Robin Riddick: Chapter Nine-A Wedding Day to Remember
Caroline stood in front of a long oval shaped looking glass taking in the image she saw before her. Her hair had been braided with ribbons and flowers. The long flowing cream-colored gown enveloped her. Slowly she lifted the fragile veil to look at her face. As she did so a fresh stream of tears began to fall and stain the delicate satin of her dress. A knock at the door: it was time. Caroline took a deep steadying breath, wiped the tears from her eyes and lowered the veil. As she walked through the castle on her way to the courtyard she was suddenly pulled into an adjourning hall.
“Where is she!” murmured the prince to the sheriff. “She was sent for at least 15 minutes ago.”
“I know not sire. Wait I see her coming now.” Sheriff Paris greeted the bride at the start of the courtyard. The richest lords and ladies of Nottingham were gathered for the ceremony. Sheriff Paris led the bride down the altar and onto the arm of Prince Johns.
“Dearly beloved,” began the cloaked priest in a low and deep voice. “We are gathered here today to rid the city of Nottingham of the wicked Prince Johns”
Johns’ face feel at these words. Ripping off the hood of the monk he revealed him to be non other than Robin Riddick.
“We have been deceived. Paris call in your men!” was the cry of the prince.
“Seize Riddick”, demanded Paris. Guards came flying into the courtyard and Merry Men came in swinging from the trees: the battle had begun.
As the merry men and the palace guards dueled, Robin stood face to face at the altar with Prince Johns.
“It finally comes down to the two of us Riddick.” Johns pulled his sword from it’s scabbard and grabbed his bride by the waist. “Today one of us shall die” At these words Maid Caroline elbowed the Prince in the stomach then spun around to give him a swift kick in the groin. Ripping the veil form her head she revealed she was not Maid Caroline but Jack!
“Good going Jack!” A few tears were streaming down Jacks face.
“Don’t you cry for him. Don’t you dare.” offered Riddick.
“I’m not”, insisted Jack. “I always cry at weddings.”
Robin lifted Johns by the collar of his robes and held him up for the battling crowds to see. “Here’s your prince”
“And here is your love Riddick!” Cried a voice from the other end of the courtyard. There Sheriff Paris sat atop a black steed with a squirming and unhappy maid Caroline in his arms and a shiv to her throat. The fighting had been rendered stopped. Merry Men and guards alike stood dumfounded wondering what to do.
“I offer you this Riddick. I shall release her on the condition that your release Prince Johns.”
Riddick thought about this for a moment. It seemed a fair enough deal. “On the count of three then Paris. 1, 2, 3…” Neither of them discharged their wards: Both still held fast to their captives. “Lets try this again. 1,2,3…” Just then, Prince Johns’ robes ripped and he flopped out of Riddick’s grip and onto the ground. He quickly sprinted to the other side of the courtyard where he climbed atop the black stallion and he and Paris rode off with Maid Caroline as their prisoner.
Within seconds of them fleeing they came scurrying back. The sounds of royal trumpets could be heard cutting through the air. It was the king! Returned from the Hunter-Gratzner Crusades. The king dismounted to greet Robin Riddick as his men finally ran down Prince Johns and the Sheriff. As soon as Maid Caroline was lowered from the horse she ran to Riddick’s side: They embraced tenderly and shared a passionate kiss. The beauty of the moment was not to last long, suddenly, an arrow pierced through the kings heart. Zeke shouted from a nearby tree. “Sorry I’m late. Did I hit him? Did I get that bloody bastard?”
“It was the king returned home. It was just the king!” shouted Jack who was dripping with blood.
“Crikey!” said Zeke who had by this time made his way down to the group of startled on lookers.
“What will we do now?” asked Jack. Who will be king? Out of the blue, an idea dawned upon Robin Riddick. “Zeke, you shot him. Why don’t you be king?”
“Really mate?” hesitantly asked Zeke.
“Are there any who object?” Robin posed this to the crowd of Merry Men, Royal Guards, and frightened nobles. No answer. Finally, one of Imams disciples stood forward. “Long Live King Zeke.”
“Here, here” shouted the crowd.
Riddick turned to Maid Caroline, bending on one knee. “Would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Robin Riddick?” Caroline thought this over for a moment. “Only if I can keep my last name”, she finally announced. “Deal”, said Riddick who gave a small laugh.
“Finally!”, said Jack.
Caroline turned to Jack. “Jack would you do me the tribute of being my maid of honor?”
“But he’s a guy?” Pointed out Zeke.
“No she’s not” Riddick stepped in.
“He’s a she?” questioned Little Zeke. Robin nodded. “That explains a lot” said an astounded Little Zeke. At this everyone had a good laugh.
The End