"Esme, would you please stop pacing like that" My father begged as I just sighed and sat down frustrated. We had been waiting for half an hour, I was tired, and I wanted to make sure Robin was ok. My father and I have been awake in our house waiting for Robin and Much to arrive. So far no luck, I got up and was about to head up the stairs to get some rest before a soft knock came on our door, as a smile escaped on my lips.

I made my way to the door, as my father stood up and nodded before I pulled on the handle to see a tired looking Robin and Much. I stood out of the doorway and quickly looked down the street, to ensure no one had followed them to see them both just staring at me.

"Well? Don’t just stand there. If the sheriff’s men see…" I whispered before Robin cut me off. Man I hated it when he did that.

"What? You might give them the pleasure of your company?" He teased me as I scowled.

"Grow up." I hissed before I went inside and they followed me. I locked the door behind us, as I turned to see my father smiling as he embraced Robin in a warming hug. I gave Robin a smile and hugged him and Much as Robin winked playfully like he always used to I stuck out my tongue scrunching up my face at him like old times as we chuckled. We made our way to the Hall where my father and Robin sat, and Much and I stood beside our master or parent.

"Forgive me; I could not welcome you before." My father apologized as Robin just nodded and smiled.

"How did this monster become sheriff?" He questioned leaning forward in his seat eager.

"I did not watch my back. Prince John gives out the shires in his brother’s absence. My bid was not accepted." My father told bitterly as I placed a hand on his shoulder. He rubbed my soft hand with his wrinkled rough thumb, before he let his hand slid back down onto his arm rest as Robin sighed and hung his head before looking back up at my father once more.

"What can be done?" He asked as you could see in his eyes he was desperate to help England.

"I can do nothing. I’m watched. And I must think of my daughter. When I do speak out, no one listens. Robin, it is down to you, my friend."My father explained as I sighed quietly and looked away towards the quiet fire. It's soft red embers glowing as the gold flames flickered elegantly.

"Well, what can we do?" Much questioned as I saw he had not yet comprehend the situation as I gave a small smirk. Oh Much, always a tad behind just like before. You haven’t changed, beside getting older and taller, he was still the same Much that I knew.

"Play Nottingham’s game. Speak to the lords. Slowly you can turn them. Do not make the mistake I and others have made and make your decent public. Consolidate your position quietly." My father advised as I fiddled with the long sleeves of my dress that I was still uncomfortably wearing.

"I do not have time. Tomorrow I am tore the hanging of four of my own peasants." Robin announced as my head snapped towards him. Four? I thought it was only three?

"It will be the long game, I’m afraid." My father told him as I felt my heart drop down into my stomach. I feel so bad for Dan Scarlett, he had lost his wife and now he is going to lose both of his sons. He doesn't deserve this, he is a good man fighting hard for his family.

"Will and Luke Scarlett cannot wait. Benedict Giddons, Allan-A-Dale." Robin named them as I had to look away feeling Robin's eyes burry towards my face as I closed my eye sadly.

"You must let them die. It is a test. Fail it and there will be consequences." My father warned Robin as Robin stood up in his chair, obvious his temper is about to burst.

"Perhaps!" He snapped as I looked at him.

"Robin! You and I both want to see Will and Luke safe. But this is not a ga-" I told him as my father held my wrist silencing me as I stopped. I could see the sadness flicker in Robin's eyes as he just sighed and sat back down in his seat once more.

"You have no choice, Robin. Hide your temper. Bide your time until you can act decisively. Or kiss you lands, if not your life, goodbye."My father gave his last warning before he excused himself to bed as we watched him leave quietly. I didn't turn round to face Robin or Much until I heard the familiar click and squeak of the door knowing he was in his chambers.

"I didn't mean to upset your father" Robin whispered as I walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I know. We both have had a very tough day Robin. I think you both should go home and rest, for we unfortunately have to attend the……goodnight Robin" I whispered as he kissed my forehead in a brotherly fashion. I sighed as I locked the door after them. I couldn't even bring myself to say it. The hanging of Will and Luke Scarlett. The only family that Dan has left. As I went to bed that night I dreaded the morning, wishing, praying and hoping it would never arrive. But I knew it would eventually……

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

It was noon the next morning. The courtyard in the castle had been set up for the hanging for the four peasants from Locksley. Women were crying their sobs, children clutched their parents hands, and those who were about to those their children, felt betrayed by Robin. Robin and Much made their way through the busy courtyard as the people split letting them pass. They were quiet and glared at Robin as he passed.

"Murderer!" An old woman spat at the floor as Robin sighed and kept walking forward.

"Murderer!" Another called out and this time she spat in Robin's eye. Robin stopped to wipe it away looking sad on this day, he didn’t do anything against the two woman who spat at him. He just kept going until he met Dan Scarlett, waiting in the crowd who sighed standing with his arms crossed, knowing Robin did all he could for his sons.

"Robin, it’s not your fault." Dan told Robin trying to comfort him as his fellow people wondered how Dan could be so comforting to the man that is letting his sons die. Robin appreciated Dan's words, even though he wished he could have done more to help them. Esme and her father Edward stood watching in the corridor overseeing the courtyard by the main stairs. Esme's breathing were deep and uneven as she stood patiently beside her father hoping it would be finished soon.

All heads turned to the doors as soldiers came out blazing their trumpets and drums as the Sheriff makes his dramatic entrance. He was holding the parchment in his hands for Robin to read out as Robin made his way forward to the main stairs. Guy stood at the Sheriff's left hand side, as a the Sheriff looked down the people in disgust.

"Lords, ladies, people of Nottingham, we have gathered here today to witness the carrying out of justice in the name of God and King Richard." The Sheriff spoke out as Robin made his way up the stairs uncomfortably and stood by the Sheriff's side. Esme could see the discomfort that Robin was in as she merely watched his face.

"Bring out the prisoners!" The Sheriff continued as he placed the rolled up scroll to his mouth, to make his announcement louder. He chuckled as everyone watched the four men being dragged, chained, towards their death. Everyone was quiet as Dan Scarlett's breathing grew more rigid as he saw his sons making their way to the noose.

"Robin of Locksley, Earl of Huntington, having recently returned from the Holy War with a personal commendation from the king himself will read the proclamation. Enjoy." The Sheriff announced, as the guards dragged the four men up onto the podium preparing them to be hanged. They were forced onto the blocks hands bound behind their backs as they all looked grave.

"Oh, and uh, no second thoughts, Locksley, or your friend, Much, will be dropping in on us as our special guest today." The Sheriff added in a loud whisper as he pointed up to the high wall, where two soldiers held Much ready in case to throw him to his death. Guy was chuckling to himself, as Esme followed Robin's glance and made a silent yelp, before returning her gaze back to Robin. The Sheriff stood aside handing Robin the scroll as he took a deep breath and began to read the death sentence.

"Let it be heard and know about the lands and realms of Richard, His Magesty, King of England that on this the 26th day of April in the year of our Lord 1192 the following men. Having been tried under law and found guilty. Benedict Giddons of Locksley, Will Scarlett of Locksley, Luke Scarlett of Locksley, Allan-A-Dale of Locksley these same men have been sentenced to hang by a rope until they are dead." Robin read out loud, with a clear voice as Esme felt her chest tighten.

She glanced down to where the people stood looking sad and broken, lost of hope. Her eyes caught Dan Scarlett's as his sad face was enough for her to have to bite her bottom lip to prevent tears following. He gave her a sad smile and nodded as she had to look away and gained control over her breathing. The drum beat began as the executioners placed white sacks over their hand and began tightening the noose around their necks. Peoples whimpers and cries out came quietly as Robin and Esme exchanged a sad glance.

"May the souls…" The Sheriff began before he was interrupted.

"Wait!" A voice shouted out as Esme's head snapped in his direction. She smiled looking relieved as she saw Jeffrey the town's juggler and a performer that Robin had asked to come and help. She saw he was dressed as a man of God, his hood drawn up as he made his way forward as the Sheriff was looking rather annoyed to have his entertainment ruined.

"Now, now, now, please don’t kill my brother, my little baby, my inbred cousin!" The Sheriff cried out getting rather angry at the interruption as Jeffrey gulped and took another step forward, as the Sheriff frowned down at him as Guy narrowed his eyes. Guy wasn't so stupid as he looked over at Esme, her face gave nothing away but she turned and met his eyes. He gave a soft smile from the corner of his mouth as she returned it looking away. A smile on her face made his heart beat faster as he turned back his attention to the execution.  

"On behalf of Anthony, our bishop, I claim benefit of clergy for these men. They cannot hang." Jeffrey shouted out with a clear voice as he raised his hand up in defense, as if he was calling on God to do bidding. The Sheriff just frowned at him unsure if he actually believed it as Guy just rolled his eyes.

"These are not holy men. These people cannot plead the cloth. Get on with it." The Sheriff snapped before Jeffrey gulped slightly, but remained in character as he pulled out a piece of parchment from his inner pocket.

"I came last night to administer their last rights." Jeffrey demanded as the Sheriff glanced at the jailer as he just shrugged trying to ensure he keeps himself alive, and not be the one who is hanging.

"So?" He questioned hoping it would mean he could still have his entertainment.

"And each one came to God through me, repenting their sins and asking to take the cloth. I felt duty bound to consult the bishop, and he, in turn, confers status of novice onto each man." Jeffrey informed him, as Robin smiled to himself hoping his plan would work. Esme had her fingers crossed hoping that the Sheriff would believe the trick being played on him as she leant against the stone eager.

"Shut up." The Sheriff called but then Jeffrey opened the parchment he held in his hands and began to read it as it scuffled in the winds.

"I, Anthony, the irreverent vicor apostolic hereby confer…" Jeffrey began reading before the Sheriff cut him off.

"Shut up! Is this possible?" He snapped before turning to one of his Clergymen, as they looked confused and shook his head.

"They could not have become novices over night." He told truthfully as the Sheriff snapped his attention back to Jeffrey. Esme held her breath, hoping that he wouldn't be caught as she could see that Robin's plan wasn't working as he had hoped. Even Robin began to get nervous as he stood beside the Sheriff.

"They have become postulants! Novice-novices, if you like, and so are under the protection of the church!" Jeffrey shouted out, as you could see on the Sheriff's face that he had realized that he was being fooled and he growled deep inside himself, before he smirked.

"Novice-novices? How novel. Well, hang them, and arrest him. Where’s the drum?! Watch and enjoy, Robin. Oh, your prisoner will talk. And then you will be done for, my friend. May the souls of these men find forgiveness in heaven." The Sheriff announced as Esme gasped as Jeffrey ran for it, luckily getting away. The drums sounded once again before the stools that they were standing on were released from under their feet.

People gasped and cried out, sobbing, as Esme closed her eyes unable to watch as she turned her head away. Sir Guy had watched Esme's reaction and felt a painful twinge inside himself to see her in so much discomfort. Esme drew shaky breaths before she turned her head to watch as they struggled.

"I love you boys! I love you Will, love you Luke! I’ll see you in heaven!" Dan Scarlett called out, as tears streamed down his face. Robin watched as his peasants were struggling, the Sheriff smirking as he went to head back inside. Robin's memories flashed as he remembered all the good times he had seen Will and Luke have. Robin couldn't take it as he beat up the guards beside him, stealing their bow and their arrows. Commotion rung out as everyone was shocked of what he was doing.

"He will get himself killed" Esme whispered to her father as she watched frightened. Her father said nothing as he watched Robin with a plain face.

"People of Nottingham! These men have committed no crime worth more than a spell in the stocks! Will you tolerate this injustice? I, for one, will not!" Robin announced, as each few seconds he drew back an arrow, with perfect aim cutting the ropes, as the peasants dropped against the podium. The people grabbed them, removing their sacks over their heads and ran for it as Dan was smiling deeply, thankful for what Robin had done.

Guards drew their swords and ran towards Robin, as he threw the useless bow towards a soldier, who was caught off guard. Earning his sword he defended himself against those who came towards him, buy Dan and his sons more time to escape. Esme watched, as the Sheriff, Guy and her father stood unsure of what had just happened.

"Master, help!" Much cried out as Esme gasped to see the soldiers holding him ready to throw him over the wall to his death. Robin threw the sword he was using up as it hit both soldiers, releasing Much as he sighed thankfully to live another day.

"Master, look out!" Much cried out as Robin turned to see and Archer behind him drawing his bow ready to kill Robin. Robin held his arms out in defeat, the Sheriff was smirking ready to have him killed, as Esme looked horrified. She knew she couldn't just let him die, as she withdrew one of the daggers she always used as a hairpin as skillfully threw it at the Archer. Hitting him in the arm, causing him to miss.

Guy and the Sheriff were shocked with how the Archer could miss him when he was only a few feet in front as the Archer stumbled to the side clutching his wounded arm. Robin was extremely confused as he glanced over at Esme who just raised an eyebrow before turning and walking away, revealing a missing hair pin, with the exact same pattern as Robin smirked knowing she had saved him. As Robin, Much and a few others ran for it the Sheriff was furious on how he was so easily able t escape from the castle.

"Don’t just stand there. Get after him!" He shouted angrily, before heading back inside the castle as Guy just grinned evilly, smirking as he knew what this meant.

"Let’s return to Locksley, this time for good." He informed one of his guards snickering as his evil glint flashed in his eyes. Guy had something planned, and it could never be for the better…..