Chapter 14 Guy of Gisborne Meets His Fate.
Oftentimes the sun shines brightly on the morning before a big storm.
Such was the case on Robin Hood's darkest day since turning outlaw.
The birds twittered in the trees and gentle breezes ruffled the leaves.
Little John and Robin Hood talked as they strolled through the forest.
We've had no adventures in some time, Little John complained.
I think we should each set out alone and see what we can find.
When we come back together, we shall have merry tales to tell.
I like your plan, Little John, said Robin.
They reached a fork in the path, and Robin pointed to the left.
You go that way, and I will go this way.
I'm sure you won't find any trouble you can't handle.
As Robin walked eagerly along his path, thinking of adventure, he suddenly spied an evil-looking man sitting beneath a big oak tree.
From head to toe, the man wore a heavy cloth of dark horsehide.
A hood made from the skin of the horse's head hid his face from view.
The ears on the hood stood up like horns.
By the man's side lay a sword and a longbow.
He wore a quiver of arrows across his back.
Robin was a bit frightened, but he called out cheerfully.
Hello.
Who sits there?
And what do you wear on your body?
If I had done something wrong, I'd worry that you had been sent by the devil to take my soul.
The stranger slowly turned and looked at Robin.
Then he pushed the hood back on his head.
His eyes were hard and dark.
Who are you? he growled.
Speak not so sourly, brother, answered Robin.
Did you eat thorns and vinegar for breakfast today?
The stranger growled back.
If you do not like my words, leave now.
I assure you that my deeds match my speech.
Oh, but I do like your words, you sweet, pretty thing, Robin said, smiling.
Your speech is as witty and bright as any I've heard in my life.
The stranger stared at Robin with a wicked look.
Robin returned the stare, grinning all the while.
Finally, the stranger broke the silence.
What is your date?
I'm glad to hear you speak, exclaimed Robin.
I was beginning to think you had been struck dumb.
Now, as for my name, it might be this and it might be that, but I think it's more fitting for you to tell me your name, because you are the stranger in these parts.
The stranger laughed with a cold, rough sound.
I do not know why I don't cut you down.
Two days ago I skewered a man in Nottingham town for less.
I'm Guy of Gisborne, an outlaw.
The sheriff of Nottingham will give me free pardon for my past crimes, plus two hundred pounds to kill a certain outlaw by the name of Robin Hood.
Set a thief to catch a thief, saying goes.
As Robin listened, he felt his heart rise in his chest.
Guy of Gisborne's murderous deeds were infamous throughout England.
But Robin continued to smile.
Truly, I have heard of your gentle doings.
I believe there is no one in the world whom Robin Hood would rather meet.
Gisborne let out another harsh laugh.
It is merry to think of two stout outlaws meeting each other, but it will be a very ill day for Robin Hood.
The day he meets me will be the day he dies.
But, gentle soul, Robin said, don't you think that Robin Hood may be the better man?
I know him right well.
Many hereabouts think he is the stoutest man alive.
He may be the stoutest man.
Hereabouts, said Gisborne scornfully, but hereabouts is not the wide world.
They call him an outlaw, yet Robin Hood has not shed blood since fleeing to the forest.
They call him an archer, but I would not be afraid to stand against him with a bow in my hand any day.
Truly, they called him a great archer.
We of Nottinghamshire are famous with the longbow.
Even I, a simple hand at the craft, would not fear to try a bout with you.
Gisborne laughed coarsely.
I like your spirit.
Put up a wreath.
Oh, no, protested Robin.
Only little children shoot at garlands in these woods.
Stay here and I will set a good Nottingham target.
Robin stepped off the path and cut a stick from a hazel thicket.
He sharpened one end and stuck it in the ground in front of an oak tree.
Then he measured off eighty paces.
There!
That is the kind of mark Nottingham men shoot at.
Let me see you split the wand if you call yourself an archer.
The devil himself could not hit that mark, complained Gisborne.
Perhaps he could, and perhaps he could not, Robin replied.
We will never know until you shoot.
Gisborne picked up his bow.
His first arrow missed the hazel wand by a foot.
He shot again and missed the wand by six inches.
Robin laughed merrily.
I see now that the devil himself cannot hit that mark.
Let's see if I can.
Robin drew his bow and shot quickly.
His arrow sliced straight through the air and split the wand where it stood.
Before Guy of Gisborne could speak, Robin flung his bow to the ground.
Drawing his sword.
He shouted fiercely There, bloody villain.
Now you've seen how little you know of manly sports.
Look last on the daylight, vile beast.
Today you die.
I am Robin Hood.
Gisborne was stunned.
Are you indeed Robin Hood?
I am very glad to meet you.
Say your prayer.
Gisborne unsheathed his sword.
Then began the fiercest fight that Sherwood had ever seen.
Drops of red blood soon sprinkled the ground, but none came from Robin's veins.
At last, Gisborne lunged.
Robin dodged the thrust by lightly stepping backward, but his heel caught on a root and he tumbled onto his back.
"'God, help me now,' prayed Robin."
Gisborne stabbed furiously at Robin.
He caught the blade with his bare hand.
Though it cut him deeply, Robin was able to push the sword away and drive it into the ground.
Then he leapt up and raised his sword.
Gisborne tried to pull his sword from the earth, but Robin's blade slashed under Gisborne's arm.
Gisborne spun around, and Robin plunged hot steel through his enemy's innards.
Gisborne screamed as he collapsed and fell to the green grass.
Robin wiped his sword clean as he stood over Gisborne's body, Robin thought.
This is the first man I have slain since my youth.
I often think bitterly of that day, but this killing was justified.
The Sheriff of Nottingham sent this evil man against me.
I will wear Gisborne's garments and find the sheriff.
Perhaps I can repay him the deed somehow.
