Game of Thrones: Imagines and one shots. Book four

The Hood - Part 1 - Jaime x Reader

This is another story I started way back in book one and have finally found again. So, I thought I would bring back this Robin Hoodesque imagine, and I have included a new chapter. Hope you enjoy

The merchant whistled happily to himself as he and his cart travelled through the great Kingswood; the day was warm, yet under the vast canopy of the trees, it was cool and pleasant, lulling the old man into a false sense of security.

He along with everyone else in Kings Landing and the surrounding area had heard of an outlaw that had taken up residence in the huge forest; the bandit, who was simply known as "The Hood", because of the large brown and green hood that was used to cover their features, took a toll from any rich traveller that dared to step foot in the woods, and the more that the traveller had, the more that would be taken. Despite this, and despite the fact that guards from Kings Landing had already been sent to try and locate The Hood and their men, without much success, the merchant had decided that going through the forest would save him time, and as some of his products were perishable, the quicker he got to his destination the more he would get for his goods.

As the old horse dragged the heavy wooden cart down the path that wound its way through the trees, the only sounds that the merchant could hear were the rumble of the cart wheels, the occasional whinnying of his horse, and the birds that fluttered from branch to branch. But that was about to change........

"Ho, Ugly!" A voice suddenly called out from somewhere high in the dense canopy, causing the man to pull tight on the reins; the horse stopping dead in its tracks.

"Now, who would be foolish enough to think that they can go through my forest without paying the toll?" The voice asked, as the merchant looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice.

"I-I-If you...... if you rob me, you have my word that I will report this to King Robert himself." The merchant nervously warned, his eyes widening as the leaves around him began to rustle.

"Oh, I'm so scared! You and everyone else that has had to pay my toll has reported me to the King, yet as you see, I am still here." The voice continued mockingly, as the atmosphere around the man seemed to grow thicker with every word the mysterious voice spoke.

Suddenly, seemingly appearing from out of nowhere, a figure donned in green and brown, a large hood pulled low over their face, emerged to face the merchant. The old man falling back in his seat as the figure that held a long staff and had a large bow and a quiver of arrows slung across their back, stalked forward.

"You're....... you're........ you're The Hood." The old man gasped, shocked as the figure began to chuckle.

"I see my reputation proceeds me, how gratifying. Well if you know me, then you will also know that you must pay the toll to travel these woods." The Hood replied, pointing their staff at the man that was desperately trying not to physically tremble.

"But I ....... I have nothing to give, I am but a poor man trying to sell what few wares I have." The man told The Hood, slowly trying to get back to his seat.

"How dare you lie to me, Gregor Perk. I know exactly who you are; you are one of the richest merchants there is in Kings Landing, so don't think that your simple garb and your protestations of poverty will fool me. You will pay the toll, and you will be happy that I allow you to leave my woods with your paltry life." The Hood growled menacingly as they drew up alongside the cart.

"Now to see what goods you are carrying. Gentlemen....... if you will please." The Hood called out, the merchants eyes widening as men appeared from the trees all holding weapons, ready to attack at any moment should the merchant try something foolish. Each man's face covered with a dark brown scarf to conceal their identities.

"Ere, Hood, come and take a look at this." A large man called out, as he jumped onto the back of the wagon and pulled back the canopy that covered the old man's goods.

As The Hood rounded the wagon, their eyes fell on the vast array of goods; not only were there bolts of fabric, but there were furs, weapons and also food. Yet it was the small chest that concealed a large amount of gold that really caught the Hood's eye.

"So, you have nothing?" The Hood asked sarcastically, as the large man dragged the merchant to the back of the cart, the old man now shaking as the Hood pulled out a dagger and pushed the tip against his neck.

"I think that we are going to have to make an example of you, Gregor Perk." The Hood added coldly, as they turned to face the group of men.

"We are taking everything, the cart, the horse, all of the goods, everything; and I want Gregor here stripped and made to leave my forest, forced to walk back to Kings Landing in nothing but his skin." The Hood declared, the men rushing forward to fulfill the outlaws demands.

"You.......you can't do this". The merchant stammered, trying to cover his nakedness against the world as the thief's men laughed, pushing him towards the edge of the great forest.

"Oh, I think that you will find that I can, Gregor Perk. You chose to try and lie to me, chose to think that I was a fool; so, I want you to waddle your way back to Kings Landing, with your pathetic excuse for a manhood tucked firmly between your legs, and tell everyone that this is what happens when you choose to try and travel through The Hoods woods, and attempt to not pay the toll." Hood growled, the flat their sword smacking Gregor firmly on the naked flesh of his backside, before the man ran off as fast as his short fat legs could carry him.

"Do ya think he will go and tell the King." The big man asked, as he came to stand by the side of the smaller outlaw.

"And what if he does, Marak? The King is usually so drunk that he can't find his own arse without help, and if he is sober enough to comprehend what Gregor is saying, then he will probably only send guards that don't want to be here, and will only take a tertiary look before leaving again." The Hood replied, leaning against their staff, chuckling as Gregor nearly fell over his own feet as he continued to run back to the capital.

"But what if he sends the Kingsguard? We's causin trouble; maybe we should lie low fa a while." Marak continued, as he looked down at the outlaw next to him.

"Let him send the Kingsguard, the likes of the Kingslayer do not scare me. I am more than willing to take on the lion and any other white cloak wearing eunuch that Robert has; this is our forest Marak, and we will continue to take our toll. Now take the food to the villages, and give every household one piece of gold, but keep the cloth, I will dispose of that and use the money to procure the services of a Maestre for the children. Keep the weapons and give any man that does not already possess one, a sword. I want our men well-armed, just in case." Hood said, not turning their gaze from the direction of the great city, as Marak walked off to carry out the orders.

"Send me the Kingslayer, Robert; and I will prove just how good The Hood truly is." Hood whispered, before disappearing back into the forest to join their men.