On Saturday afternoon, Rhiannon went into the private chambers. She headed straight for the flask under the bed, pulled it out from under there and began to drink from the flask. She took three or four generous gulps, capped the flask and put it back under the bed.

Just then the doors flew open. Curses! Now what would she do? No!

The Sheriff looked around the room with his eyes narrowed curiously. He thought he saw something beside the bed directly in front of him. He sighed. It was her hair.

"Rhiannon! What are you doing?" The Sheriff demanded.

She sighed and put her hand to her face. What will I do? She thought. She felt her earring as her fingers absently trailed over her jaw line.

"Rhiannon? Are you hurt?" The Sheriff asked as he walked toward her.

She stood up. "I dropped my earring." She said as she held out her palm. It was sitting there in her hand.

The Sheriff raised his eyebrow.

She walked to the table behind her and grabbed the goblet of ale. She quickly washed down the vile taste of the potion. She turned around to face him. She wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

"Right." The Sheriff said as he rolled his eyes. "I have a message for you. Lady Meridwyn has summoned you to Guy's private chambers." The Sheriff informed her.

"Is something wrong? Not the baby?" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"No, my love." The Sheriff said. He was pleased to see her reaction over the child. Sometimes he wondered if she even cared if she ever had a child? "I think she wishes to show you something." The Sheriff smiled. It was the wedding gown. It had just arrived. The Sheriff knew this but decided to tease her…just a little.

"Oh. Right now?" Rhiannon asked.

"Well, I presume as close to 'now' as ever." The Sheriff replied, rather perplexed by her response.

"Can't it wait?" Rhiannon asked.

"Rhiannon, she wants to show you her wedding gown." The Sheriff said. "I'm sure she won't want to wait on you all day." He added.

"That was supposed to be my gown." Rhiannon whispered.

"My lady?" The Sheriff asked.

"I offered it to her. I wanted her to have it because heaven knows what she would have done. But now… I feel strange about it." Rhiannon said. "I know I shouldn't, but I do."

"She'll be disappointed it you don't go." The Sheriff pointed out.

"It's just…well, it's a beautiful gown. Now Madam Oberon must start from the beginning on mine. What if… mine is ugly?" Rhiannon mused.

The Sheriff chuckled. "You can't be serious?" He said.

"It's a possibility isn't it?" Rhiannon asked.

"My lady, you will be positively radiant. I don't know why you'd worry about it? Madam Oberon is not known for creating unattractive attire." The Sheriff reassured.

"She has been so busy making other people's gowns: Lady Brigid, Lady Meridwyn, Lady _" She caught herself and swallowed. Her face flushed.

"Who else, Rhiannon?" The Sheriff asked.

"I've forgotten her name. Another woman in the village. She was there on Tuesday, picking up her gown."

"Really?" The Sheriff remarked suspiciously. Was she going to say: 'Lady Marian'? Is this the secret she's been hiding? That would explain the arrogance. Marian is rubbing off on her if his assumption was right!

"The point is that Madam Oberon might be worn out from making the other ones. By the time she gets to mine, it will be thrown together hodgepodge, because she'll be too tired of making gowns to care about it!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

His eyebrow shot north. She was truly serious! She was behaving like a young school girl.

"Rhiannon. Get a hold of yourself. You know you're being irrational." The Sheriff said.

"I am not being irrational!" Rhiannon cried out.

"Well you had better find a way to calm yourself because you're going to see Lady Meridwyn." The Sheriff stated adamantly.

"Who are you to tell me what I should do?" Rhiannon challenged.

The Sheriff sighed. "You know what you must do, whether or not I tell you to do it." The Sheriff said.

She stood staring at him rather speechless. She hated to admit it, but he was right.

"Yes." She sighed. "This is going to be difficult. I just know Meridwyn's gown will be stunning." Rhiannon said.

The Sheriff shook his head and grinned. "My lady, when it comes to this matter, you really are being irrational. You shall be the most beautiful bride in all of England. I'm certain of it. No matter what you'll be wearing, I know I won't be able to take my eyes off of you." He smiled.

She looked up at him. "Really?"

"Yes. Now, go." The Sheriff said.

She smiled and started to leave the chamber then stopped at the door to turn around.

"Where am I going?" Rhiannon asked.

The Sheriff looked at her suspiciously. Was she being serious?

"What?" The Sheriff asked, incredulous.

"Where is it you're sending me?" Rhiannon asked.

"Guy's private chambers." The Sheriff replied slowly.

"Oh. Why do I have to go there?" She asked.

The Sheriff was stunned. He walked toward her. "Tell me you're joking." The Sheriff said, his eyes narrowed upon her.

"No. I forgot where you told me I was going is all." Rhiannon lied. She was so frustrated. Why couldn't she remember? The only good thing was she still felt good from the potion.

"What's going on, Rhiannon?" The Sheriff asked.

"Nothing!" Rhiannon exclaimed. "Why do I have to go there? Just tell me!"

"We just spoke of it. Why can't you remember some things only moments after they're spoken?" The Sheriff asked as he placed his hands upon her shoulders.

"I'm just tired. Can you just tell me?" Rhiannon pleaded.

"Lady Meridwyn has summoned you." The Sheriff said. He searched her eyes with his. She was staring but not looking at him. Her pupils were unusually large.

"Are you unwell, my lady?" The Sheriff asked.

"I have a headache." Rhiannon said flatly.

"Is there anything I can do?" The Sheriff offered.

"Yes. Stop patronizing me!" Rhiannon exclaimed. "I have a headache because everyone is doing their best to annoy me." Rhiannon huffed.

"Well then…don't let me interrupt." The Sheriff said with his eyebrow raised at her. He removed his hands from her shoulders.

She glared at him, then turned and left the room.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Twenty minutes later Rhiannon was standing in the Lieutenant's private chambers. Meridwyn stood near the center of the room, bedecked in her wedding gown, twirling in one spot to show it off to her friend. Just as Rhiannon knew it would be, it was quite spectacular. She swallowed. She could feel a heat rise within her as envy surfaced.

"It's lovely, Meridwyn." Rhiannon choked.

"It's perfect! You think Guy will like it?" Meridwyn asked.

"Of course he will. Now…you should take it off. It's bad luck, and besides, it might get wrinkled." Rhiannon suggested.

Meridwyn looked at her strangely at first. But then once she thought about it, she realized Rhiannon was making sense. "Oh. Right." Meridwyn said. She stepped behind a screen and emerged minutes later wearing a different gown.

"I can't believe I shall be Lady Gisborne in two days!" Meridwyn exclaimed.

"Yes. Are you nervous?" Rhiannon asked.

"No. I'm more eager than anxious. I've known him almost three years. What's there to be nervous about?" Meridwyn said.

"I can think of one thing." Rhiannon said.

"What's that?"

"Loss of freedom." Rhiannon said.

Meridwyn regarded her strangely. "George loves you, Rhiannon. Together you're both stronger. How free would you be if you didn't have him?" Meridwyn asked. She knew that would make her think.

Rhiannon pondered that a moment. "You're right. I wouldn't want to have to live without him." She said. She sighed and looked back to Lady Meridwyn. "Have you always wanted to be a mother?" Rhiannon asked.

"Well, I never really gave much thought to it. I knew it would happen sometime. I knew it would just follow in the natural progression of things." Meridwyn said.

"I don't really want it. Not now." Rhiannon said.

"Is that why you're afraid of getting married?" Meridwyn asked.

Rhiannon began to scratch her arms. For some reason her skin was feeling itchy. "Who said I was afraid of getting married?"

"You did. When you mentioned loss of freedom. It could still happen, Rhiannon. You don't need to be married to find yourself carrying a child." Meridwyn pointed out.

Rhiannon shot Meridwyn a look.

"If you're intimate with the Sheriff, you could easily find yourself in the same situation I'm in." Meridwyn said.

Rhiannon sighed. "Right. Sometimes I forget. I don't want a child, but I want him!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"Welcome to the biggest dilemma faced with women kind. How to have fun without becoming a mother? If someone could solve that problem for us it would be grand!" Meridwyn said.

"That will never happen. No man would ever invent anything like that. All physicians are men. It would take a lady physician to conceive of an idea like that. Can you imagine? A lady physician?" Rhiannon mused.

"You're right. That will never happen." Meridwyn said.

"It's just that…things are good the way they are." Rhiannon began as she walked toward the window. She scratched her arms again. "I love my life with George. I don't wish to share him. Not even with a child. Does that make me a bad person?" Rhiannon wondered.

"No. It doesn't make you a bad person. But when it happens, you shall share it together." Meridwyn stated.

"Whatever." Rhiannon remarked. She stood by the window and gazed out. She began to rub her chest. Why was she so itchy? Meridwyn raised her eyebrow.

"Tell me…" Rhiannon began. "When someone is wanted by the Sheriff, what kind of punishment does that person receive when they are caught?"

"Rhiannon?" Meridwyn said.

"You must know. You've known him longer than I have!" Rhiannon remarked abruptly.

"Well, that all depends on what they're wanted for. In most cases the outlaw is hung." Meridwyn said.

Rhiannon swallowed. She suddenly began scratching her arms again. "What if the person is wanted… alive?"

"Then maybe they won't be executed. I'm not sure. It's just a guess." Meridwyn said.

Rhiannon sighed. She was feeling miserable. The potion! That would make her feel better. She was scratching her arms as she moved toward the door. She turned back to face Meridwyn.

"The gown is lovely, Meridwyn. I need to go. Can we talk later?" Rhiannon pleaded. She was fidgeting a great deal as she stood there.

"Very well." Meridwyn said, trying to conceal her suspicion.

________________________________________________________________________________________

A short while later, Rhiannon was approaching the Sheriff's private chambers. What was wrong with her? Why did she suddenly feel an overpowering need to have a taste of that potion?

When she opened the door into the den, she was startled to see the Sheriff standing there sipping on brandy. Rhiannon let out a scream. The Sheriff jumped.

"You're here!" Rhiannon exclaimed. "God!" She stood there fidgeting, and couldn't stop scratching her arms.

The Sheriff's left eyebrow shot north automatically at her bizarre behaviour. "Yes, my angel. I just brought you a package and decided to partake of some brandy. You seem surprised?" The Sheriff said. Why was she so jumpy?

"Oh dear…" Rhiannon said. She needed to get rid of him. She needed to get into the private chamber. "Don't you have something to do?" She asked.

"My lady?"

She stood there fidgeting and swaying. She was rubbing her arms and now her chest incessantly.

The Sheriff regarded her curiously with his eyes narrowed and walked toward her.

"Damn." Rhiannon muttered.

He came closer and reached out to place his hands upon her shoulders.

"Don't touch me." Rhiannon said a little too abruptly. She looked up at him and sighed. "It's just better if you don't right now." She explained.

"My lady, are you alright?"

"No, but I will be. Where is the package?" Rhiannon asked.

"It's on the bed in the private chamber. Why don't you go and have a look?" The Sheriff smiled. "I'll wait here."

"Will you?" Rhiannon said. She continued to scratch her arms and chest.

"Yes, my lady. I'll be right here." The Sheriff said as he eyed her suspiciously.

"Okay. I'll be right back." Rhiannon said. Then she practically bolted to the private chamber and shut the door behind her, leaving the Sheriff standing there stunned. Why the need to run?

She ran toward the bed and dived to the floor. She shimmied under the bed and grabbed the flask. She stood up, uncapped it, and drank three or four gulps. She sighed. She put the cap back on and looked to the bed. There was a box placed there. She sat the flask upon the bed.

She opened the box. Underneath mounds of tissue she found a garment neatly folded there. It was navy velvet but she couldn't tell just yet what it was. There was a folded piece of parchment there. She picked it up, unfolded it, and began to read:

"Mademoiselle Rhiannon;

I noticed you admiring my gown when you first came for your fitting. I realized the colour would be perfect for you. I wasn't sure what you'd be wearing to Mademoiselle Meridwyn's wedding. I thought maybe you might like something new.

Kindest Regards,

Arianna Oberon."

Rhiannon smiled. She lifted the gown from the box and held it up. It was beautiful.

There was a knock on the door. Curses! She quickly hid the flask among the tissue inside the box.

"Come in." She called out.

The doors opened and the Sheriff stood there before her.

"Well, are you going to show me? I know what was in the package." The Sheriff grinned as he came toward her.

She smiled, and she didn't know why but her eyes watered.

"Rhiannon?" The Sheriff asked. Was that tears in her eyes?

"Look what Madam Oberon made for me. It's beautiful!" Rhiannon said as she held it up to show him. Then her eyes were downcast and she draped the garment over her arm.

"Yes, my angel. But why do you seem melancholy?" He asked.

"I insulted her earlier. And I wasn't very nice to Meridwyn. And now I feel…stupid." Lady Rhiannon said.

She was confused in that moment. The itching was gone. So was the nervousness. She managed to take that away. But why couldn't she just feel good? Maybe she needed more of the potion?

"We all make mistakes, my lady. I'm sure you were fine." The Sheriff said.

"I couldn't stand to look at it a moment longer. I told her to take it off – that it was bad luck." Rhiannon confessed.

"Lady Meridwyn, you mean?" The Sheriff asked.

"Yes."

"I'm sure she didn't even notice." The Sheriff reassured.

"I hope so." Rhiannon said.

The Sheriff suddenly noticed how much calmer she seemed than when she was in the den just moments ago.

"Are you feeling better now?" The Sheriff asked.

"What? Who said I didn't feel well?" Rhiannon said.

"You did, a moment ago." The Sheriff pointed out. "I asked if you were alright. You said: 'No, but I will be.' You must have brilliant powers of prediction, my dear, because you certainly seem calmer to me." The Sheriff hinted with his left eyebrow raised.

"Do I?" Rhiannon remarked. She shrugged and went to the bed. She almost put the gown back in the box but remembered the flask was in there.

He walked toward her. "What was wrong with you when you were out in the den? I've never seen you like that before." The Sheriff said.

"I don't know. I just felt strange." Rhiannon said.

"Are you with child?" The Sheriff asked.

"What? God! No!" Rhiannon exclaimed. "Don't even say that!"

"My lady?"

"No. I'm not sick. I'm not with child. I'm just…I don't know. I'm not sleeping well." Rhiannon lied.

"Yes. You had a nightmare two nights ago." The Sheriff recalled.

"Why won't they just go away? For all the vile potion I'm drinking, I shouldn't be able to remember!" Rhiannon blurted.

"Is that so?" The Sheriff pried.

She realized her mistake. "Well, I've been drinking it every morning – for almost a fortnight now." Rhiannon said.

"The quantity looked pretty small from what I could see." The Sheriff pointed out.

"It's not working. But it has to!" Rhiannon said. Her eyes closed. She began to sway.

"Rhiannon!" The Sheriff called out to her. He caught her in his arms. She opened her eyes to look at him but her eyelids fluttered. Her eyes were glazed over again.

"My lady Rhiannon!" The Sheriff exclaimed.

"Mmm?" Rhiannon whispered as she tried to focus. She reached up and put her hand to her forehead.

"Speak to me, damnit!" The Sheriff commanded. What was happening to her? She'd been acting even more peculiarly since returning from her visit with Lady Meridwyn?

"My lord." She said. "Oh, my head hurts." She whispered.

"My angel, you're not well. Let me send for Lady Margaret or Mortianna." The Sheriff suggested.

"No!" Rhiannon remarked defiantly as her eyes flew open.

"You clearly need attending to." The Sheriff advised.

"I don't need anybody." Rhiannon countered.

"Well, maybe you should rest awhile." The Sheriff suggested.

"Perhaps." Rhiannon relented.

He led her to the bed. She sat down then reclined back against the soft silky pillows. He moved toward the box to remove it from the bed.

"Don't touch that!" Rhiannon said a little too quickly.

"My lady?"

"I'll move it later." Rhiannon smiled.

The Sheriff shook his head slightly. "As you wish, my lady." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She smiled at him then he moved toward the door.

"George?" Rhiannon called out to him weakly.

He turned around. "Yes, my lady?" He replied.

"Don't send for them. I'll be fine." Rhiannon said.

"Tell you what…" The Sheriff began. "I'll give you two hours to be fine. And if you're not fine by then…you lose." He said.

She sighed. "Fine." She said.

He closed the door behind him and went straight through the door that led down into Mortianna's apothecary. He opened the door at the foot of the stairs and called out to Mortianna. She greeted him in moments.

"My child. What troubles thee?" Mortianna asked.

"Tell me, Mortianna. What are the symptoms of thorn apple seed poisoning?" The Sheriff asked.

Mortianna raised her eyebrow. "Why? Lady Rhiannon can't be poisoned. I'm giving her a very weak concentration." Mortianna reminded him.

"I know. But remember what you told me about not wanting her to hoard it?" The Sheriff asked. He sighed. "I think she might be stealing it from you." The Sheriff said.

"Impossible. I would know!" Mortianna said.

"Just tell me the signs. I need to know. She is not right, Madam!" The Sheriff implored her.

"Very well." Mortianna said. He followed her as she moved to the large table beside her cauldron. Her book of shadows was lying on the table. She opened it and flipped through the pages until she found the reference she was seeking.

"Ahh, yes. Here it is." Mortianna said.

"What does it say?" The Sheriff asked, as he cast his eyes down upon the book.

"The herb causes sedation, lack of will, amnesia…wait. Here's more of what you seek: signs of poisoning include dry mouth, blurred vision, dilated pupils, confusion, combative behaviour, seeing or hearing things that are not present, itching that is relieved when the potion is taken, headache…" Mortianna recited.

The Sheriff's head shot up abruptly. "What did you say about the itching part?" The Sheriff asked, his eyebrow raised.

Mortianna looked back down at the book and began to scan the page. "Right." She said. "Itching that is relieved when the potion is taken. Oh, it also says that about nervousness too. That subjects may be jumpy or fidgety which subsides when the potion is taken." Mortianna said.

The Sheriff closed his eyes, sighed, and shook his head. Not long ago in the den Rhiannon stood there incessantly scratching her arms and her chest. She was jumpy and constantly fidgeting. But when he saw her again moments later in the private chamber, she was no longer jumpy, or continuing to scratch! His eyes flew open. She must have had some potion hidden somewhere in there! That's why she was so startled to see him standing in the den. She needed the drug and she needed it fast. But she didn't expect to have company! He sighed.

"Keep an eye on your inventory, Madam. She's stealing from you alright." The Sheriff said.

"You're certain?" Mortianna asked.

"As certain as there is a sun and a moon." The Sheriff said.

"Was she itching or jumpy to you at some point?" Mortianna pried.

"Yes. Not very long ago, in fact." The Sheriff replied.

Mortianna sighed. "That's not good. That means she's grown dependant on it." She said.

Mortianna moved toward the shelves. She reached up and pulled down two large flasks. "Oh, no." Mortianna sighed.

"What is it?" The Sheriff asked.

"There should be more here. I don't know why I never noticed it?" Mortianna said.

"I'm telling you, she has a stash of it hidden somewhere! But the best way of catching her is to find out how she is stealing it from you." The Sheriff hinted.

"How do you propose we do that?" Mortianna asked.

"I could hide somewhere here and watch her while she's here to take the potion. She must be getting it somehow. We need to know how she does it." He said.

"Indeed. Come early in the morning, then I shall call for her." Mortianna said.

"I was hoping you would say that." The Sheriff said.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Rhiannon awakened just before dawn on Sunday. She was restless and jumpy. She slid out of the bed quietly and moved to the floor. She stretched out prone and was reaching under the bed when the Sheriff began to stir in his sleep. She sighed. This was not going to work. She got up and sat in front of the bed hugging her knees to her chest. Every time she moved to retrieve the flask from under the bed, the Sheriff began to move around. So she waited. She waited a very long time…

When the Sheriff awoke, dawn was just breaking. He reached over while his eyes were still closed to touch his lady. He felt around but she wasn't in reach. His eyes flew open and he sat up. He scanned the room. He blinked when he saw her sitting on the floor. She had her knees drawn up to her chest as she held them there, and she was rocking back and forth staring at the floor in front of her, facing the bed.

"Rhiannon? Are you alright?" The Sheriff asked as he quickly arose from the bed and went to her.

"Yes. Just restless. I couldn't sleep and didn't want to wake you." She said. She began to scratch her arms. Then she stood up and began to frantically pace in front of him, all the while scratching her arms and rubbing her chest.

The Sheriff slowly shook his head. She wasn't paying attention anyway. A look of concern spread across his face. It was just barely dawn and look at her…she was already desperate for it! He liked to see energy, but watching her was making him tired. She was manic! He sighed. He couldn't act any differently toward her. He'd never catch her in the act if he showed too much concern.

"Well, look, I'm awake now. Why don't you at least come and sit on the bed?" The Sheriff suggested.

She exhaled a sigh then came toward him. She went to the bed and seated herself. He sat down beside her.

"Nightmares again, my lady?" The Sheriff asked.

She looked over at him and smiled. "Yes." Rhiannon said as she continued to scratch her arms and her chest. She crossed one leg over the other and began to bounce her foot back and forth. After a few minutes of this, the Sheriff wanted to hit her leg. This was madness! She was bouncing all over the place! How much of this stuff had she taken? The Sheriff wondered. He stood up, then he began to get dressed.

"You're leaving already?" Rhiannon feigned her disappointment. Normally she would be disappointed, but she needed to get rid of him, for now.

"I'll be back, my angel. I won't be long." The Sheriff said.

Rhiannon looked at him curiously as she began to scratch her arms again. "Alright." She said.

As soon as the doors closed behind him, she moved to the floor. She crouched down under the bed and grabbed the flask. She uncapped it, took a few sips, then placed the flask back under the bed. She climbed back on the bed and lay against the pillows. She felt better already. She didn't like the itching that just suddenly started. But the potion helped. Her resources were getting low. She was going to have to ration what she had, and try to obtain more. She was beginning to feel warmed, content, and relaxed. She smiled and closed her eyes. She hugged her lover's pillow next to her breathing in his scent. It would suffice until he returned.

Ten minutes later she was blissfully beginning to doze. The doors opened. She stirred slightly but her eyes remained closed. The Sheriff entered holding a tray with cinnamon pastry, eggs, and fresh squeezed juice. He placed it on the table beside the bed. He looked down at her. She was calm and completely content. Her face was relaxed, her eyes were closed, and she had a smile upon her face. That could only mean one thing. She took some potion after he left. Just as he knew in his gut she would. That's why he did it - to test her. In fact, it was more of test to himself - to prove his own theory that she was stealing Mortianna's potion. Except the outcome he was looking for was to prove that he was wrong. He sighed. She definitely had her own supply of Mortianna's potion.

"Rhiannon?" He whispered.

She opened her eyes. They glistened like glass. "Mmm. There you are my dear, dark prince." Rhiannon purred. "I was hoping you wouldn't be gone too long." She said.

She was a completely different person from the woman he left only fifteen minutes ago.

"I brought you a tray." The Sheriff said.

"How sweet. You are so good to me." Rhiannon whispered.

"You reap what you sow, my love." The Sheriff smiled.

She smiled. "Just tell me one thing." Rhiannon said.

"Okay." The Sheriff said.

"Did you bring me some water?"

"No." He replied.

"Oh. That's too bad." Rhiannon sighed.

"I have juice for you instead." The Sheriff said.

She smiled as her eyes closed. "I'm grateful, my love. But I think I want to close my eyes, just for a little bit." Rhiannon said.

The Sheriff leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Sweet dreams, my beautiful lady." He whispered.

An hour later he was down in Mortianna's lair.

"It's good we're going to get to the bottom of this." The Sheriff said. "That potion has her in a bad way. You'll see."

"Is she worse?" Mortianna asked.

"She was practically bouncing off the walls and the furniture when I awoke this morning! I decided to go and get her a tray. When I brought it back she was relaxed and content." The Sheriff said.

Mortianna clicked her tongue against her palette a few beats. "Dear Zeus! She must be taking a lot of it!" Mortianna said.

"You think?" The Sheriff remarked facetiously. "It was only dawn and she was already craving it!" He huffed.

Mortianna sighed.

"Where can I hide, Mortianna?" The Sheriff asked.

"Come… over here." Mortianna beckoned. She took him to a hallway that went off from the main room. It was between where the small table was and the area where the large table, cauldron, and Mortianna's implements were.

"You can stand here and peak around the corner. It's dark, she won't see you." Mortianna said.

"You're sure?" He asked.

"Yes. Take your place and I shall send for her." Mortianna instructed.

He went in and put his back against the wall. Mortianna went to pull the cord to ring the bell in the den for Lady Rhiannon's signal.

She entered moments later. She was wearing her pale orange gown that had white organza sleeves that was embellished with delicate white ribbons.

"Hello, Mortianna. I'm here." Rhiannon called.

The Sheriff peaked around the corner. He'd never seen the gown before. She looked radiant in it. He swallowed. He felt somewhat guilty for spying on her, but he didn't know how else to help her.

"Come, my child." Mortianna beckoned. "Take a seat." She motioned to the chair at the small table.

Rhiannon obeyed. The Sheriff watched as Mortianna came toward him to walk past him to obtain her supplies. She purposely ignored him which worked perfectly. Rhiannon would never suspect. The witch picked up a small vial, a bowl, and a small stick then went back to where Lady Rhiannon was seated. She put them down upon the table.

"How do you feel?" Mortianna began the daily round of questioning.

"Fine." Rhiannon replied.

"Any ill effects?"

"None whatsoever." Rhiannon said.

The Sheriff shook his head. She was completely disillusioned!

"What memory are you trying to erase?" Mortianna asked.

"Him. The man who held me prisoner." Rhiannon said. "Must we go over this every blessed day?" She added angrily.

The Sheriff raised his eyebrow at her outburst. But she was only getting started.

"Yes, my child." Mortianna said. "What did the man do?" She pried.

"He hurt me! God! Just give it to me!" Rhiannon shrieked.

The Sheriff's eyes widened as he watched her. She was completely beside herself.

Mortianna raised an eyebrow. She began to stir the mixture in the bowl. When she was satisfied it was appropriately mixed, she picked up the vial with one hand and the bowl with the other. She carefully poured from the bowl into the vial. Then she sat the bowl back down on the table.

Rhiannon extended her hand out toward Mortianna.

"Give it to me!" Rhiannon demanded.

Mortianna passed the vial to her. Rhiannon grabbed it and quickly brought it to her lips. She tilted her head back to pour it in her mouth. The Sheriff shook his head. She drank from the vial like a man in a desert would drink water if he suddenly found an oasis!

She gave the vial back to Mortianna. "Some ale, Mortianna?" Rhiannon asked.

"Oh, yes. I forgot." Mortianna said. She turned and went back toward the large table. The Sheriff kept his eyes on Rhiannon. Her hands went to her lap. He was to the right of her. He could see her put her right hand in the pocket of her gown. She fiddled with it a moment then brought something out of it. It was small. His eyebrow shot north. He looked to his left. Mortianna was trying to find the ale. The Sheriff shot his glance back to the right toward Rhiannon. She was reaching for the bowl. She lifted it from the table with her left hand, and brought her right hand up from her lap. Whatever was in her hand must have been a small jar or vial to pour the liquid into!

"Here it is, my child." Mortianna said.

The Sheriff was startled by the crone's voice but kept his gaze in the direction of Rhiannon. She looked to be muttering something, no doubt curses, and put the bowl back. Then she returned her right hand to her pocket.

So she didn't get more for her supply…this time! The Sheriff shook his head. The potion must've really taken a hold of her. She was certainly being brazen about stealing it.

Mortianna arrived at the table and passed the cup of ale to Rhiannon. Rhiannon drank the entire contents from it. Mortianna smiled then turned to take the cup back to the large table.

The Sheriff watched Rhiannon reach for the bowl again. She looked to her lap, then she shrugged. She turned her head in Mortianna's direction, then she brought the bowl up to her lips and drank from it. His jaw flew agape. If he wasn't seeing it, he never would've believed it! She put the bowl back and wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

"Are we finished, Mortianna?" Rhiannon asked.

"Yes, my child. I will see you on the morrow. Twenty four hours from hence." Mortianna said.

Rhiannon nodded, then bolted for the stairs.

A few minutes later the Sheriff came out from his vantage point in the hallway.

"You were right. Her demeanor is different." Mortianna said.

The Sheriff nodded. His eyes downcast.

"Did you see anything?" Mortianna asked.

"When you went to get her the ale, she extracted something small from her pocket. I couldn't see it – maybe a jar or a vial. She reached for the bowl and was going to transfer the potion from it to whatever was in her hand." The Sheriff said shaking his head.

"And then?" Mortianna asked.

"You caught her off guard and her plan failed." The Sheriff replied. "But when you took the cup back, I watched her pick up the bowl and drink from it!" The Sheriff spat.

"She has grown dependant on it." Mortianna said solemnly.

"Now what?" The Sheriff mused.

"We do this again, tomorrow. Now that I know how she does it, I can give her more time to accomplish her task." Mortianna hinted.

"Yes." The Sheriff grinned. "Right. I shall see you on the morrow." He said.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later they were gathered in the reception hall outside of the cathedral. The same place her first caught sight of her. Mass had just finished. The Sheriff and Guy and their ladies were speaking with the Bishop of Hereford. After a time, Rhiannon started to fidget and began to scratch her arms. The Sheriff noticed right away but tried not to show a reaction.

"Excuse me." She said as she looked up at him. Then she turned and made her way back toward the door.

As the Sheriff watched her leave he began to slowly shake his head.

"Is she alright, my Lord?" The Bishop inquired.

The Sheriff turned back to face him. "No, but she will be." He replied sarcastically. Then he started on his way after her.

Rhiannon was almost to the door when she heard a voice.

"Psst…Rhiannon." A voice called out.

Rhiannon looked to her right. In the shadows there was a figure. The figure stepped out into the light. It was Lady Marian. Rhiannon walked toward her.

The Sheriff kept walking and as he did he scanned his field of vision looking for any sign of her. As he neared the door he thought he heard women talking. He couldn't see them but he walked slowly in the direction of their voices. He was standing near a pillar and peaked around it. He adjusted his vision in the dark by blinking. One of the maidens was definitely Lady Rhiannon. She was talking to another maiden. Who was she?

"It's got to be time for you to return to wherever it is you came from isn't it?" Rhiannon asked sarcastically.

"When I finish settling my affairs." The maiden said.

He knew that voice. He squinted as he studied her. Was that… Lady Marian?

"What do you want from me?" Lady Rhiannon said.

"To tell you the truth." Lady Marian said.

"Lady Marian, it's time you face it. You and I can never be friends. It can never be." Rhiannon said.

"Well, it's good I'm only going to be in Nottingham a short time isn't it?" Lady Marian remarked.

"You loved Robin. I love the Sheriff. Nothing you can say to me will change that." Rhiannon said as she absently began to scratch her arms and her chest.

The Sheriff sighed as he watched her.

"I hope he appreciates your devotion. I think it's misguided, myself." Lady Marian said. She noticed Rhiannon scratching herself. "What is wrong with you, anyway?" She asked Rhiannon.

"An adverse reaction to you!" Lady Rhiannon spat.

The Sheriff managed to stifle a laugh. Rhiannon turned on her heel and took her leave.

The Sheriff came out from the wings and advanced toward Lady Marian. She had her back to him. He put his hand out to her shoulder and completely caught her off guard. She jumped and turned around.

"Oh!" She said.

"Fancy that…us meeting like this." The Sheriff said briskly.

"I did not expect to see you." Lady Marian stammered.

"Don't insult me, Marian. You knew I'd be here. You know damn well that Lady Rhiannon and I plan to be wed. I know all about it." The Sheriff seethed.

"Well…congratulations. You're smarter than I thought." Lady Marian said.

"What were you doing? What have you told my lady?" The Sheriff demanded with his eyebrow raised.

"I haven't had the chance to say very much. She is so blindly infatuated with you she won't listen to me. Seems a shame. She's a nice lady. If she wasn't affiliated with you I could picture being friends with her. I thought she deserved a warning. Turns out I discovered you met your perfect match." Marian said sarcastically.

"You can bet on it." The Sheriff snarled.

She pulled away from him. "Don't waste your time on me, dear Sheriff. Your lady went that way." Marian said as she pointed toward the door.

"Stay away from her, Marian." The Sheriff warned. Marian just gave him a knowing smirk.

"I'm warning you." The Sheriff seethed.

"What are you going to do? Attempt to rape me again? Did you mention that to her, or did that just slip your mind?" Marian challenged him.

The Sheriff clenched his jaw and sighed. He looked to the floor. "Get out of my sight." He said evenly.

Marian inched closer toward him. "Oh, come on…don't you want to hit me? Don't you want to hurt me… just a little bit?" Marian asked. She stopped when she was just inches away from him. He looked up and into her almond shaped brown eyes. If she didn't have such an ugly soul, he could love her.

"Now, where's that Sheriff that I remember? What happened to him? Aww, did the lion turn into the pussycat?" Marian taunted.

The Sheriff shook his head. "You have gone… completely daft." The Sheriff said slowly. "It's a shame, really. You're even worse than you used to be!" He spat.

"You know, if you once… just once – treated me like a lady, I might've chosen you over him." Lady Marian said.

The Sheriff stared at her. "You didn't give me a reason to treat you like a lady." He said.

"You were a handsome devil. The operative word being - 'devil'. The trouble was, once I got to know you, I couldn't see it any longer." Marian said.

"You're wasting my time." The Sheriff growled.

"She doesn't deserve you. You know it right down to your core. She's too good for you. And one day she's going to know the truth. Whether or not she hears it from me, don't worry – she'll know. I'm not the only one who remembers the real you and that den of iniquity you call a castle!" Lady Marian said evenly.

"Stay away from her." The Sheriff warned. Then he turned and went on his way.

When he went back into the private chamber, Lady Rhiannon was standing facing the mirror with her back to him. She was smoothing her shiny sable hair. She appeared completely calm. She'd already taken it! If he hadn't bothered to speak to Marian he would've found out where she was hiding it. He immediately chastised himself. She turned around.

"I knew you wouldn't be long. Was it getting boorish for you too?" Lady Rhiannon suggested.

The Sheriff smiled. "Yes. I suppose it was." He said as he walked toward her.

"How much longer do we have to kiss up to him? Must we endure mass every Sunday until we are wed?" Lady Rhiannon asked.

"We really should. You know I'd rather do anything but. Still, I think it's necessary." The Sheriff said.

"God. I'd do anything to get out of it!" Rhiannon said.

"Never tempt fate, my lady." The Sheriff said.

A little more than twenty four hours later, those words they just spoke would haunt him.