Deception

Chapter 91

- Chapter 91 -

We'd been riding along York road until we stopped before the clearing of the woods to see a tollhouse up ahead where Lipscomb is opening the gate for a patron.

"Tollhouse." Guy muttered as I looked over his shoulder to get a good view of the amount of guards guarding it, only to notice that there aren't any. Chewing my bottom lip I shake my head and look at both Robin and Guy.

"It's not worth the risk." I inform them as I could see Robin was about to agree with me as we watch Lipscomb close the gate whilst Guy smirked at me over his shoulder. That loving smirk that makes my heart stop as he chuckled deeply.

"Well, they collect money for Isabella. Robbing them is robbing her." He chuckled as Robin says nothing whilst Guy clicks our horse forward. Looking back at Robin I wonder why he doesn't do anything as he follows against his better judgment. I knew this plan would only lead to trouble as I remained outside with the horses whilst Guy and Robin were inside to steal from Lipscomb.

They were probably only gone for a few minutes before they came out the front door with a purse full of silver coins. Robin and Guy quickly mounted before we continued on our way to York. I noticed that Lipscomb had bravely turns to look at the robbers with narrowed eyes, his scar purple from unexpressed indignation, if he recognized us and informed Isabella then we would be in serious trouble.

The rest of the ride to York was silent as we galloped through the gates. I noticed the odd looks I was getting from the female population of York as I looked down at my attire and chuckled, however it made Guy and Robin uneasy.

"Why are they staring at us? Do you think they recognize us?" Robin muttered.

"They are staring at me" I whisper as they both look at me as though I had grown two heads. Noticing a nobleman walk past us, I quickly slipped off the horse behind Guy as he went to call my name as I gave them both a quick wink. Following after him I easily snitched his purse and bought myself a lovely deep purple gown.

Finding a secluded spot I quickly changed and admired the soft fabric against my skin as I smiled allowing my hair to fall down my shoulders. It had been months since I had been able to dress, as a lady and I never knew I could miss it this much. I quickly found my way back to Robin and Guy who had dismounted their horses where I left them.

"My Lady" Robin teased bowing as I stuck out my tongue at him. I felt like a lady I was again as Guy was just staring at me causing me to blush and play with my hair a little bit. Robin chuckled beside us and offered his arm when Guy didn't do so, so I accepted and walked along beside him.

As we walked further through the markets we were able to inspect the castle only to realize that the castle is at least twice the size of Nottingham's.

"He's inside that." Guy spoke as I could hear the defeat and how disheartened he was at the site of the huge castle we'd have to go through to find him.

"Well, it can't be that difficult... can it?" Robin cheerfully smiled as he lead the horses with me on his arm, causing Guy to follow quietly. I constantly kept glancing over my shoulder to see him though he seemed more interested in the ground in front of him. Buying two rooms at the York Tavern we left our horses behind and wound our way through the busy and narrow marketplace on foot, looking around.

Noticing a small gate to the left we drew closer as Guy peeks out at the guards, then quickly ducks back as Robin and I take a more cautious look. There are three guards covering two exits whilst a church bell tolls in the background.

"The place is heavily fortified." I sigh as we quickly make our way away from the gate as one of the guards was walking in our direction.

"I know. I think the only way in is to get invited." Robin sighed as we began to walk back towards the Tavern to think of a new plan.