A few hours later during yet another unusually sunny morning in Nottingham, the three guards – Drake, Adam, and Luke were just taking over for the guards on duty previously at their post. Once again they were assigned the duty of guarding the main gates leading into the castle.

After they took report and bade goodbye to the other men, they took their positions. Drake looked over at Luke.

"So, how was your evening, Luke?" Drake asked. "Did you dine with the Sheriff's lady?" He teased.

Adam joined Drake in raucous laughter.

"Laugh all you like." Luke spoke up. "Does she know your names?"

The men ceased laughing and regarded him seriously.

"Oh, I get it." Adam said. "Now I see what's going on. I know why the Sheriff's lady knows you so well."

"Now, Adam, we must not presume the worst of our new comrade!" Drake admonished as he slapped Luke on the shoulder. "For, perhaps he knows not what the punishment for treason is?"

"I'm sure I do not know what it is you're speaking of." Luke said.

"Oh….I think you do." Adam replied with a smirk.

"Are you two blokes trying to accuse me of adulterous relations with the Sheriff's lady?" Luke asked, incredulous.

Drake tilted his head, narrowed his brown eyes curiously, and rubbed his chin with his thumb and first two fingers.

"Well, it is curious, friend. You are already on a first name basis with the Sheriff's lady. And…" He looked to Adam. "How long has it been now? Since Master Luke joined the Sheriff's employ, that is?"

"Hmm…has it been a month yet?" Adam wondered.

"Three weeks and a day." Luke replied.

"Indeed. That is the point." Drake said.

"Look…" Luke began. "I don't see anyone else stepping up to the challenge of keeping watch over Lady Rhiannon. Wouldn't the Sheriff appreciate it if he knew that one of us was looking out for her safety?" He asked them.

"Is that what you call it?" Adam challenged. He raised one eyebrow, his grey eyes regarding Luke questioningly.

"Yes. That is all it is. I introduced myself to her so that she would know who I was, should the need ever arise for assistance." Luke explained.

"Okay. We'll take your word for it." Drake smiled. "I know nothing. And if the Sheriff should ever come asking me what I know of your relations with his lady, I will say I know nothing." Drake said.

"Good idea, Drake. Would he hang us if he knew we were even having this conversation?" Adam mused.

"You two are being ridiculous. You really should commit your far fetched tales to paper for the amusement of the people." Luke spat.

"Now, now, Luke. This is all part of the process." Drake smiled.

Luke eyed him curiously.

"Yes. He's right." Adam chimed in. "Every new knight in the Sheriff's militia must go through an initiation phase."

"Pardon?" Luke asked.

"You may be almost a knight." Drake began. "True, you were appointed by the Sheriff. But it is the rest of the knights whom you work with. We are the ones who will always have your back." He explained.

"Yes." Adam continued. "The Sheriff is not always with us on missions. You must earn our trust too."

"Oh. So the daily cajoling is part of initiation?" Luke asked in disbelief.

"It is for everybody." Drake said. He slapped Luke on the shoulder. "But you, my friend, have been the most interesting subject that my comrade and I have ever had the pleasure of breaking in to our little…group."

Adam laughed in agreement. Luke was still a little stunned, but had to admit he felt a little more at ease with them than the days previous.

They were startled by the sounds of horse's hooves approaching. The men looked up. Luke recognized her immediately. It was the same maiden he spotted two days ago staring at Lady Rhiannon through the bars of the portcullis.

"Good day." The woman said to them. Her tight curly, auburn locks danced in the wind as she reached down to smooth the mane on her horse.

"Good morning, my lady." Drake said. "How may we assist you?"

"Hmm. Indeed." She said as she looked in through the portcullis at the castle within. "I never thought I'd visit this place again." She tried to conceal her disdain, but Luke saw it in her eyes, notwithstanding.

"My lady?" Luke said.

"Yes. I'm here to visit Lady Rhiannon." The woman sighed.

"And whom might you be?" Adam asked.

"I am Lady Marian." She replied.

"Oh, yes." Drake said. "Lady Rhiannon told us about you yesterday."

"Did she now?" Lady Marian inquired with her eyebrow raised.

"Indeed. She asked us to grant you access." Drake said.

"How kind of her." Lady Marian remarked sarcastically. "Though, what on earth she is doing with a man like that is beyond me."

"My lady?" Luke said.

"Oh, forgive me. He is your employer. I hope he treats you better than the people in his personal life." Lady Marian rolled her eyes.

"He is a fine employer!" Luke defended.

"Yes, I'm sure. But I'd be careful around him." She smirked.

There was something odd about this fair maiden. Luke saw it in her eyes. They were wild, yet almost vacant at the same time. As if…she was on the edge of madness. He knew Lady Rhiannon gave explicit permission for this maiden to be granted access to the castle. Still, he thought it best to keep an eye on this one. Something about her was giving him a very bad feeling. A chill up his spine.

"Indeed." Drake replied absently. He nodded for her to go when the portcullis raised.

"Now there's a very strange lady, indeed." Adam remarked as he watched her enter into the grounds surrounding the castle.

"Indeed." Luke seethed.

"You seem rather disturbed by her?" Drake said to Luke.

"Yes. I don't know why, but that maiden gives me a very bad feeling. I do not like it." Luke confessed.

"He does have a point, Drake. She looked almost…mad?" Adam commented.

"Indeed. Perhaps Lady Rhiannon doesn't know what she's getting into with this one. We better keep our eyes on that one if we can." Drake suggested.

All three men nodded in agreement. It was the first time that all three of them had agreed upon anything as a team.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lady Rhiannon was annoyed. The potion was not working! She was still troubled by the memory. She had nightmares about it the night before. She only had two more measures of the potion with her. What to do? If she drank it, how could she obtain more?

She'd have to think of something. In the meantime she walked over to the table where the Sheriff's flask was. She picked it up and poured half of the contents – two ounces, into a cup. She remembered how badly it tasted, so she already had a goblet of the tincture of rapture – the Sheriff's brandy at the ready on the same table as the flask.

She picked up the cup of potion and took a long draught until it was gone. Then she hastily picked up the goblet of brandy and washed down the bitter taste of Mortianna's potion. She did not realize it, but Mortianna had only been giving her one ounce of the potion each morning.

She was startled by a knock on the door of the den that led out into the corridor. She put the goblet down and walked through the private chamber and closed the door leading into it. Then she glided to the door of the den. When she opened it, the young blond, blue eyed page was standing there before her.

"You have a visitor, milady." The page announced.

"Indeed? Who is here to see me?" Lady Rhiannon asked.

"Her name is Lady Marian. I did not know where you would wish to meet with her, so she is waiting for you in the Sheriff's Council Quarters." The page said.

"Very well." Lady Rhiannon said.

Ten minutes later, she strolled through the heavy oak doors of the Council Quarters. Lady Marian stood in the room before her.

"I'm rather surprised to see you here." Rhiannon said as she walked slowly toward her, her mint green skirts rustling along the floor.

"The guards permitted me to enter. That was kind of you to mention me to them." Lady Marian said.

"Yes. I had a feeling you may want to visit. Though, I'm sure I don't know why." Rhiannon remarked.

"I'm curious." Lady Marian muttered.

"Really? About what?"

"Curious over what manner of lady could possibly hold the Sheriff of Nottingham's attention long enough that he would wish to finally be married. For, he is well known as the most unattainable man in the kingdom. The consummate bachelor." Lady Marian remarked.

Lady Rhiannon sighed. Why did everybody feel a need to share this with her? "I do not know." Lady Rhiannon began. "All I ever did was choose to love the man. Perhaps that is the difference, right there?"

"Mmm." Lady Marian muttered. She was beginning to wonder if the Sheriff had ever mentioned her to Lady Rhiannon. It was appearing as if he hadn't, though she really couldn't be sure at this point.

"Well, indeed, you are the first he's been engaged to." Lady Marian said. For it was not a lie. She was never engaged to the Sheriff. Though, at the time, she was sure the Sheriff was probably regarding her as his betrothed in his sick, twisted manner.

"That still does not explain to me why you are here?" Rhiannon said. "Curiosity or not, the fact is that my betrothed killed your lover. It's true you have already apologized for the insults you spoke on Sunday, but I do believe the first words you spoke to me in the cathedral foyer on Sunday, were probably closer to the truth of it, than anything you have said to me since." Rhiannon stated. She drew in a sigh. "So, tell me, Lady Marian. Why are you here?"

"I'll only be here for a short time. And I…have no friends left in this town." Lady Marian replied.

"You want a friend?" Rhiannon asked, incredulous.

Lady Marian began to pace. "Look, I'm here on business. Rather boring business if you must know. And you and your friend are the most interesting maidens in this cursed town! It is just nice to converse with someone who is not so much older than I am for once." Lady Marian lied.

Rhiannon sighed. She hated to admit it, but some of what Lady Marian was saying was beginning to make sense.

"Yes. I can understand your dilemma. Sadly, I can relate." Rhiannon said.

"Then, my lady, may we call a truce?" Lady Marian asked.

"You're serious." Rhiannon said.

"Indeed. I am." Marian lied.

"Fine. We shall put the hostilities we exchanged three days ago behind us."

"Good." Lady Marian said.

"So, uhh…how well did you know my betrothed? When last you lived in Nottingham, that is?" Rhiannon asked pointedly.

"Oh, my." Lady Marian began. "Well I didn't know him that well. We exchanged some words a few times but…" Her words trailed off.

"Words? Over what?" Rhiannon prodded her.

"Well, he was concerned I was spending too much time with Robin. At first he approached me because he'd learned from his cousin that Robin stole two of my horses. That was when the warnings about Robin began." Lady Marian explained.

"Was he right? About Robin, I mean?" Rhiannon asked.

"My lady, the story is too complicated to go into it now. There's a lot you don't know about my Robin and your Sheriff and all that happened here three years ago. At least…I do not remember seeing you here in the village at that time?" Marian said as she squinted her almond shaped brown eyes at Rhiannon, and shook her head trying to recall.

"You are correct. I've only lived in Nottingham almost a year and a half."

"Then perhaps one day I can bring you up to date on the story?" Lady Marian offered.

"Perhaps." Rhiannon agreed.

"I do thank you for seeing me, my lady." Lady Marian said. "May I come again sometime?" She asked.

"Indeed." Lady Rhiannon said.

Out in the corridors as Lady Rhiannon was heading back to the private chambers, she ran into Lady Meridwyn.

"Meridwyn! You'd never believe who I just saw." Rhiannon said as she walked toward her.

Lady Meridwyn swallowed and put her hand to her mouth. With her other hand she began to fan herself.

"Oh, give me a minute, my friend. I feel as if I shall lose my morning repast all over this floor!" Meridwyn groaned.

"Meridwyn? Are you alright?" Rhiannon asked as she moved closer toward her.

"I will be." Meridwyn said. "You know, this is going to sound very odd to you. God knows I can't believe it myself. But, I think I know what may help me." Meridwyn started to say.

"What is it?" Rhiannon asked.

"Do not laugh… Mortianna's batwing tea. It made me feel better when I was ill after our men rescued us. And you won't believe it, Rhiannon, but….I desire it. All of the time!" Meridwyn confessed.

"Mortianna's batwing tea?!" Rhiannon exclaimed as she wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Don't tell me you've been fancying that?"

"Yes! Maybe I could ask to her to bring me some of it?" Meridwyn mused.

Rhiannon felt the corners of her mouth upturn in a smirk. She had an idea. The opportunity she was seeking had just now presented itself.

"I will see that you get your cup of batwing tea, Meridwyn. You go to the Lieutenant's private chambers. I shall speak to Mortianna." Rhiannon reassured.

"Really? You'd do that for me?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Rhiannon. I shall be better company when I feel better. I have a feeling Mortianna's tea will just do the trick."

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Ten minutes later, Lady Rhiannon approached the sentry who was stationed outside of the doors to the Sheriff's private chambers. He was tall and broad, with black hair, and dark eyes.

"Excuse me." Lady Rhiannon began.

"Yes, my lady?" Alfred replied.

"Sir Guy of Gisborne's lady is feeling very unwell this morning. She requests Mortianna to bring her some batwing tea to the Lieutenant's private chambers. Could you summon her for me to go? I need to get back to the Council Quarters. My guest is waiting for me." Rhiannon lied.

"Of course, my lady." The guard replied.

Rhiannon nodded and turned to leave. She found an alcove off the corridor, just down the hall a little way from the private chamber, where she could conceal herself. Before she went there to hide she looked over her shoulder. The guard had gone in to fetch Mortianna. She waited with her back against the stone wall of the alcove. It seemed like a very long time. Finally, after a few minutes she heard footsteps and kept her eyes peeled on the corridor, her back still up against the wall. Soon she heard the shuffling of the old woman, then the witch passed by the alcove where Rhiannon stood. She waited a time, then came out of hiding and headed back toward the door of the Sheriff's private chambers. The guard was already back at his post. He eyed Rhiannon curiously.

"My visitor has left. Indeed, a shame." Lady Rhiannon commented as she opened the door to the chambers. She closed it behind her and quickly walked over to the private chamber, opening the door. She went to the table and went straight for the Sheriff's flask. She picked it up and took it with her to Mortianna's lair.

Curses! Where was Mortianna hiding the potion? It was chill in the apothecary. She tried to ignore the rat that kept scurrying across the floor, and the crow that was flapping his wings and cawing in the cage nearby.

She quickly walked closer to the large table that was near the fire where a large cauldron was always kept in position. She found some jars, bottles, and some bowls containing liquid there. She recognized one of the bowls. It had pale golden liquid in it. The potion was mixed with ale – Mortianna had told her. She stuck a finger in it and brought it to her lips, tasting it with her tongue. She spat in distaste at the unsavoury mixture. This was it. It was definitely the potion, she recognized the taste right away. Quickly, she poured the entire lot of it, approximately ten ounces into the flask. The Sheriff's flask was now nearly full. But would Mortianna notice the bowl was empty? Was there more of the potion somewhere in this apothecary?

She picked up one of the jars and sniffed it. Odourless. That wasn't it. Next she picked up a large bottle as she looked back and listened for footsteps. She was still alone. She sniffed from the bottle. It did indeed have a curious odour. She poured a few drops in the now empty bowl, once again placed her finger in it, and tasted the liquid from her fingertip. This is it! She poured a little more from the bottle into the bowl. Now Mortianna wouldn't notice. There, that should do it. She capped the Sheriff's flask quickly, picked up her skirts and practically ran through the apothecary and up the winding steep stone stairs that led back up into the Sheriff's den. She closed the door and went to the private chambers. She sat the flask on the table below the mirror on the wall, which was to the right of four poster bed, and to the left of the large window in the room.

Then she went into the bath chamber and drew some water in the linen lined bathtub for a bath. She went back in the private chamber to undress. She threw her velvet dressing gown over her naked body, this time declining to wear her bath shirt. She was all alone, it would not matter. She went to the table below the mirror and poured a generous libation of Mortianna's potion from the Sheriff's flask into the goblet that was still there. Then she picked up the decanter of the Sheriff's favourite brandy and took both of them with her into the bath chamber.

There was a chair beside the tub. She put the goblet and the decanter upon it. She removed her gown letting it fall carelessly to the floor and stepped inside the bath.

The water was warm and soothing. It was good to relax. She thought about her meeting with Lady Marian. It was curious the woman was interested in spending time with her. Rhiannon grabbed the goblet from the chair beside her and took a generous gulp. She quickly put it back and grabbed the decanter of brandy. She drank from the decanter letting the warm amber liquid slide down her tongue, washing away the bitter taste of the potion. She tried to remember if the Sheriff had ever mentioned Lady Marian. He had said much about Marian's lover, his archenemy Robin of Locksley. She realized that the Sheriff hadn't said anything about her. Yet, Lady Marian had said they had exchanged words. How many words?

Rhiannon realized then that if someone had killed her lover, the last woman she'd wish to be friends with in the years that followed would be the woman who was betrothed to her lover's killer.

Something was very strange about this. Rhiannon grabbed the goblet and drank the remaining two ounces until there was nary a drop left within the goblet. It was vile! She picked up the brandy again to take a drink. As she sipped it, she remembered something that her brother Robert had said to her, shortly before Robert and Eddie went off to join King Richard's army in the Crusades. She suddenly remembered the conversation well:

"Keep your friends close, sweet sister. But remember: Keep your enemies closer." He had said.

"As far as I know, I have no enemies." Rhiannon pointed out.

"You shall. Maybe not today. Maybe not even in a year from now. But sometime in the future, you will. At the moment, you are still innocent. But you shall find that there is always an antagonist in every story." Robert explained.

"I'm sure I won't need to worry, dear brother." Rhiannon attempted to reassure him.

"Heed my words, Rhiannon. It's one of the best pieces of advice I can offer you. For, I don't know how long we shall be away from you." He was referring to him and Edward preparing to leave England for battle in the Holy Land. Alas, some of his comrades had been away for years.

"I will, Robert." She said.

Yet she had forgotten about the entire conversation until today. Robert was right. He always was wise beyond his years.

Marian was no friend to Lady Rhiannon. She was her enemy. In fact, she wasn't even a friend to Lady Meridwyn three years ago. Meridwyn had said they had barely exchanged any words, because Will hated Robin at the time. No. She was sure Lady Marian was no more interested in truly being a friend to her, than flying to the moon. She took another sip of the brandy.

"You thought I wasn't paying attention to you that day, Robert." Rhiannon said aloud. She put the decanter back on the chair beside the tub and slid down into the soothing warm water until it was at the level of her chin.

"I'm still listening, dear brother." She smiled.

Then she took a breath and slipped down below the surface of the water until she was completely immersed. She came back up feeling completely refreshed. She grabbed Mortianna's lavender soap and ran it over her skin to wash with.