[Outlaws; Roe] Guess Who's Back?

[Tuck]

Tuck looked across the camp seeing some familiar faces as well as some unfamiliar ones as well. He did not know if that was a positive or a negative situation. What did seem to be negative was the fact that several were drawing various types of weapons, just on his account, Friar Tuck. Unfortunately as well, the outlaw leader from the ambush on Forest Road was here as well, and by his comment, as well as his tone, wasn't overjoyed to see him either.

"Oh, it's you," he said. Tuck knew enough not to take it as a compliment, and he decided not wait any longer to see whether Robin would respond. Besides, Tuck thought, Robin could have been testing to see how he would react to the outlaws, and vice versa. "Oh, my son, thank you so for your warm welcome. You have no idea how much I've missed your smooth tongue, and your sharp intellect since our last meeting on the Forest Road. I should have understood that's how you react to all who offer you aid, especially of they are ofthe godly sort, eh," Tuck said with his arms crossed. This time he did not feel the need to impress, especially one such as Allan.

[Much]

Much shook his head, confused. "So what, you're one of us now?" he asked open mouthed. He cocked his head to one side and span to face Robin. "What? Do you really think that's a good idea Robin?" he asked, expecting to see Robin beside him. But apparently Allan had already lead him elsewhere. "Oh great. That's just great." he said sarcastically.

[Tuck]

Tuck was so happy to see that he created such confidence in others. "I hardly think that your gang is led by a dictator or an absolute monarch Much. I'm sure that I would only be accepted if it was the consensus of the group. However, after hearing me out, Robin apparently believed I could be of use to the outlaws. By the way, Much, is there a reason why you don't think its a good idea. I'm sure everyone else would like to hear it, especially if they haven't come up with one of their own yet, my son," he said somewhat sarcastically.

[Much]

Much frantically tried to think of a good comeback. The truth was he didn't really know why he thought it wasn't a good idea. He pursed his lips and folded his arms. "Well..." he began, "I don't know...it's just...we barely even know you!" Much exclaimed. He knew deep down, that Tuck would probably be of great use to the gang. He had great leadership qualities, and was wise, but he could also knock out the guard or two when needed. Much gave Tuck an ashamed nod. Not a nod of apology. Of course.

He decided to try and devote his attention to evesdropping on the conversation Allan and Robin where having away from the gang.

[Robin Hood]

Robin turned as Tuck entered the camp. "I thought you were going to wait." He whispered to himself before putting his hand on Much's shoulder. "Steady Much, Tuck's here as a friend." Robin gestured for Tuck to move closer into the circle. "I'll let him explain why he's here." Stepping back a step, Robin waited until all his friends were concentrated on the new arrival before he moved to Allan's side and indicated that they moved to the edge of the clearing.

When they reached there, Robin turned and leant against a tree trunk with his arms folded. Before he spoke, Rob glanced towards the group then back at his friend. "So I guess you've got something important to tell me then, that you didn't want the others to hear?"

[Tuck]

Tuck had meant to stay on the edge of camp, out of sight, until Robin had prepared the way for him. Unfortunately when he had stepped on that dry branch it had very effectively and prematurely announced his presence. Robin had announced to the group that he was a friend, but he was also supposed to explain why he was there. Tuck moved forward, and he hoped he didn't display any nervousness, hesitation, or fear.

"Some of you I have already met and exchanged at least some words with." He nodded in a respectful manner to both Much and Kate. Fortunately, he felt, the one that they called Allan was off talking with Robin and he didn't have to deal with them. "I am sorry if I didn't give you a very good first impression. I think that the one of the things that we may share .... at least I hope we share .... is the desire to help and protect the common people of England."

"My name is Friar Tuck. I was raised in the Channel Islands, and what was put to work studying religion and affairs of the church. My order was one of those assigned to forces in the Crusades in the Holy Land. I learned not only to spout scripture from memory, but how to fight as well. Over time, though, after witnessing the many episodes of carnage I began to question what we were doing. I took my misgivings to my Abbott and it was suggested that I leave the order, which I thankfully did."

"I wandered west across southern Europe, finally deciding that my mission should be helping the people in my home country. The closer I got to Britain, however, the more I heard of the oppression that was taking place under the leadership of Prince John. I also began hearing another name .... the name of Robin Hood. I came to understand that since there was very little hope in the noble class, that Robin Hood and his gang of outlaws represented the best hope that England had, and I wanted to do whatever I could to help."

"So ... I've been searching for both Robin and his gang. Robin seems to believe in my sincerity .... how do you feel? And oh yes, I had the pleasure of questioning Sir Guy, and although I think I was lucky to escape with my life, did give me some insights that I didn't have before. Now ....although Robin considers me to be a friend .... I know that he values your opinions too. So, if you find me to be suspect I am sure he will re-evaluate his original opinion. In a group like this I know that trust is everything, and I respect that."

[Carter]

Much was just about to suggest who the assassin could be, when a sharp cracking of a twig alerted Carters senses, and he whipped out his sword and pointed it in the direction of the noise, before anyone else. But he almost lowered his sword immediately, when it was proved this man was no threat, and was trusted by at least Robin. As Tuck and the Gang conversed, Carter settled further down into his seat, slightly annoyed. There was a task at hand, and they were getting sidetracked. Every moment they wasted was time they could be spending finding and capturing the assassin. He had orders from the King, and he intended to forfill them.

After Tuck had finished his speach, Carter butted in before anyone else could react. "Yes I'm sure everyone believes you now...brother..." he said hesitantly. "But there's no time like the present. Now you can help us out with the task at hand. I'm sure you've been listening to whats been going on, and we need all the help we can get." Carter said seriously. "Do you know of any females that have been roaming around Nottingham, that could possibly be sent to assassin Prince John?" he asked with his eyebrows raised.

[Tuck]

Tuck was glad and appreciative that this knight took him at his word. He was unsure yet how the gang was going to react, even with Robin's support. He rubbed his chin for a moment. It did not take him long to come to his only possibility. "There is only one that comes to mind .... Lady Rosetta. The problem is .... she's as unpredictable as they come. Kate over here has seen her too. She claims to be a witch. She wanted my help in killing the Sheriff."

"I thought that she had made an attempt on him, since she was injured and claimed to have been chased by the Sheriff's gurards. Sister Magdalene and I treated her at the Priory. She didn't mention a threat on Prince John's life, but she was worried about someone named John pursuing her to make her his wife. It could be Prince John, but I think that would be quite a reach. She is a confusing woman, that's for sure. What do you think ..... is it a possibility?"

[Robin Hood]

Robin tilted his head. "Anything is a possibility." He replied before turning to the group. "I think all signs point to Lady Rosetta and we should concentrate on finding her. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep an eye out for any other likely suspects." Robin looked across at Brother Tuck. "Where did you last see Rosetta?" He asked.

His heart quickened. It was time for the hunt and this time, it was important to make sure they got their quarry. Robin picked up his bow. "The time for talking is over. We need to find her and find her quickly."

[Allan A'Dale]

"I'm right there with you," Allan answered. No point in being coy about it now, he supposed. "I heard Rosetta talking the other day. Turns out she's got a 'contract' with his highness. And she's betrothed to John. Now I'm not an educated man, but even I can put two and two together. Her dad was loyal to Richard, the whole Court family. I'd put my life on it being her."

[Tuck]

Tuck rubbed his chin, and thought about all of the possibilities. "She is an amazing and unusual one, this one. The last time I saw her she was laid up in the infirmary at the Priory. First of all, she considers herself to be a witch, so she is definitely a strange one with unusual motivations. The worst thing about that is how unpredictable that makes her. Second, she is quite determined and she apparently possesses great powers of recuperation."

"Even after being wounded she was able to spring up from her bed in the Infirmary and attempt to run into some adjacent rooms at the Priory. Sister Mags caught up to her and brought her back to her bed. At the time I figured the direct approach was best, and gave her a good right hand to knock her out, and the Sister gave her a sedative to keep her that way."

I think we may have to operate under the assumption that she is no longer there now. She has had quite a wide range in a short amount of time, from Nottingham to the edges of Sherwood. Kate over there can attest to that. However ..... Allan is it ..... it seems that you may have had the last contact with her. How long ago did you see her and in what direction was she headed?," he asked. Tuck assumed, at least for now, that he might have a truce with this outlaw, since it appeared that they would have to work together to prevent the elimination of Prince John.

[Much]

Much nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it must be Rosetta! Last time I talked to her, she mentioned that she would kill Prince John. I didn't really think much of it at the time, since...you know...people say they will kill people all the time!! Plus, to be honest I just thought she was some crazy person." He frowned, and ajusted his bandana slightly. Why had he not realised before?

It was time for action. Much couldn't help but grin with anticipation.

[Roe]

Roe nodded in agreement with his general role as outlined by Robin and Carter, which was interrupted by the appearance of Friar Tuck. He listened to the Brother's explanation of why he wanted to join up with the gang. It sounded reasonable, and by all appearances, he had Robin's confidence. Roe figured that there would not be much time or space, in the camp, for he and Robin to get re-acquainted. Besides, he had been given a mission, and since he was not an accepted outlaw yet, thought it would best to get to it.

"It would be good know who my contact will be for passing or receiving information will be. If your undecided about it right now, I would make it a high priority. For now I think that I make my way back to Locksley, so I can prepare myself for my trip to Nottingham," and he made his way to where his horse had been tied. "I take it that you'll trust me enough to let me leave without a blindfold, eh?," as he nodded a friendly good-bye to Robin and Carter, before he exited.

"Take good care of Robs, Much, and hopefully I'll see all of you when our mission for the King is successfully finished. If not, its been a pleasure. And by the way, Robin, I spent precious little time fighting for Richard in the Holy Land. He was really uninterested in my services. My knighthood comes from my services with the Franks. Its my hope that my lack of service with Richard will stand me in good stead with the Sheriff. I'm glad I still have the documents to show it," he laughed.

[Kate]

Kate had sat listening intently trying desperately to grasp what was going on. Why couldn’t they just let Rosetta kill the prince? With him dead then things would go back to normal right? The conversation was too scattered for her and Kate winced as she felt he early stages of a headache pulsing at her temples.

“So we are going to find Rosetta and stop her killing the man that is continually trying to kill us all? That really makes sense”

Kate crossed her arms round her middle and shook her head to the side trying to rid her self of the stray hair that tickled her cheek.

[Allan A'Dale]

Allan was about to point out the Richard had changed his mind, but checked himself as Kate's words set in.

"You know, she's got a point," he said thoughtfully; "if we somehow fail to find the assassin in time, and he or she-" he looked around meaningfully; "-happened to succeed in their mission...well, what's the problem if John dies, frankly? Richard's not to know what happened, and he did call out the contract in the first place."