Read Online Maid of Sherwood by Shanti Krishnamurty - Free Book Online

hardly think we shall be seated at Prince John’s table,” she said. “We have been summoned; we are not the prince’s personal guests.”
    Anna glanced at Marian, who shrugged.
    “Stop shrugging your shoulders, Marian.” Mother instructed. “It is hardly ladylike, and wholly inappropriate for court.”
    Father smiled slightly. “Yes,” he said, “we certainly would not want an unladylike child, Beatrix.”
    Mother glared at Father, but Marian was positive she could see a glimmer of laughter in her eyes.
    “Watch the scenery, Mari,” Father said. “The forest can be very enlightening if you know exactly what to watch for.”
    Marian sighed. As far as she could see, it was endless oaks in an endless sea of green and watching it roll by was not preferable to strolling the leaf strewn paths and smelling the almost damp scent of moldering undergrowth.
    “Stop the carriage at once!” A strange voice cried out.
    Anna screamed. “It is outlaws, ma’am! We will all be killed!”
    “Hush,” Father’s normally gentle voice was threaded through with a core of steel Marian had never heard before. “Screaming will not help.”
    Mother hushed them with one upraised hand. Outside, Marian could hear voices raised in anger.
     

 
    Chapter Nine:
     
    A man’s deep voice rang out clearly. “I do not recognize your authority. If you are the Sheriff of Nottingham's men, you must show me proof before you can pass.”
    “You must be new to your post,” a deeper, more dangerous, voice growled back. “Stand down. We are on Prince John's business.”
    “You first,” the first voice said flatly.
    The unmistakable sound of hoof beats rang out, and then a familiar voice spoke. “What is going on here? Why are my men being detained?”
    Marian heard a sword rasp as it was withdrawn.
    “We have strict orders to let no one pass without proper authority,” the first voice declared. “Prince John is sure there is a spy within the castle grounds. No-one is allowed to go further without permission.”
    “I am Prince John’s oldest friend, and his sheriff, you dolt! I personally guarantee no-one here harbors any ill intent towards the prince or his rule!” The sheriff was nearly incoherent in his rage.
    “And who are you carrying toward the castle?” The first man asked.
    Mother stood up. “This is ridiculous,” she stated. “Alan, let me by.”
    “Bea, this really is not—” Father started, but Mother pushed past him and opened the carriage door.
    “Why is this carriage stopped?” An imperious voice Marian remembered hearing before, with Robin, demanded.
    “Prince John’s orders, milady,” the first voice said.
    “The prince is an idiot. I know who rides in that carriage. I will take full responsibility for anything she or her party may do.”
    Mother stepped backward, feeling with one hand before she sank back down to her seat. “It cannot be,” she murmured. “I thought she died…”
    “Beatrix, what is it?” Father asked worriedly. “You look pale.”
    A frown crossed Mother’s face. “It is Lady Nyneve,” she said. “Nottingham’s historian. But she cannot still be alive…she would be over one hundred by now!”
    Marian frowned. “And how does she know Ro…” she cut herself off at Mother’s curious glance.
    “Know who, Marian?” Mother asked.
    Before Marian could think up a lie, the sheriff poked his head inside the still open door. “Is everything all right?”
    Father nodded tersely. “My wife and daughter are tired,” he said. “When can we continue on?”
    Marian noticed the naked blade in the sheriff’s hand at the same time Mother did.
    “Sheriff, is a sword really necessary to get us past this patrol?” Mother said.
    The sheriff slid the sword home. “It is my sworn duty to see you safely to the castle,” he smiled. “If that means baring my blade, so be it.”
    “You are an idiot, too,” Nyneve stuck her head in the window next to Marian. “Hello, child. Curious we