1 | master of arms [gisborne]

Twenty

"You know, this is my favorite thing," commented Much as Robin, he and Tuck walked through an open field in Locksley Village with baskets full of goodies in their hands during the afternoon. "The handing out of parcels. Being welcomed into the village like sons returning from battle. 'Tis better to give than to receive."

Much stopped, waiting for Tuck and Robin to appear by his side. Robin wore a huge grin as he listened to his friend ramble on and on, Tuck listening as well. They all stopped now, and Much spoke to Tuck.

"You're an educated men," he said. "Who said ' 'tis better to give than to receive'?"

Tuck shook his head a little. "It's nobody important," he answered. "Just some carpenter from Nazareth."

Robin's grin grew as he gave a little chuckle. Walking up to a grassy hill close to the entrance Locksley, his smile faded.

"Get down! Get down! Get down!" he called. "It's the Sheriff."

*****

Vaisey and guards rode into Locksley like a storm. Linda was riding next to Vaisey on Guy's black stallion, clutching tightly onto the reigns. The abbot was entering on the opposite side, and they were to meet in the town square.

That's what they did.

Vaisey and his men rode through Locksley, the people giving him confused looks and scurrying to the sides of the path. As soon as the abbot arrived, everyone immediately went to one knee and made a cross formation; they tapped there head on their forehead, then abdomen, then their two shoulders. The sign of the Holy Spirit. Once the gesture was done, the people rose onto their feet. The abbot's chariot stopped, and he stood up.

"Last night," said the Sheriff, "the abbot of Kirklees came and asked for my assistance."

Linda rolled her eyes at her father's story. Looking around, her eyes widened when she saw Robin, Much, and Tuck hiding behind a wall that was covered with baskets. Robin and Linda shared a look. He cut his hand trough his neck, shaking his head. She gave a little nod and then looked away. Exhaling, she spoke.

"It has come to pass that Robin Hood and his gang of feral, unwashed pustules have stolen from the church," she said as confidently as she could, although she felt her heart break with every word she said.

Hey eyes met Robin's, and she made a pained look. Robin just looked confused.

What are you talking about? he mouthed.

She gave a little shake of her head. Tell you later, she mouthed back.

Vaisey got off of his big white horse. He walked around the square and to the some of the townsfolk, talking to the citizens.

"I know that you know Robin Hood," he said. "I know that some of you have come to look upon him as a friend."

Or a brother, thought Linda.

"Don't be fooled," continued Vaisey. "Since he's returned from his travels, Hood gas become a satanic killer. By God, he almost killed my daughter." Vaisey stopped in place and took off his gloves. He stood close to Kate and leaned close to her, and she leaned back, looking down at the floor.

"And anybody harboring him shall be damned to a heretic's death at the stake...." said Vaisey dangerously, walking backwards. He took Kate's littles sister's hand and raised it. "Where the flesh shall be charred from their bones." He walked around a little more, the girl still in hand. "Now, the abbey is under my protection. I've thrown a cordon around it and tripled security just in case Hood tries to steal again." Vaisey went to one knee and put his arm around the girls's shoulders, setting her down on his knee.