My father and I, sat quietly in our carriage on our way to Nottingham Castle. None of us spoke a word the entire journey over, or last night. I played with my fingers in my lap, and the hem on my dress. I wasn't very fond of wearing dresses, but since we were arriving at the Council of Nobles I haven't got much of a choice. My hair was neatly tied up and tucked away. The dress of wore was pal blue gown, edged with a gold fabric.

As we made our way into the town of Nottingham, I looked out from the carriage with saddened eyes. Women, children, fathers, all looking thin, exhausted and hungry. On the break of sickness, I just watched as we kept going. The streets quiet, no smiles, or laughter. These people working to the bone, to pay off all the taxes that the Sheriff has enslaved them to.

No more cheers or loud voices for the Wednesday market. Complete silence, only the sound of horses hooves, and the watches of the people as we made our way towards the castle. As my father and I arrived, we saw other nobles arriving as well. I noticed I couldn't see Robin anywhere and I hoped that he wouldn't do anything foolish. The Sheriff wasn't someone to anger, but knowing Robin I'm sure he will.

I smirked to myself slightly as I walked along side with my father into Nottingham castle. I saw from down in the entrance Sir Guy walking along the East corridor looking frustrated, not daring to look down. My eyes followed him before he disappeared further into the castle as I sighed and held my father's arm as we walked. Me easily made our way towards the Great Hall where all the Lords and Nobles chatted and began to take their seats.

I took another look around the room, as I stood behind my father's seat and saw that Robin's chair was empty. I sighed, slightly unhappy I wasn't able to see my good friend again and apologies for last night's rudeness, but knowing Robin he would understand why my father behaved in such a manner. It wasn't long before the Sheriff arrived and the Council began.

"It has been a good month, we have collected 300 pounds" Lord Woodvale announced, as I stood quietly and still behind my father, as I saw the annoyance written on the Sheriff face as deep down I was smirking, but on the outside I was behaving like the innocent girl I was always portrayed as.

"Shh! Would you want to be the king in Antioch? Clue: no. Trying to feed a starving army on 300 pounds? You promise…500 pounds." The Sheriff snapped, obviously annoyed with the failing progress of not getting the extra 200 pounds he was promised. I glanced over at Lord Woodvale as he gulped, obviously unsure of what to say next. I could see that Sir Guy smirking as I bit inside my bottom lip.

"It’s mo’, it’s more than we have ever managed before!"Lord Woodvale stammered towards the Sheriff hoping that he would be pleased at least with some progress. I shuffled on my feet for a moment before standing still once again. I knew this wouldn't be a joyful meeting, not like they ever are.

"Oh, yippee. So the king is starving in the Holy Land and you have failed him, but “it’s more than we’ve ever managed before.” He snarled as he mimicked Lord Woodvale's voice as I saw the Lord take another gulp and shift in his chair uncomfortably. Sarcasim dripped from his mouth as he threw the bag that he was holding in a random direction.

"Robin of Locksley!" A solider announced as we all turned our heads as I kept a straight face when I saw Robin and Much enter the room. Much glanced over towards me as I gave a very slow and unnoticeable nod towards him.

"Good morning everyone!" Robin shouted as they came down the stairs. He removed his cloak and lazily draped it over one of the soldiers spears. I could see the amusement run over Robin's face as I grew nervous. I prayed he didn't do anything foolish, as he came towards his seat, removing his belt holding his sword and throwing it towards Much who easily caught it before he sat down comfortably.

"Sheriff. Well, carry on!" His voice full of tease as my hands that were neatly presented behind my back, rested against the back of my father's chair as I dug my nails into the wood. It was uncomfortable but it made me hope that Robin isn't stupid enough to make a bigger fool out of himself.

"Locksley, welcome back. I trust Sir Guy of Gisborne’s managed your estates to your satisfaction." The Sheriff asked though he could tell he didn’t really care as he asked Robin.

"I believe he may have managed them to your satisfaction." Robin retorted as I felt my father stiffen in his seat as I grew slightly nervous standing where I stood. Robin pointed towards the Sheriff as I saw him raise an eyebrow at the claims that Robin had just made. It was evident that the Sheriff isn't used to being talked back to. Maybe Robin could treat him some manners? As long as it doesn’t cost Robin his life.

"Some of your peasants are unruly, by the way. We have two in custody awaiting punishment." The Sheriff spoke bitterly.

"Three." Guy interrupted as I gulped. Three? I pray that they didn't mean that Dan Scarlett's sons were in prison right now. I glanced at Sir Guy as he gave his evil smirk towards Robin, who looked uncomfortable in an angry way in his chair.

"Three? Ah, discipline will be a problem. Be warned. (The Sheriff pointed to another noble) Loughborough." He spoke obviously eager to avoid the subject with Robin.

"Sheriff, thank you. I brought…" The Noble began to speak as he rose from his seat.

"Discipline has never been a problem on my estates." Robin interrupted still sitting down in his chair with his hands crossed, as I closed my eyes giving a small sigh. Robin shut up and sit down! PLEASE! I could tell the other Noble was unsure of what to do as he looked puzzled towards the Sheriff, as if asking for guidance on what to do for his next move.

"Times have changed." The Sheriff informed as he didn’t look at Robin but turned to look at the Lord of Loughborough. I bit inside my cheek hoping this meant that Robin would stop angering the Sheriff. But I was wrong to hope, this is Robin I am talking about.

"Not for the better, it seems." Robin spoke reasonably calm as the Lord of Loughborough sat down slowly as the Sheriff looked at him, annoyed. I gulped scared for Robin as he just sat in his seat smirking like a boy who had won a prize. Oh Robin!

"You, of all people, should know that the king needs funds to fight a Holy War." The Sheriff told him slowly as I saw Robin raise an eyebrow towards the Sheriff.

"Is it our Holy War? Or is it Pope Gregory’s?" Robin questioned as his voice rose. I looked over at him hoping he would stop and let it be. I prayed he would let it be and not anger the Sheriff any further, otherwise he definitely won't be able to save Dan Scarlett's son if they have been captured. Robin think of what you are doing! I wished I could shout at him to be reasonable.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with Rome." The Sheriff snapped back getting angrier each second.

"And we fall shoulder to shoulder too. I have seen it." Robin spoke wisely as I let go of a breath I didn’t know I was holding in as I glanced back over to the Sheriff. He was glaring at Robin with narrow eyes as if to want to know what his point is. It was evident that the entire Council wanted to know where Robin was going with this, as they all sat forward on the edge of their seats slightly.

"Then what is your proposal? To raise money for the king?" The Sheriff asked Robin, the madness in his eyes proving he was hoping to capture Robin in his own trap. I smiled slightly before wiping it from my face, as I knew Robin wouldn't be so stupid.

"Stop all taxes, today!" Robin announced as he rose from his chair. Every Lord and Noble started coughing to avoid their laughter or groans, as I just froze. Robin the Sheriff is to greedy to allow your command. Robin kept eye contact with the Sheriff as he walked forward to the Sheriff's table where his silver goblet stood in front of him.

"Amusing." The Sheriff smirked, with his greedy smile, as several laughter's rang in the hall. As if they all thought this was set up to be a joke.

"I do not joke. Today is Market Day, and yet there is no market." Robin spoke as he leant against the wooden table as I saw the Sheriff taking no care in Robin's words. At least I wasn’t the only one who noticed how it was never Market Day on Wednesdays anymore.

"And your point is?" The Sheriff questioned his annoyance returning once again on his face.

"If a man can make more than he needs for his family, he can take what remains to Market. He can trade, and the shire can take its share. But until then, we must help every man, every peasant, every pieman, every pinner provide for his family. Get him trading again!" Robin announced as he looked around the hall of all the Nobles, who sat silent. He eyes met mine as I saw a small smirk in the corner of his mouth as I gave a small glare, before he returned back to his seat and got comfortable. The Sheriff rose from his seat taking a gulp of wine from his goblet before he retorted back Robin's words.

"A man who can provide for his family is a comfortable man, a lazy man. Doesn’t want to work. But we need a hungry man. Our noble friend seems to forget that hungry men are virtuous." He spoke trying to be persuading as I saw Nobles nodding their head in agreement before he sat back down in his chair to take another drink. I had to admit I agreed with Robin. I hated how the Sheriff was ensuring the people were starving so they worked harder.

"There is a celebration of my return tonight in the great hall." Robin asked as I saw the Sheriff sigh in annoyance.

"Indeed." He replied sharply.

"Where, I trust, none of those virtuous men will be feasting." Robin asked with a smirk, as the room fell into silence. I struggled insanely hard not to snicker or let a smile escape onto my lips. The Sheriff looked furious on how Robin used his own words against him, before he rose from his seat and left the room. I took a small glance around the Council to see the Nobles unsure of what to say or do as they kept quiet.

Robin was one of the first Lords to leave, as I stood watching his go quietly before I knelt down beside my father.

"Tell him to come tonight" He whispered to me as I nodded, kissed his forehead and excused myself from the room. I knew Robin had set up a stir throughout the Council especially with the Sheriff. I found him walking down a corridor as I placed a hand on his chest and moved him backwards until he stood against a pillar, and I stood beside the window. Oblivious to anyone else who looked down this way.

"My father seems to think he should see you. Our house is watched. Come after midnight tonight." I whispered to him as he just looked down at me as I kept watch to ensure no one else was listening in to our conversation.

"Very well. You’re looking…striking. And if you still live with your father, that must mean…" Robin's smirked that playful grin as I interrupted him before he could continue with his conversation.

"Take care not to be seen." I told him as he gave me that look as I gave him a smirk.

"Don’t worry. I can look after myself." He teased as my face grew more serious.

"I don’t care about you. I care about my father. Are you really as naïve as you seem? You think you can pick fights with these people and get away with it. You think you can slight them in public. You’re a fool Robin." I told him seriously as I was about to leave but he pulled me back.

"I know you care about me, I'm hurt you would say otherwise" He teased pretending to be hurt as I gave him a playful punch in the shoulder as he chuckled.

"You're like my brother of course I care for you Robin. I just don't want you to be hanged for doing something as foolish as you did just then. Robin my father and I are sorry for how we behaved previously…" I whispered as he just nodded at me with a sad smile.

"I know. You were being watched" He whispered as I sighed with a smile on my face before I felt my heart drop slightly.

"Robin……the three prisoners….they aren't.." I stammered as Robin couldn't look at me which I knew proved me right.

"Dan Scarlett's sons" He whispered as I gasped. I took a step back horrified, knowing that Robin wouldn't be able to save them now after what he had just done to the Sheriff in front of all the Nobles. Robin pulled me into a quick hug before I quickly pulled back thinking I heard the sound of footsteps.

"Five years and I still can't stay mad with you" I chuckled as he smirked before I walked away, I heard his footsteps fade off as he had obviously gone in another direction. I kept searching around the castle before I found Sir Guy walking in my direction talking with a soldier.

"Sir Guy!" I called out as I ran forward.

"Esme" He smiled before sending off the soldier. He frowned slightly confused on what I could possibly call him for.

"Is everything alright?" He asked me as I took a deep breath.

"The boys from Locksley. Will and Luke Scarlett, what is to happen to them?" I asked worried as he frowned at me before guiding me to walk with him.

"The Sheriff wants to make an example of them" His deep rough voice whispered as I felt myself go pale slightly, as I turned to him.

"Please Sir Guy. Those boys had nothing to do with it" I whispered to him as he frowned and looked at me suspiciously.

"And how would you know that?" He asked as he leant his hand against the column which I stood against, leaning towards me as I gulped.

"Because I took it" I whispered unable to look at him in the eyes as he went silent before he chuckled, grabbing hold of my arm and making me walk along side him.

"Esme, I know for a fact you had nothing to do with it, so why defend them? They are guilty and will be made an example of tomorrow" He hissed at me as I stopped and turned to him sad and yet angry.

"Because I owe my life to their parents. I am forever in debt to them" I told him before I yanked my arm away from him and made my way down to the courtyard with Sir Guy calling on after me. I got into my father's carriage before we drove off back home, knowing that my efforts weren't enough. My father kept muttering under his breath the way home, as I just felt numb…

*************

When Lady Esme had returned home, she immediately got out of her dress, and got dressed for riding. She left numb and rode back to Locksley. But little did she know that Sir Guy had been following her the entire time since she had informed her that she was forever in debt to Dan Scarlett and his former wife Jane. He was confused and was eager to know why. He sat on his horse in the bushes watching as Esme rode in Locksley and stopped outside Dan Scarlett's home.

She dismounted her horse and tied the reigns to the fence, as Dan came out from his home. Esme was on the verge of tears as she ran to him and he embraced her in a hug. Guy felt his body go stiff as he watched as Esme's knees buckled. Dan just held the girl in his arms patting her hair, as she kept whispering two words. 'I'm sorry'. She looked up at him with tea stained cheeks, her golden brown eyes looking at him sadly.

"You and Jane saved me all those years ago….I was hoping I could do the same and save your sons…I'm sorry Dan…..I couldn't help them" She pleaded her voice broken as he just held her tightly as he rocked her back and forth. With his left/remaining hand he wiped her tears from her eyes as he held onto her shoulders.

"You tried. I could ask nothing more from you. I know Robin is trying and I won't expected anything more. You've always been so good to me and my family. Don’t carry the burden of what isn't your fault" Dan Scarlett told her as she nodded. Sir Guy could hear every word and it killed him when he saw Esme so broken and hurt. He knew he couldn't do anything to stop the Sheriff from killing the Scarlett boys. Though he wished he could.

He stayed in the shadows and watched as she got to her feet and dusted her pants. Esme remounted her horse and wished Dan good luck before she rode off with Sir Guy not that far behind her. Sir Guy made his way back to the castle of Nottingham, when he knew Esme had safely gotten home. Maybe he could try and save the brothers, though he knew that there wasn't any hope.

Meanwhile in the castle of Nottingham, Robin and Much enter the Great Hall which had been quickly decorated for his returning home feast. The Sheriff and Guy were lounging on the top with their goblets of wine in their hands as the Sheriff took no real notice of Robin's entrance to his own party.

"Ah, Huntington, you’re missing your own feast. Rumors abound." The Sheriff spoke, taking only a second to notice Robin standing beside him, as Sir Guy picked at his gloves.

"What rumors?" Robin challenged as Guy just glared at him.

"That you are weak. That you have returned weakened from your exertions in the Holy Land." The Sheriff spoke rudely as Much, standing beside Robin was shocked and angered by how someone like the Sheriff could insult Robin, especially after he had fought in the Holy Lands.

"My master returns with honors. Honors from the king." Much spoke to defend Robin who was glaring at the Sheriff beside him. However Robin held up his hand and Much fell silent beside him looking down at the ground, almost feeling guilty as if to have committed a crime.

"Hmm. Or the greater honor would have been to have stood and fought, surely." The Sheriff questioned as he glanced at Much and Robin in disgust up and down before returning his attention back to the feast.

"I have visited my peasants in your dungeons. They have committed grave crimes." Robin began, as Guy looked up at Robin by the sounds of peasants. He remembered as if moments ago Esme had pleaded for them to be released. How she had lied to say it was her doing. He glanced down ashamed that he couldn’t help her, even though he cared nothing for the peasants. It broke him inside when he saw her so distraught and hurt.

"Master, surely…" Much tried before Robin just cut him off once more, still glaring at the Sheriff, not blinking, nor looking away.

"Which would make all the more compassionate your gesture of pardoning them." Robin declared as a thunderous eruption of laughter from drunk Nobles and Lords bellow filled the Hall before it died down. The Sheriff just rolled his eyes as Guy smirked at Robin's demand, knowing that the Sheriff would never pardon them.

"Pardoning them? I will see them hang. In the morning you yourself said that we risk rebellion. We must have order." The Sheriff spoke as he dragged Robin's words in and tried to twist them back on himself. Robin sensed this and he was no fool.

"It is custom for the sheriff to hear his nobles’ requests or clemency." Robin commanded, knowing that the previous Sheriff would have never allowed this. That Sir Edward, the previous Sheriff would have obeyed the customs, instead of throwing them out of the window and into the mud like the current Sheriff of Nottingham was doing.

"La-di-da-di-da. Oh, by the way, in your absence we nominated you to oversee tomorrow’s entertainment." The Sheriff chuckled as did Guy beside him as Robin stiffened and hardened his glare towards the Sheriff, even though he never looked at Robin long enough to receive the glare.

"No." Robin snapped quickly as the Sheriff just smirked knowing he had won.

"Oh. You don’t want these rumors of weakness to spread. Hmm? Better scotch them now. Otherwise we’d all pay." The Sheriff spoke as he rose from his seat and smirked at the angry Robin before making his way down towards all the other Nobles. A few seconds later then Esme walked in, wearing the same dress from earlier this morning, her hair neatly back.

"Esme. Might I have the pleasure of your company?" Guy asked, at first she was hesitant as he glanced at Robin, who didn’t dare look at her before she smiled, and took his arm as they made their way down the steps. Esme glanced back to see Robin glaring at her before she turned her head back to the party in front of her. She gave a small sigh knowing this would be a very long night……