Assassin in the Greenwood

information of his whereabouts. You see,' Corbett leaned forward, 'Robin Hood definitely has an accomplice in this castle but it could be anyone: a cook, a scullion, a chamber maid or a soldier. However, we are not here to catch minnows. I have reached the conclusion, Sir Peter, that the solution must be a military one. I have asked the Earl of Lincoln to bring the Prioress here for questioning. If we obtain the information I need, I am going to ask you and the Earl to join forces in laying siege to this outlaw in the forest.'
    'How can that be done?' Friar Thomas asked. 'It would be like trying to encircle the sea.'
    Corbett grinned and scratched his head.
    'It may take weeks, Father, but it can be done. Sir Peter, you have seen the way the King's army advanced through Scotland?'
    Sir Peter, his face flushed with excitement, nodded. 'Sir Hugh, I can guess what you intend. To move forces from glade to glade, turning each into a small fortress.'
    'Exactly,' Corbett replied. 'So far any military expedition into the forest has been a visit. This time the forces will camp there. We will use Lincoln's soldiers, what's left of Gisborne's party and the castle forces. Sir Peter, you will begin preparations now. Put the entire garrison on a war footing. I am sure Master Roteboeuf will be kept busy drawing up supplies, and Master Naylor marshalling the men. Friar Thomas, I know you are a man of the people. I rely on you to seek out those who know the forest ways, the secret paths and trackways.' Corbett got to his feet. 'We will try once more and if that fails, Sir Peter, I shall return to London to inform His Grace that you and I have done all we can and the matter is now in his hands.'
    Sir Peter got up. 'Sir Hugh, on this occasion I agree with everything you have said. But what about Sir Eustace's death?'
    Corbett chewed his lip. 'I think I know how Sir Eustace died. Somehow or other, his cup was poisoned.' He stared around. 'Where's Physician Maigret?'
    'In the city on some errand or other.'
    Corbett nodded. 'Sir Peter, enough is enough. We all have our tasks to do. Ranulf and Maltote are taking messages to Lincoln. I expect the Earl three days from now.'
    Corbett watched Sir Peter and his household leave. He locked the door behind them, breathed a sigh of relief and lay down on the bed eager to catch up on the sleep he had lost.
    He woke later in the afternoon and a short walk round the castle proved that Sir Peter already had preparations in hand. The stables, forges and smithies were busy. Horses were being groomed, saddles repaired and foodstocks being moved up from the cellar into the small outhouses of the inner bailey. Corbett ambled around smiling then slipped through the postern gate, down the Brewhouse stairs and into the hot, stinking streets of Nottingham. For a while he moved amongst the market stalls until, confident no one was watching him, he hastened up an alleyway, crossed the street and rang the bell of the Franciscan friary.
    Father Prior was hardly welcoming.
    'The affairs of this world should be left outside the friary gate!' he snapped.
    'Oh, no, Father, this friary is very much at the heart of my world,' Corbett retorted. 'I need to see Brother William. I am asking courteously but, if you object, shall use my authority.'
    Father Prior pulled a face but quickly agreed. He led Corbett across the grounds to the old outlaw's cell. Brother William also received Corbett coolly.
    'You are leaving for London, Sir Hugh? You have come to say goodbye?' The friar's eyes were guarded. Corbett could see he was only making conversation until Father Prior was well away from the door of the cell.
    'I shall return to London after I have trapped the wolfshead Robin Hood,' Corbett replied. 'And you, Brother, are going to help me.'
    The friar sat down on a stool.
    'I am a man of God. The affairs of this world do not concern me.'
    'That's the second time I have heard that remark,' Corbett replied. 'God knows you can help me, Brother.' Corbett drew his sword from its sheath.
    Brother William's eyes rounded in fear. 'What is this?' he gasped.
    'Our past never leaves us alone,' Corbett continued evenly, tip-toeing backwards towards the door. 'Just when we think it's all shadows something springs out to trip us up. I mean you no harm, Brother, just as…' Corbett pulled the door open and swung the tip of his sword under the chin of the huge gardener standing there. Corbett grinned. 'Why eavesdrop, John Little? Or is it