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could easily manage to resupply his king, meet the reward for Robin Hood and keep his
job.
He frowned at the bit about the Harvest Fair. It was held every five years and
indeed this was the year. He hesitated to hold it, for fear the men of the forest would
spoil it, as they did everything.
He needed to get them out of the way before King John arrived. His liege s safety
must take priority over everything.
Phillip poured himself a goblet of wine and began plotting.
Chapter Five
Will Scarlet s Song
Many cottagers found themselves visited by sprites and brownies in the next
weeks. A goodwife would put a loaf of bread on a windowsill to cool, only to find it
had acquired such jolly companions as a wheel of cheese and a joint or a small cask of
ale or some pies. Now and again, the daughter of the house would hang a patched dress
out to dry and return to find a new one in its place. A grandfather would find his rough
stool replaced with a well-made one. Always a small pouch of coins accompanied these
gifts, which came a few days ahead of the tax-man.
There were never golden marks among the coins, nor large pounds, such as would
draw suspicion from Nottingham s men. There were always farthings and pennies,
sixpence and a few shillings. It was enough to keep the household going and meet the
new taxes.
So, because of the diligence of Robin s men, the folk of Nottinghamshire and
Lincolnshire did not suffer under the Sheriff s new plan and turn on Robin and his band
as the authors of their woe, but instead loved him all the more.
On a hot day in July, as the grain lay ripening in the fields and the bees buzzed
lazily about the wildflowers, a beggar found his way into Nottingham s town gate.
Young he was and missing a leg, with a cloth tied about his eyes and a stout staff to
guide him. Still, he came whistling a merry air, for all of the heat and his pains.
He wandered the poorer quarter of the city, lingering at windows, rapping on
doors. In each place, he was given a seat and a drink. He left each as merrily as he d
come. His visiting took some time and it was quite dark before he came near the castle.
Marion watched him from her balcony as he tapped his way along, singing to
himself. He seemed to know exactly where he was when he stopped under her window.
 All in the merry greenwood glen
The robin makes his nest
The great bear roars, the cardinal sings
But robin knows no rest.
Far away in a golden cage
the robin s mate doth lie
Guarded by wolves and lions grim
She can no longer fly.
Marion recognized the sweet voice and dropped a scarf off the balcony. With
unerring aim, the beggar picked it up. He looked about for the guards. Seeing none, he
scrambled up the vines on her tower, his missing leg no hindrance.
He bowed to her and offered her scarf without unbandaging his eyes.  My lady, I
believe you dropped this, he said. He leaned closer.  I bear a message from my
master. He pecked her cheek.
 Will Scarlet, you are as wicked as your bold master. Give me all the message,
quickly.
 He sends you his everlasting love and bids you keep watch for he will come to you
soon.
 No, he mustn t. It s too dangerous. Movement caught Marion s eye and she
pulled Will into her rooms, lest he be seen on the balcony.
 Our bold Robin fears no danger. Will unbandaged his eyes.  Ah marry, you grow
more beautiful with each day. I should write a roundelay in your honor. He thought
for a moment before singing.  Marion, the lady fair, with a down, hey derry derry
down 
 Sweet-tongued singer, Marion teased, covering his mouth with her hand.  You ll
turn my head completely and we shall have to elope together, then where will Robin
be? She gave him a smile.  Give me all of his message, for I am sure he entrusted you
with more than words.
 Aye, that he did. Will took Marion gently in his arms.  But not too much of one,
for he will deliver that message in person. He kissed her lips, chaste as a brother.
 Robin says it is a pledge to pay. You may collect his kisses that are due when you come
again to the greenwood glen.
 That debt will go unpaid, snarled Nottingham as he flung open the door. The
guard stationed outside nodded.
 Just as I said, your worship. A man in her rooms, he said.
The Sheriff sneered and stepped aside to allow three more guardsmen into the
room.  Throw him in the dungeon. We ll see how sweetly this bird sings when he s
caged and plucked.
 No! Marion got between Will and the guardsmen, hindering them. Will made it
onto the balcony before his crutch and strapped-up leg made him topple as he tried to
leap for the vines. Nottingham thrust Marion rudely aside and the guards seized the
fugitive minstrel.
 Will Gamwell, called Scarlet, I believe, Nottingham said when they dragged Will
to him.  You ll swing for thieving as surely as your master.
The guards hauled Will away. Nottingham looked over to where Bess had helped
Marion back to her feet. When Bess opened her mouth, Nottingham cut her off with a
slash of his hand.
 Any more out of either of you and you ll join him. I m willing to overlook high [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]