Although Robin did not like the Norman Sheriff, he was friendly with a Norman landowner, Sir Richard Fitzwater and his daughter, Marian.
Robin had offered to escort the young maiden and her servants through a dangerous part of the Forest. As he rode to meet them he noticed that the ground seemed to have many hoof marks in it. Robin wondered why there would be so many horses travelling in this part of the forest. He realized that Marian and her servants were riding towards a trap set by the Sheriff of Nottingham. No doubt he had told his Knights to go and rob anybody they could find and bring the money back to him.
Robin hurried towards Marian and her servants. As he approached them he noticed, hiding in the bushes to the side of the road, some of the Sheriffs Knights. Robin quickly rode past Marian and called out, "Stop riding, it is a trap".
Hearing this the Knights leapt out at Robin.
"Get off the road Saxon" they shouted, "This is the Sheriffs business."
Quick as a flash Robin drew his bow and an arrow and killed two of the Knights instantly. The remaining Knights turned and began to run back towards the safety of the Sheriff and Nottingham Castle.
"Run to your master", shouted Robin, "Tell him that any Knight who travels through this forest will be stopped by Robin Hood"
Robin turned towards the shaken Marian and her servants and asked them to travel with him to her home, before the Sheriff returned with more men.
Finally after much travelling the party arrived at Marians home. She greeted her father, explained what had happened, and how Robin had saved them all.
Sir Richard turned towards Robin and said, "Thank you, Robin for saving my family, but I fear that even as we speak, the Sheriff will be writing an order for your arrest. You must go into the forest and hide."
"I am not scared of the Sheriff", replied Robin, "Nor of his helper, Sir Guy of Gisborne. Let them try to arrest me".
"I offer you the protection of my home anytime you need it Robin" added Sir Richard, "Remember that I am in your debt."
Robin turned, bowed to the fair maiden, and then left to return to his forest home.