The Sheriff chortled.
"It does feel like things are moving along rather – quickly, cousin." Guy said.
"Why is that?" The Sheriff asked.
"Because….my lady is with child." Guy announced.
The Sheriff's left eyebrow raised as Guy continued.
"You're the only one who knows, besides the physician. Though, my Lady does wish for Lady Margaret to be involved in her care. And, I'm sure your lady will be hearing about it." Guy said.
"She is with child?" The Sheriff remarked, surprised. "Is that what that was all about?"
"Yes. The child should be arriving sometime in the spring." Guy replied. They found a main road that led out of Nottingham and continued along.
"The castle shall be full of life, cousin!" The Sheriff said.
"Yes, indeed." Guy said.
"Are you sure that's all there is to it though, cousin?" The Sheriff asked, concerned. "Lady Meridwyn looked quite unwell yesterday."
"Yes. Apparently carrying a baby can do that to maidens." Guy shook his head.
The Sheriff shook his head and narrowed his eyes. He wasn't with Rhiannon during her confinement. She was taken before she even knew she was with child. Did Lady Rhiannon go through this?
"But…she was as white as the driven snow!?" The Sheriff exclaimed.
"Yes. Thomas Crumwell tells me that in the beginning months, it is common for maidens to experience fainting spells, dizziness, and be unable to hold down food."
"What?" The Sheriff asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "That makes no sense, cousin. If that is the case, and the ladies cannot hold down food, then how does the child indeed…grow?"
"It is one of the mysteries of the universe I'm sure, cousin." Guy quipped.
"I can't quite believe it." The Sheriff said quietly.
"What's that, sire?" That I shall be a father?" Guy asked. Funny, Guy thought, I can't believe it either.
"No. That is not it. It's just that, it's amazing. Last year, all I had was you. Now, I will have a wife, a child of my own once the child is safely returned, and I shall also be a…uncle." The Sheriff remarked.
"Well, not really an uncle, cousin." Guy pointed out.
"Guy, it is time you get used to the fact that you were not granted a brother. Instead you were granted me. I might as well be your brother. Who the hell else have you got?" The Sheriff said.
"True." Guy agreed. "Then I guess…I shall be an uncle as well. We just have to wait." He sighed.
"Yes. The wait is the worst part about the whole damned thing!" The Sheriff growled. "I do wish I had been present when my lady brought forth our child. Even just to be a few rooms away, would have been better than being hundreds of miles away." The Sheriff lamented. He shook his head. "I really don't know how she did it, cousin. She delivered that child all alone. She is a survivor." He added proudly.
"Indeed, cousin." Guy said. "She is quite the lady."
The Sheriff was pleased for Guy but his reaction was tainted in sadness. The longer it took to find his child, the more he was missing of the infant's important moments. He was missing the growth of his own child.
"You'll be there for your child…right from the beginning." The Sheriff said.
"I'm sure your child will be arriving home soon, cousin. Your proclamations will help. Did you check on the progress of them" Guy asked.
"Yes." The Sheriff began. "The artists, Michael and Colin are very good. I stopped by the Council Quarters this morning. I already saw one completed copy. It is excellent. It is exact. I gave permission for copies identical to the first proclamation to be issued to heralds for distribution. The Scribe is going to check them all to make sure they're the same as the one I approved. They should be ready in a day or two, though the artists are working day and night to accomplish it." The Sheriff said.
"Do you care what the child is?" Guy asked him pointedly.
"No. Whether a son or a daughter I shall just be glad to have the child with me and my lady. It makes no difference to me. Except for one thing." The Sheriff raised his eyebrow. "This has gone on long enough!" He huffed.
"I should like a daughter, I think." Guy remarked. "I can picture her in my minds eye. She'll have beautiful red curly hair, and eyes like my lady. Blue as a summer sky. I fancy myself spoiling a little lass a little too much." Guy smiled.
The Sheriff grinned. "Look at you. You're like a young lad whose just been given a shiny new toy to amuse himself with!"
"Yes. I suppose I am eager to meet my child." Guy said. "Except that…" his words trailed off.
"Except – what, cousin?"
"Except that, I am quite nervous about it. It is a great responsibility."
"You'll get used to it. Even though I haven't laid eyes upon my child, I have a compelling need to protect him or her. It will come to you, cousin. It is innate. Instinct will take over." The Sheriff said confidently.
"I hope you are right." Guy sighed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lady Rebeccah heard a light tapping on the door to the manor, so she went there to open it. Lady Marian stood there before her.
"Lady Marian!" Rebeccah greeted her. "Please, come in."
Lady Marian picked up her skirts as she stepped up to enter into the manor.
"It seems you've been minding this estate for awhile." Lady Marian commented. "You may as well own it."
"Yes, well, duty dictates I must remain here for now. I do thank you for agreeing to come to see me." Rebeccah said.
"Indeed." Marian said. "I shall not be in Nottingham long, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity. It's been so long since we last spoke." She smiled.
"Indeed." Rebeccah smiled. She gestured to a soft couch in the sitting room, motioning for Lady Marian to make herself comfortable. Lady Marian took a seat and arranged her skirts neatly about her as Lady Rebeccah excused herself to gather the tea.
Within minutes, Lady Rebeccah returned with a tray that held two cups. She held the tray out in front of Lady Marian. Lady Marian took the cup nearest to her, then brought it to her lips and sipped on it.
"So, where is this lady of the manor?" Lady Marian asked as she paused to look around the expanse of the room.
"She is not here." Rebeccah replied as she seated herself on an ornate wooden chair directly in front of Lady Marian.
"Yes. Indeed. For some time – you've mentioned in your letters." Lady Marian remarked.
"Yes. Well, it's a very long story, my lady." Lady Rebeccah hinted as she took a sip of tea from her cup.
Lady Marian regarded her curiously, imploring her to continue.
"My lady was taken. Almost a year ago you see." Rebeccah began. "She was not found until three months ago. Alas, she was quite unwell, so her betrothed insisted she be cared for in his castle. She's been there ever since." Lady Rebeccah explained.
Lady Marian shot her head up abruptly. "Castle? Who is this lady of the manor? And…who is her betrothed?" Marian pried.
"She is Lady Rhiannon Wordsworth. She is betrothed to the Sheriff of Nottingham." Lady Rebeccah announced.
Lady Marian coughed, for she suddenly found herself mildly choking on her tea. "She is to marry the Sheriff?" Lady Marian asked. She suddenly recalled meeting the green eyed lady the day before. More like the green eyed witch!
"Indeed. She is. My lady Marian, he has changed." Rebeccah said.
"Huh! I find it hard to believe a cold, heartless man such as he could possibly have changed!" Lady Marian scowled.
"He has, my lady. You wouldn't believe it. He's almost entirely a very different man. He is very good to my lady. I don't believe she could do any better." Rebeccah remarked.
"You must be jesting, Rebeccah." Lady Marian said, rolling her eyes. "Do not forget, for I shall always remind you, the Sheriff killed my Robin – the one man who could've healed this land!"
"Forgive me, my lady. I mean no disrespect. I merely thought you should be warned, for no doubt you shall run into him. And when you do, you may be quite surprised. For, the change in him is unmistakable." Rebeccah said.
"You're forgiven, Rebeccah. But do not expect me to be so easily lured by the charms of the Sheriff. He killed Robin. I shall never forgive him for that. Never mind what he did to me before he killed my lover!" Lady Marian seethed.
"Indeed." Rebeccah said.
"So, you're telling me that Lady Rhiannon is staying at Nottingham Castle?" Lady Marian prodded.
"Yes, my lady. She is." Rebeccah replied, wondering why they were continuing with the same topic if Lady Marian hated the Sheriff so much?
"Hmm. Interesting." Marian remarked absently as she sipped her tea.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, just that she's staying there, and they're not even married yet. A rather interesting arrangement. Rather like a…courtesan." Lady Marian lied. For, that was not the reason her interest was piqued. Though, she did agree with the impropriety of it.
"As I said, my lady was very ill. My Lord Sheriff arranged for the best care for her there at the castle. It was the best decision for her. I'm glad he made it." Rebeccah commented.
"Yes." Lady Marian remarked absently.
"So, what brings thee here to Nottingham, my lady? For, you've been away in London for a rather long time." Lady Rebeccah asked.
"Oh…I just have a few loose ends I need to tie up." Lady Marian replied. And you've just made things rather convenient for me, she thought.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the afternoon, Rhiannon went to visit Lady Meridwyn in the Lieutenants private chambers.
She was shown in by Lady Margaret. Lady Meridwyn was seated upon the bed propped by several pillows.
"My friend! Come in. I have news." Lady Meridwyn said.
"What is it, Meridwyn?" Rhiannon asked as she walked toward her then sat upon the bed beside her. "How are you now? I've been worried about you." Rhiannon said as she reached over to touch Meridwyn's forehead with her palm, checking for the presence of fever.
"I'm still rather dizzy, but at least I know why." Lady Meridwyn smiled.
"Why?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
Meridwyn grabbed both of her hands with hers. "Rhiannon, didn't you say that when we are both married, then we shall be like sisters?"
"Well, yes. But if you remember, dear friend, it was you who pointed out when we first met, that your man and mine are very much like brothers." Rhiannon said.
"Indeed."
"Well, what has that have anything to do with your malaise?" Rhiannon asked, puzzled.
"You told me you have no family." Meridwyn said.
"Indeed, Meridwyn. You're confusing me, though."
"You shall have family now." Meridwyn said.
"Of course I will." Lady Rhiannon said. "You are going to marry Guy of Gisborne. And I'm marrying his cousin. We shall finally be sisters!"
"And you shall be an aunt." Meridwyn said calmly.
Lady Rhiannon widened her eyes and slowly opened her mouth. A smile spread across her face. "What?" She exclaimed. "You are with child?"
"Yes, my dear. I am." Meridwyn smiled.
"A child! How delightful!" Rhiannon exclaimed.
"Indeed. Neither of us can quite believe it. Guy says we shall schedule our nuptials as soon as he arrives home. He would like us to be wed well in advance of the baby's arrival." Meridwyn stated.
"Indeed. And when is the baby due to arrive?"
"In the spring some time." Lady Meridwyn said.
"Do you think he is pleased?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
Lady Meridwyn sighed. "He was a little shocked, but yes, he was pleased." Meridwyn smiled. "He tells me he hopes for a daughter. Isn't that remarkable?"
"Indeed." Lady Rhiannon said. She suddenly had an idea. "You know, Meridwyn, I need to visit Madam Oberon again. I never did choose the fabric for my gown, or allow her to measure me for it. We should go. You're going to be needing a gown too." She suggested.
"I'd feel strange about it, Rhiannon. Guy and I haven't even decided on a date yet." Lady Meridwyn said.
"Well, come with me. It wouldn't hurt you to look around. It might do you some good to get some air as well."
"Yes, I suppose you're right. Lady Margaret and the good physician better not expect me to be locked away in here for my entire confinement. That is just not going to happen." Meridwyn said rolling her eyes.
"How about tomorrow?" Rhiannon suggested.
"That sounds divine." Meridwyn remarked. "Just give me a little time. I'll send word when I'm up for this. Sometimes I don't do very well in the mornings." She sighed.
In the afternoon, Luke was passing by the Sheriff's stables on his way to his post at the castle gates. He saw the Sheriff's lady walking towards the stables, and decided to formally introduce himself.
"Excuse me, my lady." Luke said as he strode toward Lady Rhiannon. Rhiannon stopped. Her shiny sable brown hair gleamed in the light. Her green eyes twinkled.
"I'm the newest of the Sheriff's Black Knights. Master Luke - at your service, my lady." Luke said smiling.
"How do you do. I am Lady Rhiannon." She smiled. "The Sheriff has spoken of you. It seems you have impressed him."
"That may be, my lady. But I am grateful for this opportunity to work for him. It gives me purpose. A very noble one, indeed." Luke said.
"Indeed." Lady Rhiannon said. It was refreshing to hear someone speak highly of her lover for once.
"If there is anything you need, please allow me to be of service, my lady." Luke said.
"Thank you, Luke. I shall keep that in mind." Rhiannon said smiling.
They parted ways. Lady Rhiannon wandered into the stables to see that her mare was adjusting well to her new home. Luke continued to the castle gates to his post. As he went to join Drake and Adam, he noticed a pretty yet unfamiliar maiden outside of the portcullis. She was slender with very curly long, dark red hair. She stood outside of the gates peering in, staring it seemed, at Lady Rhiannon.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the evening, Lady Rhiannon was pacing. She was restless. Her lover was now miles away from her. And Lady Meridwyn was feeling too unwell for company. She knew she would rest better if she had the answer she was seeking. She drew in a sigh and opened the heavy oak door that led down into Mortianna's lair.
Mortianna heard her coming. Luckily she was prepared. She had a large blanket nearby for such an emergency. She picked it up and quickly went to the table. She draped it over the large table which was in the center of the apothecary and near to the fire where a cauldron was brewing. She laid the blanket gently over the plants she had gathered. Careful not to damage the delicate white and violet coloured funnel shaped flowers. Task completed, she strode over to the foot of the stairs.
"My child. You've returned?" Mortianna said.
"Yes, madam. I'm rather anxious for your reply. You never did answer me. Will you do this for me?" Rhiannon asked.
"Yes, my child. I believe I can help you." Mortianna reassured.
"I can smell something odd. Are you working on it now, dear lady?" Rhiannon asked as she picked up her skirts and walked closer to the table that a blanket lay upon. It appeared to be hiding something.
"Yes, I am. But that is all you need to know." Mortianna replied as she hurried past Rhiannon and stood before the table facing Rhiannon, blocking her from touching it.
"Okay, fine." Rhiannon relented as she stood before her with her hands on her hips. "When will it be ready, then?"
"On the morrow." Mortianna announced.
"Good. How is it taken?" Rhiannon asked, curious.
"You will drink it. It will be mixed with ale." Mortianna said.
"Must it be ale?" Rhiannon wrinkled her nose in revulsion at the thought of it.
"Yes. It mixes best with ale." Mortianna said. For, she had dusted off an old book of shadows where the jimsonweed was mentioned. She guessed she studied it for the possibility of using its magic in the future. She couldn't recall working with it before now.
"Oh, that's splendid. I'll come by and pick it up tomorrow when it's ready. How will I know when it's ready?" Rhiannon asked.
"No. You will not pick it up to take with you." Mortianna directed.
"What?"
"You drink this potion in my presence." Mortianna commanded. "You shall be given no opportunity to hoard this."
"But…Mortianna?"
"I told you, this is a dangerous seed." Mortianna said. "You will be summoned here, and I will give it to you. And then you will drink it here in my apothecary."
"Very well." Rhiannon relented. "Just one measure of it? Is that all it will take?" She inquired.
"No. I think it would be safer if the quantities were divided and taken at twenty four hour intervals over time." Mortianna mused.
"Every day I shall have to do this? For how long?" Rhiannon asked.
"Well, let's just see how it goes for now, my child. It may take up to a fortnight, but it may not. This is all new to me too." Mortianna sighed. "I'm being very cautious with the recipe and the administration of it. I must be that way. You are lady to my master. And besides, there's the witch's rede: An ye harm none…." Mortianna added.
"Yes." Rhiannon said. She knew she should really be afraid of the woman. Instead, Rhiannon had always found the diminutive crone rather fascinating. "I trust your judgement." She smiled.
"Good." Mortianna replied.
"But, when will I know when it's ready?" Rhiannon asked.
"Listen for the soft bell in the den. You will see it there on the wall if you look for it. I shall ring the bell to signal for you when it is time." Mortianna instructed.
"Thank you, wise lady." Rhiannon smiled.
"It should be ready in the morning. And remember: you will drink of it here." Mortianna reminded her.
Rhiannon nodded. Mortianna's intent to warn her of the danger of the potion was pure, but really it was the worst thing she could've said. Because now, she had just given Rhiannon fair warning. It was up to Rhiannon what she would do with that information. She could either heed the advice. Or form a plan. She smiled at Mortianna as she turned to leave. She picked up her butter yellow silk skirts and started up the stairs into the den. She glided into the private chamber and walked toward her trunk.
She had articles of clothing and various other trinkets inside. She found the vial she was searching for. It was a small glass vial that she once used to hold smelling salts. Occasionally, after receiving the news that her brother Robert had died, having already suffered the loss of Eddie, she was so bereft that she would sometimes need it. She had already washed the vial once, but decided she would do it again. She would take this vial with her in her skirt pocket when Mortianna summoned her. It was small and would hold approximately two ounces. Yes. She could easily conceal this. She smiled with satisfaction. She needed this to work and work fast. If she could take a little of the potion back with her each day, she could pour from the small vial into a larger flask to have her own supply.
Still, she would be careful with it. Mortianna had cautioned her more than once about it. Yes, she could be responsible with it.
And that is what she thought. Sadly, she was gravely mistaken.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shortly after dawn on Tuesday, the Scribe was summoned by the page to the Council Quarters. The report was that the two artists had completed the final proclamations. He dressed hurriedly and scurried there to examine them on behalf of the Sheriff.
Masters Michael and Colin stood there at the table when the Scribe entered the room with the page.
"They are finished?" The Scribe asked.
"Yes." Michael said. He looked tired. There were dark circles under his brown eyes. As the Scribe scanned the men, he noted both of their eyes were bloodshot, and their fingers were stained in coal and ink.
Michael picked up one of the proclamations and handed it to the Scribe.
The Scribe took it, picked up his lens and held it to his eye to examine it.
"It is exact. Just like the one you showed the Sheriff yesterday morning. Are they all like this?"
"Yes." Master Colin said. He picked up the lot of them and handed them over for approval.
The Scribe took them and scanned over the pages. They were all alike. He was pleased.
"Splendid. My Lord Sheriff would be pleased." He turned to the page who was standing beside him. "Issue these documents to the heralds for distribution."
"Indeed, sir." The page said as he took them then left to carry out the task.
The Scribe turned back to face the two artists. "The Sheriff left your payment. I brought it with me." He extracted two small black velvet pouches each tied with a drawstring, from his pockets, and gave one to each of the men. "Fifty gold pieces. I trust that will be satisfactory?" The Scribe said.
"Indeed." Michael said. "And do tell the Sheriff we are always glad to be of assistance should the need arise."
The Scribe nodded and the two artists went on their way.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rhiannon had just finished dressing. She was wearing a pale orange gown trimmed in delicate white ribbons, with white organza sleeves. She was ready to visit the home of Madam Oberon with Lady Meridwyn. Meridwyn would send word when she was feeling well enough. In the meantime, she went over to the table beside the bed. She picked up the small vial she had waiting there and placed it in her gown pocket. As she did so, she heard the soft sound of the bell. A tiny sound, yet it was present.
She walked into the den. She looked to the wall opposite of the fireplace. She saw it there on the wall. It rang again. She went toward the heavy oak door and opened it. Is this how the witch summoned the Sheriff?
Mortianna greeted her at the bottom of the stairs.
"Come, my child. It is ready." Mortianna announced.
"Good." Rhiannon said. "I am eager to begin."
Mortianna brought a small bowl and a vial over to the table. She placed them there and motioned for Rhiannon to come to the table. Rhiannon did so and took a seat. Mortianna picked up a wooden stick that was upon the table and began to stir the mixture in the bowl one more time. Then she carefully poured from the bowl, a small amount into the vial. She put the bowl back on the table and gave the vial to Rhiannon.
"This is the magic you seek." Mortianna said as she held it out to her. "Drink. Drink all from this vial."
Rhiannon took it and put the vial to her lips. She drank it quickly and she was glad, for the taste was very bitter.
"Oh, this is vile!" Rhiannon exclaimed in disgust.
"Yes. I'll get you some ale to wash it down." Mortianna suggested. Just then, the greenish yellow haze in the apothecary seemed to grow very thick. There was a cauldron brewing on the fire, boiling out of control.
"Curses!" Mortianna spat as she arose quickly and glided over to the fire to tend to the burning potion in her cauldron.
Rhiannon glanced at the bowl on the table. She looked over at Mortianna. Her back was turned. She quickly grabbed the vial she brought with her in her gown pocket, unscrewed the cap, and poured some of the mixture from the bowl into it. She looked over again at Mortianna. She was still muttering curses under her breath as she was dealing with the bubbling mixture on the fire. Rhiannon quickly screwed the cap on the vial, then placed it back in her pocket. Just then, Mortianna turned around.
"If only there were a way to control the heat of the fire better when brewing things. If someone could invent that, it would indeed prove very useful!" Mortianna huffed in frustration.
"Indeed." Rhiannon commented.
Mortianna stirred the mixture while adding more water to it. Then she stepped away from it, satisfied she had it under control, and poured some ale from a metal pitcher into a cup and brought it to Lady Rhiannon. Rhiannon took it, grateful to replace the taste of the bitter potion, even though she did not like the taste of ale.
"I shall have another measure of potion to offer you on the morrow. Twenty four hours from hence. Listen for the bell." Mortianna instructed.
"Indeed, wise lady. Thank you." Lady Rhiannon said as she departed.
When she was back in the private chamber, she pulled the vial out of her gown pocket. She unscrewed the cap and poured the liquid into a larger flask which belonged to the Sheriff. She found it in the same place she'd found his dagger not that long ago, when she borrowed it for her journey north. At least it would be available to her should she need it.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A few hours later, just as the ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn were heading out on horses to visit Madam Oberon's home, the first proclamations began to appear along the outskirts of Nottingham.
Just a little north and along the path that led straight into Sherwood Forest, one of the proclamations was being nailed to a tree right next to the path. The parchment was quite large. In the center of it were two good sized drawings. Portraits of a man and a woman. The proclamation read:
PROCLAMATION:
This man and his wife
Charged with kidnapping.
(the two portraits were shown at this point. The man on the left, his lady on the right)
WANTED
ALIVE
For the sum of
10,000 gold pieces.
BY ORDER:
Nottingham
SHERIFF & CHIEF CONSTABLE.
Lady Rhiannon never saw any of the proclamations that day. Nor did she hear about the postings. It was a good thing. For, she would have been deeply troubled if her eyes caught a glimpse of them then.
