On Monday morning, Rhiannon found herself to be restless again when she awakened. She slowly slid out of the bed and quietly went to the floor. She sat down there a moment and looked up. He was sound asleep. She leaned forward until she was prone and slithered under the bed like a snake honing in on its prey. She grabbed the flask and came out. When she was sitting against the bed, she looked up over her left shoulder. She couldn't really see him, but all was quiet. She uncapped the flask and began to drink. Then she crept along the floor again and returned the flask to its hiding spot. She sighed. She felt warmed. She felt energized, yet relaxed all at the same time. She got up and went to the table, and chased down the vile potion with some ale, then went and sat on the bed beside the Sheriff. She looked down at him and smiled. He was so handsome lying there. His tousled raven hair glistened in the morning light. His chest was bare, he wasn't wearing a shirt. The smooth skin of his muscled chest beckoned her. She leaned down and breathed into his ear and began to lightly caress his chest. He moaned an inaudible response at first, then realization slowly dawned on him. The corners of his mustache slowly upturned in a satisfying grin.

"My lady." He whispered.

She leaned in and kissed him softly. Her lips barely touched his. He leaned in to taste more of her but she stopped.

"In a little more than a fortnight from now, we will be married." Rhiannon said.

"Yes?" The Sheriff asked, curiously.

"Will you still want me when I am your wife?" Rhiannon smiled coyly.

"I shall always want you, Rhiannon." The Sheriff whispered. He pulled her down and began to kiss her hungrily. Then he pushed her onto her back and straddled her.

"You're my dream come true, my handsome dark haired prince." She said. She blinked her eyes a few times and squinted. The light from the window was bothering her. Her eyes looked glassy again and the pupils were large. Considering the light coming in the window, the Sheriff found this to be curious. She was practically purring lying there. Suddenly, he knew. She drank some of the potion before he awoke! He closed his eyes a moment and sighed. Did she even know what she was doing? What about Friday in the dining hall? She completely astonished him then…in a good way. But was that just an act as a result of the drug? He'd never known her to be so brazenly demonstrable before. Would she have done that without the potion? He thought about it. She might behave like that if they were alone, but she'd never behave like that in the company of others. He knew she wouldn't. He sighed. It was the potion. Everything was the potion. It wasn't her speaking to him, or trying to seduce him…it was the damned potion!

"Well, it's sure taking you long enough to respond to my compliment." Rhiannon said. "Where are you, my love? Can't you see your lady yearns for you?" She winked.

God she could be so damn alluring! Why did she have to do this to him? Now he was feeling guilt about his plan to spy on her in Mortianna's lair.

"Hey?" Rhiannon said. "What's wrong with you? You act as if it's you who shall be married this day?"

"Oh, it is nothing, my lady." The Sheriff said.

"I know you have nothing on your agenda this morning, because your cousin's wedding is in a few hours. I won't need to be at Mortianna's for quite awhile yet, and here we are…awake." Lady Rhiannon hinted.

"Yes, my angel." The Sheriff sighed. He wanted to be angry with her for seducing him when she was high on the potion, but her sensual appeal caused his body to respond. As a result, all logic was lost.

"God, you're beautiful." The Sheriff whispered. He wasn't sure if she heard him. He was speaking more to the real her anyway.

"You're quite special yourself, sugar." Rhiannon said.

"Why do you do this? Spoil me like this?" The Sheriff asked.

"Because it's obvious you've been loved by the wrong maidens. You deserve to have it good. I never want your eyes to stray away from me. So I intend to make it better every time." Lady Rhiannon said.

"My lady, you don't have to try. You're perfect as you are. Even imperfect, you're perfect to me. I could never love another." The Sheriff said solemnly. For, he was speaking from the heart. No matter how much of a hold that potion had on her, he didn't care. He still loved her. He was going to help her break free from its grasp. He had to!

"You don't know what it does to me when you say such sweet things to me. Sometimes I wonder if I'm dreaming? You know, I bet you make me as happy as I make you." Rhiannon said.

"I doubt it." The Sheriff smiled.

"But you do. And that's why I want so much to please you." She said as she opened her gown. He gasped. He bent down and kissed her breasts, then slowly made his way up to her soft, open mouth. She reached down and began to stroke him lightly initially, then gradually increasing the rhythm and the pressure. He exhaled a sigh. Soon they were all over each other, exploring each other's bodies in a frenzy of passion.

Afterward, he lay supine and she was nestled against his chest.

"Mmm…don't fall asleep, my sweet prince." She purred.

He sighed. He began to stroke her hair and leaned over to kiss her cheek. She closed her eyes and smiled. He frowned. This was going to be even worse for him later, when he would confront her at Mortianna's. Rhiannon would figure out he planned it all along. Then she would feel used when she remembered what they did just now. Curses! He should never have given in to her! She reached down suddenly and took him in her hand.

"Don't fall asleep on me, sugar." She purred again. "Your lady needs you again."

Damn! Why was she doing this? He'd be lucky if she was speaking to him in a week from today! He wanted to kick himself. Because he gave in to her… again.

Luckily, she fell into a blissful sleep afterward. A little more than an hour later, he was able to make his escape to Mortianna's lair without her noticing.

He was nervous. Today was different. They were going to bait her. And then the Sheriff would have to confront her. But after the beautifully blissful morning they just spent together, he knew that very soon she was going to be angry with him. He shook his head. He had to do this! This was poisonous stuff she was playing around with! His back was against the wall in the hallway again. Mortianna had just rung the bell a few moments ago. Finally, he heard her voice.

"Mortianna?" Rhiannon called out.

"Yes, my child. Come. Your potion is ready." Mortianna said. Rhiannon went to the small table. The usual supplies were already waiting there - all but the cup of ale that Rhiannon always chased the potion down with.

The Sheriff peered around the corner and watched. Mortianna stirred the mixture in the bowl. Then she began the process of pouring a small measure into the vial. She passed it to Rhiannon. Rhiannon wondered why Mortianna didn't ask the usual questions, but she took it and drank from it eagerly just as she had the day before. "It's so bitter!" Rhiannon spat.

"Yes, but that's why it works." Mortianna said. "Oh, wait, I forgot to have the ale waiting for you again." Mortianna added. The witch walked toward the supply area in the direction where the Sheriff stood. He kept his gaze in Rhiannon's direction. Now - for the moment of truth…

Once again he watched as her right hand travelled to her pocket. She kept her eyes on Mortianna as she searched her pocket. Then she extracted it. He still couldn't tell what the object was. She picked up the bowl from the table and began to pour from it into whatever was in her hand. Then she did something to it – he suspected put a cap on it, and went to put it into her pocket. But it clumsily dropped from her hand, sliding down her gown and onto the floor and rolled in his direction. Oddly, it didn't break. Rhiannon was looking toward the floor but couldn't see it. Mortianna started to walk toward her.

"Here you are, my child." Mortianna said. She looked up and was startled to see Lady Rhiannon underneath the table.

"My child? What are you doing down on the floor?" Mortianna asked, suspiciously.

Think, Rhiannon willed herself. Finally, it came to her. "I was playing with my ring and I dropped it." Rhiannon replied without looking up.

The Sheriff took his cue and came out of the shadows slowly. He walked a few steps, then stopped to bend down. There was a small vial on the floor in front of him. He picked it up, and slowly made his way toward her. He stopped when he was a few inches from her. Suddenly, she saw his boots approaching in front of her. She looked up. She let out a gasp.

"Is this what you're looking for, my lady?" The Sheriff asked as he held it out to show her.

"Give me that!" Rhiannon shouted as she stood up. "It's mine!"

"No, my dear. I think you've had enough." The Sheriff remarked.

Suddenly she kicked him. He let out a groan and bent down. As he did so, his palm opened and the vial fell from his hand. She caught it in her hands and backed away. He looked up then straightened. He slowly walked toward her.

"Rhiannon. Give it to me!" He demanded.

"No." Rhiannon said. She began to take the cap off it as she continued to back away. He moved in toward her quickly but he was still too late. She brought it up to her lips and drank all from her vial.

"I hope you enjoyed that, my lady. For, you just tasted your last of the magic potion." The Sheriff said.

"That's what you think." Rhiannon said.

"Oh, I know all about your personal supply. Don't worry, it will be found." The Sheriff said gruffly.

Rhiannon stood staring at him a moment. Then she bolted for the stairs. She was going to hide it the Sheriff realized. He let out a growl and went after her.

She was walking toward the bed in the private chamber when the doors threw open.

"Where are you hiding it?" The Sheriff demanded. "Somewhere in here, but where?" He muttered.

"It's gone." Rhiannon said.

"Don't lie to me, Rhiannon. It won't hurt me, but it will hurt you if you keep taking this wretched poison!" The Sheriff exclaimed. He walked closer until he was inches from her. "Can't you see what it's doing to you?" He asked.

"I like what it does for me, most of the time." Rhiannon said.

"You can't keep going on like this. I'm going to find it. I know you're keeping it somewhere in this room!" He spat. "Now…if I were a bottle of poison, where would I be?" The Sheriff said slowly as he looked around. He walked over to her trunk.

"Don't do this!" Rhiannon shrieked.

He stopped in front of her trunk. "Is it in here, my love? Do you want to come over here and open it, or shall I?" The Sheriff asked with his eyebrow raised. She stared at him but didn't respond.

He threw open the lid of the trunk. He began to rummage through it, pulling out various garments and trinkets and casting them to the floor.

"Stop!" Rhiannon shouted.

He got up and went to the table below the mirror. There were a few items sitting there. He picked them up: a comb, her scarf, a flask of rosewater she liked to splash on her skin after bathing. He muttered curses. It wasn't there! He turned around to face her.

"Where is it, Rhiannon!" The Sheriff demanded.

"Where is…what?" She choked.

"Where is the damned potion! I know you have your own personal supply in here. Don't you dare try to deny it! I could practically tell you the approximate times over the last few days you drank of it!" The Sheriff barked.

"You know nothing of it." Rhiannon said.

"I know more than you know. And I also know that poison could be the death of you if you don't tell me where it is." The Sheriff said sternly.

Rhiannon sighed. "Not today." She said quietly.

He shook his head, incredulous. "What?" He asked.

"Please don't do this to me today, George. Please not today!" Rhiannon said.

"Rhiannon?"

"You know. You've figured it out. Maybe that's a good thing. And if you know, you also know how I get when I need it now. This is Sir Guy and Lady Meridwyn's wedding day. Can't I just get through that first?" Rhiannon pleaded with him.

"So you're admitting you do have it then?" The Sheriff asked with his eyebrow raised.

She sighed. "Yes. Just let me get through today, please my Lord." She asked.

"Do you promise to surrender it to me after the wedding feast is over?" The Sheriff asked.

"Yes. I will." Rhiannon said.

He sighed. "Alright. But if you don't give it to me, I will find it. I promise you. You won't need to be seeing Mortianna on the morrow." He said.

"Yes. I thought so." Rhiannon sighed. "But what about the nightmares, the memory of…him?"

"We'll get through it, my angel." The Sheriff said as he held her to him.

___________________________________________________________________________________

It was nearing midday. It was rather busy today at the castle gates. Adam, Drake, and Luke couldn't believe their luck at all the local dignitaries who were showing up for the wedding of Sir Guy of Gisborne and his lady. For, the cathedral was beside the castle and protected by the main gates.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Drake remarked to Adam. "You're always complaining we never see anyone of importance."

"This is quite remarkable." Adam said. "An entire day of this too!" He grinned, his grey eyes twinkled.

"Yes. And you two will have to suffer them drunk without me – later tonight." Luke grinned.

"And where will you be?" Drake asked curiously.

"I'm supposed to report for duty outside of the Sheriff's chambers." Luke said.

"My, already?" Adam remarked.

"Yes. I will be taking over for Alfred at dusk." Luke said.

Drake sighed and shook his head. Just then they heard a woman's voice. She was clearing her throat. They turned in front of them. Lady Marian was standing there.

"Lady Marian." Drake greeted. She looked up at him. His brown eyes danced and his dark flowing hair gleamed. She sighed.

"I told you I wouldn't miss this wedding for the world." Marian said.

"Do you have your invitation with you? We shall need to see it again." Drake said.

"Why, yes I do." Marian said. She fumbled in her gown pocket careful not to disturb the other item in there. She found it and pulled it out. She passed it to Drake. He unfolded it and glanced at it, then folded it again.

"That's fine, my lady." Drake said as he gave it back to her.

"You must leave your weapons here." Luke spoke up.

"Now, where on earth would I put a weapon." Marian asked. "I have no weapon with me." She said flatly.

"Where is your horse?" Adam asked.

"I secured it over there." Marian said as she pointed in the direction to her right.

The men nodded. Marian scanned their faces. She zeroed in on the one in the center. The tall dark haired knight she found to be attractive. Too bad he was associated with Nottingham!

Drake swallowed as the pretty auburn haired maiden with the dark almond eyes came toward him then placed her index finger on his chest.

"It's going to be a grand day, I just know it." Marian said, grinning.

"Indeed, my lady." Drake said.

"It's always a shame when such happy festivities must come to an end, however. Isn't that right, gentlemen?" She asked when she removed her finger from Drake.

The men regarded her curiously.

"I'll see you later then, when the party is over." Lady Marian said. The portcullis raised and she went inside the gates.

"I don't think the Sheriff would like her, if he's never met her. Just a feeling I have." Luke said as he watched her walk away.

"For once, I think you're onto something." Adam said. "I think he'd want to strangle her!"

"She certainly is a fair maiden, though." Drake said. "Feisty too."

"Don't tell me you're smitten with her?" Adam exclaimed.

"It is rather curious to wonder if she'd be that feisty in the dark?" Drake mused with an evil grin.

"She'd probably stab you given the opportunity." Luke said.

"Indeed, Luke." Adam agreed. He looked to Drake. "Don't forget, mate, we all agreed that she was one for us to watch." He reminded.

"If she'd stop dropping her less than subtle hints, you'd barely even notice her." Luke pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Drake asked.

"Can't you tell she likes you? She's been looking at you funny for a few days now!" Luke said.

"Is that so?" Drake asked smiling.

"Forget it, Drake. She is bad news." Adam said.

"I didn't like the way she was talking a minute ago." Luke added.

"Yes. I must admit I found that rather peculiar too." Drake said.

"You'd never know it, you couldn't stop staring at her when she said it." Adam remarked.

"There was something about what she said about happy festivities coming to an end." Luke wondered aloud.

"Oh, don't give it any thought, mate. She's just daft. I think we all agreed on that before." Adam said.

Luke nodded. Still there was something about her and what she said moments ago that gave him a bad feeling in his gut. She was up to something. He could feel it.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

In the north of the country in the county of York the rain was just starting. Duke Farnsworth, Richard, and Nigel were traveling over the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. They had just seen the first of the Sheriff's proclamations that appeared in the north.

"That was a brilliant idea the Sheriff came up with!" Nigel said. "I'm sure that will help us."

"Yes, wasn't it?" Duke Farnsworth said. He smiled. For, it was he who suggested the Sheriff commission a local artist to copy the drawings for distribution in his letter to the Sheriff.

"I hope it works. It will be four weeks tomorrow since our group split up and went in different directions." Richard said.

They were traveling down a large hill, approaching the valley below. As they drew closer they saw an older man with balding silver hair approaching them on a horse. He slowed his horse as he advanced closer to them.

"Excuse me." The man said to them.

"Yes?" Duke Farnsworth spoke.

"You're not from this region, are you?" The old man asked.

"No." Richard chuckled. "We're a long way from home."

"You got that right, mate." Nigel quipped.

The old man cleared his throat. "Have you lads been sent by Nottingham?" He asked.

"Indeed we have." The Duke replied slowly as he narrowed his blue eyes upon the man. "Why do you ask?"

"I saw the Sheriff of Nottingham's proclamation today. My eyes may be deceiving me in my advanced years, but I could've sworn I saw one of them not long ago in the market." The man said.

The men all stared at him registering looks of various degrees of wide eyed surprise.

"Which one?" The Duke asked.

"The lady. She was unaccompanied but she had a small babe with her. It looked nothing like her. She had shiny golden hair, and the infant had very dark curly hair. They didn't look at all related. That's what got my attention at first. But then I remembered seeing that poster just moments before and it dawned on me!" The man said excitedly. "I'm certain it is her!"

"Finally…" The Duke sighed.

"I'll be buggered!" Nigel exclaimed. He turned to Richard beside him. "Hit me, mate. For, I must be dreaming!" He said.

Richard rolled his eyes. "Maybe not now, but I just might do that later." He grinned.

"Where is the market?" The Duke asked the old man.

"In the center of the village. You can't miss it. It's just down there." The old man pointed down the hill.

The Duke smiled then nodded to his men. They kicked their horses into a gallop and rode down the hill toward the village.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

The cathedral was filled with guests. The Sheriff and Lady Rhiannon sat in the front row of the cathedral on the left side. The Bishop stood before Guy and Lady Meridwyn. He was asking if anyone knew of any reason why the couple should not be wed. Rhiannon looked at Meridwyn. She was a vision. She had a wreath of orange blossoms in her hair. The gown had an overlay of ivory lace over the fine silk of the bodice. It had a scoop neckline, sleeves that were fitted and flared in a trumpet style at the wrist. A line of delicate ivory bows travelled down the length of the sleeves along the outer aspect of them. The ivory silk skirt was elegant yet simple. And the bride was simply… stunning. Guy wore a black tunic under a black leather coat, black breeches, shiny black boots, and a long black cloak completed his finery.

Rhiannon smiled. She looked up at her soon to be husband. The Sheriff felt her eyes upon him and turned to his right. He found her eyes and cast her a seductive smile. She looked radiant in the dark blue velvet gown she was wearing. It was hard for him to take his eyes off of her.

Lady Marian sat in the back of the cathedral. The voluminous hood of her cape was up. She hated having to be there but she needed to go through the motions of the ceremony then the tedious celebrations in order to accomplish her task. This will be the day. His guard will be down today. It has to be today. She began to yawn as the ceremony commenced.

The Bishop looked to Guy. "Sir Guy of Gisborne: Wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, wilt thou love her, and honour her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a husband should a wife, and forsaking all others, cleave thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?" The Bishop asked.

Guy looked to Lady Meridwyn. "I will." He said with a smile.

The Bishop began the same formality with Lady Meridwyn. Lady Marian began to fidget. This was bothering her more than she thought it would. In fact, she never gave it a moment's thought. But sitting here through a marriage ceremony only made her long for Robin. They would've been married if the Sheriff hadn't killed him. She used to dream of her wedding day. Now those dreams became her nightmares!

"… as a wife should a husband, and forsaking all others, cleave thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live" The Bishop asked Lady Meridwyn.

"I will." She said as she looked up at Guy.

The Sheriff looked down then over at Rhiannon. He suddenly felt nervous. For in two and half week's time, it would be him standing there where his cousin was now. She caught him looking at her and blushed. He smiled. He hoped he would be a good husband to her. He wasn't sure if he would be, but he knew he wanted to. He looked to the front where his cousin and Lady Meridwyn stood. Guy had just finished saying his vows. The Bishop now looked to Meridwyn.

"Repeat these words after me." The Bishop said to her. She nodded.

"I Meridwyn of the House of Borden take thee Sir Guy of the House of Gisborne…" The Bishop directed.

"I Meridwyn of the House of Borden take thee Sir Guy of the House of Gisborne…" Lady Meridwyn said as she looked up at Guy.

The Bishop continued to lead her, and she followed his instruction as she looked to Guy:

"… to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in health, till death do us part, if the holy church will ordain it; And thereto I plight thee my troth." Meridwyn said to her groom.

The Bishop spoke to those gathered in the cathedral. "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." He looked to Guy and Lady Meridwyn. "By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you: man and wife." The Bishop said.

Guy stepped forward and kissed his bride.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The men had just arrived in the market in the heart of the small village down in the valley. They walked through aisles and past several vendors looking for the golden haired maiden with the dark haired baby.

"Curses! It took us too long to get here. She could be long gone by now." Nigel huffed.

"Patience, Nigel." The Duke said. "We ask around. She couldn't have gone too far. My guess is she wasn't far from home if her husband didn't accompany her."

"A very good point, Duke." Richard agreed.

Nigel shook his head as they continued walking. They continued for another fifteen minutes and were about to begin questioning some of the merchants when Richard spoke up.

"Look! There – ahead in the distance…is that a woman with a babe in her arms?" Richard exclaimed.

"Where?" The Duke asked hurriedly.

Richard pointed ahead and slightly to the left. "There…about thirty yards away. Do you see her?"

"Come on." The Duke said as he quickened his pace.

She had her back to them when they advanced a few feet behind her. The Duke extended his arm out and tapped her on the shoulder. She jumped and turned around.

"Oh!" She exclaimed. She recognized the tall red haired man with the beard and the kind blue eyes straightway. He was one of Nottingham's guards who came to their door that day!

"My lady." Duke Farnsworth spoke.

Isabelle swallowed and held tightly onto the baby. "What do you want?" She knew the question was futile.

"And you told me you've never been able to bring forth children!" The Duke sneered. "Who's this little one then?" He asked.

"An orphan my husband and I gave a home to." She lied.

"Someone wants a word with you, my lady. But first you shall lead us to your husband!" The Duke said. He looked to Richard.

"Make sure she doesn't get away." He instructed Richard.

"Yes, Duke." Richard said. He grabbed hold of Isabelle and held her tightly by her arm.

"Let go of me!" She shouted.

"Not a chance." Richard said.

"Indeed." The Duke said. "For, that child belongs to the Sheriff of Nottingham!"

They made their way back to their horses. They stopped a moment as the Duke went through his bag and extracted his ink jar, quill, and parchment.

"What are you doing?" Nigel asked.

"Find me a messenger." The Duke said. "I must send word to the Sheriff."

"Can't it wait?" Nigel asked, incredulous.

"Just do it! This way he'll have a day or two's warning by the time we get there. I must inform him his child is found. Now go – and do it fast. By the time I finish my letter we could send it on its way to him!" The Duke commanded.

"Very well." Nigel sighed.

Ten minutes later the Duke was passing a sealed scroll to a young gangly lad with curly red hair and freckles who was willing to make the long arduous journey.

The Duke spoke to him. "This message is of vital importance. You must place this directly in the hands of the Sheriff of Nottingham. No one else but he. Do I make myself clear?" The Duke asked with his eyebrow raised.

"Yes." The young lad spoke.

"When you get to the castle gates, tell the guards that Duke Farnsworth sent you. They will show you in." He said.

"Very well. What about payment? Do you have it?" The lad asked.

"In this matter, you shall be paid by the Sheriff when you deliver this message to him. That should give you the incentive you need to get this to him in a timely fashion." The Duke said.

"As you wish." The messenger said. He took the scroll and went on his way. The knights went with Lady Isabelle as she led the way to the abandoned home that she and Robert had been hiding out in. She was filled with trepidation. She remembered what Robert had said about being wanted by the Sheriff. She hoped the Sheriff would be forgiving when his child was returned to him.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

They were gathered in the grand hall. Nobles and Lords along with their ladies were festooned in their finest attire. Tables were draped with fabrics of rich silk. There were candles everywhere and large vases of orange blossoms and greenery on each table. The afternoon was coming to a close. The feast would begin soon. There were a variety of entertainers there. There were minstrels, jugglers, dancers, and mimes. Lady Rhiannon was beginning to get a headache.

The Sheriff was busy greeting many of the guests along with his cousin. Unbeknownst to him, Rhiannon brought a vial of the potion with her. She was beginning to feel strange again. Her arms were beginning to itch and she was feeling jumpy. Though she didn't know if the entertainment had something to do with it? She left him, she knew he'd barely notice her absence. She found a place outside of the hall where nobody was present. She pulled the vial out from her bodice, uncapped it, and began to drink. She drank until there was nothing left of it, approximately two ounces. She looked around. Then she capped it and placed it in her gown pocket.

The Sheriff was speaking to Meridwyn. He took her hands.

"You look ravishing, my dear." The Sheriff smiled.

"Thank you, my Lord. So does your lady. I saw her gown. She looks beautiful in it!" Lady Meridwyn said.

"Yes she does, doesn't she?" The Sheriff said as he looked beside him. Then he glanced in the opposite direction.

"Where is Rhiannon?" Lady Meridwyn asked.

"I do not know. She was right beside me a moment ago?" He said. He scanned his line of vision. He didn't see her anywhere. Curses! Did she just sneak off to drink some of that wretched poison?

"She's probably just speaking to some of the guests." Lady Meridwyn reassured. He certainly seemed preoccupied by her absence. She looked over his shoulder. "Oh. There she is now!" Lady Meridwyn said as she pointed behind him. He turned around.

She stood before him smiling, casting her eyes upon him in that signature seductive manner of hers. He felt warmth settle in his loins. He sighed. She walked toward him, nodded at him, then looked toward Meridwyn.

"It was beautiful, Meridwyn! You are beautiful." Lady Rhiannon smiled.

"Thank you, friend. It would be better if I didn't feel so stout, though." Meridwyn said lowering her voice.

The Sheriff looked down and grinned.

"What are you talking about?" Lady Rhiannon asked.

"I just feel stout… you know why." Lady Meridwyn said.

"No. I'm sure I don't know why." Rhiannon said.

The Sheriff shot his head up. Both the Sheriff and Lady Meridwyn cast strange glances upon Rhiannon.

"Why would you feel stout? Have you been indulging of late?" Lady Rhiannon asked.

The Sheriff's left eyebrow shot north. Then he sighed. She just took the potion. The cursed potion!

Lady Meridwyn leaned in. "The baby, Rhiannon. I'm with child…remember?"

"Oh." Rhiannon stammered. "Uh…right."

An hour later they were seated with Guy and Lady Meridwyn at the head table. The Sheriff was to the left of Guy, and Rhiannon was seated on the Sheriff's right. The food and the libations never stopped. Rhiannon continued drinking wine, but decided not to eat too much of the food. She was liking how she was feeling. Too much food may lessen the effects of the potion. They had just finished a portion of roast quail and venison served with vegetables. Now the dessert was arriving. A delectable array of tarts, custards, fruit preserves and dates served with spicy mulled wine. A bowl of dates was placed in front of the Sheriff and his lady. She reached out and brought a date to her lips. She began to suck on it before she took a bite from it.

The Sheriff sighed and shook his head. He put his hand on her thigh. She looked up.

"Behave yourself, lady!" He whispered gruffly.

"My, aren't you doubtful?" Rhiannon commented. "What's the matter? Don't you trust me?" She asked.

"I'm not sure about that." The Sheriff said. "Not after your spectacular performance in the dining hall on Friday." He said, though he tried not to grin.

A little while later they were sipping on the spicy mulled wine. Guy and the Sheriff were having a brief and casual discussion. He paused and looked over at Rhiannon. She was slowly sipping her wine and looking over at him.

"It's about time you noticed me." Rhiannon murmured.

"My lady?" The Sheriff said.

Guy looked over out of the corner of his eye.

"Tell me, my prince." Rhiannon began. She took slow sips of her wine as she spoke. "Do you think about it…like I do? Do you want it in a glance… like I do?" She said to him slowly and purposefully.

He sighed. He gave her a stern glance. "Control yourself." He whispered.

"I don't want to." Rhiannon whispered. Damn! The itching was starting again! Why now?

"My lady, save it for later. Don't seduce me here." The Sheriff said. Then he looked over at her. She was rubbing her arms and her chest again. He leaned into her.

"Have a sip of the wine, my angel. It will help." The Sheriff whispered.

She smiled. She took the cup and drank from it. She waited for a time to see if it would work. It warmed her, but did nothing to ease the itching and now the nervousness that was starting. She slowly stole away when the Sheriff was engaged in another conversation with Guy.

Lady Marian was near the door of the grand hall. She just happened to be looking up when she saw Rhiannon coming. Here was her cue. She looked around. Nobody would notice. All eyes were on the bride and her groom. She watched Lady Rhiannon exit the hall, then she slowly followed her keeping her hood up and her eyes downcast as much as possible.

The Sheriff turned to his right. Lady Rhiannon wasn't there! He suddenly remembered her scratching herself moments ago. She was going to take the potion! Curses! He looked to Guy and gave his excuses. And then he went toward the private chambers.

They were in the north wing on the second floor, a long way from the grand hall. Marian stood several feet behind hiding behind large columns when she could. Rhiannon was opening a door. Marian guessed the door led into the private chambers. There was a guard standing there right outside of it. Yes. That must be the Sheriff's private chambers! What a great place for a meeting with her, Marian thought. She had to think of a way to get rid of the guard. But how? She slowly walked toward the door. Then she heard footsteps coming. The Sheriff! She should've known! She looked behind her. She couldn't see him but she could hear him coming. She ran behind a column that led into another entranceway. She kept her back to the wall. His footsteps drew closer. She peered out slowly. Soon she saw a dark figure pass by quickly. She knew it was him. Curses! She would have to wait.

Rhiannon was in the private chambers. She got on the floor and scurried under the bed. She had just grabbed the flask when the doors flew open.

"I should've known. Underneath the bed – of course! What was I thinking?" The Sheriff exclaimed as he slapped his right hand to his forehead.

Rhiannon came up from the floor and stood beside the bed. She held the flask and slowly backed away, around the bed, and backed up to the window. He slowly walked toward her.

"On Tuesday, I found you on the floor by the bed when I came to see you after you barged in on my meeting. You showed me your silver and diamond comb. Funny how it just fell out of your head. Remember?" The Sheriff reminded her with his eyebrow raised.

Rhiannon sighed.

"I found you again on Saturday afternoon. On the floor by the bed. This time – oh, what was it now? Oh, yes! You curiously dropped your earring." The Sheriff said.

"Don't." She pleaded.

"But my personal favourite is waking up at dawn yesterday, and seeing you sitting on the floor. You were staring at the floor under the bed." The Sheriff said evenly as he kept advancing toward her.

"I was restless." Rhiannon said as she continued to back away.

"You were a total wreck." The Sheriff said evenly. "You needed it then, but you couldn't risk getting it, because I was there!" He advanced until he was a foot away. Her back was against the wall. She hugged the flask to her.

"Give it to me." The Sheriff commanded.

"No. Not now!" Rhiannon said.

"Yes, my dear. The feast is over. You promised you'd surrender it to me when the wedding feast was over." The Sheriff said. "Or have you forgotten?" He said with his eyebrow raised.

"No. I need it!" Rhiannon shouted.

"You need a lot of things, but you do not need this!" The Sheriff said as he moved in swiftly. He grabbed the flask from her and she was powerless to stop him. His strength overpowered her.

"No!" Rhiannon screamed. "No, George…give it to me!" She pleaded. She began to cry. "I need it! I need it!"

The Sheriff couldn't hide the concern from his face. He hated that he had to do this to her. But look at her…there was his lady, the one woman who would constantly swear up and down about not needing anybody. But by god, she needed this cursed potion! He began to slowly shake his head.

"Oh, Rhiannon…" He whispered.

She came toward him. He backed away.

"Give it to me, please!" Rhiannon begged as tears streamed down her face.

He held it up and uncapped it, then he tipped the flask upside down and poured the contents on the floor.

"No!" Rhiannon shrieked. She dived to the floor. "I needed it! It helped me. How could you?" Rhiannon exclaimed. She put a hand out and stuck her fingers in the pool of liquid on the floor. Then she touched her fingers to her lips. The Sheriff shook his head, his jaw agape.

"I'll come back for you later!" The Sheriff said gruffly. Then he turned toward the door.

"George! Where are you going?" Rhiannon called.

"I'm going to speak to my cousin. And then I'm coming back to have a few words with you." He said. Then he left.

Marian heard him coming. She placed her back against the wall. She heard him muttering curses to himself as he walked by the hallway where she stood. She waited a time until he was definitely gone, then came out of hiding. She advanced toward the sentry outside of the Sheriff's chambers. He was tall with black hair and dark eyes. He looked kind. This should be easy, she thought with a smile.

"Hello." Lady Marian said.

"What do you want?" Alfred asked.

"I'm here to see Lady Rhiannon." Lady Marian said.

"That's the first I've heard about it." Alfred said. "If you had permission to enter, the Sheriff or Lady Rhiannon would've told me." He said.

"Well, so much for formalities then." Marian said as she swiftly kicked him. He slumped to the floor. She looked around. There was a small marble sculpture atop a pillar on display nearby. She picked it up with both hands. It was quite heavy. Alfred was stirring on the floor. Marian hit him on the back of his head with it. Alfred was knocked unconscious. Then she went inside the door and bolted it from the inside.

Rhiannon was sitting on the window ledge. She had just finished lapping up all the potion on the floor. She didn't care at the moment. She heard a noise. Her vision was blurry. She looked to the door and tried to focus. It must be the Sheriff returning.

The doors flew open. Rhiannon blinked a few times. That was not the Sheriff! Who was that?

"Lady Rhiannon." A woman's voice spoke.

"Lady Marian?" Rhiannon said. "What the hell are you doing in my chamber?"

"Your chamber? Last I checked, this room belonged to the Sheriff. My, aren't you familiar with him?" Marian remarked as she came toward her.

"Get out of this room!" Rhiannon demanded.

"Did I tell you about him? No. That's right, you wouldn't let me!" Marian said as she kept walking toward her.

Rhiannon got up off the window ledge. She began to scream for the guard.

"He won't hear you. He's uh… taking a nap." Marian grinned. She reached in her pocket and slowly pulled out a golden dagger. It was gleaming with brilliant rubies. Three rather large rubies were placed vertically along the handle, with four smaller ones across.

"What are you doing?" Rhiannon asked. Her head began to hurt. Her vision was blurred. She was feeling dizzy. Oh, why now? Didn't the Sheriff say he'd be back soon?

"He tried to marry me, to steal the throne from my cousin. King Richard – in case you didn't know. Then he tried to steal my virtue. And then he stole the best of me. He took my Robin away from me!" Lady Marian shouted. "He is evil. Why won't you see it? You can't see it! I tried to warn you but you wouldn't listen. It didn't have to be this way, Lady Rhiannon. But your blind infatuation with him has just cost you." Marian said.

"What? You're not making sense?" Rhiannon said.

"He had to lose you, one way or the other. You could've chosen life and just listened to me and left him. But you had to be moronically devoted instead. Fool!" Lady Marian hissed.

"You are mad!" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed.

"And you are drunk. Look at you? Swaying like that. I bet you couldn't walk a straight line. No wonder he likes you. No doubt you wouldn't put up a fight. Well… you picked a bad time to indulge, my lady!" Lady Marian said.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

It was just nearing dusk. Luke was walking along the hallway of the second floor. He was reporting for duty outside of the Sheriff's private chambers. As he got close enough to see, he narrowed his eyes. What was on the floor? He ran toward the doorway. It was Alfred laying on the floor!

"Alfred!" Luke called to him. He shook him. "Alfred, wake up!" Alfred was breathing but didn't stir.

He heard a noise coming from inside the private chambers. It was women shouting. He banged on the door. "Lady Rhiannon!" He called.

Rhiannon looked up when she heard the door.

"Lady Rhiannon, it is Luke!" The voice called.

"Luke! Help me! Come quickly, there's an intruder…" She was cut off. Lady Marian inched in closer with the dagger held dangerously close to Lady Rhiannon's face.

Luke tried the door. It would not open. He waited a time and kept his ear near to the door.

"You think you're clever don't you?" Lady Marian said.

Luke strained to listen. He knew that voice!

"Look, we haven't much time. You might as well just resign yourself to this." Lady Marian said.

Luke's eyes widened. Lady Marian! That was Lady Marian in there, he recognized her voice! He ran down the length of the hallway and was just approaching the stairs. Oddly, he ran into Adam.

"Thank heavens!" Adam exclaimed. "Look mate, we could use your help down at the gates. The guests are beginning to leave and it's madness down there! Could you tell Alfred to stay a little longer at his post?" Adam said.

"Listen to me, Adam. Alfred has been hurt. Lady Rhiannon is in trouble! It's Lady Marian! She has her trapped in the Sheriff's private chambers. You must find the Sheriff for me. Hurry!" Luke ordered.

Adam ran back down the stairs and Luke ran back to the door of the private chambers. He started to bang on the door.

"Lady Rhiannon!" He called.

Lady Rhiannon was literally running around the room trying to get away from Lady Marian. Then before she knew it, Marian had her backed in the corner where the table and mirror were.

The Sheriff came running down the hall with Adam. He frowned when he saw Alfred on the floor.

"Move him." The Sheriff directed Adam as he nodded toward Alfred.

"He's not dead, my Lord." Adam said.

"Then find my physician! But in the meantime move him out of the way!" The Sheriff barked.

Adam obeyed and carried out his task.

"What's the story, Luke?" The Sheriff asked.

"Your lady has an intruder, my Lord." Luke said hurriedly.

The Sheriff tried the door. "Do you know who it is?" The Sheriff asked. He looked to the door. He heard the voices.

"I don't know if you know her, sir. I only know her as Lady Marian." Luke said.

The Sheriff sneered and motioned for Luke to step aside. The Sheriff then charged toward the door and kicked it in. The Sheriff and Luke ran through the den toward the door of the private chambers.

Lady Marian started to charge toward Rhiannon with the dagger. Just then the doors flew open to the private chamber. The Sheriff saw the dagger wielded in Marian's hand. He suddenly remembered Mortianna's words: "Beware of the cross…it gleams of red stones, yet can yield red liquid." He sighed, and then he remembered something else she said to him: "The past shall meet the future." She was talking about Lady Marian. The dagger he had given her years ago was in her hand. The dagger was in the shape of a cross and was encrusted in rubies. Of course! Lady Marian and Lady Rhiannon – the past shall meet the future!

He ran toward the scene but Luke was faster. He got there as Lady Marian had just extended her dagger out toward Rhiannon. Rhiannon was turned away from her facing slightly right. Luke put his hands on Lady Marian's shoulders and pulled her away. She still held the dagger but kept it down within the folds of her skirts.

Lady Rhiannon stood there stunned. She looked over at her betrothed with her arms folded in front of her. He walked toward her.

Lady Marian was struggling to break free from Luke. He grabbed her wrists. She bit down on his hands then kicked him, he automatically let go in response to the pain.

Lady Marian was running up behind the Sheriff wielding the dagger in her hand. Lady Rhiannon's eyes widened. "Watch out!" She called to the Sheriff. He swiftly turned around. He met Lady Marian's eyes with his and raised his hand up to quickly grab her arm. Her reflexes were perfect, because she never let go of the dagger.

"Put it down, Marian." The Sheriff said to her.

Lady Marian was bewildered. Why didn't he just reach for his sword and kill her right then? The rumours couldn't have been true, had they? She wriggled her arm free, still holding onto the dagger.

"Come on, Marian, give it to me!" The Sheriff said as he came toward her. Lady Marian backed away until she was at the window ledge. He continued toward her.

"You can have it back, when I'm done with it. But you're going to know how I've felt." Lady Marian said.

"What are you talking about?" The Sheriff asked. She really had gone mad! "Give it to me!"

"Oh, you'll know. You don't know it yet, dear Sheriff, but I have won!" Lady Marian said. And then she completely surprised him as she took the dagger and quickly plunged it into her chest.

The Sheriff's eyes widened. He slowly shook his head. She was dead. He looked to Luke.

"Get the body out of here. Then ask the servants to clean this room!" He ordered.

"Yes, my Lord." Luke said.

Rhiannon stood staring at the scene before her with her arms folded tightly in front of her. Chilled by the words Lady Marian spoke. The Sheriff turned and went toward her.

"My Lady." The Sheriff said.

"I'm sorry about before." Lady Rhiannon said.

"Don't think about it." he said as he embraced her. "Come, my angel. I'm getting you out of here for now. You don't need to see this." The Sheriff said.

She reluctantly agreed. She walked slowly with him out of the rooms. He led her down the stairs and took her out into the gardens. They walked a little way then Rhiannon spoke.

"I let you down, my love. Forgive me." Rhiannon said.

"It's alright, my angel. I'm just glad you're not hurt! I should've known that woman had gone mad! I knew she was visiting Nottingham. I should've been more vigilant!" The Sheriff exclaimed.

"Yes." Rhiannon said quietly. Normally she would ask more of what of what he knew about Lady Marian. How long did he know she was in Nottingham? She knew she was a fool to come out here, but she tried to be brave. She began to tremble.

"My lady?" The Sheriff began. "Are you cold, or is it… the potion?"

"That's it… sure." Lady Rhiannon said. She knew exactly why she was trembling, but she was going to be brave.

He stepped toward her and took off his cloak. He placed the heavy brocade cloak over her shoulders.

"You did well in there, fending her off." The Sheriff said.

"Yes. I'm glad that's over." Rhiannon said. She wanted to say so much to him. She looked up at him, the only words that would suffice came from her lips.

"I love you." She suddenly said.

The Sheriff looked at her. She'd just been through a trauma. "I know, my angel. I love you too." He smiled.

They walked a little further, just beyond the garden wall. The Sheriff stopped and looked at her. She was still trembling. It was going to be a long night. There was no potion to settle her. He looked at her curiously, suddenly. She was a few feet away from him. Her arms were still folded across her chest. Was she really that cold? She'd been holding them like that since they stood in the private chambers!

The pain was intolerable now. She felt herself begin to sway. The Sheriff saw it when the colour suddenly drained from her face. His eyes widened. She felt that familiar panic settle inside of her. She was going to lose consciousness. She looked at him in terror.

"George!" She whispered. Then she collapsed to the ground.

"Rhiannon!" The Sheriff yelled as he ran toward her. He crouched to the ground and picked her up. Her right side was wet and sticky. He brought his hand out to look at it. It was dark but there was no mistaking it. That was blood. Marian had succeeded! He remembered what she said before she killed herself: "You're going to know how I've felt…You don't know it yet, dear Sheriff, but I have won!" He let out a long yell into the night as he held the limp body of his lady to him. She was breathing but he had to act fast. He wrapped her in his cloak and picked her up in his arms. Her head fell backward over his arm. He quickly walked with her through the gardens, then into the castle, but to him it was like moving in slow motion. He saw the page soon after entering the castle.

"Quickly!" He said to the page. "Summon my physician and Lady Margaret to my room. Now!" The Sheriff barked.

The page nodded and ran on his way.

The Sheriff was on the second floor walking swiftly with Rhiannon in his arms. The servants were just leaving after finishing the task of cleaning the private chambers.

"You!" He called to one of them.

The woman turned to face him.

"Bring a basin of water and plenty of rags to my chamber. Do it now!" He commanded.

Luke turned when he heard footsteps. His face registered surprise.

"Come with me, Luke." The Sheriff said. Luke opened the door for him. The Sheriff nodded to the door that led down into Mortianna's apothecary. "Through that door and down the stairs, you'll find an old crone named Mortianna. Bring her to me." The Sheriff said as he headed to the private chamber.

"Yes, my Lord." Luke said as he dutifully obeyed.

"Oh, and Luke?" The Sheriff called.

"Yes?" Luke replied.

"Consider yourself graduated to the position of knight." The Sheriff said. "Well done, lad." He added.

"Thank you, my Lord." Luke said. Then he went through the door.

The Sheriff kicked the doors in leading into the chamber. He walked toward the bed and laid Lady Rhiannon upon it. He sat on the bed and held her to him while he applied pressure to her wound. She looked the way she did when he found her in the north in May. Pale, limp, but this time she may be mortally wounded. Only a talented physician, or maybe a miracle would help her now. He felt that panic rise within him – the fear of losing her. She must have known she'd been stabbed, yet she endured for him. His brave lady. It wasn't the potion – she was fighting to stay conscious! He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. She was still as limp as a ragdoll. He sighed.

"How many times will I have to ask this?" He said to her. "Live for me, my Lady Nottingham!" The Sheriff pleaded with her. He prayed she could hear him.