1 | master of arms [gisborne]

Thirty

Much, Allan, Tuck, John, and Kate were waking on a path. They had just got done hunting, thus making Much carry the rabbit... and make him cook them as well. Much didn't like this idea.

"All I'm saying is I shot them," he argued. "Be nice if someone else offered to cook them."

Kate got a look shot her way from Allan. She scoffed. "Don't look at me just because I'm the girl."

"Oh, I think it's established Much is the girl around here," Allan assured her with a snicker.

Much pouted. "Hang on, Allan. What is this about?" he asked. "I am a man in mind and body."

"Yeah, prove it."

But their arguing was cut short when Kate heard the rattling of bushes. Narrowing her eyes, she looked deep into the forest. She sighed in relief when she saw Robin running their way.

"Robin!" she called.

"Turn back," he said breathlessly. "We've got company."

Him and a woman—Isabella—emerged from the forest, making Kate frown. "So I see."

"No," Robin said, stopping next to his friends. "Our old friend — he's back from the Prince's court."

"What?" Allan exclaimed. "I thought he was dead."

"So what's the reason for her?" pushed Kate.

But their question wasn't answered when John called Robin. Alarmed, he guided his friends deep into he forest. Six soldiers on horseback were chasing them, and they veered right. Robin lead his friends out into the plain, where they continued to run.

"What are we doing? We can't outrun them," exclaimed Isabella.

"Don't worry," Robin said, taking her hand and looking back. "We're not going to."

That confused her even more, but she didn't press; the sound of horses was drawing near. Tuck took the lead and led them to a slope.

"Follow me!" he yelled, jumping and sliding down.

Isabella's heart dropped. Her first day on the run, and she was already about to get herself killed. Squeezing Robin's hand, she continued to follow.

"Hold on!" shouted Robin.

The fear got the better of her and she stopped. "We can't!"

"Yes, we can! Jump!"

With a groan, she jumped. It was in the knick of time, too, because now more soldiers were gaining on them. They stopped at the slope, though, not wanting to fall. Guy of Gisborne rode up and peered over the slope and smirked. The outlaws were still running, now with Isabella... though Guy didn't know that, and it was best if he didn't. Robin helped her up and dragged her along. Holding his hand out, Guy waited until a yellow and white cloth was dropped into his hand. Opening it, he found a map of Sherwood staring him straight in the face. He looked up to see where the outlaws were. It just so happened that they were disappearing in the forest again.

"See you, Gisborne!" Robin taunted, and then he was gone again.

Gisborne put the map back in his leather jacket pocket. "It's time. Get the weapon into position," he ordered.

*****

Linda was waiting in Guy's camp tent, admiring all the cool toys he was given. There was shields, swords, daggers—it took all of her willpower not to take them—and bows with arrows. She ran her finger along the metal of a sword, surprised that it was so sharp. Her exploring was interrupted when the gate lifted. Frowning, she saw that Guy and a couple other soldiers were riding in. Guy got off his horse and went straight to the table to study something. Linda walked to his side.