The Eternal Shadow

Chapter 55

LV

"What say you my man - is there still room at the front?"

The guard blinks confusedly at this question and makes sure to get a good look at the speaker. The nobleman is unruffled and patiently waits for an answer.

"Oh yes, we must be well situated Cedric, I ended up staring at the back of your head last time and that's hardly diverting."

Chuckles from all in the vicinity at this, particularly from 'Cedric' who is highly amused with the name that his friend has just made up for him.

"Well, how is it looking? Do you think we shall have a good view of his majesty or is the place overrun?"

The sentry frowns. All he'd had to do so far was check names on the guest list and now people were asking him questions. He didn't like it.

"Who wants to know?"

"Why, The King Richard Appreciation Society that's who!"

Shrugs. Bafflement.

"Now don't tell me you've never heard of us - we have members in such far flung places as Rochdale and Scarborough!"

If there were crickets in Nottingham, one would've been able to hear them right about now.

"Oh dear, you haven't... this is vexing indeed..."

'Cedric' has to hide his face in his sleeve at this because Allan is cracking him up. Little John nudges him as a reminder to get it together.

"Ah well, nevermind, we shall brave the crowds and make the best of it. For the love of the king you understand." He declares melodramatically and is rewarded for his fine acting skills with a hidden smile from Djaq.

No smile from the guard however, only a blank look, which is precisely what they're aiming for. There is a small crowd gathering behind them now and they're hoping he'll soon tire of their chatter and wave them through.

"Has Sir Edward of Knighton arrived? I am sure he would be so kind as to advise us where best to stand; he's always been very good to us when we've been visiting this fair town."

Allan knows he is taking a risk in namechecking Sir Edward; he is not one of the sheriff's favourite people after all, but figures it wouldn't hurt to have noble connections if they are to have a chance of getting in.

The guard sighs in irritation. They're holding everybody up. He scans the list and lo and behold, there is Sir Edward. It's good enough for him. He knows he's supposed to check their names, but they keep wittering on about the king and it's doing his head in. He's about to let them through, but hesitates as he notices the big man.

"He's a member of your society as well?"

"Why yes, of course! but Jo... Joffrey here doubles as a bodyguard – one can't be too careful these days, there's outlaws and unsavoury characters about you know."

How Allan kept a straight face whilst saying this, Will would never know. He had to turn away on the pretext of patting 'Joffrey' on the shoulder. Little John's unimpressed grimace at his new moniker only made him worse. This was no time for descending into fits of giggles though, because they were being scrutinized.

Fortunately, their finery, (stolen loot every bit of it), passed muster.

That is until the guard pulled up Djaq.

"You can't be telling me that he's in your club."

The 'nobles' floundered a moment before Will/Cedric smoothly took over, "Why ever not? He's a very good boy I tell you. We purchased him from one of the most respected handlers, indeed, if you're ever in need of one I can certainly recommend the fellow."