The Force of Destiny, Chapter 20
Original Post
Rating: PG
Pairings/characters: Robin, the Outlaws, King Richard, David of Doncaster (OC), king's men
Word count: 2754
Spoilers: While this alters the end of S2, there are still minor spoilers for the whole run of the show, including S3.
Summary: The king arrives, and meets with the Outlaws.
Notes: Thanks to rochvelleth for the Latin translation!! :)
Disclaimer: Most of the places and characters within belong to legend and/or the BBC/TA. No profits are made from this, and no infringement is intended.
previous chapter
-20-
There was a vagrant in Locksley.
He did not stand out all that much from the villagers, but he was not moving into town; he simply tended to wander around, giving a hand here and there in exchange for a bite to eat. He disappeared at night, or when the sheriff’s men were doing their rounds, and would reappear with the dawn, or when the coast was clear.
Robin noticed the young man right away when he and the gang arrived with deliveries that Tuesday. They always carried some extra goods, just in case, and he went to give a parcel to the man.
“An’ who might you be?” the stranger asked suspiciously as Robin approached him.
Keeping a friendly smile on his face, Robin introduced himself, and held out the package. “Go on, take it. It’s not much, but it will help.”
“You’re Robin Hood?” the man asked incredulously, ignoring the bundle.
“I am,” Robin answered, suddenly wary.
Dropping the accent, the vagrant murmured, “I’m David of Doncaster, and I have been sent by King Richard to find you.”
The words, spoken in hushed and urgent tones, instantly brought Robin to attention. "Were you?"
With a wink, David said, "Libere sagitta fugit."
It was the code they had agreed on long ago, letting Robin know the man spoke the truth. “Come with me,” Robin instructed, and pulled David aside.
Once they were out of sight or earshot, David continued. “I doubt that the news has reached you yet, so I am pleased to inform you that the king is freed.”
Robin broke into a wide grin, and shook David’s hand in gratitude for the report. “That’s excellent news!”
David smiled back, but was much more reserved. “That is not all,” he said. “He is coming to deal with the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Guy of Gisborne. He requests your help with this mission.”
“Of course, he shall have it. Gisborne is no longer a problem, however; he is on our side now.”
David’s eyebrow shot up. “I am not sure His Majesty will forgive anyone involved with plots on his life.”
“I understand,” Robin nodded. “But, I would like to discuss it with him.”
“Naturally. He’s coming with a very small group of men, and is trying to keep this mission a secret. He will arrive tomorrow, and wants you to meet him at the Blue Boar Inn on the Great North Road. You know of it?”
“I do, and I will await him there.”
David smiled. “Excellent. Now, what’s in that linen?”
Robin handed him the package. “Some bread, cheese, and a few coins.”
“Better and better.”
“Do you have somewhere to stay?” asked Robin, gesturing for David to precede him back into the village square.
Eying his filthy self with mild distaste, David answered, “No. I have been sleeping just inside the treeline over here, in case you arrived during the night.”
“Well, we cannot offer you great comfort, but I think you will find our camp to be an improvement.”
The gang was nearly done with deliveries, and Marian was starting to look concerned when she spotted Robin returning with a stranger.
“It would be nice if you would not disappear without warning,” she said, an edge to her voice.
“David, here, had to speak with me.” He leaned in, and the others followed suit. “He had a message from the king.”
They looked dubiously at the bedraggled young man, who returned their regard with humor. “Well, I wasn’t exactly going to ride in on a secret assignment, wearing His Majesty’s colors and flying his pennant, was I?”
“He’s going to be staying with us,” Robin informed them. “We still have a few deliveries; can the rest of you finish up while I see him back to camp? We have plans to discuss.”
Marian and Much frowned, but the others agreed. “Sure thing,” Allan replied.
Robin slid an arm around Marian’s waist, leaning down so that his mouth was beside her ear. “The king comes tomorrow,” he whispered. “He wants me to help take care of the sheriff. For good.”
Surprised, she turned her head so quickly she nearly bumped Robin’s nose with her own. “Truly?”
He grinned at her excitedly. “It’s almost over, Marian.”
His exuberance was contagious. With a happy cry, she turned and flung her arms around his neck.
“So, is it all right if I go back to camp with David, and work out some plans?”
She sighed but relented. “Very well. We will see you soon.”
He gave her a quick kiss, and set off toward camp with their newest associate.
As it happened, David and Carter knew one another, and exchanged greetings while Robin got welcoming hugs from Atiya. The three men soon started discussing the situation, coming up with ideas which were expanded when the entire gang was assembled in the new camp’s great room. By the time Robin set out for the Blue Boar the next morning, they had worked out a viable plan. He figured that the king had ideas of his own, but was glad to have suggestions to present to him.
The rain ran off of his leather hood and cloak as he moved down the North Road, a couple of hours south of Locksley. When he arrived at the tavern, it was already bustling with people trying to escape the miserable weather. Robin retrieved a pint of ale and sidled into a shadowed table in a corner, keeping his hood up.
An hour passed, then two. Eventually, Robin ordered a trencher of chicken and bread, and took his time about eating it. And yet, there was still no sign of the king when he was finished. The same thing happened at suppertime.
Robin was growing concerned by the time the sun started to set, and he was about to start following the road further south when an imposing, familiar figure walked through the door, dressed in monk’s robes. From deep within the cowl, the newcomer turned his head, scanning the room; when he was turned toward the corner, Robin touched the edge of his hood. The “monk” made his way through the crowd and took a seat near Robin.
When Robin could see the face of his monarch, he hissed, “You cannot be alone. Where are your men?”
“They are already here.”
Robin resisted the urge to look around, which earned an approving smile from King Richard. “Two have come in during the day; the woodsman by the hearth and the yeoman in the blue cloak who is flirting with the barmaids. Two more are stationed in the woods across from the front and back entrances of this building. The rest of them are scattered throughout Nottingham Town, awaiting my signal.”
“Good to know. Were you planning to eat and stay here tonight, or get started back?”
The king eyed Robin’s mug longingly, and Robin passed it over to him. After taking a long pull from it, Richard replied, “As tempting as it is to sleep in a bed, I think we should be on our way.”
“You can have that both ways,” Robin told him with a smile. “Our beds are surprisingly comfortable, thanks in large part to one of the newest members of our gang.”
“Excellent. Shall we go?”
After they had gotten about a mile away from the inn, the six men traveling with the king caught up with them. Four were friends of Robin’s from his time in the Guards, and the walk back to the outlaws’ camp was quite genial.
It was after dark when they arrived, but nearly everyone was still awake. Much was in the midst of declaring, “That’s it; I’m going after him,” when they walked in.
“Going after who?” Robin asked teasingly.
“Robin!” Much exclaimed, turning around. Then his eyes widened. “Your Majesty!” He quickly dropped to one knee, as did everyone else.
Richard waved his hand. “Please, stand. Or sit; whatever you were doing.” He spotted David then, who had been chatting with Carter and Sakina. Walking over to the bench David was seated on, he dropped down beside him.
“Would it be possible to get something to eat?” one of the guards, Gilbert Whitehand, asked Robin.
“Of course. I was surprised that His Majesty did not get something before we left.”
Gilbert frowned. Quietly, he said, “He has not been eating much since his return. I’m not sure if he’s simply too focused, or... or if he is unwell.”
Robin eyed his liege. Richard still appeared robust, but it was difficult to truly tell with him in the monk’s robes. Perhaps, his face did look leaner than usual. “We will see to it that he’s fed,” Robin assured the other man.
After newer members of the gang had been introduced and the travelers were settled with a late dinner, Robin turned to the king. “Sire, my gang and I-- with David’s help-- have drawn up some ideas as to how we could infiltrate the castle.”
Richard swallowed the bite he had been chewing while he shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”
Accepting the dismissal of his offer, Robin asked, “Could we know of your plan?”
Richard replied, “It is fairly simple. We walk into Nottingham Castle, I have Vaizey executed and appoint a new sheriff.”
Robin exchanged a look with the others. “Apologies, sire, but why then do you need our assistance? I understand the secrecy, but--”
“I do not understand the secrecy,” Sakina interrupted softly. When attention turned to her, she blushed. “My apologies, but I do not understand what is going on.”
“His Majesty did not want to give the sheriff any warning, and a chance to escape or plot against him again,” Carter explained.
“Two attempts on my life by the man and his associate is enough,” Richard remarked lightly.
The comment reminded Robin of something. “I know that you intend to deal with Guy of Gisborne, as well.”
“That is correct.”
“I hope I can convince you to reconsider. Gisborne has been aiding us, providing intelligence on all plans of the sheriff’s. He is also engaged to Marian’s cousin, who has been helping encourage him in this direction.”
Richard took a bite of bread, chewing it while he considered this information. “I cannot simply forgive the plots against my life, Robin.”
“I know. But, he is a changed man, and is making a strong effort to atone for his actions.”
The king studied his friend. “Considering his actions a few months back, I am surprised to hear you defend him with such vehemence.”
“I never would have thought it, either,” Robin admitted. “He has grudges with the sheriff that may even outweigh our own. He will be a good ally; if I doubted that, I would never suggest it.”
Richard thought it over a bit more, and finally nodded. “I will speak with him, but I promise nothing about my final verdict.”
“Thank you. I ask for no more than that.”
Just then, two figures appeared in the doorway to the left. Little Little John was holding Atiya’s hand, as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes with her other hand. “She’s looking for you, Robin,” the boy said drowsily.
Smiling at the sight, Robin went over and picked her up. “Thanks, John.”
Little Little John peered curiously at the strangers in camp. “Hello,” he said.
“Hello,” called Gilbert cheerfully, happy now that his stomach was full.
“And whom do we have here?” Richard asked, glancing between the children.
Robin was just sitting down beside Marian again, the small girl nearly asleep again with her head resting on his shoulder. He nodded toward Little Little John. “That fine young man is John and Alice’s son, also called John. And this is my daughter, Atiya.”
Richard was clearly not expecting that, but hid his surprise quickly. “I was not aware that there were children among your numbers. Congratulations to you all.”
“John,” Alice said softly, gesturing for her son to come over to where she and his father were seated. When he reached her, she whispered, “These men are from the King’s Royal Guard, and this is His Majesty, King Richard.”
Little Little John stared at his mother dubiously at first, but soon realized she was serious. Wide-eyed, he started to kneel, but Richard protested.
“Please do not,” he said. “We are all friends here.” He gave the boy a reassuring smile, and Little Little John relaxed, sitting beside Alice.
Richard turned back to Robin, staring at the sleeping girl. “I am even more glad to be here, now that I know this,” he remarked. “I am, of course, pardoning all of you, and you will be able to return to your homes tomorrow. Nor should you fear further persecution from the law-- provided none of you step greatly outside of it.”
There was a visible reaction from most of the outlaws.
"We're going home?" Little Little John exclaimed, wide awake now.
“Bonchurch,” Much said reverently. Eve grinned at him.
“There’s no carpenter in Locksley at the moment,” Will noted, the corners of his mouth turning up as Djaq leaned against him. "Or healer," he added.
“Our cottage is inhabited,” Alice sighed.
“I’ll build you a new one,” declared Will grandly.
Marian beamed at Robin. “Locksley will be yours again.”
“It will be ours,” he corrected her, with a wink. Murmurs of excitement spread throughout the room.
Only Little John seemed unsettled. “What about the villagers?” he finally put in.
Everyone fell silent and turned to him.
“What do you mean?” asked Gilbert.
“The villagers depend on us,” John stated. “What will they do without our help?”
“With Vaizey ousted and a fair sheriff in place, they will not need it,” Carter said.
“That’s not necessarily true,” Kate replied. “A lot of families were hurting from taxation before, even outside Nottinghamshire.” She realized a moment after everyone else that she had criticized the king’s policy in front of him, and she suddenly looked horrified. “Oh! I didn’t mean... That is,...”
Richard held up a hand for her to stop stammering. “I had hoped to speak to some of you about ways those families might be better helped. I cannot drop taxes altogether, as news I have received indicates that the truce in the Holy Land might not last much longer. But, I will be dealing with the corrupt officers who have instigated their own ‘taxes,’ which should ease the burden on the people.”
Kate relaxed back with a sigh, and Allan shot her a relieved look.
“I would be very interested in discussing that with you, sire,” Marian spoke up.
“Excellent.” Richard set his now-empty plate beside his chair. “Tomorrow, I will send word to my men in Nottingham to prepare, and we will meet them in the town. Then, we go to the castle en masse. I would like for all of you to be there.”
Robin and Little John exchanged an uneasy look. “We need someone to stay at camp with the children, sire. And Djaq is with child, so she should stay, as well,” Robin said.
Richard shook his head. “There will be no danger. As you have said you get intelligence from the castle, have you heard of the sheriff even suspecting my arrival?”
He had a point. “No, I have not.”
The king looked around at the faces of the outlaws. “You have all worked diligently to see his tenure brought to an end, and have protected the people he has abused in the meantime. You should be there to witness his downfall. I have more men stationed in Nottingham Town than there are castle guards, but the guards will answer to me, regardless. Vaizey has had no opportunity to plan against me; even if he has learned of my freedom, he will not expect me to knock on his door. What will happen tomorrow is this: We will walk into the courtyard as a group, I will have Vaizey brought before me, and he will be summarily sentenced.” He got to his feet. “Now, Robin, you mentioned a bed?”
As startled as everyone else, it took Robin a moment to respond. “Yes.” He carefully handed Atiya to Marian, then rose and gestured toward the doorway to the guest bedroom. “I’m afraid we only have two extra beds, but we can fix something up for the rest of you.”
The guards had no problems with this, and soon everyone had retired for the night.
next chapter
*
Rating: PG
Pairings/characters: Robin, the Outlaws, King Richard, David of Doncaster (OC), king's men
Word count: 2754
Spoilers: While this alters the end of S2, there are still minor spoilers for the whole run of the show, including S3.
Summary: The king arrives, and meets with the Outlaws.
Notes: Thanks to rochvelleth for the Latin translation!! :)
Disclaimer: Most of the places and characters within belong to legend and/or the BBC/TA. No profits are made from this, and no infringement is intended.
previous chapter
-20-
There was a vagrant in Locksley.
He did not stand out all that much from the villagers, but he was not moving into town; he simply tended to wander around, giving a hand here and there in exchange for a bite to eat. He disappeared at night, or when the sheriff’s men were doing their rounds, and would reappear with the dawn, or when the coast was clear.
Robin noticed the young man right away when he and the gang arrived with deliveries that Tuesday. They always carried some extra goods, just in case, and he went to give a parcel to the man.
“An’ who might you be?” the stranger asked suspiciously as Robin approached him.
Keeping a friendly smile on his face, Robin introduced himself, and held out the package. “Go on, take it. It’s not much, but it will help.”
“You’re Robin Hood?” the man asked incredulously, ignoring the bundle.
“I am,” Robin answered, suddenly wary.
Dropping the accent, the vagrant murmured, “I’m David of Doncaster, and I have been sent by King Richard to find you.”
The words, spoken in hushed and urgent tones, instantly brought Robin to attention. "Were you?"
With a wink, David said, "Libere sagitta fugit."
It was the code they had agreed on long ago, letting Robin know the man spoke the truth. “Come with me,” Robin instructed, and pulled David aside.
Once they were out of sight or earshot, David continued. “I doubt that the news has reached you yet, so I am pleased to inform you that the king is freed.”
Robin broke into a wide grin, and shook David’s hand in gratitude for the report. “That’s excellent news!”
David smiled back, but was much more reserved. “That is not all,” he said. “He is coming to deal with the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Guy of Gisborne. He requests your help with this mission.”
“Of course, he shall have it. Gisborne is no longer a problem, however; he is on our side now.”
David’s eyebrow shot up. “I am not sure His Majesty will forgive anyone involved with plots on his life.”
“I understand,” Robin nodded. “But, I would like to discuss it with him.”
“Naturally. He’s coming with a very small group of men, and is trying to keep this mission a secret. He will arrive tomorrow, and wants you to meet him at the Blue Boar Inn on the Great North Road. You know of it?”
“I do, and I will await him there.”
David smiled. “Excellent. Now, what’s in that linen?”
Robin handed him the package. “Some bread, cheese, and a few coins.”
“Better and better.”
“Do you have somewhere to stay?” asked Robin, gesturing for David to precede him back into the village square.
Eying his filthy self with mild distaste, David answered, “No. I have been sleeping just inside the treeline over here, in case you arrived during the night.”
“Well, we cannot offer you great comfort, but I think you will find our camp to be an improvement.”
The gang was nearly done with deliveries, and Marian was starting to look concerned when she spotted Robin returning with a stranger.
“It would be nice if you would not disappear without warning,” she said, an edge to her voice.
“David, here, had to speak with me.” He leaned in, and the others followed suit. “He had a message from the king.”
They looked dubiously at the bedraggled young man, who returned their regard with humor. “Well, I wasn’t exactly going to ride in on a secret assignment, wearing His Majesty’s colors and flying his pennant, was I?”
“He’s going to be staying with us,” Robin informed them. “We still have a few deliveries; can the rest of you finish up while I see him back to camp? We have plans to discuss.”
Marian and Much frowned, but the others agreed. “Sure thing,” Allan replied.
Robin slid an arm around Marian’s waist, leaning down so that his mouth was beside her ear. “The king comes tomorrow,” he whispered. “He wants me to help take care of the sheriff. For good.”
Surprised, she turned her head so quickly she nearly bumped Robin’s nose with her own. “Truly?”
He grinned at her excitedly. “It’s almost over, Marian.”
His exuberance was contagious. With a happy cry, she turned and flung her arms around his neck.
“So, is it all right if I go back to camp with David, and work out some plans?”
She sighed but relented. “Very well. We will see you soon.”
He gave her a quick kiss, and set off toward camp with their newest associate.
As it happened, David and Carter knew one another, and exchanged greetings while Robin got welcoming hugs from Atiya. The three men soon started discussing the situation, coming up with ideas which were expanded when the entire gang was assembled in the new camp’s great room. By the time Robin set out for the Blue Boar the next morning, they had worked out a viable plan. He figured that the king had ideas of his own, but was glad to have suggestions to present to him.
The rain ran off of his leather hood and cloak as he moved down the North Road, a couple of hours south of Locksley. When he arrived at the tavern, it was already bustling with people trying to escape the miserable weather. Robin retrieved a pint of ale and sidled into a shadowed table in a corner, keeping his hood up.
An hour passed, then two. Eventually, Robin ordered a trencher of chicken and bread, and took his time about eating it. And yet, there was still no sign of the king when he was finished. The same thing happened at suppertime.
Robin was growing concerned by the time the sun started to set, and he was about to start following the road further south when an imposing, familiar figure walked through the door, dressed in monk’s robes. From deep within the cowl, the newcomer turned his head, scanning the room; when he was turned toward the corner, Robin touched the edge of his hood. The “monk” made his way through the crowd and took a seat near Robin.
When Robin could see the face of his monarch, he hissed, “You cannot be alone. Where are your men?”
“They are already here.”
Robin resisted the urge to look around, which earned an approving smile from King Richard. “Two have come in during the day; the woodsman by the hearth and the yeoman in the blue cloak who is flirting with the barmaids. Two more are stationed in the woods across from the front and back entrances of this building. The rest of them are scattered throughout Nottingham Town, awaiting my signal.”
“Good to know. Were you planning to eat and stay here tonight, or get started back?”
The king eyed Robin’s mug longingly, and Robin passed it over to him. After taking a long pull from it, Richard replied, “As tempting as it is to sleep in a bed, I think we should be on our way.”
“You can have that both ways,” Robin told him with a smile. “Our beds are surprisingly comfortable, thanks in large part to one of the newest members of our gang.”
“Excellent. Shall we go?”
After they had gotten about a mile away from the inn, the six men traveling with the king caught up with them. Four were friends of Robin’s from his time in the Guards, and the walk back to the outlaws’ camp was quite genial.
It was after dark when they arrived, but nearly everyone was still awake. Much was in the midst of declaring, “That’s it; I’m going after him,” when they walked in.
“Going after who?” Robin asked teasingly.
“Robin!” Much exclaimed, turning around. Then his eyes widened. “Your Majesty!” He quickly dropped to one knee, as did everyone else.
Richard waved his hand. “Please, stand. Or sit; whatever you were doing.” He spotted David then, who had been chatting with Carter and Sakina. Walking over to the bench David was seated on, he dropped down beside him.
“Would it be possible to get something to eat?” one of the guards, Gilbert Whitehand, asked Robin.
“Of course. I was surprised that His Majesty did not get something before we left.”
Gilbert frowned. Quietly, he said, “He has not been eating much since his return. I’m not sure if he’s simply too focused, or... or if he is unwell.”
Robin eyed his liege. Richard still appeared robust, but it was difficult to truly tell with him in the monk’s robes. Perhaps, his face did look leaner than usual. “We will see to it that he’s fed,” Robin assured the other man.
After newer members of the gang had been introduced and the travelers were settled with a late dinner, Robin turned to the king. “Sire, my gang and I-- with David’s help-- have drawn up some ideas as to how we could infiltrate the castle.”
Richard swallowed the bite he had been chewing while he shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”
Accepting the dismissal of his offer, Robin asked, “Could we know of your plan?”
Richard replied, “It is fairly simple. We walk into Nottingham Castle, I have Vaizey executed and appoint a new sheriff.”
Robin exchanged a look with the others. “Apologies, sire, but why then do you need our assistance? I understand the secrecy, but--”
“I do not understand the secrecy,” Sakina interrupted softly. When attention turned to her, she blushed. “My apologies, but I do not understand what is going on.”
“His Majesty did not want to give the sheriff any warning, and a chance to escape or plot against him again,” Carter explained.
“Two attempts on my life by the man and his associate is enough,” Richard remarked lightly.
The comment reminded Robin of something. “I know that you intend to deal with Guy of Gisborne, as well.”
“That is correct.”
“I hope I can convince you to reconsider. Gisborne has been aiding us, providing intelligence on all plans of the sheriff’s. He is also engaged to Marian’s cousin, who has been helping encourage him in this direction.”
Richard took a bite of bread, chewing it while he considered this information. “I cannot simply forgive the plots against my life, Robin.”
“I know. But, he is a changed man, and is making a strong effort to atone for his actions.”
The king studied his friend. “Considering his actions a few months back, I am surprised to hear you defend him with such vehemence.”
“I never would have thought it, either,” Robin admitted. “He has grudges with the sheriff that may even outweigh our own. He will be a good ally; if I doubted that, I would never suggest it.”
Richard thought it over a bit more, and finally nodded. “I will speak with him, but I promise nothing about my final verdict.”
“Thank you. I ask for no more than that.”
Just then, two figures appeared in the doorway to the left. Little Little John was holding Atiya’s hand, as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes with her other hand. “She’s looking for you, Robin,” the boy said drowsily.
Smiling at the sight, Robin went over and picked her up. “Thanks, John.”
Little Little John peered curiously at the strangers in camp. “Hello,” he said.
“Hello,” called Gilbert cheerfully, happy now that his stomach was full.
“And whom do we have here?” Richard asked, glancing between the children.
Robin was just sitting down beside Marian again, the small girl nearly asleep again with her head resting on his shoulder. He nodded toward Little Little John. “That fine young man is John and Alice’s son, also called John. And this is my daughter, Atiya.”
Richard was clearly not expecting that, but hid his surprise quickly. “I was not aware that there were children among your numbers. Congratulations to you all.”
“John,” Alice said softly, gesturing for her son to come over to where she and his father were seated. When he reached her, she whispered, “These men are from the King’s Royal Guard, and this is His Majesty, King Richard.”
Little Little John stared at his mother dubiously at first, but soon realized she was serious. Wide-eyed, he started to kneel, but Richard protested.
“Please do not,” he said. “We are all friends here.” He gave the boy a reassuring smile, and Little Little John relaxed, sitting beside Alice.
Richard turned back to Robin, staring at the sleeping girl. “I am even more glad to be here, now that I know this,” he remarked. “I am, of course, pardoning all of you, and you will be able to return to your homes tomorrow. Nor should you fear further persecution from the law-- provided none of you step greatly outside of it.”
There was a visible reaction from most of the outlaws.
"We're going home?" Little Little John exclaimed, wide awake now.
“Bonchurch,” Much said reverently. Eve grinned at him.
“There’s no carpenter in Locksley at the moment,” Will noted, the corners of his mouth turning up as Djaq leaned against him. "Or healer," he added.
“Our cottage is inhabited,” Alice sighed.
“I’ll build you a new one,” declared Will grandly.
Marian beamed at Robin. “Locksley will be yours again.”
“It will be ours,” he corrected her, with a wink. Murmurs of excitement spread throughout the room.
Only Little John seemed unsettled. “What about the villagers?” he finally put in.
Everyone fell silent and turned to him.
“What do you mean?” asked Gilbert.
“The villagers depend on us,” John stated. “What will they do without our help?”
“With Vaizey ousted and a fair sheriff in place, they will not need it,” Carter said.
“That’s not necessarily true,” Kate replied. “A lot of families were hurting from taxation before, even outside Nottinghamshire.” She realized a moment after everyone else that she had criticized the king’s policy in front of him, and she suddenly looked horrified. “Oh! I didn’t mean... That is,...”
Richard held up a hand for her to stop stammering. “I had hoped to speak to some of you about ways those families might be better helped. I cannot drop taxes altogether, as news I have received indicates that the truce in the Holy Land might not last much longer. But, I will be dealing with the corrupt officers who have instigated their own ‘taxes,’ which should ease the burden on the people.”
Kate relaxed back with a sigh, and Allan shot her a relieved look.
“I would be very interested in discussing that with you, sire,” Marian spoke up.
“Excellent.” Richard set his now-empty plate beside his chair. “Tomorrow, I will send word to my men in Nottingham to prepare, and we will meet them in the town. Then, we go to the castle en masse. I would like for all of you to be there.”
Robin and Little John exchanged an uneasy look. “We need someone to stay at camp with the children, sire. And Djaq is with child, so she should stay, as well,” Robin said.
Richard shook his head. “There will be no danger. As you have said you get intelligence from the castle, have you heard of the sheriff even suspecting my arrival?”
He had a point. “No, I have not.”
The king looked around at the faces of the outlaws. “You have all worked diligently to see his tenure brought to an end, and have protected the people he has abused in the meantime. You should be there to witness his downfall. I have more men stationed in Nottingham Town than there are castle guards, but the guards will answer to me, regardless. Vaizey has had no opportunity to plan against me; even if he has learned of my freedom, he will not expect me to knock on his door. What will happen tomorrow is this: We will walk into the courtyard as a group, I will have Vaizey brought before me, and he will be summarily sentenced.” He got to his feet. “Now, Robin, you mentioned a bed?”
As startled as everyone else, it took Robin a moment to respond. “Yes.” He carefully handed Atiya to Marian, then rose and gestured toward the doorway to the guest bedroom. “I’m afraid we only have two extra beds, but we can fix something up for the rest of you.”
The guards had no problems with this, and soon everyone had retired for the night.
next chapter
*