Maid of Sherwood

by Shanti Krishnamurty

  “Aelfred will not say anything about it,” the Lady said blithely. “Once we reach the heart, he will understand.”

  “But how can we reach the heart if the heart is in us?” Dulcina mused.

  “The sheriff has a great deal to pay for.” Nyneve said grimly. She walked through the grasses, the blades growing thick and lush around her ankles, some daring blades even reaching up to clutch at her calves as she passed by.

  Aelfred paled and his arms tightened involuntarily about Dulcina. “Do the plants here normally behave that way?”

  “They like me,” Nyneve said shortly. “Quickly. We do not have much time left before he arrives.”

  “Is he hunting Robin because of me?” Marian asked, breathless.

  “It is not that simple,” Nyneve replied. “The kidnapping scheme was but an excuse to do what the prince has been denying him permission to do since Richard left.”

  “I thought Prince John wanted Hood brought to just—tice,” Aelfred stuttered.

  “He does, but John refused to give him permission to actively hunt Robin,” the Lady said. “With Marian’s kidnapping, that ban was lifted.” She stopped suddenly and raised one hand. “Quick, into the trees!”

  They scrambled to obey her, the urgency of her voice spurning them on.

  “Clear the path,” a deep voice stated.

  “This is the king’s domain,” Nyneve stated calmly, “and I do not believe you are here on his business.”

  “We are here on the sheriff’s business,” the voice answered.

  “Which is not the same as the king’s,” the Lady replied.

  “The sheriff charged us to find his bride and return her safely to him.”

  Nyneve snorted her amusement. “Is that what he told you she was?”

  “Why are we listenin’ to her?” A different voice asked. “She be nothing more than the historian.”

  “Wrong,” Nyneve snapped. Thunder rumbled.

  The men glanced up. “The sky was clear when we started…” one of the men said nervously.

  “It is the beginnings of a thunderstorm, nothing else,” the first voice replied.

  “I heard about what lives in the deep woods. If we search, will we be allowed to leave?”

  “Why would you ask me?” Nyneve sounded amused. “According to your man there, I am only the castle historian.”

  Marian felt something touch her ankle and stifled a squeal. It was the fronds of a giant fern, caressing her in a way that was wholly unnatural for a plant. Robin reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  “The villagers say you be something else.”

  “King Richard allows me the use of this forest, and all its paths. If you wish to search, I will not stop you, for that is your right. But it is my right to refuse to…how did you put it?...‘clear the path.’”

  “Come on, we can find another way,” the nervous man said.

  “I will tell the sheriff of your disobedience,” the first man stated.

  “Tell the sheriff this!” Nyneve snapped and Marian felt the air grow heavy seconds before a flash of lightning nearly blinded her.

  “The sheriff can search for her himself!” One of the men cried out. “No woman is worth bein’ struck!” Heavy boots retreated the way they had come.

  “You can come out now.” The Lady’s voice was calm.

  “What in all the hells was that?” Aelfred was the first to emerge from the tree line, his arms empty.

  “Where is Dulcina?” Nyneve demanded, not answering his question.

  “I c—could not hold her indefinitely,” Aelfred said. “She is braiding grass int—to rings.” He shrugged at the Lady’s surprised look. “It k--kept her occupied and quiet. Now, will you t—tell me what happened?”

  “I sent the sheriff’s guards away with a message,” she said.

  Robin’s mouth quirked to one side as he stared at the lightning struck tree. “That was quite a message.”

  The Lady shrugged. “They annoyed me, and it bought us a bit of time. Aelfred, if you would collect Dulcina, we can be on our way. We are scant feet from the heart.”

  “You will hardly keep your identity a secret if you flaunt your power.” Robin still held Marian’s hand in his and he tugged her forward to stand by his side.

  “Richard already knows who I am, as did his father before him.” Nyneve started along the path once more, the overhanging trees pulling their branches away as she passed underneath.

  “And I am unconcerned with either the sheriff, who will be dead shortly, or John, who should be more concerned with Richard’s return than wild tales told by a handful of cowardly guards.”

  The path ended and the Lady turned to them. “Wait here until I come get you. I cannot guarantee your safety otherwise.”

  Marian turned to Robin. “What does she mean by ‘guarantee your safety’?”

  Robin shrugged, but there was a small smile tugging at his mouth.

  “If you do not wish to tell me, then just say so.” Marian tried to tug her hand free of his, but he refused to let go.

  “That is not it, Marian,” he said. “But the forest holds secrets that are not mine to tell and the heart is the nexus of Sherwood.”

  “Aelfred, bring Dulcina in,” Nyneve’s voice carried through the tangle of underbrush and trees in front of them.

  “And us, Lady Nyneve?” Robin asked. “Are we welcomed, as well?” Marian began to walk forward. “No, Mari, wait. It is not safe yet.”

  “Yes, you two may enter as well.” Nyneve stated. “Your parents are here and eager to see you.”

  Tears welled up in Marian’s eyes at the thought of seeing Mother and Father again. “Oh yes!” This time Robin released her hand when she pulled it free. She hurried forward, entering the underbrush behind Aelfred and Dulcina who were directed by Lady Nyneve deeper into the heart.

  Marian’s immediate impression of the clearing was dulled by seeing Mother and Father, rising to their feet from their seats on a large stone.

  “Mother!” Marian rushed into Mother’s open arms.

  “I am so happy to see you!” Mother stroked Marian’s golden, tangled, curls. “Are you well? Did he hurt you?”

  Marian shook her head. “Yes and no. He did not hurt me, but I do not know what might have happened if Robin and Aelfred had not arrived.”

  “We owe them a great debt of gratitude,” Father said, “that can never be repaid.”

  “This might not be the best time,” Robin said, “but I cannot think of a better one, considering our circumstances. Alan, Beatrix, would you do me the honor of giving me Marian’s hand in marriage?”

  Chapter Thirty-Two:

  “Wait, what?!” Marian pushed free of Mother’s arms. “I think you forgot something, Lord Locksley!”

  “No, I do not believe I have,” Robin said. “You do love me, do you not?”

  “I—I,” Marian stuttered. “What do I say?” She appealed to Mother and Father.

  “Do not ask me,” Mother replied. “It is not my proposal. I am already wed.”

  Father just shook his head, his lips twitching.

  “It is not my proposal, either!” Marian snapped. “If you love me as you claim, then ask me, not them.”

  “I was but observing proprieties,” Robin protested, but his eyes were sparkling gleefully.

  “You are jesting with me,” Marian said, her heart falling unexpectedly at the thought.

  Robin immediately sobered. “I thought to lighten the mood with my approach,” he admitted, “but I was not jesting. If you will have me, Marian du Luc, it would be my honor and privilege to marry you, after I kill the sheriff.”

  It was not quite the proposal she had dreamt of but, Marian’s lips quirked into an unwilling smile, it was Robin.

  “Does that smile mean you will?” Robin asked.

  “I will consider it,” Marian returned tartly, though her heart was singing.

  Mother turned to Father. “I suppose you have something furt
her to say before you collect on your bet?”

  “What did you bet on?” Marian glanced at Father, who refused to meet her eyes.

  “Me??” She gasped. “You bet on something to do with me?”

  “Not precisely,” Mother said. “It was more on Robin than you.”

  Robin began laughing. “I cannot believe you would do such a thing!”

  Marian looked at all three of them. “What am I not understanding?”

  “Sweet Mari, you parents bet on us.” Robin explained. “I am assuming you, Alan, bet on my winning your daughter’s hand while you, Beatrix, bet against it.”

  “I did not bet against it, merely the timing of it.” Mother said, laughter bubbling up in her throat at the look on Marian’s face.

  “It was a wager made in fun,” Father said. He leaned toward Mother and planted a quick kiss on her lips. “There. Payment rendered.”

  “I cannot believe you are Mother,” Marian said. “How did you fool me all those years?”

  Mother shrugged. “I have had years of practice pretending to be something I am not.”

  “So now you have been reduced to wagering on your daughter’s happiness?” The Lady floated through the opposing underbrush, barely touching the grass of the clearing, which strained up to meet the soles of her feet. Marian’s worn leather belt was wrapped about her waist.

  “I will take a harmless bet where I can,” Mother said calmly. “Is Dulcina settled?”

  “Yes, she is with Aelfred and resting comfortably.” Nyneve said. “Robin, are you ready to meet the sheriff?”

  “Is he just waiting for me?” Robin asked.

  “No, but he is searching close by.” She unbuckled the belt holding Excalibur and held it out to Robin. “You will need this.”

  He took the blade with reverent hands. “Are you sure—” he began.

  Nyneve smiled. “Some fights cannot be won at a distance. Excalibur will help you, Robin. Trust it.”

  “Robin, what if he kills you?” Marian spoke softly.

  “It is Excalibur, Marian.” Robin said. “I am sure it will protect me as well as it did King Arthur.”

  Marian’s brow crinkled. “But he was defeated.”

  Nyneve floated between them. “Children, there is no time for this. Beatrix, Alan, will you stay here and keep an eye on Aelfred and Dulcina?”

  Mother and Father nodded in unison.

  “I will be fine, Marian.” He took her hand in his and kissed it. “Remain here and I will return as soon as I can.”

  Marianshook her head. “No, I will not remain behind while you face him alone.”

  “Lady, I will not allow her to come with us!” Robin declared.

  “You will not allow? Robin of Locksley, you forget your place,” Nyneve bit out. The forest darkened briefly around them. “She is not facing anyone. You are. But if I know anything about your lady, she will not wait idly by while you are gone. Therefore, she will come with us now, and save me the trouble of finding her later.”

  “I will not argue with you, Lady,” Robin said. “I know as well as any villager whose forest this truly is.”

  Marian turned to Mother and Father. “I will come back.”

  Father had his arms wrapped around Mother. “We know.” He nodded at her. “We will talk when you return.”

  Marian followed Nyneve and Robin, being careful to stay camouflaged among the green leaves of the giant ferns and tall grasses. Huge oaks seemed to bend their trunks out of the way when Nyneve strode past and Marian could hear what sounded like whispering at the very edges of her consciousness. She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Nyneve held up one wrinkled hand. “Wait. He’s through those ferns, Robin.” Nyneve’s voice was hardly more than a whisper. “Focus on the sheriff. Once you defeat him, the others will fall.”

  “Marian,” Robin faced her. “If I asked you to stay here, would you?”

  She smiled and shook her head. “You know me better than that.”

  “Yes, I do.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “At least watch from behind the trees, then. Will you agree to that?”

  Marian nodded and stepped with him as he pushed his way through the massive ferns. She hugged the tree trunk close and carefully peered around it while he continued forward.

  Chapter Thirty-Three:

  The sheriff rose from his knees at the sound of Robin pushing through the brush. He had, Marian noticed, managed to start a tiny fire, which sparked and sputtered angrily.

  “Well, well, I did not think Hood would find me before I found him,” the sheriff said. One hand smoothed immaculate hair away from his face.

  “And I did not think to find you alone, with nothing more than a—” Robin cocked one eyebrow at the struggling flames, “what would you call that?”

  “A fire,” the sheriff said flatly, “and I never said I was alone.”

  Robin raised an eyebrow at the sight of the six men fanning out behind the sheriff. “I always thought you were a coward. I see you have chosen to confirm my beliefs.”

  The sheriff clenched his teeth so hard Marian could hear them grinding against each other. “On the contrary,” he bit out. “I simply see no point in soiling my hands with your traitorous blood.”

  “I am no traitor,” Robin retorted. “Refusing to bow down to an untried prince and his toady is not traitorous, it is merely common sense.”

  “You know,” the sheriff drew his sword. “I put a bounty on your head hoping someone else would find you, but it will be much more satisfying to kill you myself before rescuing my betrothed from your clutches.”

  “She is not your betrothed,” Robin scoffed. “She would no more marry you than I would!”

  One of the guards snickered. The sheriff turned and, in one fluid movement, ran the hapless man through. As he dropped to the ground, Marian bit back a gasp.

  “If you continue to kill everyone who laughs at you, soon there will be no-one left,” Robin taunted.

  “Kill him,” the sheriff said flatly. “The reward is doubled!”

  There was the snick of five swords leaving their sheaths, but Robin was not done yet.

  “Are you too afraid to come after me yourself?” He stepped backward, weaving Excalibur back and forth.

  “Wait,” the sheriff ordered harshly. “I shall do it. No man will call me coward and live.” A few of the men frowned, but he waved his free hand. “Oh, do not worry. You shall still be paid for your services. Prince John will reward us all greatly when I bring back Hood’s head.” Without warning, the sheriff’s blade snaked out, thrusting at Robin. Excalibur, crackling with eerie blue sparks Marian had never seen before, easily swatted the attempt aside. The sheriff’s eyes narrowed. Robin grinned ferociously.

  “That is quite a blade you have,” the sheriff said. “I do not believe I have ever seen its like.” He thrust again, and again his sword was parried by the blue sparking blade. “I might be persuaded to spare your life to own such a sword.”

  “I am not ready to give this blade up,” Robin said. With a twist of his wrist, Excalibur struck out with incredible swiftness, shedding more blue sparks in its wake. “You see, it was a wedding gift from the Maid Marian.”

  Marian gasped, but neither man heard it.

  The sheriff laughed. “I sincerely doubt that since she is enjoying my hospitality at this very moment.”

  “You mean the hospitality of the dungeons where you imprisoned her, along with Dulcina Scarlett?” Robin winked. “Suffice it to say, sheriff, I have taken both your prizes.”

  “NO!” With a cry of outrage, the other man thrust his sword at Robin.

  Robin danced lightly backward. “They were happy to come with me and escape you,” he said.

  “You lie,” the sheriff hissed. “Dulcina would never voluntarily leave me.”

  “Your Scarlett Bird has flown its nest,” Robin smirked. He lunged forward, but his foot slipped in the wet grass. The sword flew from his grasp.

  “No!” Marian dove
out of the concealing trees, her hand outstretched. She scrabbled in the leaves, praying she would make contact with the pommel of Excalibur.

  “Quick, grab her!” The sheriff snapped at the men still milling about. “What are you waiting for??”

  Marian’s hand touched the arming sword and she pushed it in Robin’s direction even as rough hands grabbed her shoulders and yanked her upright.

  “Be careful, you clods! That is my betrothed!” The sheriff said.

  Marian spat out bits of grass. “I will never marry you!”

  “You will not have a choice,” he retorted. A slow smile crossed his face and he stalked closer. Marian shrank back in the guard’s grip. “Once I depose the prince, there will be nothing stopping me.”

  “Nothing except King Richard,” Robin said. “And me.” He lifted Excalibur out of the leaves. “And this.”

  “I hardly see an absent king, an outlaw and an ancient, though curious, sword as a threat to be taken seriously.”

  “That is your mistake,” Robin said. In a move like water pouring from a cup, Excalibur swung out, slicing a thin line across the arm of the guard holding Marian captive. She pulled loose and scrambled to stand behind Robin. “You will never have the Lady Marian,” Robin continued. “Nor Dulcina.”

  “Dulcina is mine,” the sheriff said. “She will always be mine.” He lunged forward, blade outstretched.

  Excalibur met his sword with a resounding clash and a shower of blue sparks that had Marian shielding her eyes.

  “What the—” the sheriff fell back and Excalibur, with Robin holding the hilt, followed him with a flurry of whip like blows. The sheriff dropped his sword as he raised his hands to shield his face. Robin thrust and Excalibur came to rest, point pressed up against the other man’s chest hard enough to draw blood.

  Chapter Thirty-Four:

  “Why not kill me immediately?” The sheriff panted. “You disarmed me; there is no reason for you to wait.”

  “I do not need to prove my worth by killing you,” Robin said contemptuously. “However, killing you for Dulcina’s sake would be my pleasure.”