1 | master of arms [gisborne]

Ten Part one

Today was the day: today, Robin's gang would face execution... and of course, Guy was dragged along to watch it; not that he didn't enjoy executions, he just had better things to do.

Following Vaisey and the envoy–who just arrived thirty minutes ago–stopped at the top of the steps. Jasper and Vaisey sat down, while Guy remained standing. The gates opened, and the local peasants swarmed inside.

John, Much, and Allan were tied up together, a board behind them. In front of them, the guards dragged in something that was covered by a red and blue sheet. Uncovering it slowly, Guy smirked at the weapon: a harpoon gun, capable of killing in a blink of an eye.

But then his attention was turned from the harpoon to the crowd. His eyes scanned through the throng of people, desperately looking for someone... for her. He knew that she never missed Vaisey's executions, for she thought it was always funny to see her father fail. Now, she was nowhere to be seen.

"A great day for Nottingham, its people, and homeland security," said the Sheriff, interrupting Guy's focus. "To mark the extermination of the terrorist, Hood, we shall execute his rabble." Vaisey pointed to the three tied up outlaws. "Prepare to fire."

The guards loaded the harpoon, and Much started fidgeting around on his bonds wildly.

"If they had respected their Sheriff and his authority, they could have avoided the punishment of this severity and lived peaceful, rewarding lives for the good of this great shire of Nottingham. And now they will receive their just reward for refusing to abide by the laws of this great, great nation – the fatal consequence of defying Prince John and the authority vested in me, the Sheriff of Nottingham. Fire!"

The guards released the harpoon arrow, and the outlaws scurried to the left. Staring at the arrow that pierced the wall in disbelief, Allan said, "Well, at least it's not a dull death."

"What?" asked John.

"People will be talking about this for years, John."

"Great."

Guy's attention turned when he heard Jasper chuckle in amusement and say, "Tasty," as he wriggled around in his chair.

"Told you it was good," said the Sheriff with the same amount of excitement.

Guy rolled his eyes and continued scanning his eyes through the crowd, searching once more, though it was harder now because it was suddenly getting darker. But once more, his search was interrupted.

"Let's do it!" exclaimed the Sheriff, clapping his hands. "This time, let's make it flaming."

"Wait!" cried a voice, and Guy's eyes met with a man in grey robes. Running out, he took off his hood. "A last prayer, Sir Guy. We must be merciful, no matter how great the crime."

"Who are you, preacher man?" asked Vaisey.

"Brother Tuck," answered Guy with his arms crossed across his chest. "We can trust him. He's the one who brought these outlaws to justice." He pointed at John, Much, and Allan, who had confused looks in their faces.

"Sheriff, it is sinful to offer no chance of absolution," said Brother Tuck, slightly making his way up the steps.

Vaisey and the envoy exchanged a look to one another. "Very well. Chop, chop," said the Sheriff, tapping the top of his wrist. "These boys have got a hot date."

Turning around, Tuck bowed his head and started speaking Latin. The guards set the arrow in fire, and Guy searched through the crowd again... but it was getting darker, almost too dark to see.

"Always the same, these monks," muttered Jasper.

"All right, all right, that's enough of the piety," said an annoyed Sheriff. "No amount of la-di-da words can save their blackened souls. Fire now!"