Happily Never After

Chapter 2:The Merry Men

The woods were quiet. Robin kneeled behind the plentiful foliage waiting for the moment the caravan would be passing through. Marian was beside her.

“On my mark, John,” Robin said, seeing the cream-colored carriage nearing the road. “You take the second carriage; her sheep should be there. I’ll storm the first carriage.”

“Be careful,” Marian said, placing a gentle hand on Robin’s arm.

“I will be,” Robin reassured. “I’ll meet you at the rendezvous point at the other edge of Sherwood Forest.” Robin put up the hood of her cloak. This cloak was imbued with magic. When the hood was worn, Robin was disguised as a man. This way nobody would ever be able to capture Robin Hood, and nobody would suspect Miss Robin of Locksley. Robin hijacked the first carriage, signaling John to change. John quickly shifted into his lycan form and went to the sheep.

“Robin Hood,” The woman in the carriage exclaimed! She held her daughter close to her.

“Lady Bo Peep,” Robin Hood said with a nod. “I’m going to need all your pearls and diamonds.”

“Mama,” the little girl said nervously.

“It’s alright, Mary,” Bo Peep said. “Just do as he says.” Bo Peep removed all of her pearls and diamonds and helped Mary do the same. They handed their belongings to Robin Hood.

“Thank you for the cooperation, ladies,” Robin Hood said before jumping out of the carriage. Robin pocketed the jewels and ran to the rendezvous point, jumping over fallen trees and climbing large rocks.

“Ah, there she is,” John said, seeing as Robin came closer.

“John did excellent,” Marian said. “All the wool should make plenty of warm blankets, and the meat should be able to feed the whole village.”

“Even the little lamb,” Robin asked?

“Even the little lamb,” John confirmed. Robin, Marian, and the fleet of Merry Men rode off through Sherwood Forest back into Locksley. Upon arrival, Robin grabbed a sack of the diamonds and pearls with Marian on her arm. John grabbed two more sacks. The band of thieves entered the pub with their heads held high.

“People of Locksley, fear not,” Robin said, gaining the attention of the occupants in the pub. “Your prayers have been answered. We bring to you the finest diamonds and pearls, surely to keep the Sheriff of Nottingham and that nasty Queen Bromwen at bay.” Robin then approached the bar. Her sister, Jaqueline—better known as Jack—was the bartender.

“How long do you expect to keep this Robin Hood act up,” Jack asked?

“Until justice is served to the people of Locksley for all the sheriff and the queen have done,” Robin answered. “There are people here, Jack, that lost their homes. They lost their farms, their families even. I am the savior for these people.”

“Well then, when are you going to pay the scaly fellow who gave you the magic cloak,” Jack inquired? “You know he’ll take the farm if you don’t.”

“I’m working on it,” Robin stated. “He should be paid before the Harvest Festival. You worry too much, Jack.”

“And you worry too little,” Jack remarked. As the sisters shared a drink of whiskey, John approached Robin.

“Hood, I’m going to need you to head to Camelot without me,” John said as he took the seat beside Robin. “Pack stuff.”

“Well, John, I wish you safe travels,” Robin said. “If you all would excuse me, I need some air.” Robin stabbed out of the pub.

“Tick tock,” a voice said from behind Robin.

“Rumplestiltskin,” Robin said.

“Having fun playing pretend, my dear,” Rumplestiltskin asked?

“I’m helping people actually,” Robin corrected.

“Yes, I’m aware. The infamous Robin Hood that steals from the rich and gives to the poor,” Rumplestiltskin said. “You really couldn’t come up with a better fals identity? Robin Hood sounds pretty obvious who you are.”

“Enough chatter,” Robin said. “Why are you here?”

“Well, I believe you have a payment due for me,” Rumplestiltskin said.

“I just got done telling Jack I would pay you before the Harvest Festival,” Robin said. “You’ll get your damn payment as soon as I return from Camelot with the goods.”

“Oh, but your payment has already quadrupled,” Rumplestiltskin said. “And it won’t just be your mother’s precious farm I take if you fail to pay it. I will take your wife’s life.”

“You lay a hand on Marian, and I swear I will kill you with my bare hands,” Robin threatened.

“Now what is it with customers threatening me today,” Rumplestiltskin asked himself?

“You’ll get your payment,” Robin reassured. “Good night, Rumplestiltskin.” Robin reentered the pub and returned to her place at the bar.

“You were out there quite a while,” Marian said. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine, love,” Robin lied. “Gentlemen, I think we should change routes. We’re headed to Phrygia at dawn.”

“What’s in Phrygia,” Marian asked?

“Gold, lots of it,” Robin replied.