Lady Nottingham's Secret: Book Two

by Lady to the Sheriff

This is the continuation of Lady Nottingham's Secret. It turned into a bit of a novel but it's almost done. Chapter 1 here is actually 56. There's new twists & excitement coming. Will the Sheriff and his lovely lady survive the ultimate test?

31. Chapter 86

That same night, only a couple of hours past sundown, Luke, Drake, and Ancel arrived to the local tavern to begin their evening assignment. As they approached the entrance, Drake recognized the tall, muscled man that was posted at the door.

"Good evening. It's Slayer, right?" Drake asked.

"Aye. You're back, I see. How is it I'd never seen you around before until recently, yet here you are? Again. You blokes work for the Sheriff, or something?" Slayer asked, pointedly. His arms were folded as he held a firm wide stance at the door.

"We're from Nettlestone. There's nowhere good out there to grab a mug of ale, so that's why we have come here." Luke lied.

"Funny. I'm originally from Nettlestone, right? You don't look familiar — from there, I mean." Slayer said, his eyebrow quirked, knowingly. He was certain that two of these men before him were Black Knights. But why were they now appearing to be chummy with the grey eyed fellow, who was last seen at the tavern consorting with a questionable pudgy bloke that the pair of Black Knights took issue with at the time?

"Yes. Isn't that funny, indeed?" Drake chuckled.

"Hilarious." Slayer scoffed.

"May we enter, Slayer? It's rather chill out here." Ancel asked.

Slayer stepped aside to allow the men to pass.

"It's kind of dull in there at the moment. Give it time, though. Things will surely pick up soon." Slayer said, nodding to the door.

The men nodded and continued past the threshold. Luke found a table for them near to the back, so they would have a clear view of everyone coming and going. Drake went to the bar and ordered a round of ale for them. He kept watch while waiting on the Barman, then scanned the perimeter looking for the stranger once more. Within a few moments, he was joining the men at the table, carrying a tray. He passed the mugs around and took a seat.

"Well, I suppose we should act like we're having a night of merriment. So, raise your mugs, lads. Then, we will pretend to drink." Luke suggested.

They nodded and raised their mugs, pretending to drink to camaraderie and good will.

"Did you see him?" Luke asked Drake.

"No. He's not present, but it's a bit early yet. Let's just be on the lookout and give it some time." Drake said.

As time passed, the tavern began to fill with patrons. Unbeknownst to them, the stranger stepped inside and spotted them. He shook his head and muttered curses under his breath, but noticed the young men seemed to be too busy to notice him. He reluctantly made his way to a table near to the door and took a seat in a dimly lit corner, away from foot traffic. Soon, a barmaid came by to serve him a mug of ale. He paid her with some coins and gratefully accepted. Just one drink, and then I'll be out of here before they even notice. He thought.

About an hour after the men arrived, a large group of men came through the door. Drake counted a dozen of them.

"Is he there? Do you see him, Drake?" Ancel asked, lifting his mug to his lips and pretending to drink.

"No. I don't see him anywhere." Drake said.

"The place is really filling up. Good thing we're not drinking. We must be alert." Luke said. He scanned the room, and suddenly became tense.

Across the room at a table in a corner, Luke spotted her. She was seated there with what he could tell was a scowl on her face, and her arms folded. An older man with grey hair and a beard was sitting with her, one arm around her, and she appeared clearly uncomfortable. She kept her head down, never noticing Luke looking at her.

---

"Drink up, Floria. It will make it easier." Lord Rothwell smirked.

"Easier for what, exactly?"

"Don't play coy with me. You know exactly what I'm referring to." he muttered in annoyance.

"Madam Birghiva said you only wanted company this evening." Floria pointed out.

"Ha, ha! Did she, now? Go ahead. Drink!" he ordered her.

"Sure. Whatever." she sighed.

Floria lifted the goblet to her lips and took a very small sip. She had no wish to imbibe. She knew full well she should keep her wits about her.

---

"What's got you in a bother, mate? Do you see him?" Drake asked Luke.

"No. But I see trouble." Luke seethed.

"Never mind whatever has your attention, Luke. If it's not the stranger, ignore it." Ancel advised.

"It's rather hard not to notice. The bastard!" Luke exclaimed in a low whisper.

"What the hell is he looking at?" Drake whispered to Ancel.

"I think it has something to do with that young lady across the room with the old bloke, but I'm not certain." Ancel shrugged.

Drake looked across the room, then back at Luke. Luke was so focused on that scene he didn't notice anything else, or even Drake and Ancel conferring about it. Curses!

---

The Sheriff and his lady were just finishing their evening meal in the den of his private chambers. He had been thinking about his meeting earlier with Mortianna and the strange suggestion she gave to him. Contact the dead? She actually was serious!

"You've been a little quiet, my love." Rhiannon observed.

"It was just a long day, my lady." he said.

"You sure? I mean… is that it? You can tell me anything, George. I'm not going anywhere. I will understand." Rhiannon said.

"There was nothing too serious going on, just a lot of mundane tasks and meetings." the Sheriff said while sipping of his brandy. He was somewhat surprised by what she'd just said, but purposely concealed it by avoiding eye contact.

She rested her fork on her plate, then set them on the table before her.

"You should rest, my love. You've another long day planned tomorrow."

"Yes, and not just the stag hunt." he hinted.

"What do you mean?"

"Just something my archers and I need to take care of after the hunt." he remarked, casually. He took a swill of the brandy.

"Is there someone you need to kill, George?" Rhiannon blurted.

He looked up from his goblet and into her eyes, holding her gaze with his narrowed stare.

"I'm your lady, George. What good would I be to you to be weak? I know that sometimes you… must do what needs to be done."

"Rhiannon?" he whispered.

"If you have to resort to killing someone to keep others safe, and especially the people you love safe, then you do what needs to be done." she said, never breaking eye contact.

"Sometimes it is necessary. I try to keep it to a minimum, however." he joked. He kept it light, but he felt a huge weight lift from his shoulders when she spoke the words.

"We should sleep if we're going to attend mass in the morning." she said.

"The hell with mass. I've enough places to be on the morrow before I make it home to you." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"I thought you said that appearances were important to the Bishop? There's only two Sundays before the day of our wedding." Rhiannon pointed out.

"True, I did say that. We will make an appearance next Sunday, unless you'd like to go without me on the morrow?"

"No. Not really." Rhiannon said, shaking her head with a frown.

"Then, you shall stay here and relax. Your friends say they have plans for you, and I'll see you at the end of the day." he smiled.

"They said that?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"Well, no. I just hope they don't have too much planned, so… " her words trailed off as she fumbled for the right words to complete her answer to him.

"So… what is it, Rhiannon?" the Sheriff pressed her, suspiciously.

"So, that I could get some rest, too." she lied. How she hated lying to him, but she had to see to her manor. Something was off.

"A wise decision, my lady." the Sheriff nodded.

---

The Sheriff's men sat at their table, pretending to drink, and spent some time talking as they watched for signs of the stranger making an appearance at the local tavern.

"I suppose you've never had the opportunity to visit this place much." Drake remarked to Ancel.

"Just that one time, when I was here with Hamon. You recall? Luke had some words for Hamon, and then you and Adam joined us just outside." Ancel reminded him. He sighed.

"What about when you were in Portsmouth? Did you frequent the taverns there?" Drake asked, curiously.

"No. It's never been a thing for me. I always kept myself busy, especially when I worked for the Sheriff of Hampshire." Ancel said.

"Isn't that fascinating, Luke?" Drake asked, trying to get his mate's attention, and engage him.

Luke was oblivious to their banter. He held the goblet of ale to his lips, took a tiny sip to wet his mouth, and kept his eyes on Floria. She looked as if she wanted to be anywhere else but here, and with anyone else but the grabby bloke she was seated with.

"Luke?" Ancel called to him.

"Earth to Luke!" Drake called, trying to shake his friend out of the brooding mood he was in.

"Yes?" Luke asked, taking another small sip of the ale.

"Is he swallowing?" Drake remarked to Ancel. He looked back to Luke. "You're swallowing! What are you doing? We're not supposed to be actually drinking, mate. You know this!" he quietly exclaimed, shaking his head. Then, he pushed his dark brown hair from his brown eyes and sighed.

"Relax, Drake. It was just a tiny drop since my mouth is dry. Is your mouth not dry? It's arid in here." Luke commented as he tugged at his collar. "It's warm. Don't you find it warm?" he asked. Then, he took a moment to glance over at Floria.

---

At this point, she was pushing the older man's hand off her lap.

"Take your hand from my leg." Floria said, firmly. "I am not in the mood tonight to service you — or anyone."

"I couldn't give a rat's shaved arse what you think, love. Your thoughts about anything are irrelevant. I don't need you to think. I don't need you to speak. You'll shut up — once I stuff my sausage into your mouth." he laughed.

"How dare you!" she exclaimed.

He reached over and slapped her across her face. "Shut it, whore." he hissed. "I've paid a pretty penny for you, and it's time you deliver, you insufferable little bitch!"

---

At this moment, Luke suddenly stood from the table. He could barely contain the growing ire.

"What is it, Luke? Did you see the stranger?" Ancel asked.

"No. But… I see something I'm going to need to stop."

Lord Rothwell grabbed Floria forcefully, and began to drag her out of the tavern.

Luke scowled and began to sneer. He started to move away from the table.

Drake put his hand on Luke's arm to stay him.

"Luke, we're on assignment. You mustn't get distracted by something else entirely from the reason we are here." Drake quietly reminded him.

"Maybe you can accept a lady being violated, but I will not!" Luke exclaimed in a whisper.

"Luke, she's probably a courtesan." Ancel said.

"She is actually newly employed by our Sheriff. She is to be arriving to the castle any day now to commence her duties as assistant to the Dressmaker. I was the one who escorted her to the castle for her meeting with the Sheriff and Madam Oberon, this past Tuesday — the day he hired her." Luke quickly explained.

"Curses!" Drake muttered.

"Damn it. Let's go." Ancel agreed.

---

The stranger had already left the tavern and was just heading to his horse when he heard a woman loudly protesting. He turned and saw an older man dragging her across the road toward a shed, which seemed strangely placed. Oddly, neither the regular security man, nor the one with the mop of dark hair were in sight at their usual spot at the door. Then, the stranger recalled they were reining in a few drunks inside of the tavern when he was leaving. He looked back toward the shed. The stranger didn't like what he saw. He looked around, didn't see anyone else nearby, so he followed them.

---

The men were being held up inside the tavern as business was picking up and the place was getting crowded. Too crowded to get past the masses quickly enough. The minstrels, known locally as the Medley Brothers, were performing and a large group of men were blocking their way, swaying back and forth with mugs in their hands, drunkenly singing along to the tune:

"You can wield your sword, and count your gold,

But power is nothing without a hand to hold." the minstrels and the patrons sang, loudly.

"Curses! I should have intervened sooner." Luke spat.

"Relax, Luke. They couldn't have gotten too far." Drake said.

"We shall find her, and then what is your plan?" Ancel asked, pointedly.

"I'm going to run that bastard through, then take her to the castle. She is expected there shortly, anyway." Luke said.

"I've a hard time imagining that, mate. Sure, you're a good Knight, but I still can't see you running a man through." Drake said.

"You'd be surprised." Luke muttered.

---

Lord Rothwell dragged Floria in through the front entrance and closed the door. She attempted to fight him off, but he ripped at the bodice of her gown and pushed her towards a table. He whirled her around, bent her over it and lifted her skirt.

"Get off of me, you despicable sod!" Floria screamed.

He reached around and began to choke her with one hand, as he tried to insert himself into her. She found it hard to make any noise, and could scarcely find a way to breathe. He began to touch her intimately with his fingers to get her ready; and all she could do was squirm, since her priority was getting air into her.

"Oh, you like that, don't you? Now you're starting to get slick." he whispered gruffly into her ear.

Floria tried to pull his hand from her throat but his grip was strong, so she kicked backward into his shin, repeatedly.

"Gah! Stop moving, you stupid whore!" he barked.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" a man's voice suddenly shouted.

Lord Rothwell turned his head and could see the man standing there. A walking stick in his left hand, and a dagger held high in his right.

"Nothing that concerns you. You've no business in here. Sod off and let me get on with it!"

"Think again." the stranger said, unmoving.

"For the love of God, man! Can't you see we're busy? Get lost!" Lord Rothwell shouted.

"Ha! God has nothing to do with it. Let go of her now, and face me, craven!" the stranger commanded.

Lord Rothwell rolled his eyes, pushed the young woman away, and quickly fastened his breeches. Then, he turned around and laughed.

"You think you'll stop me with that little blade?" he grinned as he pulled his sword from his scabbard, held it high and nodded to it. "Now, this is a blade. Prepare to die, you staggering fool!" he laughed.

Floria quickly pulled the edges of her bodice close together, and covered herself with her cape. She moved against the wall in the back of the shed, looking around for anything she could grab to assist the handsome stranger in killing the man.

Rothwell charged toward him, eager to sort this problem out so he could get back to what he'd been doing before he was rudely interrupted. Despite his impediment with his weakened leg, the man with the walking stick was able to move out of the way of Rothwell's sword. Rothwell was drunk, and it showed in his movements. He was slashing away at the air, kept missing the stranger, and then managed to get his blade stuck in a large wooden pillar while he was aiming for the stranger. He was trying to free the blade when he felt the dagger rip through him.

"It's better to keep your wits about you. You never know when you'll need to fight." the stranger hissed as he quickly pulled the blade from the man's chest, leaving him to bleed out.

Lord Rothwell looked at him in wide eyed surprise, held his wound with both hands and fell to the floor.

The stranger quickly wiped the blade of his dagger clean, using a handkerchief he pulled from the pocket of his surcoat. He heard noises outside of the front door of the structure. Someone was coming in. He looked to Floria.

"I must make haste, Miss. Get away from here. It's not safe." he said, hurriedly. Then, he made a fast exit through the rear door.

At that moment, the front door was pushed in forcefully, and Luke strolled inside. He noticed Floria, sitting on the floor against a wall in back of the room. Her knees were bent and she held them tight to her chest, with a mixed look of horror and confusion on her face. Then, he noticed the older man on the floor, a pool of crimson red blood rapidly spreading under him; and on a pillar beside his body and above it, a sword was jutting out of it, the blade embedded into the wood.

"Officer Luke? Is that you?" Floria called out, her eyes squinted to see better in the darkened room.

"Yes." he said as he walked toward her.

"Where did you come from?" she asked.

"I was at the tavern, on assignment." Luke replied. When he got nearer to her, he bent down before her.

"He tried to… " she began, but her words trailed off. She looked away from him, fighting back a tear that threatened to spill from the corner of her eye.

"I know. No one shall ever hurt you again. Listen, I don't know what day you were planning to come to the castle, but that time has been moved up. I'm taking you there tonight." Luke said, firmly.

"You'll get no argument from me. I was scheduled to arrive there on the morrow." Floria said.

"Good. Can you stand? How badly did he hurt you?"

"As you can see, he didn't succeed." she said, nodding to the dead man some ten feet away.

Luke helped her up from the floor, and put his arm around her to steady her.

"Good work defending yourself, Miss." Luke said as he nodded to the man's body.

"Oh, I tried. Believe me. But, I didn't do that."

"Then… who did?" Luke asked, his eyebrow quirked in suspicion.

"I don't know. I've never seen him before. He was an older man. Walked with a stick. He got him with a dagger." Floria shrugged.

"What?" Luke asked slowly, incredulously.

Just then, Drake and Ancel came through the door.

"Well done, Luke!" Drake exclaimed as he nodded to the dead man on the floor. "Now, about the main reason we are here — "

"He was here." Luke said, simply.

"What? Did you talk to him? Where is he?" Ancel asked as he looked around the room.

"He's the one who killed the man who tried to violate her." Luke spat.

"Did you see him do it?" Drake asked.

"No. He took care of the cretin, then left. He was gone when I breached the door."

"How do you know for certain it was him?" Drake asked.

"Because her description of the man matched yours." Luke said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Luke? What's going on?" Floria asked.

"Where did that man go who killed the one who hurt you, Floria?" Luke asked.

"He slipped out the back door when he heard you at the front door. Said he had to make haste." Floria said.

"Curses! The bloke was here and we missed him!" Drake spat.

"Stay here with Floria." Luke instructed. He went to the back door and ran out of it.

About ten minutes later, he returned. He reported that he couldn't find the man near the back of the shed.

"Alright, here's what we'll do. Luke, you take Floria to the castle. Drake and I will stay back and search for him. He couldn't have gotten too far." Ancel said.

"Sounds good to me." Luke nodded.

He offered Floria his arm and they headed out the door. Drake and Ancel proceeded out of the back door to resume their search.

---

Once Luke and Floria were near to his horse, she stopped in her tracks.

"What is it, Floria?" Luke asked.

"That's him." Floria whispered.

"Where?" he whispered, urgently.

"Over there. Just beyond that tree, about twenty yards ahead and to your right." Floria said.

"Stay here by my horse." Luke instructed her.

"Do not leave me." she pleaded.

"It will be alright. I will be back in a moment." Luke said.

Luke moved quietly toward the man. As he drew nearer, he could see the man was untethering a horse from a tree.

"Well, aren't you rather spry — for a crippled man?" Luke said as he approached from behind the man, completely surprising him.

The stranger turned around to face him. He recognized him as being one of the mates of the Black Knight whom he spoke with the night before, and who was with him again in the tavern this night. He suspected the young man before him was a new recruit.

Luke noticed the dark haired stranger's vivid green eyes, and recalled the Sheriff and Sir Guy commenting about that. Drake seemed a bit rattled by that, as well.

"I don't know what you're referring to." the man said, changing his focus to the rope he was untying.

"The young woman said you killed the man who had hurt her, just moments ago in that dingy shed." Luke said, pointedly.

"The man was drunk. He couldn't fight his way out of a wet sack cloth. One should never imbibe too much. You never know when you'll be called upon to fight." he said, still focusing on his task and not looking at Luke.

"Sage advice. Sounds like something my employer would say."

"Then, your employer has good instincts."

"He does." a beat. "You should come with me." Luke suggested.

"It's getting late. I need to be on my way."

"If you're… who I think you are, you should come with me. It would behoove you to do so." Luke said, firmly.

"You're a Black Knight, aren't you?" the stranger asked, glancing at him, briefly.

Luke stayed silent, refusing to answer.

"If that's the case, I've committed no crime. I stopped a rapist. There's no crime in that." the stranger said, confidently.

"He still speaks of you." Luke said, softly.

The man stopped for a moment, having successfully untied the knot in the rope from the tree, and mounted his horse.

"You're mistaken, lad. For I'm no one." he said. Using his heels, he kicked the horse into motion and began on his way.

Luke stood still for a moment, contemplating his encounter with the man. Was he mistaken in his assumption of the stranger? He should have strongly encouraged the man to accompany him, but the man was right — he had committed no crime that would force Luke to arrest him. He shook his head slowly, then made his way back to his horse.

---

About forty minutes later, Luke was escorting Floria into the castle. He saw the Scribe nearby and asked him to summon the Sheriff to meet him in the Council Quarters.

He got Floria settled into a chair and poured some water from the pitcher on the table into a goblet and took it to her.

She had just taken a few sips of it when the Sheriff entered into the meeting room. He was surprised to see Floria there with Luke. He shook his head and sighed as he approached.

"Isn't this Interesting, Luke? Where's Drake and Ancel?" Nottingham demanded.

"Looking for the stranger you sent us to find." Luke said, simply.

"And that included you. Yet, here you are — with Floria. Did you take a detour to the brothel, Luke?" Nottingham asked as his eyebrow shot north.

"He did no such thing, Milord. He brought me here to keep me safe." Floria said.

"It seems I'm missing something. Alright, Luke. From the top. Explain to me what the hell is going on." the Sheriff demanded.

Over the course of the next five minutes or so, both Luke and Floria explained what had happened, and what led Luke and the men to the shed where Floria was being harmed and held against her will.

"And who killed the man who tried to violate Floria? Was that you, Luke?" Nottingham asked.

"No, Milord. It wasn't me. It wasn't any of us. It turns out, the one we were sent to look for was the one who saved Floria from the cursed beast." Luke said.

"What? So, he just happened to be in the vicinity, yet you never saw him?" the Sheriff asked, incredulously.

"We didn't see him in the tavern." Luke shrugged.

"I'd never seen him, either, Milord. Yet, he came into the shed just in time and killed the man who hurt me. Then, he said he needed to make haste and left out the rear door — right before Luke came through the front door." Floria explained.

"I brought Floria here to safety, and I'll return to the tavern area to assist Drake and Ancel with the search." Luke added.

"There's no — " the Sheriff was interrupted.

"But… we saw him again, just before we were leaving. I pointed him out to Luke, and Luke went over to speak with him. I didn't see what happened, though." Floria shrugged.

"I lost sight of him, Milord." Luke lied, "I needed to get Floria here. It's safer for her. She said she was planning to arrive on the morrow, anyway, so I thought it best to get her here now."

"A wise move." the Sheriff nodded.

"I shall return to the men." Luke said.

"No, Luke. I didn't want you men to spend too much time searching for him tonight. We have somewhere to be in the morning. Drake and Ancel will be returning soon enough. I shall task you with getting Floria settled into her quarters. She will be in the vacant quarters next to Madam Oberon. The door at the right." Nottingham said.

"Very well, Milord Sheriff." Luke nodded.

"Don't tarry too long in there. Morning shall arrive soon." Nottingham said, firmly.

"Yes, Milord." Luke said.

"Shall I have a tray sent to you, Floria?"

"There's only one thing I request to calm me, Milord. If it wouldn't be too much trouble." Floria hinted.

"What is that, Missy?"

"A cup of warmed mead with a dash of extra honey added. And maybe a pitcher of water. If you please, Milord."

"Very well. I'll have that sent right up to you, Missy. You two go on up and get settled." the Sheriff directed them.

---

After he spoke to a servant requesting the items that Floria asked for, Nottingham returned to his chambers. He closed the door behind him, shaking his head, then flopped into the chair by the fireplace once more.

Lady Rhiannon had been reading in the bedchamber and heard him return. She came through the doors and saw him sipping on his brandy, looking pensive.

"You're looking troubled by something. Is everything alright, George?" she asked as she moved in closer to him.

"I sent a few of my men into town on assignment tonight. They were looking for a person of interest." he muttered as he took a swallow of brandy.

"Oh. Did they find him?"

"No, but they came across another situation entirely. A man was holding Floria against her will. He injured her, and was attempting to… " his words trailed off. He was trying to be careful with his wording. Rhiannon had been through it once, and he preferred not to stir up that memory for her.

"Oh, no. Where is she, George? Is she back at the brothel?"

"No, my lady. Luke brought her here. She was planning to arrive here on the morrow to commence — "

"George? Where, precisely, is Floria right now?" Rhiannon insisted.

"Luke escorted her to her quarters. The vacant rooms next to Madam Oberon's — "

"I'm going there." Rhiannon announced.

"What? You don't need to, my lady. Luke will see that she's settled in." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"And then… what?"

"And then, he will retire for the night." Nottingham said with his eyes narrowed on her. What was she getting at?

"Well, that won't do. Even if he stayed with her, as kind as he is, he'd never understand. I do. I must go to her, my love. I won't be too long." Rhiannon explained.

"My lady, I don't think you need to — "

"I insist." Rhiannon said.

"Very well. If it will please you, then who am I to stop you?" the Sheriff relented.

"Precisely. I'll return soon, my love." she said as she headed to the door.

---

Floria was taking a look around her new rooms, quite taken aback by the size and luxury. She was pleased, but she wished she could erase the memory of Lord Rothwell's grubby hands on her, and the vile things he said to her. She never had much to do with him before this night, and she wondered if he'd behaved similarly in the past with the other girls? He usually asked for Celestria, or Gelldred. She hoped Madam Birghiva wouldn't be too disappointed to have lost her best patron at the brothel. She found her neck and face were feeling bruised and she put her hands there. She saw a chair nearby and sat upon it. She bent an elbow on the arm of the chair and rested her head in her hand.

Luke stayed near the door, quietly observing her before walking closer toward her.

"Your face and neck are bruised, Miss. I'll ask the Sheriff about sending for the medicus." Luke said.

"I don't need a medicus. It's bad enough you, your two comrades, and the Sheriff knows what happened. I'm fine, Luke." Floria said.

"But, you're not fine, Floria. You're as white as the driven snow and you're trembling." Luke pointed out.

"I guess I'm just a little chill." she muttered.

"Very well. You have a fireplace here. I will get a fire started to warm you." he said. He went to the fireplace and set to work.

Just as he got the fire going and was placing a log on it, there was a knock at the door.

"That must be the mead and water you requested, Miss. Stay there. I shall answer the door." Luke instructed.

Floria nodded in agreement.

He was surprised when he opened the door and saw Lady Rhiannon, holding the tray with a warm mug of mead, and a pitcher of water set upon it.

"Lady Rhiannon?"

"Good evening, Luke. I took the tray from the servant to bring it in to Floria." Rhiannon said.

"Now might not be a good time for company, Mil — "

"Step aside, Luke." Rhiannon insisted as she walked past him into Floria's quarters.

"Lady Rhiannon?" Floria muttered weakly when she saw who brought her mead.

"Yes. Stay put. I'll bring you your mead." Rhiannon said as she set the tray on a table.

"Doesn't he have servants for that kind of thing?" Floria asked.

"Of course, he does. But that wouldn't do just now." Rhiannon said. She took the steaming mug of mead to Floria, who gratefully accepted.

"He told you, didn't he?" Floria guessed as she sipped at the warmed, honeyed mead. She was grateful to have it, and the blazing fire that Luke got going for her.

"Yes. I couldn't have you alone in here." Rhiannon said.

"But, I'm not alone, Milady. Luke is here."

"Just for a time. And then… what? He has plans in the morning with my betrothed." Rhiannon explained.

"Perhaps I'll wait outside the door until you're ready to leave, Milady Rhiannon." Luke suggested.

"A wise idea, Luke." Rhiannon nodded.

Luke nodded to them both, then left the chambers, closing the door behind him.

"Why do you care?" Floria asked, softly.

"Why wouldn't I? This shouldn't happen to any woman."

"I'm fine, Milady. There's really no need to fuss over me."

"Perhaps a hot bath might help? I could summon the servants to bring hot water to your bath chamber." Rhiannon suggested.

"I have my own bath chamber?" Floria asked, incredulously.

"Of course, you do." Rhiannon smiled.

"I should like that very much. It would be helpful to get the remnants of… him off of my body." Floria said softly, taking another sip of mead.

"I know it will." Rhiannon nodded.

"I suppose you think I deserve it, since I was a courtesan, after all." Floria muttered.

"Floria — "

"But, I was only meant to keep him company at the tavern. I wasn't meant to service him at all. I was done with all of that, Milady. I swear it! My heart belongs to another and I will be faith — " Floria stopped herself when she realized she was being far too verbose.

"You did not deserve it, Floria. No one ever does."

"You really believe that?" Floria whispered.

"I do." Rhiannon smiled. "I only have one question."

"Very well. What is that?" Floria asked, then sipped of the soothing warm mead.

"How… far did the man get? He didn't… penetrate you, did he?" she asked, softly.

"No, Milady. He was stopped well before such a thing. Why is that important?" Floria asked, suspiciously.

"Because if he had, there's someone in the castle I would consult. This person could brew you a special tea… if you get my meaning." Rhiannon said with a knowing quirk of her brow.

"I see. Well, I can say with absolute certainty there shall be no need for anything so drastic, thank the Gods." Floria said. She sighed.

"Indeed, Floria. I'm glad to hear the bastard didn't get that far. Now, you sip of that warmed mead, and I shall return to you forthwith. I'm going to bring you a few things you'll be needing." Rhiannon smiled.

Floria nodded as she sipped of the warm mead. She was a little bewildered by the lady's attentiveness to her.

---

Lady Rhiannon left the chambers for a time as she summoned the servants to bring buckets of hot water. Then, she returned to the Sheriff's private chambers to retrieve an extra bottle of Mortianna's liquid soap, a clean shift, and an extra dressing gown to take back to the young maiden.

Nottingham looked at her strangely as she came into the den, carrying the items to head back to Floria's chambers.

"My lady, there is no need for you to go to all of this trouble." he said.

"Did you get a look at her, George? Her gown is torn, there's bruising and bloodied marks on her face, and you can clearly see the markings on her throat where the man had choked her. I'm just helping to get her settled in. Wouldn't you have been glad if someone was able to do that for me?" Rhiannon asked with a knowing quirk of her brow.

"Of course, I would have, my lady. You know that." the Sheriff said.

"Let me just be with her, until she falls asleep." Rhiannon implored him.

He stood and went to her, gently placing his hands upon her shoulders.

"Very well, my lady. If it means that much to you." he smiled as he leaned in and softly kissed her cheek. "Will she be alright until you return?"

"Yes, my love. Luke went back in to see to her and bid goodnight. I told him I'd be returning forthwith." Rhiannon said.

"I see." he frowned.

"What is it, George?"

"Nothing. Just something I had picked up on with those two on Tuesday when we had our meeting with her." the Sheriff said.

"What is that?"

"I think… they're a bit enamoured with each other. Curses!" he huffed.

"Is that really so bad?"

"Luke is one of my top men, Rhiannon. I cannot have him distracted." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"Are you distracted by me, George?" she countered.

"That is different, Rhiannon. Surely, I don't need to explain why? Both Luke and Floria work for me." he said, firmly.

"Did you speak to them about this?" she asked.

"Yes. I warned each of them separately about this on Tuesday."

"Then, maybe you should trust them, George? Especially, Luke. Floria is only a young girl; but Luke is loyal to you. Trust in that." Rhiannon smiled.

He slowly shook his head and smiled. "You're a true treasure, my angel."

"You cannot control everything, sugar. You must trust Luke that he will make the best decisions. Has he ever let you down before?"

"No. Never." the Sheriff replied without a moment's hesitation.

"It will be alright, George." she said, simply. She softly kissed his lips and then went on her way.

Lady Rhiannon returned to the chambers a couple of hours later, looking a little exhausted, but she smiled when she greeted him.

"Come, my lady. I've a warm fire going in the bedchamber." the Sheriff said as he moved toward her in the den.

"Thank you." she said, as she took his arm and followed him inside.

"How is she now?" he asked.

"I think the hot bath helped her immensely. She's bathed, warmed, and has now fallen asleep. I'd say it's because she feels safe now. It was good of Luke to bring her here directly." Rhiannon reported.

"And good of you to tend to her needs, my lady." he added.

"She is really just a girl… in my opinion. She's the new girl in a strange place, following a trauma. It was the decent thing to do."

"Of course. And where is Luke now?"

"He was seated on a bench in the corridor outside of her rooms when I was leaving. He wouldn't retire to his rooms until I assured him she was doing better and falling asleep." Rhiannon said.

"I'm glad to hear he retired for the night. I need him alert tomorrow." Nottingham said.

"For a stag hunt?"

"One should always be alert while hunting, my lady; but tomorrow isn't just about a stag hunt." he hinted.

"Another mission?" Rhiannon pressed.

"No. But our journey there and back will be used to discuss tactical strategies regarding their weapons. There's a reason for everything. Right down to who is chosen to accompany me on a boring stag hunt." the Sheriff said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Of course, my love. I'm aware of how well you plan things." Rhiannon smiled.

---

The following morning, the Sheriff and his men had retrieved their horses from the stables, which were already saddled for them. They were just about to mount them when Gerad appeared, ready to head to the brothel.

"Good morning, Milord." Gerad greeted him, his breath visible in the chill morning air. Then, he exchanged greetings with the other three men present.

"Good morrow, Gerad. Slight change in plans. Floria is already here. She arrived last night." the Sheriff said.

"Oh. Very well. So, I'm to stay here, then?" Gerad asked.

"No. You'll need to pick up her belongings."

"Milord, If the maiden is already here, why didn't she bring her things?" Gerad asked, curiously.

"It's a long story, Gerad. I can fill you in later." Luke said.

"Alright." Gerad nodded.

"Just one thing." the Sheriff said as he reached into the pocket of his surcoat. He pulled out a small scroll. "Give this to Madam Birghiva. She may want to come and visit with Floria."

"Oh, I see. I best take a carriage with me then, in case she wishes to come today." Gerad nodded as he took the scroll.

"I imagine she probably will when she reads the scroll." Nottingham said as he mounted his horse.

Mordrid, Luke, and Ancel followed suit, mounting their horses and at the ready.

"Very well. Happy hunting to you all." Gerad said.

The men nodded and kicked their horses into motion.

---

Isabelle was heading down the corridor toward the Sheriff's private chambers when she saw her sister in law exiting them. Rhiannon was dressed for an outing wearing her black velvet cape over her clothes. Isabelle muttered curses under her breath. Meridwyn was right. Rhiannon was leaving today.

"Good morning, Isabelle." Rhiannon said as she looked around her. "Where is my brother? Is he back in your quarters?"

"No. He's in the armoury. He's working on something for your betrothed with Stephanus, and a Swordsmith fellow named Eustace." Isabelle said.

"Perfect. Let's go and get your cape, Sister."

"Right. I take it we're going to your manor." Isabelle guessed.

"We are. It's perfect timing."

"Is it?" Isabelle parried.

"Of course! Robert is busy. George has gone to Newerche to join the Prince on a stag hunt. He won't be home for hours. Of course, it's perfect timing! Come. Let's not dawdle!"

"I don't know if this is such a good idea, Rhiannon." Isabelle whispered, urgently.

"I'm going with or without you, Isabelle. I saw my lady servant right here at this castle two days ago. I considered not going… until I saw her. Something is wrong, Isabelle. I need to find out what's going on over there." Rhiannon whispered.

"Alright. I disagree with this quest of yours, but I'd rather you not do it alone. Very well. Let's get this over with before Robert and the Sheriff realize we're not here." Isabelle conceded.

"George probably won't be back until sundown. He won't know anything unless I tell him." Rhiannon said, confidently.

"That may be, but I doubt Robert will be tied up for that long. He's going to wonder where I am." Isabelle sighed.

"He'll get over it. We won't be very long at all. Now, let's go grab your cape, and then we must head to the stables." Rhiannon said.

---

Guy was returning to his chambers after preparing notes in the Council Quarters for the following day's Town Council meeting. He was surprised at the sight before him when he walked into the bedchamber, having found the sitting room empty.

Meridwyn was leaning out of the window of the bedchamber, her hair and her gown billowing behind her as the cold breeze rushed past her.

"Meridwyn! Are you alright?" Guy called out as he moved quickly toward her.

"Not quite." she said. "I'm sure it will pass soon."

"What?" he asked. He put his arm around her.

She turned to look at him and he was shocked at how pale her complexion was.

"What's wrong, my love? You're as white as a sheet."

"Just feeling a little… queasy. I'm not sure why. The air is helping."

"The air is very chill, my dear. Why don't you come and rest on the bed? It can't be good for you to expose yourself to cold air for too long." Guy suggested.

"I know you're right, but it has helped." Meridwyn said. She put her hand to her forehead suddenly, closing her eyes, with a grimace upon her face.

"What is it, my lady?"

"Just a headache. Curses! I needed to see Rhiannon this morning. Has your cousin left yet?" Meridwyn asked.

"Yes. Almost an hour ago. Why?" Guy asked curiously, rather bewildered by her question.

"Did you happen to see Rhiannon or Isabelle on your way back here, Guy?"

"No. What's this about, Meridwyn?" he asked, his brow quirked, suspiciously.

She looked up at him and caught the suspicious expression on his face. She sighed.

"It is nothing, Guy. We had plans for today. Nothing too pressing, just chatting over a cup of tea." Meridwyn explained.

"Well, from the looks of you, the only tea you'll be drinking is batwing tea. Didn't you tell me it helped with this sort of thing before?"

"It did."

"Shall I send for some?" Guy asked.

"That would be grand. I think it might help."

He left her to ask the sentry to summon for Mortianna to bring her batwing tea to his quarters.

Meridwyn went to the wash stand and poured cool water into the wash basin. She grabbed a cloth and wet it, wringing it out, then took it with her as she climbed back on the bed. She reclined against the pillows while placing the cool cloth across her forehead, cursing herself for not feeling up to running out of the rooms, through the corridor and down the stairs, and out of the castle to the stables to block Rhiannon from entering them.

Guy returned to her in moments.

"My love, you look unwell. I will have some broth brought to you, as well." he said.

"No, Guy. That will be too much to get down right now. Let me drink some of the tea first when it comes. I'll be fine. There's no need for you to be running around fetching things for me just now. It will pass." Meridwyn smiled.

"Very well. I don't have anything planned at the moment. I'm not leaving you like this." Guy said as he sat beside her on the bed.

"My love, you're in charge here today, are you not? You can't be fussing over me for too long."

"It is Sunday, my love. Not much happens around here on Sundays. What could I possibly be needed for?"

You'd be surprised. She thought.

"Maybe you should go to the stables?" Meridwyn suddenly suggested.

"Whatever for, Meridwyn?"

"In case Rhiannon is there. You know… checking on her horse. Maybe she could bring me one of her books… or something?"

Please get your fine buttocks down to those stables, my sweet! Rhiannon is going to leave here soon. You need to stop it, Guy, because I sure as hell cannot in a state like this!

"Meridwyn, you're not making sense. You're shivering, pale as a ghost, and now, your head is aching. Who can read books in a state like that? At this rate, I'm thinking I need to summon for Thomas Crumwell before I summon for anyone else." Guy said with a sigh.

"Guy, you're very kind to me, but you're being too fussy. I'm sure this has something to do with the child I'm carrying. This is just… a normal part of it, I'm sure." Meridwyn tried to reassure him.

"My love, this surely can't be normal." Guy frowned.

"For Heaven's sake, Guy. I'm not dying. You look like you're keeping vigil at a death watch! It's just a little queasiness with a dash of mild headache." she said as she grasped his hand.

"That may be, but I'm not leaving you until you feel a little better." Guy said.

"Alright. We'll give it a few moments. And then, you should head to the stables."

"What is so important about the stables?" Guy asked with a suspicious quirk of his brow.

"Rhiannon will be there. I'd like her to bring me one of… her books."

"How can you be certain she'll be there at precisely this time of day?" he pressed her.

"Just a… strong feeling." Meridwyn said.

---

As the Sheriff and his men were making their way north on the Great North Way, he slowed his horse to a canter in order to speak to his men. The men were directly behind him, so they followed suit and brought their horses up beside him.

"Is everything alright, Milord? Do you want to stop for a few moments?" Luke asked.

"No need to stop, Luke. The sooner we get there, the sooner we get this hunting business over with and get on with our day." he said.

"But, we've nothing else planned for today. Do we?" Mordrid asked.

"Actually, we do." Nottingham said.

"Are we going to go back into town and search for that elusive fellow with the walking stick? The one who moves quickly — for a man needing a walking stick?" Ancel asked.

"A good idea, Ancel, but… no. We're going to visit Samson Fingle's manor on the way back."

"The bow craftsman fellow I've been hearing about?" Luke asked.

"Yes. I'd like to talk to him about getting some crossbows made." the Sheriff said.

"Oh. Those things are a bit cumbersome when you're on the move, Milord." Mordrid said.

"And take too long to load." Luke added with a sigh.

"True, but they're efficient. Especially with what I'm planning for the arrowheads." Nottingham hinted.

"Oh. Like, adding more weight to the steel heads or whatever they're called? For better piercing accuracy?" Ancel wondered.

"No, but that's a fine idea, too. There will come a time when we're going to need a guarantee that the target will die from his wound, versus suffer an injury that can be tended to and healed." the Sheriff began.

"You're talking about poison. Am I correct, Milord?" Mordrid asked.

"Precisely." he nodded.

"Are you expecting a conflict that we're not aware of, Milord Sheriff?" Luke asked.

"No, but enemies can crop up at any time. This gives us an added edge. We must always be prepared." he looked over to Mordrid. "Surely you would agree, Mordrid? If we'd been better prepared three years ago, the ongoing issues with Locksley and his rabble could have been squashed much sooner, rather than the several months long ordeal that ensued." Nottingham said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Yes, Milord. You have a point." Mordrid nodded.

"You three are my archers. The fourth archer is away for a time. That is why you were chosen to accompany me today for the stag hunt. I wanted to discuss this with you, and prepare you before we visit Fingle's residence. I need you all on board." the Sheriff said, firmly.

"If that is your wish, I will agree to it, Milord." Luke nodded.

"Very well, Milord." Mordrid said.

"I agree, Milord. I shall abide by your wishes." Ancel added.

"Good." he smiled.

"Milord? What variety of poison will we be working with?" Luke asked.

"Belladonna and wolfsbane. But none of you will be applying it. The paste will be applied beforehand. However, you shall need to wear gloves when handling those arrows. We can't risk the poison coming in contact with your skin. Wear gauntlets that you can toss after you use the poisoned arrows." Nottingham explained.

"Very well." Luke said.

"So, the crossbows are meant to achieve a better accuracy? And more of a rapid fire?" Ancel asked.

"Yes. It's better to have variety in our arsenal, men."

"Understood." Mordrid said. "It's times like this I wish Nic were here to train us, though."

"Indeed" Nottingham sighed. "Alright, lads. Now that we got this discussion out of the way, let us proceed at a quicker pace towards Newerche. I suppose we shouldn't keep His Highness waiting." he scoffed.

They kicked their horses, urging them to a gallop and continued on their journey.

---

It was a couple of hours past the time when they usually assumed their position at the portcullis, but Drake and Adam had made arrangements with the two men covering for them to start at a later time. When they arrived, they were dismayed to see that only one of them was there, and he was injured.

"What the hell happened, Emory? Where is Castor?" Drake exclaimed.

"He went chasing after the sod who did this." the young man explained as he tied a large handkerchief around his thigh to cover the blood. "The bastard pulled a dagger when we refused his entry past the portcullis."

"Where'd they go?" Adam asked.

"Cas was chasing him. The man got past the portcullis. I'm surprised you didn't see them on your way over here?"

"How did the man get past the portcullis if you refused entry?" Drake demanded.

"A carriage was coming through to leave the castle grounds." Emory explained.

"That must have been Gerad. The Sheriff was sending him to collect the belongings of a new staff. He told me about it this morning in the Dining Hall." Drake said.

"No. It wasn't Gerad. They said they were lady servants going into town to get some things." Emory said.

"On a Sunday?" Adam asked.

"Beats me. That's what they said, so Castor let them pass. We thought the fool had left. But right after the carriage passed, he came around the corner, lunged at me with his dagger, and ran past the gate. Castor ran after him."

"Well, you're not in any shape to run. We'll see if Castor needs our assistance, and be right back to take over." Adam said.

"Alright." Emory nodded.

"Can you continue to man the gate until we return? We won't be long." Drake said.

"I'll be fine. Go. Help Cas get that fool." Emory said.

---

Sometime shortly thereafter, Drake and Castor were meeting with Gisborne in the Council Quarters while another guard had the man in custody outside the meeting chamber.

"Aren't you supposed to be manning the portcullis, Drake?" Gisborne asked. He had obviously not noticed the prisoner being held by another guard on his way into the room.

"Yes, but Castor needed assistance when Adam and I were reporting for duty. We assisted Castor, and now Adam is currently manning the gate with Emory. But — "

"Emory is now injured, Sir Gisborne." Castor said.

"What happened?" Guy asked.

"Some fool was trying to gain entry. Emory and I refused him. We thought he'd left. Then, a couple of lady servants left the grounds in a carriage. While the gate was still up and the carriage was passing through, the same fool appeared out of nowhere, stabbed Emory in his thigh with a dagger, and ran right past the gate onto the property." Castor explained.

"Soon after this happened, Adam and I reported for duty." Drake said.

"What the bloody hell? What was the bloke's problem? Do either of you recognize him as a person on the wanted list?" Guy asked, folding his arms.

"No, Sir." Castor said, shaking his head.

"I don't either, Sir Gisborne." Drake said.

"There had to be a reason he was so brazen in his actions. Did you get anything out of him? And where is the bloke?" Guy demanded.

"All I got out of him is that he is hopping mad his brother is being held in the dungeon. He mentioned a name. I think the man he refers to is the thief that Emory brought in a fortnight ago." Castor said.

"The fool! Again… where is he? Do not tell me the bastard got away!"

"He's in custody. He's being held just outside the door. We wanted to bring this to your attention. Where do you want him? The dungeon?" Drake asked.

"Absolutely. Toss him in there where he can keep his dearly beloved brother company. We'll make it a family affair!" Guy chuckled.

"Very well." Drake said.

The two men started to take their leave and carry out the Lieutenant's wishes when he stopped them.

"Wait a moment. Men?" Guy called to them as they reached the door.

They turned around to face him.

"Yes, Sir Gisborne?" Drake asked.

"A question for Castor." Guy said.

"Yes?" Castor asked.

"Tell me about the lady servants. Did they say where they were headed?"

"One said they had to go into town to pick up some things. The other lady seemed nervous and didn't say much." Castor reported.

"Pick up some things. On a Sunday? What the hell business is open on a Sunday in Nottingham? Or anywhere in this entire country?" Guy huffed.

"My thoughts exactly, Sir Guy. I wondered if they planned to visit one of their homes to pick up personal items, but the dark haired lady made it sound like they were picking up something in town for the castle — for the Sheriff, not for themselves." Castor shrugged.

"Have you seen them before?" Guy asked.

"No, Sir. Neither Emory, nor myself recognized the women." Castor said.

"You said one had dark hair." Guy mused, wondering if the strange lady looking for Celestria found her way onto the property again. "Was she… older? Like, middle aged looking, raven black hair, and slender?"

"No. She looked young. Her hair wasn't that dark, it was more like a chestnut colour. The woman looked to be in her twenties." Castor said.

"Well, that is odd, indeed. And if they were to go into town they'd need to ask permission from the Sheriff to take the carriage — but he has never granted that privilege to lady servants! Curses!" Guy spat.

"We took them at their word. Forgive me, Sir Guy. We should've checked with ye first." Castor said.

"Fine. Never mind that. Get that fool into the dungeon. If that carriage doesn't return here soon, we'll bloody well find it, and the thieving women who stole it." Guy instructed them, firmly.

Both men nodded and took their leave.

---

At this time, Madam Birghiva was answering the knock on the door of the brothel. She attempted to conceal a frown when she recognized the uniform of the Black Knights worn by the raven haired, blue eyed young man. Curses! Where was Floria?

"Good day, Madam. I'm Gerad, one of the Sheriff's men. I was sent to pick up one of the Mistresses' belongings. I think her name is… Florence? Flower?"

"Floria. She is not here. I've no idea where — "

"She is already at the castle, Madam. She arrived last night." Gerad said.

"Wait… what? Are you jesting? But, why… how did she get there?"

"Perhaps this message from the Sheriff will explain it, Madam. He said once you read this you might like to visit her, which is why I brought the carriage." Gerad said as he reached into his pocket to retrieve the scroll.

"Right. Do come in, Officer Gerad. It's very cold this morning." Madam Birghiva said as she took the scroll from him.

He followed her inside and she closed the door. Then, she quickly unfurled the scroll and began to read.

"Sunday, November 2nd, 1197 Anno Domini;

Madam Birghiva;

Greetings, Madam. Floria arrived to Nottingham Castle last night. An incident occurred in town which resulted in harm to her.

She is safe. Luke was in town on assignment with two other of my men. He found her and brought her here to safety. She has been tended to by my betrothed, and refuses the medicus. She is well, but you might wish to see her.

Gerad will bring you to her and will escort you back, if you wish.

— Nottingham

Sheriff and Chief Constable."

"Oh my. Do you know anything about this, Officer Gerad?" Madam Birghiva asked with a look of concern.

"No, Madam. I'm not privy to the details. All I know is that she is safe in her quarters at the castle." he said.

"Very well. I shall get her portmanteau, and I'll grab my cloak. He was right. I do wish to see her."

"Madam, why don't you direct me to her room? I shall take the portmanteau. I'm sure it is heavy." Gerad suggested.

"Very well. That is very kind. It is up the stairs. Third door on your left." she smiled. "I'm sure it is placed on her bed, or a table near to it." she added.

Gerad nodded to her and headed up the stairs.

---

"I didn't realize your manor was so far from the castle, Rhiannon." Isabelle remarked.

They had just finished riding through town. Isabelle was beginning to get concerned at the length of time the journey was taking.

"It's really not that far. We shall be arriving there shortly." Rhiannon said. She held the reins in her hands and was directing the horses, quite deftly, Isabelle noted.

"I'm glad that worked out getting through the portcullis." Isabelle added.

"Yes. I've never seen those men before. I had another story to relay had the men been the usual guards. Normally, Drake and Adam are stationed there." Rhiannon said.

"What if the usual two guards are back there when we return?"

"It's not as if they'll refuse us entry, Isabelle. Drake and Adam know me… sort of. They know I'm the Sheriff's lady. They will open the gate and everything will be fine." Rhiannon smiled.

"Will it? Be fine, I mean?"

"Of course, It will. You worry too much, Sister. Let's enjoy this lovely day."

"It's awfully cold. I wouldn't exactly characterize it as being lovely." Isabelle grumbled.

"It's lovely because we are free, Isabelle. For today, we are free to do as we wish."

"You mean free to do as you wish." Isabelle corrected her.

"You didn't have to accompany me, Isabelle. You chose to do so, anyway. We shall be at my manor soon. I'm just going to have a look around and speak with Rebeccah. Perhaps we'll even have a cup of tea with her. Then, we shall return, and no one will be the wiser." Rhiannon said, confidently.

"Is that your lady servant you spoke of? The one who came to the castle a couple of days ago?" Isabelle asked.

"Yes. There's something going on, and I will find out what it is." Rhiannon said.

"What have you got inside the carriage, by the way? It looked like there's something under a large covering in there." Isabelle asked.

"Just my bow and a quiver of arrows. It's always good to be prepared, Isabelle." Rhiannon said, matter of factly.

Isabelle looked over at her, her eyes widened in fright. Rhiannon didn't notice as she was focused on the road ahead. Isabelle's sense of foreboding grew in that moment. This was turning out to be a much more unexpected adventure than she originally thought. The only good thing was that the chill autumn air was helping to stay the nausea that she had felt earlier.

---

Joseph, the Jailer, was meeting with Aldred and some other of the guards near the door regarding their daily assignments when Drake and Castor entered into the dungeon with the newest prisoner.

"What have you got for me, men?" Joseph asked them when he noticed them coming in. He nodded to Aldred to accompany him and they broke away from the guards they were speaking to.

"He stabbed Emory, angry over our refusal to permit his entry to the castle grounds." Castor said, nodding to the prisoner.

"Well, that's a hell of a way to gain access to the castle!" Joseph exclaimed, shaking his head.

"Indeed." Drake agreed.

"Is Emory… " Joseph began.

"He's going to be fine. He'll probably need stitches, but he's good." Castor smiled.

"Well, that's a plus, I suppose." Joseph nodded.

"Lucky for you, we have a few spaces left." Aldred sneered at the prisoner.

"Just put me with my brother. You're holding my brother!" the prisoner exclaimed.

"Who's his brother?" Joseph asked the men.

"The thief that Emory brought in a fortnight ago." Castor replied.

"Ha, ha! Sure took you long enough to come and spring him, didn't it?" Aldred laughed. He looked to Joseph. "Isn't that the bloke we have in isolation at the moment?"

"Aye. He tried to strangle one of the guards, so we we put him in the cell." Joseph nodded.

"Sounds like a lovely family." Drake quipped.

"Good for him! Put me in there." the prisoner grinned.

"You think this is family reunion week? Think again!" Joseph scoffed.

"Where shall I put him, Joseph?" Aldred asked.

"We have a spot by that ginger, stumpy bloke. Take him there." Joseph instructed.

The men handed the prisoner off to Aldred, as the prisoner began to squirm.

"This is outrageous! Let me see him. The King shall hear of this!" the prisoner complained.

"What a world he lives in that he thinks he can complain to the King — as if the King were a business manager!" Aldred chuckled.

"Classic!" Joseph laughed. "Why would you think the King would care about a low level citizen such as yourself? Stop with the whinging. You do the crime? Guess what? You do the time!" Joseph sneered at the prisoner.

"I will see to it — " the prisoner was interrupted.

"Idiot. It was a rhetorical question. I'd shut your cakehole if I were you. We'll shut it for you if you don't." Aldred warned.

"He's right. Keep this up, and when the Sheriff returns to the castle at the end of the day, I'm sure he'd delight in the opportunity to use his tongue snippers." Joseph added, gruffly.

Aldred grinned at that comment as he led the man away.

"I honestly don't know how you stand it down here, Joseph." Drake said, shaking his head.

"Most days it's not so bad. However, at the end of this day I feel like I should visit the Sheriff's witch to request a headache remedy." Joseph remarked with an eye roll.

Aldred secured the prisoner beside Hamon. The man was loudly protesting, demanding to see his brother, and muttering about injustice as Aldred walked away, shaking his head.

"It's best to keep quiet around here." Hamon warned the prisoner. "He could easily return here with the whip." he nodded in Aldred's direction as he spoke.

"This is ridiculous. I just wanted to speak to the Sheriff about freeing my brother. He's innocent of the crime they charged him with." the prisoner said.

"So, how'd you end up in here, then?" Hamon asked.

"I stabbed a guard at the gate on my way in."

"Oh! I'm afraid that won't bode well for you, regardless of your brother's situation. The Sheriff will be coming to see you soon. Bet on it." Hamon said.

"No, he won't. The Jailer commented the Sheriff is away from the castle. Said he'd be returning at the end of the day." the prisoner shrugged.

"Is he, now?" Hamon grinned. He wanted to laugh heartily at that comment, but kept his elation concealed. This was turning out to be a perfect day!

---

The Sheriff and his men finally arrived to the sprawling expanse of property where the Prince was staying, about an hour before midday. They dismounted from their horses, looking around for a place to secure them when two men appeared to relieve them of their duties. They directed the Sheriff and his men to the front door of the manse.

A butler opened the door for them, answering the Sheriff's knock.

"Good day. The Sheriff of Nottingham with three of my Black Knights, here to see His Royal Highness." Nottingham announced.

"Ah, yes. The Prince is expecting you. Do come in." the Butler said.

The Butler led them into a sitting room as they waited for the Prince to arrive.

The men were about to be seated on the comfortable looking chairs after their long journey, but Nottingham gave a shake of his head, indicating they stay standing. After several moments, the Prince finally strolled into the room.

"Ah! There you are, George! I was beginning to wonder if you were coming." Prince John greeted him.

"You did say late morning, Your Highness." the Sheriff said.

"Oh, right. I suppose I did, didn't I? Ha, ha! Indeed." he chuckled. Then, he gave an appraising look up and down at the Sheriff's attire, as well as the Sheriff's men. "Uhm… what are you wearing?"

"What do you mean? I'm dressed the way I'd normally dress, Your Highness. It's rather chill outside and this surcoat will keep me warm."

"Ha! Sure it will. But, one look at you and the deer will steer clear of us. You kind of stand out like a sore thumb in your black leather and suede finery."

"With respect, Your Highness, they're deer. I doubt they'll be caring about my clothing." Nottingham said.

"You don't hunt much, do you?" Prince John asked.

"I don't hunt at all. Haven't since I was a young lad."

"The idea is to blend in." Prince John said.

"Blend in with what? The deer? Am I to dress like a Monk?" a beat. "You have a cloak in a boring shade of brown, or something?" the Sheriff grinned.

"Milord, I think he means blending in with the scenery." Luke said.

"Precisely!" Prince John smiled.

"So, you're saying I can't wear this, then." Nottingham sighed, pointing to his surcoat.

"Not unless your goal is to scare them away. Don't worry. We'll get you out of that surcoat and I'll give you one that will work better. You can have your surcoat back when we return here after our hunt, before you head back." Prince John said.

"Very well. You're the expert." Nottingham said.

"Good thing I have quite a few on hand. You would all stand out too much the way you're dressed." Prince John added.

"Very well. That will be fine." the Sheriff nodded.

"Perhaps we should have some wine to warm us before we begin? You've been riding a long while." Prince John suggested.

"We've ridden a lot farther than this in the past." Mordrid muttered.

"If it would please you, Your Highness, we shall accept. Just a small measure, though." Nottingham said.

"Very good! Please, be seated." Prince John smiled.

The men took their seats while Prince John left the room briefly.

"Hate to point out the obvious, Milord, but… whatever surcoat he brings you is probably going to be… very short for you." Mordrid whispered.

Luke and Ancel covered their mouths as they couldn't well conceal their laughter.

"Yes." Nottingham grinned. He began to chuckle, and then he frowned. "That means the sleeves will be too short, too. I hate that!" he grumbled, quietly.

"Don't worry, Milord. We shall all be in it together. All of us are quite a bit taller than he is." Luke grinned.

"Yes, Luke. You do have a point there." Nottingham smiled, glad to have a moment where he could finally joke with his men about something frivolous.

"Looks like you're well prepared, though. You brought a bow with you." Ancel pointed out.

"Indeed." he said, then pulled back his surcoat to show his scabbard. "Brought my sword, as well." he grinned.

"That won't do you any good, Milord. Not for hunting, anyway." Luke said.

"Why is that?" Nottingham asked.

"It would completely destroy the meat, for one thing. Plus you'd never get close enough to them to use it." Ancel said.

"I see. I don't really care about ruining the meat, anyway. I sure as hell am not going to skin and dress whatever I may kill." the Sheriff remarked with a shudder.

"If one of us manages to kill one, we shall haul it back for you, Milord. That meat would feed the entire castle for a good while. Probably a sennight depending on the size of the deer." Luke explained.

"Very well. But only if one of you would skin it. I made the mistake of being present for that once as a young lad. Couldn't eat meat for two months." he said with a look of revulsion.

"Have no fear, Milord. We've got you covered. All you shall need to worry about is trying to move freely in a surcoat that will be tailored to fit a young lad." Ancel grinned.

"Very well." he chuckled.

Luke and Mordrid began to laugh, too, but they kept it at a low volume so as not to be heard.

Prince John then returned with the Butler, who poured wine and served it to each of them. They all chatted over their wine for awhile, before some neutral coloured surcoats were brought in for the men. An hour after their arrival, they all headed back outside, mounting their horses, with the Prince leading them to a wooded area, several acres away from the property.

---

"There it is, Isabelle. That grey stone manor just ahead and to the right." Rhiannon pointed out.

"Oh, my. It's lovely, Rhiannon." Isabelle smiled.

Isabelle was feeling a little more at ease now that they were close. For their journey today was almost complete. They would do a quick visit of the manor, then return home, and on the way back to the castle Isabelle could decide what she would tell Robert of where she had been — if he had even noticed her absence. She sighed. Of course, he would notice her absence. Curses!

Rhiannon steered the horses onto the property and directed the carriage closer to the stables. The ladies stepped down from it, and Rhiannon handed the reins off to the surprised stable master.

They walked the cobblestone path and at the door entrance she fumbled through her drawstring bag, looking for her key. She muttered profanities when she realized she forgot the key. She sighed and began to knock on the door.

In moments, the door opened. Rhiannon was stunned.

"Who the hell are you? Where is Rebeccah?" Rhiannon demanded.

James was aghast for a moment. He'd never actually been formally introduced to her before. He'd never really seen her standing upright — except for when she was running out of the Sheriff's tent in the north, several months ago. It was right after they had found her and she ran screaming from him, obviously quite traumatized from her ordeal with the man who had held her hostage. Soon after that, the Sheriff was carrying her back into the tent, past the confused faces of James and the rest of the men. And then, she fell back into a slumber.

"Milady… Rhiannon?" he asked.

"Naturally. The homeowner, if you please! And I see you are one of my betrothed's men." she said as she gestured to his uniform. "But, what in the devil are you doing here?" Rhiannon demanded as she pushed past him, grasping Isabelle's hand to lead her past the threshold.

"Your betrothed asked me to keep watch here, Milady Rhiannon. I am James." he said as he closed the door.

Damn it! What will I tell her? How will I explain Rebeccah's absence? She doesn't know anything and it's not my place to tell her. Curses! James thought. He looked downcast a moment and sighed.

"Yes, I can see that plainly. You're obviously a Black Knight. But… why are you here? Where. Is. Rebeccah?" she demanded once more.

"She left to… visit her… mother." James stammered. He pushed his golden ginger hair from his face and sighed.

Rebeccah had mentioned her mother in the days leading up to the Sheriff and his newest recruit's arrival, when they escorted Rebeccah to the castle. He hoped this would satisfy the lady's curiosity.

"Oh? When was that?" Rhiannon pressed.

"Uh… yes. It was… yesterday." he blurted, unaware that it was a lucky choice of an answer.

"Interesting. I saw her two days ago on the castle grounds. She never mentioned her mother."

James swallowed, dryly. It would appear that Lady Rhiannon didn't know that Rebeccah was staying at the castle. He couldn't imagine how they ended up running into each other, and the words that were spoken, but it was obvious Rebeccah had thought of something to say to explain her presence there.

"She left in the morning. It was an unexpected visit, but she said she would be returning soon. Tomorrow, or Tuesday." he lied.

"I see. And how long have you been here?"

"Not long, Milady. Just over a sennight."

"Why? Has there been trouble here?" Rhiannon asked.

"No, but the Sheriff was expecting it. A man the Sheriff has been after has been causing trouble in the Village. He asked me specifically to guard your home."

"Well, I appreciate that, but doesn't guarding it demand you be outside of the home, rather than the inside?" Rhiannon asked with a suspicious quirk of her brow.

"Normally, yes. However, the Sheriff thought that my standing outside keeping watch would alert the outlaw that this home was of significance to the Sheriff, thus putting more of a target on it. So, he asked me to guard it from the inside." James explained.

"Interesting. Uhm… are we at war, James?"

"No, Milady. Not to my knowledge."

"Well, that is an interesting tactic he came up with." she stated as she took the hood of her cape down and removed her gloves.

"It has worked so far, Milady. We have had no trouble here at all." James nodded.

"Well, I appreciate that. I suppose… if my betrothed trusts you, then I should, too. Forgive me. It was most unexpected finding you here."

"Of course, Milady Rhiannon." James smiled. He softly sighed in relief.

"I don't believe we've met before?" Rhiannon said.

"No, Milady. Not formally. But, I was present in the north when you… were found." James said, softly.

"I see." she sighed.

"But, you are very well acquainted with my lady wife." he hinted.

"Who is your lady wife?" she asked.

"My wife is Lady Margaret. She is a practicing midwife, and is currently studying under the tutelage of Master Crumwell to be a medicus." James smiled, proudly. His grey eyes twinkled as he mentioned her.

"Oh, my! Indeed. She is quite a lady. Saved my life a couple of times." Rhiannon smiled. She nodded to Isabelle. "This is my sister in law, Lady Isabelle Wordsworth."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Milady. Actually, both of you, now." James nodded. He managed to conceal his familiarity with her.

"Likewise." Isabelle smiled. She had already met James. It was James who brought her back to the castle when she was minding her nephew in Nettlestone. She hoped that Rhiannon wouldn't notice that she and James recognized each other.

"Are you quite certain there's been no trouble here of late, James? Rebeccah was behaving… rather oddly when I saw her on Friday. Alas, that is precisely the reason I made this trip." Rhiannon said.

"Yes, Milady. Quite certain. Everything here has been running smoothly, and I believe it put your lady servant at ease having me here to guard your manor." James said.

"Oh, I'm sure it did. You're a more suitable choice for protection than my stable master, or groundskeeper. It was just… quite unexpected to find her in the back gardens of the castle. She said she was there to speak to my betrothed about a matter involving one of the town's merchants. But, the timing and her placement there was off. She's never been known for that before." Rhiannon explained.

"I'm sure it's just coincidental, Milady." he said in an attempt to assuage her.

"Perhaps. But, if you know my betrothed, he has stated many times theres no such thing as coincidences, and I tend to believe he is right about that." Rhiannon said.

"Yes, Milady. She never mentioned her visit to the castle. I have no knowledge of her motivations."

"Very well. I'm just going to take a look around. It's been too long since I've been here. You understand?"

"Of course, Milady. Take all the time you need." he smiled.

---

It was becoming rather rowdy in the dungeon. Some of the prisoners were being washed, by way of buckets of water dumped on them by the guards. Others were loudly protesting, clanging their chains. Then, a fight broke out between two prisoners close to where Hamon and the newest prisoner were located. The newest prisoner sat, sulking about his current predicament, oblivious to everyone around him. That's when Hamon decided to get to work.

Some fifteen minutes passed. A haze began to form. One of the prisoners began to sniff at the air.

"Do you smell that?" he asked the prisoners nearby.

"Shut it! Someone probably soiled their breeches. It's the status quo around here." one of the guards bellowed.

"No. He's right. That smells like… smoke." another prisoner said.

"Impossible!" the guard insisted.

A few moments later, the same guard began to notice it, too. He left his post and walked about ten feet away. As he did so, the smoke was becoming more dense. Visibility was poor, and it became increasingly difficult to breathe. He grabbed a large handkerchief from his doublet pocket and held it over his mouth and nose as he made his way to the spot where he last saw Joseph.

"Joseph!" he called out to him. "We need more buckets of water. Now! There's a damn fire somewhere in here!"

---

Mistress Floria was reclined against her big fluffy pillows upon her huge four poster bed, her knees drawn up, a tray against them with parchment paper placed upon it. She was sketching her favourite subject matter: Gowns. She was pleased when she asked the sentry hours earlier if she could obtain parchment and ink, that he was able to grant her request. She knew it would help distract her from the events of the night before. She was mildly annoyed when there was a knock on her door. She set the quill down, moved the tray and answered the knock.

"A visitor here to to see you, Miss." the sentry announced. He stepped aside and Madam Birghiva appeared at the doorway.

"Oh, Madam Birghiva. Do come in." Floria said.

Once the door was closed, Floria's expression changed to a more serious note. She sighed.

"Alright. Who told you?" Floria asked.

"I received a note from the Sheriff this morning." Madam Birghiva said.

"He told you… everything?"

"He said very little. All he said was that you were harmed, Officer Luke found you, and you were brought here."

"I see." Floria said as she turned, then walked to a chair. She seated herself and looked up at Madam Birghiva.

"Floria, What happened, child?" Madam Birghiva asked as she moved closer toward her.

"Things didn't go too well in town last evening." Floria said.

"In what way?"

"He was drunk, obnoxious, abusive, then he dragged me out of the tavern to a nearby shed." a beat. "It didn't go too well for him in there."

"Did he… " the Madam started to say, but her words trailed off.

"He tried. I'm afraid… you won't be seeing him anymore, Madam. A stranger came to my rescue. He killed him, took off, and then Officer Luke just magically appeared." Floria explained.

"That filthy beast! I had some doubts about him. He was practically obsessed with a few of you. Celestria and Gelldred, in particular. I never heard complaints about him, but he gave me a bad feeling." Madam Birghiva muttered in disgust.

"I'm glad you're not disappointed. He was a good customer to you."

"Of course not, my dear. I'm only grateful you're safe. Will Lady Rhiannon be by soon? I'd like to thank her for tending to you." Madam Birghiva asked.

"I don't know, Madam." Floria shrugged.

"Well, have you seen her today? She must have already stopped by to check in on you."

"No. I haven't seen her, and no one has informed me that she is expected to visit today. I'm sure she's busy." Floria said.

Madam Birghiva went to the door, opened it and spoke to the sentry for a few moments. Floria was unable to hear her hushed tones. Soon, the Madam returned to her.

"What was that about?" Floria asked.

"I asked the sentry to send for Lady Rhiannon. I told you I wish to see her." Madam Birghiva smiled.

"There's really no need to bother her." Floria said as she put her hand to her face.

"Try not to touch it, Missy. That mark on your cheek is rather raw looking. Oh! And what's that on your neck?"

"Where he choked me." Floria said.

"Dear God! And Luke showed up! How fortuitous was that?"

"Indeed. Quite lucky." Floria smiled, warmly. She sighed contentedly, then cleared her throat, eyes downcast.

This did not go unnoticed by the Madam.

"I'm glad he found you to bring you to safety, but don't get too familiar with him. Don't forget: You are both employed by the Sheriff." Madam Birghiva warned.

"You sound like him now." Floria sighed.

"Whom? The Sheriff?"

Floria nodded.

"What did you expect? Seems like sound advice. He pays you both. He's allowed to set the rules. You must follow them in order to collect your wages. Don't make this messy, child."

"I won't, Madam Birghiva. There's no need to fret." Floria said, attempting to assuage her.

---

The Sheriff had to admit to himself that the afternoon hunting outing was exactly what was needed. He knew that some hunters used hounds to assist, but Prince John felt they were too noisy and scared away the deer. This made the hunt a more peaceful and agreeable experience for the Sheriff.

The men seemed to be enjoying themselves. Ancel managed to kill one deer, and Luke had come close a couple of times. Prince John got one, as well. The hunting party were scattered in a wooded area, but in clear view of one another. Nottingham was actually enjoying the reprieve, which he very seldom took advantage of. There was just one thing wrong, besides the too small surcoat with the sleeves which were entirely too short for him: He couldn't shake the feeling that there was trouble amiss.

Nottingham guided his horse, wandering farther into the wooded area on his own. He slowed the horse in between a couple of trees, then stopped. He pulled his calfskin flask from the tiny pocket of the too small green and brown surcoat. He struggled to free it from the small fit of the pocket. Finally he had it in hand, unscrewed the top and took a generous swig of water.

The weather was pleasant in this part of the shire. The air was becoming unseasonably warm and a fog began to settle in. He thought he could see something fairly close to him, perhaps ten feet away. He shrugged, took another sip, and then shoved the flask back into the small pocket.

The fog was moving and began to lift from that spot where he thought he saw something. And there it was. A majestic stag stood there before him, the eyes locked with his.

He sat upon his horse, not moving, and his midnight black equine stood still and unmoved as well, which he thought was rather odd. He was transfixed by the magnificence of the deer, which stayed in position for some time; the only movement detected was the breathing. Nottingham couldn't take his eyes off him and dared not move. His longbow was slung over his right shoulder, the quiver of arrows on his left, but he didn't reach for them. He was disinterested in that. He was using the moment to fully appreciate the presence of the stag before him.

It felt like this went on for several moments. He couldn't help but think of Mortianna, what she spoke of the night before, and how she would probably characterize this moment as being some sort of sign.

He closed his eyes a moment, breathing in the fresh, warm autumn breezes, and thought about… his mother. What would he say to her? Why was he even thinking of her? He shook his head in an effort to get rid of the thought.

"George." he heard an unfamiliar melodic voice call to him. It had an echo sound to it.

He opened his eyes. He could see the stag no longer. Fog had settled around him once again.

"No. You're not here. You're dead. I don't know you." the Sheriff whispered.

He suddenly felt quite relaxed. He couldn't imagine why. Then, in the very next moment he felt something sharp, then wet. Was it raining? He felt lightheaded, so he bent his head down, resting it against his horse's neck. I'll just close my eyes for a moment. He thought. He never felt the fall from his horse.

"George? Oh, my Heavens! GEORGE!"

Leave me. I am a little tired.

"God damn it, George!"

And then, a few seconds later: "Men! Come quickly! He's been injured!" Prince John shouted to them.

---

Rhiannon was steering the carriage through town. She was satisfied with her visit to her manor, although, she would have liked to have spoken to Rebeccah. She had to admit it gave her comfort to know that James was on guard there.

At this moment, she had a sudden feeling of foreboding, however. There was a momentary shiver that went through her, then it quickly passed. She shook her head. She couldn't begin to understand why she felt unease. She took in a few breaths, suddenly aware the air was considerably less chill than it had been in the morning. She shook her head. You're being ridiculous. There's nothing wrong. Perhaps you're just worried about how you'll explain this to George? Everything is fine. Just enjoy this day for what it is.

"It's a beautiful home, Rhiannon. I'm pleased to have seen it with you." Isabelle smiled.

"Thank you, Sister. I'm glad you decided to accompany me. Speaking of homes, I have an idea."

"Oh? What is that?"

"George told me where the abandoned manor is — the one Robert wishes to purchase for you both. Why don't we go take a look at it on our way back?" Rhiannon suggested.

"I don't know, Rhiannon. We should probably head back." Isabelle argued.

"It will only take a few moments. It will be fine. You'll see." Rhiannon smiled.

"Alright. You're the driver, after all." Isabelle relented.

Rhiannon smiled and urged the horses into a gallop through the main road in the Village.

---

"Milord Sheriff! Wake up!" Luke called out to him as he reached down to him and lightly tapped on his cheek.

"How long has he been out for?" Ancel asked the Prince.

"I don't know. Perhaps a few moments. This is how I found him. I don't understand? I thought I was aiming for that stag! There was a large stag just over there!" Prince John exclaimed, pointing in the direction where the Sheriff had seen him, too.

"Do not fret, Your Highness. It was an accident. The fog was heavy for a few moments, and the good news is, I don't see much blood." Luke attempted to assuage him.

Ancel and Mordrid knelt on either side of the Sheriff, then opened his surcoat and lifted his tunic, checking the wound to assess how deeply the arrowhead was embedded.

"There. His lower left side! Oh my, there is quite a bit of bleeding." Luke said.

Luke took his surcoat off then peeled off his clean white tunic. He pulled a dagger from his boot and began to tear at his tunic with it, ripping it into strips. He grabbed some in a wad and used them to apply pressure to the Sheriff's wound, around the arrow.

"Milord Sheriff! Do not stay asleep!" Luke urged him.

Nottingham opened his eyes and tried to focus. The faces of the men surrounding him looked like they were enveloped in the fog he had seen moments before and after the majestic stag came into focus for him.

"Luke?" he whispered. "What in the devil… are you doing to me? Why am I… laying on the ground?"

"You've been injured, Milord. We need to pull that arrow from you."

"What?" he asked.

Luke looked to Mordrid and Ancel. "Thank God the arrowhead is still visible. It's not embedded too deep. That is good."

"We need to get him to safety, and we shouldn't touch that arrow, because right now, it's stopping the blood flow." Ancel said.

The men looked at him curiously, wondering how he knew so much?

"I learned a few things from my uncle. He is a medicus in the south." Ancel shrugged.

"There's a good medicus in the area. I will summon for him to come straightaway." Prince John said.

"Good. The medicus will surely respond if you summon him. It's better we leave the arrow. It shouldn't be touched until the medicus is present and ready to tend to him." Ancel said, firmly.

The Sheriff reached for the arrow and grasped it.

"Get this… thing out of — "

"No, Milord!" Luke exclaimed, swatting the Sheriff's hands away from it. "You mustn't! Let us get you back to the Prince's manse. We shall remove it there."

"Damn you, Luke! Get this… out. That is… an order." Nottingham whispered.

"And I shall have to suffer the consequences of disobeying you. You will not touch that damn arrow again!" Luke said, sharply.

"Bloody hell. How… the hell… did this happen?" Nottingham shook his head, attempting to demand an answer, but was unable to reach the vocal force he was known for.

"It was an accident, Milord." Mordrid said.

"Who… the hell is responsible?" he pressed. His head was beginning to ache, oddly. The Sheriff couldn't understand why.

"It matters not, Mil — "

"It matters! My wedding is… next week, for the… love of Zeus, Mordrid!"

"It was I, George. Forgive me. I saw the stag, but there was a thick fog. I missed the deer, and the fog cleared. It was you I hit." Prince John said, solemnly.

Nottingham stared at him, strangely. He wanted to be angry, but he realized he wasn't as angry as he originally thought. He actually was enjoying the afternoon until this happened, especially the peaceful moment when he saw the stag.

"It's fine… Your Highness. Are we… done? Hunting?" the Sheriff asked in a whisper.

"Yes, friend." Prince John said. "What? You think we'd leave you here to pursue more deer? It was a fine hunt."

"It was?"

"We have two kills to take back to the castle with us, Milord. Luke got one just before… this happened." Mordrid said.

"Very good. Lots of meat for… the wedding feast. Will there… be a wedding?" Nottingham asked, softly.

"Of course, Milord. You're going to be fine!" Luke smiled. Then, he looked over to Ancel. "He will be fine… won't he?" he whispered.

"As long as the arrowhead isn't too deep, he should be." Ancel whispered. "The most important organs are in the chest region. There's just one thing to worry about, besides the amount of blood loss."

"What is that?" Luke, Mordrid, and Prince John asked, in unison..

"The wound festering." Ancel whispered.

---

"Curses! Keep those buckets coming, Aldred!" Joseph was shouting orders in the dungeon.

Several of the guards were bringing in buckets of water, and following Joseph's directives on where to pour them. The fire had grown and was now contained, but the smoke was still thick. Many of the prisoners were shouting, some were screaming, some were coughing. The cacophony grew deafening.

"Are we at least controlling it?" Aldred shouted, holding a rag up to his face.

"Barely! Send Alfred to alert Sir Gisborne." Joseph instructed.

"On it!" Aldred shouted and ran towards the door.

---

Madam Birghiva was relieved to hear a knock at the door — finally.

"Stay there, Floria. That must be the Sheriff. I asked to speak with him when the sentry reported they couldn't locate Lady Rhiannon." Madam Birghiva instructed.

"I don't know why you're making such a fuss, Ma — "

"You can argue about this later. We mustn't keep the Sheriff waiting." Madam Birghiva said, firmly. Then, she turned and headed to the door.

She was surprised to see Sir Gisborne standing there.

"Sir Gisborne. Good day. I was hoping to speak to the Sheriff." Madam Birghiva said.

"He's unavailable today, Madam. He won't be back until probably the gloaming. I'm in charge today." Guy said.

"I see. Won't you come in, then?"

He nodded and stepped inside while she closed the door.

"I'm sure you must have heard about Floria." Madam Birghiva whispered.

"Yes, Madam. My cousin briefed me on that before he left this morning. I'm not privy to the details. I just know she was harmed in some way, and that Luke brought her here last night." he explained, quietly.

"Yes. He told me in a letter that Lady Rhiannon tended to Floria. I'm assuming she did that last night. I've asked to see her, to thank her for her kindness. The sentry was unable to locate her, however. Do you know anything about that?"

"No, Madam. That is odd. She might be outside somewhere. She likes the outdoors. I haven't heard anything." Guy said.

"I'd feel better about heading back to the brothel if I knew Lady Rhiannon was present. Perhaps I shall — "

She was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. Guy called out for whomever it was to enter.

Guy turned to face the door, which flew open and a breathless Alfred was standing before him.

"Sir Gisborne. You must come with me. Urgently!" Alfred exclaimed.

Guy nodded at him, then looked to Madam Birghiva.

"I must go, Madam. You stay put and I shall return."

"Very well." she nodded.

---

Outside of the door to Floria's new quarters, Guy stopped a moment to speak to Alfred.

"What's going on?"

"There is a fire in the dungeon, Sir Gisborne. The men are fighting it with buckets of water. Joseph asked me to summon you." Alfred said, urgently.

"God damn it! You must be jesting!" Guy exclaimed.

"No, Sir Gisborne." Alfred said.

"Alright. Let's go!" Guy urged him.

They ran the length of the corridor toward the staircase.

---

Finally, around mid afternoon, Ladies Rhiannon and Isabelle were approaching the abandoned manor.

"There it is, Isabelle." Rhiannon pointed to it.

"Oh my! It's rather large for two people, isn't it?" Isabelle exclaimed.

"Looks can be deceiving. That's why we're going to stop and look inside."

"What? No, Rhiannon. I don't think we should. Isn't it unlawful to do so?" Isabelle asked.

"Nobody owns it, Isabelle. What law would we be breaking? It will be your home, anyway. Come. Stop being such a spoilsport." Rhiannon chided her.

She steered the carriage to the path leading up beside the manor. She secured the horses and then went into the carriage after Isabelle stepped down from it. Isabelle was surprised when Rhiannon emerged from the carriage with the bow slung over her right shoulder, and the quiver of arrows hung on her left.

"Rhiannon, what are you doing? You don't need that." Isabelle argued.

"It's just for protection. Would you ease up? You're wound up tight as a harp string, for Heaven's sake!" Rhiannon sighed.

They made their way up the path leading to the door. The door opened easily and they stepped inside, closing it behind them.

"Well, isn't this rather quaint, Isabelle?" Rhiannon smiled.

"Yes. It's perfect so far. Oh, look at the lovely fireplace in the sitting room!" Isabelle exclaimed as she headed for the room, beckoning Rhiannon to follow.

"I can just picture Robert and I seated near a blazing fire here. Isn't it wonderful?" Isabelle beamed.

"Indeed. I can see it, too." Rhiannon agreed.

"I wonder what it's like upstairs? Should we look?" Isabelle asked.

Rhiannon nodded and they headed toward the staircase.

Once they reached the second level, they crept down the dimly lit hallway toward some rooms they could see ahead of them. They made it a few feet down the long hall when Rhiannon stopped suddenly.

"What is it?" Isabelle asked.

"Hush, Isabelle. Keep your voice down. Something's amiss. Did you hear that?" Rhiannon whispered.

"Hear what?" Isabelle asked in a soft voice.

"It sounded like… foot — "

Suddenly the footsteps grew louder, followed by a shrill voice that startled them.

"You! What the hell are you doing here?" the maiden shrieked.

"Wait… is that… Celestria? What are you doing here, you mean? This home does not belong to you." Rhiannon said, firmly.

"As if you'd need it!" Celestria sneered as she moved in closer toward them.

"Rhiannon? What in the devil is happening? Who is this woman?" Isabelle whispered, urgently.

"She's a whore, Sister." Rhiannon said, keeping her voice at a normal volume so that it could be heard.

"How dare you, you cursed wretch!" Celestria screamed as she began to run after them.

Rhiannon had her hand on her bow, about to take it from her shoulder and take aim, until she noticed light from a nearby torch catching in the reflection of a shiny blade. Celestria had a dagger wielded high in her hand.

"Damn it! Get to the stairs and head down. Now!" Rhiannon urged Isabelle.

She knew she needed some distance before she could take aim at the consort. The ladies ran down the stairs, and within moments, Rhiannon stood at the base of them, her bow in hand and loaded, aimed and ready to fire.

---

Nottingham was reclined on a lounging chair in the sitting room, back at the estate where Prince John was staying. The men were seated on chairs nearby, looking on with concerned expressions on their faces as a local medicus the Prince knew was tending to the Sheriff's wound.

"There. I think we've got it now." the medicus said as he trimmed the last knot of the sutures.

"The wound is closed?" Prince John asked.

"Yes. It was fortunate the arrow didn't go too deep into the tissue. There was some loss of blood, but I've sewn the layers. We need to keep the wound covered." the medicus said nonchalantly, as he washed his hands in a basin at a nearby table.

"Layers?" Mordrid asked. He swallowed, dryly.

"Yes. There's different layers of flesh. They need to be sewn separately." the medicus explained.

"I see." Mordrid sighed. He looked to the floor, trying to control the urge to heave.

"You say he was going to be heading back to Nottingham shortly?" the medicus asked Prince John.

"Yes, that is correct." the Prince nodded.

"Does he have a medicus who can see to him when he returns?"

"Yes. Thomas Crumwell is his personal physician." Luke said. "Could you perhaps document briefly what you did here so we can show it to Master Crumwell? It would probably make more sense than one of us attempting to explain it to him."

"That's a very wise idea. I will do that." the medicus nodded as he dried his hands with a clean towel.

"How soon can I leave?" Nottingham asked. He was fumbling to put his black tunic back on.

"You may feel weakened when you stand, Milord. You lost a fair bit of blood." the medicus explained.

"I'll figure it out. I have responsibilities." Nottingham said.

"Try and increase your fluid intake. Take your time when you get up. If you feel too weakened to walk, then you're too weakened to ride. If that happens you'll need to rest a little longer before you head back." the medicus cautioned.

"I'm sure I'll be fine." he said as he placed his left hand over his covered wound. He was feeling some pain.

"Here. Take this with you." the medicus said. He extracted a vial from his bag and passed it to the Sheriff.

"What is this?" the Sheriff asked.

"Opium. It will help with the pain. You'll only need one to two drops every three to four hours, as needed. Be sure to follow up with your own medicus once you arrive home, and do inform him I gave this to you."

"He shall be summoned the very moment we arrive, I assure you." Luke said.

"Very good. I will write up that note for you to give to him." the medicus said. Then, he left the room.

"We can wait to leave, Milord. You should rest for a short time, at least." Ancel said.

"If we leave soon we'll make it by sundown. That is long enough." Nottingham said.

"We shall see when you stand up. For now, just lay back, and let's get some fluids into you." Luke suggested.

"I don't need to be fussed over!" Nottingham huffed.

"Milord, you were injured. The world won't end if we arrive a little bit late." Mordrid pointed out.

"You should listen to them, George. You need to wait, anyway, while the medicus jots some notes down for your physician. I shall have some water and juice brought to you. You shall need to refill your water flask for the journey home, also." Prince John added.

"Very well, but we shall take leave when your medicus returns with his notes." Nottingham grumbled.

---

Gisborne entered into the dungeon, immediately grabbing a large handkerchief from his doublet pocket to hold over his mouth and nose as he was greeted by a thick wall of grey smoke. He was grateful not to see many flames as yet, but smoke was never a good sign.

"Joseph?" Gisborne called as he slowly made his way further inside.

"Sir Gisborne!" Joseph called out to him. He moved in closer toward him.

"How long has this been going on?" Guy demanded.

"Close to an hour. We responded immediately and have been fighting it ever since. I wanted to gain some control of it before summoning you."

"The prisoners. Are they accounted for?"

"So far as I can tell. We've been preoccupied with managing the fire, and the visibility has been poor with the smoke, so the numbers so far aren't exact." Joseph quickly explained.

"Very well. You step out for a few moments. Aldred will take over and I'll see to it that we keep the water coming. Your face is covered in soot, lad. Go." Gisborne ordered him.

Another half hour had passed before the fire was completely extinguished. Fortunately, there was only a fraction of structural damage, thanks to the immediate response of the guards.

The smoke was still settling. Many of the prisoners, and the guards along with Gisborne, were coughing. Gisborne and Joseph did a walk through to assess the damage while Aldred and another guard did a prisoner count.

"It looks like we shall only need to repair a few walls, and do a clean up in here. Well done, Joseph." Gisborne said.

"Thank you, Milord. It seems there's mostly smoke damage. I just wish I knew how it started." Joseph muttered.

"Sir Gisborne?" Aldred interrupted them.

"Yes, Aldred. What is it?"

"We did a head count, and then a couple more recounts. We, uh… seem to be missing a prisoner." Aldred said.

"What?" Guy asked, slowly. "Any idea whom is missing?"

"Aye. The one who stands out like a sore thumb. The short ginger bloke who was brought in six days ago."

"What? Now, you have got to be jesting!… WHAT?"

"I'm afraid not, Sir Gisborne." Aldred sighed.

"Unbelievable. The man has been gone maybe six hours and this castle is going to pure hell!" Guy huffed as he kicked at a nearby wooden beam. The beam had been damaged by smoke. It cracked and fell to the ground. He sighed heavily and put his palm to his forehead, shaking his head at the same time.

"Sir Gisborne?" Joseph asked.

"I would wager he was the one who started the fire! That scheming potato bloke!" Guy spat.

"But… how?" Joseph asked.

"I don't know how. I just know it was him. Alright, things seem to have settled here. I'll leave you to it. Open some windows, but not too wide, or it will ignite the damn embers. I must go and organize a search party!" Guy grumbled as he turned and went on his way.

---

He made it up to the main floor and saw the Scribe. He asked the Scribe to summon the Captain and some of the men to the Council Quarters at once. The Scribe nodded and left to carry out the task. As he was headed to the Council Quarters, he saw Robert walking quickly toward him.

"Sir Gisborne. May I have a word?" Robert asked.

"Very well. I'm waiting on the Captain and some of the Sheriff's and my men to arrive, but I have a few moments before then. What is it?" Guy asked.

"Have you happened to see my wife wandering about?" Robert asked.

"No. It's been an unusually busy day around here, however. Perhaps she's with your sister?" Guy said.

"I haven't seen Rhiannon, either. I assumed she was kept occupied today with some wedding planning. She's been busy with that of late."

"Yes, most likely." Guy agreed.

"I was in the armoury until an hour ago. I expected I would have found Isabelle by now." Robert added.

"They might be out in the back gardens. Lady Rhiannon often goes there to read her books, I'm told."

"Perhaps I should give it some more time, then. If I go chasing after them out there, they might wonder if something is wrong." Robert sighed.

"Well, something is wrong. We've had a few things go wrong today, to be blunt about it." Guy muttered. He paused a moment as a thought came to him.

"What is it, Sir Gisborne?" Robert asked.

"Did you have anything pressing planned for the moment?"

"No. Why?"

"You're the Sheriff's Adviser. You should be present at the meeting I'm about to have with the Captain and some of the Black Knights. We've got some pressing issues to get a handle on before he returns." Guy huffed.

"Very well. What's going on?" Robert asked.

"If you don't mind, I'm going to save it for the meeting. It's been ridiculous today. You've no idea, but you're about to find out." Guy said, shaking his head.

"It can't wait until his arrival?" Robert pressed.

"Absolutely not. I've got a number of problems to mitigate before then. As it is, he's going to be beside himself when he hears my report of how this cursed day went." Guy muttered.

"Very well. Shall we wait for the men inside, then?" Robert asked, gesturing to the door of the meeting room.

"Aye. I need some water." Guy said, hoarsely. He swiftly pulled his handkerchief from his doublet pocket, then held it to his face and coughed

"Sir Gisborne? Is that dirt on your cheek?" Robert asked, curiously.

"It's soot, Robert. Soot, believe it or not!" he caught the curious expression on Robert's face. He sighed. "Don't ask. You shall hear all about it momentarily. As I said, it's been a bitch of a… ridiculous day around here!" Guy huffed.

---

"Rhiannon, for crying out loud! Let's just go. We can make a run for it. The carriage is just outside!" Isabelle whispered to her, urgently.

"That woman dares to threaten us with a dagger? This is precisely the reason I have my bow, Isabelle. I'm a good shot. You'd be surprised." Rhiannon said confidently, turning back to address her sister in law.

"Your wedding is in nine days time. Think of your betrothed. Think of the child!"

"Stop distracting me, Sister. I must keep my eyes on the damned target!"

"I knew this outing was a bad idea. I've known it all along!" Isabelle muttered.

"Shush, Isabelle! Where did she go?" Rhiannon whispered. "Why is it so damn dark up there?"

"Who cares? We must leave. At once!"

"Ah, there you are, you cursed wretch!" Celestria called to her from the top of the stairs. "What are you going do with that silly weapon? We could've been happy, but you ruined everything!"

"What in the world is she prattling on about?" Isabelle whispered.

"One step further and you'll feel an arrow pierce your chest." Rhiannon warned, ignoring Isabelle's question.

"Ha, ha! You wouldn't even know how to use it, you useless, cursed, spoiled wretch!" Celestria screamed.

"You know nothing!" Rhiannon shouted.

"Rhiannon! Come on! She's raving like a mad woman. Now's our chance!" Isabelle urged her.

Celestria was unfazed by the arrow in position, aimed directly at her. She began to advance down the steps, her dagger held high in the air.

She was surprised when the arrow was fired. She moved quickly out of the way of it, as Rhiannon rapidly reloaded.

"You sodding little bitch!" Celestria shrieked.

Another arrow was shot. Celestria turned. This one hit her in the front of her shoulder. She screamed.

"Did you get her?" Isabelle asked.

"I'm not certain. I think so. It's too dark up there to see properly. Curses!" Rhiannon muttered.

"Alright, Rhiannon. Now! I'm assuming you got her because she sounded like she was in pain." Isabelle pointed out.

"I didn't hear her drop to the floor, however. She should have fallen!" Rhiannon softly exclaimed as she took a step toward the stairs.

"No, Rhiannon. Leave her! We'll tell Sir Guy about this if the Sheriff hasn't returned. Let the Black Knights deal with her. We'll never get back if we don't leave now!" Isabelle implored her, having no knowledge of just how true those words were.

"I'd feel better if I knew for certain." Rhiannon parried.

They heard moaning and shuffling noises coming from the second floor.

"Hear that? She's down. She'll probably be dead soon. Come on, Sister. We're wasting time. Let's go!" Isabelle exclaimed. She grabbed Rhiannon's hand, pulling her toward the front door.

As Isabelle opened the door, the ladies were shocked to see a short, rotund man standing there before them.

"If you please, Sir, you're blocking our path." Isabelle said.

"I heard a commotion coming from here. Is everything quite alright?" he asked.

"It is nothing. Thank you for your concern, but we must be on our way." Rhiannon said, firmly.

"I can see it was not nothing, Miss." he said as he nodded to the longbow and quiver of arrows Rhiannon was carrying. "Where are you headed?"

"Nowhere — " Rhiannon was interrupted.

"Nottingham Castle." Isabelle blurted. "We must get back at once, before my Sister in law's betrothed returns."

"Isabelle!" Rhiannon scolded.

"I see. So… you must be the Sheriff's lady, then?" he said as his eyebrow quirked, suspiciously.

"What difference does it make? You're blocking our path. We must go!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"On the contrary. You're not going anywhere." Hamon grinned as he pulled a dagger from his boot and pointed it at them.

---

The Sheriff and his men had been riding about ten miles when he slowed his horse to a canter, placing his left hand on his lower left side over his wound. The men took note and slowed their horses, bringing them up beside him.

"Milord, would you like to stop?" Ancel asked.

"Perhaps you should have some water, Milord? And maybe a couple of drops of that opium?" Luke suggested.

"We're not stopping, and I don't need the opium. That poison will sedate me. It will only slow us down!" Nottingham said, firmly.

"It was prescribed for the pain, Milord. You took an arrow into your gut. Maybe one drop would help?" Mordrid added.

"It's all poison. Opium is poison. If I take any of it, it will be when I'm retiring for the night." the Sheriff said.

"As you wish, Milord." Mordrid nodded.

"Men, we're going to need to forego our visit with Fingle. Perhaps tomorrow after the Town Council meeting we will make our way there."

"Very well, Milord. One day won't make much difference, anyway." Luke agreed. He was relieved. He was eager to check in on Floria to make sure she was comfortable and settled in well at the castle.

"Perhaps you should hold off on planning to attend tomorrow's meeting until you meet with your medicus, Milord Sheriff? I can't imagine you'd be feeling able for that." Ancel suggested, firmly.

"It will be fine. I don't get a day off, Ancel — unless I call off dead." Nottingham said, dryly. "All I need to do is be present and sit on a chair. If it's as boring as ninety nine percent of the Town Council meetings thus far, perhaps I'll take a drop of this cursed opium then!" he huffed.

The men chuckled, pleased to see him making light of the situation.

The Sheriff pulled his flask from his surcoat pocket, unscrewed it and took a generous swig of the water before putting it back. He maintained eye contact with all of the men as he did so.

"There. Satisfied? I'm keeping up with the fluids. Alright, men. Let's pick up the pace. The sun shall be setting in a couple of hours."

They kicked their horses into a gallop and continued south on the Great North Way.

---

Gisborne sat at the head of the table in the Council Quarters. Robert and Duke Farnsworth sat on either side of him, as the rest of the men, as well as the Scribe took their seats.

"Alright men! I need your full attention now." Gisborne began.

"What's this about?" Duke Farnsworth asked. "And what happened to Emory's leg?"

"It is fine, Duke. The Sheriff's medicus stitched it up for me. I can ride, but it might be a few days before I can run." Emory said.

"He was attacked while manning the portcullis. A man was able to gain entrance to the property at that time. He was captured by Drake and Castor, and is currently sitting in the dungeon." Guy said.

"But… how did he gain entry?" Alex asked.

"Some lady servants had just passed through, driving a carriage. Said they needed to go into town. That's when he seized the moment." Castor reported.

"What?" Gerad asked, incredulously. He looked to Gisborne. "Since when are lady servants permitted to take a whole carriage?"

"Since… never." Guy said, flatly.

"Oh, great. His Lordship surely won't like this." Duke Farnsworth frowned, shaking his head.

"Indeed, Duke." Gisborne sighed.

"Excuse me, but… how many lady servants?" Robert asked Castor.

"Two." Castor replied.

Robert's eyebrow shot north. He was beginning to contemplate that when the Captain's voice interrupted.

"Have they returned, Castor? Does anyone know?"

"I checked with Drake and Adam before reporting to this meeting, Captain. The only carriage that came back today was the one Gerad used by order of the Sheriff." Castor said, confidently.

"Curses! They've stolen a carriage, Sir Guy!" Duke Farnsworth exclaimed.

"That's not even the half of it. Normally, I would have sent some of you out to look for the thieving women and the carriage by now, but we have a more pressing issue to deal with than that!" Guy spat.

"What is it?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"You're not going to believe it. Curses!"

"Tell us, Sir Gisborne. We shall fix whatever it is." Gerad said.

"There was a fire in the dungeon. A cursed fire!" Guy exclaimed.

"What?" the Captain asked, incredulously.

"How did that happen?" Alex asked.

"Oh, I'm sure I can guess. Now that the fire is out and the smoke is clearing, we discovered yet another problem." Guy hinted.

"What is it?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"After a proper head count was done — three times by Aldred and another guard, it was discovered there is a prisoner missing. Take a wild guess whom." Guy said with his eyes narrowed in anger.

"I bet I can. Mister Potato Bloke! Am I right?" Alex asked.

"The one and only! I'm sure he was the one who started the cursed fire!" Guy huffed.

"Shall we leave now, Sir Guy?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"Yes. I should be joining you, but I must stay to run things before my cousin returns."

"What say you, Robert? Since you are the Sheriff's Adviser?" Duke Farnsworth asked.

"Well, I think I'd need to know a bit more about the escaped prisoner, rather than him being compared to a potato." Robert said, dryly. "I mean, how important would it be to Milord to have the fugitive brought back, hopefully before he arrives?"

"He blames my cousin for the death of his sister. She died in a fire and was found to be… a heretic. As payment for that, he's been plotting to… harm your sister." Guy said.

"Is he the reason the Sheriff sent a Black Knight to guard Rhiannon's home?" Robert asked, pointedly.

"Yes." Gisborne nodded.

"Then, it sounds like he's a priority for the Sheriff." Robert said. "Get him."

"Indeed." Guy nodded.

"Very well. Let's get a game plan going." Duke Farnsworth said. He looked to Castor. "When does Drake and Adam finish their duties at the portcullis?"

"Very shortly, Captain. There's two lads who should be relieving them any moment." Castor said.

"Good. They're coming with us." the Captain said. He turned to Gisborne. "We'll get him, Sir Guy. We'll report to you when we have him in custody."

"Very good." Guy nodded.

"Or… would you prefer it if we just eliminate the bastard?" Gerad asked.

"No. Once the Sheriff hears about all that the cursed sod accomplished in one afternoon, I'm sure he would prefer to have that pleasure all to himself." Guy grinned, deviously.

"Noted." Duke Farnsworth said. Then, he directed his attention to the men. "Alright, men! Let's be on our way. We have a stumpy bloke to capture before he waddles too far away."

---

"What do you want with us?" Rhiannon demanded, as the homely short man was urging the ladies back up the stairs.

"It was only you I was after, but unfortunately for your friend here, looks like we'll be having a wee party."

"The hell we will!" Rhiannon shouted.

"Keep going, and do shut it! Why are you all so whiny?" Hamon remarked, sharply.

Rhiannon was angered that he held a dagger to her, insisting she drop her weapons. She smiled to herself, though. Because she had another trick up her sleeve.

"There's a mad woman up there. We cannot go up there!" Isabelle exclaimed. She was breathing heavily, but it wasn't because of the incline, it was because of fear.

"Oh? Another one? How fun! Hey, Sheriff's bitch! That wouldn't be your lady servant up there, would it? Now, that would be perfectly poetic!" he laughed.

"What would you know of my lady servant?" Rhiannon shot back.

"You'd be surprised. I know plenty! In fact, I was on my way to check out your manor, but fortunes guided me over here — with all that lady shrieking going on. Isn't that funny?" Hamon chuckled.

"You're a sick, homely creature. It will be a pleasure seeing you eliminated!" Rhiannon spat.

"Rhiannon!" Isabelle scolded her.

"Oh. Thanks, Blondie! Now, I know her name. Not that it will matter." he scoffed.

They made it to the top of the stairs and he urged them down the dark hallway. At the first door to the right, he shoved them both inside.

"Now, you ladies be good little girls and stay there. I'll get the festivities started." he laughed and slammed the door.

They heard heavy sounds of shuffling and scraping just outside of it.

"What is he doing?" Isabelle whispered.

"I think he's moving furniture in front of the door. Curses! He's got us trapped!" Rhiannon exclaimed, softly.

"Who is he, Rhiannon? He acts like he knows you somehow?"

"I've no idea, but I bet I can guess. He's probably got his undergarments in a wad about some perceived injustice that George dished out to him, or someone he knows." Rhiannon huffed. "A tale damn near as old as time."

"Well, for once, I hope your betrothed tears his fat bottom to pieces!" Isabelle remarked in a huff.

"Not if I get to him first!" Rhiannon grinned with her eyebrow quirked.

"But, he made you drop your bow and arrows, Rhiannon. Just after he shoved us back through the door. How could you get to him?" Isabelle pointed out.

"Anything can be used as a weapon, Sister. It's all about timing and hitting the right place. You should learn how to protect yourself, too. These are dangerous times we live in. Noble people try to pretend everything is perfect and gentile, but wanton violence is rampant." Rhiannon explained.

"Hmm. I suppose you're right. At least we have a window. We should try to escape."

"I want my weapons back." Rhiannon said, firmly.

"For God's sake, Sister! The man is holding us hostage! Who cares about the bow and arrows?"

"I do. Served us well once today, didn't it?"

"I suppose." Isabelle paused a moment before she continued, as Rhiannon went looking around the room for anything she could use to pry the door open. "Rhiannon?"

"Yes? What is it?"

"Is… this what it was like when you and Meridwyn were captured together?"

"No. Not even close. That man was evil. Had me tied to a chair, and Meridwyn was unresponsive, laying on the floor. He shot an arrow in our direction as we were riding. Meridwyn's horse bucked and threw her." Rhiannon explained.

"I see." Isabelle said, softly.

"But I broke free of the ropes that were binding my wrists, and then I stabbed him. If I could get away from that man who was much more lithe and agile, we can definitely escape from the stout one who's holding us now." Rhiannon said, confidently.

An hour had passed. Isabelle was fanning herself while she was seated on the floor, her back up against a wall. Rhiannon was pacing. Constantly plotting, trying to think of ways to assist them.

"Have you heard any noises from up here, Isabelle?"

"No. Just your footsteps. Do you think he left?"

"No, he didn't leave. He wouldn't shove us in here making a big show of it and just leave. I'm not talking about him, anyway. Have you heard any moaning, or sounds from… her?"

"The woman who was determined to kill us?" Isabelle asked.

"Yes."

"No, I haven't. But, I've been rather distracted since that happened." Isabelle pointed out.

"Maybe she got away?" Rhiannon mused.

"Or maybe you killed her and sent her to hell." a beat. "Don't tell Robert I said that word."

"For God's sake, Isabelle! Do you think he'd care? Do you think even God would care that much when you're in a situation like this?"

"I suppose you're right." Isabelle sighed.

"It's starting to get dark. I wonder if George has returned yet? Once he returns and finds out we're missing, he'll be heading up a search team. This will be over soon, Sister. One way or another."

"Well, I was comforted by your words — until that last part." Isabelle sighed.

"He wants me for some reason, Isabelle. Do not worry." Rhiannon said.

---

Following the meeting, Robert had spent the last couple of hours searching everywhere he could think of for his lady wife, and his sister, too. He assumed wherever they were they were likely together. He looked in the Dining Hall, the Library, then walked all through the castle. Following that, he walked out to the stables, and now he had just finished going through the mazes of gardens out back, cursing every step, and wondering how his sister could possibly know her way around there so well.

He decided to go back to his rooms. Perhaps they had just missed seeing each other as the ladies headed back to his quarters?

---

It was past sundown when the Sheriff and his men were finally nearing the end of their journey on the Great North Way. The Sheriff stopped his horse, clutching his lower left side with his left hand. He took some breaths until the moment of discomfort passed, then reached for his calfskin flask. The men pulled their horses up beside him, concerned for his welfare.

"Milord Sheriff? Are you alright?" Mordrid asked.

"I'm fine. I just need a moment before we continue on." he said as took a swallow of water.

"Perhaps we should take a look at your bandage, Milord? In case the wound is bleeding?" Luke suggested.

"Or… draining something else. Like, something purulent in nature." Ancel said.

"Satan's teeth! You men really like to fuss, don't you?" the Sheriff huffed.

"We just want you to get well, Milord." Luke said.

"I appreciate that, but as you can see, everything is fine. I'm drinking my water, and taking a short reprieve. All is well."

"If the pain is bad, might I suggest a drop or two of opium, Milord? We're getting close to the castle now. We only have to pass through the Village." Mordrid said.

"No. There's no need for that." he said.

"That was a nice switch in the weather today. The breezes are still quite pleasant." Ancel said in an attempt to redirect the topic as he could sense the Sheriff's agitation.

"Indeed. It's certainly made the journey easier." Nottingham agreed.

"Do you think the Prince will still make an appearance at your wedding, Milord? I think he feels quite badly about it." Mordrid asked.

"I'm sure he will. If he doesn't, that is his choice." he shrugged.

"You're not angry?" Luke asked.

"Not really. I might have been if the wound was mortal, though. I think that would've caused quite a bit of ire."

"Indeed." Luke shuddered.

---

"Ladies! Oh, ladies? It's time to come out now." Hamon cackled.

He had started a fire in the fireplace on the main level, lit a torch with it, and had taken to holding the torch to walls, beams, curtains, and everything but the stairs on his way up.

"Oh, dear God. He's coming, Rhiannon." Isabelle warned.

Rhiannon had been using a letter opener to try to pry at the door frame. She had something else with her that might have worked better, but she didn't wish to ruin it.

"Curses! If only I could get this door to open!" Rhiannon exclaimed.

"There is a way." Isabelle reminded her, nodding to the window.

"We are going down those stairs, I will grab my bow and quiver of arrows, and then I'm going to send a few of those arrows into him." Rhiannon said, resolutely.

"The exit is right there! We can be gone in no time at all!" Isabelle pleaded as she pointed to the window.

"Isabelle — "

Just then, they heard the familiar loud sounds of furniture being moved right outside the door.

"Let's go!" Isabelle urged.

At that moment, the door flew open. Hamon reached in and pulled Rhiannon by the hand.

"Get your grubby hand off of me!" Rhiannon shouted as she pushed, and tried to swat him away.

"Shut it! The Sheriff should be thanking me for ridding him of the likes of you." he looked to the back of the room. Isabelle was standing right in front of the window. "Come on, Blondie! Don't make me come and get you. The party has just begun!" he laughed.

"I'm sorry, Rhiannon." Isabelle called to her. She turned from her and slid out through the window.

"Isabelle!" Rhiannon shrieked.

"Such a party pooper. Oh, well. Better run down the stairs, Miss, or you'll miss all of the fun!" he chortled.

"Damn it! What is happening?" a familiar voice called out from another room. Then, her face appeared, peaking out of the doorway.

"Ah! The other one you told me about." Hamon grinned at Lady Rhiannon, nodding in the direction of the brunette maiden. "For awhile there I thought you were bluffing about that."

"What's going on?" Celestria demanded. "Why is it so hot in here? And who are you?"

"Oh, my. Did she do that?" Hamon asked, as he nodded to the arrow sticking out from the front of the maiden's shoulder. It appeared the maiden had broken the arrow since then.

"Who are you?" Celestria asked again.

"Come along. We need you two downstairs. Heat rises, you know." he grinned.

He managed to grab hold of Celestria after placing the torch in a nearby wall sconce. He pushed both of them ahead, grabbed the torch, and continued to hold the torch to everything in sight.

"What in God's hell are you doing, you sick, ugly sod?" Rhiannon screamed.

"Wait there. Let me see if the stairs are safe." he said as he suddenly pushed past them toward the top of the stairs.

Rhiannon quickly grabbed the Sheriff's dagger from the inside of her boot, then went charging after him. He didn't hear her approach as Celestria was screaming, and the first floor was on fire. The smoke grew heavy. He was bent forward, looking down the stairs.

"Alright. It's clear!" he called out as he turned around.

Just then, he felt something sharp go into his backside.

Rhiannon was angry at herself. She thought she was aiming for his back. Instead, because of the increasing smoke, she delivered a type of flesh wound.

"You cursed little bitch! It's a good thing you'll be dead soon, because I would rip you in half for that!" Hamon barked.

Then, he went running down the stairs, setting fire to the wooden railings on the way down.

"Celestria, let's go. I can't believe I care to warn you, but we must go. Down the stairs and out. Now!" Rhiannon said forcefully, as she wiped the blade of the dagger on the bottom of her cape, then shoved it back into her boot.

"They're burning." Celestria said as she stood, frozen.

"Look, this whole cursed manor is going to light up in no time. Our best chance is getting downstairs." Rhiannon urged her.

Celestria sighed and followed behind her. Both of them used handkerchiefs from their pockets to cover their mouths and noses as they tentatively took their first steps down. Then, Celestria grinned when an idea came to her.

---

Gisborne was standing at the door of Floria's rooms speaking to Madam Birghiva.

"I know it's been awhile since I promised to return, but there's been some urgent matters that needed my attention." Guy said.

"Things happen, Sir Gisborne. No word from the Sheriff or his lady as yet?" Madam Birghiva asked with of quirk of her brow.

"No. The Sheriff hasn't returned, and it seems Lady Rhiannon is preoccupied with something, Madam."

"Very well. If Officer Gerad is ready, then I shall head back now." she said.

"Oh. Right. He escorted you here, didn't he? Well, Madam, I regret to say that will have to wait. Gerad and a number of other men have been sent out on an urgent assignment." Guy said.

"Oh my. How long will that take?"

"I'm not certain, Madam. It could take hours. However, the Sheriff and three men who accompanied him should be returning forthwith. I'll have one of those men escort you. Will that be agreeable?" Guy asked.

"Yes. Are they as good as Officers Luke and Gerad?"

"Yes, Madam. They are the Sheriff's top men after myself and the Captain." Guy nodded. He intentionally omitted the part about Luke being one of them. She didn't need to know the particulars of who was assigned to what.

"Oh, I see." Madam Birghiva nodded.

"In the meantime, I shall send trays up for you and Mistress Floria. I'd take you both to the Dining Hall, but I imagine Floria may not feel up to that." Guy explained.

"That is correct, Sir Gisborne. Trays would be grand. Thank you." she smiled.

"Very well. I shall keep you apprised when the Sheriff returns." he nodded, then went on his way.

---

As Guy walked the corridor toward the staircase, he ran into Robert again.

"Any luck, Robert?" Guy asked.

"No, but I think I might know something." Robert hinted.

"What is that?"

"You know my sister is adventurous, right? And more than capable of handling horses, weapons — you name it, she can pretty much do anything."

"Now, you're starting to sound like my cousin." Guy grinned.

"Sir Gisborne, I think Rhiannon and Isabelle were the ones who took the carriage today, not two lady servants." Robert announced.

"What?" Guy asked, slowly.

"It's highly possible. Neither of them can be found. Anywhere on this property." Robert said with a knowing look.

Suddenly, Guy heard Meridwyn's voice in his head. Their conversation, just this morning:

"Maybe you should go to the stables?… In case Rhiannon is there. You know… checking on her horse."

Did Meridwyn know? She sure had been acting strangely as of late. So had Isabelle If he were being honest with himself. And then, he could hear her voice again, as more of what she said came to him…

"Alright. We'll give it a few moments. And then, you should head to the stables… Rhiannon will be there… Just a… strong feeling."

"Curses!" Gisborne spat.

"I'm sure if they did, they didn't go too far." Robert added.

"We shall know for certain in a moment, Robert. Come." Guy beckoned for him to follow him.

"Where are we going?"

"To my quarters. At once!" Guy huffed.

---

Lady Isabelle was muttering curses under her breath in a frantic attempt to get to the carriage; but she couldn't run, or even walk fast enough. She was limping on a painful ankle. When she got out of the window she was on a roof, which covered an area directly in front of the manor. She still needed to get down to ground level. She couldn't find a way to climb down. There was nothing to hold on to, so she had to make the decision to jump.

The drop wasn't too far, but it was far enough to her. It looked to be a distance of six and a half feet.

Finally, she made it to the carriage. She turned back and was horrified to see flames licking out of the windows at the front. How dare he! This was to be she and Robert's home, and not only did he sully it, he completely destroyed it.

Rhiannon!

Isabelle felt angry tears falling as she began to try and unhitch one of the horses from the carriage to get help. She didn't quite know how to ride it, but she would certainly try. If she could bear weight, she would get Rhiannon out of there herself, but Isabelle was firm in her decision that getting help for Rhiannon was the best she could do for her.

---

Lady Meridwyn was reclined on a sofa in the den of their private chambers, reading her book about Lancelot when the door opened. She smiled when Guy walked in, even though he had quite a serious expression on his face.

"Oh, good. You're back! Can you now relax for the evening, Guy?" she asked. She set the book aside and arose from her seat to greet him.

She was surprised to see Robert emerge from behind her husband.

"Wait. What are you doing here?" Meridwyn asked, suspiciously. Then, she looked at the both of them. "Has Rhiannon gone into labour, or something?"

Guy folded his arms and sighed heavily as he stared into her eyes.

"That's good of you to be concerned, wife, but I shall ask the questions now." Guy said, sternly. He frowned, staring into her eyes.

Meridwyn swallowed, and subconsciously pulled the edges of her deep blue velvet dressing gown even closer about her.

"Earlier today, you kept urging me to go to the stables, telling me you thought Lady Rhiannon would be there. You mentioned she would be checking on her horse, and you wished for me to summon her." he began, his eyebrow raised.

"Yes, Guy." she said as she scanned his eyes with hers.

"But, the reason you gave for her summons wasn't true, was it?"

"Guy?"

"Was it?" he demanded.

She stared at him as a tear spilled from her eye and over her cheek. She brushed it away, unable to speak for a moment.

"Lady Meridwyn? Do you know where Rhiannon and Isabelle might be? They are missing. We think they might have taken a carriage." Robert explained, gently.

"Curses! I told her I'd have no part of this. I warned her! I wanted to warn her once more." Meridwyn exclaimed. Then, she turned to her husband. "That's why I asked you to find her there. If I were well enough this morning, I would have done so myself."

"All you had to do was say it, Meridwyn." Guy sighed.

"Forgive me." Meridwyn said, then looked downcast.

"Lady Meridwyn, do you know where they are?" Robert asked once more.

"She said she wanted to visit her manor. She was insistent on it. I think she took Isabelle because of Isabelle's experience assisting in childbirth, in case something went wrong. But… if they left in the morning, they should have returned hours ago!"

"You're certain. Her manor?" Guy asked.

"Yes. That's where she was planning to visit."

"Alright. What's our next move? Normally, I wouldn't bother asking that, but it seems we're in a predicament. The only other man who could Lord over this castle in Nottingham's absence is off looking for the potato prisoner, as you men at the meeting so eloquently described him." Robert sighed.

"A prisoner got loose? Guy? Wait. Is that… dirt on your cheek?" Meridwyn asked.

"Long story. I'll fill you in later." Guy said. He looked back to Robert. "Normally, I should be the one to go. I know exactly where her manor is. If I stay and send you to look, that will waste time because we'll need to write out directions or draw you a map. Curses!"

"What do you think would please him?" Robert asked.

"He doesn't know all of your capabilities. Like, how fast you can ride, how competent you are with weapons, how many sword fights you've been engaged in." Guy said.

"So, you think he'd prefer if you went looking?"

"Aye. I've never had to leave when he's put me in charge in his absence, but I see no other choice. You shall have to take over until he returns. I was expecting him to be back hours ago. I don't know what's keeping him." he sighed.

"Sir Gisborne, he won't be far behind you when I tell him. We both know this. Could Luke and Ancel co-manage the place if I went with him? I'm really worried about my lady wife." Robert added.

"Luke could, but I wouldn't want him to do it alone. Ancel is too new. He hasn't been properly vetted yet. We're waiting on confirmation from his former employer, the Sheriff of Hampshire. I'm sorry, Robert. It's too risky. It has to be you." Guy said.

"Very well. Just brief me on what you need done while you're gone. And be sure to smack my sister when you see her." Robert grinned.

---

Lady Rhiannon had taken several steps down the long, burning staircase when she felt hands on her back. The next thing she knew, she was tumbling down. It almost felt like time moved slowly, because she was shielding her belly and keeping her head tucked low while she fell. She landed on her right side at the bottom. She looked up and saw Celestria standing midway on the stairs, staring into her eyes with a devilish grin on her face. The flames licking the wooden railing and the walls gave an eerie orange glow around the consort.

Rhiannon began to crawl and pull herself along the floor. She held her handkerchief over her face and managed to stay low, but she'd lost her bearings. The heat, and the poor visibility from the smoke made it difficult to see where she was in the home, and figure out which direction she should take. She heard something crashing. She guessed it was a wooden beam falling down the stairs. She shuddered. There was no time to think of the consort's safety. She needed to get herself and the child she was carrying out of this manor.

She was coughing as she dragged herself along the floor, screaming out for help, even though she knew no one would hear her.

Should have listened to Isabelle. Should have left through the window. Damn it! I cannot die like this. The child! George!

She kept moving as quickly as she could along the floor. She soon found the edges of an object that felt familiar to her. She ran her hand over the length of it as she couldn't see it very well. It was her longbow.

The lady was pleased. She felt around in the vicinity of it and finally located the quiver of arrows. She put the bow over her left shoulder and held the quiver as she moved.

After some time, she finally felt the front door. She was elated. She tried to stand, but it was difficult. She felt pain everywhere from the fall. After several moments, she finally stood. She tried to take a breath from underneath the handkerchief, but it hurt to breathe. She wrapped her hand in a fold on her cape and used it to try the door handle. She had gloves but they were buried in the pocket of her cape, so she needed to improvise.

Nothing.

She pushed against the door with her left hand, as there seemed to be something wrong with her right arm. It wouldn't budge. She tried over and over again, using the left side of her body to push on the door, with tears falling down her cheeks. The tears mixed with the soot accumulating on her skin, while sweat beaded under her clothes. She tried several times with all of the strength she could summon. She couldn't budge that door. She looked around. There were too many flames to get through to make it to any of the windows. She was trapped.

"Oh, God. George! What have I done? I'm going to die in here. We were supposed to be married next week!" Rhiannon cried, angrily.

She tried again, pushing and banging on the door. The heat would have to weaken it at some point. Wouldn't it? She slumped down on the floor. It was safer to stay as low as possible with her face covered. She used the handkerchief and hood of her cape to do so. She would take a moment to gather her strength and try again.

---

The Sheriff and his men were just at the edge of the Village when they saw it. Billows of smoke and an orange glow in the near distance.

"What in the devil?" Nottingham exclaimed.

"Milord, I think that's where the abandoned manor is." Mordrid said.

"Sure looks like it." Ancel nodded.

"Someone must have set it alight!" Luke added.

"Curses! We need to get there. Let's go." the Sheriff directed them.

They kicked their horses into motion and began to move fast as lightning towards it.

Several minutes later, they were nearing closer. The manor was only another forty yards away. Nottingham felt some pain, but he urged his horse along despite that. He squinted his eyes to see better as he thought he saw a figure walking along the path toward him.

"Milord Sheriff? Isn't that one of your carriages sitting parked by the manor?" Luke pointed it out to him.

"It is, Luke. Bloody hell!" Nottingham spat.

"Help us! Please, help us!" the figure on the roadway started screaming.

The Sheriff thought that voice sounded familiar. As he neared closer he could see better who it was and felt sickened.

"Milord Sheriff!" Isabelle called, waving her arms in the air. "Please, hurry! Rhiannon is in there!"

"What?" he bellowed.

"Go to her. Now! He's got her trapped!" Isabelle pleaded.

"God damn the woman!" he spat. He looked quickly to his men. "Luke! Ancel! Come with me. Mordrid, you stay and assist Lady Isabelle. Let's go!"

It didn't go unnoticed, the words Isabelle spoke about a "he" who had his lady trapped. He had no idea who the man was who was responsible for that, but Rhiannon was just as responsible for being there in the first place. It was clear she stole the damn carriage!

He arrived quickly with Luke and Ancel. They dismounted and ran for the manor. The Sheriff went towards the front, while Luke and Ancel covered the perimeter, looking for other points of safe entry. Within a couple of minutes they were back at the front entrance, reporting that there was no other way to safely gain access but the front.

The Sheriff tried pulling at the door. He wore his leather gauntlets and could feel the heat through them while he tried the door. He pulled and pulled, but it wouldn't budge.

"Rhiannon!" he called as he banged on the door with his fists. "Rhiannon!"

The three of them took turns throwing their weight against it. Then, Ancel disappeared briefly, as the Sheriff and Luke kicked at it.

"Where's Ancel?" he asked, gruffly.

"I don't know. He was just here a moment ago." Luke said, shaking his head.

"Curses! What could he possibly be doing?"

"I'll go and get — "

"Milord Sheriff!" Ancel called out as he ran toward them from the side of the manor. He was holding a large object high in the air, but the men couldn't see what it was right away. "This will help. Try this!"

He came to them, breathless, and passed a large axe to the Sheriff.

The Sheriff took it gratefully, and began to swing at the door several times. In between swings, the men pushed at the wood and kicked it. Finally, after several moments, the door gave way.

The Sheriff pushed it open just enough to allow passage, because he knew what the wind would do to the flames. He stepped inside while grabbing a handkerchief from his surcoat pocket to hold over his face as he tentatively stepped further in, scanning the room, but unable to see past the smoke and flames.

"Rhiannon! Where are you?" the Sheriff called out.

He was afraid he was too late. There was no way he could go through the manor to look for her. There was a wall of flames maybe twenty feet away. The heat was intense. He was beginning to feel lightheaded, but decided to persevere with a few more steps.

He took another step and felt a hand grasp his boot. He looked down and recognized his mother's golden ring encrusted with diamonds and rubies. It stood out because her fingers were covered in soot.

"Rhiannon!" he exclaimed.

The Sheriff bent down and tried to help her up, but she was unable to move well. She cried out when he tried to help her stand. He got his arms under her, picked her up and managed to carry her through the front door, even with the longbow slung over her left shoulder, and the quiver of arrows held tightly in her left hand.

"God damn you, lady! I swear, you'll be the death of me." Nottingham muttered as he held her close.

She tried to speak, but ended up coughing into her handkerchief instead.

"I'm going to have to take her in the carriage. One of you will need to take my horse by the reins as we ride ahead to the castle." he instructed his men.

"I will do it, Milord." Luke said.

Just then, Mordrid approached them.

"She's unable to walk, Milord. I doubt she'll be fit to ride behind one of us, so I got her in the carriage. Besides that, two of us are carrying dead bucks on the horses' backs." Mordrid said, referring to Isabelle.

"That's fine. I need to get Lady Rhiannon in there, too. Her right arm looks… very odd, and she's unable to stand. At all. You men go on ahead, I'll be right behind you." he instructed.

"Interesting how that bow looks familiar." Mordrid added, nodding to the bow slung over Rhiannon's shoulder.

"Isn't it?" Nottingham said with a knowing quirk of his brow.

"Looks like your medicus is going to have his hands full tonight." Luke said.

"Indeed." Nottingham said. "The castle will be transformed to an infirmary." he huffed.

Luke promised to have the medicus summoned before the Sheriff's arrival, then they made their way to their horses.

The Sheriff walked toward the carriage and heard the clomping sound of a horse's hooves hitting the dirt road. The noise stopped. He turned to see which of his men had come back.

It was Gisborne.

"Cousin!" Guy called to him as he moved quickly toward him. "Is she… alright?" he asked, nodding to Lady Rhiannon.

"She will be. Why aren't you at the castle? Have you forgotten you're in charge?" Nottingham demanded.

"I've been reminded every moment of this day, Cousin." Guy began. "Robert and I only just realized that your lady and Lady Isabelle had left the property. I was headed to her manor. It was assumed she went there. But I saw this manor burning on my way there, and then I saw the carriage."

"I see. So, the Duke is in charge, then. That's fine — "

"No, George. Duke Farnsworth is on an urgent mission." Guy said.

"Then… whom is covering my duties?"

"Robert is, Cousin. We have… much to discuss."

"Yes. I see that. But first, I need to get these ladies to the castle and seen to by Thomas." he said. Then, he paused, looking closer at Guy's face. "Is that… dirt on your cheek, Gis?"

"No. As I said, we have much to discuss."

Nottingham nodded, then carried Lady Rhiannon into the carriage and got her settled on one of the seats. When he stepped out of it, he bent forward and grasped his lower left side.

"Cousin! What is it?"

"It is nothing. Probably just from over exertion."

"From hunting? Doesn't appear to be nothing to me."

"Just a damned flesh wound." Nottingham said evasively, as he stepped up to the driver's seat.

"What?" Guy asked, incredulously.

"Time is wasting, Gis. I have a couple of injured ladies behind me that need to be cared for at once." a beat. "You going to lead the way, or shall I?" he said firmly, with his eyebrow quirked.

"Right. Let's go." Guy nodded. He went back to his horse, quickly mounted it, and they both quickly headed in the direction of Nottingham Castle.

Nottingham urged the horses along behind Guy, careful not to move too fast as he didn't want the carriage to jostle too much with the injured ladies inside. He was especially worried about Lady Rhiannon. He'd seen her in more grave condition in the past, but she seemed to be in a great deal of pain. He didn't think any of it had to do with the child, or she would have indicated that in some way — especially after seeing the state of her right arm.

He held his lower left side as he held the reins with his right hand. He was strong, he was healthy. His wound would have to wait. Having Rhiannon, and then Isabelle seen to by his physician was his top priority, and then he would meet with Guy about whatever happened at the castle in his absence.