Maid of Sherwood by Shanti Krishnamurty

said, seeming to appear out of nowhere.
    Marian swallowed her scream. “Robin, you nearly scared me to death!”
    He lifted his head so she could see him under the hood of the friar’s robe he wore. “Sorry,” he said unrepentantly.
    “What on earth are you doing here? And why are you dressed like that?”
    “I came to see you, of course.”
    She blushed at the thought. “If Prince John catches you—”
    He finished her sentence. “I will spend my better years in his dungeon, if he does not outright kill me for my crimes.”
    “What if someone sees us together?” Her heart leapt at the thought.
    “The parapets are empty, see?” He pointed up and over the yew trees.
    No-one was standing at the castle walls, looking down. “Can they really see into the maze from there?”
    Robin nodded. He took her hand in his. “Come on, the path widens a bit further in.”
    Marian followed him through the curves and twists until they reached a dead-end covered in honeysuckle. “How do you know so much about the maze?”
    “King Richard had the maze planted when he was made heir apparent to the throne.” Robin turned to frown at her. “I am surprised you do not know this. Your town’s Master Carpenter worked on the bridges.”
    “What bridges?”
    Robin brushed aside the clinging vine to reveal a dark passageway. “The bridges in the garden, of course. King Richard wanted to make sure his court could find their way out of the maze without too much trouble. He had the Master Carpenter build bridges so people in the maze could see where they were.”
    “What was the passageway for?” Marian asked.
    Robin shrugged. “I have no idea, but it leads straight into Sherwood Forest.”
    She peered into the inky corridor. “Is this how you got here?”
    “Yes,” Robin said. “Now step inside and be careful. There are three steps in front of you.”
    Marian stepped into the passageway and down, the sharp scent of dirt tickling her nose. Darkness closed around her as Robin let the honeysuckle vine fall back into place.
    She felt him take her hands in his. “I have a favor to ask of you, Marian, but it is not without risk.”
    She could not control the excitement that colored her words. “What is it?”
    “One of my men has learned of a rumor that the sheriff is planning to steal the throne from under Prince John.”
    “But—it is not Prince John’s throne,” Marian said.
    “No, it is not. But neither John nor the sheriff care about such trivialities.”
    She could barely see the shape of his face in the dim light. “Are you telling me Prince John wants King Richard’s throne?”
    He nodded. “I think so, but my source in the castle has certain restrictions which limit his usefulness. That is where I need your help.”
    “I do not know what help I can be, but I am willing to try.”
    “I need you to learn everything you can about the prince’s plans,” Robin said earnestly.
    Marian hesitated. “You…want me to spy on Prince John?”
    “I would not use the word ‘spy’,” Robin disagreed. “Just listen for any information you think might be pertinent to us. If you overhear anything, pass it on to Tuck. He will see it gets to me.”
    “Is there a reason I cannot give it to you directly?” Marian asked.
    Robin’s voice softened. “I will not risk your safety.” He let go of Marian’s hands and she felt his fingertips briefly against her cheek.
    Marian peered at him in the dim light. “Robin, I—”
    He cut her off, placing one hand over her mouth. “Shhh…listen. Someone is coming.”
    “I was told I could find the Lady Marian inside. Are you quite sure you have not seen her?”
    The voice shocked Marian, and she spoke against his palm. “Why is she looking for me?”
    “I have no idea,” Robin said.
    “No, Lady Nyneve,” they heard a man’s deep voice answer. “But there are many paths. Have you tried looking from one of the bridges?”
    “Not yet.” The woman’s voice quavered. “If you