Title: Under the Greenwood Tree
Author: Wendy Parkinson
Email: wendyparkinson@hotmail.com
Category: Drama, S/J Romance
Spoilers: COTG, The Broca Divide, Solitudes, Point of View. Minor
spoilers for Message in a Bottle, Within the Serpent's Lair,
Foothold, Hathor, Into the Fire
Season/Sequel info: none
Rating: PG
Content Warnings: none
Summary: Jack has a dream that there are some familiar faces in
Sherwood Forest.....
Date: 12/11/99
Author's notes: All the details about my home county are genuine
- the army camp, the pub, the castle, place names etc. I've taken
a few liberties with the standard version of the Robin Hood
legend but as my great-grandparents are buried in the same
churchyard as Will Scarlet, I consider that I'm entitled.....
<g>
The poetry at the beginning and end of the story is taken from
the 17th Century ballad 'Robin Hood and Maid Marian' (The English
and Scottish Popular Ballads by Francis James Child, 1888.) I
have to admit responsibility for anything trying to pass itself
off as poetry within the story. <g>
Words to "It was a dark and stormy night" courtesy of
my Dad, who used to tell it to me when I was a child...... could
explain a lot really.... <g>
I think everyone is allowed one "it was all a dream"
story in their fic writing career.... this is mine. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Stargate SG-1 and its characters belong to MGM, Gekko
Corp and Double Secret Productions. This fan fiction was created
solely for entertainment and no money was made from it. Also, no
copyright or trademark infringement was intended. Any similarity
to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
All feedback and constructive criticism will be greatly
appreciated. No flames please.
copyright Wendy Parkinson November 1999
UNDER THE GREENWOOD TREE
The Earl of Huntington, nobly born,
That came of noble blood,
To Marian went, with a good intent,
By the name of Robin Hood.
With kisses sweet their red lips meet,
For shee and the earl did agree;
In every place, they kindly imbrace,
With love and sweet unity.
~ The Trip to Jerusalem Inn, Nottingham, England ~
"So this pub is eight hundred years old?" Sam asked
Daniel, as she sat down, putting the drinks on the table.
"The story goes that it was a meeting place for Crusaders on
the way to the Holy Land in the twelfth century, so yeah, it
could well be."
"I guess the fact that it has 'the oldest inn in England
1189' written in honking great letters on the wall outside has no
relevance whatsoever?" Jack interrupted.
Sam smiled. "Do you always believe everything you
read?"
Jack raised his hands in a gesture of submission, then picked up
his glass and took a sip of his beer. He tried to stifle a yawn.
It had been a busy couple of weeks. SG1 had been sent to the
British Army training camp in Sherwood Forest as part of some
exchange scheme and had managed to wangle a few days leave after
their assignment was over. Daniel had thrown himself into the
history and culture of the area with abandon, and, as a result,
SG1 had been subjected to an intensive sightseeing program. Jack
now knew more about Nottinghamshire than most of its residents.
He shook his head and tried to pay attention to the conversation.
If he wasn't careful he was going to fall asleep and he'd never
hear the last of that. Sam was speaking. "It's a fascinating
old pub. The way it's built into the base of the cliff is
amazing, don't you think, Jack?"
The colonel smiled. They'd agreed that as they were on leave,
they should be on first name terms but every time Sam said 'Jack'
a little shiver ran up his spine. He didn't think he'd ever get
used to it. "Yeah, it's great. So... the castle is up
there?" He pointed at the ceiling.
"Yes, at the top of the cliff," said Daniel.
"Local legend has it that the pub and castle are linked by a
secret passage."
"Cool," said Sam. "There are so many caves under
the castle that the story could be true, couldn't it?"
Daniel nodded with enthusiasm, then hesitated as he remembered
something. "Oh, by the way, guys. I didn't show you what I
bought for Cassie, did I?" He fished in his rucksack and
lifted out a pair of teddy bears, one dressed as Robin Hood, the
other as Maid Marian. "Aren't they cute?"
As Daniel passed the toys to Sam, Jack yawned again. The warm
atmosphere in the pub was getting to him, he could feel his
eyelids getting heavy. By the time Sam said, "They're
adorable," he was fast asleep........
~ Nottingham Castle ~
"You've got to go," she urged him, pulling herself away
from his embrace, "the Sheriff's men are on their way.
There's a price on your head."
He gazed into her eyes. "I know, but leaving you is so hard,
it's like losing a part of me. One more kiss?"
She smiled. That was one request she would never refuse. Their
lips met and for the lovers the world stood still. A loud rap on
the door made them jump apart.
"The Sheriff's men!" she exclaimed, fear in her voice.
"You think? Somehow I wasn't expecting them to knock."
He paused, then taking in her frightened expression, smiled at
her gently. "Don't worry, it's understandable that you're a
little jumpy." Turning towards the door, he shouted,
"Come in!"
The door swung open and a servant entered the room, bowing low.
They could hear him breathing hard, he must have been running.
"My lord. The Sheriff and his men are at the Castle gate
house," he gasped. "We cannot delay them much longer.
You must make your escape now. There is a horse waiting at the
inn, if you'll follow me?"
"Thank you, Simmons. If you could wait outside for a moment,
I have to say farewell to Maid Samantha." Simmons bowed
again and left the room, closing the door behind him. "He's
got a crush on you, you know."
She shook her head. "He's little more than a boy, and in any
case, I only have eyes for you."
His brown eyes twinkled as he leant down to kiss her again.
"Glad to hear it," he murmured.
When they broke apart, gasping for breath, she whispered,
"Where will you go?"
He stroked her blonde hair tenderly. "North. To Sherwood
Forest. There are others hiding out there. Others who hate the
Sheriff and all he stands for."
"I wish I could come with you."
"Your father isn't well. You have to stay and look after
him." Sam sighed and nodded her head sadly. He kissed her
one last time and turned to leave.
"I love you, Jack," she said, as tears began to prick
her eyes.
Framed in the doorway, he smiled. "I love you too. I'll be
back one day, Samantha. Then we'll be together."
Jack followed Simmons as they hurried down flight after flight of
stairs deep within the castle. Finally, they came to the cellars.
After making their way to the back of the room, Simmons lifted
aside a beer barrel revealing a trap door in the dusty floor. He
grabbed hold of an iron ring set into the wood and pulled hard.
The trap door swung upwards and fell with a crash onto the ground
leaving a gaping black hole. "Just follow it downwards, my
lord. It leads to the inn."
Jack took hold of Simmons' hand and shook it. "Thank you.
Keep an eye on Maid Samantha for me, will you?"
The young man blushed scarlet. "Of course, my lord. I will
guard her with my life."
"Well, let's hope you won't have to go that far. Good bye,
Simmons."
Simmons passed him a torch and he lowered himself into the
tunnel. It was dark and he could feel a cool breeze blowing up
the passageway towards him. The sandstone was roughly hewn, tool
marks still visible on its reddish walls. Loose grains of sand
covered the floor, causing him to slip as he hurried downwards.
Finally, the passage steepened into a flight of steps that ended
abruptly at a door. He tapped on it. It opened silently, a pale
face appearing around it. The face belonged to a serving woman,
simply clothed in a brown dress, her hair tied back in a plait.
Jack watched her lick her lips nervously and wring her hands
together. She was terrified. Jack knew who she was terrified of.
The Sheriff and his men.
The woman beckoned him past her and closed the door. He could see
they were in the cellar of the inn, surrounded by dozens of
barrels. She curtsied. "My lord, your horse is tethered at
the front of the inn. There's food and ale in the
saddlebag."
"Thank you. I will not forget your kindness." Pausing
briefly to kiss the woman on the cheek, Jack rushed through the
inn, much to the astonishment of its customers, and headed
straight for the front door. He ran out into the street and saw a
black horse tied to a post in front of the building. Glancing up
at the Castle, he mounted the horse and set off at a gallop
towards the north gate of the town.
The door flew open with a crash and the Sheriff of Nottingham,
Lord Apophis, strode in, followed by two of his men. One of them
was dragging Simmons by the arm. Maid Samantha felt her blood
begin to boil when she saw her servant. Bloodstains dotted his
tunic, his eye was blacked and his free arm was hanging awkwardly
by his side. "Simmons!" she exclaimed in horror.
"What has this monster done to you?"
"I'm fine, my lady," replied Simmons bravely, as he
swayed slightly from side to side.
"Good afternoon, Maid Samantha," said Apophis
unpleasantly, an evil glow in his eyes. He gave Simmons a filthy
look. "Your servant is most..... unhelpful. He needs
discipline."
Sam glared at him. "Get out!" she hissed.
"I don't think so," the Sheriff replied, as he walked
across the room to her. He lifted his hand and caressed her
cheek. Sam flinched and tried to back away.
"Get out!" she repeated, venom in her voice.
Apophis considered this, then shook his head. "I'm not going
to leave until you tell me where your boyfriend's gone."
Dread built in the pit of Sam's stomach. What would the Sheriff
do if she didn't co-operate? Would he kill her? Or kill Simmons?
Perhaps she could buy some time. "I don't have a boyfriend,
Sheriff. I'm a scholar. Everyone knows I only love my
books."
"No, my dear. Everyone knows you're in love with Jack, the
Earl of Huntingdon. The criminal who's been spreading malicious
lies about me."
"They aren't lies! Every word he said was true! You *are* a
slimy, no-good, son-of-a....." shouted Simmons but he was
cut off when his captor hit him hard across the face. Sam winced
and had to look away. Her servant had done nothing to deserve
this kind of treatment. She had to say something to appease the
Sheriff, something to make him leave them alone.
"Very well, my lord. The Earl of Huntingdon was here but
he's gone now. South over the river to Charnwood Forest, to join
men of a like mind. Men who think you should be stopped."
Apophis gripped her chin and pulled her face towards him.
"You had better be telling me the truth, my lady, or there
will be unpleasant consequences. For both you and your
servant." Snapping his fingers, he turned on his heel and
swept out of the room. His men followed him and Simmons was
dropped unceremoniously to the floor. He lay motionless where he
fell.
Samantha rushed to his side and crouched next to him.
"Simmons!" When he still didn't move, she took hold of
his uninjured hand and stroked it, adding, "Graham. Can you
hear me?"
He began to stir and nodded weakly. "My lady. I'm
sorry."
"It's me who should be apologising, Simmons. This is my
fault. We must get you to a healer. Can you stand?"
"I think so, my lady." Sam put her arm around him and
helped him to his feet. When he was upright he turned to her,
worry etched on his features. "How long do you think we have
before he works out you lied to him?"
"Charnwood Forest will take a while to search. I guess we've
got a couple of days before he realises he's been deceived."
"Then what will we do, my lady?"
"I have no idea," she said, shaking her head.
"I'll go and see my father. Perhaps he will be able to think
of something."
When he was about a mile from the town walls, Jack slowed his
horse. Its breath clouded the air and steam rose from its flanks.
He had ridden it hard up the hill leading out of the town, it had
to be tired. Patting its head encouragingly he murmured,
"Good boy. We can take a rest here. I don't think we're
being followed. I want one last look at the place." Swinging
his leg over the saddle he slid to the ground. He smiled wryly as
he watched the horse amble to the side of the road and begin to
graze. It must be wonderful for life to be that simple. No,
perhaps not. He couldn't imagine life without Samantha.
Leaving the horse to its own devices, he took a couple of steps
back towards Nottingham. Jack looked at the town spread out below
him. The grey stone castle on its escarpment overlooking the
river almost gleamed in the autumn sunshine, surrounded by the
new Norman town. To its left on a matching small hill sat the old
part of the town, the Saxon community. Nestling in the centre on
the only flat land between the settlements was the market place,
a no man's land separating uneasy neighbours.
His gaze was drawn back to the castle and his thoughts turned to
Samantha. Jack hoped fervently that she was safe. Smiling to
himself, he remembered their first meeting. He'd visited the
castle to complain to Lord Jacob Carter about the Sheriff's
unfair taxes. Jack had found a sympathetic ally but his Lordship
was ill and unable to offer him much practical help.
It was then she had walked in. Her head held high, she made eye
contact with him immediately, holding his gaze longer than was
usually felt to be proper behaviour for a lady. Jack felt his
heart beat faster just at the sight of her. He couldn't take his
eyes off the fair Maid Samantha. Her blonde hair was tied in two
plaits and hung almost to her waist, her elegant deep red dress
made delicate swishing sounds as it brushed the floor. A bunch of
keys dangled from her belt, clanking gently as she moved and she
carried several books under her arm. They had never met before
but Jack had heard of her, a gifted scholar who had no time for
frivolous pastimes. What no-one had mentioned was how beautiful
she was. As soon as they were introduced she'd gone on the
defensive, assuming he was dismissive of her because she was a
woman. She couldn't have been more wrong. He'd covered up his
nervousness at meeting her with sarcastic comments and bad jokes.
Standing on top of the hill a cool breeze blew in his face and he
remembered his exact words, "...this has nothing to do with
you being a woman. I like women. I've just got a little problem
with scholars." And she'd stood up to him, challenged him,
stared him straight in the eye. He'd fallen for her on the spot.
Later that day, he'd told her so. "I adore you already, my
lady." She hadn't believed a word. That had taken much
longer.
There was a grim expression on Jack's face as he took a deep
breath and murmured, "I'll be back, Sam. I'll be back."
He walked back to his horse, took hold of its reins, put his foot
in the stirrup and swung himself into the saddle. With one last
glance back over his shoulder at Nottingham he kicked the horse
on towards Sherwood Forest.
~ Sherwood Forest ~
Several hours later, confident he wasn't being followed, Jack
rode slowly through the forest. The track was narrow and sandy
and the horse's hooves kicked up dust that danced in the dappled
sunlight penetrating the dense forest canopy. As Jack had to duck
his head yet again to avoid a low branch of an oak tree he
reflected that since entering the forest he'd seen squirrels,
birds and even a couple of deer but no sign of the outlaws who
were supposed to be in the area. He massaged his neck with one
hand and tried to stretch his shoulders. He was tired and needed
refreshment, he was going to have to take a break soon.
Then without warning the trees thinned out and he emerged into a
clearing. On the far side was a river, flowing quietly between
grassy banks. Weary and saddle sore, he pulled his horse to a
stop and assessed the watery barrier. He could see the track led
straight to the river and reappeared on the other side so he
should have no problems with crossing it. Glancing round the
clearing he let out a deep breath and decided this looked like a
good place for the rest he'd promised himself. Jack slid from the
saddle, looped the horse's reins over a nearby branch and opened
the bag of food and drink provided by the woman at the inn. He
took a swig of the ale and sat down under the tree. As he chewed
on the oat cakes and cheese, his mind again drifted back to Maid
Samantha.
There had been a party at the castle. Everyone had been invited,
the food was sumptuous, the entertainment was captivating;
jugglers, a jester and even a fire-eater. But he'd only had eyes
for Samantha. That night she had freed her hair from its plaits
and it had tumbled loosely down her back, shining in the
candlelight. She had worn a blue dress that hugged her slim
figure and matched the colour of her eyes. He had wanted to take
her in his arms and kiss her, tell her how much he loved her. But
she had never been anything other than polite towards him, never
given him any indication that she felt the same way. So when she
had a couple too many glasses of mead, lured him outside and just
about threw him against the castle wall, kissing him
passionately, he was astounded. He'd stopped her of course, it
wouldn't have been right, she was drunk. What had he said?
"No. Not like this!"
He'd taken her to her room where she had passed out just after
shouting "The Sheriff's an idiot every day of the week. Why
doesn't he take a day off?" at the top of her voice. The
next day she'd been apologetic, pleading that she couldn't
remember what she'd done, that it was the drink. Jack had been a
little disappointed but the encounter had given him hope that
under her scholarly exterior she did have feelings for him.
Lost in thought, he hadn't noticed the approach of a man on the
far bank of the river. "Hail, stranger!" the man
shouted. "What business brings you to this part of the
forest?" Jack looked across at the figure framed against the
trees. The man was huge, his head was shaved, he wore a loose
green tunic and leggings, slung over his shoulder were a longbow
and a quiver of arrows and he carried a large staff. A large
golden symbol in the middle of his forehead caught the sunlight
as he walked towards Jack and stopped at the edge of the water.
"I am looking for those who seek to rid Nottingham of the
Sheriff. I know they can be found hereabouts. I wish to join
them."
The man raised an eyebrow. "How do I know you are not one of
the Sheriff's men?"
Jack shrugged. "I'm Jack, Earl of Huntingdon. Perhaps if you
take me to your camp, one of your men may recognise me and prove
I'm telling the truth." He stood up, put his food away, took
hold of the horse's reins and started to walk towards the ford.
"No! You may not pass!" The man took a couple of steps
out into the river and brandished his staff.
"Oh, for crying out loud! I'm not your enemy." He
paused, trying to think what to say next. "What's your name,
friend?"
"They call me Little Teal'c."
"Well, *they* must be very short sighted," muttered
Jack. "Please get out of my way and take me to your camp,
I'm sure we can settle this amicably." He smiled in what he
hoped was a reassuring manner and stepped into the river himself.
Little Teal'c approached closer and took a couple of experimental
swings with his staff.
"I am sorry but undomesticated equines could not remove
me."
"It's wild horses, Little Teal'c, it's..." his voice
tailed off as Little Teal'c took a couple more steps towards him
and swung his staff over Jack's head. It was so close he felt the
rush of air as it whistled past. He ducked. Unfortunately, the
river bed was slippery and he lost his footing. The next thing he
knew, he'd landed in the water face down with an almighty splash
at the feet of Little Teal'c. He sat up, wiping the water from
his eyes and looked up at his opponent. Little Teal'c had his
head inclined to one side and the beginnings of a smile tugging
at his lips. "Don't you dare laugh," said Jack
grumpily.
"I don't see why he shouldn't, son," said a voice from
the far bank, "you do look rather comical."
Jack looked behind Little Teal'c and saw a monk surrounded by
three other people, two men and a woman. The woman, who was
petite with auburn hair, spoke, "I remember him from the
castle. He is the Earl of Huntingdon and no friend of the
Sheriff. There's a price on his head."
Little Teal'c absorbed this information, then offered Jack his
hand and helped him to his feet. Jack turned to his horse, now
quietly having a drink from the river, picked up its reins and
led it to the other side. The monk made the sign of the cross.
"Peace to you, my son."
Jack nodded. "And to you, father."
The monk's features were split by a beaming grin. "They call
me Friar Hammond, son. What should I call you?"
"Jack. I need to hide out for a while. The Sheriff's men are
after me."
"Well, if you will go around calling him names, what do you
expect?" asked the auburn-haired woman. She smiled and
extended her hand in greeting. "I'm Janet, Janet
Scarlet."
Jack frowned slightly as he shook her hand. "Didn't you used
to help the healer at the castle?"
She nodded in agreement. "Yes, but then this great lump got
caught spreading 'lies' about the Sheriff," she thumped
Little Teal'c playfully on the arm, "which didn't go down
very well, considering that he was one of the Sheriff's men
himself. And when he shot two of his colleagues, rather than let
them hurt some children, we had no choice, we had to leave."
"Jack, this is Martouf, the miller's son and this...."
began Friar Hammond. A man with a lute hanging from his shoulder
and a book under his arm pushed past the Friar and extended his
hand to Jack.
"Hi there, I'm Daniel-a-Dale, the storyteller and minstrel
of this merry band. I try to keep these good folk entertained
with stories and ballads about their exploits and, of course,
some historical stories about their heritage. Also, I try to keep
a written record of our daily lives, a journal, if you will.
Perhaps you'd like to read it?" He held out the book he was
carrying and looked hopefully at Jack, his clear blue eyes
shining with enthusiasm. "I've found some interesting relics
in a cave at Creswell. Would you like to see them? They're back
at the camp. You know, I think they could be thousands of years
old."
"Another one of your stories, Daniel?" asked Janet,
shaking her head knowingly. She turned to Jack. "He's got a
*very* active imagination. Do you know why he's here in the
forest with us?"
Jack shook his head, he found it difficult to believe this
earnest man could seriously offend anyone. Irritate or bore them,
possibly, but not enough to have to go on the run.
Janet continued. "He painted his latest poem on the side of
the Sheriff's carriage."
"Really?" said Jack in amazement, turning to Daniel.
"How did it go?"
Daniel cleared his throat.
"There once was a man named Apophis,
Whose money was kept in his office,
He was evil and mean,
And stole every bean,
Which he counted and put in his coffers.
Not really worth becoming an outlaw for....." he muttered
wearily. "Definitely not one of my better efforts..."
Jack laughed and slapped him on the back. "I liked it!"
"So did we, son!" agreed Friar Hammond. "Let's get
back to camp."
~ Nottingham Castle, two days later ~
"Holy Hannah, Sam! What do you expect me to do?" Lord
Jacob Carter's pale face looked agitated, his hands clutched at
the bedclothes nervously. His daughter gently wiped his brow with
a damp cloth.
"I don't know, Dad. He's hurt Simmons and I don't know what
he might do when he realises Jack isn't in Charnwood. I don't
think I've got much longer."
Jacob was seized by a coughing fit. When he stopped, he gasped,
"I think it'd be best if you and Simmons made a run for it.
Try and find Jack yourself. Stay with him until it's safe."
"Dad, I can't leave you. You're ill, not well enough to
manage on your own. I'm staying here." She turned her head
away from her father, not wanting him to see the tears in her
eyes.
"Sammy, I want what's best for you. I know that's Jack. You
should be with him, not with an old man who's not long for this
world."
"Dad, don't talk like that!" Sam swung round as she
heard a commotion in the passageway outside. She could hear the
distinctive tones of the Sheriff.
"Servant, you are becoming tiresome!" Then Sam heard a
scream and the thud of a body hitting the floor.
"Graham!" she whispered, her blood running cold.
"Run Sam!" urged Lord Carter. "Run!"
Sam ran over to a large tapestry and pulled it to one side,
uncovering a door set in the outside wall of the castle. She had
just grasped the handle when the other door flew open and the
Sheriff and his two men marched in. "Now then, where are you
off to?" He nodded to one of his men who roughly grabbed
Sam's arm and dragged her to Apophis. Sam fought against the
vicelike grip which tightened even harder, hurting her arm. She
looked at the Sheriff with distaste.
"I was going for a walk. It's a nice day. There's no law
against taking a walk, is there?" she said, with more
defiance than she felt.
"There is if it involves a rendezvous with the Earl of
Huntingdon." Apophis approached, his eyes boring into her.
Sam shuddered involuntarily.
"Now, you didn't tell me the truth, did you? My men have
searched Charnwood Forest. The only outlaw they found was a sheep
stealer. No Earl of Huntingdon, no Little Teal'c, no
Daniel-a-Dale.... I suspect they are all in Sherwood Forest but I
don't really want to spend days looking for them. I think it
would be easier to get them to come to me." Sam felt fear
clutching at her stomach. Her mouth had gone dry. She swallowed.
What was he planning? Apophis smiled evilly. "Tomorrow at
noon you will marry me in the Market Square. If you refuse, I
will kill both you and your father." Rubbing his chin
thoughtfully, he added, "I will let your servant go to
Sherwood Forest with the good news."
~ Sherwood Forest, later that day ~
"......so I think men have lived in this area for a very
long time."
Jack jumped when he realised Daniel had finished speaking.
"Well, that's fascinating," he said, as he finished his
meal. After the first five minutes of the long and involved
explanation the minstrel had launched into, he had stopped
listening. He looked up from the fire and glanced round the sea
of faces watching him with barely disguised amusement. So, they
didn't seem to find Daniel's historical theories riveting either?
Janet broke the silence. "Daniel, why don't you tell Jack
one of your stories? You know, one you've made up, not something
you've *discovered*. How about 'It was a dark and stormy
night'?"
There was a murmur of assent from the other outlaws. Daniel
looked at Jack hopefully.
"OK then," said Jack, not wanting to hurt Daniel's
feelings. The outlaws gathered a little closer around the fire,
waiting expectantly for Daniel to begin.
"It was a dark and stormy night. Three men sat in a
cave..."
Jack noticed there was absolute silence, the outlaws were hanging
on Daniel's every word. This must be a really good story. He
leaned in a little closer to make sure he didn't miss anything.
"....The youngest said to the oldest, "Bill, tell us a
tale." And Bill began like this...."
There was an expectant pause, then Daniel continued, "It was
a dark and stormy night. Three men sat in a cave. The youngest
said to the oldest, "Bill, tell us a tale." And Bill
began like this... It was a dark and stormy night..."
There was a roar of laughter at the expression on Jack's face. He
joined in when he realised he'd been had. Still grinning, he said
to Daniel, "Do you write anything a little.... er.....
longer?"
"Yes, I'm currently working on a story about the goddess of
fertility, inebriety and music."
Jack thought for a moment, frowned slightly, then asked,
"Sex, drugs and rock'n'roll?"
Daniel shrugged. "In a manner of speaking, yes."
The sound of approaching horses made the outlaws jump up and
ready themselves for a fight. They relaxed a little when Martouf
rode into the camp with Simmons. Jack ran over to them.
"Simmons! Is Sam...?" He couldn't finish his sentence,
the anguish was written all over his face.
Simmons slid off his horse and bowed quickly to Jack. "When
I left her she was fine, my lord, but the Sheriff plans to marry
her at noon tomorrow in the Market Square. If she refuses, he
says he'll execute both her and Lord Carter. It's a trap, my
lord. Maid Samantha told me to tell you to stay here, not to
attempt a rescue. It's you Apophis wants, he'll be waiting for
you." Simmons looked at Jack anxiously. "You are going
to rescue her, aren't you, my lord?"
"Yes, I am, Simmons. And if that monster touches a hair on
my Sam's head, he'll pay with his life." He turned to the
rest of the outlaws, who had been listening closely to Simmons.
"Will you help me rid Nottingham of its Sheriff and free
Maid Samantha?"
"I will, Jack," said Little Teal'c solemnly.
"Me too," added Daniel.
Janet and the Friar both spoke together. "I will."
The rest of the outlaws murmured their agreement. Jack smiled at
them, emotion threatening to overcome him. "Thank you......
I suppose now is the time for me to say something profound....
but nothing comes to mind." He shrugged apologetically.
"We'll leave at first light tomorrow," said Friar
Hammond. "That will give us plenty of time to get there
before noon."
~ Nottingham Castle, later that night ~
Maid Samantha sat by her father's bedside watching him sleep. He
was tossing and turning fitfully, moaning and coughing a little.
She sighed. She wanted Jack to rescue her but not if it meant
risking his own life. But he would come, she knew it. He was so
protective of her, so willing to put her first, he wouldn't leave
her to marry Apophis. Sam whispered quietly to herself, "I
just hope he doesn't get caught."
When they had first met, she'd disliked him, found him arrogant
and dismissive. But he had wormed his way into her soul when she
wasn't looking and she'd found herself laughing at his awful
jokes (she'd particularly liked the one about the Sheriff and the
sheep), looking forward to his visits and it wasn't long before
every time he smiled at her, her heart did a little back flip.
Samantha had even daydreamed about him. She'd imagined him paying
her compliments, smiling at her, then in time she'd imagined his
lips on hers, the touch of his hands. When they'd had a party at
the castle, she'd had too much to drink and tried to seduce him.
She smiled at the memory. Samantha was convinced Jack had started
to kiss her back before he'd pushed her away, saying, "No,
not like this!" But afterwards he'd been the perfect
gentleman, even when they got stranded in the forest....
It was a beautiful spring day, the gentle breeze ruffled
Samantha's hair as she rode through the forest in front of Jack.
She loved being alone with him, she loved the way he could always
make her laugh, she loved his deep brown eyes. And when she was
honest with herself she admitted that she loved Jack, Earl of
Huntingdon.
"Samantha, I think we ought to turn back now," he
shouted to her. "It'll be getting dark soon."
She had glanced over her shoulder to reply to him when, without
warning, a rabbit shot out from the undergrowth and ran straight
under her horse's hooves. Samantha struggled to keep hold as the
horse shied, throwing its front legs high in the air. As soon as
its feet touched the ground it bolted, Samantha still holding on
for dear life. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as
the horse galloped at breakneck pace through the forest, the
trees rushing past, their branches scratching at her. She could
hear Jack behind her, urging his horse on, trying to catch up.
Her horse swung round a bend, almost throwing her from the
saddle. Far too late, she saw a branch heading straight for her.
Everything went black.
Samantha awoke with a splitting headache, unsure where she was.
She sat up very gingerly holding her head and tried to take in
her surroundings. A couple of yards away, she could see Jack
lying on the track. Her mouth went dry when she realised that he
wasn't moving and his leg was at an unnatural angle. "Jack!
You've got to be all right!" she said, as she crawled across
the forest floor to him. Her head hurt, she felt queasy and panic
was beginning to take hold of her as she slumped down next to
him. "Jack! Can you hear me?" She checked he was still
breathing, then stroked his cheek. He looked so peaceful, as if
he was sleeping.
Looking around, she realised that the horses were nowhere to be
seen. Samantha tried to decide what to do. She couldn't leave
Jack like this and anyway the light was beginning to fade, she'd
never make it back to the castle before it got dark. When they
didn't return, her father would send out a search party, she'd
just have to be patient. She made herself as comfortable as she
could next to Jack and settled down to wait.
It was almost dark by the time he came round. "Sam?" he
croaked. Waves of relief washed over her.
"I'm here. How do you feel?"
He tried to sit up, winced and lowered himself down again.
"Like I was chasing a bolting horse and rode straight into a
branch at a full gallop." Jack grimaced. "I think my
leg's broken. You're going to have to go for help." He
looked round as best he could without sitting up. "Where are
the horses?"
"I don't know. When I came to there was no sign of them.
There's no way I can walk back to the castle before it gets
completely dark. I think it would be safer to stay here for now
and go for help in the morning."
"You're probably right. Do you think you could help me get a
little more comfortable?" He smiled. Samantha's heart did
its inevitable back flip and she began to gather leaves and
bracken for a makeshift bed. When she was satisfied with her
efforts, she helped Jack drag himself onto it. As he lay down, he
let out a groan and passed out again. Sam shivered. It was now
totally dark and she was getting cold. Neither of them were
dressed warmly enough for a night in the open, she had to keep
Jack warm or he might not wake up again. She had no means to
light a fire, the only warmth she could offer him was herself.
Reflecting ruefully that her mother (God rest her soul) would
have a fit if she could see her, Samantha lay down on her side
next to Jack and rested her leg over his uninjured one. Gently
laying her arm over his chest, she carefully placed her head on
his shoulder and tried to get some rest.
She was awoken by Jack stirring. He shifted position slightly and
whispered, "Samantha?"
"Yes," she replied sleepily.
"What happened?"
"You passed out again. This was the only way I could think
of to keep us both warm. I hope you don't mind."
"No, of course not. It's kind of cosy, isn't it?" He
shifted his leg a little more and she became aware of something
hard pressing into her thigh. Could that be what she thought it
was?
"Jack?" she asked hesitantly.
"It's my dagger, I swear!" Despite the cold, their
injuries and her embarrassment, Samantha found herself stifling a
laugh. "And no giggling," added Jack, as he put his arm
round her, gathering her into his embrace. Not ever being able to
remember feeling so safe and contented, Sam drifted off to sleep.
Lord Jacob's search party had found them the next morning, still
fast asleep, lying in each other's arms. Samantha reflected that
under the circumstances, her father had been very understanding.
Even after what had happened, Jack still gave no indication that
he thought of her as anything other than a good friend. It was
only later she found out he was very good at hiding his feelings.
Samantha smiled to herself. If only she had known. It might have
stopped her having daydreams about what might have happened in
the forest if Jack's leg hadn't been broken. Of course, now she
knew the real thing was better than dreams any day.....
~ Sherwood Forest, the next morning ~
The outlaws had set out at first light as they had planned.
Daniel and Jack were riding alongside each other in silence, the
older man deep in thought. Daniel glanced across at him and
smiled. It must be wonderful to be so much in love with someone.
He frowned slightly. Everyone knew about Maid Samantha. A
scholar, only fond of her books. How on earth did she end up with
Jack? He decided to ask.
"So, how did you and Samantha get together?"
"Well," began Jack, "I'd gone to the castle to
visit Lord Carter, and Samantha, of course. I'd admired her for a
while but I didn't think she was interested in me. Anyway, Lord
Carter wasn't feeling too well, so he went to bed and left me
alone with Samantha. We just talked and talked. I ended up
telling her jokes about the Sheriff. I love seeing her laugh. Her
face kind of lights up...." He smiled wistfully.
Daniel cleared his throat. "So you were telling jokes?"
"Sorry! Yes, I'd just started on the one about the Sheriff
and the sheep when there was a knock on the door. Sam said,
"You may enter," and her servant, Simmons, walked in.
He said, "You have a visitor requesting lodging for the
night, my lady." At that point, he looked across at me.
"Her name is Lady Amanda Huntingdon."
Sam looked at me questioningly.
"My older brother's widow," I offered. "I'd heard
she was on her way to a convent in Yorkshire."
Sam nodded and spoke to Simmons. "Show her in please. And
have rooms made ready for her and her servants." He bowed
and left the room. "I didn't know you had a brother,"
she said to me.
"Richard died last year on the Crusade. Amanda was
devastated. They were very close. I haven't seen her since it
happened. She's been at her mother's in Norfolk."
There was another tap on the door and Simmons entered the room,
closely followed by my sister-in-law. Simmons said, "Lady
Amanda Huntingdon," in his best announcing kind of voice,
bowed and left. When Amanda saw me her face fell, she went white
as a sheet, murmured "Richard" and collapsed in a dead
faint."
"Do you always have that effect on women?" asked
Daniel.
"Not usually...." Jack grinned. "Anyway, as I
said, Amanda fainted. Samantha ran to her side and started
patting her hand. "What's the matter with her?" she
asked in a whisper.
"I think she might have thought I was Richard," I
offered. "We were always getting mistaken for each other
when we were kids."
"But you just said he was dead."
"He is. Why do you think she fainted?" Samantha scowled
at me. I continued. "My hair's gone a little grey since she
last saw me. It probably makes me look even more like him."
It was then Amanda came round. Sam sat her in a chair and fetched
her a glass of water while she eyed me curiously. "It's
Jack, isn't it?" she asked quietly. I nodded. "I'm
sorry about that." She waved vaguely at the spot where she
had fainted. "But over the years you've become even more
like him."
"So it seems," I said wryly. "I had no intention
of frightening you, Amanda. I'm sorry."
"It's all right, Jack. I wasn't expecting you to be here,
that's all. Seeing you has brought it all back. How much I loved
him. What I've lost." She began to cry. Sam handed her a
handkerchief.
"I think I'd better go," I said, making my way towards
the door.
Amanda called me back. "I'm only staying one night, Jack.
Will you come and say goodbye before I leave for the convent in
the morning?"
"Of course I will. Good night, ladies."
The next morning, I arrived at the castle to find Amanda in the
courtyard, almost ready to leave. Samantha was fussing over her,
making sure she had enough food and drink for the journey. As I
approached them, it struck me how alike they looked. "Good
morning, ladies!"
"Good morning, Jack!" they said in unison. I smiled,
their voices sounded alike too. Amanda walked over to me.
"This is hard. It feels like I'm saying goodbye to him for
the second time."
"It's the first time."
"You have to understand, you have the same face, same voice,
same hands...."
Then she reached up, pulled me towards her and kissed me. I guess
she took me a little by surprise and logic told me I should have
stopped her, that I should have pulled away sooner but she seemed
to need the contact, the expression of closeness. I wasn't going
to stop her if kissing me was giving her some comfort. When we
broke apart there were tears in her eyes as she whispered,
"You're not him, are you?"
I shook my head and led her to her horse. I helped her into the
saddle, said, "Goodbye Amanda. Have a safe journey,"
and watched her ride through the castle gate followed by her
servants. It was then I looked at Samantha. She stared at me, her
face pale and drawn, her expression horrified. Shaking her head,
she turned and fled into the castle. I was stunned. What was the
matter with her? When I regained my senses, I chased after her,
catching up with her in a hallway near her room. "Samantha,
what's wrong? Are you feeling ill?"
She shook her head, refusing to meet my eyes. "No, I'm
fine," she mumbled.
"You don't usually run off like that. There's something the
matter. Please tell me."
Samantha thought for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision.
Still looking at the floor, she asked, "Why did you kiss
her?"
I've got to admit, that wasn't what I was expecting. "She
kissed me. She wanted comfort, I think," I stammered
uncertainly. Then I noticed Samantha had tears in her eyes. I put
my hand under her chin and gently pushed her face up so I could
see her properly. "Why are you so upset, Samantha?" I
asked gently. She tried to turn her head away, then changed her
mind and looked me straight in the eye. That was when it hit me.
Her blue eyes were full of sadness and regret. It had hurt her to
see me kiss someone else. She'd wanted me to kiss her. My heart
leapt. Could she possibly return my feelings for her? "Do
you wish I'd kissed you?" I asked tentatively.
She nodded. I smiled and let my hand trail round her head until
it was resting on the nape of her neck. Very slowly, I pulled her
towards me, giving her plenty of opportunity to say no, but she
didn't. When our lips met for the first time, I can honestly say
I have never felt anything so right, so wonderful, in all my
life..."
Jack's voice trailed off, his mind on Samantha. Daniel smiled and
lapsed into silence, leaving his new friend with his memories.
~ Market Square, Nottingham ~
"I don't like it," complained Jack to the outlaws
gathered round him in a corner of the Market Square. "That
was far too easy. There weren't even any guards on the town
gate."
"I told you it was a trap, my lord," Simmons pointed
out.
"I was hoping you were wrong." Jack looked across at
the platform that had been set up in the middle of the Square. It
was festooned with ribbons and bows fluttering gently in the
breeze. He could see two of the Sheriff's men standing guard next
to it and a few others keeping a path clear between the castle
gate and the platform. The market stalls clung to the edge of the
Square, their produce spread out for inspection. Jack noted that
they were doing a brisk trade, the milling crowds who'd come for
the wedding doing some shopping while they were waiting for the
proceedings to start.
He noticed a flurry of activity around the castle gate and
several trumpeters appeared. They lined up by the platform and
raised their instruments. As the fanfare began, Apophis and
Samantha walked through the gate and towards the platform. Jack
felt his heart pound in his chest when he saw her. She was always
beautiful to him but he could see she looked tired and
frightened. "We're going to need a diversion," he said
to the outlaws.
"What is your plan?" asked Little Teal'c.
"Well, someone diverts their attention and I run up and
rescue Samantha. Then we can deal with the Sheriff and check that
Lord Carter's OK."
"That's it?" queried Janet.
"Yeah, simple but effective. So.... a diversion?" He
looked round at the eager faces huddled round him.
"I can do it," said Daniel. "I'm sure I can
attract their attention."
Jack glanced at Friar Hammond, who nodded. "It's a talent he
has."
"OK, the job's yours, Danny. Make it count. Good luck!"
Daniel grinned. "I'll do my best. See you!" He ran off
behind the market stalls to the other side of the Square. Jack
watched his progress. Daniel stopped in front of a woman selling
vegetables and waved at the outlaws. The fanfare stopped and the
crowd hushed as Apophis and Samantha climbed onto the platform.
Jack gave Daniel a thumbs-up sign. The minstrel nodded in
acknowledgement, then started his diversion. He waved his arms in
the air and yelled at the top of his voice, "YOO-HOO!!"
Everyone swivelled round to look at him.
"Yoo-hoo?" mumbled Jack under his breath. "I think
you're going to have to do better than that."
Daniel carried on, still shouting as loud as he could, "I'd
like you to listen to my latest poem. This is for the
Sheriff.....
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Prince John's a loser
And the Sheriff is too."
When he finished, a deafening cheer went up from the crowd.
Apophis and his men, who had been shocked rigid by Daniel's
behaviour, suddenly burst into life. "GET HIM!!"
screamed the Sheriff. Daniel took a swift bow, accepting a round
of applause from the onlookers, turned on his heel and ran for
his life, disappearing into the crowd, hotly pursued by the
Sheriff and eight of his men.
"I guess Apophis isn't a poetry lover," said Jack as he
jumped up onto the platform and grabbed Samantha's hand.
She span to face him. "Jack!" she said and threw her
arms round his neck.
"We have got to go, Sam," he said, gently pulling
himself from her embrace.
She nodded and, holding his hand, started following him off the
platform. Jack couldn't believe his good fortune, all the guards
were chasing Daniel. "Who was that?" asked Samantha,
pointing in the direction Daniel had run.
"A friend. I'll introduce you later."
They were halfway down the steps when a chilling voice came from
the crowd. "Where do you think you're going with my
bride?" The Sheriff had emerged from the sea of people and
stood at the bottom of the stairs, hate flaring in his eyes. Jack
drew his sword and, pushing Samantha behind him, ran down the
last few steps to face Apophis. "I've got a little problem
with that. You see, Samantha is going to be my bride, not
yours."
"Oh Jack!" Samantha whispered, as she descended the
stairs behind him.
"But I can't arrange the wedding when you're being such a
royal pain in the...." There was a sudden commotion amongst
the people to his right and Jack stopped talking and looked round
just in time to see Daniel burst through the crowd and skid to a
halt next to him. The Sheriff's men stopped immediately behind
him, their swords drawn and ready to turn him into a human kebab.
"Hi Jack!" he gasped. "Sorry about this. I meant
to go into the Saxon part of town but they cut off my escape
route." He turned to Samantha. "You must be Samantha.
I've heard so much about you. It's a shame we couldn't meet under
nicer circumstances."
"Er.. Hello.... I liked your poem," said Samantha, a
little at a loss what to say.
"Thanks but I'm giving up poetry." Daniel shot a
worried look at the Sheriff's men. "It seems to be hazardous
to my health."
The Sheriff's men formed a ring around Jack, Daniel and Samantha
and began to edge slowly closer. Jack took in the overwhelming
odds and lowered his sword. "I don't think we can win this
one, Danny." He threw his weapon to the ground in
frustration. Daniel followed suit with his dagger. "Anyway,
I've got a bone to pick with you. Roses are red? Talk about a
cliché! Couldn't you come up with something more original?"
Daniel looked indignant. "I'd like to see you do better at a
moment's notice! It's not my fault if you couldn't rescue little
miss perfect here quickly enough."
"Don't call Samantha names!"
"Don't drag me into this," she muttered, finding
herself getting angrier with their situation every second.
"Next time I'll organise my own rescue."
"BE QUIET!!" roared Apophis. "You will come with
me." Pushing his way between two of his men he grabbed
Samantha's arm and pulled her towards the platform. Jack moved to
stop him but found a sword pointing straight at his heart. When
Apophis had dragged Samantha up the steps onto the platform he
raised his hand in a request for silence. The crowd hushed.
"I ask you to witness the marriage of myself, Apophis, the
Sheriff of Nottingham, and Maid Samantha Carter. In celebration
of this event, there will be two executions." He glared at
Daniel and Jack. "To show my great magnanimity, I will allow
these two traitors to live long enough to witness the happy
event. But not long enough for them to become a nuisance to me
again. In one hours time Daniel-a-Dale and the Earl of Huntingdon
will hang from the neck until dead." He smiled evilly.
"But on to happier things. We have wasted enough time
already. Let's get on with the wedding. Where is the
priest?"
"Here, my lord Sheriff," said a monk in a long brown
robe as he emerged from the crowd. Daniel and Jack both stared at
the priest, then glanced at each other. Jack had problems
suppressing a smile. What had Friar Hammond done with the priest
who should have been performing the ceremony? "Peace, my
children," the Friar said, waving his hand in the air
towards Daniel and Jack. As he passed them, he winked
conspiratorially.
Friar Hammond slowly climbed the steps to join Apophis and
Samantha on the platform. He stood in front of them and made the
sign of the cross. "Please kneel," he requested. The
Sheriff knelt and pulled an unwilling Samantha down after him.
"I'd sooner die than marry you!" she spat.
"That can be arranged," replied Apophis smoothly,
"as can the death of your father."
Tears began coursing down Samantha's cheeks as the hopelessness
of her situation sank in. She was doomed to become the bride of
this monster and there was nothing she could do about it.
Glancing over at Jack, she mouthed, "I'm sorry."
He forced a smile and replied, "I love you," then added
with more certainty than he felt, "It'll be OK." Jack's
heart was in his mouth. He had no idea what the Friar was
planning but it had better be good.
Samantha turned back to face the priest. "We are gathered
here today to celebrate the marriage of this man and this woman.
If anyone should know of just cause or impediment why they should
not be joined in holy matrimony, please speak now or forever hold
your peace," began Friar Hammond. He stopped and frowned at
Apophis. "You know, son, I can think of quite a few myself.
I really don't think I'm going to go ahead with this
wedding." The Sheriff's mouth dropped open in shock as the
Friar produced a dagger from his sleeve, and with a speed
surprising in a man of his build, held it to Apophis' throat. The
men guarding Jack and Daniel shuffled their feet and looked at
each other, uncertain what to do. Some of their swords seemed to
wobble a little. Samantha stood up and backed carefully away from
the Sheriff.
Then a booming voice rang out over the Market Square. Jack swung
round, trying to place it and saw Little Teal'c standing on a
vegetable stall addressing the crowd. "This man is evil. He
must be stopped. I call for men to join me, to gather weapons, to
forge alliances with other men who seek freedom, to show the
Sheriff we will stand for injustice no longer. Who will join
me?"
There was total silence, the crowd seemed to be holding its
breath. The Sheriff's men looked at each other, then one lowered
his sword and raised his hand. "I will join you," he
said. Then one by one the others followed suit. The crowd let out
a deafening cheer and began chanting, "The Sheriff's a
loser.... the Sheriff's a loser..... the Sheriff's a
loser....."
Samantha ran to her lover's arms, ecstatic with relief. "Oh,
Jack!" she whispered. Jack turned to the guards around him.
"Could you escort the Sheriff to the castle dungeon, please,
gentlemen."
As Apophis was taken away, Samantha smiled mischievously and
said, "Now what was that you said about me being your
bride?"
Jack grinned and bent down on one knee. "Samantha, will you
do me the honour of being my wife?"
"Yes," she replied. No other words seemed necessary.
Jack stood up, took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.
Daniel and Friar Hammond watched, happy for their friends.
"I might write one last poem for the wedding..." mused
Daniel, turning to the Friar. "Can you think of a rhyme for
Samantha?"
But the lovers were oblivious to everyone and everything else.
"I love you Samantha," Jack said, as they gazed deep
into each other's eyes, his voice full of emotion.
She smiled at him, tears of happiness threatening to overcome
her. "I never tire of you saying that. Say it again."
"I love you Samantha. Until the day I die." And he
leaned down for another kiss.....
"I love you Samantha," Jack whispered.
Sam's mouth dropped open. "Wh-what did you say?"
"I love you Samantha. Until the day I die," he
repeated.
Jack's eyes flickered open and he found himself looking straight
at Sam. Her eyes were shining and she smiled at him gently. Then
he realised what must have happened. "Did I say that out
loud?" he asked nervously.
"Oh yeah!" said Daniel. "Twice, just to make sure
Sam heard it."
Jack licked his lips. "I was dreaming," he said to Sam.
"About me. I know," she replied. They couldn't tear
their eyes away from each other. Daniel decided it was time to
give them some privacy.
"Teal'c! There's a band playing at Rock City that I have
*always* wanted to see. Are you coming, buddy?" He gestured
towards the door. Teal'c was watching Sam and Jack with obvious
fascination, his head tipped to one side. "Teal'c!"
Daniel hissed.
"What is the name of this band, Daniel Jackson?" the
Jaffa asked.
"I can't remember!" exclaimed the archaeologist,
grabbing hold of Teal'c's arm and dragging him towards the door.
As he finally realised what Daniel was doing, Teal'c announced,
"An interesting name. I believe I wish to see them."
Daniel turned to Jack and Sam. "We'll catch you guys later,
OK?" He smiled to himself. They were so caught up in each
other, they hadn't heard a word he'd said.
"So what was this dream about, Jack?"
Reaching over he took her hand in his. Gently massaging it with
his thumb, he looked deep into her blue eyes and began to tell
his story. "You were Maid Marian and I was Robin
Hood....."
But now to conclude, an end I will make
In time, as I think it good,
For the people that dwell in the North can tell
Of Marian and bold Robin Hood.