Robin Riddick: Chapter Five-Birthday Smelling Salts
That night the palace was filled with noblemen and ladies alike. Tonight was
Sheriff Paris's birthday celebration. The tables were lined with crisp white
linen tablecloths, and brightly colored silk banners of red, blue, and yellow
from the far reaches of Asia hung from the great ceiling. Exotic fruits, meats,
and pies placed upon silver platters topped each table; Goblets filled with wine
and port sat at every place setting. At the head table sat Prince Johns; the
sheriff to his right and Maid Caroline to his left. Prince Johns rose from his
seat his goblet grasped firmly in his hand.
"A toast! To Sheriff Paris on his Birthday!" Everyone raised a glass. "To Sheriff Paris!" Groaned the crowd.
Without warning the massive oak front doors opened and gasps and whispers spread through the room;. Robin Riddick entered heading straight towards the head table.
"Good evening ladies and lords. I hope you don't mind my being so late for the party", Robin addressed the crowd and then gave a small wink to Maid Caroline. She simply jerked her head in the opposite direction.
"How dare you sir...", but before The Sheriff could finish his sentence Robin interrupted him.
"How dare I, good sir?", spoke Robin. "How dare I? You tax the people of Nottingham, until all they've left are the clothes on their backs, and you sit here and ask me, how dare I?" The Sheriff looked quite taken aback by this, but stood, or rather sat, his ground.
"What is your purpose here Riddick?", asked Prince Johns.
"I have simply come to wish my good friend the Sheriff here a most happy birthday."
"I will only ask you this once Riddick, leave now or I'll...or I'll" The Sheriff grew blank.
"Or you'll tax me?" quipped Robin. At this several members of the party began to snicker and giggle.
"Stop laughing at me!" Shouted Paris. Leaping from his seat The Sheriff jumped onto the table and then off again so that he was now standing face to face, (Actually more like chest to face.) with Robin.
For a moments time they stood there; daggers in their eyes. “Boo!” said Robin. A small gurgle escaped from Paris' lips before his eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed to the floor. Prince Johns smacked his forehead and bowed his head in disgust.
"You think you’re so dangerous!" touted the Prince. "You've scared an old lush, lets see how you do against me, and a hundred palace GUARDS!" Down from the stairs and out of the doorways appeared guards sporting shining silver armor and swords to match; menacing murderous looks on each ones face.
As the guards closed in on Robin he walked backwards towards the doors. “Merry Men!" shouted Robin and from the oak doors appeared the Merry Goggle headed men being led by Little Zeke and Jack. "Charge!"
The entire fight was a flash of green and steel. Little Zeke grabbing men and flinging them into on coming guards; Jack crawling about biting ankles. Father Imam and his monks praying over the whole scene, and Robin fighting his way towards Maid Caroline. Just as he was about to reach her Sheriff Paris rose from the floor sword in hand.
“Caught me off guard Robin, not this time.”, Relished Paris as he lunged at Robin’s heart. Robin swiftly grabbed the old mans arm and flipped him over on to the cold stone floor; where with a clunk he landed.
“No, not today Paris.” said Robin mockingly right before Paris again passed out. Leaping over the table Robin gathered up Maid Caroline in his arms; kicking and flailing.
“Stop!” Shouted Prince Johns staring wide-eyed and panicked at the balconies. “There will be no shot’s!” At that very moment the royal archers had taken aim upon Robin. If they had shot, Maid Caroline would have been killed in his stead. Cradling the still thrashing Maid Caroline in his arm’s Robin made his way back to the Oak front doors where his Merry Men joined him.
“Goodnight dear friends. Thank you for your hospitality, but I’m afraid we may have out worn our welcome.”
“Psst!”, Jack summoned Robin over and whispered something in his ear.
“Ohhhh”, said Robin. “Yes, we have worn out our welcome!” Jack gave Robin a thumb’s up and they disbursed into the night.