Robert examined the letter carefully. It was obscure enough in its wording to avoid suspicion if the wrong person read it, but clear enough to his friend Philip in Brittany to secure passage for four people in mid-November on a ship to Rome. He hoped he could get Marian to go with him, but even if he couldn’t, he needed to prepare his escape now. Four berths would seem like a man traveling with others, not a man and maybe a woman fleeing from the king.
Sounds on the street changed slightly and Robert looked out the window to see what had caused the ripple in the normal heartbeat of the town. Two men on horseback were leading two other horses into town from the south. The men themselves were large, but the horses they were riding were the largest animals Robert had ever seen. The pack horses they had behind them looked to be expensive mounts as well, loaded with baggage, but still lively and alert.
Robert stepped out of his office and called to the men. They heard him and turned their horses back.
“Greetings Englishman, we are hoping that this is Nottingham. Is it?” the bigger of the two men asked. He had a very thick accent but spoke English clearly.
“It is Nottingham and I am the sheriff of the shire. Can I ask your business in town, stranger?”
“We seek the Locksley Manor. We were told it was about a half day ride from your town.”
“Not even half a day, more like an hour. I can gladly have one of my men take you to Locksley Manor, but may I ask what business brings you to see the earl?”
“We have personal news for him from his son.”
“A message from Sir Robert? He will want to hear it without delay. Come with me and I will take you to the inn where he is staying. I haven’t seen his carriage depart yet and he had a late evening, so I am sure he is still there.”
Robert walked around their horses still amazed at how big they were. He stayed well out of reach of their mouths because they were stallions and both looked like they enjoyed biting strangers.
“Thank you for your help, neighbor. What is your name?” asked the second man. He had the same strange accent at the bigger man.
“My name is Robert Brewer. The Sheriff of Nottingham, at your service. And who are the gentlemen I am addressing?”
“My name is Wilhelm, known to the Englishmen who I spend time with as Will Scarlet. And this giant of a fellow is named Johan, but we call him Little John.”
“A pleasure to meet you. Please, follow me to the inn.”
The sheriff led the two travelers to the inn where they dismounted. Little John took a large canvas wrapped package from his packhorse before the two men handed the reins of their horses to the stable boy sent to bring them back to the Inn’s stable. The lad’s eyes were as big as saucers as they stared up at the huge mounts. When he had led them away to the stables, Robert escorted the two men into the front door.
“Ah, Sheriff, so good to see you again, and so soon. You have guests for me?” The thin innkeeper was anxious to have more boarders and was quite excited to see the fine quality of their clothes, even covered in dust, and the gold rings and chains that both men wore openly.
“Maybe, Goodman Falwort. But for now we wish to see the earl if he is still here.”
“He is in the dining room having some luncheon, Sheriff. He was planning on heading back to his estate afterward.”
The innkeeper led the men to the dining room where the Earl of Locksley was dining by himself. Whether the other guests had already left of their own will, or if Falwort had driven them out, Robert was not sure.
