Courting Time

Chapter 1

For as long as she could remember, Chloë had been fascinated by the legend of Robin Hood. Ever since her father had first told her about the famous outlaw, who stole from the rich to give to the poor, she had been obsessed with anything to do with him. Ranging from novels to films to TV shows, Chloë would have either watched it or read it. She didn't know why she was so obsessed with Robin, but she was and no matter how hard her family and friends had tried to make Chloë see that this obsession had gone too far, she ignored them. Robin Hood and the country he lived in was part of history, their history. As part of their history, Chloë believed it was their duty to make sure it would not be forgotten

While Chloë loved absolutely everything about Robin Hood, she would say that the BBC 2006 adaption was her favourite. She didn't know why she loved that one in particular, but she did and she always imagined that she was living in England back then. Her family had said it was because she loved the actors' portrayals of the characters, most specifically it was the certain portrayal of one character that made her so in love with the BBC version. Whatever it was she was hooked on life back in 12th century England. Since watching that adaption, life in 12th century England had interested Chloe and having been to university she had majored in History focusing on the Medieval era. Chloë now worked as a historian, living in Nottingham working on her thesis as to discover whether Robin Hood was a real person or a legend. So far her research had revealed that there could have been four possible Robin Hoods, but none of them had any clear evidence that they could have been Robin Hood. The obstacle, however, did not stop Chloë from pursuing it any further.

It was a Wednesday and the air was mild considering it was almost winter. Chloë was in the local library searching the life stories of the Merry Men when her phone rang. She sighed. She did not like it when she got disturbed, especially when she had just discovered a vital piece of information. Marking her page with her pen, Chloë took her phone out of her bag and looked at the screen. The caller ID informed her that the person calling was her brother, Callum. Callum was 3 years younger than her and having been introduced to the world of Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest, he had started to become obsessed too. As much as she loved him and knew that he was only trying to help with her research, he knew better than to disturb her when she was in the library. However, Chloë also knew that if she didn't answer he would only keep ringing. Reluctantly, she answered.

"Hi, Cal what do you want?"

"I know I'm not supposed to call when you are in the library, but I have something that might interest you." Cal replied excitedly.

"What do you mean?"

"For your research, Chlo."

"Really? What is it that you have found?" she asked eagerly.

"I cant tell you over the phone."

"Why?"

"Because you're going to have to see it for yourself."

"Fine. Where do you want me to meet you?"

Cal explained to his sister to meet him in Oakhill Wood, a small cluster of trees near the former Sherwood Forest. Agreeing to meet him at the appointed spot, Chloë closed up her books, returned them to their shelves, grabbed her stuff and headed to her car. The drive to Oakhill Wood was not a long drive and she soon arrived at the destination. Chloë got out of the car and spotted Cal by a sign-post. Cal spotted his sister and walked up to her.

"Hey, sis! Thanks for coming."

"No problem. I just hope what you have is worthwhile."

"Don't worry, Chlo. It will be. I'm sure of it."

Cal took Chloë on quite a trek deep into the heart of the wood. The walk seemed to be longer than anticipated that Chloë had thought her brother didn't know where he was going and it had all been a hoax.

"Cal, where are we going exactly?"

"Don't' worry we are almost there."

Almost having given up, Cal halted and Chloë bumped into him. Regain her composure Chloë moved to Cal's and saw why they had stopped. In the heart of the wood, an ancient tree stood with a hollow trunk. Unimpressed with what she saw Chloë slapped her brother on his shoulder.

"Is this it?" Chloë inquired.