The Road to Middle-Earth

A fanfiction by MushrooomsPTook

Disclaimer: I own nothing. You might as well say it owns me!

A/N – I've decided to change the rating of this story to a T (or PG-13), due to...well, you'll see.

Chapter Twenty-Four: On One Condition

The departure from the tournament field to the King's castle was instantaneous as Robin suspected, so he made sure that all the preparations were set and ready for when we left. Robin, of course, was still in his disguised, acting like a servant that made an appearance for special occasions. This is how he knew so much about the Sheriff. All the other times, when he was not acting, he was an outlaw. But at the moment, he was sitting on my left inside the carriage. On my right sat the Sheriff. Across from us set the other man who was seated at the table during the tournament. I learned just from the conversation between him and the Sheriff that his name was Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Robin had lent me a dagger in case of danger and I kept it hidden under my clothes. If the Sheriff had only stared at his servant for more than two seconds, he would have known that underneath his grubby appearance was the man who he searched for. I dared not make any eye contact with Robin, lest I give his disguise away, but I could feel his eyes on me, and I wasn't sure if it made me more or less anxious than what I already was.

As we approached the castle, the main gate opened and the carriage entered. I looked out my window to take in the marvelous sight. I'd only seen castles in movies, never in real life, and this was larger than any I'd seen in the cinema. A guard opened the door for us and just as I was about to head out, the Sheriff pushed past me, knocking me back into my seat. I was more surprised than offended, but next to me, Robin stiffened. After the Sheriff and Sir Guy exited, Robin stepped out and then offered me his hand to help me out. I took it graciously, as he nodded to me and said, "my lady". That was one of the few times in which I dared make eye contact with him.

"Ah," said the Sheriff as the castle door was opened, allowing him to enter. He rubbed his hands and had an enormous grin on his face. "It does feel good to be home." I looked around in awe. It was even bigger inside than what it had appeared on the outside. There was fine furniture set up everywhere and many porcelain objects set about wherever I turned. I could hear my mother's warnings about keeping my hands to myself, but all I wanted to do was touch everything in sight and ask so many questions. But this man was not the king, as Robin told me, and I wasn't here to touch things. I had to maintain my focus. Alice. She was the reason why I had trained for the tournament in the beginning, and now that I'd won, I was here to get her. My eyes roamed the upstairs. She was somewhere inside this castle. "Now, young lady, first I must insist that you get out of those...rags and slip into something more comfortable."

I looked down at Allan-a-Dale's 'rags'. I really had no desire to change. "Actually, I'm quite comfortable enough, thank you."

"No, no, no!" the Sheriff barked back, waving a finger in my face. "Do you know who you are in the presence of? It is your duty, and my privilege, that you should look your finest when in front of an audience of importance."

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"No! It is Your Majesty to you, my dear."

"But I thought you were just—" A cough from Robin's direction made me pause. "Oh, I mean...yes, Your Majesty."

"Mmm, that's better. Sarah!" He clapped his hands and a female servant stepped forward and bowed her head.

"Yes, my Lord?"

"See to it that...this young lady is cleaned up and dressed for dinner."

"Yes, my Lord." The servant girl bowed her head once more. "Right this way, ma'am." She led me out of the main hall and up the balcony to one of the rooms there. It was a very large room that looked to be as big as my entire apartment. I couldn't help but let my eyes wander as the servant led me to the wardrobe. "Ah, here we are," she said, opening the door. My eyes widened.

As I descended the stairs for dinner, I heard raised voices and realized I was entering upon a conversation that was not for my ears.

"I don't like it, my Liege. I just don't like it! She's not here for dinner, I can tell that much. I warrant she's up to no good."

"She may be of some use to us, Sir Guy. I am no fool, I have eyes too. I know she's here for more than dinner, but we can't let her know we suspect something."

"But what if she's in league with him? With Robin Hood!"

"Ah, sire." That was Robin's voice. "If I may be so bold as to protest. Robin Hood is so suspicious of anyone these days. He thinks any stranger is a spy of my Lord's. If Robin were to even know of this girl, he would have sent her off along her way before a word was spoken."

I smirked to myself. That or fallen for her, I thought.

"Well, if he did, I daresay I wouldn't have blamed him. Women! The lot of them are nothing but trouble, Your Highness. You mark my words."

"Ugh! Enough of that vermin! Do not speak of his name again, or I shall have your heads!"

I was getting anxious. I wanted to get this over with and get out of there fast. I decided to make my presence known as I continued my way down the staircase. I rounded the corner and all three men turned to look up at me. Sir Guy was glaring at me while the Sheriff smirked, his eyes roaming over my body, making me feel very uncomfortable. But Robin's mouth fell open and his eyes widened. I tried to hide my blush as I straightened the silky shawl that hung about my shoulders. The Sheriff looked at him suddenly and Robin regained his alias quickly, shutting his mouth and casting his eyes to the ground. But the moment the Sheriff turned away, his eyes slowly rose to meet my gaze and there was a small smile playing about his lips. He stepped forward, cleared his throat, and took my hand in his.

"You look very lovely, my lady." He bent his head but the Sheriff pushed him out of the way and took my hand in his sweaty palm.

"You are a lovely sight this evening." He kissed it and I tried to hide my disgust. "May I escort you to the table?"

Guy sighed heavily as he bowed, and I realized he was leaving, but I tried to remain calm, thinking that surely Robin would stay, no matter what. The Sheriff kept my hand in his as we walked to the dining room. He pointed to the chair for me to sit in, but strode over to the opposite end of the table to be seated in his own. I could feel Robin's anger as he pulled back my chair for me to sit and gently pushed it in. He walked away and there was a long silence that lingered on the table. I looked down, fingering my gown nervously, but I could feel the Sheriff's gaze on me and I was beginning to feel sick. Robin momentarily returned with a platter in his hands and he served me first before the Sheriff.

"Thank you, that will be all, Gamble" the Sheriff told Robin while beginning to cut his meat into pieces.

Robin looked sharply at the man before coughing slightly. "But your Majesty, wouldn't you want me to stay—"

"I said that will be all, Gamble!" The Sheriff looked sharply at Robin suspiciously, and a gleam of recognition passed over his face. But it lasted only for a moment, for he grunted and waved him off with his hand. I watched between Robin and the Sheriff nervously, waiting to hear Robin's response. Would he stay?

"Yes, your Majesty." Robin bowed his head slightly before walking away from the Sheriff. I caught his wrist before he could strode past me and I looked deeply into his eyes. He smiled very briefly, though it was forced. "Yes, my lady?" he asked after a hesitated pause.

"May I have a glass of water...Gamble?" I squeezed his hand. He put his other hand on top of my own, cradling it in his embrace.

"Of course, my lady."

After I received the water, Robin bowed once more and left, although I wasn't sure if he would leave the castle or just the room, but the Sheriff watched closely and waited until the door was shut before he spoke.

"What do people call you?" he asked, taking a bite of his meat.

"Alayna."

"Well, Miss Alayna, how do you like my home?"

Your home? I thought. "It's lovely. I've never been to a castle before."

He laughed loudly. "No one has ever been to a castle until they've come to mine." I inwardly rolled my eyes at the Sheriff's arrogance. After some time of silence he spoke again. "Come. Entertain me with a story."

I hesitated. "A story? Oh, I'm not very good at telling stories."

"Well, then why not tell me yours? Why did you enter the tournament? I mean, apart from the obvious reason." He gestured to all the food on the table while grease dripped down his beard. I subconsciously rubbed my hand across my chin, staring at the grotesque image. What a pig!

"I...well..."

"You reminded me of someone out there, you know."

I started, but my voice was calm. "Oh? Who?"

He stared at me for a moment, his eyes continue to dig into me, as if trying to sort out the thoughts roaming around in my head. "Uhh...well, it doesn't matter." He waved his hand and popped a handful of grapes in his mouth. "Why are you here? You didn't enter the competition to have dinner with me. I can tell, you know."

"What do you mean? How can you tell?"

"You haven't touched your plate," he gestured to the stack of food in front of me with his fork. "Come now. What is this really about?"

I sighed heavily and put down my fork and held my head in my hands. Why couldn't have Robin been here? "Your Majesty," I began cautiously. "You have two of my friends captive. One is my cousin, of only seven years. The other, a child himself. We came here from a distant land and mistakenly entered your land without knowledge, but we were separated. I...I wish to take them back, if you please. We will be on our way then and will trouble you no more. Just...please."

The Sheriff was watching me with suspicious eyes during this whole time. "I see." He swallowed his bite and rubbed his hands on his napkin before setting it down next to his plate. "Do you know what the penalty is for trespassing, Miss Alayna?"

"No," I answered shakily. "But whatever it is, I will pay it, as long as you let them go."

"Well, you see it's not that simple. How am I to know that they, or you for that matter, are not spies?"

"Because they're children!" I cried exasperatingly. "Children!"

"Nevertheless, they shall be questioned to no end until I am satisfied with my findings." The Sheriff went back to eating his food.

A horrible thought entered my mind and I remembered the dagger that laid hidden against my leg. "Have you hurt them?"

The Sheriff let out a loud laugh as he looked up at me suddenly. "Hurt them? Children? Of course not! I have other ways of making them talk."

"Well, whatever it is, you have to stop! Now I demand you take me to them right now!"

The Sheriff glared at me. "I think it's time you left, Miss Alayna." He stood up from his chair and went over to a gong and hit it with a mallet. The door flew open and I was expecting to see Robin burst in, sword in hand. But it was not him. It was Sir Guy of Gisbourne. I was reaching desperation. "Would you please show Miss Alayna the way out?" the Sheriff asked him. Sir Guy nodded, a satisfied smirk plastering his face, and he went to grab me firmly by the shoulders. I protested, kicked, and tried to writhe out of his grasp but he was very muscular and strong. Surely, I hadn't trained with Robin for nothing. I was just reaching for the dagger when the Sheriff gasped and held up his hand. Sir Guy looked at him annoyed but stopped struggling with me.

"What a pretty necklace," he muttered.

I looked down and closed my eyes in horror. During my struggle, the shawl was pulled off my shoulders, and now it draped lazily over my arm. The key! How did I forget to take off the Galdorcarr! But I tried my best to look natural and remain calm.

"Yes," I swallowed. "Yes it is."

"Where did you get such a beautiful find?" he asked, still staring at my chest.

"It...it was a gift. A family heirloom."

His eyes gleamed wickedly. "Is it now? Well, that's very curious. Very curious, indeed." He tapped his fingertips together and a rotten grin appeared on his face. "Tell you what, Miss Alayna. I've changed my mind. I will pardon all charges against the children and release them as you have asked."

I stared in disbelief. "...What?"

"Come now, open your ears. I said I will release the children, your cousin and this...boy."

"You will?" The man nodded but his fingers linked together in thought and there was something very unfriendly in his eyes.

"Of course," he said. "On one condition."

My heart sank. "And on what condition would that be?"

"That I would get a bride in exchange."

I looked at him in disgust. Surely, he was kidding. "You want me...to marry you?" The Sheriff nodded and his grin grew. "But...I don't even know you."

"That is irrelevant. But that is my price. Now," he opened his hand to me. "What do you say? Do we have a deal?"

I couldn't believe all of this was happening all at once. I swallowed and looked around nervously, and I felt the need to talk to Robin right away. "I...I need some time to think about it."

The Sheriff glared at me, but then tried to suppress his scowl with a calm grin. How I hated his smile! "You have until tomorrow evening."

"No! Two days." We had to have more time to plan.

"One day, that is my offer. Take it or leave it."

"Very well. But I must see them before I leave...so I can know that they haven't been harmed."

The Sheriff smiled. "As you wish."

The guard seemed to take forever finding the correct key to the locked door. In the meantime, I was sweaty and anxious, and I would have pulled out my dagger and stabbed the man right then and there had I not been surrounded by three other men. Finally, the lock clicked and as he opened the door, I pushed him out of the way, pulling the door the rest of the way, and ran in. There they were, huddled together on the floor, heads pressing together under Alice's messy brown hair. They turned their heads to the noise and our eyes met. My throat caught in my chest and the tears began flowing naturally when I saw their dirty faces, Alice's tear-stained. She opened her chapped lips at the recognition, whimpering, and opened her arms. I ran in, and collapsed to the floor, receiving her in my arms. I sobbed uncontrollably when I felt her small arms wrap around me and felt her tears on my neck. "Alice! Baby! I'm here! I'm here, sweetie!" Alice tried to say something, but all that came out were more sobs. "Shh! It's all right."

After a time, we pulled apart, and I cradled her face in my hands. "Alice, I am so sorry for what I said to you earlier. Will you forgive me?" Alice nodded and placed a kiss on my cheek. I then opened my arms to Tom and he wrapped his arms around me as Alice did. "Are you okay, Tom?" He nodded but I could feel his wet eyelashes on my skin. I pushed him back to look him over.

"Truly, 'Layna," he assured me with a thick voice. "I'm a'right." He rubbed a grubby hand over his nose and sniffled. I smiled weakly and kissed his forehead. But then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I closed my eyes and my brows furrowed.

"Are you satisfied?" asked the Sheriff.

I gritted my teeth. "You'd better not lay one finger on them and give them the best treatment or I swear I'll—"

"Of course, of course, my dear! Granted you agree to my one condition."

I looked at my companions sympathetically, noting the confusion that washed over their faces. I began to tear up again and I bit my lip.

"Alayna?" Alice asked cautiously.

I leaned forward until my lips were next to Alice's ear. "I'll be back for you. I promise." I reached over and squeezed Tom's hand.

"No!" Alice cried as I stood up.

"Come," said the Sheriff, nodding towards the door. "One day is not a long time."

I looked back at the children one last time before the guard shoved me out and slammed the door shut, locking it. The cries of my friends were suddenly silenced.

"Remember," said the Sheriff as he opened the door to the castle. "You have until tomorrow evening. After that, well..." The Sheriff allowed an evil smile to cross his lips. "You can't expect me to guarantee their safety forever, can you?"

"Touch one hair on their heads," I glared, "and you'll be answering to me."

The Sheriff chuckled. "I look forward to it, my dear." He closed the door, leaving me to stare at it for a moments before turning around and heading toward the forest. I had no idea if Robin was still somewhere in the castle, but either way, I had to find help. I needed a new strategy.

Next Chapter – Ahh! Next chapter won't be a happy one. But fear not! Good will overcome evil. :)

B The Shadow Ninja Samurai – Sounds like a load of fun. I played archery a few times in high school. My uncle also had a set for a time, but I'd like to get back into it. It seems so...right. :)

WeaslyValdez – Thank you, I'm glad you like it! I enjoy writing it. ;)

xXChaoticOrderXx – Now how in the world did you guess? ;)

mwang - ;)

seafarer – Yes, I had to do some research when it came to archery. I pretty much know next to nothing. I played it a couple of times in high school and I loved it, but I really don't know anything about it. :)

Calemireth – Don't update too fast but update soon... Got it! ;)

Jojopeaches – Real people. :)

A/N – I think I'm addicted to smileys. :)