The fair was in its fourth day when Sir Guy walked over to the sheriff. He turned to watch the crowds milling about the market square and the adjacent green.
“This fair is a disaster. The council made a mistake allowing it to be set up,” said the French knight.
Robert turned a surprised look at the nobleman. “What do you mean? Fairs are always welcome. They allow for more commerce, act as a bond between the people of the town and the people who live out in the countryside, and frankly the young women tend to be more hospitable.”
“Yes, all good things, but we are hunting for a band of bandits. With all of the strange people in town, they could be right here with them. My men did not find a single track or sign of the outlaws yesterday.” Sir Guy sighed heavily.
“If they are in town, then Captain Carver’s guards should be able to report any known scofflaws to you when they come in,” said the sheriff.
“Over a dozen suspected poachers, a few known chicken thieves, and a man who has been banned from drinking at the inn. Hardly the hardened criminals we are looking for,” said Sir Guy. “But, I do have an idea.”
“What would that be?” asked Robert.
“Those who would join with a band of outlaws tend to be stupid and greedy. I think I will use that stupidity and greed against them.”
Sir Guy pulled a thick package out of his belt and handed it to the sheriff. Robert pulled away the linen wrappings and was shocked to see a heavy gold ring. Too big to fit on any man’s finger, and yet too narrow for a bracelet for a woman. It was close to an inch deep and weighed a substantial amount.
“What is this for?” asked Robert.
“A prize, Sheriff. This will be placed into a target at the end of the archery field. After the archery competition has been completed tomorrow, I will have the target placed in the field. The top archers will have a chance to shoot and the man who can put three arrows into that ring will win it. That should pull the best archers out of the crowds here.”
“How will this help you find the bandits?”
“The man who made the shot that freed your traitor was a master archer. I believe he was Locksley himself, in fact. It would not surprise me if Locksley were not in the town right now, disguised as a common farmer.”
Robert wrapped the ring up and gave it back to Sir Guy. “I suppose when he wins the ring, you will simply arrest him for being Robin Hood?”
“Yes. I saw the shot that was made in the wood. The man who can make that shot will easily be able to win this prize. And when he does, his greed and stupidity will put his own neck in the noose.”
“Do you really think that Sir Robert would be greedy enough to shoot for a piece of gold?”
Sir Guy grimaced at the sheriff. “No, for Locksley it will be pride that is his downfall. If he is here today, he will be shooting. And he will shoot to win, because that is the type of man he is.”
Sir Guy turned his face back to the crowds, scanning them with eyes like a hawk searching for a rabbit. “If Locksley wins, I will know him when we arrest him. And I will personally place the rope around his neck and push him off of the platform.”
“It will be nothing less than he deserves.”
“He deserves much more, but a death in this life is all I can deliver. It will be the vengeance of God that will truly make him pay.” Sir Guy turned and walked back towards the inn.
Lady Marian had gone to the inn on the first night of the fair looking for a suitable escort to the dancing. She only found Sir Guy a suitable escort and so they danced well into the night. Truly, he only danced with her twice. There were too many commoners for him to mingle happily. But he watched as she danced well into the night.
