The Sherwood Diaries: Robin the Fugitive

Robin's Plan

'Deep within the Forest, Robin Hood and the Merry Men are training for combat, Little John and Robin were sparring, when a sense had overwhelmed him, causing Little John to send Robin flying across the woods..'

"Sorry, Robin.. I guess I don't know my own strength." Little John said

"None of the battalion practices are quite the same without Maid Marian here, Little John." Robin said

"Robin, how could you have handed Maid Marian over to the Sheriff? You know that she's one of our greatest warriors." Little John said

"The Sheriff said he would spare us if Marian returned with him to Nottingham castle, Little John. Besides, Marian can take care of herself." Robin said

"Did you hear that the Prince is planning to marry Maid Marian?" Little John said

"Maid Marian would never marry Prince John.. I have to find a way to convince her not to go through with the wedding, before it's too late." Robin said

'Friar Tuck, overhearing the conversation between Robin and Little John walks into the forest with a flier sticking out of his robe pocket..'

"Maybe there is a way to get to Maid Marian.. I saw the Sheriff placing these around the village; The Prince is holding a festival and archery tournament tomorrow." Friar Tuck said

"What does Marian have to do with all of this, Father Tuck?" Robin asked

"She'll be there to congratulate the winner with a kiss, my boy." Friar Tuck said

"The perfect opportunity to rescue her. But we're going to need disguises.." Robin said

"Robin, once I give you the celebratory kiss, I will be ready to run back to Sherwood Forest, away from that arrogant Prince John and that shady Sheriff of Nottingham." I said

"My lady, are you sure that Robin Hood will even be at the archery tournament?" Lady Liza Beth asked

"Yes, Liza Beth. I believe Robin and the Merry Men will be there and take us to Sherwood Forest.." I said

"Lady Liza Beth, I'd like to speak with Maid Marian.." The Sheriff said

"It's completely up to you, if you wish not to speak with the Sheriff, I can tell him that you don't feel like talking.." Lady Liza Beth said

"Would you mind joining us? Just in case he tries anything." I said

"Whatever makes you feel comfortable, my lady." Lady Liza Beth said

"Maid Marian, I would be honored if you would accompany me to the King's rose garden." The Sheriff said

"Just a minute.." I said

"Don't keep me waiting too much longer." The Sheriff said

"He tried making a pass at me the other day, trying to persuade me into accepting his hand in marriage, instead of Prince John's." I said

"But you can't stand either one of them.." Lady Liza Beth said

"Robin Hood is my one and only true love.." I said

"Will Scarlet is equally handsome.." Lady Liza Beth said

"I remember the first time I met Robin Hood.. he was nine years old, I was seven. The Sheriff had locked him in the stocks, Friar Tuck was pleading with him, so I took a big rock and smashed the lock. Friar Tuck and my uncle were very close friends. I even stopped by the church to help out however I could.." I said

"I take it King Richard used to help out over there." Lady Liza Beth said

"Yes, Liza Beth. Robin and I used to play in the church courtyard when my uncle would assist Friar Tuck." I said

"Are you ready, my lady?" The Sheriff asked

"Yes, Sheriff.." I said opening the door

"Shall we proceed-- where do you think you're going? I request that Maid Marian and I speak privately." The Sheriff said

"I hoped you wouldn't mind, I've asked Liza Beth to stay close by in case there was any funny business going on." I said

"That's what I wanted to talk about. It was wrong of me to try and seduce the Prince's bride-to-be." The Sheriff said

"Sheriff, I wanted to talk with you about tomorrow's archery tournament.." I said

"Ah, the archery tournament.. what other way to capture and arrest Robin Hood and the Merry Men." The Sheriff said

"So, you're telling me the Tournament is nothing but a mere trap?" I asked

"I have never almost tasted a victory as sweet as this will be.." The Sheriff said

"Oh, no.. I have to warn them somehow.. It's not like I can just leave.. Liza Beth, I have to go to Sherwood Forest and warn them, could you please stall the Prince and the Sheriff while I find them?" I said

"Nice try, but you're not going anywhere." The Sheriff said, locking me in my room

"Robin, please stay away from the tournament.. It's the only way to keep you out of prison.." I said

'Night had fallen, I had taken a pin from my hair, and had begun to pick the lock, I run out into the courtyard, and started digging a tunnel beneath the gates.. not looking back, I run to Sherwood Forest as fast as my legs would take me.. I just had to warn Robin before it was too late..'

~End of Chapter Three~