Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha, all rights belong to the creator, Rumiko Takahasi. I also lay no claim on the creation of Robin Hood.
Chapter Nineteen: Sentenced to the Gallows
The dawn brought with it a grey and overcast sunrise. The fields were lost in a sea of fog, a heavy mist continued to fall, villagers trudged along the damp roads, and through shallow puddles; accompanied by a bitterly cold wind. The prince had sent his trusted advisor out with the incompetent sheriff, the pair would not be allowed to return until they gathered information on the elusive Robin Hood.
Bankotsu muttered under his breath, irritated by the company he was forced to entertain. He was disliked well enough on his own, but with Hakudoshi at his side the villagers felt even less inclined to humor him with faux civility. The main priority of the day was to speak to the elder villagers, most of whom had been in Nakimoto their whole lives; if anyone was to have recognized the thief it would be one of them. There were four people at the top of their list that morning; Totosai, Kaede, Myoga, and the old monk Mushin.
The sheriff decided to start the day off with a visit to the old blacksmith. The cranky old codger appeared feeble and cowardly, but the man had a foolish stubborn streak. Like the other elders, he was devoted to King Hitomi and had held a deep disdain for the prince. He approached the meager hut and knocked on the door. The sound of his iron work could be heard from their station and there were no signs of a break. He knocked again, harder this time, frustrated that he was being ignored by the old bastard. After an inconsiderable amount of waiting the door swung open with an angry gusto. With some venom the blacksmith asked; "And what the hell do you two want? I paid those blasted taxes."
Bankotsu did his best to reel in his temper, after all it was in his best interest to remain cordial with the man; otherwise he would get nowhere with his endeavor on finding out Robin's true identity. Faking a smile he reassured the old fool, "I am quite aware of your loyalty to the royal family and your responsibility to pay your taxes, good sir. I am here for another matter entirely. I have a couple questions for you, some in regards to Robin Hood."
The blacksmith scowled, "And I reckon that you believe I should tell you what I know. Well, I got bad news for you, I don't know nothin', so get on out of here."
Keeping the feigned warmth in his voice, he offered a warning that still came off as a threat. "Oh come on now, Totosai. I know you know something. An old timer like you would know anyone that ever lived in this humble village of ours. You saw Robin's face and I know you recognized him. I would hate to have to place you under arrest for aiding the criminal and to witness you be the one to face the fury of his majesty."
The old man's grey brow furrowed, "My memory ain't what it used to be. It ain't right to expect a man of my age to remember every person he has met in his lifetime."
The sheriff took a deep breath, but when he spoke the frustration had managed to creep into his voice. "You're making this more complicated than it needs to be. Humor me here and just try to think back for a moment. Did you recognize the robbing hood?"
The old man's large eyes went blank and his face took on a rather thoughtful expression. He lingered in the doorway for a moment, before the dazed look faded and was replaced with a frown. "I got too much work to do in my workshop, I ain't got no time for wandering 'round my past. Now scoot on out of here." With those final words, the door was slammed shut.
Hakudoshi appeared rather perturbed by the short interaction and his displeasure was instantly recognized by the sheriff. The old man offered next to nothing and was more than unwilling to cooperate with their questioning. As frustrating as the whole thing was, Bankotsu was not surprised by the lack of answers. No one was on their side, the villagers had subscribed to the ideals and so-called heroics of Robin Hood. He had no expectations of a favorable outcome, nor did he believe that any of the four would want to offer any sort of aid to Prince Naraku.
"Well, that went about as well as I thought it would," and though the man forced a smile, the tone of his voice belied him. "Next on our shortlist is that old hag, Kaede. Let's get this over with, I am honestly not in the mood to deal with these bitter old timers." The men strode away from the worn down old workshop and headed towards the home of the local priestess and medicine woman; like the old blacksmith, she had a stubborn streak.
On approach to the modest hut, the smell of herbs hung heavy in the air, a grey smoke billowed from the chimney, and the old woman could be seen tending to her garden. Wise eyes peered over a shoulder and noted the two unwanted visitors that had made their way onto her property. She pulled herself upwards, straightening out, and dusted the soil from her pants and addressed the men. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of your company gentlemen?"
Sheriff Bankotsu slid that charming mask into place; his smile wide and completely performative. "It's nice to see you too, Ms Kaede. You're looking especially loving, despite this nasty weather."
The old woman wiped her soiled hands clean on a worn old rag. She gazed at the man who spoke to her and lifted a single eyebrow with skepticism. "Spare me. I may be old and tired, but do not take me a fool. What do you want with me, sheriff?"
Feigning a slighted disposition, he frowned. "I am insulted, ma'am. Not even an offer of tea? And here I thought you were the perfect example of hospitality."
"You will have to beg pardon, sheriff, I am low on tea leaves and cannot afford to replenish my supply. You understand that I must be frugal with my sparse vittles and eats." The aged priestess pulled her shawl up her shoulder and faced the men with a steely stare. "I am a busy woman though, so if you could get to the reason for your visit, I would be much obliged."
The man could not keep the sneer from his face, he felt he deserved far more respect than he received. "Yes, of course, I wouldn't want to keep you from your responsibilities." He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, as though he wanted to establish his authority. "I know you were present for the archery competition, so you must have finally seen the true face of Robin Hood. Did you happen to recognize him?"
Her wrinkled face took on a contemplative air, as though she searched her memories for a face to match that of the thief. Humming softly, she finally replied, "It is quite possible that I have seen him before, but you must excuse the memory of an old woman."
Hakudoshi, who had held his tongue up until this point, crossed his arms over his chest, and pried impatiently. "Anything helps. If you know anything, I advise you to share it with us. We would hate to have to turn you over to the mercy of King Naraku."
The old woman began to shuffle towards the door of her poky hut, in the meantime she answered the sheriff's enquiries. "Well now, sheriff, you can't expect me to remember every person I have met in my long lifetime; especially in times like these."
"Anything you may know could help, doesn't matter how long ago it was either. Just think back for me, if you don't mind." And though Bankotsu was getting frustrated, he was able to keep the feeling out of his tone of voice.
Stopping in her doorway, she turned to face the two men, yet there was no fear or distress in her countenance. "I am this village's only priestess and medicine woman and I have had many individuals cross my threshold. I am sorry that I cannot put a name to Robin's face, for I am not even sure if I have given treatment to the man." Her eyes narrowed and her frown grew a bit deeper. "These have been trying times and I have worked through war, famine, and illness. You cannot truly expect me to remember every face I have treated, for I have saved hundreds and lost too many."
Clearing his throat, the sheriff did his best to keep his air of authority. "Right. Yes, of course. It was rather presumptuous of me to have such high expectations of you, but if you see him again or if he is to ever cross your threshold, I do expect you to alert the guards. Robin will pay for his crimes. He will hang."
Kaede did an excellent job at hiding her concern for the thief, that was much more akin to a grandson to her. "Yes, of course, sheriff." She entered the hut, shutting the door with a quiet thud behind her. Once inside, she wanted to cry, but she held fast to her strength. How could she warn Miroku to stay away, to get out of Nakimoto before it was too late? As much as she wanted him to flee, she knew he could never abandon the villagers, because, unfortunately, Nakimoto still needed him.
That was two down, with two left to question. So far, the dreary morning had been productive but without the desired effects. Prince Naraku would not be pleased with their current progress, as they still only knew what they knew to begin with. Feeling a fair bit more than dejected, the pair of men left the hut of the aged priestess and headed in the direction of the village bakery. There they would find the old fellow, Myoga, and with him start the whole process over again.
The shopkeeper was found sweeping the front of his paltry bakery and though he heard the approach of the sheriff and royal advisor, he did not look up from his work, nor did he address their presence. "Good afternoon, Myoga. Do you have a couple minutes to spare?" The sheriff sounded far more patient than usual, but even the most gullible of villagers would know it was a facade.
With less tact and a lot less civility the baker replied, "I am not sure I do, gentleman, as they say, time is money and I don't have much of that to spare."
The pale skinned royal advisor, by this point, had grown weary of the circles they were being forced to run. "Sir, I must advise you to cooperate with the sheriff and I, it really is for your own benefit. Though you may be loath to agree, we are no fools, and we know someone around here recognized Robin." Leaning in closer, the man locked his pale lavender eyes with the baker's, wide and terrified ones. "We have cause to believe that those of you who have dwelled in Nakimoto for as many years as you would be privy to such information. Should you not agree, sir?"
The portly old man swallowed hard, the lump in his throat too stubborn to be moved so easily. With a tremble in his voice he answered quietly, "Well I suppose one could make that assumption. I do not know why you think me capable of keeping company with a thief; it does little to my credit. I am established well enough here, you know, and it would benefit my reputation very little to attach myself to such an individual."
Though the elder man sounded haughty and rather confident it was his manners and actions that belied him. It was an act of which most could easily see through. "Come now, Myoga," the sheriff coaxed firmly, "Do not toy with us so blatantly. You must take us for fools. One would believe that you were keeping secrets from King Naraku himself and that you really do wish to take the place of Robin. You do understand that by protecting the thief you are committing treason, and will be justly punished. The gallows will eagerly await you."
His chubby hands were waved in front of his chest with some panic and distress. "The gallows? But sheriff, I know very little of the man."
"But you recognized him?!" Bankotsu demanded as his fist came down hard on the store's railing. "What do you know, you old bastard? Answer or you shall hang at first light."
Flinching, the baker looked around anxiously, becoming all the more jittery with each passing second. "I cannot be entirely certain, to be sure, for he was but a lad not yet of even twelve."
"Who?" The sheriff asked with venom in his tone.
Sputtering, he managed to answer the question. "Makoto's boy. Miyatsu's grandson. He was an orphan boy. Swiped some of my goods here and there, but he left years ago, and I haven't seen him since."
Losing all sense of patients now, "A name. Give me a name."
"Miroku!" It was blurted out with some fear and left a bad taste in his mouth.
"Very good." The sheriff placed a firm hand onto the shoulder of the plump man before him. "Now, did Miroku have any lasting connections with anyone within the village? Help of some kind?"
Taking a handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped the sweat from atop his balding head. "Well I," he stammered out with some nervousness and regret, "I only remember monk Mushin aiding him. The old monk would occasionally pay for the pilfered bread whenever I caught the boy making off with something. That was some years ago now, I reckon, but the thief left Nakimoto some time ago."
An ominous sort of grin altered the sheriff's otherwise handsome features. "Very good, old fellow, you have been of much help. Thank you for being so forthcoming." He turned his attention to the other man. "I guess now is an excellent time to make an arrest, would you not agree?" The two men parted ways with the bakery owner, leaving him to stew in his own regrets, for an old friend was now in danger, and the true name of Robin Hood had been revealed. Ashamed, he returned to his shop, fearing now that he would be just as despised as the loathsome prince.
The grey of the previous night's storm had started to break, as the sun began to spill through, and the birds returned to sing a few songs. Sango had, by then, made her way back into the village, with Kagome close behind. The village was in something of a tizzy and the ladies were unsure of its meaning until it all became glaringly obvious. The sheriff and advisor had come into view, with them was the kindly old monk, who walked ahead shackled and head down.
In a harried concern, Maid Sango quickly approached the small party of men. "Sheriff Bankotsu, what is the meaning of this? Why have you placed the monk under arrest?"She reached out to place her hand upon her old friend's shoulder, but found the action to be blocked by the man she addressed.
"It would seem that the old fool has been aiding the robbing hood." There, in his manner of speaking, was a sort of glee in his disappointment. "Loyal and kind was this man to a thief, but he still must pay for his crimes. It's a shame, truly it is. For in three days time the old monk shall hang. And for what, I ask you? All those years of service to a man undeserving of them." He made sure to lean in close to the wrinkled face of Mushin. "Miroku will not throw his life away for yours. You sacrifice much for him, but he will not do the same for you. Pity."
"Can he not be spared? Mushin is a good sort of man and would have only acted on charity." Sango pleaded with the sheriff, but to no avail.
He shrugged his shoulders and gave her the worst of assurances. "He shall be spared if Miroku turns himself in and takes the monk's place. Nothing else will do."
No other words were exchanged as the monk was led away and a quiet hush had seemed to have overcome the villagers. Robin did not make the much awaited appearance, but the thief was entirely unaware of the danger that had befallen his dear friend. Sango waited until the sheriff and Hakudoshi were out of sight before she slipped back into the forest.
Together the ladies dashed through the river and on towards Midori Wood, even in her haste she did not forget to give the sign that it was a friend who approached. She gave a shrill whistle just as she broke through the treeline and into the small clearing that was their home. The three thieves stared at them with wide and curious eyes, while the women stood breathlessly before them. Sango managed but a few words, "I bring bad news." Tears welled in her eyes and for all her efforts she was unable to compose herself properly.
Seeing her fear and concerns, Miroku quickly went to her aid. Taking her gently by the arms, he attempted to calm her. "It cannot be as bad as all this. You're rather pale and look as though you have seen a ghost. Come near the fire and warm yourself."
Exasperated by his ever calm demeanor Sango practically shouted at him. "You do not understand the direness of your current situation. Bankotsu has arrested monk Mushin, and he is to hang in three days' time unless you turn yourself in."
Though a mixture of anger and fear flashed in his eyes, Miroku was able to keep hold of his composure. "That is a real problem, indeed." He paused there, as his mind went to work on finding some sort of solution. "Sango," he asked, "do you know where your uncle is now?"
"Of course," came her quiet but quick reply."
"Excellent. I will need your help. I hope I can count on it." He moved to pull a map of the woods from his tent. "There will be much to get done and we only have three days to set it all in motion."
With a worried expression, Inuyasha joined the conversation with a short inquiry. "You have a plan?"
"Yes," was his reply, "but I don't think you will like it much."
The answer was far less than assuring, but a risky plan was better than no plan at all. They had no other choice but to hear this one and accept it for what it was.
((A/N: Look at me, an update before several months have passed. I know this chapter didn't focus much on Miroku and his activities and maybe this isn't the chapter you were expecting to read. I am aware that I haven't focused much on romance, but I definitely see this as more of an action drama with touches of romance. Either way, I hope you all will continue to enjoy this story, as things are about to ramp up. Tinemelk, it was good to see your review. I am happy that you have continued to follow me regardless of my unreliable updates. I appreciate your dedication. Much love. Until next time, ado.))