League of Archers by Eva Howard

Author:Eva Howard
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

14

BY THE TIME THE LEAGUE stumbled, tired, dirty, and scratched, back onto the Nottingham road, the worst of the day’s heat had broken. It was harder getting out of the forest than it was getting in, maybe because they were less excited about where they were going.

They were walking in the sparse trees near the roadside when they heard a heavy cart approaching. Every time this happened, they’d melt a little deeper into the trees, watching to make sure the cart wasn’t carrying guards or, worse, the baron himself. This time when Ellie peeked between trunks, she saw a cart laden with sacks, probably on its way to the Nottingham market.

But as the cart drew closer, she saw its driver more clearly, and her heart turned over. It was Gilbert, the baron’s greasy servant who’d escorted her to her room. Who’d locked the door behind her using one of the many, many keys on his belt.

Ellie moved forward slowly, narrowing her eyes.

“Uh-oh,” Ralf said low. “I’ve seen that look before. What are you planning, Ellie Dray?”

“That’s the keeper of the keys!” Ellie hissed. She could hardly believe their luck. With that key ring she wouldn’t need anyone’s help rescuing Maid Marian—she could simply sneak into the castle and unlock her cell door.

She grabbed her bow. “We have to hold up that cart!”

“Ellie,” Margery said warningly. “It’s broad daylight!”

“And we’ll never get such a chance again. Robin’s just three days dead, we can’t already forget about him. Please,” she pleaded. “We all know what a trial means to the baron: a show you put on while you’re tying the noose. We’re Marian’s only chance at staying alive. Just trust me, and follow my lead.”

Before they could respond, she ran out and planted herself in the middle of the road. The cart slowed as it came nearer, but didn’t stop. It held three men—Gilbert, a gray-bearded guard, and a bored-looking boy of about twelve. He perked up when he saw Ellie, an unexpected distraction.

“Get out of the way, boy!” the guard yelled. Ellie’s hair was still twisted up into her cap, and she wore Ralf’s hunting clothes.

“Stop your cart,” she called out, then strung an arrow on her bow, aiming it right at the man’s chest. He pulled the horses up short, scowling.

“What’s this, a prank?” he grumbled. “Go home to your mother and drink your milk.”

Now they were stopped just in front of her—almost close enough for the guard to leap down and pull the bow from her hands. If he tries it, she told herself, I’ll have to shoot. But this time I’ll shoot to wound.

But he didn’t. Instead the boy jumped to his feet, face bright with excitement. “That’s not a boy,” he said, pointing at Ellie. “That’s the girl who killed Robin Hood!”

Now Gilbert stood up, his watery eyes going wide. The heavy key ring swung from his belt like a pendulum. As Ellie tried not to stare at it, she saw a flash of brown on the road behind them—Jacob running swiftly across.

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