Will things ever be easy for Lizzie? New character appears in the next chapter!

Chapter 12

Robin

Today was the day that Lizzie was coming for dinner! That was my first thought as I sat up and rubbed traces of sleep from my eyes and groaned as I stretched. It looked to be quite late which was unusual for me – I was normally the first one up but today I was evidently the last as the camp was deserted. Ah well. As I stood up and swung my arms round in circles to wake myself up Much and Alan ran into the clearing, panting.

"Robin!" Alan bent over double and struggled for breath. I could feel myself whiten as I ran towards him and gripped him by the shoulders,

"What is it? Is it Lizzie? Is she hurt?" I shook him slightly but he was shaking his head,

"No...no nothing...bad!" He puffed and I let him go.

"Well why were you running then?" I said, my voice loud with relief.

"We were racing." Much admitted sheepishly and I rolled my eyes.

"Of course you were."

"But we do have news!" Much said eagerly. I began sharpening my arrows.

"Oh?" Alan nodded.

"Yeah there's some wealthy bloke coming to stay with the Sheriff – the castle's teeming with rumors about him." Much nodded with wide eyes, leaning forward,

"I heard that he killed a rabid lion with..." He paused for dramatic effect "a spoon." He whispered. Alan and I exchanged bemused looks.

"Er...I don't think that one's true Much." Alan said and I nodded my agreement, patting Much on his slumped shoulder.

"What I heard," said Alan, shaking his head "is that he's called Andrew Richomme and he's a raging drunk and regular womanizer with an inability to turn away from a challenge." Much started forward,

"Yeah! I heard that he ate 14 cloves of garlic in a minute for a bet and still managed to kiss 10 whole girls!" He said. I laughed

"Well what were they meant to be, half girls?"

"You never know, where he's from." Alan muttered.

"Where is he from?" I asked, turning to look at him.

"London." Alan said darkly.

"Ah."

Lizzie

I had been sitting at my desk and pondering how best to slip away to see Robin that night when I was interrupted by a knock on the door. I looked up,

"Liz, it's me." Guy didn't sound annoyed...so maybe the Sheriff hadn't told him about what happened in our little encounter? I crossed to the door and unlocked it, smiling at my elder brother.

"Hello stranger!" I joked – he'd been busy the last few days. Guy smiled ruefully,

"I'm going to be more of a stranger tomorrow! What have you done to the Sheriff, by the way?" I froze,

"Wh -What?" I stuttered,

"He loves you! Says you're a fine example of a girl. I don't know how you've done it Lizzie but you've won him round." I smiled weakly

"Oh I...I just charmed him." I said evasively. "What did you mean before? That you'd be more of a stranger tomorrow?" Guy sighed,

"I'm traveling to sort out this mess with Emolin. It'll be quicker if I'm there to help things along and the Sheriff all but pushed me out of the castle gate – says he'll make sure you're alright." I twisted my lips to the side,

"Does he now?" I muttered, thinking this can't be good.

"Yes so that's good, just don't do anything stupid! What did he have to say when you saw him alone?"

"Oh it was just to get acquainted, you know." I lied through my teeth. Guy looked relieved.

"Well as you two are getting along so well I see no problem in leaving you under his care. Can I trust you to be sensible?" He asked, looking at me shrewdly.

"Of course!" I said, smiling innocently as he ruffled my hair and walked out of the door. Once he was gone I let my face relax.

Oh Guy...maybe the Sheriff's right...maybe you can't trust me at all.