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The midday sun stood high in the sky, burning down on the crowd gathering around the gallows.
James, Sheriff of Nottingham, watched them trampling over each other’s feed to get to the best viewing spot for the hanging. He could feel their excitement. It almost overshadowed the boiling rage and disappointment. Their stares drilled holes in him. Nottingham ignored them, as always. The simple people never liked the man, who collected their taxes. Of course they wouldn’t like him for hanging their ‘saviour’ and ‘protector’.
Nottingham turned around, towards the three men standing behind him. All of them had their hands tied behind their backs and were forced to balance their weight on small stools. The only thing keeping them from falling to their deaths since they had nooses around their necks.
He walked towards the oldest one, standing in the middle.
“Hello, Nate.”
Nathan Ford - or as the masses around the gallows knew him – Robin Hood, smiled, showing no care in the world.
Nottingham glanced at the men next to him.
Hardison, the youngest of the three, had put on a stern mask that could not hide the fear behind it. Because of his short height, his noose hung very low. Nottingham had never watched the hanging of a gnome. It would be quite an interesting experience.
Spencer, a dog of a man, probably because of his orcish heritage, looked like he would try to gnaw at the rope around his neck at every moment. With the fangs protruding his mouth, Spencer could even succeed. If his rope hadn’t been reinforced as a security measure.
“Your men aren’t that merry any more. Wonder, what keeps you in such good spirits?”
Nate just kept smiling. And that annoyed Nottingham the most. After all that time of their cat and mouse game, his former brother-in-arms shouldn’t be so… at ease. Unless he had something up his sleeve.
His men were still looking for the last Merry ‘Man’, a halfling called Parker. But, as was typical of her people, she was very good at keeping herself hidden from unwanted attention. Maybe she would try something ridiculous to save her friends?
“Nate. There is still room for you in the castle. We could still work for Blackp- Prince John. Together. You’re royalty, not one of them.” Nottingham pointed at the unwashed masses below them. “Just give me names, hideouts – something! Who helped you? Where did you hide? Where are your spoils? Nothing more…” He smiled slyly when he continued. “And you could be near her.”
Nate’s eyes moved to the balcony where Lady Marian, a beautiful elven woman, stood and watched. Sadness clouded her face. Nottingham couldn’t tell how old she really was but she had used dozens of different names throughout the ages.
But besides that little betraying gesture, Nate showed no reaction, just that grating smile on his lips.
Nottingham rolled his eyes. “Fine. Die for your… honor or whatever drives your madness.” He gave the hangman a wink and bowed before Prince John. “Let’s start.”
“Yes”, Nate finally spoke to Nottingham’s surprise. His grin grew wider, and Nottingham’s heart sank. “Let’s.”
And all Hell broke loose