Robin Hood / Рассказы о Робин Гуде - страница 7

“But no one knows where he is,” said the Sheriff. “I have tried with my best men, believe me, but we just can’t find him.”

“I have sent so many spies to the forest,” said one of the guards. “We all know that he and his men are there. I have also sent my spies to all the Saxon villages, but not one has returned with any news. The Sheriff’s spies have failed too, haven’t they?”

The Sheriff nodded his head.

“Yes, they have all failed. Persons who think that the Normans have wronged them have joined Robin Hood, as he calls himself now, in Sherwood Forest. They all live there, but where in the forest? Even the forest seems to shelter them.”

After a while, the Sheriff continued, “We’ll get him! I shall myself command the troops to guard Lady Marian and you, Sir Guy, when you pass through the forest to Kenilworth Castle. And,” he added, thumping the table with his fist, “I pray that I can catch that rascal by the scruff of his neck!”

“Enough of your boasting,” said Sir Guy rudely. “I am carrying Robin’s death warrant. His castle and lands have been seized. He’s an outlaw now. Where can he hide?”

Barely had he spoken when a black arrow whizzed through the window, pierced the warrant and pinned it onto the table.

There was absolute silence.

Saxons assembled at the Gallows Oak in Sherwood to hear what Robin had to say.

Robin spoke, loud and clear, “This is an assembly of free Englishmen, loyal to King Richard, God bless him. He was good to us, and we were well-clothed, well-fed when he ruled. There was work for everyone. But since he left for the Crusades, Prince John and his Norman friends have given us nothing but hunger, beatings and prison. They have to be stopped. We will have to stop them. Do you all agree?”

“Aye! Aye!”

“I have a plan,” continued Robin. “This forest can feed, clothe and shelter all of you who wish to stay here. Those who are with us, raise your weapons.”

Every man raised his weapon.

“Then kneel!”

The men knelt down.

Robin asked, “Do you vow to rob the rich to feed the hungry, clothe and shelter those in need, and protect women and children, be they Normans or Saxons?”

“We do.”

“Remember that with this vow you agree to fight to death if necessary. We shall keep this country free for our king, King Richard of the Lion Heart.”