1 | master of arms [gisborne]

Thirty-nine

"Linda." Little John clapped his hands in front of her face.

She jumped. "Oi!" she exclaimed. "What the hell was that for? I was watching!"

"You weren't focused," countered Tuck from her other side.

"When have I ever," she muttered back, settling back in the bushes.

Tuck sighed. Yeah, he knew. These past few days had been pretty hard for her. Every night, she always tossed and turned; then by the time morning came, she always screamed out one particular name. Tuck didn't have to ask if she missed him, he knew she did. Now, as the three of them hid in the bushes on the North Road, watching for any signs of trouble, Tuck could see that her mind was wandering to him.

"You need to let him go," he advised gently.

Linda laughed like Tuck had just said the funniest thing in the world. "Good one, Godly man. Not happening."

John rolled his eyes as Tuck groaned quietly. Sometimes, she was too stubborn. And it scared them all. Along with her dreams and her bland personality, there was also her appearance. Her once green eyes that were so full of life were becoming dim, like there was nothing there. She spent all of her time in the forest, throwing her daggers at an unfortunate tree or wandering Nottingham, often sneaking inside to talk to Isabella and almost getting caught. Once again, it was another attribute caused by him:

Guy of Gisborne.

Tuck didn't get a chance to respond because his attention was soon being ripped away by a royal carriage. John also noticed, as did Linda. She chuckled, and it almost sounded evil. "Finally! Something exciting." She bounded up from her spot and began running back to the others. John and Tuck exchanged a look, their worry boosting for their crazed friend.

"Come on, boys!"

Linda kept running, relieved when she saw the others in the middle of the forest. Poor Much was on the floor while Allan was grinning. He saw her and his grin grew. He flashed his mirror at her so the sun could hit her eyes, but she reacted faster and grabbed her sword, making the light bounce back in his eyes. She smirked in triumph when Allan groaned and rubbed his eyes. Kate broke down with laughter, clutching her stomach. John and Tuck reached her side.

"We've just seen a royal carriage on the North Road," John told Robin.

"It's carrying the king's insignia, not the prince's," added Tuck.

"And it's headed for Nottingham," Linda topped off, sheathing her sword and cracking her knuckles. She frowned at Much. "Get him up! Let's go!" 

Yet although her voice was demanding, she couldn't keep the smile off her face.

*****

With their hoods on, the outlaws—including Linda—were able to sneak in the alleyway. Countless soldiers dressed in white with maroon crosses covering their breastplates were walking in the streets. A tomb covered in the same sheet design the soldiers were wearing was being carried across the street and near the castle being led by an old man in black. Much gasped.

"It's Sheridan," he breathed.

"Who?" whispered Kate.

"Keeper of the Crown," Tuck answered in a low whisper.

Linda grimaced. "Is it creepy to anyone else that he looks like my father?"

She did have a point; same gray hair that only grew on the sides of his head and barely covered the top of his head, same serious attitude, and same black clothing. Sheridan had stormy brown eyes, and they weren't kind at all. A long golden chain was around his neck. Yes, he looked similar to Vaisey.