Robin Riddick: Chapter Six-Duck!

A stream of moonlight shot through the snarled branches and leaves of the trees of Sherwood Forest. The pounding of horses hooves and the occasional hoot of an owl were the only thing to pierce the eerie darkness as Robin and his men rode hurriedly towards their camp. Deeper and deeper into the forest they went. Maid Caroline could only wonder where she was, Robin having earlier blindfolded her at the edge of the forest.

Caroline began to hear the faint sound of laughing and cheering as she felt the horse beneath her begin to slow it’s pace. Soon the voices got louder and the scent of cooking meat and wine drifted towards her; she’d eaten nothing at the banquet.

“Duck”, said Robin.

“Is that what that is?”, questioned Caroline, but it was too late. A large branch swiped Maid Caroline off the horse and flat onto the ground.

Robin dismounted and rushed to her side. “I told you to duck”, said Robin. He helped the Mumbling and growling Caroline back onto her feet.

“Can you at least tell me how much farther it is to wherever your taking me?”

“Not far now.”

“Then could you please untie me.” She lifted her bound hands in front of her. “I’m not a criminal.”

Robin removed a shiv from his back pocket and cut the ropes.

“Thank you” She said curtly rubbing her sore wrists.

Robin decided it might be best if they walked the rest of the way. Situating Maid Caroline a top the horse Robin lead the horse towards the camp. When they arrived Robin lifted Maid Caroline onto the ground and removed her blindfold. It took her eyes a moment to adjust, but she saw before her not drunken men in tights but families; women and children huddled around small campfires striving for warmth.

“Where are we?”, she asked confused.

“Let me explain.” They walked for over an hour talking about the state of the country and how if Prince Johns was not stopped there may not be a chance to reclaim England. Robin explained to Caroline that the taxes were draining the people of not only money but hope.

“Will you help us?”, asked Robin.

“I will do what I can Robin. I had no idea of the wrongs being committed by Johns and his men, if I had I would have joined your cause much sooner.”

“Then you will help?”

Caroline nodded her answer.

“ The hour is getting late and Prince Johns has no doubt formed a search party for you. I’ll have Jack take you to the edge of the forest; you should be able to find your way back to the castle from there.”

As Jack prepared the horse, Robin handed Maid Caroline the blindfold.

“Is this really necessary?”, Caroline was not looking forward to another blind ride.

“I’m afraid so. The less you know about us the safer you are.”

“All set Robin”, announced Jack leading the horse behind him. Mounting the horse and tying the sash around her head, Maid Caroline and Jack rode back towards Nottingham castle.

As they rode Caroline told Jack wonderful stories of what it was like to be a lady of the court, her duties, and her obligations. Jack seemed to hang upon every word, but soon they were at the edge of the forest and would have to part ways. Caroline removed her blindfold and took the reigns as Jack hopped down.

"One question Jack", asked Caroline over her shoulder. "Why are you so interested in the life of a maiden. I'd thought you would have preferred stories of chivalry and knight hood. A panicked look washed over Jack’s face at this question.

"I don't...", stuttered Jack. "Just curious I guess. Well, bye" Jack ran into the forest and disappeared without another word.

"Curious boy", mumbled Caroline to herself.

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