Early Saturday morning, Robert was preparing to head down to the armoury. Today, he was planning to work on more shields with Stephanus and Eustace. He went into the bedchamber to speak with Isabelle before heading out. He frowned when he saw her leaning her head out of the window again, breathing in the crisp autumn air.

"Isabelle? Are you alright?" he asked as he walked toward her.

"Just a little nausea, Robert. It will sort itself out. The cool air helps." she said.

"Did you run out of the batwing tea? I thought that was helping?"

"It was. Yes, it's all gone. I shall summon for Mortianna shortly." Isabelle nodded.

"You best do that soon, my love. Heaving is a terrible way to start the day."

"Tell me about it! Do not mention that, Robert. Tell me something pleasant before you must leave me."

"Alright. Well, besides the fact that you're beautiful, even when you're unwell, and that I adore you; I do have something quite pleasant to share." he smiled.

"Really? What is that, dearest?" Isabelle asked as she turned to face him.

"He's going to finally do it." Robert smiled.

"I take it you mean Milord. What is it he's going to do, Robert? Promote you to something else?"

"No, my love. He's finally going to tell Rhiannon about their boy."

"What? You mean, that sweet laddie will be finally coming home?"

"Indeed, my love. Won't that be grand? We will be able to see him anytime we wish." Robert smiled.

"I still don't understand why it's taken this long." Isabelle sighed, shaking her head.

"He can explain that best. A number of things happened in the last six months that made the timing of it crucial. She was very ill when they found her. Sir Guy said she looked like she had been murdered, there was that much blood."

"Dear God, Robert!" Isabelle gasped.

"I know. Kind of glad I missed that part, frankly. We're going to help him tell her, Belle."

"We are?"

"Yes. Quite some time ago I offered to help him tell her when the time was right. Last night, he asked if I was still on board with that. I told him we would be there to help." Robert explained.

"Of course, Robert. Did he say when he wants to do this?"

"No. Just that it would be soon, in the next couple of days. He will inform us when he plans to do it." Robert said.

"That is good. At least there's a bright silver lining for her after losing a child. It will bring her immense comfort." Isabelle sighed.

"What is it, my love?" he asked.

"I just wish… there were a silver lining for us, Robert."

"There will be, Belle. But, they don't just drop out of the sky. We must wait several months, and then our blessing will arrive to us, too." Robert smiled. Then he bent his head down and kissed her cheek.

"I'm glad you're confident, Robert."

"One of us must be. I wish you were, too. Let's just take each day as it comes, dearest. Should I stay with you this morning, until you're feeling better?" Robert asked.

"It's quite alright, husband. I will summon for Mortianna. The batwing tea helps. I will be fine, I'm sure of it." she smiled.

"Very well. You best do that soon. You're looking pale, Belle." Robert frowned.

"I will, Robert. Do not worry. All is well." Isabelle reassured him, also attempting to reassure herself.

Safforus was just starting his morning chores in the stables at Lady Gunilda's residence when he heard several horses approaching. He came out of the stables and was somewhat surprised to see Duke Farnsworth there with the Knights who were assigned to the search team. He walked toward them.

"Good day, Captain. Are you needing some help with the search?" Safforus asked.

"No. We're good with that. I'm here to inform you that the crossbow training starts tomorrow." Duke Farnsworth said.

"Oh. I see. Very well. What time of day does that begin?"

"Midday."

"Perfect. That will give me time to get some chores completed before I head out. Will any of you be there?" Safforus asked, addressing the rest of the men.

"We're not sure yet. We won't know until we report back to him at the end of the day." Ancel said.

"I hope so. Sounds better than galavanting about in that cursed forest." Alex muttered.

"Indeed, mate." Gerad nodded.

"I'm rather eager to see how I will fare with it. I've never handled one, myself." Adam said.

"I have experience with a crossbow, but it's been three years since I've used one." Safforus shrugged.

"Is that right, Safforus?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"Yes, Captain. When I was overseas in the Holy Land. I used it frequently."

"Does Milord Sheriff know this?"

"Yes, Captain. I told him last evening when he met with me about the City Watch. It came up when he asked about my skills."

"I'm sure he was pleased to hear that." Duke Farnsworth said.

"Indeed." Safforus smiled.

"So, if you used it frequently, you must have been good. How many of those… damn. What are they called again?" Ancel muttered. Then he remembered. "Right. Bolts! How many bolts could you fire in a minute?"

"Bolts?" Alex muttered to Gerad.

"Beats the hell out of me, mate." Gerad shrugged.

"Four." Safforus said.

"From what we were told on Wednesday when we met with the bow craftsman, firing off that many in a minute is considered highly skilled. That's good. You'll pick it back up in no time." Ancel smiled.

"I hope so." Safforus said.

"The hell is a bolt?" Alex asked.

"It's the name given to the projectile. Instead of an arrow, it's called a bolt." Ancel said.

"That's perfect! Kind of like a lightning bolt!" Alex added.

"What about the head, then? Is it still called an arrowhead?" Gerad asked, curiously.

"Men, you can review this with Nic on the morrow if you're not assigned to sear — " the Captain was interrupted.

"No. It has a different name. A very unusual name, but now, I can't think of it." Ancel said, shaking his head.

"It's called a quarrel." Safforus said.

"Ah! Like what's probably going on between Luke and Cas right now. A quarrel!" Alex chuckled.

"Luke wouldn't waste his energy on that." Adam said.

"Wanna bet?" Gerad teased.

"Uh… have you met him?" Ancel added with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Luke was the man who was here yesterday, correct?" Safforus asked.

"Yes. He told me he escorted Lady Rhiannon, and Lady Meridwyn here." Adam nodded.

"He seemed quite friendly. I overheard him humming a tune and adding words into it. It looked like he was… constructing a song." Safforus shrugged.

"Wait. What?" Adam asked, genuinely astonished to hear this about his mate.

"That may be, but we've seen his dark side, too." Ancel chuckled. Though, he wasn't surprised to hear this, because he was certain he heard Luke singing when he knocked on his door about the new longbow the evening before.

"Alright, men. Let's not keep Safforus from his duties. Duty calls for us, too." Duke Farnsworth reminded them.

"God, I hate that forest." Alex muttered.

"We know, mate. Every time we go in there you have that to say about it." Gerad said.

"Just a quick question before we go." Adam said.

"What is that?" Safforus asked.

"It must be about the great big elephant — in the yard." Gerad chuckled.

"Agreed." Duke Farnsworth scoffed.

"Indeed. What is up with that oak tree?" Adam asked as he pointed to it. "There's no way a man could have done that. It looks like… a big old dragon encroached on it and swung a gargantuan axe down through the trunk, vertically? The hell happened there, Safforus?" Adam asked.

"I'm told it was hit by a lightning bolt on Tuesday, oddly." Safforus shrugged.

"How strange?" Duke Farnsworth remarked.

"I'll say! I never saw any lightning. What an odd time of year for lightning strikes?" Gerad said, shaking his head.

"Indeed. And, a right mess to clean up, too. Not sure where to start with that." Safforus sighed.

"Perhaps some of us could pitch in to assist sometime?" Ancel suggested.

"That would be great if you could ever spare the time. Luke offered, too. I say the more the merrier. The work will be done so much faster." a beat. "Where's Drake? Is he not with you today, Captain?" Safforus asked.

"No. He's going to the tavern to let Slayer know the Sheriff wants to meet with him." Duke Farnsworth said.

"Good. I hope he accepts the offer. He would be perfectly suited for it, and it would be nice to know there's another capable man on City Watch." Safforus said.

At this point, Lady Gunilda was peering out of her front window, wondering what business Safforus had with the group of Black Knights who were mounted atop their horses in her lane. He didn't say much about what happened when he joined them on Thursday, just that he did see them and went ahead with Drake. She was also wondering why she didn't see Drake with the men outside. She guessed this group had to be the members of the team assigned to search for the fugitive.

"Indeed. From everything we've heard about him, that is my hope, as well. We'll let you get back to your duties. We must travel deep into the forest today." the Captain said.

"Of course. Thanks for letting me know. Best of luck with your search." he said.

The men nodded, then steered their horses toward the road. Then, they kicked them into motion as the team headed north toward Sherwood.

As the men were making their way up the road, Gunilda stepped outside the front door and walked toward Safforus.

"Saff? What were the Sheriff's Black Knights doing here?" she asked as she pulled the edges of her cape closer about her to shield her from the frigid autumn air.

"Oh. Right. Just… informing me of my appointment on the morrow." Safforus said.

"Appointment? For what?"

"I've a meeting at midday. I'm meeting with the Sheriff's Advisor, Nichol. He is also the weapons trainer."

"Really? Why must you be there?" she asked, curiously.

"He's going to be teaching me and a few of the men how to use a crossbow, Milady." Safforus said.

"Whatever for?"

"Oh. Right. I… uh… guess I didn't have a moment to tell you." Safforus sighed.

"Tell me… what, Safforus?" Gunilda asked curiously, with her eyes narrowed.

"I met with the Sheriff and his Lieutenant last evening. I thought they were just going to question me further about that fugitive bloke, and how things were when Drake and I went after him, after I saw the team in Sherwood." Safforus began.

"And? Was that not what he wanted to meet with you about?" Gunilda asked.

"He thanked me, but, it turned out…that was my interview."

"Interview?" she asked, her caramel coloured eyes narrowed, suspiciously.

"Yes. I've been assigned as the first member of City Watch." Safforus announced, proudly.

"Wait. WHAT?"

The Sheriff and Nichol were in the Council Quarters waiting for Mordrid's team to arrive.

"Thanks for this, Nic. I'm sure they'll stay in line with you joining them." the Sheriff said.

"They shall need to. This walking stick also doubles as a weapon if needs be. I could always strike them over the head with it." Nichol smirked.

"I never thought of that. I like the way you think, mate." he grinned, deviously.

"Of course. Spent the majority of my life at your side. How could I not learn a few things?" Nichol chuckled.

"Whatever you could do to assist them would be appreciated. They've a lot of ground to cover, so to speak."

"Of course, George. I'm not just going to be there to enforce rules with Castor and Luke. I've more skills than just that."

"Indeed. I wonder what's keeping them? I thought they'd be here by now." he huffed.

"It's nice to see you're not completely transformed. You're still impatient. At least I know there's still some of you in there I recognize." Nichol said.

"You'd be surprised. That guy sits just below the surface, Nic. But, you'd also be surprised at how patient I have been about some things." he said.

"I'm sure, mate." Nichol scoffed.

Mordrid and Luke were the first to arrive. They walked into the meeting room and sat at the table with the Sheriff and Nichol.

"Where's Castor? Did you see him on your way here?" he asked them.

"No. I didn't see him. I thought he might already be here." Luke shrugged.

"Beats me, Milord. I haven't seen him, either." Mordrid said.

"Curses! There's always one." the Sheriff sighed.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon, Mil — " Mordrid started to say, but was interrupted.

The door opened, and the sentry announced Castor's arrival. The Sheriff nodded, and Castor came strolling into the room.

"Aren't we in a rush? Why is everyone seated?" Castor asked as he approached them.

"We need to review a few things, Castor. Come. Sit. There's a chair beside Luke." the Sheriff said.

"That's alright, Milord. I'll take this one." Castor said as he pulled out the chair across from Luke.

Nottingham sighed.

Luke shook his head and frowned.

"You better get a grip, Castor." Mordrid warned him.

"What? I didn't say anything." Castor huffed.

"You didn't have to." Mordrid said.

"Indeed, Mordrid." Nichol nodded. Then he looked to Castor. "We've a task to perform today, Cas. You will do so without being disruptive."

"We?" Castor asked.

"Yes. Nichol is going to accompany you three today. After last night's meeting, I was insistent on that." the Sheriff said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Good. I'm glad of that." Mordrid said.

"Sounds good to me. We could use an extra pair of hands." Luke nodded.

"I don't need minding." Castor huffed.

"I disagree. I say you do. Besides, he's not just joining the team to keep you in line. He'll be assisting in the search." the Sheriff said.

"Very well, Milord." Castor sighed.

"What are the particulars you wanted to review with us, Milord?" Mordrid asked.

"Well, let's break it down, shall we? This is an evidence search. Yesterday, Guy interrogated the Priest." the Sheriff began. He reached for the rolled parchment containing notes from the interrogation that was placed in front of him on the table, and unfurled it. "Here's what we know: the Priest guessed there are roughly seventy five members in this Jesus Brotherhood so far. There could be more. Four of his top men are already in the dungeon. Those were the four that crashed my wedding ceremony, along with Father Titlittle — "

Castor burst out laughing at that, unable to control himself.

"I wasn't finished, Castor." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"I know. It's just funny when ye come up with these alternate names, Milord."

"I tend to do that with criminals on my wanted list. It's only a… hobby of mine. To keep myself amused so I can keep my ire at bay. Keep it up and one day you might be on the cursed list. Your mates call you "Cas", correct?"

"Uh… aye, Milord." Castor said, somewhat confused by the question.

"Right. So, if you keep getting out of line and pull some bollocks around here, you might find yourself on that wanted list someday, too. All I'd have to do is remove the C, and add an S at the end of that, and you become "Ass". See how that works?" Nottingham said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

Mordrid and Luke looked down to conceal a chuckle.

"Forgive me, Milord." Castor said. "But, if I may? When my mates shorten my name, it sounds a bit more like "Caz" than "Cass", so… there's that." Castor added, sheepishly, with a shrug.

Nottingham paused a moment as he stared into his brown eyes. Then, he shook his head and sighed.

"Right. Moving on. As I said, four of his enforcers are already in the dungeon. He told Guy there are two more: Everard Nesdin, and Gunter Thorne. Doubtful these cretins will be anywhere in the vicinity of his home and church today, especially knowing that the Priest and the other four are here in the dungeon. But, now you know their names. You may see something with their names written on it. We're looking for documentation, weapons, possibly a mission statement written somewhere, a list of the other members of the Jesus cult, perhaps attendance lists of their meetings. Anything like that. Got it?" he asked as he looked around to each of them.

"Yes, Milord." Mordrid said.

"Of course, Milord. We will search high and low to get your evidence." Luke nodded.

"Aye, Milord." Castor agreed.

"Of course, you can count on us, mate." Nichol said.

"As well, he has a groundskeeper named Fladius. I understand his quarters are somewhere on that property, probably near the church. We met with him two days ago when he came to report the Priest was missing. He says he is not a part of the rebellion and acted surprised by — "

"He did, indeed, Milord." Luke nodded.

"You were there for that meeting?" Castor scoffed. "Figures!"

"Must I remind you he's one of my top Investigators, Castor?" Nottingham huffed.

"Right." Castor muttered. "Of course, he is."

"Castor!" Mordrid admonished.

Luke sighed, shaking his head.

"You haven't even left the property yet, and you're already starting trouble. I need you to pay attention, Castor, for the love of Zeus!" Nottingham huffed in exasperation.

"Aye, Milord." Castor nodded.

"As I was saying, Fladius said he's not a part of it, and the Priest said the same to Guy. However, we don't take people at their word in matters like this. There must be no doubt. So, you shall search his quarters, as well. We need to confirm his assertions about that, and we can't do that without executing a search of his quarters, too." the Sheriff added.

"Of course, Milord. What about their meetings? When, and where do they meet?" Mordrid asked.

"Every two weeks on Thursdays at another place altogether. Don't concern yourself with that today. That place will need to be searched, as well, but you're going to be kept busy where you're going today." the Sheriff said.

"Very well, Milord." Mordrid agreed.

"Good. So, you're all clear on what it is I need out of this search?" he asked.

"Aye, Milord." Castor nodded.

"Very clear." Mordrid said.

"Yes, Milord Sheriff. We shall search each place top to bottom." Luke agreed.

"Good. You men best get started, then." he said.

Mortianna was heading to the Wordsworths' chambers to answer Isabelle's summons. She carried a small covered pot with her containing enough of her rose hip, juniper, lemon and honey tea mixture to last the lady until sundown; at which time, she fully expected to be summoned for more as this concoction might only cause an upset in digestion, mainly nausea, and nothing more.

More and more the witch was grateful that she discussed this matter with the Sheriff. The lady will think she's drinking something that will cause the termination of her pregnancy, but it would not. If anything should happen to put this child in danger, it would be nature rather than Mortianna having a hand in it.

She knocked on the door of the chambers and awaited a response. After a few moments, the door opened. Isabelle nodded and invited her inside.

"Thank you for answering expediently. I'm eager to get this over with, Madam." Isabelle said after closing the door.

"I know ye are, child. I warn ye. This isn't the most pleasant tasting of teas. There's enough to last until sundown." Mortianna said as she passed the pot to her.

"Do you think that quantity shall be enough?" Isabelle asked. She took the pot and set it on a table. Next, she ladled a measure into a cup she had waiting there, and began to sip it.

"It should. Remember what I said. One cup every three or four hours."

"Very well." Isabelle took another sip and frowned as she peered into the cup. "You're right. It isn't the most pleasant. In fact, it's… not good at all. Forgive me for saying so."

"That's quite alright, child. Of course, it's awful. Most medicaments are if they're the kind meant for ingestion. Do not fret. It might taste terrible, but it will work."

"When do you think I should expect to notice anything?" Isabelle asked.

"As I told ye yesterday, it's variable for every woman. It could be anywhere from one hour to several."

"I see. How long is several, exactly? Four hours? Eight?"

"I'd wager a good twelve. At least." Mortianna smiled.

"What? Haven't you something that will work faster than this, then?" Isabelle asked urgently, nodding to her cup.

"Nothing that wouldn't cause harm to ye. No. That shall have to do, child."

"Very well. I best finish what I have in this cup, then. No point sipping slowly." she shrugged. Then, she held the cup to her lips and proceeded to drink every last drop, grimacing all the while.

"I hope this is what ye wanted, child." Mortianna said.

"It's not what I want. I'm merely speeding up what is sure to occur. It will be easier this way." Isabelle said.

"Of course. I shall leave you to it, then. Ye might want to rest while ye can."

"What do you mean, Mortianna?"

"Later, when this takes effect, you will wish you had rested if ye don't. It's rare to have a painless experience, as you pointed out yesterday when you cited only one of your four losses were painless. Pain, cramping… it's an expectation. And, since we've no way of predicting how long before the effects take hold, it's best to rest when ye can." Mortianna explained.

The witch looked down to the floor for a moment and smirked at her own performance. There would be no pain for Lady Isabelle this day, but she had to sell it to her as if the tea was the answer the lady was seeking.

"Oh, my. I guess I hadn't thought of that. Very well. I will do that, Mortianna." Isabelle nodded.

"Good. Oh, and if ye get into any trouble as a result of it, do summon me back, and ye should have Thomas summoned, as well. Don't worry if Robert is present. He will never know about this tea, or that it was your will that brought it to ye."

"Trouble?" Isabelle asked, nervously.

"Ye know… pain that won't cease. Too much bleeding. Things like that, Milady." Mortianna explained straight-faced, trying not to chuckle. The idea was to get Lady Isabelle to seriously rethink her decision, even though the tea would not cause harm to she, nor her baby.

"Oh, my. Alright. Hopefully Robert will be back from the armoury should anything like that happen." Isabelle said. She swallowed, dryly.

"Indeed. Ye know, I once saw a maiden who bled like a stuck pig from a normal birth. Just a regular, ordinary birth in which she didn't take anything to cause it. Your sister in law, to be sure. She was ill for quite some time. I wasn't there when she was found, but I heard all about the blood. But, there was still bleeding present days later when she was brought here by Milord Sheriff. Imagine if she had drank something to cause the birth? As it was, it's a miracle she survived." Mortianna said, sombrely.

"Yes. I can only imagine." Isabelle said, softly.

"The same thing happened to my dear nie — friend, Lady Aelesia. Alas, fate was not as kind to her as it was to Lady Rhiannon. The lady lost so much of her blood, the team caring for her could do nothing to stop it. She had Thomas there, a midwife, and another physician Thomas summoned was there to assist, as well. That was a regular, ordinary birth, too. Except that the child came far too early, her labours went smoothly and were unremarkable. She dearly wanted that baby, and would never willingly leave her year old son. But, fates had other plans. She and her infant son, Gawain, passed away. That year old son of hers is your brother in law, Milord Sheriff, to be sure." Mortianna lamented with a sigh. She would never get over the loss of her niece.

"Oh my. How horrible! Milord hinted about something like that to Robert and I once. He was concerned that might happen to Rhiannon when she was set to deliver in the spring. Thank heavens she didn't bleed excessively when their daughter was lost to them." Isabelle said.

"Indeed. Ye can also summon me if ye require more of the tea, if, at the end of the day, ye find you're not getting the results ye had hoped for."

"Very well."

"Are ye alright, child? You're looking a bit pale, and you're trembling."

"I guess I just… had never considered all of the… possible complications." Isabelle frowned.

"Do not fret. All will be well. By the time ye retire tonight ye shall most likely be rid of this burden you're bearing."

"Most likely? It should definitely be over with by then, should it not, Mortianna?"

"There's no way of knowing, child. We shall see. Perhaps I'll stop by later in the day to see how you're faring. Would that be agreeable?" Mortianna asked.

"That would be fine." Isabelle smiled.

"Take it easy this day, child. By the end of it, ye shall be free. Or, so we hope." Mortianna said. Then, she took leave of her.

It was mid morning when the Sheriff was approached by the Scribe as he was heading toward the meeting chamber.

"A missive has come for you, Milord Sheriff." the Scribe said as he passed the rolled and sealed parchment to him.

"I see. Who sent it? Do you know?" he asked as he took the scroll from him.

"Yes, Milord. The messenger who delivered it said it was sent by Hugo de Bosco, the Sheriff of Hampshire."

"Oh. Right. I've been expecting this. It just slipped my mind with all of the goings on around here." the Sheriff sighed.

"I'll be close by in case there's bad news, Milord."

"That's fine. It's doubtful, however. It's regarding Ancel. He used to work for him before coming to Nottingham." the Sheriff said.

"I see. I'll leave you to it, Milord." the Scribe nodded, then took his leave.

The Sheriff took the scroll to the Council Quarters, as it was doubtful he'd be interrupted since so many of his men were away on assignment. He poured water from the pitcher placed on the centre of the table into a goblet, took a sip, then seated himself. He hoped that the Sheriff of Hampshire would confirm for him that Ancel could be trusted. He broke the wax seal and unfurled the document, then he began to read it:

"Friday, October 31st, 1197, Anno Domini,

Greetings, my Lord Sheriff of Nottingham;

I just received your missive regarding one of my guards, Ancel Ward. I was hoping he would return, as I thought he'd only taken a leave for a time. I was pleased to read he now serves you as one of your Black Knights."

The Sheriff exhaled a sigh and took another sip of water before he continued reading.

As you may be aware, there's been a number of Sheriffs coming and going since Ancel was hired here. The Sheriff whom hired him originally was John de Rebez. There were two others appointed after him before I accepted the appointment in 1193. Fortunately, notes regarding staff were kept since John was Sheriff, and I can offer my personal observations, as well.

I regret Ancel has left us. He is punctual, hard working, very astute, skilled, and possesses instincts rarely seen. I believe he shall be an asset to you, my Lord Sheriff. Reading through notations about him from the other three Sheriffs before me confirms the same.

John de Rebez made a note about the matter leading to Ancel being offered a position. He was brought to John's attention when the Harbour Master at the shipyard shared an anecdote about a builder who stopped a pair of miscreants from completely destroying, and burning down His Majesty's ship. He detained them. The builder was Ancel. John hired him, and continued to find Ancel was a valuable addition to his men, as have the rest of us since.

I trust you'll find this information serves you well. I send my regards to both you, and Ancel; and extend my best wishes on your upcoming nuptials.

Sincerely,

Hugo de Bosco

-- Sheriff of Hampshire."

The Sheriff slowly shook his head, a little amazed at what he had read. He was hopeful for a positive response, but wasn't quite expecting this.

He didn't lie.

The Sheriff remembered having a gut instinct about Ancel, and, once again, it proved right.

"I'll be damned. Perhaps miracles do exist?" he muttered very quietly.

Just then, the door opened and Guy stepped inside.

"Are you expecting someone, Cousin?" Guy asked.

"No. Why?"

"Nothing too pressing. It's personal. Just need a quick word."

"That's fine." the Sheriff said. He glanced once more at the unfurled parchment on the table before him.

"Working on notes for the meeting on Monday?" Guy asked, nodding to the parchment on the table.

"No. It's a missive."

"From whom? It's not bad news, I hope?"

"It's from Hugo de Bosco, the Sheriff of Hampshire." the Sheriff said.

"And? Why are you short on words, George?"

"Because… I'm speechless, Gis. Read it."

"Very well." Guy nodded. He sighed as he walked toward the table, certain he would be sent to go after Ancel and bring him back to the castle. From the look on his cousin's face, he would have bet money that Ancel was either about to be sacked, thrown in the dungeon, or sent to the gallows.

Guy took a deep breath as he reached down to take the parchment from the table. Then, he began to read it.

His eyes widened as he read it, and then he smiled and placed it back down on the table.

"That's a relief! From the look of you, I was expecting the worst. Why are you speechless, Cousin?" Guy asked, curiously.

"Because, for the second time I found an honest one. Or, he found me. He didn't lie about the story of how he came to the attention of the Sheriff. One might have thought the story he gave us was embellished the second he dropped the name of Prince John's brother to us."

"King Richard. The Non King." Guy scoffed.

"Yes. Parts of his story almost sounded fantastical. Notably, that part. Yet, he did not lie to us, Gis. I was hoping for a positive letter. I got a first page draft of a book that was a glowing report and recommendation." a beat. "Twice, Gis. We got lucky twice." the Sheriff said, softly.

"Indeed. In truth, however, we're lucky with all of them."

"Luke and Ancel stand out to me. You're probably right. Many of them are outstanding. There is one who is concerning me, however." Nottingham sighed.

"Whom is that, George?"

"Castor. He was trying to start trouble at our meeting this morning. He was doing his best to antagonize Luke. I can't think of any issues I've encountered with him, though. Have you ever had a problem with him?"

"No. I've never observed anything troubling, and no one has complained about him."

"That may be, but, he's one to keep an eye on at the moment. I'm planning to meet with Nic and Mordrid when they return." the Sheriff said.

"What about Luke?" Guy asked.

"His opinion will be biased. Initially, I'll meet with Nic and Mordrid to get their assessment of how their venture panned out with growing animosity between the other two. Still, it's not Luke who concerns me." he said.

"Noted. I'll pay more attention to him, too." Guy nodded.

"Good. What is it you wished to speak to me about?"

"Meridwyn's birthday." Guy said.

"Oh. Did I miss it?"

"No. It's coming up. December fourteenth. It's on a Sunday, this year — "

"Yes, you can take one or two days to take her away somewhere, if you wish. My son will be here with us. I'm hopeful he'll be here within the next sennight. You could take your wife to your manor in Nettlestone." the Sheriff suggested.

"That's kind of you to offer a respite from my duties, George, but, I've another thing in mind, too." Guy hinted.

"I see. What is that?"

"The use of the Dining Hall for December thirteenth. I don't think I'll need the Grand Hall. I'd like to have a small celebration for her. It's her last birthday before she shall be a mother the rest of her life." Guy explained.

"I see. Right. Very well. It won't be too large of a gathering, will it?"

"No. I don't think she'd like that, anyway. Just a few people. Us, our wives, Robert and Isabelle, Nic, and any others she might want there."

"Perfect. I personally hate it when there's a bunch of carriages cluttering the courtyard. Noisy and messy! You'll speak to Jean Louis about the menu?"

"Of course." Guy nodded.

"Music?"

"Probably the Medley Brothers."

"Might I suggest we ask Luke to also perform a tune or two?" he asked.

"Indeed. I'd like to hear him if he would agree to it." Guy smiled.

"Good. It may take some convincing , but he has a month to get used to the idea."

"Aye. Hopefully, he'll accept." a beat. "Is the respite still on the table, or, did the party request cancel that out?"

"You may take a short get away. Three days at best. As long as nothing else is pressing at the time. Hint: don't tell her and get her hopes up until I can approve it." he said.

"Of course. I appreciate it, Cousin."

"I know. I wish I could take Rhiannon away. Get aways are never on my agenda."

"Nettlestone isn't far. After your son is settled in, you could consider taking her to my manor." Guy suggested.

"And, leave our son, Gis? The same boy whose already been without his mother these last six months, and hasn't seen his father often enough?"

"Right. I keep forgetting about the finer points of it. Well, what if you took him with you?"

"The hell kind of a romantic get away is that? We would need to bring a nurse along, because I sure as hell don't expect my wife to do every little tedious thing. And then, we'd have an extra woman in our space, assigned to care for the boy. He's bound to get fussy, which will likely unsettle the both of us, and your manor isn't big enough to grant Rhiannon and I privacy from a fussy infant, and his nurse." Nottingham sighed.

"He has aunts and uncles here, George. From what I understand, he was quite close to Lady Isabelle. Between the four of us, and a nurse, he'd be fine here for a couple of days, I'm sure."

"That's true, but he needs his parents, too. I'll have to review this option at a later date, well after he is settled in." the Sheriff said.

"Of course." Guy nodded.

At this time, Mordrid and his team arrived to the Church of the Holy Trinity to commence their search. Luke and Castor went ahead and separately purveyed the grounds, as Mordrid and Nichol prepared to dismount and secure their horses.

"I'm glad you came with us, Nichol. I've missed working with you." Mordrid said.

"Me too, Mordrid. Though, I doubt we'll have much in the way of excitement with this task." Nichol said as he dismounted from his horse.

"I suppose that depends on Castor." Mordrid remarked as he began to secure his horse.

"Indeed. I'm sure he'll be fine. He has us to keep him in line."

"Indeed." Mordrid nodded

"How do you like working with Christian? I mean… the Captain." Nichol asked.

"Very well. He's quite good, Nic. Can't think of anyone else who would be better suited to follow in your footsteps."

"That's good to hear. I was getting the impression he was working out quite well. When I knew him he was just plain old Officer Christian, so the Duke and Captain bit take some getting used to." Nichol said.

"I'm sure, Nic. And, it's taking some effort for me not to call you "Captain"." Mordrid grinned.

"No doubt."

"To me, you're both a Captain."

"Fair enough, since you've worked with us both. Just don't forget whom your true Captain is now. I'm only here to assist, but I'm not the Captain."

"Of course. You haven't even been with us a full sennight yet. It's natural some still think of you as such." Mordrid said.

"As long as you keep in mind I don't give the orders now." Nichol said.

"Of course." Mordrid nodded.

Just then, Luke was approaching them.

"Right. I think I've figured out where the groundskeeper, Fladius' quarters are." Luke said as he drew in closer to them.

"Good. Behind the church, or something?" Mordrid asked.

"There's nothing in back of the church. Just a shed. I think it's that small structure situated between the church and the Priest's home." Luke said.

"I guess that makes sense." Nichol shrugged.

"Damn. So much for privacy! How does he stand it?" Mordrid wondered. "It's not nearly far enough from either place."

"Indeed, Mordrid. Sure as hell wouldn't be my choice to live in a place like that. My God! Fingle's shop is bigger than that." Nichol sighed, shaking his head.

"Guess that's the difference between being a renowned bow craftsman, and a groundskeeper for a small church." Luke shrugged.

"Hmm. Is it small? It doesn't look small. I'd say it's an ordinary sized church." Mordrid said.

"Seems a bit small to me. Doesn't really matter. Those quarters are definitely small. So, how shall we handle this?" Luke asked.

Mordrid looked to Nichol.

"It's your call, Mordrid." Nichol nodded.

"Right. I say two of us check out the groundskeeper's quarters first. The other two stay outside and keep on eye on him, in case he gets any ideas to enter into the church, or the Priest's home." Mordrid suggested.

"I agree. I would have suggested the same." Nichol winked at him.

"Good. Just one problem. Where the hell is Castor?" Mordrid asked them.

"I saw him heading to the church. I think he was wandering around the perimeter." Luke said.

"Ridiculous. Who is he expecting to find?" Mordrid huffed.

Mordrid left them and started toward the church.

"Castor? Cas! Where are you?" Mordrid called as he started to head to the back of the church.

Castor soon appeared from behind the church and walked toward Mordrid.

"What the hell were you doing?" Mordrid asked.

"I think I found something pertinent already." Castor smirked.

"Good. We'll get to that in a moment. First, we're going to look in the groundskeepers quarters." Mordrid said.

The two of them walked toward Nichol and Luke.

"Alright. I told him the plan." Mordrid said.

"So, the groundskeepers quarters first. Right. Hopefully he knows nothing about what's inside the shed back behind the church." Castor hinted.

"That's why two of us will remain outside — to keep an eye on him." Nichol explained.

"What's in the shed?" Luke asked.

"I only took a quick glance, but, looks like enough weapons to damn near supply an army." Castor smirked.

"We haven't even started yet, and you saw that?" Nichol asked.

"Indeed. Seems a bit suspicious to me." Castor said.

"It certainly does." Nichol nodded. Then he looked to Mordrid. "How do you want to play this?"

"You and Luke search the groundskeeper's quarters. We shall keep a close eye outside and make sure this Fladius character doesn't try anything funny." Mordrid said.

"Very well." Nichol agreed. He nodded to Luke and the two of them made their way to the door of Fladius' quarters.

Nichol tapped on the door using his walking stick.

They waited for a time, then Nichol banged on the door with his fist.

"We're here on behalf of the Sheriff. Hello? Open the door at once!" Nichol called out.

A few moments later, the door opened. They were greeted by a tall, slender man with silver hair.

"Yes? What can I do for you?"

"Fladius, correct?" Nichol asked.

"Yes. That's him." Luke said.

"Indeed. I am. How can I help you?" Fladius asked.

"We need you to step outside. We're conducting a search. Unfortunately, for you, we must search your quarters, too." Nichol said.

"Oh. I see. Very well. Can I grab my cloak? It's quite chill outside."

"Yes, but we must insist you show us what's in your pockets. Standard procedure." Nichol said.

Fladius nodded then reached to grab his woollen cloak from the hook by the door. He put it on and stepped outside, then he pulled all of us his pockets out to reveal he had nothing of significance inside of them.

"Alright. That will do. You must wait out here. You see those two men standing close by at ten yards directly in front of this door?" Nichol asked.

"Yes, Sir." Fladius said.

"They're here to keep an eye on you while my associate and I search your quarters. You must remain outside within their view. Got it?" Nichol said, firmly.

"Yes. Indeed. Not sure what you're looking for, but if you could do so quickly, I'd appreciate it. It's quite chill out here." Fladius said.

"Noted. That will depend on what we find." Luke said.

Fladius nodded to them with a sigh, and the two men entered inside his quarters.

Ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn were walking together along the corridor of the second floor of the castle toward the Wordsworths' chambers. Meridwyn was hopeful this morning that the riding lessons would be put off until later in the day. Her head was aching, her mouth was dry, and she was feeling nausea come over her intermittently. Unfortunately, Rhiannon had other plans.

"I wish I had something to shield my eyes from the brightness outside." Meridwyn sighed.

"What brightness, Meridwyn? The sky is covered in clouds!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"It's still too bright. My head aches, Rhi."

They had just arrived to the door.

"I'm sure the fresh air will help, Meridwyn. It will be alright." Rhiannon said.

"I hope so. Let's see if Isabelle is ready for this." Meridwyn sighed. She reached out and began to knock on the door.

It took several moments, and more knocking on the door before Isabelle finally responded. She stood before them looking quite pale.

"Oh. I… wasn't expecting you." Isabelle sighed.

"We were planning to take you for your next riding lesson, but… are you alright, Sister?" Rhiannon asked.

Isabelle put her hand to her forehead and looked down, closing her eyes a moment.

"Isabelle? What's going on?" Meridwyn asked.

"Just feeling a trifle… queasy."

"Understood. So am I, truth be told. But, our sister in law reminded me that fresh air will help that." Meridwyn smiled.

"Right. I… don't think so." Isabelle muttered, shaking her head.

"You don't look right, dearest. Your colour is terrible." Rhiannon frowned.

"It must be whatever that malaise is hanging on. I imagine it should pass… soon." Isabelle said.

"Come, Isabelle." Rhiannon directed. She stepped inside the chambers and nodded for Meridwyn to follow her.

"What are you doing, Rhiannon? I don't think I'm fit for this just now." Isabelle argued.

"Of course, you're not, dearest. We're putting you to bed. Where's Robert?"

"He's in the armoury." Isabelle replied.

"Figures. Isn't it supposed to be his day off?"

"He's working on something for Milord."

"Again? How can he leave you in a state like this?" Rhiannon huffed.

"I wasn't this bad when he left. A little nausea would come and go earlier, but it's worsened in the last hour or so. It will be alright, Rhiannon. Robert would have insisted on staying with me if I was feeling like this then. Truthfully, I'm glad for the space. I don't want my husband to witness me retching, frankly."

"We had better get Thomas, then." Rhiannon suggested.

"No." Isabelle stated, adamantly. "There's no need of that. Truly."

"Isabelle, this malaise of yours should be long past you by now. This isn't right." Rhiannon pointed out. She put her arm around Isabelle's shoulders and guided her toward the bedchamber doors.

"I'll be alright after a wee rest, dearest. There's no fever. No… pain." Isabelle sighed. No cramping, no bleeding, no nothing. Just this cursed nausea with occasional retching. When will that vile tasting tea take effect?

"Right." Rhiannon sighed as she opened the doors to the bedchamber. "We will help you into bed. We'll get you settled and comfortable, and then we'll grant you some peace for a time." she said. She helped Isabelle toward the bed.

Isabelle sat on the bed, then she reclined against the large, fluffy pillows. Rhiannon covered her with a blanket.

"But, we're coming back in a few hours to check on you, Isabelle." Rhiannon said.

"I don't think I'm fit for our riding lesson today, Rhiannon. I'm sure I'll be right as rain on the morrow." Isabelle smiled.

Meridwyn looked to the floor, a smile spread across her face. She was grateful that this meant she could return to her chambers, too, and take her own rest. All she wanted was to put a cold damp cloth over her eyes, and sleep.

"Yes, I can see that, Sister. As for tomorrow, we shall see. Looking at you now, it's hard to imagine you'll be that much better on the morrow, but, time will tell. If you're still looking like this when we return, I'm summoning my brother to return to you, and Thomas, too." Rhiannon said, firmly.

"There's really no — " Isabelle started to say, but was cut off. She sighed.

"We? When we return?" Meridwyn asked, interrupting Isabelle.

"Yes. You're not curious to see whether she's better or not in a few hours, Meridwyn?"

"Of course, Rhi. I was just thinking… a very cold cloth over my eyes and a rest would do me some good, too."

"For heaven's sake, Meridwyn." Rhiannon sighed.

"Are you alright, Meridwyn?" Isabelle asked.

"I'm fine, Isabelle. Just have a little headache. It'll be fine."

"Oh. I see. You had better rest, too."

"Oh, I plan to, honey." Meridwyn smiled. She noticed a covered pot on the table beside the bed. A cup was placed beside it. She reached out and lifted the cover, curious about the contents. "What's this, Isabelle?"

"Nothing really. Just some tea, dearest. It helps a little."

"Really? Mind if I try some of this, honey? I've been feeling a bit queasy this day, too."

"No, you mustn't, Meridwyn!" Isabelle exclaimed, surprising both of them as she snatched the cover from Meridwyn and placed it back on the small pot.

"What in the devil was that about?" Meridwyn asked, suspiciously.

"Indeed." Rhiannon nodded.

"It's… not an ordinary tea, Meridwyn. There might be some things in there that… well… might not be good for your baby." Isabelle muttered.

"How very strange? True, it doesn't seem like ordinary tea, but I thought I detected lemon and honey coming from that. Since when are those ingredients harmful, dearest? Those are the kinds of things that are quite lovely added to thick cream and spread on a sweetbread." Meridwyn pointed out, shaking her head.

"Heaven only knows what all is in there. I'm just pointing out that since we don't know for sure what is in it, it's best you don't drink it, dearest. That's all. Forgive me. I didn't mean to snap at you." Isabelle smiled, ruefully.

"Did you not steep that yourself, Isabelle? How do you not know what's in it?" Rhiannon asked, her eyes narrowed, curiously.

"No. It was a… sachet I… I bought… at the market. You can buy these… lovely sachets of tea blends there. Isn't that marvellous?" Isabelle lied.

"Really? Isn't that funny. I've never seen anything like that at the market. Have you, Meridwyn?" Rhiannon asked.

"No. I haven't, Rhi. But next time I'm there I shall look for them." Meridwyn smiled.

"I wouldn't trust sampling them until after your child arrives, Meridwyn. Just a thought." Isabelle said.

"Hmm. Perhaps you're right. I'm still interested to find this tea sachet merchant, though. Some new varieties might be nice when I'm bored of drinking water, and watered down mulberry juice." Meridwyn sighed.

"What about orange juice, Meridwyn?" Rhiannon asked.

"I love orange juice, but since I've been carrying this child it doesn't sit right with me. I'm hoping I'll enjoy it again after the child arrives."

"Perhaps you should consider water just now, Isabelle. Maybe that peculiar tea is setting you off?" Rhiannon pointed out.

"Yes. Perhaps you're right, dearest." Isabelle lied.

The ladies left her, reminding her they'd return in a few hours to check on her. After they closed the door and were back out in the corridor, they conferred about their observations.

"Well, that was certainly odd." Meridwyn said with a quirk of her brow.

"Indeed. She was doing better the last couple of days. Now, she almost looks as bad as she did on Wednesday." Rhiannon nodded as they began walking through the corridor.

"I swear I've never seen special tea sachets sold at the market. She was certainly protective of the curious tea in that pot."

"Perhaps she was just protecting you from catching whatever is making her feel unwell, since she had been drinking that?" Rhiannon mused.

"If she was that worried, she wouldn't have agreed to spending time with us the last two days, don't you think?" Meridwyn pointed out.

"She was feeling well those days. Maybe it just didn't occur to her then since she had improved."

"Perhaps. She's been acting rather strange of late, though. It's funny. Last evening when Guy was carrying me to our rooms, I could have sworn I saw Mortianna standing outside her door." Meridwyn said.

"Really? How strange."

"That's what I thought, too. Quite odd, indeed."

"Did Sir Guy see her there, too?" Rhiannon asked.

"No. I mentioned it to him and he told me I was seeing things nobody else could. He used the mention of lights in the sky as an example. He said he didn't see Mortianna." Meridwyn shrugged.

"But, you did."

"Yes. I could swear it. She looked as real standing there as you do now. Guy was occupied with minding me then."

"That is certainly strange. Can't imagine what business Mortianna would have with her." Rhiannon said, shaking her head.

"Indeed. Perhaps Guy was right. I wasn't myself. I'm still not, truthfully." Meridwyn sighed.

"Then, you're right. You should rest, too."

"What will you do?"

"I'm sure I'll think of something." Rhiannon smiled.

It took the men just over an hour to search Fladius' quarters, mostly because of the size of the place, and the fact that the man was fastidious and, evidently, didn't hoard items.

They emerged from the quarters and reported to Mordrid.

"It's clean." Luke said. "In more ways than one."

"The bloke seems to prefer simplicity in his decor. We found nothing, Mordrid." Nichol nodded.

"Very well." he looked over to the groundskeeper. "Good man — at least… it would seem. It's your lucky day, Fladius. You may go back inside. In case your quarters were wiped clean of evidence because you expected us, know that one of us will be continuing to watch your abode, should you decide to try anything funny." Mordrid said as he narrowed his blue eyes upon him.

"Do what you must. I don't know what you're looking for, but I have no part in his activities. I was just about to start preparing a stew. I'm kind of enjoying the peace and quiet of being granted more time to myself than I'm used to, so, it matters not to me." Fladius said with a shrug.

"Good. As long as we understand one another." Mordrid said.

"Of course. As for me, I understand the reason for the search. What I don't understand is how Father Tuttle is mixed up in all of this, and how in the devil it escaped my notice?" Fladius sighed.

"We will get to the bottom of it. Perhaps answers shall be forthcoming." Nichol said.

Fladius nodded to them and headed back inside his quarters.

"We should have asked for another to join us. Two of us in each building would have expedited the search. Now, it will take more time, since someone must watch this man's door. Who shall watch the door?" Luke asked.

"I will do it." Mordrid said.

"But, you're leading the team." Nichol pointed out.

"Luke is a top Investigator — " Mordrid began, but was cut off.

"So are you." Nichol said.

"And, you were a top Investigator, too. You don't just forget how to do that. Castor already found a shed full of weapons behind the church, which we will confirm. Castor will search the church. You two will search the Priest's home."

"Sounds good to me." Castor said.

"Very well." Nichol agreed. He hoped there wouldn't be many stairs to climb since his leg had been intermittently achy the last two days.

"It shall be done, Mordrid." Luke nodded.

"Good. Let's begin, then." Mordrid instructed them.

The Sherwood search team were deep into the forest. They stayed together and were heading east from the Great North Way in the approximate area the carriage driver reported to Drake and Safforus where he witnessed the fugitive go off the main road. They made it a few miles east when they stopped to review their plan.

"How much farther do you think we should venture, Captain?" Adam asked as he took a swig of water from his calfskin flask.

"We've travelled about five or six miles in. I think we should cover a perimeter around this spot before we continue east." Duke Farnsworth said.

"Agreed. He could be anywhere. I think it's doubtful he got very far. He wouldn't do well out here on his own." Ancel added.

"Are you sure of that, Ancel?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"You were out here with him?" Adam added.

"That's the thing. He can ride, and swing his sword about, but he had me with him." Ancel said.

The Captain noticed that Gerad seemed distracted. He didn't appear to be listening to their conversation, and kept looking due north from where they were gathered.

"Are we boring you, Gerad?" Duke Farnsworth sighed.

"No. I heard everything you said. But… do you hear that?" Gerad asked, his blue eyes narrowed as he tilted his head north toward the direction of the sound.

"Hear what?" Alex asked.

"Yes, do tell us." the Captain urged him.

Gerad put his hand up, toward them for a moment, but his head was turned toward the sound.

"Give me a moment. It's mixing in with the wind noises. I can't separate the sounds, especially if you're talking." Gerad said, softly.

Ancel looked to Duke Farnsworth and shrugged. They both wondered what Gerad was hearing.

"There it is. Listen." Gerad said.

They all strained to hear it, and then it was unmistakable. It was the sound of a horse braying.

The Duke nodded for the men to follow him. They continued in the direction of the sound until they reached a distance of about forty yards and; there it was — a beautiful chocolate brown coloured mare, with a shiny coat and in very fine condition, left there alone.

"What in the devil?" Duke Farnsworth exclaimed.

"That's the horse that was stolen, Captain. It is exactly as Safforus described it." Ancel stated, confidently.

"Then, where is the potato bloke? That horse is in a small clearing. We should see him if he's nearby." Alex pointed out.

"Why would the bloke continue on without the horse? Especially, when he's not able for it?" Gerad asked.

"Good question." Duke Farnsworth said.

"He wouldn't. I know him, and I'm telling you: he wouldn't ditch that horse. Especially, a fine horse like that one. He's not fit for the demands of Sherwood. Something is off." Ancel said.

"Like what, Ancel? You think this is a trick?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"One can never ignore that possibility, of course; but, I'm wondering if there's something more to it? That horse doesn't appear injured, or harmed. Probably needs a good drink of water, but there doesn't appear to be any logical reason she was left here. Maybe the injured one is… him?" Ancel said with a knowing glance.

"Didn't Lady Rhiannon wound him in the incident at the abandoned manor?" the Captain asked.

"Yes, Captain, but… that was nearly a fortnight ago. There's no logical reason I can come up with that he would abandon such a fine, healthy horse. He needs a horse. I think he's either lost, or maybe he's sick. It's just a hunch." Ancel explained.

"Sometimes hunches can give valuable feedback." Duke Farnsworth said.

"You knew him best. You could be right." Adam shrugged.

"Right. Come on, men. We'll do a search of the perimeter surrounding that horse. If Ancel is correct, he couldn't have gotten far." Duke Farnsworth instructed.

"Might I suggest when we finish that we take the horse with us, Captain?" Ancel asked.

"I agree. If he's out here somewhere, it will thwart his plans if he doesn't have this horse to rely on." Gerad added.

"Yes. Good plan, men. We'll take the horse. At at the end of the day, when we're heading back, we shall deliver the horse back to Lady Hayward." the Captain nodded.

"Captain? Maybe one of us should stay with the horse in case he finds his way back and somehow escapes our notice?" Adam suggested.

"Very well. You shall stay with the horse, Adam. We won't be long. We must keep moving. Heaven knows where the outlaw made it to by now." Duke Farnsworth said.

"Of course, Captain." Adam nodded.

The men nodded and went in different directions at the Captain's command. Adam stayed back, dismounted from his own horse and secured it. Then, he went to a nearby stream to collect water for the two horses.

Just after midday, back at the Priest's home and church, the men were making great strides with their search. Nichol and Luke were still searching the home, and Castor emerged from the church to speak to Mordrid.

"I take it that was a no in there, since your hands are empty." Mordrid sighed, as Castor quickly approached him.

"Wrong! That church is a treasure trove, Mordrid. Between the shed in the back, the office, and the sub level, I'm guessing most of everything we were looking for was contained in the church." Castor smiled. His brown eyes twinkled with pride that he had found the evidence the Sheriff was after.

"Really? Yet, you're empty handed." Mordrid remarked.

"Oh, we're gonna need extra hands for that!" Castor smirked.

"You don't say?"

"Look. I did bring something with me to show to ye. A list of all of the members of this Jesus rebellion. Luckily, most of the names I don't recognize." Castor said as he pulled a rolled scroll from his surcoat and passed it to him.

Mordrid narrowed his blue eyes as he took it from him.

"Most?" Mordrid asked.

"Of course, there's the two names the Sheriff mentioned; but, it won't take ye long to notice. Run your finger down to the B section of surnames." Castor said.

Mordrid used his index finger to go through the many names listed. Then, his eyes widened as he saw the name.

"Sweet Christ! Seriously?" Mordrid exclaimed.

"So, it would appear. He's the only one in town with that name, I'm sure. His sons are too young yet, even if one has the same given name." Castor shrugged.

"What else did you find?" Mordrid asked.

"Besides the weapons in the shed? Oh, just this list of members, attendance lists of meetings, a written mission statement just as the Sheriff suspected, and notes from meetings." a beat. "Classic! We have everything Mordrid. Right here! The bloke probably thought the church is the last place we'd look! Fool!"

"Indeed. And, probably why he revealed to Sir Guy where the meetings are held. He was trying to send us to that locale instead, to throw us off." Mordrid nodded.

"I'm sure there's other things to find there, too." Castor added.

"Good. Alright. I'll stay here to keep watch on that Fladius fellow. You go and see if Luke and Nichol need any assistance. They might be nearly finished in the home. Just because you found myriad damning evidence doesn't mean they should abort their search. See how much they've managed to search so far and assist in what's left to look through." Mordrid directed.

"Very well. Has the groundskeeper given ye any trouble?"

"No, but, you know the moment I step away will be the moment he does if he's planning to." Mordrid said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Aye. Very well. I'll see to them now." Castor nodded.

He left Mordrid and walked toward the Priest's home. Once he stepped inside the front door he called out to them.

"Nichol? Luke? Where are ye?" Castor shouted as he advanced further into the home.

Luke emerged from one of the rooms on the main floor.

"I found nothing down here." Luke shrugged.

"Where's Nichol?" Castor asked.

"He went to search upstairs." Luke said.

Nichol emerged from the room he'd been searching in, which was close to the stairs. He was planning to head downstairs, but he had a clear vantage point to observe Luke and Castor, and decided instead to lurk in the shadows above them to gauge how they were getting on for a few moments.

"What? Ye made him trudge up all them cursed stairs with his leg in the state it's in? Why am I not surprised?" Castor spat.

"Figures you would draw that conclusion. I did nothing of the sort. He was mounting the stairs, directing me to search this floor. He was insistent." Luke said.

"The bloke walks with a limp, and uses a walking stick. Ye should've stopped him." Castor argued.

"And, treat him like a cripple? Nichol knows his limitations, I'm sure."

"That's your justification? He used to be our Captain, Liege Lord. Of course, ye wouldn't think of that."

"You don't think I know that? What would you have had me do, Castor? Run up the stairs after him and block him from advancing further? He would have hated that." Luke said, folding his arms.

"I would have. Out of respect for him, I would have." Castor said, firmly.

"Yey for you, Castor." Luke sighed.

"I used to think ye were a nice bloke. Now, I'm seeing the real one shining through this facade of yours." Castor scoffed as he waved his fingers in a circular fashion, pointing at Luke.

"You know nothing. Because I reminded you of one of the Sheriff's rules, you've had a stick up your backside ever since." Luke huffed.

"Who made ye the fun killer? The rule enforcer? Why don't ye stick to doing your job properly, instead of concerning yourself with rules? If ye did your job properly, Nic wouldn't be on the cursed second floor!" Castor spat, his face turning red with ire.

"I told you the reason."

"Yeah, because ye have the perfect answer for everything, don't ye?"

"Are we going to find out if Nichol needs our help? Or, are you just going to keep running your mouth off about bollocks that doesn't even matter?" Luke pressed him.

"Ye want to tell me why ye became so incensed at the mention of the Sheriff's new hire? The golden haired maiden who seems to be well acquainted with the Madam of the brothel? That's when ye started throwing your top Investigator title about." Castor demanded. He hooked the first two fingers of each of his hands in the air at the mention of Luke's title.

"Aaand… there it is." Nichol muttered inaudibly, to himself. He shook his head and sighed.

"I take that as a personal affront when I hear men speak about ladies the way you spoke of her. You spoke as if you planned to violate her!" Luke exclaimed.

"What the fuck difference would it have made to ye? Ye started going on about consent. The hell kind of fantasy fairy land are ye living in that ye would even think to mention a bunch of codswallop like that?" Castor argued.

"The kind where I witnessed my mother's battered and defiled dead body — after she had been violated and beaten by a group of low life thieves. Do we understand each other now?" Luke seethed.

"As if I'd do something like that! All I said — in so many words, was that I'd fancy a quick fuck with her. Then, ye had to ruin what was only friendly banter."

"She is only fifteen!" Luke snapped.

"So? Lots of lasses her age are married and having babies. Big deal! Why do ye care?"

"Because you were out of line, that's why!"

"No, Liege Lord. Ye were then, and ye still are. Fuck. You!" Castor shouted, while landing his right fist on Luke's jaw.

"You bleeding moronic brute!" Luke seethed. He responded quickly by returning a punch to Castor's left cheekbone.

The two men got into a scuffle, as Nichol shook his head, frowning. He began to make his way down the wooden stairs, cursing that the descent was more painful on his left leg than the ascent. By the time he stepped off the bottom riser, the two men were involved in a fistfight, with plenty of shouting and bits of blood spatter filling the room, as well as overturned furniture. They were too focused on their opponent to notice Nichol had entered into the main sitting room where they were on the main level.

Nichol sighed, shaking his head, and walked toward them.

Luke held Castor by the collar and had him up against a wall beside the mantle of the fireplace.

"If I ever hear you speak of her like that again — or, even catch you looking at her funny, I swear, I'll saw off your bollocks with a butter knife!" Luke hissed in a whisper.

"Ooh! I'm shaking, Liege Lord!" Castor scoffed.

Nichol cleared his throat. He stood approximately five feet away from them. Luke let go of Castor, and the two looked to Nichol, sheepishly.

"Are you two done?" Nichol asked, facetiously, with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Oh, yeah. Sure." Castor muttered. He straightened his collar and smoothed his doublet and surcoat.

"Indeed." Luke huffed.

"Did you get that out of your systems?" Nichol asked.

Castor scoffed and looked to the floor.

"Yes, Nichol." Luke said. He exhaled sharply and shook his head.

"Great. You two had better get prepared because, no doubt, my friend — your employer, will have some very pointed questions when he sees the state of the pair of you." a beat. "Our task this day was easy, yet you two couldn't even get through that without beating each other. You might wish to reflect on your career paths before we return to the castle." Nichol sighed.

"Ye saying ye think he might sack us now, Nic?" Castor asked, his eyes widened in horror.

"I can't speculate on his reaction. He won't be pleased, that much I can confidently say." Nichol said.

"Grand. Now we're gonna get sacked because of ye and your boring rule enforcing." Castor huffed to Luke.

"You threw the first punch, you fool! Like, I was just going to stand there? Hardly!" Luke exclaimed.

"Alright, men! For the love of fuck, ease up and take a breath!" Nichol said, sharply.

"Yes, Nichol." Luke nodded with a sigh.

"Of course, Nichol." Castor said.

"Good. Now, back to the matter at hand. Is the search of this floor complete, Luke?"

"Yes, Nichol. I found nothing of any significance."

"What about the second floor?" Castor asked.

"Same. I've finished the search. Found nothing." Nichol huffed. "You two are going to deeply regret your actions here, because he shall be doubly disappointed. No evidence, and you two — getting into a fight." Nichol sighed, shaking his head.

"Wrong." Castor said.

"What?" Nichol asked.

"The church contains gifts that just keep on giving. We have sufficient evidence to bring to the Sheriff." Castor said.

"Good. That might bode well for you two, after all. I guess we shall see."

"Couldn't we forget this, Nic? Forget it ever happened?" Castor asked.

"How do you propose we do that, Cas? Put you two in immediate quarantine, so that your faces can heal before you're seen? You honestly think you can fool the Sheriff of Nottingham?" Nichol pointed out, incredulous at the question.

"Maybe we can say we fell down the stairs… or something?" Castor suggested. Then, he shifted uncomfortably and looked to the floor.

"Right. That will work!" Luke scoffed.

"The man can spot a lie a mile away. This is why he's Sheriff and Chief Constable. You will tell him no such thing! You will tell him the truth: that you two got into a fight. The reason for it, I'll leave that to you. He might not even care about the reason. He needs to know his men can work together as a team; and today, you two failed at that. Miserably." Nichol pointed out with a shake of his head.

"Yes, Nichol." Luke sighed.

"Right." Castor spat.

"Good. Let's go and join Mordrid now. Sounds like we're going to be busy gathering whatever evidence you found, Castor. So, kindly put your differences aside, and let's get on with it." Nichol instructed.

The men nodded in agreement and they all left the premises to join Mordrid.

The Sheriff was heading to his office when the Scribe found him again. He looked to the small man curiously, wondering what he was needed for now.

"You have a guest whom has just arrived, Milord." the Scribe announced as he approached him.

"Guest?"

"Yes, Milord. It's a most unexpected visit, but he says you will want to meet with him."

"What? I don't have time to entertain guests, Scribe. What manner of fool shows up in the middle of a working day, expecting me to drop everything to suit them?" the Sheriff huffed.

"The Prince, Milord." the Scribe said.

"Really? Did he say what this is about?"

"No, Milord. But, he has his driver with him. It seems the driver was needed to carry some things in from his royal carriage, Milord." the Scribe said with a shrug.

"Dear Zeus! It's sounding like he plans to stay." Nottingham sighed.

"I don't know about that, Milord. He awaits you in the Council Quarters."

The Sheriff nodded and proceeded to the meeting chamber as the Scribe took leave of him. He couldn't imagine what this was regarding, and why Prince John would wish to stay in the castle when he has his property in Newerche, which wasn't too far to travel from Nottingham.

Finally, he made it to the door of the Council Quarters. He nodded a greeting to the sentry, then opened the door and stepped inside.

Prince John was seated on a chair at the large oak table, his boots resting on the table. The chair he sat in was tilted back in a reclined position on the two back legs, the back of the chair rested against the wall behind it. His coachman was standing near the table, his hands clasped in front of him, a wooden chest at his feet. Prince John looked toward the door when it opened, a smile spread across his face.

"Ah! Georgie, old boy! How good to see you again." he smiled. He moved his legs from the table, then arose from the chair and walked toward him.

"It's good to see you, too, Your Highness. What can I do for you this day?" he asked, curiously.

"Ah! It's not what you can do for me, friend, but… what I can do for you." Prince John hinted with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Oh? What is that, Your Highness?"

"Bardolph, do be a dear and put that wooden chest on the table, would you?" Prince John instructed his coachman.

Bardolph nodded and placed the wooden chest upon the table. The Sheriff noticed that the coachman was behaving as though the chest had some weight to it.

"Thank you, Bardolph. That will be all. You can await me at the carriage now. This won't take long." Prince John said with a wave of his hand.

"As you wish, Your Highness." Bardolph said. He nodded in deference to him then took his leave.

"What's this about, Your Highness?" Nottingham asked.

"We're alone now, Georgie, old boy. You can skip the formality bollocks now." Prince John smirked.

"Of course. What's in the wooden chest, friend?"

"Why don't you lift the lid? Oh, I do love surprises! Even though… it's not a surprise to me."

"Very well." he nodded.

The Sheriff walked closer to the table and slowly lifted the lid on the chest. He was stunned. The chest was filled with gleaming gold coins.

"Prince John?"

"Oh, come now, George! You can't be too surprised. Half of that is reparation to you for the harm I caused you almost a fortnight ago. I regret that I wasn't more careful. I do hope you're on the mend now?"

"Yes. The wound is healing nicely. There was an initial… setback, but, it's fine now. There's really no nee — "

"The other half is to start you out with this sound new endeavour of yours. The City Watch, and whoever espials you wish to employ." Prince John said.

"Really?"

"Yes, friend. I just came from London. Colour me shocked! I pitched your idea to my brother and he agrees. In fact, if this plan works out, he's considering suggesting this to the other Sheriffs, too." Prince John smiled.

"So, I have his approval?" Nottingham asked.

"Indeed, George. His approval, support, and his backing."

"I'm pleased, Prince John. I appreciate you bringing the matter to his attention. As for reparation, you mustn't — "

"Accept it with a smile, old friend. I insist."

"Very well. I'm most grateful, friend."

"Good! Now that that's out of the way… how is married life?"

"It's fine, Prince John." he nodded.

"You're not bored yet?"

"No. It would be surprising if that would ever be an issue. She has never bored me."

"Really? How quaint, Georgie."

"Is it?"

"Indeed. To be frank, my wife bored me the second I met her. Oh, it would be nice to marry for the sake of love. My problem is I love too many of them to choose only one." Prince John chuckled.

"Yes. That would be a problem, I suppose." Nottingham shrugged.

"But, never for you, I'm guessing."

"No. That was never my problem. I might have liked a couple of them in the past, but love wasn't there. Not until I met my wife."

"How lucky for you, friend."

"Yes, I suppose. Except for the many years I waited, wondering what the hell love was before I met her. You're right, though. I am lucky to have her." he nodded with a smile.

"I'm glad for you, George." Prince John said. He smiled ruefully, and looked downcast.

"Prince John? Forgive me, but… is everything in order with you?" the Sheriff asked, curiously.

"Hmm. Technically, yes. I'm just a trifle out of sorts."

"Oh, I see."

"She's coming to see me, George." Prince John remarked, flatly.

"Who is? Your wife?"

"Yes." Prince John sighed. "I don't know why. I was planning to stay in Newerche until after the New Year, then travel once more to France. I wasn't expecting to see her until next June, and even then I could probably only tolerate a sennight. What the hell am I supposed to do with the boring woman for damn near a fortnight, George?"

"Have you no common interests?" the Sheriff asked.

"No. I can't think of any. She doesn't like my hunting. She hates my gambling and imbibing. She just expects me to stay inside and Lord over her all cursed, interminable day. Every day. She bores me so much she puts me to sleep, to be quite frank about it." the Prince sighed.

"Well, I imagine she expects you to impregnate her if you haven't already. Forgive me for being blunt." Nottingham said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Good Heavens! Must I?" Prince John asked incredulously, his eyes widened in what appeared to be horror.

"You've never spoken of it with her?"

"No. We only speak about inconsequential matters. Much of the time, she speaks, and I grunt. Only because she often shouts at me to pay attention, because I had nodded off listening to her drone on about nothing." Prince John huffed as he rolled his eyes.

"That sounds… painful, to be honest." the Sheriff frowned.

"This arranged marriage thing is a total yawner, friend. I do not recommend it. Do not put your future children through this hardship." the Prince advised.

"Haven't really thought that far ahead, but, duly noted, friend. When are you expecting her?" the Sheriff asked.

"Either tomorrow, or Monday. Dear God. I swear, there's not enough wine in the shire to keep me placated while she's underfoot. I must find a way to get through it somehow." a beat. "Don't mind me, George. I don't mean to whinge about it."

Nottingham thought it about it a few moments and came up with one idea. He knew Rhiannon wouldn't be too thrilled with it, but, perhaps if others were included she would agree to it. It wasn't much, but it was something he could do for Prince John.

"What if… you brought her here to dine with us one night? Would that be of any help to you?" Nottingham suggested.

"I think that would be grand. It might even tire her out enough that she'd go directly to bed once we returned to the manse in Newerche afterward." Prince John smiled.

"Good. What day would work best for you? Friday, or Saturday evening?"

"How about Friday? Does that work for you?"

"Yes. That will be fine. Do you mind if I invite a few others? I was thinking my cousin and his wife, the Wordsworths — "

"Of course, George. Invite anyone you wish. The more the merrier. The more people she has to converse with, the less she'll need to converse with me. It might even help tire her out for one blessed night." Prince John smirked.

"Splendid. I'll speak to my wife and the other guests, then I'll have Jean Louis prepare something grand for us."

"Perfect. Thank you, friend. I must be on my way. I need to direct the servants to prepare her room for her, because she is sure as hell not staying in my room." Prince John said with a shudder before he continued. "Later, I'm heading to the tavern."

"That sounds like quite a bit of travelling back and forth." Nottingham said.

"Not really. It'll be fun. Word has it there's another backgammon tourney taking place tonight. Don't want to miss that!"

"You're the only royal I've ever heard of who thinks nothing of strolling into a local tavern." Nottingham chuckled.

"The location matters not to me as long as backgammon is involved. And, if I win it, naturally, the monies will be donated. It's about the thrill of the game, George." Prince John smiled.

"I'll take your word for it, friend." Nottingham grinned.

The Sheriff walked Prince John out, and stopped to instruct the sentry that no one was permitted inside the Council Quarters until he returned. Then he accompanied Prince John to his carriage.

The men had finished searching the perimeter surrounding the area where the fine horse belonging to Lady Hayward had been found. They returned to that spot where Adam was keeping watch to confer about their findings.

"Nothing. I didn't find a damn thing." Duke Farnsworth huffed.

"Nor I, Captain." Alex said.

"Alright then. We best continue east. Bring that horse along, Adam. We mustn't lose her." the Captain instructed him.

"Of course, Captain." Adam nodded.

"Well, we found something." Gerad said, gesturing to himself and Ancel.

"What did you uncover?" the Captain asked, urgently.

"We found bloodied rags, Captain. We didn't find him, but I'm guessing those rags belonged to him." Ancel said.

"It could be from anyone." Duke Farnsworth said, shaking his head.

"Not when you pay attention to the blood trail." Ancel said.

"Blood trail?" Adam asked.

"Indeed. In the direction I took, I noticed a blood trail leading from where the horse was standing. It was a classic pattern. The pointed end of the blood drops were coming from the direction he started from — here. The rounded end of the drop indicates the direction he was travelling. That trail went on about seventy yards, then it stopped where the bloodied rags were found. That's when I saw Gerad and pointed it out to him." Ancel explained.

The men looked at Ancel, astonished at his knowledge.

"How in the fuck do you know so much about blood trails and their patterns, mate?" Alex asked.

"Indeed! I felt like I was being tutored for a moment there." Adam said.

"Learned that from John de Rebez, the first Sheriff of Hampshire I worked for." Ancel said.

"First?" Gerad asked, curiously.

"There were four Sheriffs in the time I served there. Sheriff de Bosco is the current one. He's held the position since ninety three." Ancel explained.

Duke Farnsworth looked down and smiled. Ancel was certainly turning out to be a valuable addition to the men. He was grateful the Sheriff snatched him up before anyone else could.

"Perhaps we should continue the pursuit in that direction, Captain?" Ancel suggested.

"Is this blood trail disturbed in any way, Ancel?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"I tried to steer the horse clear of it, but he may have stepped in a couple of the drops. Most of that blood trail is still visible." Ancel reported.

"That's insane that you spotted that and knew where to go." Alex said.

"Just following the evidence." Ancel shrugged.

"What now, Captain?" Adam asked.

"We shall follow the direction Ancel took."

"What if we don't find him?" Alex asked.

"We start again on the morrow." Duke Farnsworth said.

"Or, we keep going." Ancel hinted.

"Milord is expecting us this evening, An — "

"He's expecting you to report to him, Captain. What if a couple of us stayed back and continued the pursuit? That blood had to be coming from him. He was the last person seen mounted on this horse." Ancel suggested, nodding to the fine chocolate coloured horse.

"In the dark, mate? You want to stay deep in this cursed forest… in the dark?" Alex asked, incredulously.

"It will get black as pitch in here, mate." Adam warned.

"I'm fully aware. Better than letting him get away from us, don't you think?" Ancel pointed out.

"Indeed. You make a good point." the Captain nodded. "Alright, Ancel. How many men do you want with you?"

"I'll do it." Gerad nodded.

"Alright, that's one. Any other volunteers?" Duke Farnsworth asked them.

"I'm sure two of us can manage him. Especially since, it's appearing he's been injured." Ancel said.

"Very well. If we don't find him, you and Gerad stay back and continue your pursuit. Right now, all of us shall proceed in the direction you took, Ancel." the Captain instructed them. "Alright, men. Let's continue. Adam, bring that horse along. We're not leaving it as a gift to him should he find his way back here without our notice. And, for God's sake, none of you disturb that blood trail!"

Early afternoon, Lady Rhiannon was knocking on the door of the Gisbornes' chambers. She waited only moments when Lady Meridwyn greeted her.

"Oh, is it time?" Meridwyn asked.

"Am I interrupting something?" Rhiannon asked.

"No. I just awakened, I regret to say."

"My goodness! Perhaps you should stay away from spirits for awhile yet, Meridwyn. You honestly haven't been right since Lady Gunilda gave you that wine last evening." Rhiannon sighed, shaking her head.

"Don't need to tell me twice, honey. I plan to. I've been feeling off all day."

"I'm going to check on Isabelle. Are you fit to join me?"

"Yes. Only because I think I'm more fit than Isabelle this day. No offence, but it won't bother me in the least if she tells us she's not able for her riding lessons at this time, too. I don't think I am, either." Meridwyn frowned.

"All you'd need to do is observe. It doesn't require any strength, Meridwyn. Honestly, you're so silly."

"It would require walking down the stairs, out into the courtyard, then to the area out back of the stables. You don't understand. I'm achy… everywhere. My head feels too heavy to stay upright on my neck, for crying out loud!" Meridwyn exclaimed in a whisper.

"That sounds awful. Alright. Let's go see if there's any progress. We'll check in on her, then you can rest again."

"Very well." Meridwyn said, and then stepped outside the chambers, closing the door.

"You might want to consider a hot bath before you return to your bed, Meridwyn. It will help with the body aches." Rhiannon suggested.

"I was thinking the same. Definitely going to do that." Meridwyn nodded.

A few minutes later they knocked on the Wordsworths' door. It took a few moments more than usual, then, finally, Isabelle responded.

"Oh. Right. How silly of me. I forgot you were coming… back." Isabelle said. She looked down and sighed, holding tightly onto the door.

"Isabelle?" Rhiannon asked.

"It's fine, dearest. Still just a little queasy. It's… starting to ease up, though." Isabelle lied. "It shall be fine, I'm sure, but… the riding lessons must be postponed until the morrow."

"Of course, Sister." Rhiannon smiled.

"Don't you worry about that, honey. You should rest. You're still looking rather pale." Meridwyn nodded.

"Oh. Am I? I'm sure a little more rest will help."

"Should I summon Robert and Thomas?" Rhiannon asked with a suspicious quirk of her brow.

"Oh, heavens, no. There's no need, truly. I'm doing a bit better, just tired, and slightly queasy at times. I'm drinking water, and some rest will do the trick." Isabelle smiled.

"Very well. Do you need anything, dearest? Is there anything I can get for you?" Rhiannon asked.

"No, everything is fine. Everything I need is right here."

"Except Robert. If I see him, I'm sending him here directly." Rhiannon said, firmly.

"Honestly, there's no need. I'd rather be on my own when I'm feeling this way, truthfully. Him seeing me retch kind of removes the romance factor." Isabelle pointed out.

"For God's sake, Isabelle. He's your husband!" Meridwyn exclaimed in a whisper.

"Indeed. But, when I'm feeling like this, I'm like a wounded animal. I prefer to be alone for it." Isabelle explained.

"Very well. We'll leave you be for now, Isabelle. I do hope you're feeling better soon." Rhiannon said.

"Thank you, Sister. I appreciate you both stopping by to check on my welfare." Isabelle smiled.

The ladies nodded before they left her, and Isabelle went back inside. It was time for her next cup of the curious tea Mortianna had given to her. She went into the bedchamber and ladled some from the pot into her cup, and drank it quickly, hoping this next dose would do the trick. It was beginning to look like the witch would need to bring her another pot of it later. Nothing was happening, besides nausea and occasional retching. She was dearly hoping this process would be over with before Robert returned to her. How would she hide bleeding from him? He would summon for Thomas immediately if he knew she was bleeding. She sighed, and then she ladled more of the tea into her cup and began to sip it. Perhaps that was the problem? Maybe the dosing was wrong?

"Well, should we check in on her again later?" Meridwyn asked as they walked through the corridor.

"I will do it, Meridwyn. Perhaps you should rest a bit more?" Rhiannon suggested.

"Forgive me for being such a bore today. What did you do to occupy yourself before now?"

"It's fine, Meridwyn. Nothing much. I did some reading, then I stopped by to see Madam Oberon."

"Oh. About Lady Gunilda's request?"

"Yes. She was fine with it. Said she'd be happy to meet with her." Rhiannon smiled.

"I figured she would."

"Yes. Now, I just need to inform Lady Gunilda. It would be so much easier if I could just mount my horse and ride over there." Rhiannon sighed. "I suppose I'll just send a message to her."

"I know you hate this, Rhi. He just wants to keep you safe." Meridwyn pointed out.

"I know. I only wish that they would find that short, funny looking man. It will be grand when we can resume normal activities, and not require an escort."

"I'm sure they will. Well, here's my stop." Meridwyn said as they reached her door. "You know where to find me if you need me. Trust me, I won't be going anywhere." Meridwyn sighed.

"Of course, but I'll let you rest, Meridwyn. Likewise for you, too." Rhiannon smiled.

A short time later, she was on the main level, looking for her husband. She stopped by the meeting chamber, but the sentry had reported the room was empty. After questioning him further, she headed in the direction he pointed where he witnessed the Sheriff heading to. He reported the Sheriff was carrying a wooden chest. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously when he mentioned that to her. Lady Rhiannon continued a little further, certain he must have headed into his office as no other usual places he'd frequent were in this location.

She reached the door, took in a breath and knocked.

"Who's there?" her husband's frustrated voice called out.

"Queen Cleopatra." Rhiannon shouted, dryly, through the oak door.

She heard his boots clicking along the floor, the sound growing closer, until the door opened. He stood before her, his eyebrow raised, curiously.

"Is everything in order, Rhiannon?" he asked, impatiently.

"Everything is just grand. Not!" Lady Rhiannon sighed and strolled past him, entering into his office. She noticed the wooden chest upon his desk.

"Rhiannon, what seems to be the matter?" Nottingham sighed as he closed the door. "I'm technically still working."

"I'm aware, George. Question. If I wanted to send a message to someone, whom is best to deliver it? The Page? Or, the Scribe?"

"Who do you think?" he asked with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Right. I thought so. Except, how is the Page expected to improve if he's never given a chance?"

"How badly do you want your message to be delivered?" the Sheriff asked rhetorically, with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Hmm. Alright. The Scribe It is." Rhiannon said. "May I pen a message here, George? It will only take a moment."

"Very well." the Sheriff sighed. "Whom is the message for?"

"Lady Gunilda. It's imperative she gets this." Rhiannon said as she seated herself in his chair at his desk. She found a blank piece of parchment and reached for his quill, dipping it into the ink jar.

"Do you mind telling me what this is about? What is so important that you must send her a message? Is there a problem afoot that I'm unaware of, my lady?" the Sheriff asked.

Rhiannon looked up from her writing and shook her head.

"Oh, no. There's no problem, George. I'm just informing her that Madam Oberon will meet with her on a day of her choosing, anytime within the next sennight." Rhiannon smiled.

"What?" he asked, incredulously.

"Yes. It's about a consultation for new gowns. Isn't that marvellous?"

The Sheriff frowned, thinking back to Prince John complaining of his wife, droning on about nothing and lulling him to sleep in the process. He hoped he wasn't headed in the same direction. Surely… not?

"My lady." he began in a very controlled, measured manner while he walked toward her. "You can't be serious? You just barged into my office, and this is the reason for it?"

"George, if you'd cease your interrogating bollocks, I will be out of your hair much faster." Rhiannon remarked as she continued writing.

"I'm just surprised. Normally, matters such as this are the furthest from your mind."

"Alright. Done." Rhiannon said, completely ignoring his comment. She set the quill down and blew on the parchment, then waved it to dry the ink. "Thank you, my love. I'll get the Scribe to deliver this. Lady Gunilda will be pleased to receive this news. Now, what's in this wooden chest?" she asked as she stood from the desk and nodded to the chest on the table.

"It came from Prince John. Open it, my lady." he said.

She looked at him curiously, then followed his directive. She gasped when she saw the shiny golden coins.

"What's this most generous contribution about, George?"

"Half of it is for myself. Us. For… inconvenience." he said as he shifted, then looked to the floor.

"Inconvenience? For… what?" Rhiannon asked, curiously.

"For… the hunting injury." he said.

"Hunting injury? Are you saying… Prince John is the absolute careless fool who shot you with a bloody arrow and damn near took you away from me?" Rhiannon asked, in horror.

"Yes, my lady. That's… what I'm saying. That's the reason he insisted on offering reparation." the Sheriff said, softly.

"Will wonders never cease? Amazing! So entitled and privileged he couldn't even be bothered to assess his surroundings and his target better before firing off an arrow. And, he waits until nearly a fortnight later to acknowledge the trouble he caused!" Rhiannon huffed. She folded her arms and rolled her eyes.

"Everything must be run by the King, even a reparation payment from Prince John." he said.

"Alright. What's the other half for? May I ask?"

"That's being used for wages." the Sheriff said, simply.

"Don't you already have that sorted?"

"Not for the specific wages this gold will be used for." he said.

"What specific wages? Is it meant for frivolity? Consorts for the men, perhaps?" she asked, her eyebrow raised, suspiciously.

"What? No! It's for members of the City Watch. We have one member so far; although, I'm hopeful I'll be meeting with another candidate later today."

"Oh, I see. Sounds promising."

"Indeed." he sighed. He was planning to wait to inform her about the plans for Friday, but decided he should just get it out of the way. "One more thing about the Prince. There's something you should know."

Rhiannon looked at him with a questioning quirk of her brow.

"I've invited him to dine with us on Friday." the Sheriff announced.

"What? Surely, you're not serious, George."

"It will be fine, my lady. There will be others present. The Gisbornes, your brother and Isa — "

"He doesn't care who is around. It hasn't stopped him from behaving inappropriately before." Rhiannon pointed out.

"And, his wife." he added.

"Pardon, George?"

"He's bringing his wife, Isabella, the Countess of Gloucester." the Sheriff smirked.

"Really?" Rhiannon asked.

"She's expected in Newerche on the morrow, or possibly Monday. They're… not exactly happy like we are, my la — "

"Oh, really? Boo hoo! I'm sure no one held him at knife point, forcing him to marry her. As far as I know, they don't have children, right? He didn't have to marry her. So, why on earth are we supposed to feel sorry for him?" Rhiannon pointed out.

"Things are more complex for a royal family, my lady. Choice doesn't customarily enter into the equation." Nottingham said.

"Well, that's unfortunate, I suppose. In more ways than one. We can't take back your invitation." Rhiannon sighed. "Just dining, right? No music and dancing, and observing him getting tipsy, then handsy with other women who will be present, right?"

"Just dining, Rhiannon. Afterward, he will take her back to his manse in Newerche."

She took in a breath and walked around the desk to come closer toward him. She stopped when she was directly in front of him.

"It's lucky for you I can't resist your devilishly handsome face." she smiled.

"Oh, good. You had me shaking there for a moment." the Sheriff teased with a chuckle. Then he bent down and kissed her cheek.

"Have you met her, George?"

"Whom?" he asked.

"The Prince's wife. My! You've forgotten already?"

"My mind was on other things." he said, clearing his throat. "No, my lady. I have not. Although, I feel like I know her after hearing what he had to say about her."

"Oh? What was that?"

"Nothing good. She bores him half to death from the sounds of it." the Sheriff scoffed.

"This is why I strive to never bore you, George. I can't have you being one of those men who complain about their wives."

"I highly doubt that will ever be a problem. And, fortunately, I'm not a royal." he smirked. Then he straightened his expression. "Now, when you came in here you hinted that there are more things troubling you than deciding whom should deliver the missive to Lady Gunilda." a beat. "Shouldn't you be preparing to gather up your sisters in law and start Isabelle's next riding session?"

"Yes, well… that has been postponed."

"Oh, right. Meridwyn is probably not herself today. Although, I'd expect her to be feeling slightly more chipper by now." he shrugged.

"She not. She's feeling quite out of sorts; and… have you seen Robert recently?"

"No, my lady. I wasn't expecting to run into him. It's his day off."

"It's not. He's in the armoury, supposedly." Rhiannon said.

"Oh. Right. He has been working on something extra for me. Shall I summon him?" he asked.

"No. Isabelle insists I leave it, but… "

"But… what, Rhiannon?"

"She's unwell. She's pale and says she's queasy. She looks awful. I wanted to summon Robert and Thomas. She was adamant I refrain from doing so. I think it's that strange tea she's drinking, personally. I told her to stick to water." Rhiannon said.

"Strange tea?"

"Yes. She has a small pot of it on her bedside table. Says she obtained it at the market. Some merchant there is selling special tea sachets, she said." Rhiannon shrugged. "That's funny. I've never seen this tea merchant she speaks of."

At once, he knew exactly where the special tea came from. This was the fake concoction Mortianna was brewing at Isabelle's request. But, why was Isabelle feeling so unwell from it?

"Did she mention anything about feeling… pain, or anything of the sort?" he asked, curiously.

"She made a point to mention she has no pain — oddly. She reported feeling queasy, and experiencing occasional retching." a beat. "Why would she have pain, George?"

"No reason. Just wanted to make sure the tea merchant didn't sell her something that was tainted." he lied.

"Regardless, her strange malaise seems to have lasted longer than one would expect. She was doing better the last two days, but, now she's almost directly back to square one."

"No more unusual outbursts from her?" the Sheriff asked.

"Not really. She did react oddly when Meridwyn curiously lifted the cover off the pot of the tea, and requested trying some of it. She snatched the lid from Meridwyn and told her to stay away from it. Other than that, she was fine." Rhiannon said.

That was definitely Mortianna's tea. That would certainly explain Isabelle's reaction to Meridwyn. She thinks the tea will bring an abrupt end to her condition. Nottingham was certain of it.

"I guess it's just one of those days, my lady. Both of them are feeling unwell today. Will you be alright until I can join you later?"

"Of course, my love. I'll be fine. Have you several more tasks to complete?" Rhiannon asked.

"I'm waiting to meet with people now. I'm expecting four of them, including Nic, to return here shortly from a search they performed. I'll need to meet with Nic and Mordrid about that. Later, I'm expecting the search team to return after dusk with whatever report of the fugitive they're currently pursuing. Also, I'm expecting to possibly meet another candidate for City Watch. Drake is taking care of that. He was sent to summon the man since he seems to be slightly acquainted with him." the Sheriff said.

"Oh. That's a lot of meetings."

"Not really, my lady. With the current state of things in town, it's quite usual. Now, what about you?" he asked while placing his hands gently upon her shoulders.

"What about me, my love?"

"How are you feeling? You're still healing. Any pain today?"

"The ribs were tender this morning after I awakened. I took a drop of opium a couple of hours after that when I couldn't tolerate it any longer. It's been fine since." she smiled.

"What about all of that nasty bruising and the cuts?"

"They're healing, and fading." she said.

"Good. All of that bandaging should be gone from you in a few days." he smiled.

"Indeed. And then, what will you do? You won't need to treat me like a fragile doll anymore."

"Then, I shall behold you in all of your natural glory… and fuck you senseless." he smirked, salaciously.

"Ooh! Sounds intriguing. Promise?"

"You know I do." he whispered as he pulled her in close to him and kissed her hungrily. "I'd take you now, but I'm expecting Nichol and Mordrid's group to return soon. Besides that, and most importantly, you're still healing, my lady."

"You don't need to wait for the bandaging to be removed, sugar. Most of the important parts of me are still visible and accessible. All you need to do is hold that thought until I can satisfy you later." she grinned.

"Don't tempt me, my lady. You need to heal first." he said as he kissed her again.

Mordrid's group had just finished collecting the evidence they needed to take back to the Sheriff. Mordrid shook his head and sighed when he first noticed the state of Luke and Castor. He was going to say something about it, but it became apparent that they had already received a lecture from Nichol about it; and both seemed a bit regretful and concerned about the Sheriff's reaction, so he thought better of it and let it go.

"Can you fit this bag full of documents on your horse, Luke?" Castor asked.

"Yes. There's room." Luke nodded as he took the large leather bag from him.

"Luke?" Castor asked.

"What is it?"

"Uh… that story ye told of… your mother. Were ye being real about that?" Castor asked, curiously.

"Yes. Sadly, that is the truth of it. It did happen. My sisters, Felicia and Mary, were killed by the same brutes at the same time, too." Luke said as he fastened the leather bag to the saddle of his horse.

"Oh. I'm… very sorry to hear that, mate. That is… bleeding terrible, it is." Castor said, shaking his head. He looked downcast, and shifted in discomfiture.

"Really?"

"Of course, Luke. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

"Yet, the way you spoke of Floria… " Luke whispered.

"All talk, Luke. It would never cross my mind to… violate a woman. Any woman. No matter how… comely she appears. I've a mother and some sisters, too. I can't imagine that sort of thing happening to them." Castor said, quietly.

"Yes. It was a gut punch. Except… the wind was knocked out of me longer than an actual gut punch; and, I'm not being funny about it." Luke said, sombrely.

"How… did ye deal with that?"

"I killed the bastards who were responsible. One by one, they were taken out. Except, they were shown mercy. I took them out swiftly. Certainly not in the tedious, harrowing way they took out my family." Luke said, softly.

"Sweet Jesus on a pony! Are you two getting set to go at it again?" Mordrid huffed as he called out to them.

"No. It's fine, Mordrid. There's no cause for alarm." Luke said.

"We're only talking. Nothing heated. Carry on." Castor added.

"Aww. Look at that, Mordrid. How touching. Perhaps they're making up?" Nichol scoffed, nodding in their direction as he finished attaching another leather bag onto his own horse.

"It's just conversation. There's no need for your concern." Luke said.

"I will be more mindful of what I say in future. I'm sorry. And… I shouldn't have hit ye." Castor said.

"I'm sorry I hit you, too. You'll need to apply something cold to your left eye when we get back. It's… looking bad, Castor." Luke sighed.

"Good for ye for getting those low life bastards who killed your family, Luke."

"It helped… some. I only wish I could recall happier memories with them quicker, rather than the images of their battered bodies as the first thought that comes to mind." Luke frowned.

"Indeed. I'm sure time will help ye with that." Castor said. Then he looked to Mordrid. "Hey! What about all of those weapons in that shed? There's no way we can take all of them with us. We'd need a wagon!"

The men suddenly heard the sound of horse's hooves coming down the road toward them. They all reacted instinctively by placing their hands on the pommels of their swords, all wondering if Father Tuttle's Jesus followers were coming.

"We're going to secure that shed, until we can get back here with a wagon." Mordrid said quietly, keeping his eyes on the road, watching for the horse and rider.

"A rope isn't going to hold it, Mordrid. We're going to need something stronger." Luke said.

"Indeed." he smirked as he held up a key in front of them. "This is for the padlock I found in the shed. We're going to chain that shed and secure it with the padlock. First, we're going to see who this is coming." Mordrid said, nodding toward the road.

"Where's the padlock?" Castor asked.

"In the pocket of my surcoat, Cas. After we clear the person coming in this direction, you and I will go and chain the hell out of that shed. There's a long length of heavy chain inside the shed. Fair?" Mordrid asked.

Castor nodded. Then, they all turned their attention to the main road. Soon, a white mare appeared. A comely maiden was riding it. Her chestnut hair was flowing in waves, billowing behind her.

Nichol took in a breath and smiled.

"Wait… is that… the Brimley maiden we saw on Wednesday?" Luke asked, squinting his eyes to better focus them.

"Oh, right. It does kind of look like her. The helpful, chatty one." Mordrid said.

"Beats me, mate. I've never seen her before." Castor shrugged.

"It is Indeed, Luke. And, doesn't she look as lovely as a spring meadow?" Nichol commented. Then he started to walk toward the road.

"Oh, boy." Luke sighed.

"The fuck was he just going on about? Sweet Christ! I've never even spoke of my Demetria that way, and my wife is fucking stunning!" Mordrid asked them, quietly. He shook his head and chuckled.

"Oh. Right. You set off toward Sherwood before he laid the charm on her rather thick. I think Nichol is smitten with her." Luke smirked.

"If memory serves me right, she was batting her eyelashes at him before I left." Mordrid chuckled.

"Damn. I always seem to miss the fun parts." Castor shrugged.

Lady Rhiannon found the Scribe not far from the Council Quarters. She called out to him to get his attention.

"Scribe?"

The Scribe turned and walked toward her.

"I need you to deliver this message for me. I'd skip this and speak to her myself, but my husband prefers I stay here for the time being." Rhiannon sighed, then she passed the scroll to him.

"Whom am I taking this to?" he asked.

"Lady Gunilda Hayward. It's imperative she receive this soon. It won't take you long, so if you could take care of this directly, that would be grand."

"Of course, Milady Rhiannon." the Scribe nodded. He turned and sighed, then he took leave of her.

Nichol couldn't help but notice how ravishing the lady looked. He could see bits of her emerald green gown peaking below her burgundy velvet cape. Her complexion was dewey, and she glowed when she looked at him.

"Oh! Good day, Officer Nichol. How nice to see you again." Kaeliss smiled as she pulled on the reins, bringing her horse to a stop.

"It's nice to see you, too, Milady Kaeliss." Nichol smiled. He continued to move in closer toward her.

"You remembered my name." she smiled. Her dove grey eyes twinkled when she looked into his.

"How could I forget? It's an unusual, yet beautiful name." Nichol smiled. He stopped only a few feet away from her. "What brings you here? Are you heading home?"

"I heard a couple of young lads saying the Black Knights were here. I came to have a word." Kaeliss said. She dismounted from her horse and stood before him, looking up into his bright green eyes.

"A word? About what, Milady?"

"There were a group of men here last night. Well past sundown. They kept taking curious items behind the church. They'd return to their wagon, and take more items from it, then take them behind the church again. They kept repeating this, over and over. It went on for some time. I was… watching them." Kaeliss admitted. She pulled the edges of her cape closed and pulled up her hood, for the wind was biting cold.

"Milady Kaeliss, forgive me, but… what were you doing out here on your own in the cursed dark?"

"Returning home from visiting my cousin. I had to sneak out of there to leave. Aunt Ostara would never have permitted it. I left her a note." a beat. "It's so dreadful over there. My cousin acts like she is dead, too. I do my best to cheer her, but, I'm afraid time shall be the best healer."

Nichol sighed and gently placed his hands upon her shoulders. Kaeliss looked deeply into his eyes, questioningly.

"Holy hell! He's touching her! You think he's going to kiss her, or something?" Castor asked the men, quietly.

"Here? In front of us? No. Nichol wouldn't do that. He's clearly taken with her, but he wouldn't do that. Not at this stage of the game when they're barely acquainted." Mordrid replied, confidently.

"That is coming, though. I'm sure of it." Luke chuckled.

"Indeed." Mordrid grinned. He looked to Castor. "Let's go and chain that shed, Cas. Did anyone take samples of weapons to show the Sheriff?"

"Nichol did." Luke said.

"Good." Mordrid said. He nodded to Castor to follow him.

"My lady, don't take this the wrong way; but, I don't ever want to hear you were out unaccompanied after dark again. Understood?" Nichol said, firmly.

"Very well. I shall endeavour to follow your advice, Officer Nichol." Kaeliss smiled.

"Promise me you will not do that again." he said, softly.

"What? Why?"

"Because… I would be crestfallen if harm should ever come to you." he said.

"What? You hardly know me, Officer Nichol?" Kaeliss said.

"That may be, but… I know what I like." he smiled.

Kaeliss felt her knees weaken when he said that, as he looked at her with his vivid green eyes and smiled.

"You saying you… like me?"

"I am."

"Good! Because, I like you, too, Officer Nichol." she smiled.

"Actually, I'm not an Officer in the Black Knights. I used to be the Captain. Now, I'm one of the Sheriff's Advisors. It's… kind of a long story." Nichol said. He removed his hands from her shoulders and looked to the dirt road.

"Oh. Well, I'd be interested to hear that story sometime, Nichol." Kaeliss smiled.

"Really?"

"Of course, I would. I came here to report what I witnessed last night. I was… hoping very much that you would be here."

"I am… pleased to hear you say that, Milady Kaeliss. I've been hoping I would run into you again, too." a beat. "Do you have far to travel now?"

"Oh, no. Not far at all. Would you… like to come by… perhaps?"

"I would like that, Milady." Nichol smiled.

"Good. It's the tenth century stone manor five homes south from Father Tuttle's home, on the same side of the road. Did you… have plans to dine with someone this evening, Nichol?"

"No, my lady. I've no plans."

"Well, if you'll forgive me for being forward, I'm extending an invitation to you. I'm preparing a nice pie. The filling is simmering on low heat right now. It will be perfect later." Kaeliss smiled.

"Now, I do love pie, but… isn't that a rather odd choice for the main course?"

"Oh." Kaeliss giggled. "I wasn't clear. It's not a fruit filled pie, Nichol. It's not meant for dessert."

"Oh. Right. That sounds just grand, my lady. Shall I bring something with me?"

"No. Just bring your hands — bring yourself." Kaeliss said, clearing her throat. She was grateful she caught herself before she blurted out what she thought of his appearance: handsome.

Nichol caught that, anyway. He looked down and grinned.

"I even have plenty of spirits on hand. I'm guessing you're either a mead, or ale sort of fellow? Unless, you prefer tea. I've plenty of that, too, but… you don't look like the kind of man who sips tea."

"I like both mead and ale. I've even enjoyed wine on occasion. I like tea sometimes, too — with my fruit pie." Nichol said with a wink.

"Oh, I see." she smiled.

"We won't be disturbing anyone?"

"No. I live on my own."

"I see. Very well. I gratefully accept your invitation, Milady." Nichol smiled.

"Wonderful. I look forward to it." Lady Kaeliss grinned.

"Milady Kaeliss? Exactly… how late last night did you witness the activity here?"

"The moon was still low on the horizon. Probably three to four hours past sundown." Kaeliss said.

"And, could you tell how many men there were?" Nichol asked.

"It was quite dark. I heard a lot of talking. They were talking about bows and swords. Probably half a dozen, but I'm not entirely sure on that part. There were at least four."

"Very good. You've been most helpful."

"What about that fugitive fellow? Was he caught?" Lady Kaeliss asked.

"Not as yet, but the search team is unrelenting. We'll get him."

"Good. Nichol?"

"Yes?"

"I have never invited a man to my home. Just so you're aware, that is not how I would normally behave." Kaeliss said, firmly.

"No explanation is needed, my lady." Nichol smiled. Then, he grasped her hand and gently kissed it. "You shall see me again later, Milady. Look for me just after dusk."

"I will, Nichol." she nodded with a smile.

After he watched her leave, he returned to the men.

"What did that maiden want, Nichol?" Mordrid asked, curiously.

"It must have been important, since ye talked to her long enough." Castor added.

"A few things, actually. It sounds like some of the members of the Jesus rebellion were here last night, taking the weapons to the shed." Nichol said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"You don't say?" Mordrid asked.

"Her account, or did she get that from another source?" Luke asked.

"She witnessed it herself. It's her own account. I got the full story, and then I told her to refrain from heading out unaccompanied after dark." Nichol said, then he walked over to his horse.

"How thoughtful of you to warn her." Mordrid chuckled.

"Did you secure that shed?" Nichol asked.

"Aye. We took care of that. What were the other things she spoke to ye about?" Castor asked.

"Oh. Right. That. I have a dining engagement scheduled with her later. She's making some kind of non fruity pie. Says it not meant for dessert, but as the main dish. Imagine that?" Nichol smiled. He checked to make sure the large tan leather bag containing a few samples of the weapons was properly secured to his horse.

The men looked at him, all expressing varying degrees of astonishment, with their gaping jaws and widened stares.

"Wait. What now?" Mordrid asked, incredulously.

"She invited me to dine with her." Nichol repeated.

"Wait a moment. Never mind that odd turn of events. What about that Fladius bloke?" Castor asked.

"What of him? We questioned him, searched his quart — " Mordrid began, but was cut off.

"I know that, but… how the fuck did the bloke not notice all of that activity going on in close proximity to him — just last night?" Castor pointed out.

Nichol walked back toward them.

"He does make an excellent point." Luke said.

"Indeed." Mordrid nodded. "Nic, did you ask her how many men she saw?"

"She guessed probably six of them, but couldn't say for certain because it was done in the cover of darkness. She said there were at least four, but she thought there might be six." Nichol said.

"Gotta love a good reliable witness." Luke sighed.

"It matters not, Luke. Many witnesses have difficulty recollecting details with perfect accuracy. The exact number matters not. The point is, whether it was four men, five, or six of them, that would have created noise." Mordrid pointed out.

"Indeed. He commented to us he wondered how any of this escaped his notice. Did he make that remark just to throw us off?" Castor pointed out.

Nichol sighed. Luke and Castor gave knowing looks to one another, then turned their attention back to Mordrid.

Mordrid nodded to the men to follow him. He began to walk over to the small structure that served as the groundskeepers quarters. The other three men followed close at his heels.

Lady Gunilda was surprised when she answered the knock at her door. She was hoping it might be Drake, even though it was a bit early for him to stop by.

"Yes?" she asked. "Wait. Aren't you the Sheriff's Scribe?" Gunilda asked, curiously. She recognized him. Drake pointed him out to her days ago.

"Yes, Milady. Although, I don't remember meeting you." the Scribe shrugged.

"What can I do for you? Is he requesting a meeting, or something?" Lady Gunilda asked, curiously.

"No, Milady. I have a message for you." he said as he extracted the scroll from his pocket. "It's from Lady Rhiannon, Milady."

Lady Gunilda took the scroll from him.

"Oh, dear. Hope it's not bad news." she said with a frown. She unfurled the scroll and began to read. Then, a smile spread across her face.

"Oh, marvellous. Good news, indeed. Thank you for bringing this." Gunilda smiled.

"Of course, Milady." the Scribe nodded. Then, he turned from her and took his leave.

Drake waited until later in the afternoon to head over to the local tavern. He'd only ever seen Slayer working later in the day, and into the evening, so he didn't think showing up too early would be useful to him. It was possible that Slayer wouldn't be there any earlier. He found a place to secure his horse about fifteen yards away from the tavern, then he walked toward the door.

He was pleased to see Slayer was there, dutifully standing guard at the door. He strode toward the tall muscled man with the curly, sandy brown hair.

Slayer spotted him, and nodded.

"You meeting your mates here?" Slayer asked when Drake arrived to the door.

"No. I'm here on business." Drake said.

"Right. The Sheriff's business, I'm sure." Slayer scoffed.

Drake gave him a curious look as he raised his brow, questioningly.

"Come on, man. I know you're a Black Knight. I know your mates are Black Knights, too. Well, except for one. I might appear to be a brute to you, but I've got a good functioning brain inside of this head. I keep everything stored — inside of my vault." Slayer said with a knowing look, as he tapped on his temple with his index finger.

"And, how did you draw that conclusion?" Drake asked.

"You and a couple of your mates were here awhile back. You were with the tall, dark haired lean fellow, and the shorter one with the reddish hair. There was an arm wrestling match going on inside the tavern, to which you were one of the competitors, right. Everyone was cheering. The place was crowded. Then, curiously, a bit later, I saw the lean dark haired guy walking directly ahead of a funny looking bloke, and, oddly enough, the tall dark haired grey eyed fellow whom I've recently seen you and the lean dark haired guy with — as if you're all mates now. Funny how that worked out." Slayer chuckled.

Drake stood for a moment, not responding. It seems this man pays close attention to details. His instincts were right about him. He'd be perfect for City Watch.

"They walked right past me and headed outside… just over there." Slayer pointed to the area. "Very soon after that, you and the reddish haired fellow joined them. I stood here, observing the scene. It looked like trouble to me, right? Your mate with the reddish hair commented something about you blokes being "terror times three". That made me chuckle, I gotta admit, mate. I heard enough from the three of you to confirm you are Black Knights. What I can't figure out for the life of me, is how you're all suddenly cozy with the dark haired grey eyed fellow who was with the funny looking bloke that night? That one has me stumped, I must admit." Slayer said with a chuckle and shake of his head.

"It's a long story, and we'd be happy to tell you about it — "

"I don't really care, mate. It's amusing as fuck. Kind of like watching one of those over the top, melodramatic marionette plays, to be frank about it, right." Slayer grinned. Then, his attention turned to the two young lads who were attempting to walk past him into the tavern.

"Oi! Get your scrawny little backsides back over here, right now!" Slayer ordered them. He folded his arms and assumed a wide stance.

The two lads looked to one another, then turned back to face Slayer. They both sighed and walked toward him. Drake was surprised to note they appeared to be quite young. They looked to be about nine or ten years at the most.

"Alright. I don't know who started the rumour with you little runts, but be sure to tell your mates in your neighbourhood to spread the word that we do not serve children here. Got it?"

"But, Sir? We were only going to ask for mulberry juice." the smaller of the boys, with brown hair and blue eyes shrugged.

"Now, why would the barman choose to serve juice to a bunch of you wee laddies when he can make more of a profit from serving spirits?" Slayer pointed out.

"We can pay, too. For our juice. And snacks. That would help his profit thing, wouldn't it, Sir?" the blond haired boy asked.

"Forget it, laddies. This tavern is a place for grown people. It's not a bleeding crèche. Come back to us in about six years time; and don't forget to spread the word amongst your siblings and mates to kindly get lost." Slayer said, firmly.

"Boy, are you a mean one." the smaller boy said.

Drake looked to the ground and quietly chuckled.

Slayer sighed, and the two boys walked away from the tavern.

"Cursed little ankle biters. They're always trying to gain access." Slayer spat.

"An odd place for boys to choose to be in." a beat. "Back to what we were discussing. Perhaps… you should care." Drake said, evasively.

"Whatever for? It's none of my business if you all want to get chummy with a man who used to collude with an unfortunate looking criminal. What? You here to tell me I'm in trouble with the Sheriff? Ha! I don't engage in criminal activity. But, if you Black Knight folks are conspiring with that grey eyed fellow now, doesn't that make you, in fact, criminals? Does the Sheriff know you're all chummy with him now?" Slayer asked, pointedly.

"He's fully aware. Like I said, there's a story behind that, but, that grey eyed fellow is one of us now. He's a Black Knight. One of five of the Sheriff's top Investigators." Drake said.

"Ah, ha, ha! You don't say? Stop. You're killing me, mate!" Slayer laughed.

"It's a fact." Drake said.

"Whatever, mate. You going inside to grace us with your patronage? Or, are you just here to amuse me? Because, you are making me laugh, I'll grant you that." Slayer chortled.

"Sure. I'll go in and order a mug of ale — if you join me." Drake said.

"How does a daft character like you land a position as one of the Sheriff's Black Knights, right? Don't you need some intelligence for a role such as that?"

Drake couldn't help but notice how well spoken this guy was considering his occupation. The man didn't seem to miss a beat, either. He hoped he could be convincing enough to persuade him to meet with the Sheriff. He sighed and looked down for a moment. This was not going to be an easy task.

"In case it escaped your notice, I'm working." Slayer sighed.

"I'm aware." Drake said.

"What the fuck is your game, man? Are you trying to distract me? What do you want? It sure as hell appears to me that ale is not what you came here for, right? So? What is it?" Slayer demanded.

"No games. I need a few moments of your time." Drake replied.

"I'm working." Slayer said, firmly.

"Surely, they let you take a break here and there, don't they?"

"I've one coming up shortly. In three quarters of an hour. I'm just not certain I wish to spend my break time with you, however. No offence, mate." Slayer said, folding his arms.

"I think you'll be interested to hear what I have to say." Drake said.

"Did the Sheriff send you?"

"He did. He wants to meet with you." Drake said.

"You're bleeding jesting with me, mate. Why would the Sheriff want to meet with me? I don't even know the man. I'm not a criminal, and the only activities I've witnessed around here, he would never waste his time on — otherwise his gaol would be over populated with a bunch of unruly, foul mouthed drunks.

"Sometimes the fellows imbibe too much and get into fistfights here, right? We sort it out. They are tossed out by me at the order of the barman — the owner of this establishment. Then, the fools are banned. There's never been a murder here, and, oddly, no thievery in years. So, why would the Sheriff want to see me?" Slayer asked, pointedly, with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"I think the reason may interest you greatly. Tell you what. I'll go inside now and order a mug of ale. You come and find me when you're granted your break. We'll talk about it over a mug of ale." Drake said.

"Fine. Only because I'm curious. I won't be imbibing, though. I'm on duty. I'll have water or juice, and maybe a bowl of soup, and you can talk."

"Perfect. That's all I ask."

"I forgot your name. Can't remember if you mentioned it before."

"It's Drake."

"Right. Okay, Drake. Go on inside. I'll catch up with you in awhile." Slayer instructed.

Drake nodded and walked inside of the tavern.

Fladius opened the door of his quarters a bit trepidatiously, wondering what the Sheriff's men wanted with him now.

"Yes? What can I do for you? Do you need to come in and search again. Just don't disturb the kitchen." Fladius sighed.

"You mind telling us how you didn't notice the commotion going on here last night?" Mordrid asked, firmly. His muscled arms were folded as he narrowed his blue eyes upon him.

"There was a commotion?" Fladius asked.

"Don't play coy with us, man. It won't work." Nichol warned.

"I'm not. I wasn't here last night." Fladius said.

"Well, that's a start. Where were you, then?" Luke asked.

Fladius suddenly noticed the bruising and cuts on the two younger dark haired men.

"Oh, my heavens. What happened to you two? You both looked fine earlier?"

"We had an accident and injured ourselves. As ye can see, it hasn't affected our ability to do our job in any way. Stop deflecting and answer the question." Castor said, firmly.

"I was visiting my son and daughter in law." Fladius replied.

"You have a son?" Mordrid asked.

"I did see a sketch of a couple with a small child inside his quarters, Mordrid. Maybe that's them?" Luke pondered.

"Indeed. It is them. My son sketched that drawing. He is an artist." Fladius explained.

"You're telling me your son sketched… himself? How the hell did he manage that?" Mordrid asked, suspiciously.

"With the use of a mirror, Sir. He's quite talented." Fladius smiled, proudly.

"Alright. What's his name, and where do we find him to confirm this tale of yours?" Nichol asked.

"And, when did you return here from your visit with him?" Mordrid added.

"I returned this morning. We were making merry and it was getting late. My daughter in law didn't want me venturing back here so late at night. My son's name is Collin. He works with Michael. If you've been to the Inn recently you've seen Michael's work. He painted the scenes on the doors of the guest quarters there. Both of them also did work for the Sheriff not too long ago." Fladius explained.

"Yeah, right they did! If you're going to make up a story, ye should've picked a better one than that. The Sheriff did no such — " Castor started to fire back, but was interrupted.

"No, Cas. He's right. They did work for the Sheriff. They mass reproduced the sketches of the two we were looking for, which Richard had originally penned. The Captain sent those sketches to the Sheriff while we were still in the north. Michael and Collin recreated those sketches for proclamations." Mordrid explained.

"And, I've seen Michael's work on the doors at the Inn. I was there yesterday with Milord Sheriff." Nichol added.

"Indeed. That is the truth of it." Fladius nodded.

"Oh. I do remember the proclamations. I guess I just never thought about who did all of the drawings." Castor shrugged.

"Great. Now that we've established that — where do we find him?" Nichol pressed.

"His home is on the same road as this one. It's about ten homes south on the opposite side of the road." Fladius said.

"Good. What did they serve you last night? Did you dine with them?" Mordrid asked.

"I beg your pardon?" Fladius asked.

"Just answer the question." Nichol huffed.

"My daughter in law is an excellent cook. She served roasted duck, with a seasoned bread dressing to go with it. There were steamed carrots, and mashed sweet potatoes served with it. Then, a caramel custard, and wine to follow." Fladius said, wondering why that detail was important.

"Sweet potatoes? That sounds vile, frankly." Castor muttered with a shudder.

"Right. Well, you may see us again, depending on whether your story checks out. Since it's on our way and not too far, we're heading there now. You better not be lying." Mordrid warned.

"What am I to do in the meantime? Should I be expecting another commotion to break out over here?" Fladius asked.

"Stay inside your quarters tonight. We shall inform you about further instructions." Mordrid said.

"Very well. I don't want any trouble." Fladius sighed.

Later that afternoon, the Sheriff was stepping outside of the door of his office. He'd just finished counting the gold coins given him by the Prince, and depositing the wooden chest containing the gold into his vault. He turned the key to lock the door when he heard footsteps approaching.

"Cousin." Guy nodded on approach.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I was asked to summon you to the Council Quarters. Mordrid's team has returned." Guy said.

"I see. Couldn't the Scribe have done that?"

"He's not here. The Page said that he left to deliver a message for Lady Rhiannon."

"Right. She did do that. Alright. Come." the Sheriff said. He nodded for Guy to follow him.

"Weren't you planning a private meeting with Mordrid and Nic?" Guy asked.

"You might as well join us, Gis. If there's any reports of further disruptive actions from Castor, then you'll know what to observe for, too." he said.

Guy nodded and they continued on their way.

A short time later, they strolled into the Council Quarters. Mordrid and Nichol stood before them, their hands clasped behind them. Flanking them were Luke and Castor. Both of them looked to the floor when the door opened.

"Good. You're back." the Sheriff said as he walked toward them. "Gisborne shall be joining us. Now, I was planning to meet with Mordrid and Nichol first." a beat. "Didn't I mention that, Nic?"

"You did." Nichol said.

"Yes, you were clear, Milord." Mordrid nodded.

"Then, why are we not — "

"Because, friend. When you see the state of them, you'll have all the answers you need regarding how well they worked together today." Nichol said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Is that so? Interesting." the Sheriff sighed. He looked to Luke and Castor. "Alright, you two. Show yourselves to me."

They both slowly raised their heads and looked at he and Gisborne standing before them. When they saw how stunned the Sheriff and Sir Guy appeared, the men looked away instinctively, embarrassed by their actions.

"God's nightgown!" Guy whispered.

"Satan's teeth! What the hell happened, men? Hey! Both of you look at me this instant!" he demanded.

"We… uh… we fell. Down some stairs, Milord." Castor blurted.

"Fuck." Luke muttered.

"Cas, the fuck are you doing?" Mordrid admonished in a whisper.

"Really? At the same time?" the Sheriff asked pointedly as he inched in closer to Castor. "So, not just one of you — which would be unlikely in the first place — but, the pair of you went tumbling down a set of stairs — together. What are the odds of that happening?"

"I… I don't… know, Milord." Castor shrugged.

"Rhetorical question, Castor. There was no answer needed. The point was that you're lying through your teeth. Dishonesty won't get you far around here. I can spot your bollocks a mile away."

"We… got into a fight, Milord. Hand… to hand combat, I suppose you could say." Luke interjected.

"You can skip your flowery descriptor for it and call it what it is, Luke. You two beat each other like a pair of low life ruffians! What in the bleeding hell sort of operation do you think we're running here?" the Sheriff demanded.

"Milord? There was no intent to — " Luke began, but was cut off.

"I'm sure, Luke. I'm sure that neither you, nor Castor thought to yourselves upon awakening this morning, 'Let me do my absolute best to completely fuck up my position in the Black Knights', yet, here we are. Intent doesn't matter. How you conduct yourselves does matter." he said, firmly. Then, he addressed them both. "You two had a job to do today, and you wasted valuable time when you turned each other's faces into samples from Massacriar's fraud shop." the Sheriff huffed.

"Ooh. That was harsh." Nichol remarked quietly to Mordrid, with a chuckle.

"In fairness, Milord, the fight happened… after the search was completed." Castor said.

"Stop talking, Castor. You're going to get us sacked." Luke whispered.

"Again, you're missing the point, Castor. You shouldn't be fighting at all. You're on the same damn team! Now, either you both can be trusted to work with others, or you can't. If you can't manage to work with your fellow comrades, you're of no use to me. Understood?" he addressed them both.

"Yes, Milord." Luke nodded.

"Aye, Milord." Castor said.

"Right. Now… what to do with you is the question." he said as he clasped his hands in front of him and shook his head.

"Milord, I think you should know we have since… talked about it." Luke said.

"We realized the error of our ways. We both apologized and… talked it through." Castor added.

"I suppose that's encouraging. There shall be consequences for your actions, regardless. You need to learn this cannot be repeated."

"Uh… are ye… sacking us… Milord?" Castor asked.

"If either of you repeat this unruly, disruptive behaviour, you're gone. There shall be a change in both of your assignments in the next two days. Both of you need to learn a few things. There shall be no grumbling about it." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"Aye, Milord." Castor nodded.

"Understood, Milord." Luke agreed.

"Good. We'll circle back to that part in a moment." he said. Then, he looked to Mordrid. "What was the result of the search?"

"Everything you were hoping for, Milord Sheriff." Mordrid smirked.

Drake was waiting at the table for Slayer. He was still nursing the same mug of ale he ordered when he went inside the tavern. He wanted a clear head when he spoke to him. The place had a number of patrons, but it wasn't crowded at this time. Drake was glad of that. He didn't want interruptions while he was speaking to Slayer.

Drake took a swill of the ale, then heard footsteps approaching. He looked up. Slayer was standing beside the table, holding his own mug. Drake set his mug on the table and gestured to the empty chair.

Slayer sighed and took a seat. He took a good swallow of his refreshment, then looked to Drake.

"Alright, Drake. I'm here, but not for very long. You want to tell me what the hell the Sheriff needs to see me for?"

"He has a… proposition for you." Drake said.

"Huh. Imagine that? Now, why would the Sheriff want to make some sort of deal with me? I'm telling you, I don't know the man from a hole in the ground. I could identify him, but I've never been anywhere near the man. I stay out of trouble. Making deals with him sounds like something his associates might do, or the bleeding criminals in his gaol — in hopes of a reduced amount of time in there, or hopes of lesser punishment. I don't have that problem, mate. I'm certainly no associate, and around here, I'm the enforcer, not the breaker of rules." Slayer said, firmly.

"Exactly. And, that's why he wishes to meet with you." Drake said.

"Is he looking for recruits for the Black Knights, or something? Ha! Could you picture me in one of your costumes?" Slayer chuckled.

"They're uniforms, Slayer. None of us are dressing in costumes, masquerading as Knights. We are Knights." Drake pointed out.

"Good for you, mate, right. That sort of life isn't for me." he said as he took a sip from his mug.

"Thought you weren't going to drink ale?" Drake pointed out.

"I'm not. It's bleeding lemonade, mate."

"I see." a beat. "It's… not about the Black Knights. It's something sort of similar. You'd still be able to do your work here, if that is… your career goal."

"Do I look like the kind of bloke, right, who can aspire to career goals, mate?" Slayer remarked with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Maybe not in your mind, but, you have skills Milord Sheriff is interested in. Your reputation as a competent security man at this establishment has reached him. He wants to meet." Drake said, confidently. He took another sip of ale and set the mug back on the table.

"It does seem intriguing, I admit."

"With supplemental income added into the mix, perhaps you'd be more inclined to consider your… career goals? You're more than just the rule enforcer and security man at this tavern, Slayer. He has never laid eyes on you, yet, he believes it." Drake said, smoothly.

"It's a paid position? Whatever role this is he wants me to fill?"

"Indeed. It's a good role, Slayer. Prince John was informed of this a sennight ago. He was planning to meet with the King for financial backing. Prince John is on board with it."

"Oh. It sounds like it's official, whatever it is, right? Not the Sheriff going rogue… again." Slayer said with a knowing glance.

"He's not the same man as he was when Robin of Locksley was lording over Sherwood with his band of rebel followers. Have you not noticed the reduction in hangings in recent years?" Drake asked.

"Well, there was that one guy in August, right? And, he used to be one of you. That kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth, Drake, I must confess." Slayer remarked with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Do you recall the grim situation where women were disappearing left and right? Nearly thirty women were abducted, then killed over a period of nearly three years." Drake began.

"I do. It was terrible, mate. My mother and my sisters… hell, even my grandmother were afraid to step out of their homes." Slayer said, shaking his head. "The hell does that have to the do with the Black Knight who was hanged three months ago?"

"The man responsible for those mass murders was held in the Sheriff's dungeon. The Knight you refer to was the Jailer at the time. He unwittingly assisted in the escape of that prisoner. Two more women were killed as a result of that." Drake said.

"Seriously? What an absolute fool!"

"Indeed. There was good reason behind his execution, even though it was hard for the rest of us to swallow at the time." Drake sighed.

"So, you're telling me I shouldn't worry about making a minor mistake for fear the bloke will hang me, then?"

"You wouldn't need to worry, Slayer. You're good. Those of us who've seen you in action can attest to it." Drake nodded.

"But… what about Charlie, mate? He is good to me." Slayer sighed.

"Charlie?"

"The owner and barman at this establishment. I think this would put him in a bad spot, mate." Slayer said, shaking his head.

"What would put me in a bad spot, Slayer?" the barman asked, suddenly interrupting them. He stood before them with a small linen towel draped over his shoulder, and holding an empty tray in his hand.

"Apparently, the Sheriff wants to meet with me about… an opportunity. I'm told I'll still be able to work for you, but… "

"But… what, Slayer?" Charlie asked.

"I'm guessing I'd have to reduce my hours here, Charlie." Slayer shrugged.

"Perhaps." Drake nodded.

"If he sees something in you, go for it, Slayer. He's improved greatly over these last three years. You're the best security man I've ever had; but… there's not really a promising future in this line of work. It would be unfair of me to hold you back. We shall manage." Charlie smiled.

"At least meet with him and listen to what he has to say." Drake added.

"You should, Slayer." the barman encouraged him.

"Very well. I'll meet with him." Slayer conceded.

"When does the Sheriff wish to meet with him?" Charlie asked Drake.

"As soon as possible." Drake nodded.

"Then, you had better be on your way. Go and meet with him. Then, return here. There's a backgammon tourney this evening. It's going to be an absolute madhouse in this place later." Charlie said.

"Whom shall man the door while I'm out?" Slayer asked.

"I'll get Blaise to do it. He's capable."

"Alright. I won't be long." Slayer said as he stood from his chair.

Drake finished his ale then followed suit. Together, they walked toward the door.

Back in the Council Quarters at the castle, the Sheriff and his Lieutenant observed as Mordrid's team began unpacking several large calfskin leather bags. They looked at one another curiously, then turned their attention back to the men.

"What have you got for me, men?" the Sheriff asked.

"Tons of documents." Mordrid began.

"I've also brought samples of weapons which Castor found in the shed behind the church." Nichol said.

"Samples?" Guy asked.

"Indeed. We're going to need a wagon to collect the rest of them." Mordrid said.

"Seriously?" the Sheriff asked.

"Dead serious, friend." Nichol said.

"There's enough there for a bleeding army, nearly." Castor added.

"And… you just left them there." Nottingham pointed out, folding his arms.

"Since we didn't have the capacity to handle that number of them we chained up the shed, Milord. It's secured with a padlock. I have the key. We will return at your say so and retrieve the rest of them." Mordrid explained.

"Very well. What kinds of weapons are we talking about?" Nottingham asked, pointedly.

"Here's your samples, George." Nichol said as he began to empty out the large bag which had been fastened to his horse. "It appears they have longbows, swords, and daggers. I brought one of each of them. We took their one and only crossbow, too."

"We're keeping that crossbow, Nic. Did you find some bolts that go along with it?"

"I did. I took all of them. I had a feeling you'd say that about the crossbow." Nichol smirked.

"Does it look like one of Samson's?" he asked.

"I couldn't say for certain. I can tell you the one he gave to me looks different than this one." Nichol shrugged, pointing to the crossbow.

"Alright. And, what of the documents, Mordrid?" he asked.

"A wealth of information, Milord. We have a written members list, attendance lists from their meetings, written notes from those meetings, and a documented mission statement — exactly as you predicted, Milord." Mordrid said.

"All of the documents are here, Milord. In fairness, Castor found everything you were looking for." Luke said.

"Everything seemed to be contained inside of, or right behind the church, Milord." Castor shrugged.

"Nothing in the Priest's home, or the groundskeeper's quarters?" the Sheriff asked.

"Negative. Nichol and I were assigned to those places. We found nothing." Luke said.

"So, that Fladius character checked out, then?" he asked.

"Yes, Milord. We even stopped by his son's home on the way back." Mordrid said.

"Really? Why would you need to do that? Something about him must have raised suspicion?"

"Indeed, friend. Someone was passing by as we were preparing to leave. It was that helpful pretty lady we saw on Wednesday on our way to that vile butcher shop. You recall? Lady Kaeliss. She was with her cousin. You and Gizzie didn't seem to like her cousin much." Nichol said.

"How convenient that you happened to see her again." Guy chuckled.

"Oh, indeed. It was! Besides the best part about that chance meeting, she had more to report concerning the church. Something she witnessed just last night." Nichol hinted.

"What was that, Nic?" Nottingham asked.

"Seems there was a group of those Jesus followers unloading the weapons from a wagon and taking them back to the shed behind the church. She couldn't see what the items were, or guess the exact number of men. She said there were at least four, but thought there might be six of them. Her story fits. How thoughtful of them to leave those weapons for us to confiscate." Nichol smirked.

"Indeed. So, if there was so much activity going on at the church last night, did Fladius mention this?" he asked.

"No. So, we went back to question him further about it. He told us he was visiting his son and daughter in law last night, not returning until this morning." Nichol said.

"We stopped by his son's home on our way back to confirm his story. It checked out, Milord." Luke nodded.

"Indeed. Right down to the vile mashed sweet potatoes, Milord." Castor said with a grimace.

"The which?" he asked, somewhat bewildered.

"We asked Fladius what he was served during the evening meal at his son's home. It all checked out. Every blessed menu item right down to the letter. His son is Collin, the artist. He works with Michael. You've met him, Milord." Mordrid said.

"Isn't that interesting? Both of them are quite good." a beat. "So, it sounds like Fladius was truthful about his lack of involvement in the Jesus rebellion, then?"

"Indeed, Milord. His quarters contained nothing suspicious, then his story of last night's whereabouts were truthful." Luke said.

"Well, there's an extra positive result of your search efforts, I suppose. At least we can cross him off the list of potential troublemakers." Nottingham said.

"He's concerned there might be more trouble tonight, Milord. We instructed him to stay inside of his quarters." Mordrid said.

"Fladius might be right, Mordrid. Who knows when those Brotherhood blokes will return to collect those weapons?" the Sheriff said.

"Indeed. And, those blokes are going to be angry when they see the shed is chained." Castor said.

"Perhaps they should return with a wagon, Cousin?" Guy suggested.

"Indeed. And, it would be wise to instruct Fladius to stay in Collin's home for a few days. He's a sitting duck over there." the Sheriff sighed.

"I'll go back, Milord." Mordrid offered.

"You're going to need help from the sounds of it." he said. Then he looked to Nichol. "Before we work that out, you mentioned there was a best part about your chance meeting with the dark haired Brimley woman today. What was the best part, Nic?"

"Ha, ha! It's a good one!" Castor chuckled.

"Indeed. I have a dining engagement tonight. She's invited me to dine with her. She's making some sort of non fruity pie for the main dish." Nichol smiled.

"Wait. What?" the Sheriff asked, incredulously.

"That was fast." Guy chuckled.

"The bloke hasn't even been with us a full sennight yet, and he's already bagged himself a lady friend. Bleeding epic!" Castor laughed.

"Indeed, Castor. It is rather amusing, I'll grant you that." Luke smirked.

"Right. So, when is she expecting you, Nic? Just so I can judge if you have time or not to assist Mordrid." Nottingham asked.

"Just after dusk." Nichol smiled.

"Hmm. That's not much time, Cousin. Not if he wants to spruce himself up first." Guy said.

"We can assist Mordrid, Milord." Luke suggested, nodding to Castor.

"Of course, Milord." Castor nodded.

"Is there a lot of weapons? Can three of you get this done quickly, and warn Fladius to get himself to Collin's home?"

"I could assist them, Cousin." Guy offered.

"I'd prefer if you were here when Drake shows up with Slayer. Hopefully, he's making progress with that. From everything the lads have said about him, the bloke might be a hard sell. Drake should have had time to convince him by now. If he was successful, they should be here soon before it gets too busy at the tavern. There's a backgammon tournament taking place there this evening. I'm sure Slayer will be needed for that." the Sheriff said.

"I see. Very well." Guy nodded, wondering how his cousin was in the know about a backgammon tournament?

"As to your question a moment ago, yes. The three of us could, indeed, retrieve those weapons quickly." Mordrid said.

"Alright. Very well. You two may go and assist Mordrid." he instructed Luke and Castor. Then, he addressed Mordrid, as well. "You will speak to Fladius and insist he stay with his son for a few days. If those blokes return and see their weapons are gone, they're going to be royally irate. They're going to go to the only man on the property to demand answers. They're going to question Fladius."

"Indeed, Milord. We shall be insistent he leave his quarters directly." Mordrid said.

"Good." he nodded, then he looked to Luke and Castor. "After this task, you're both done for the day. Then, for the next two days you will both be assigned to something else that is not usual for either of you. Your penance for acting like a pair of fools earlier." the Sheriff sighed.

"Of course, Milord. Can you tell us of our new assignments?" Luke asked.

"Indeed. Luke, you shall be paired with Borin in the armoury. I want you to closely observe the smiths in the armoury. You might not believe it, but there's a lot of collaboration involved down there, forging weapons and armour for us. You need to witness firsthand the importance of teamwork. For the next two days, you are just plain old Officer Luke. Not a top Knight. Understood?"

"Yes, Milord." Luke nodded.

"Castor, Your assignment will change, too. I'm leaving Emory and Beric at the portcullis. Beric is handling it well, so you won't be needed there. You shall be paired with Albert, guarding the dungeon with him. Drake will do that for a short time when he returns with Slayer, but for the next two days, you shall do it. Drake will most likely be rejoining the Sherwood search team. Drake doesn't beat his comrades." Nottingham said as his eyebrow shot north, knowingly.

"Very well, Milord. As you wish, but, if I may? Who is Albert, Milord?" Castor asked, curiously.

Mordrid looked down and shook his head, concealing a chuckle.

"You know the one. He often mans the dungeon. Before that he was assigned to guard my private chambers." the Sheriff said.

"Oh. Right! You mean Alfred, Milord." Castor nodded.

"Indeed." Nottingham sighed.

"Milord? Before we head out, there's something else you should know." Mordrid said.

Nichol and Luke looked to Mordrid curiously, wondering what he was referring to.

"Oh, right! You best show him, Mordrid." Castor nodded.

"Show me… what?" the Sheriff asked, suspiciously.

Mordrid walked to the table and went through the documents, searching for one, specifically. He saw it and picked it up, then he took it to the Sheriff.

"This is the list of members, Milord. Of course, the two names you mentioned to us this morning are there. But, there's someone else. Castor noticed this when he showed it to me at the scene." Mordrid said.

"Someone we know?" the Sheriff asked.

"Maybe not very well, but everyone in town knows this guy." Mordrid hinted. He passed the document to the Sheriff.

"This is a lot of names, Mordrid." the Sheriff said as he took the parchment from him, glancing at it briefly.

"The names are alphabetized, Milord. Take a look in the B section of surnames." Mordrid said.

The Sheriff nodded to Guy and the two began to scan the document together as the Sheriff ran his index finger over the page.

The Sheriff read the names aloud as he scanned the document.

"Hmm. Damn. There's a lot. Baker, Ballard, Basset, Becker — "

"Go to the vowels at the end of the alphabet, Milord." Mordrid suggested.

"Very well." he nodded, then he looked to the page again. "Alright. We have Brickenden, Brooker, Burrell, Burroughs… Satan's teeth! Look at this, Gis!"

"What in the devil?" Guy muttered.

"Busby. Merek Busby!" the Sheriff spat.

"How the hell would he find the time for this bollocks when he's got a whole flock of children?" Guy asked.

"And, does Matheus know about this?" Mordrid asked.

"Isn't Matheus on the Town Council? Hmm. That's not a good look, George." Nichol frowned.

"I'm certain Matheus doesn't know a thing about this. He fully supports us stopping these Jesus brother blokes. I'm not punishing a reliable, contributing member of the Town Council due to the sins of his brother. I'll question him, but I fully expect to find nothing amiss with him." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"This bloke just produced yet another child, too! Only five days ago. Constancia was telling us this the night of your wedding, for the love of fuck! You were away from the table then, but Robert, Matheus and myself heard it all." Guy added.

"Hmm. I do recall hearing about it when I returned. Apparently, my wife had made some untoward comments that were rather amusing. I think you said you found it amusing, Gis." the Sheriff smirked.

"I certainly did. Lady Rhiannon said what all of us have been wanting to say about that for years." Guy chuckled.

"Really? I can only imagine." Nichol grinned.

"I'll expound on that another time, Nic. Suffice to say, my wife considers ladies like Harriet Busby to be brood mares, and she's not having it." Nottingham smirked.

"Smart lady." Nichol nodded.

"There's not really a way to prevent it, unless you'd want to live like my wife and I do. Sometimes I wonder if she could identify me now." Mordrid sighed.

"You'd be surprised.… about prevention." the Sheriff said. He cleared his throat and looked to Nichol. "Did Lady Kaeliss mention what time of night those miscreants showed up at the church, Nic?"

"Yes. She said three to four hours past sundown." Nichol nodded.

"Those cretins are going to be back." Nottingham muttered.

"Milord?" Mordrid asked.

"It makes no sense to not be there, at the ready to nab them." the Sheriff said.

"What are you thinking, George?" Nichol asked.

"We need to be there if those cretins show up again. They didn't know they were being watched last night, otherwise there likely would not have been a witness to report this. They're going to return at some point." the Sheriff said with a knowing look.

"Should we remain there after we've gathered the weapons, Milord?" Luke asked.

"No, because you'll likely be waiting for several hours." Nottingham said.

"Alright. What's the plan, Milord?" Mordrid asked.

"You three go and gather the weapons. Talk to Fladius and get him the hell out of there. Bring the weapons back here and secure them in the shed near the stables. Then, I'll have you return closer to the time they're likely to show. But, when you return, you'll have reinforcements." Nottingham said.

"Very well. Who else will be joining us?" Mordrid asked.

"There will be some from the Sherwood search team, myself, Gisborne, and… Nichol is welcome to join us, too — if he's not otherwise engaged with fucking the Brimley maiden." he said with a knowing quirk of his brow, then looked to his mate, smirking.

"Really, mate? It's a little soon for that, don't you think? I'm attempting to court her. She's not a whore." Nichol sighed.

"It is rather curious that you've only seen her twice, and now you've scored yourself a dining engagement." Nottingham pointed out.

"That may be, but I've no plans to bed the lady. Not tonight, anyway." Nichol said.

"Is she far from the church?" the Sheriff asked.

"No. Not far at all. Tell me when to meet you there." Nichol said.

"Be there for three hours past sundown. The rest of us will be there a bit before that." he said.

"Very well." Nichol nodded.

"Good. Alright, men. You know your orders. Go. Get the weapons, warn Fladius, and bring those weapons back. That church isn't far. We can easily accomplish this. Then, we will return to that site and be ready for those fools. Make it so." the Sheriff instructed them.

The three men nodded and took their leave.

"Guess I had better go and get washed up before I head over to see… my lady." Nichol smirked.

"Before you do that, I've something to tell you about." Nottingham said.

"Very well. What is that?" Nichol asked.

"I'm telling you both." he said, addressing both of the men.

"What is it, George?" Guy asked.

"We're having guests on Friday night. They shall be dining with us. You're both invited, of course. Gis, you will bring Meridwyn, naturally. Nic, I'll leave that up to you. Depending on how your dining engagement goes, you may invite Lady Kaeliss as your guest." he said.

"Thank you, mate. Who is coming here to dine with us?" Nichol asked.

"Prince John, and his wife, Isabella, the Countess of Gloucester."

"Was he here today?" Guy asked.

"Indeed. He brought a gift with him. A chest full of gold. Half for reparation to me, the other half for funding of the City Watch, and whoever is chosen as espials. The King has given approval and fully supports our endeavours." the Sheriff said.

"Guess that explains how you knew about a backgammon tournament at the tavern tonight." Guy chuckled. "Good news, indeed, Cousin."

"Back up a bit. Reparation? Whatever for, mate? The hell did I miss?" Nichol asked, curiously.

"Quite a bit, friend. Eventually, I'll catch you up, but, as I've said before, I'll need about a sennight to do that. As for the reparation, this has to do with a hunting accident in Newerche nearly a fortnight ago." he said.

"Hunting? You?" Nichol scoffed.

"Yes. He insisted. I took the three top men, with plans to stop by Fingle's shop on the way back to discuss crossbows. That plan changed when we got closer to town and saw the burning manor. My lady, and Lady Isabelle were there." he briefly explained.

"Sounds like that is another story. Go back to the hunting accident. I'm guessing one of you were injured?" Nichol asked.

"Yes. I was. Prince John fired off an arrow during a moment of heavy fog, and — "

"He shot you? Prince John shot you with a fucking arrow, mate? Classic! Thought he was an avid hunter?"

"Maybe he just thinks he is." Guy scoffed.

"He did, Nic. It was… quite an ordeal." the Sheriff said.

"Bloody right, it was! And, the Prince's medicus didn't seem to know his backside from his elbow, because we heard all about that from Thomas." Guy sighed.

"What?" Nichol asked, incredulously.

"We nearly lost him, Nic. It was terrible. Then, Thomas repaired the damage, and things were looking up. But, then it was a mess again — for four days." Guy said, shaking his head.

"One of these days, Gis can fill you in what those four days were like, since… I have no memory of it." he sighed.

Nichol was shaking his head, his eyes widened in disbelief.

"Bloody glad I didn't go out that way — "

"I'll say! Shot accidentally by the fucking Prince. What a fool! Glad you survived, mate." Nichol said.

"Indeed. And, that's the reason for reparation." he said.

"I'm glad he took care of that. It's the least he could do." Nichol said, with a shake of his head .

Lady Rhiannon was strolling through the corridor of the second floor, heading to Isabelle's quarters. She made it to about fifteen feet away, when she stopped in her tracks at the scene just ahead of her. Then, she moved to an alcove nearby and slowly peaked around the corner, in disbelief at what she was seeing.

Mortianna stood at Isabelle's door, holding a small covered pot in her hands. It looked identical to the covered pot that was on Isabelle's bedside table earlier. A few moments passed, then she could hear the door open. She watched as the witch stepped inside.

Meridwyn was right! She was not seeing things, as Sir Guy had asserted. Rhiannon just watched Mortianna stroll into her brother's and Isabelle's chambers. Why in the world would Mortianna be needed there?

"Thank you for answering my summons, Mortianna. I finished the entire pot that you gave me this morning. Nothing happened! Not unless you count the nausea and occasional retching." Isabelle sighed.

"No cramping? Pain, or bleeding?" Mortianna asked.

"No. None of those things. I was hopeful this would all be over with before my husband returns." Isabelle lamented. She took the pot from Mortianna and set it on a nearby table. Then, she grabbed the empty pot which she had waiting in the den and passed that one to Mortianna.

"Sometimes these matters take time, Milady." Mortianna said as she took the pot from her.

"This much time? It's been several hours already. Shouldn't this have been done by now?"

"I did warn ye the timing is variable for every woman, child. It's only been about nine hours or so."

"Only? This is ludicrous." Isabelle huffed. She took the cover off of the fresh pot and ladled a measure of the tea into her cup. "Wasn't the idea to get this over with during the day so that sleep wouldn't be interrupted? It's looking like I'll be awake all night… waiting for something to happen."

"Unfortunately, it's looking like ye might be one of those ladies who is resistant to this tea. For ladies like you, it takes longer to work. Do not fret. There's still time yet." Mortianna soothed.

"I just want this… done." Isabelle whispered. She looked down and unobtrusively wiped a tear away. She could feel more were coming, but she bit her lip and took deep breaths, hoping to stave off a crying jag until after the witch left her.

"Do not fret. Ye must be patient, child. Is there anything I can do for ye at this time?"

"No. Thank you for bringing more of this." Isabelle nodded to the cup in her hand.

"Very well. That should last until nearly dawn. Let me know if ye need more." the witch nodded.

"What? Dawn? More tea after that? You must be jesting!" Isabelle exclaimed, incredulously.

"I can never predict how each lady responds to this… concoction, Milady."

"When was the last time you gave a lady a tea for this very reason?" Isabelle asked, curiously. Then, she sipped from her cup.

"Forty years ago, Milady."

"What? Did it… work?"

Mortianna looked to the floor and sighed. How could she explain this and still keep that matter private, she wondered? She was still cursing herself for nearly letting it slip this morning that Lady Aelesia was her niece.

"Mortianna?"

The witch looked up into her bonny blue eyes.

"No. It didn't work. The lady… changed her mind at around this stage of it."

"Did… that child live? Thrive?"

"Yes. Still alive today. Quite successful, as well." Mortianna smiled. That child is your brother in law. But, no one can ever know that Aelesia sought my assistance with the matter.

"Oh. Hmm. That long ago. So, no one in forty years has requested this?"

"One did. My former apprentice, Hecate. The tea wasn't needed in her case. She lost her child before I began to brew the tea." Mortianna explained.

"Oh. Well, this is discouraging news." Isabelle frowned.

"It is what it is, Milady. All ye can do is keep following the dosing directive, and we'll wait and see what happens." Or, what doesn't happen.

"Very well. Thank you, Madam. I shall keep you apprised. Let us hope this next pot of tea will do the trick." Isabelle said.

The witch nodded and took leave of her. After she left, Isabelle sat upon the sofa in the den. She drank the entire measure of the tea in her cup, then set the cup down on the table before her. Then, the tears welled again. She put her face in her hands and began to silently weep. A few moments later, she grabbed a cushion, held it tight to her face and let out a couple of screams into it.

Rhiannon waited, then saw the witch leave after a few minutes. She waited until Mortianna was gone, well out of view, then slowly proceeded toward the door. She sighed, then wrapped on the door.

Within a few moments, the door opened. Isabelle looked at her briefly, but Rhiannon couldn't help but notice her eyes were brighter blue than normal, and red rimmed. Her cheeks were flushed, but the rest of her was pale.

"Isabelle? Are you going to tell me what's going on? I can see you've been crying." Rhiannon said, softly.

"It's nothing, Rhiannon." Isabelle said hoarsely, while trembling.

"What can I do to help?"

"Everything's fine." Isabelle lied.

"Is Robert back yet?"

"No."

"He should be here now, should he not?" Rhiannon asked.

"I suppose. He must be busy. That's fine. I don't want to see him just now, anyway. It's… not a good time." Isabelle said, then cleared her throat.

"May I come in for a few moments?"

"Very well." Isabelle sighed. She held the door open wide, and Rhiannon went inside.

"It's probably best we keep it brief, Rhiannon. It's… not a good day for me." Isabelle said, quietly. She looked down and began to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"I will do my best. I have a couple of questions, however."

"About what? I'm not in the mood to entertain, Sister. No offence. I just want to retire and pull the blankets up over my head." Isabelle said. She began to weep and tremble again.

"Dearest, what is it?" Rhiannon asked, placing her hand on Isabelle's shoulder.

"I'm having a… very bad day."

"Yes, I can see that. Can you tell me why Mortianna was just here? Don't try to fib your way out of this. I saw her coming in here, then leaving your quarters — as plain as day. I came immediately after she left, and look at the state of you! Why was Mortianna here, Isabelle?" Rhiannon asked, pointedly.

"What does it matter? Why can't you leave me alone? I just want to cry myself to sleep. Don't you ever have days like that?"

"Since our girl died, I fight every day not to." she sighed. "And, it matters because I care, dearest. Come. Tell me why she was here."

"I summoned her for… batwing tea. I've been feeling nauseous and dizzy, and Mortianna says that tea works for just about everything, so I thought… perhaps it might… help, or something." Isabelle shrugged, hoping her explanation would sufficiently quell Rhiannon's curiosity.

"Interesting. Meridwyn said she detected lemon and honey in that tea. My batwing tea was never flavoured as such." Rhiannon said, suspiciously.

"Perhaps she brewed it differently, thinking it might help?" Isabelle suggested.

"That must be it." Rhiannon nodded. Except, none of that made sense.

"I… just want to make him… happy. But… it cannot… be… " Isabelle whispered. She took a sip from her cup then looked to the floor.

Rhiannon could tell she was wiping tears from her eyes.

"What are you meaning? You do make him happy. Hush, dearest. It will all be well." Rhiannon soothed, as she patted Isabelle's back.

"No, it won't." Isabelle whispered.

"And, another thing. Why is your voice so hoarse sounding, Isabelle?"

Isabelle could only shrug in response.

Just then, the door opened. Robert stepped inside and was visibly shocked when he observed the state of his wife.

"Belle? What's happening, my love?" he asked as he walked toward her.

"Oh, Robert!" Isabelle exclaimed. She went to him, then held him and wept upon his shoulder.

Robert put his arms around her and held her close, attempting to soothe her by rubbing her back, and smoothing her hair. He looked to his sister and mouthed the words, 'What's going on?'

Rhiannon just looked at him and shrugged, shaking her head.

"My love, hush now. Take a few breaths to calm yourself, then you can tell me what is amiss." Robert said, softly.

Rhiannon sighed, folding her arms. She stood, waiting to see if she might be needed.

Isabelle held fast to Robert as she took some slow breaths. Then, she pulled away and looked up into his eyes.

"What is happening, Belle? Are you… alright?" Robert asked.

"Forgive me, Robert." Isabelle whispered. She began to tremble again.

"Pardon, my dear? Forgive you… for what? There's nothing to forgive, my dearest."

"I'm… not myself. Forgive me for acting a blubbering fool. I'm just… it's been a… tiring day, husband." Isabelle said, then looked downcast.

Robert looked at her, curiously, still holding her shoulders.

"She's not well, Brother. Not well at all." Rhiannon said, quietly.

Robert removed one hand from Isabelle's shoulder and used his palm to touch her forehead.

"Good. You're not feeling feverish, Belle. What's happening? Anything different from this morning?" Robert asked.

"This morning, it was manageable. The only thing different is that it's worsened a trifle… and lasted all day. It's… made me tired and edgy, I fear, Robert. I'm sorry I'm… not myself." Isabelle said.

"I think we should summon Thomas, deares — " Robert began, but was cut off.

"No. That won't be necessary, husband. It shall pass." Isabelle said, firmly.

"If you want to see fight in her, Robert, keep suggesting that. I've been telling her this all cursed day, and every time I mention it, she holds firm." Rhiannon said, nodding to Isabelle.

"There's no need to bother anyone. I just need sleep. Maybe a good goblet of wine while I'm at it?" Isabelle sighed.

"No, Isabelle." Robert said, firmly. "I think not."

"Right. Very well." Isabelle sighed.

Rhiannon narrowed her eyes at thot last exchange between them. It seemed they were speaking in code, referencing something in secret. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more behind all of this that she wasn't privy to.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Rhiannon wondered if the witch may have returned? Robert sighed and excused himself from them, then went to open the door.

He was slightly surprised to see his brother in law standing there before him.

The Sheriff narrowed his eyes curiously, as he observed the scene behind Robert.

"You may come in, but, I'd keep it brief." Robert sighed, nodding behind him to Isabelle.

The Sheriff nodded and stepped inside.

"What's this? Some sort of family meeting?" the Sheriff asked, curiously.

"Nothing that exciting, George. I came by to see Isabelle. Then, Robert returned." Rhiannon said.

"Why does… Lady Isabelle look upset?" he asked. Then he looked to his sister in law. "Lady Isabelle? Are you — "

"I'm fine, Milord. Truly. Thank you for your concern." Isabelle said, then looked to the floor.

Robert and Rhiannon both looked at him, shaking their heads.

"I see. Well, this might put a kink in things." the Sheriff sighed.

"A kink in… what things?" Robert asked.

"We have a situation later. A bunch of us, including Guy and Nichol, will be out, handling it. I was going to ask the Captain to join us, too. Therefore, your services will be needed to run the place while we're occupied." he said.

Robert looked over at Isabelle. She nodded to him and smiled.

"What? You can't be serious, Isabelle? You were only weeping uncontrollably moments ago, and you've been unwell all day. Robert should stay with you." Rhiannon said, firmly.

"No, Sister. There's no need for that." Isabelle said.

"Then, I will stay with you." she said, folding her arms.

"No. I plan to be resting, anyway. Sleep is what I need. It will do the trick." Isabelle nodded.

Isabelle was actually relieved Robert would be occupied later. Most of her tears were borne of frustration. Maybe the tea would finally work for her while he was busy? That's all she hoped for, that the deed would be done while Robert was out.

"I agree. I think rest will do you some good, Belle." Robert smiled.

"What exactly is this situation you referred to that you must attend to, George?" Rhiannon asked, curiously.

"A lead on some people we're after. We have a location, and we have reason to believe they will be there." Nottingham said, evasively.

"Must be important if you, Sir Guy, Nichol, and possibly the Captain are taking part in it." Rhiannon said.

"It is, Rhiannon." he said.

"Right. I think I can guess what this is about. I've connected the dots. I'll manage, George. When do you expect to be leaving?" Robert asked.

"We need to be there by three hours past sundown. We will leave before that."

"How long do you expect to be away?" Robert asked.

"Two to three hours. Maybe less, depending on when they show up." Nottingham said.

"Very well. It won't be a problem. If I need assistance with any minor details, I'll speak to Percival." Robert nodded.

"Percival?" Rhiannon asked.

"He is the Scribe, Sis. He has a name beyond "Scribe". It's Percival Peveril." Robert said.

"Oh. How do you know that, Robert?" she asked.

"I give Percival the time of day. That's how I know these details." Robert smirked.

"Right. I see." she sighed.

"Lady Isabelle? Are you sure you'll be fine without your husband for a few hours?" the Sheriff asked.

"Yes, Milord. It will be more than fine." Isabelle nodded.

"Interesting how you just manage to gloss over everything the moment Thomas is mentioned, and the moment my husband walked in the door, Isabelle." Rhiannon pointed out.

"I'm fine, Rhiannon. I've felt worse in days past. I was just… tired from dealing with it off and on all the long day by the time you stopped by, is all. I'm not enfeebled. Just tired, dearest. Do not fret." Isabelle said with a half smile.

"Fine. You haven't seen the last of me this day. I'll be checking in on you briefly while George is out, and Robert is busy. You can count on that." she said, firmly.

"I appreciate that, Sis." Robert smiled.

"I'm sure. I expected you to say that, Rhiannon." Isabelle nodded.

"Come, my lady. Let's leave them in peace. Things seem to be sorted now." the Sheriff said.

Rhiannon nodded and took his arm.

There was another knock on the door. Robert sighed, shaking his head. He walked to the door and opened it.

"Oh. Good even, Percival." Robert smiled.

"Good evening, Robert." the Scribe greeted him.

"I'm guessing you weren't looking for me." Robert said.

"Yes, I have news for Milord Sheriff."

"What is it?" the Sheriff asked as he approached the door behind Robert.

"Officer Drake has returned, Milord. He brought a tall fellow by the name of Slayer to meet with you. Also, three of the men from the Sherwood search team have just arrived, including the Captain." the Scribe said.

"Good. I'll meet with Slayer forthwith. Tell Drake not to report to the dungeon. I need to speak to him. He's going to be joining us later. Now, who is missing from the search team?" he asked, curiously.

"It looks like Officers Gerad and Ancel are missing, Milord. Perhaps they were delayed?"

"Hmm. Yes. Wonder what that's about? Very well. I'll be there soon. Be sure to tell Drake to wait for me." he nodded.

"Indeed, Milord Sheriff." he nodded, then looked to Robert. "I shall see you soon, Robert." the Scribe smiled.

"Of course, Percival." Robert said.

The Sheriff and Lady Rhiannon took leave of them soon after the Scribe left. Rhiannon reminded Isabelle she would be back later. Robert thanked her again, then they left.

"You don't need to escort me back, George. You're needed. I know the way to the private chambers." Rhiannon said.

"It will only take a moment, my lady. It will be fine." he nodded.

"Something isn't right with Isabelle. I get the feeling Robert knows something, too." she began.

"What do you mean, Rhiannon?"

"I'll save other details for later, but… there was something she said in between sobs before Robert returned that I thought was truly odd."

"What was that?"

"She said something about how she only wants to make him happy, but it cannot be. What a strange thing to say! What on earth was the 'it' she was referring to?" Rhiannon asked him with a shrug.

"Did you ask her, my lady?"

"She was beside herself just then. Weeping, and trembling. I asked what she meant by that, and then Robert arrived."

"People say strange nonsensical things when they're in such a state, my lady. She was probably just rambling. Perhaps not even realizing what she was saying." the Sheriff said.

"Perhaps." Rhiannon shrugged.

"Don't worry about it too much, my lady. Now, here we are." he nodded to the door. "I'll see you later. Not sure if I'll have a moment to see you before we leave." he said as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. He would have skipped that if the sentry wasn't present.

"Very well, George. If I don't see you before you head out, be safe, my love." she whispered.

He nodded and took his leave of her.

A short time later he was walking toward the Council Quarters. He noticed Drake standing outside the chambers with a tall, muscled, sandy haired young man beside him. He nodded to Drake to approach him. Drake paused to say a few words to the man beside him, then obeyed.

"There's a slight change of plans tonight, Drake. A small contingent of us needs to go to the church tonight. You will be one of them. We're expecting some of the Jesus blokes to show up." the Sheriff said, quietly.

"I see. You said "us". Are you coming, Milord?" Drake asked.

"I am. So is Gisborne, Nichol, and a bunch of others."

"Very well."

"So, that's him, I take it?" the Sheriff said, nodding to the man Drake was just with.

"Yes, Milord."

"How was it? Took you long enough."

"Not easy. I had to work at it. He's a tough sell. He does pay attention to detail, though. He knew I'm a Black Knight. Knew that about Luke and Adam, too. Said he was there the night we ran into the potato bloke and Ancel. He watched from the door. Then he had questions about why we were with Ancel recently." Drake explained, quietly.

"What was his objection? You said you had to work on him."

"He couldn't understand why you'd want to meet with him. He likes working there and was concerned about how a new role would affect the owner. But, Charlie overheard us and encouraged him to come."

"Charlie?"

"The owner and barman, Milord. Anyway, he's all yours." Drake said.

"Wait outside the meeting chamber. I'll be having a chat with Duke Farnsworth when this is over. You will join us. What I have to say to he and the curiously tiny search team concerns you, too." the Sheriff said.

"As you wish, Milord." Drake nodded.

The Sheriff walked Drake back to his spot by the door of the Council Quarters. The Sheriff looked to Slayer and nodded for him to follow him inside. Gisborne was waiting for them. He stood from his chair when the Sheriff and Slayer walked in.

The Sheriff closed the door, then walked toward Slayer.

"I'm glad you decided to meet with us. Your reputation precedes — " the Sheriff began but was interrupted.

"Yes, your man, Drake, said something about that. Here's the thing, right? You know me, yet all I know of you is that you run the shire, you used to be a sort of… scary bloke, and now you need my help. Isn't that about right, Milord?" Slayer asked.

The Sheriff sighed.

"I suppose so. So, is that your real name? Slayer?" he asked.

"No. My given name is Sayer, but… how boring is that, right? Just by adding one letter to it, suddenly folks give a rat's bald arse to listen when I issue warnings at the tavern." Slayer said, folding his arms.

Guy smirked and gave a knowing look to the Sheriff.

"Right. Let's start from the top, shall we? Tell us your full name, and we'll go from there." he said.

"It's Sayer Martel. But, I don't answer to Sayer." Slayer sighed. "How be we skip all of the questions you've got lined up and I'll just spare you the trouble? Here goes: I'm Slayer Martel. Originally from Nettlestone, but small town life isn't my thing, you see.

"I ended up here five years ago. Was supposed to be just passing through with my mates. We were headed to London. The night before we were planning to continue our journey there, we stopped at the tavern. While we were there, a fight broke out. I got between the blokes and stopped them from causing a further tumult. Then, I tossed them out the door. Charlie was so pleased he hired me right then. I've been working for him ever since.

"I enforce the rules. I don't engage in criminal activity. I can fight if needs be. I'm good with most common weapons, and with horses. I'm schooled. I can run, but I hate it. I don't know what it is you're looking for, or how the hell you heard of me, right? But, as long as it's legit, whatever, Milord. As long as I can still help Charlie out, I might consider whatever this is you need me for." Slayer explained, then finished with a deep breath.

"My. That was… rather efficient." Guy smirked.

"Indeed." the Sheriff smirked.

"So, what is this thing you wish to talk about that's kind of like the Black Knights?" Slayer asked.

"We're starting a City Watch. An extension of the Black Knights. It's a brand new initiative. We have one member so far. The goal is to help reduce lawlessness. You were recommended." the Sheriff said.

"I wouldn't need to wear one of them costumes, would I?" Slayer asked.

"You mean… uniform. No."

"That's a relief. Might not have gone over very well at the tavern if I didn't have time to change clothes beforehand, right?"

"I suppose you have a point." Guy smirked.

"Did I cover everything, or do you have more questions?" Slayer asked.

"I take it Charlie is the tavern owner?" the Sheriff asked.

"Yes. He's also the barman. He manages everything there."

"I see. There will be some reduced hours there, depending on what's currently happening in town. Anything major, you shall be notified. While you're working at the tavern, you will be my eyes and ears there, too. Just as you always were, but now, I've a shared interest with Charlie about the goings on in that tavern." the Sheriff said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Sounds simple enough, Milord." Slayer nodded.

"Good. Now, tell me more about the common weapons you're accustomed to using. Which ones are you skilled with?"

"I will be permitted to use weapons, Milord?"

"If needs be." he said.

"I'm good with a sword, my longbow, daggers, and I've some experience with a crossbow. It's been awhile since I've handled one. Maybe a year."

"I see. Well, should you choose to accept, what are you doing tomorrow at midday?" he asked.

"Midday? It's just after that I generally awaken, Milord, right? Yeah. It's a late night every night at the tavern. I generally stick around and help Charlie out until after all the drunks stumble out the door. By the time I get home, and calm my mind down enough to properly relax for that with a good stiff beverage, it's nearly dawn, right? Yeah. Doesn't bode well for any sort of social life, I must admit." Slayer explained with a sigh.

"Indeed. I imagine it… doesn't. Well, tomorrow at midday there will be a training session here on use of the crossbow. Nichol Burgess handles that. He's the Weapons Trainer and one of my Advisors."

"Alright."

"What say you to this role in the City Watch?"

"Sounds like something I can handle, Milord. I accept. As long as you can be accommodating about my other job at the tavern. Most of the time bad things happen in the cover of darkness. Yet, that is the time of day I'm working at the tavern. Some things I will miss because of my work there." Slayer said.

"Of course. We can work around that."

"Who do I report to?"

"Myself, my Lieutenant, Sir Guy of Gisborne." he began, nodding to Guy at the mention of his name. "As well, there's the Captain, and the top three men, Officers Mordrid, Luke, and Ancel. If none of us are available, it would be one of my Advisors, Robert Wordsworth, or Nichol Burgess." he said.

"Very well. Who is the other City Watch member?" Slayer asked.

"Safforus Forester." he said.

"Oh. Good. I know Saffy, right? He's a good bloke. He'd be perfect for it. That's good to know, in case I have need to confer with him, or work with him." Slayer said.

"Also, if you can think of anyone who would also fit this role, kindly float their names to one of us, and I'll take it from there. We're going to need quite a few more members to make this endeavour work smoothly."

"Understood, Milord. I'll give that some thought." Slayer nodded.

"What about the Town Council, Milord?" Guy asked.

"Oh. Right. That might… be a problem with his schedule." the Sheriff sighed.

"Milord?" Slayer asked.

"As a member of City Watch, that gives you a pass. A front row seat to participate in our Town Council meetings. You and Safforus will be representing City Watch. I'll probably limit those spots to just you two, perhaps one more depending on how this will work for you. If I invite all future members it will be too crowded. We'd never get anything accomplished amidst such chaos." he said.

"Great. When do those meetings take place?" Slayer asked.

"Every Monday at mid morning, right here in this meeting chamber. You and Safforus will never have a problem being granted access at the portcullis."

"Oh. Mid morning, right? Hmm. That will take some getting used to. Am I required to attend every single one of those meetings, Milord?"

"If you could arrange to attend one or two of them per month, it would be appreciated." the Sheriff said.

"I'm sure I could manage that, Milord." Slayer nodded.

"Very good. We're pleased to have you on board. You came highly recommended. Now, come and sit with us. We shall discuss your wages. I have gold for you to get you started, Slayer." the Sheriff said, gesturing to the table.

"Welcome on board to our new operation, Slayer. We're glad to have you join us." Guy smiled.

"Thank you both for the opportunity. Just one more question, Milord." Slayer said.

"What is that?"

"Will there be other crossbow training sessions in the days to come, in case I can't make it on the morrow? It's probably going to be a wild, late night at the tavern, Milord. Charlie informed me we've a backgammon tourney booked for tonight. When we have events like that scheduled, it gets insane over there, right?" Slayer explained.

"Yes. There will be. Nichol has a number of men to train. You shall be informed of future sessions to choose from."

"Perfect. Thank you, Milord." Slayer nodded. Then, he followed the Sheriff and his Lieutenant to the table.

Nichol had arrived to the manor. He stood outside the door, smoothing his hair, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He took in a breath, then knocked on the door.

Within moments, the door opened. She stood before him, beaming.

"You found me. Delightful! Do come in, Nichol." Kaeliss smiled.

"For you, my lady." he said as he passed the arrangement of pink roses, white and yellow chrysanthemums, and baby's breath to her. A wide, organza pink ribbon was tied around the stems in a decorative perfect bow.

"They're beautiful. Thank you. Where'd you find these?"

"Stopped at the market on my way here, my lady." he smiled as he stepped inside the threshold. "I'm not sure what you're cooking, but it smells tantalizing."

"Good. I hope you will like it. Make yourself comfortable. I'm going to grab a vase and put these in water." Kaeliss said, gesturing to the chairs in the large sitting room.

Nichol found a comfortable chair and placed his walking stick beside it, then doffed his surcoat before seating himself. He took in his surroundings, with the classic yet feminine touches in her decor. Her home was clean and tidy, with gleaming polished floors. Some candles were lit, placed in iron candelabrum throughout the large sitting room. Within a few moments, Kaeliss returned carrying the vase of flowers. She set it on the table in front of the chairs.

"Now, what can I get you to drink, Nichol? Ale, wine? Or, something stronger? Mead?" she asked while bent down before him, arranging the flowers in the vase to suit her.

"If you have wine, I say we share some. I won't be imbibing much, however. I'm working… later."

"Oh. That's too bad. Our first official… meeting, yet you must cut it short." Kaeliss frowned. Then, she continued to finish her task.

He couldn't help but notice the cut of the neckline on the bodice of her gown. It was a low cut scooped neckline. The top of her breasts peaked just a little from the top of it, stirring him with desire.

"Where I'm going is not far from here, Milady, and it won't take long. Depending on how this goes… " he began, then stopped to contemplate if he should say what was on his mind. He didn't want to ruin this.

"Then… what, Nichol? What are you trying to say?" Kaeliss asked. She completed her task and stood before him. She formed her plump lips into a smirk and fluttered her long dark lashes as she gazed into his eyes. Then, she folded her arms.

Nichol could swear that when she did that, she effectively revealed more of her cleavage. He sighed and tugged on the collar of his doublet before he continued.

"It would be too late." he said, shaking his head.

"What would be too late?"

"Too late to return to you after this short assignment interruption."

"Why would you think that? I don't answer to anyone. If you feel so inclined to come back after whatever it is you need to do, I won't turn you away." she smiled.

"I shall… think about it, my lady." he grinned, salaciously. "Now, come and sit, Lady Kaeliss. You're running around like a headless chicken. Tell me where the wine and goblets are. I'll go and retrieve them, my dear."

She sighed contentedly when he used that term of endearment for her.

"You're my guest, Nichol. It's quite — "

"Sit, my lady. I insist." he smiled.

She nodded then seated herself as he arose from his chair.

"Now, where are the wine and the goblets, Lady Kaeliss?"

"Placed on a table in the kitchen. That way." Kaeliss said, pointing to a room at the back of the manor.

"Good. I'll be back with those directly." he smiled. "Oh, and, Lady Kaeliss?" he said as he walked closer toward her. He leaned down and took her hand in his.

"Yes?"

"You look breathtaking. More beautiful than those flowers, my dear." he said smoothly as he softly kissed her hand.

"Thank you, Nichol." Kaeliss beamed at him.

After the meeting with Slayer, the Sheriff walked him out of the meeting chamber and introduced him to the Captain and the two men who returned from the search with him, as they waited outside of the door. Drake shook Slayer's hand, congratulating him on his new role, promising he would come by the tavern soon with a few of his mates. Slayer bid goodnight to them, and thanked the Sheriff once more before he took leave of them.

The Sheriff invited the men to join he and Guy in the Council Quarters.

"Be seated men. I need to brief you all on a matter we need to take care of in a few short hours. We're just waiting for Robert to join us. He should be here soon." the Sheriff said.

Just as he finished speaking, Robert strolled into the Council Quarters to join the men. He went to the table, seating himself to the right of Guy.

"Good. Everyone is gathered… sort of." Nottingham began.

"Where's Nichol, Milord?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"He will meet with us at the location we're going to. At the moment, however, he is dining… with a comely looking brunette lady." he smirked.

"Seriously?" Duke Farnsworth chuckled.

"How does that happen? He hasn't even been back very long, and he's dining with a lady." Adam remarked.

"Bloody right, mate. Like, what the hell are we doing wrong?" Alex added, shaking his head.

"And then, there's the obvious question. Where are Ancel and Gerad, Duke? Are they delayed? They couldn't be securing the fugitive in the dungeon, because more than enough time has passed for that." the Sheriff pointed out with a quirk of his brow.

"They chose to remain in Sherwood. We're close to capturing him, Milord." the Captain said.

"You got a lead?" he asked.

"Indeed. We did. We found — " the Captain was interrupted.

"Lady Hayward's horse was found abandoned some six miles east of the Great North Way, in the vicinity where the carriage driver told Drake and Safforus he saw the bloke take a detour off the road." Adam said.

"You don't say?" Drake asked.

"Yes. Adam stayed back to mind the horse, as we conducted a perimeter search around the area surrounding the horse." Duke Farnsworth nodded. "We returned the horse to her on our way back."

"Did you uncover anything from that perimeter search?" Guy asked.

"Ancel did. He followed a blood trail — " the Captain started to say, but was cut off.

"That bloke is a bleeding genius. Unreal! He followed the blood trail." Alex added, excitedly.

"The way he explained the pattern of it, and how to interpret it — I felt like I was being tutored. I never knew investigative work could be so exciting, Milord." Adam smiled.

"We got lucky with Ancel, indeed." the Sheriff nodded. "What happened when Ancel followed the blood trail?"

"He found bloodied rags. The blood trail stopped, at about seventy yards from the horse. He showed them to Gerad. I should mention that as soon as the horse was found, Ancel suspected the fugitive had been possibly injured. That was before the blood trail was spotted. Ancel said there was no reason he could think of besides that for the bloke to abandon that horse when he needs a horse." Duke Farnsworth said.

"And, you said the men chose to remain?"

"Yes, Milord. It was Ancel's suggestion. Gerad volunteered to assist him. Both of them chose to stay." Duke Farnsworth nodded.

"Very good. Let us hope their persistence with this pays off." he said.

"Milord? Where are the men who conducted the evidence search?" Adam asked.

"Indeed. I haven't seen any of them." Drake shrugged.

"Mordrid, Luke, and Castor went back there. They went back with a wagon which was needed to retrieve weapons that were found in a shed behind the church." he said.

"There were that many weapons they needed a wagon?" Duke Farnsworth asked, incredulously.

"Yes. They brought several documents back already. That's when we discovered that Merek Busby is one of those in the rebellion." he sighed, while his eyebrow shot north, knowingly.

"Well, there's a twist I wasn't expecting." Duke Farnsworth said, shaking his head.

"Indeed. Now, let me bring you up to speed on the rest of it. While the men were finishing up, Lady Kaeliss Brimley was passing by upon her horse. She reported there were four to six men at that location last night. The men were taking what we assume were the weapons from a wagon, repeatedly marching these items to the back of the church. She couldn't see the items, but it didn't take a genius to surmise that the weapons Castor found were the items she witnessed being transported behind the church." Nottingham said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Indeed." Duke Farnsworth sighed.

"They're going to come back for those weapons at some point." Drake said.

"Indeed, Drake. So, we shall be ready. The lads should be back shortly with the weapons. Lady Brimley told Nichol that the men were there three to four hours past sundown last night. So, we're going to be at that location waiting in the shadows by three hours past sundown tonight." the Sheriff instructed.

"Where will the weapon's be stored, Milord?" Robert asked.

"I instructed the men to secure them in the shed that's close to the stables." he said.

"Too usual of a place to put them, Milord. Those men will likely suspect you're behind the missing weapons. They might try to breach the portcullis, and, or the castle walls. That shed will be the first place they'll look. Then, despite the number of your Knights, they'll outnumber you with weapons." Robert explained.

"What is your suggestion then, Robert?"

"I'd recommend bringing them inside the castle."

"Then, if they deigned to attempt access, they'd breach the castle when they fail to find their weapons. That puts everyone inside of the castle at risk. Even though I'm confident we can easily handle these cretins, I will not jeopardize the safety of those inside the castle." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"As you wish, Milord." Robert nodded.

"You said we are going to that location. All of us?" the Captain asked.

"Everyone in this room, except for Robert who will be in charge here until we return. I expect it won't take long, and the cretins might not even show. Mordrid, Luke, and Castor will be joining us, and Nichol shall meet us there." the Sheriff said.

"Very well, Milord. Anything else we missed?" the Captain asked.

"Well, as you saw earlier, we have our second member of City Watch. Prince John came by today. He spoke to the King. The King granted approval for these initiatives of City Watch, and espials. He's provided funding for it, which the Prince brought with him. Slayer was the first to receive gold from that lot. Safforus will be receiving his tomorrow when he comes for the crossbow training, which, I assume, he knows about?"

"He does, Milord. We stopped by to see him on our way to Sherwood this morning. He will be here. Good news about the King supporting this endeavour." Duke Farnsworth smiled.

"And, only one more thing to report. Today, I received a missive from Hugo de Bosco, the Sheriff of Hampshire." he said.

"About Ancel." the Captain guessed.

"Yes." the Sheriff nodded.

He looked through all the documents on the table and found it underneath the documents Mordrid's team had brought to him earlier. The Sheriff took the parchment and passed it to Duke Farnsworth.

"Go ahead, Duke. Read it." he said.

The Captain took it, eyeing the Sheriff, curiously. Then he looked at the parchment and began to read. After a moment or two, his eyes widened, then he smiled. He looked back up to the Sheriff, exhaling a sigh.

"Everything he told us was true. It's all right here, Milord." Duke Farnsworth smiled, waving the parchment. Then he passed it back to the Sheriff.

"I'm guessing his letter is a positive one, Milord?" Drake asked.

"It's certainly appearing that way." Robert smiled.

"Indeed. I couldn't have asked for a more glowing report of his work history, and recommendation if I tried. We got very lucky here." the Sheriff nodded.

"I'm not too surprised, in fairness. He is really good, Milord." Adam said.

"Indeed. That is similar to what Sheriff de Bosco said, as well as the three Sheriffs before him who Ancel worked for before the current Sheriff was appointed in ninety three." the Sheriff nodded.

"He mentioned that to us today, too." Adam said.

"Indeed. He did, Adam." the Captain smiled.

"Yes. I asked him how he knew so much about blood trails. He told us the first Sheriff he worked for taught him that. John de Rabble, or something? It was a peculiar surname." Alex shrugged.

"John de Rebez." the Sheriff said.

"Right. That's the one." Alex nodded.

At this point in the meeting, the sentry opened the door to announce Mordrid's team had arrived. The Sheriff asked they be shown inside the meeting chamber at once. The sentry nodded, then soon they filed into the room. Mordrid led them. They all walked to the table and took their seats. Everyone present except for the Sheriff, Guy, and Mordrid did everything from utter gasps to chuckling. They all looked to Luke and Castor, shaking their heads.

"What the hell happened to the pair of you?" Alex began to chuckle.

"You two didn't… do what I think you did… did — " Drake began to ask, but was cut off.

Luke pointed beside him to Castor. "He tripped on a rug and fell into a door."

"And, when he tried to help me off the floor, he slipped on the rug, too. A table toppled over and landed on his face." Castor said, nodding to Luke.

The Sheriff concealed a grin as he looked to the two men, and slowly shook his head.

"Right. Sure, lads." Alex smirked.

"That's the dumbest load of codswallop I've ever heard." Adam said. "Since when are either of you so uncoordinated?" he asked, curiously.

"Since some dim witted fool laid a slider for a rug on top of a slippery, freshly polished floor, mate. Try and imagine that, if ye will." Castor sighed.

"Indeed, Castor." Luke smirked.

The Sheriff cleared his throat.

"Right. The weapons are now secure, men?" he asked.

"Yes, Milord. Exactly where you specified." Mordrid nodded.

"Good." he said.

"Do they know about the plans, Milord?" Luke asked.

"Yes. They've all been informed."

"When do we go back, Milord?" Castor said.

"We will all meet at the stables in a couple of hours." a beat. "What about Fladius? Did you manage to convince him to leave the area?"

"We did, Milord. We spoke to him before we started gathering the weapons. He packed his things and was heading to Collin's home just before we left." Mordrid nodded.

"Good. We don't need any casualties to further complicate this mess." the Sheriff said.

"Milord? Who is Fladius?" Adam asked, curiously.

"He's the groundskeeper for the church where Father Titlittle practices his brainwashing bollocks at." the Sheriff said.

"He actually seems… like a nice bloke." Castor shrugged

"Alright, everyone clear? We're out of here in two hours. Everyone be armed and ready." the Sheriff said.

"Indeed, Milord." the Captain nodded.

The rest of the men gathered verbally expressed their agreement.

The Sheriff looked to Luke and Castor.

"You two might want to clean up your faces. You seriously look like a couple of samples we tossed at Massacriar's fraud shop on Wednesday." he sighed.

"Yes, Milord." Luke nodded.

"Aye, Milord." Castor said.

At Kaeliss Brimley's home, the couple were seated near the fireplace, finishing their evening meal.

"This is the most delicious dish. I never would have imagined it, putting chicken, cubed potatoes and bits of vegetables in a creamy sauce and stuffing them into a pie. Quite satisfying, Lady Kaeliss." Nichol smiled, then took the last bite of it.

"I'm happy you liked it, Nichol." Kaeliss said.

"I thought that was a dish only served in taverns. No one I know has actually made it themselves." a beat. "The food is delicious, indeed. But, the company is even better."

"I'd agree with that." she smiled. "Now, I want to know, how is it I've never seen you in town before? I would have remembered if I had. You would be… hard to forget."

"That's part of that long story I hinted at when I saw you in the afternoon, my lady." Nichol said. He dabbed his mouth with his napkin, then set it aside, and took a sip of the wine.

"Right. The one I told you I'd be interested to hear." Kaeliss nodded.

"You sure about that?"

"I am, Nichol." she smiled.

"Very well. Just over three years ago I was the Captain of the Black Knights. Were you here at that time?"

"No. Father and I were living in London then. We arrived here two years ago." Kaeliss said.

"Ah! So, you missed all of the shenanigans that were going on around here in ninety four, then. I see."

"Oh. You mean with Robin of Locksley? Yes. Didn't witness anything firsthand, but, news was travelling about it." she nodded.

"Indeed. Well, you may have heard that it all culminated with an incursion at Nottingham Castle." he began.

"Oh, right. The final siege, or some such thing." Kaeliss nodded.

"Indeed. It was then I was injured." Nichol said, nodding to his leg. "I thought the wound was mortal. So did the Sheriff, his Lieutenant and the Black Knights. I've a vague recollection of them seeing me. My eyes were closed and I was… in and out of it, but I heard them whispering. They were quite morose. They thought I was dead. I… thought I was dead, too." he said softly, then took a sip of his wine.

"Oh, Nichol!" Kaeliss exclaimed. Her palm flew to her gaping mouth, in horror at what she was hearing.

"I was transported to an area where bodies were placed. I guess I slept through all of that. A medicus found me, determined I was, in fact, alive, and he got me out of there. He took me away to tend to me. That took a number of months. It was probably a year before I was able to walk again, because there were a few complications in that time. Everyone thought I was dead, so I stayed dead. In my mind, I had no use anymore."

"Now, why would you think that, Nichol?"

"Because I felt like half a man, my dear. The mind plays tricks on us during times like that. Anyway, I stayed away. A couple of months ago, I came back. I was staying at a rooming house until I could find a property to buy. I was lurking in the shadows of Nottingham. But, a sennight ago I was at the tavern, trying as usual to hide in plain sight. But, Prince John was there for a backgammon tournament. Should have known he'd get wind of that tourney. He's addicted to that game, regardless of where it's being played. He kept looking in my direction. He finally approached me." Nichol explained.

"He knew you? Wait… you're on a first name basis with… Prince John?" Kaeliss asked, incredulously.

"Yes, my lady. The Sheriff and I have been friends most of our lives. I'm only a few years younger. The Prince is a friend to him, so, naturally, I knew him, too. The Prince convinced me to come to the castle that night. I reluctantly agreed. After everyone's initial shock — because in their minds they were seeing a phantom — I was welcomed back. The Sheriff made me his Advisor and Weapons Trainer, and my work has resumed… sort of. It's not the same role, but they're still important ones, so that's a plus." Nichol said.

Kaeliss was stunned by this story. She couldn't imagine a world without Nichol, even though she barely knew him. He had set her heart aflutter upon her first glance of him. She'd never seen such a handsome man before. When he looked at her with his smouldering, vivid green eyes, she felt like she could melt into a puddle.

"I'm so glad you were saved, Nichol. What an awful, harrowing journey you've had. And, I'm very glad you listened to Prince John. I haven't stopped… thinking of you since I first laid eyes on you three days ago." she said, softly. She sipped of her wine to calm herself.

"Interesting. You've been in my thoughts since then, too." he smiled.

"Oh, I see." she blushed.

Kaeliss stood from her chair then began to gather the dishes.

"I hope you've left room for dessert." she smiled.

"There's more?" he asked.

"Of course. I'll take the plates away, then I'll return directly." she said.

Nichol nodded, then watched her leave the room. He hoped he didn't say too much to frighten her away. He took a few sips of the wine to quell the self doubt that was creeping into his mind.

A few moments later, she returned, carrying small bowls with spoons. She set one down in front of him and put the spoon beside it, then she took the other with her and seated herself in her chair.

"Another delicious smelling concoction, I see. What is this, my lady?"

"It's baked apple crumble. Apples seasoned with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and a touch of sugar, with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and oats for the topping. I hope it pleases you, Nichol." she smiled.

"My lady, it looks and smells delicious. Frankly, though, I'm not here for the food. I'm here for… you." he smiled.

"I… hoped that was the case." she smiled.

"I need to get something out of the way… if you'll permit me to do so." he hinted.

"Oh. Do you have something more to tell me about yourself?"

Nichol stood from his seat and walked toward her. Kaeliss took in a breath as she looked up at him.

"No, my lady. All in due time for that nonsense. Would you permit me to… kiss you?"

"Of course, Nichol." she smiled.

He rested his walking stick against her chair, then leaned down, taking her soft face in his hands, then he gently kissed her plump sweet lips. He lingered there a few moments then he rested his forehead against hers, still holding her face, and looking deeply into her eyes.

"I've been wanting to do that since the moment we met, my lady. And, it was just as perfect as I had imagined it to be." he whispered.

"Nichol, I wanted you to kiss me, too. I hate that you're going to be leaving here soon." she sighed.

"I do, too. But, we've only just begun, my dear. You already occupy my thoughts."

"It's the same for me. Before you get me too flustered, you should try the apple crumble." she suggested.

He stood and leaned on his walking stick, while regarding her with a devious grin.

"Oh, I'm getting you flustered, my dear?" he teased.

"Yes. Perhaps… a little." she smiled.

"Good. That was the idea." he grinned. Then he went back to his chair.

He ate the dessert, complimenting her on her culinary skills. Then, they decided to sit beside each other on the soft sofa in her sitting room directly in front of the fireplace while they sipped of their wine.

"I can't believe you prepared those dishes yourself, my lady. How does a lady such as yourself not have help over here?" Nichol asked, curiously.

"Oh, I do, Nichol. But, sometimes I enjoy having the place to myself. I have a lady servant, a groundskeeper, and a stable master. It just happened that today was one of those days I gave them all a day off. Usually, one or two days each week I do that. Sometimes I need breathing room." she explained.

"Hmm. And then… I went and ruined the enjoyment of your free time." Nichol sighed.

"No, you didn't. You enhanced it. I invited you, if you recall." Kaeliss smiled.

"Yes. I suppose you did." he chuckled.

"I'm so glad you accepted. I can't remember when I've had such a nice time."

"There can be more nice times… if you wish, Lady Kaeliss." he said.

"I would like that very much." she smiled.

He took her hand in his. "Perhaps it's a good thing you weren't here years ago. One look at you, and I would have been too distracted to focus on my role."

"Perhaps. Right now, I think we are where we're meant to be… or, something." Kaeliss said. She cursed herself for waxing poetic with him. The last thing she wanted to do was say something wrong.

"I do believe you're quite right about that, my lady."

"You… do?"

"Yes. I think you're absolutely right." Nichol smiled, then kissed her hand.

Later, when they stood at her door as he was leaving to meet the men at the church, he thanked her and kissed her hand again. Kaeliss swooned, blushing at the attention he bestowed on her.

"Nichol?" she asked.

"What is it, Lady Kaeliss?"

You may kiss me again, if you're so inclined."

He leaned his walking stick against the outside wall of the manor beside the door. Then, he pulled her in closer to him and kissed her softly, then more hungrily. He could feel himself harden in response to her kiss, and her holding him fast. After a few moments, they breathlessly broke the kiss.

"You do things to me I never thought were possible since the injury happened." he whispered.

"Come back, Nichol. Come back to me when your assignment is completed." she whispered into his ear and kissed his cheek.

"It might be late, Lady Kaeliss." he sighed.

"It matters not to me. Unless, you'll be tired." she said.

"My lady, I haven't been this awake in years, quite frankly. As long as it's still a relatively sensible hour, I'll be back, Lady Kaeliss." he whispered.

"Good. I look forward to it. And, you can skip the formalities then. Just call me Kaeliss." she smiled.

"Very well. Duly noted, my dear." he chuckled, then kissed her again.

She thanked him again for the flowers, then he went on his way. As Nichol was riding south on the road heading to the church, a thought occurred to him. There was going to be some delicate matters surrounding the execution of their plans tonight to consider. He didn't think of it until something he mentioned to Kaeliss ignited a memory.

The men were all gathered at the church. They had all dismounted from their horses and were gathered in a circle surrounding the Sheriff.

"Did one of you bring a spyglass, by any chance? I meant to mention this at our meeting, but it got missed." Nottingham said.

"I've one with me, Milord." Mordrid said. He extracted it from the pocket of his surcoat and showed it to him.

"Good, Mordrid. You'll be positioned out here closer to the road. You will be our eyes at the first sign of riders approaching."

"Any guess on the direction you think they may be coming from, Milord?" Mordrid asked.

"Their meeting place is north of here, but it's anyone's guess which direction they'll be coming from. Just keep your eyes open, and don't lose that spyglass." he said.

"Of course, Milord." Mordrid nodded.

"Where shall the rest of us be?" Luke asked.

"I'm deciding." he said, then he looked to Castor. "Castor, take me to the back and show me this shed. I need to get familiar with the lay of the land and where the entrances are to the church."

"Very well, Milord." Castor said.

They walked all the way to the back of the church along the north side of it, then turned to their right to walk behind it. There was a shed directly behind it at the the far right corner of the church if one was looking at the church from the front. The church faced west. The shed was closer to the south side of the church. Right beside the shed, just north of it, there was a back door. The Sheriff grabbed it by the handle and opened the door.

"Perfect. A few of us can wait in here. Someone will need to alert us. We can surprise them that way." he said.

"Aye, Milord. A sound plan." Castor nodded.

They continued along and returned to the men, walking along the south side this time. As they made it to the front, the Sheriff was pleased to see Nichol had just joined in the fray. He dismounted from his horse, unable to conceal the grin upon his face. The Sheriff walked closer to him to greet him.

"Well, from the looks of you, I'd say the dining engagement went swimmingly?" the Sheriff scoffed.

"Indeed. The lady is… quite a cook. She made everything herself. And, everything over there was… delicious, indeed." Nichol smirked.

"Oh, I can imagine." Nottingham chuckled.

"Thought you said you weren't going to bed her?" Guy asked.

"I didn't. Not… yet. That shall be soon, Gis." Nichol said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"I see." Guy chuckled.

"Right. Fill me in, George. What did I miss?" Nichol asked.

"Not much. We only just arrived moments before you. Castor just took me to the back." he said, nodding behind him to the church. "There's a door beside where the shed is. A few of us shall wait in there to surprise these bastards." he said.

"Perfect. Who shall keep watch?" Nichol asked.

"Mordrid will, Nichol. He brought a spyglass with him." Duke Farnsworth said.

Mordrid nodded.

"Perfect." Nichol said. "Someone else should be out here with him. Then, when Mordrid sees something, that man can alert the rest of us."

"I'll do it. If… ye agree to that, Milord." Castor said.

"Good. I do agree. That shall be your assignment, Castor." the Sheriff nodded.

"Damn. I hear something already." Adam said. He looked to the road and turned his head to the north to listen better.

"What is it, Adam?" Alex asked.

"Wait. I hear it, too. Someone's coming on horseback." Luke said.

"Alright, everyone. Mount your horses. We'll take them out to the back. There's a tree line out there you can secure them to that's far enough back. Hopefully, these cretins won't notice them." the Sheriff said. "Castor, you go first. Then you will return on this side of the church, the north, at the fence just north of us by thirty, forty yards or so. Stay about thirty feet back from Mordrid. He'll be near the road. He'll signal when you need to alert us."

"Very well, Milord." Castor nodded.

"Noted, Milord." Mordrid nodded. He showed the spyglass to the Sheriff again then walked toward the road to keep watch.

"George? If I may?" Nichol spoke up.

"What is it, Nic?" Nottingham sighed.

"We might have a… wee delicate matter to consider before we all head back behind the church." Nichol hinted.

"Out with it, Nic. That rider will be here in a few moments." he said as he moved his fingers in a wave, gesturing toward him.

"There's something we overlooked. Prince John is close by at that cursed backgammon tourney at the tavern. That place isn't that far from us. It's not far enough south for this, in my opinion. What if… he is heading north on this road toward Newerche while all hell is breaking loose here? Those royal carriage drivers don't take the back roads, mate. This road is the most logical one to lead to the Great North Way. How are we going to keep him safe?" Nichol pointed out to him.

"Curses." Guy muttered.

The Sheriff put his palm to his forehead, shook his head and sighed.

"God damn it! There's always something!" he spat. "Always some annoying, unexpected detail that presents to thwart our plans. We need to take care of that. First, let's see who this rider is who is heading here."

"Agreed." Nichol nodded.

Mordrid called out to them just then.

"All is well, Milord. It's Safforus."

The Sheriff nodded for the men to follow him as he walked toward Mordrid, to greet Safforus, who was approaching on a fine looking chocolate coloured horse.

Safforus slowed the horse as he drew closer to Mordrid, then stopped. Next, he noticed the Sheriff, Sir Guy, the Captain, and a number of the men coming toward him on his left.

"Did you just come from Lady Hayward's home, Safforus?" the Sheriff asked.

"Yes, Milord. This girl has been restless as hell since she returned to us this evening. I thought I'd get her off the property for another exercise session." Safforus said, stroking the horse's mane.

"Did you notice a group of men looking to be heading this way?" he asked.

"No, Milord. Road was deserted. Didn't see anyone until I arrived here." Safforus shrugged.

"Good. We have a bit of time, then." he muttered.

"Time for what, Milord? Is there something going on I should be on the lookout for?" Safforus asked, then dismounted from the horse.

"Yes. I'll fill you in on the details later, but we have some rebels we expect to show here in the next while. We need to rein them in. First, someone needs to go to the tavern. Prince John is there — up to his eyebrows in a backgammon tournament. When he bores of that, which could be anytime depending on his mood, he's going to be heading north right on this road, because he'll be heading to his property in Newerche."

"Oh. Newerche, huh? Right. This road is the most logical choice to connect him to the Great North Way." Safforus frowned.

"Indeed. How well do you know Slayer?" Nottingham asked.

"I know him, but not that well. We've spoken a little." Safforus shrugged.

"That's funny. He referred to you as "Saffy". Why would he give you a nickname if he's only acquainted with you?"

"When I'm speaking to him it's usually in groups, and only at the tavern. We haven't spent much time one on one, but him giving me a nickname doesn't surprise me. I'm guessing Officer Drake likely spoke to him longer than I ever have. Slayer wasn't going to be easy to persuade, so I'm certain that took some time if Slayer accepted your offer." Safforus explained.

"He did." the Sheriff nodded. "That's fine. Stick around, Safforus. We could use your assistance."

"Very well, Milord." Safforus agreed.

"Well, Drake. Looks like you're up now. Go to the tavern. Quickly brief Slayer. Press the importance of getting the Prince out of there. He is to wait at the castle until we return before he can head north on this cursed road." a beat. "Him and his god damn moronic backgammon games." the Sheriff rolled his eyes.

"As you wish, Milord. Shall I escort the royal carriage?" Drake asked.

"No. You shall return here. Tell the coachman to inform the men at the portcullis that he is to be granted access. Not that they should need reminding of something so simple, but the time of night might throw them off."

"If Slayer can get away, shall I bring him along?" Drake asked.

"That would be great if he can. But, isn't he needed for crowd control tonight at the tavern?" the Sheriff asked.

"When we left together earlier, Charlie told him he would have a guy by the name of Blaise cover his duties. Perhaps we can work something out with Charlie if Blaise is still there, Milord?" Drake suggested.

"Perfect. See what you can do to arrange that, then. Having he and Safforus with us will make up for the fact that Ancel and Gerad couldn't be here."

"Consider it done, Milord." Drake nodded.

"Don't be surprised if he gives you a nickname, too, Officer Drake. All this time you're spending with him, he's liable to start calling you "Draco", or something similarly queer." Safforus remarked.

"Christ, I hope not." Drake sighed. He mounted his horse and kicked the horse into motion, heading south toward the tavern.

"Alright, men. Let's get back to the original plan. Safforus, we're going to mount our horses and head in back of the church. Follow my lead. Once we've secured the horses I'll brief you on the rest of the plan." he instructed.

"Very well, Milord." Safforus nodded.

"Castor, you first. Your instructions are the same as before Safforus joined us." the Sheriff said.

Castor nodded, and went to mount his horse.

Everyone, with the exception of Mordrid, quickly mounted their horses. Luke took Mordrid's horse with him to secure it. The men directed their horses to the back of the church and followed the Sheriff toward the tree line. Mordrid and Castor assumed their positions. The Sheriff, Luke, and Adam waited inside the church just beyond the back door. Alex hid behind a nearby tree next to a woodpile. His job was to alert the men waiting inside the church. Gisborne, Nichol, the Captain, and Safforus stayed at the tree line in back near the horses.

The trap was set. Now, all they had to do was wait.