The wind whispered through the skeletal branches of Sherwood, carrying the metallic tang of rain. Robin Hood crouched low, his emerald tunic blending with the mossy earth. Beside him, Will Scarlet tightened his grip on his sword, his freckled face taut with concern. Their small band of outlaws—Little John, Much, and Allan—a waited in silence, arrows nocked and bows drawn.

“We should not be here,” Will murmured, his voice low but urgent. “If the sheriff’s men are guarding the road, it’s because Gisborne’s involved. And if Gisborne’s involved…”

Robin’s jaw set. “Marian’s involved.”

His voice cracked on her name. Days ago, a hooded traveler had brought word: Maid Marian, the woman Robin had vowed to marry before the king’s return, had been spotted in Nottingham. The sheriff had her, or worse—Gisborne. The thought of her golden hair shrouded in the same grimy binds as the prisoners in the castle dungeon sent a searing fury through Robin’s veins.

A flicker of torchlight appeared down the winding path. Ten guards, their tabards bearing the red lion of King Richard, marched in staggered formation. Behind them, a gagged figure trudged, her dark hair hidden beneath a coarse hood.

“Now!” Robin hissed.

Arrows whistled through the night. The first guard crumpled, an arrow buried in his shoulder. Chaos erupted. The outlaws descended like wraiths, blades flashing. Will Stutely fought with a ferocity that belied his slight frame, his sword parrying a guard’s strike as he barked “Robin! Behind you!”

Robin spun, instinctively raising his longbow. There, in the shadows, a figure stood frozen—some long hair glinting, eyes wide. He saw you with your, hand resting on a dagger at your belt. The moonlight revealed a jagged scar tracing your cheek, a mark Robin associated with Gisborne’s henchwomen. Robin decided to shoot his arrow at you

You tried lunging sideways, but the arrow found its mark, embedding in your shoulder. You staggered, collapsing with a strangled cry. The battle stilled.

Will dropped his sword, rushing to your side. “Robin stop, she's not part of the clan..." He turned to look back at you "He thought you were part of Gilbornes clan... Are you ok? That looks deep..." Will said