Robin Hood by Nicky Raven

Author:Nicky Raven
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781631582721
Publisher: Racehorse
Published: 2018-02-25T16:00:00+00:00

“Any of them could win, Father; they are all fine shots,” agreed Marian. “But I do not think the old soldier or the sheriff’s man are quite as good as the others.”

The next round would decide which three archers should go through to the final. The “old soldier” had done well to get this far, but now he faced Montcuq, who was far too good for him. Marian was suspicious that Montcuq had been given an easy passage to the final—Much and Will were decent archers, but not in the same class as these other contestants.

Tom O’Vale and the tinker, who gave his name as Piers of Lincoln, were next. They made a comic couple, both sporting identical wide-brimmed hats to shield their eyes from the sun. After two rounds Tom had put the tinker under pressure. The tinker now needed three centers to clinch the contest, but he was unhurried, calmly restringing his bow before releasing three effortless arrows into the heart of the target.

“It seems I owe you a drink, Master Piers,” called the ranger good-naturedly.

“I’ll join you with pleasure,” replied the tinker. “But after the shoot. I don’t want the drink to ruin my arm!”

The crowd enjoyed the banter; the tinker had become a clear favorite—they would support anyone who they thought might beat Montcuq.

The contest for the last place in the final was between the sheriff’s sergeant, Geoffrey, and Red Alan. It was another close shoot, but Geoffrey just failed to get the three centers required and he bowed out of the tournament. The sergeant was a cheery, rather overweight man, and he was red in the cheeks when he left the shooting area. He was even redder when one of his men called over to him.

“’Ere, sarge,” came the cry. “Did my eyes deceive me or did you just get beat by a girl?”

The rest of the soldiers exploded with laughter at this, and even Geoffrey had to smile.

“Aye, lad” he shouted back. “And if her tongue’s as keen as her arrows, I’ll not be making closer acquaintance!”

More laughter, and the soldiers applauded their beaten comrade and offered him a beaker of ale, which he swallowed quickly and gratefully, thumping his glass for a refill.

There was a pause before the last round, and Marian looked around at her fellow spectators. Gisburn, who had seemed furtive and nervous all day, was deep in conversation with the revolting Martel. As they finished talking, Gisburn gestured to his man, Montcuq, and whispered something in his ear.

Marian frowned; she didn’t trust Gisburn, and knew he would do anything to get Robin out of the way. She noticed the sheriff watching the same conversation; he too frowned at the exchange. When the sheriff had first taken up office, many in the county had expected a wave of cruelty and summary justice and seizing of land, but it had never happened; he had shown respect for people’s way of life, and reserved his justice for genuine offenders. He had visited Marian’s

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