Courting Time

Chapter 7

In the corners of her mind, Chloë could hear a faint sound. Although not quite sure what it was to her it sounded like distant church bells. The bell like ring teased Chloë to wake up. But, comfortable in the land of sleep she did not. Hoping the bells would cease Chloë remained in her coma. The bells did not cease. Instead the grew louder and louder, until it became a constant drone in her ear. The monotonous chime jerked Chloë awake. Opening her eyes she expected to see trees surrounding her. She did not. The left side of her cheek felt numb and something felt hard against her skin. She looked down. Her face had been resting on a book. Her book she was reading when she was in the library. Confused she sat straight up and looked around. Around her were bookshelves, hundreds of bookshelves and not a single tree or bush. So she was not in Sherwood. If she was not in Sherwood how did she get back? Or was she ever there in the first place? She was unsure and yet, she still could hear the bells. There was no church near the library so how could she hear them? Then she remembered it was her phone stretching the stiffness from her joints Chloë reached into her bag to receive her phone. She looked at the screen, the caller ID read Callum. She answered and placed the phone to her ear. 

"Hey, Cal. Where are you?"

"I'm near Oakhill Wood."

"Why are you there?"

"I've found something. Something that may help you with your research."

"Really?" she questioned doubtfully.

"Yes, I'm a hundred percent certain. You are going to love it."

"Okay. What is it?"

"Come and meet me in the car park near Oakhill Wood."

"Why? Can't you tell me over the phone?"

"No. You are going to need to see it for yourself."

Sighing Chloë ended the phone call to him. To her, it seemed Cal didn't remember anything that had occurred. Why didn't he? She was certain Cal had been with her when they were in Sherwood. So how come he didn't remember? The arrangement with her brother to meet him seemed familiar to her as if she had done it before. She couldn't place when though. Finally arriving at the car park Chloë spotted Cal. He was leaning against a sign -post. Yes, she had done this meeting before. Before she and Cal got transported to 12th century England. Chloë had met Cal in the exact same spot. This was puzzling for Chloë. If she was where she was before finding herself in Sherwood, did her encounter with Robin Hood and his Merry Men actually happened? Or was it just a dream when she was asleep? She was not sure. All she knew was she was back where she was before. The trek through the wood was long and quiet. Neither of them spoke. Cal wondered if Chloë was alright. He knew that Chloë was never this quiet especially when it had to do with Robin Hood. Something was bothering her. He was going to find out why. 

"Is everything alright, Chlo?" 

"Fine."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Uh-uh."

"I thought you'd be excited about what I have for you."

"You haven't actually showed me anything yet."

"Well, now I have 'cause here we are."

Chloë followed Cal's finger and noticed he was pointing to a hollowed out oak tree. The same tree she had been to before or so she thought. 

"What's in there?" Chloë inquired.

Cal walked over to the trunk, placed his hand inside and pulled out a leather bound book. A book she recognised. Cal walked back to Chloë and opened up a page. The writing inscribed read The Diary of Robyn Hode, also known as Robin Hood. Cal was about to read the diary entry out loud but, was quickly silenced when the book shut on his fingers.

"Hey! What did you do that for?"

"Don't ask questions. Just don't read it out loud."

"Why not?"

"Trust me. And besides, I can read for myself. I don't need you to read it for me."

Cal rolled his eyes and was about to hand it over to Chloë when he secretly snatched it back again. 

"Look, nothing can happen if I read out loud. It is just a book."

"Cal! Stop messing about and hand me the book!"

"Nope." And he stretched his arm up so Chloë could not reach it.

"Cal! We are not kids anymore. Stop acting like one."

"You may be older, sis, but, I am taller." Cal replied, "And stronger than you."

Before Chloë realised, Cal tackled her to the woodland floor. Stuck underneath him Chloë struggled to sit up. 

"Get off me, you big huffle-lump." Chloë shouted.

"Only if you let me read it out loud."

" I said no! Don't read it."

"Nothing is going to happen, Chloë. Don't believe me? Read it for yourself then."

"Nope. I am not going to do it."

"I'll make a deal with you. 20 pounds says nothing will happen if you read it aloud."

Accepting the bet, Chloë was allowed to get up. Sitting as comfortable as she could on a woodland floor Chloë began to read. This is what was read.

The year is 1206, the year of our Lord.

14th August

The Sheriff grows greedy every day. Taxes are getting higher and Marian is betrothed to Gisborne. It is a false engagement, though. The Sheriff plans to use her for favour with Prince John. I cannot see the marriage go ahead. 

Chloë finished reading the entry. Nervously, she expected something to happen. It never did. Cal smiled smugly to himself.

"See. I told you so."

Chloë rolled her eyes.

"Now you owe me 20 pounds. " Cal reminded her.

"Fine. When we get back to the car."

Behind a clump of trees and bushes, a man dressed in a dark green tunic watched as Chloë and Cal walked away. He smiled to himself. As they were walking Chloë was sure she heard, "Marian." be called and looking over her shoulder she was certain she caught a glimpse of a man with a bow and arrow in his hand.