The Archer
A Microfiction
His stomach growled.
A gentle rain broke on the forest green canopy and dripped down his matching green hood. He found the gentle pitter patter of rain soothing. Jahn had complained it was a terrible day for an ambush, but what did that little man know?
Yes, rain was good for an ambush—it hid the smell from the horses, and the dogs if they had them. A trick he learned during his time in Normandy.
As the sound of the approaching caravan echoed down the forest road, he knocked an arrow. A gentle rustle, indistinguishable from the swaying leaves, indicated the rest of his band doing the same.
Through the cover of the branches, he took aim at the lead rider; how brave of the Bishop to ride at the head. They would certainly burn him for this; should they catch him, of course. Even that would be a blessing compared to watching his Marian starve.
His stomach growled again, but he kept his hands steady against the shaking hunger. Oh, how he longed for Normandy, that land of true knights and kings. These provincials, these barbarians, were little more than savages by comparison.
He counted six wagons—all laden with Nottingham’s most recent tithes. Even in the haze, the Bishop’s golden cross sparkled.
“For the poor,” Robyn Le Huede whispered.
The screams of horses drowned out the gentle rain falling in Sherwood Forest until dusk silenced all.
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A/N:
Crushed through 1500 words on the WIP, and treated myself to a little micro. I enjoy the thought that "Robin Hood" was a French bandit.
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About the Creator
Matthew J. Fromm
Full-time nerd, history enthusiast, and proprietor of arcane knowledge.
Here there be dragons, knights, castles, and quests (plus the occasional dose of absurdity).
I can be reached at [email protected]
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Comments (23)
congratulations on TS. What a great take on Robyn Hood. Wonderful.
Fabulous story ✍️🏆🏆♦️♦️♦️♦️
Great atmosphere for so few words.
Merveilleux! This was so good, Matthew! I've definitely missed your micros so I'm glad you were able to treat yourself and us! And Congrats on Top Story! Sorry I'm late!
Inspirational and really detailed with such short word limit
Nice story 🫡
Excellent piece!
Back to say congratulations on your top story 🎉
A nice micro excellent story
A great take on a classic, you wrote this real well Matthew :)
YES!! Oh, I love how you waited until the end to reveal who the archer was. Really well done. Also, love that he is French here. Somehow it's more fitting! xD
This was fun, I love this little treat to yourself and also a treat to us!! Congrats on a quick Top Story too!!
"Robyn Le Huede" made me chuckle. Great story, Matthew!
That is an interesting take on a ‘English’ hero, considering him to be French. Very interesting indeed You brought his thoughts and feelings he to life with this piece
You're incredibly talented! I love your take on the classic and would also love a full length version. Can't wait to see what else you have planned for 2025, well done and congrats 👏
Well that was a bloody quick Top Story. Well done sir! What's your secret? Love this take on ol' Robin of Locksly
Some people treat themselves to a nice Steak dinner or an aged bourbon. But You, my friend, have taken celebration to a new level of creativity. Why gorge yourself when you can exorcise those fingers a little more. Lol. Glad you went the way of the scribbler. Story turned out great!
Oooh, French Robin Hood! A full-length version one day maybe?
Someone's still mad about Agincourt, and it shows 😎
Robyn Le Huede is a great idea! Love your story !
Oh this was a very rich micro!! I enjoyed the familiar story but through fresh eyes :) Glad you treated yourself and us!
I love Robin Hood stories!!
This piece is a great mix of tension and history! The twist with Robin Hood being a French bandit is cool, and the hunger/purpose combo really pulls you in. You’ve nailed that suspenseful vibe in just a few words—love it!