Editing The Adventures of Robin Hood (section)

==Plot==
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[[Richard I of England|Richard]], the [[Normans|Norman]] King of England, is taken captive in 1191 by [[Leopold V, Duke of Austria|Duke Leopold]] while returning from the [[Third Crusade]]. Richard's treacherous brother [[John, King of England|Prince John]], aided by fellow Norman [[Guy of Gisbourne|Sir Guy of Gisbourne]], names himself regent of England, increasing the [[Saxons]]' taxes under the pretense of gathering a ransom for Richard.

The Normans exploit and oppress the Saxons. [[Robin Hood|Sir Robin of Locksley]], a Saxon noble, opposes the brutality and rescues [[Much the Miller's Son]] from being executed for [[poaching]], earning Gisbourne's ire. Robin later confronts Prince John at a [[Nottingham Castle]] banquet, telling the assembled guests that he regards John's declaring himself regent as treason. John orders Robin's execution, but he escapes and flees with Much and [[Will Scarlet]] into [[Sherwood Forest]]. John seizes Robin's lands and names him outlaw.

Much is sent to recruit men to join their band. Robin and Will encounter [[Little John|John the Little]] on a [[log bridge]], and after a [[quarterstaff]] contest, welcome him into their ranks. Dozens more men join Robin's band, swearing an oath to despoil the rich while aiding the poor, to fight injustice, and to show courtesy to all oppressed. They start a war against John and Gisbourne, dispatching those who abuse their power.

Robin's band encounters the rotund [[Friar Tuck]], a renowned swordsman. Tuck joins the band and assists in capturing a company of Normans transporting a shipment of gathered taxes. In the company are Gisbourne, the cowardly [[Sheriff of Nottingham]], and King Richard's ward [[Maid Marian|Lady Marian]]. After their capture, the men are humiliated at a celebratory woodland banquet, with Marian given a seat of honor. Initially scornful, she comes to share Robin's views after he shows her examples of Norman brutality against the Saxons. Robin sends the convoy back to Nottingham Castle, telling them that they have Marian's presence to thank for their lives being spared.

Having noted Robin's focus on Marian during the Sherwood banquet, the sheriff suggests hosting an archery tournament, with the Lady Marian presenting a golden arrow as the prize to entrap Robin. Robin enters the tournament, is recognized by his archery skill, and is captured and sentenced to be hanged. Marian aids Robin's Men in a scheme to save him. After his daring escape, he scales the palace walls to thank her, and the two pledge their love for one another. Marian declines Robin's marriage proposal, electing to instead remain in the castle as a spy.

King Richard returns with several of his knights. The Bishop of the Black Canons sees through Richard's disguise and alerts John. John sends disgraced former knight Dickon Malbete to kill Richard, promising Dickon Robin's title and lands. Marian overhears and writes to Robin, but is found out by Gisbourne and sentenced to death. Her nursemaid, Bess, tells Much everything. He intercepts Dickon and kills him after a fight.

Richard and his men, disguised as Norman monks, travel through Sherwood and are stopped by Robin. Assuring Robin they are on the king's business, Richard accepts Robin's offer of hospitality and his condemnation of the Holy Crusade, but does not reveal his identity.

Much relays Bess' news. Robin orders his men to find and protect Richard; now certain of Robin's loyalty, Richard reveals himself. Robin coerces the Bishop of the Black Canons to allow them to join his monks in disguise so they can enter Nottingham Castle. Once inside, Richard announces his presence, and a huge melee erupts. Robin kills Gisbourne after a lengthy duel, frees Marian, and prompts John's men to surrender.

Returned to his throne, Richard banishes John, the Sheriff, and the Bishop from England "for the remainder of my lifetime." He restores Robin's rank, raising him to Baron of Locksley and Earl of Sherwood and Nottingham. The king also [[royal pardon|pardons]] Robin's men, and commands Robin to take the hand of the Lady Marian in marriage. As Robin exits the castle with her, he responds "May I obey all your commands with equal pleasure, sire."