Authors: Shanti Krishnamurty
Maid of Sherwood (20 page)
The clearing fell silent as the sheriff slid off Excalibur to lie, slumped, at Robin’s feet.
The five guards standing close to Marian stepped away and shuffled their feet while he cleaned the now quiescent sword and sheathed it.
“It was the money,” one of them finally spoke, his voice low. “We would not have harmed her, but we needed the reward.”
Robin nodded. “I understand the lure of gold as well as any other man. Go back to the castle. I have no quarrel with you.”
“You are not what the sheriff claimed,” the first man said. “We will stand at your side for what happened here.” He glanced at the two bodies on the clearing floor before motioning to the rest of his men. They obediently followed him out of the clearing.
“Well done, Robin,” Nyneve said, her face wreathed in smiles as she floated through the trees, the bottoms of her feet barely touching the patches of moss vying for space with the lush grass.
“I am glad that was done to your satisfaction,” Robin said, but his eyes were on Marian.
She walked toward him, careful not to stare at the body near his feet. “Robin.” Her eyes welled with tears.
His mouth tilted up in a rakish grin. “I told you I would be fine.”
The tears began rolling down her cheeks. “I—I know,” she sniffed. “But—Oh, Robin, that was close!”
“If you lovebirds are
quite
done, I would like my sword back.” Nyneve spoke. “Oh, and you will want to take care of those.” She pointed to the bodies on the ground, nostrils flaring. “Have them buried below the oak. It could use the fertilizer.”
“But—Prince John—will he not miss the sheriff?” Marian began.
“The prince has more pressing matters to deal with than the death of his ‘friend’.” Nyneve said. “Soon he will have to answer for everything he has done.”
As though to emphasize her statement, trumpets sounded from Nottingham Castle.
Robin raised an eyebrow. “Why the royal trumpets? The prince is already at the cas—” his voice trailed off.
“It is the king,” Marian breathed. Her heart started pounding.
Robin whirled to stare at the Lady, who smiled serenely. “Is it true? Has King Richard finally returned?”
Nyneve ignored the question. “Marian, we need to return to the heart. Your parents will be worried. Robin, take care of the bodies, please.”
“But Nyneve, are the trumpets for Richard?” Robin persisted, one hand lingering on the sword at his waist.
The Lady stared pointedly at Robin’s hand. “You will want to remove your hand before you cause an accident.”
Robin flushed. “I would never—” he began, but she cut him off.
“I know that, but Excalibur might not.” Her voice was utterly devoid of humor. “That sword was forged to my specifications in the realm of Avalon. You may wish to treat it with more respect.”
Robin immediately fumbled for the buckle holding the sheath to his waist and undid the clasp. He held it out. “Thank you for the loan, then, but I do not believe I need it any longer.”
The Lady of the Lake took Excalibur back and buckled it about her own waist in one swift movement. “Now that the sheriff is dead, I can return Excalibur to its resting place.”
“Are you telling us Robin could not have defeated him on his own?” Marian asked, twining one hand with Robin’s.
“I was trained with a blade while growing up,” Robin said, “but I was an indifferent student at best. I much preferred the longbow.”
“If Excalibur cannot tolerate evil, then why has someone not killed the prince with it?” Marian questioned.
“Prince John is not pure evil. In fact, he is not evil at all; just inattentive and misguided. With Richard’s return, he will pay a price for the deeds he has committed, both against England and against the innocents he murdered.” Nyneve swiftly plaited her long hair so it hung in a thick white braid past her waist. “Robin, if you would take care of the bodies before they begin to stink…”
Robin pursed his lips. Two shrieking whistles pierced the forest, one following the other in rapid succession.
The tangle of Klamath Weed, Field Rose and Meadowsweet bent forward as Little John pushed through them, followed by a very young boy Marian had never seen before.
“Whatcha--” the big man’s eyes dropped to the sheriff’s body. “Oh, I see. Caused a bit of a mess, did ya?”
“It is good to see you, John.” Robin released Marian’s hand and stepped forward to clasp the hand Little John held out. “I would say I cleaned up a mess rather than caused one.”
Little John grinned. “Two bodies seems a bit of a mess to me.” He shrugged. “You need help disposing of them?”
“I need them buried by the oak,” Robin said. “Much, you have your knives?”
The boy nodded. There was an air of barely restrained violence in the way he held himself. Marian shivered.
“Who is that?”
“Much the Miller’s son,” Robin replied. “He is a good kid provided you do not attempt to part him from his blades.”
“I would not dare,” Marian murmured. She took Robin’s hand back in hers. It felt safer.
The young boy grinned, as though he knew exactly why she did it. “What you need, Robin?” He raised one knife to his mouth, biting idly on the flat blade.
“Once Little John buries the bodies, carve a warning into the oak,” Robin instructed. He grinned. “Make it a memorable one.”
“Understand this, however,” Nyneve pinned Much with a stone colored glare. “If you carve too deeply and injure the tree, no knives in the world will spare you from my wrath.”
A flicker of fear crossed the boy’s face. “No, Lady. I would not ‘arm the tree for nothin’.”
Nyneve nodded smugly. “See that you do not. Come, Robin, Marian. Let us collect your parents and be on our way.” Without waiting to see if they obeyed, she left the clearing.
Robin and Marian stared at each other for a long moment before Robin broke the silence. “Little John, keep an eye on Much.” He turned to the boy. “Much, behave. No killing
anything
without Little John’s permission. Understood?”
The boy looked rebellious, but nodded.
With a last backward glance at Much, Marian followed Robin out of the clearing.
“Marian, I am so happy you are safe.” Mother said. Father pulled her to her feet and they both rushed forward.
Marian released Robin’s hand and stumbled forward, into their embrace. “The guards wanted to take me back to the castle to collect the reward and Robin killed the sheriff and then Little John came to bury the bodies…” her voice trailed off.
Father smoothed Marian’s hair over and over. “It is over, Mari. You are safe now.”
“We need to return to the castle,” Nyneve said. “Beatrix, I want you with us. Alan, you may come if you wish, but it is not required.”
“We heard the trumpets,” Mother said. “I am looking forward to seeing Richard again.”
“I will not leave my daughter,” Father stated.
“I did not expect you to.” Without a backward glance, the old woman marched out of the clearing. “Robin,” she called over her shoulder, “you need to come with us.”
“She is just as bossy as she ever was,” Mother muttered under her breath.
“And she is old enough that she is unlikely to change,” Father retorted. “So we may as well do as she demands.”
“Instead of complaining about me,” The Lady’s voice carried through the underbrush, “you may wish to catch up. I will not wait forever.”
Marian snickered. She took Mother’s hand in one of hers and Father’s in the other.
“Are you in love with Robin?” Mother’s voice was lowered so Robin, striding ahead of them, could not hear.
“I—think so,” Marian said. “I do not know him very well, but I could be.”
“He is a good man, as was his father before him.” Father said.
Marian’s eyes widened. “Are you both giving me your blessing?”
“According to Robin, you are already betrothed, so do our blessings matter?”
“I did not accept him yet,” Marian said. “And the idea of marriage is terrifying.”
“Then you are not ready,” Father said. “Robin will understand that.”
Marian bit her lip. “Do you think so? I would not hurt him for the world.”
“It is not a decision you have to make today, regardless of what he said before the duel with the sheriff.” Mother reassured. “Richard is back and we can return home soon.” She smiled. “There is no doubt in my mind that Robin will allow you the time you need. After all, he is still an outlaw, and now a murderer as well. He will be required to plead his case before the throne to ensure he does not spend the remainder of his life in Richard’s dungeons.”
“Do you believe the king would do that?” Marian stared at Robin’s broad back as they continued through the forest.
“The king has always had a fiery temper,” Mother said. “A great deal will depend upon his mood.”
“But he cannot possibly think punishing Robin for killing a madman is just!” Marian protested.
“Marian, he has to weigh the facts, must act as the magistrate from town does to in order to determine a fair outcome,” Father said.
“I cannot see the fairness in sending him to the dungeons for doing a service for the throne!”
“Prince John will have a chance to speak about the sheriff’s actions, Marian. Do not concern yourself overly with this.” Father squeezed her hand. “It is but a formality. Richard will not allow harm to come to innocents; even innocents driven to ill deeds.”
“Marian,” Robin stopped walking within sight of the castle portcullis, and turned around. “I trust the king, and so should you. Whatever comes, I will accept his judgment as one based on what is best for the kingdom.”
Marian was silent, staring at the raised iron gates. Soldiers milled around in uniforms brown with dust.
“Where is the Lady Nyneve?” Mother asked. “Is she at the castle already?”
Robin nodded. “Yes, she said she would fetch Richard and bring him to us.”
“Can she do that?” Marian’s eyes were wide. “Just order him to come?”
Mother shrugged. Her hands smoothed down the gray silk gown she wore. “She can try, but the Lionheart does not take orders lightly.”
Father’s rich baritone disagreed. “The king is not a fool. He will listen to her.” His hazel eyes sparkled. “Imagine, Bea, the ballads I could write if she would speak to me of her part in the legends of Camelot.”
“She was only mildly involved in that whole mess,” Mother said. “Nyneve may have put the wheels in motion, but the true tale would have to come from Merlin, or Arthur himself, which is impossible.”
“I suspect the Lady had a heavier hand in the matter than she wishes anyone to believe,” Father said.
“Ask her about it once this is over.” Mother shook her head, smiling. “But do not blame me if she tells you nothing. She has not lived over five hundred years in secrecy by telling tales of any kind.” She focused past Marian’s shoulder and her eyes widened.
One of the tallest men Marian had ever seen strode toward them, followed by Nyneve, who had changed into an ornate gown of flowing white silk. The man’s face was strong, with a square jaw and flame colored curly hair worn cropped close to his head.
“Richard,” Mother breathed, sinking into a low curtsey. Father bowed low, as did Robin.
“Marian, down,” Mother hissed, tugging on Marian’s sleeve.
Marian sank to the ground, bedraggled skirts spread out around her. She raised her head and watched the king approach. His leather armor was covered in dust and the only distinctive marking she could see was a gold ring on his smallest finger.
“Richard, this is why I summoned you.” Nyneve said. “I believe you remember Lady Beatrix du Luc and her husband, Alan a Dale.”
“Beatrix,” King Richard rumbled, “it is good to see you again.” He raised Mother to her feet and kissed both her cheeks. “You are most welcomed back to my court. And Alan, it has been far too long since I had the pleasure of hearing your lute.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Do you remember Robin of Locksley?” Nyneve asked. “His father served you well.”
“Of course I remember him,” Richard said warmly. He turned to Robin, one eyebrow raised. “You look—earthy.”
Robin grinned. “I have spent a great deal of time in the forest as of late,” he admitted.
“We shall have to discuss why. I am sure there is an interesting story behind it.” Richard turned to where Marian still curtsied. “And who is this charming girl?”
“This,” Robin helped Marian to her feet, “is my betrothed, Marian du Luc.”
“I have not agreed to marry him yet,” Marian responded tartly, belatedly adding, “Your Majesty.”
“It seems you have a difference of opinion on your hands, Robin.” Richard said.
“She is opinionated, Your Majesty, but then again, look at her parents.” Robin winked.
Richard roared with laughter. “I might be careful of my words, if I were you,” he said. “Beatrix is not one to trifle with.”
“Indeed not,” Mother said briskly. “Richard, did Nyneve tell you anything of what has been happening in your absence?”
“All the Lady told me was that it was important we speak, and speak in private.” He grinned, the shadows under his eyes vanishing temporarily. “We have no better opportunity than here and now.”
“Why did you leave the throne to John, Richard?” Mother asked bluntly. “Did you really see him as the best choice?”
“What are you saying, Beatrix? He was the
only
choice.”
“Well, he made a mess of things,” Mother said. “He put the sheriff in charge of everything, not just Nottingham.”
Richard’s deep gray eyes darkened. “You have been invaluable to the throne, but be careful of what you say. He
is
my brother.”
“Did you know he outlawed good men for no other reason than their loyalty to you?” Mother continued. “Robin is proof of that. John killed Lord Locksley and declared both him and his entire house, traitors to the throne. As a result of that accusation, Robin has spent the last five years living in Sherwood.”
Richard turned to Robin. “Is that an accurate assessment??”
“It is, Your Majesty.”
“Tell me all of it,” Richard commanded.
Robin began with the tale of his father’s death and continued up to Marian’s supposed kidnapping.
Richard frowned when he finished. “That is a fantastic tale. Where is the sheriff now, to answer your charges?”
“I killed him,” Robin admitted.
“That is
not
the answer I hoped to hear, Robin.” Richard’s storm cloud eyes turned almost black. “Care to explain to me why you murdered a man of my court?”
“He
branded
a woman.” Marian chimed in. “Robin did not murder him. It was a fair duel.”
The king swung to face her and Marian shrank back under his glare. “
Murder
is what I call it until it is proven differently, and that is unacceptable in my court, Lady Marian.”
“Richard, if I may speak?” Mother waited until he nodded before continuing. “The sheriff kidnapped my daughter and attempted to lay the crime at an innocent man’s feet. If that is not a cause for action, I do not know what would be.”
“I am not denying action needed to take place, Beatrix. But needless murder is not something I will ever condone, not after what I have seen in the Holy City.”
“What about the ghosts, Your Majesty?” Marian’s voice was small and barely audible.
Richard frowned. “What ghosts are you referring to? My castle has never been haunted!”
“I was not sure how to tell you,” Robin said, shifting from foot to foot.
“Tell me everything’ means I wish to know everything,” Richard said. “I have shown great restraint, but if you do not tell me what I need to know, you will spend the rest of your days praying desperately for my favor. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”
Robin swallowed. “Yes, Your Majesty, but I think it would come best from Marian. She has had more experience with them than I have.”
Richard cocked an eyebrow. “Is that true, Lady Marian?”
Marian nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.” She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Though, in truth, I am unsure where to begin.”
“Begin with the ghosts,” Richard commanded. “Do you mean to tell me my castle is infested with spirits?”
“Infested might be too strong a word,” Marian said at the very same moment she heard Robin say, “Infested’ is the perfect word.”
Richard looked around the clearing, finally choosing to seat himself on a fallen log. “What happened?”
“No-one is exactly sure, Your Majesty,” Marian began.
“John ordered the murder of dozens of children and the sheriff carried it out,” Father said. “If anyone deserved to be killed, it was that man.”
“My brother murdered children??” Richard’s voice was incredulous.
“After you left,” Mother said, “many nobles, both here at court and in Wales, protested against your brother’s arbitrary judgments and ham-handed rulings. He responded by demanding they send him their sons as hostages.”
Richard nodded. “That has been a time honored tradition to prevent rebellion. I am not surprised my brother did so. But you claim he murdered them? Why would he do such a thing?”
“No-one knows, Your Majesty,” Marian said. “All I ever knew about was rumors. At least, that is all I knew until I came here and met them.”
Richard blinked. “Did you just say you met them?”
Marian nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. Most of them appear as shadows, when they appear at all. But they apparently enjoy playing pranks, especially when the prince is in residence.”The king crossed his arms across his barrel-like chest. “Well, to the Devil we sprang and to the Devil we shall go! It seems my brother and I have much to discuss. He has not been a worthy example of a ruler, to allow such a monstrous thing to happen.”
“Your Majesty, if you do not mind my asking…where have you been these last few years?” Mother asked. “I heard a rumor of Austria. Was it true?”
Richard nodded. “I am afraid it was. The last dispatch I received from England informed me of John’s deceit. I chose not to believe the dispatch, though I planned to return home on the next available ship. Unfortunately for me, I shipwrecked along the coastline of Italy and was taken hostage by Duke Leopold shortly thereafter.” He sighed. “John ignored my imprisonment for nearly twelve months. He sent word instead that the coffers were empty and he needed more time. I realize now why it took him so long to ransom me.” He rose to his feet and clapped his hands together once. “Well then, it is time to return to the castle and set my kingdom back to rights.”
“Would you like us to wait here?” Robin asked.
The king shook his head. “No, you all have first-hand knowledge of what has transpired in my absence. I will require your presence when I speak with John.”
“Meet me in the throne room,” Richard glanced briefly at Robin. “I shall send an armed escort for you. I do not want you killed ‘accidentally’.”
Robin bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.” His voice was devoid of any sarcasm.
The king nodded once before striding off, his long legs eating up the ground.
“I see Richard has not changed much,” Mother said drily.
Father nodded his agreement. “I am glad he is back. England needs him.”
Marian turned to Robin. “Do you believe he will pardon you?”
Robin grinned. “I hope so. I cannot provide for my bride without a pardon for my crimes.”
“I already
told
you,” Marian said, “I am not marrying you.”
“You protest too much,” Robin stated.
“I would not have to protest if you would stop calling me your bride!” Marian replied shortly.
The steady tramping of boots on the ground stopped further conversation.
“Those must be the guards,” Mother said. “I do wish the Lady had not taken Excalibur so soon,” she said under her breath. “I always felt better with it by my side.”
Eight guardsmen dressed in well worn leathers approached. “We have instructions to bring you to the castle at once,” the first one said. He glanced curiously at Robin.
“Thank you,” Mother’s voice was low and honeyed. She took Father’s arm. “We appreciate your thoughtfulness.”
The man nodded curtly, gesturing at his men to form a protective circle. “Not that we expect any trouble,” he explained, “but the king made it very clear you were to arrive unharmed.”
Marian looked past the guardsmen toward the castle. It appeared to be only a field’s distance away.
“Then let us go,” Mother said. “I would not wish to keep King Richard waiting.”