Go to where Beatrice is playing

"Then, let us go and hear her songs," you say, and together you make your way down the rough steps toward where Beatrice sits and strums her lute.

Just as you finally get within hearing distance, though, she finishes her song and takes a bow, her small audience applauding lightly and tossing pennies into the open bag before her. Unfortunately, she seems to be getting ready to leave.

"Lady Beatrice of the Greenwood," you say, "have I come too late to hear the voice which is said to rival the very angels?"

"Perhaps not, gallant Sir," she replies, and her eyes flicker momentarily to the bag of coin at her feet. Her speech seems a mix of accents from both England and France, combining into something quite unique to your ears.

"My lady wife and I would hear a song of love," you tell her, dropping a pair of silver coins into the pouch. "I am sure you must know very many."

Beatrice's eyes go to Trina, and she smiles. "Indeed I do, my lord. Please, be seated as I play a song of two lovers from my home, whose celebrated names have likely reached even this distant land."

You and Trina sit upon a rough blanket close to the beautiful minstrel, and she strums rich tones from her lute as she begins to sing.

A bonny fine maid of a noble degree,
Maid Marian call’d by name,
Did live in the North, of excellent worth,
For she was a gallant dame.

For favour and face, and beauty most rare,
Queen Hellen she did excel;
For Marian then was prais’d of all men,
That did in the country dwell.

’Twas neither Rosamond nor Jane Shore,
Whose beauty was clear and bright,
That could surpass this country lass,
Beloved of lord and knight.

The earl of Huntington, nobly born,
That came of noble blood,
To Marian went, with a good intent,
By the name of Robin Hood.

Of course, you have indeed heard stories of Maid Marian and Robin Hood. Beatrice begins the song in low tones, deeper than you would have expected, and she sings strangely lifelessly. But then, she lifts her voice an octave at the next verse, and what began as the recitation of a poem becomes a true song... and with the full power of her voice unleashed, you can understand why her music is described as heaven-sent.

With kisses sweet their red lips did meet,
For she and the earl did agree;
In every place, they kindly embrace,
With love and sweet unity.

But fortune bearing these lovers a spite,
That soon they were **** to part;
To the merry green wood then went Robin Hood,
With a sad and sorrowful heart.

You suddenly realize that Trina has slipped her hand into yours, and she leans on your shoulder as if she were indeed your lady wife. You have a strong feeling that this is not part of the role she plays... that perhaps for just a moment, she has forgotten who she is with, and perhaps even her duties as Kingsguard.

Perplexed and vexed, and troubled in mind,
She drest herself like a page,
And ranged the wood, to find Robin Hood,
The bravest of men in that age.

With quiver and bow, sword, buckler, and all,
Thus armed was Marian most bold,
Still wandering about to find Robin out,
Whose person was better then gold.

But Robin Hood, he himself had disguis’d,
And Marian was strangly attir’d,
That they prov’d foes, and so fell to blows,
Whose valour bold Robin admir’d.

Trina's hand suddenly stiffens, and you can understand why; the song has taken a rather interesting turn! Robin and Marian, both in disguise, and Marian wielding a sword... is it possible that Beatrice has recognized Trina after all, and in so doing guessed at your true identity as well? If so, she has given no other sign, but it seems a strange coincidence!

They drew out their swords, and to cutting they went,
At least an hour or more,
That the blood ran apace from bold Robins face,
And Marian was wounded sore.

O hold thy hand, hold thy hand, said Robin Hood,
And thou shalt be one of my string,
To range in the wood with bold Robin Hood,
And hear the sweet nightingale sing.

When Marian did hear the voice of her love,
Herself she did quickly discover,
And with kisses sweet she did him greet,
Like to a most loyal lover.

When bold Robin Hood his Marian did see,
Good lord, what clipping was there!
With kind embraces, and jobbing of faces,
Providing of gallant cheer.

The last melodious tones of her lute are left to fade, and it surprises you somewhat; it seems that there must be more to the song, as it did not truly reach an end. Of course, Beatrice was getting ready to depart when you and Trina showed up, so perhaps she has places to be - certainly, you cannot linger too long in any event!

"I believe that should the day come that I do hear the Chorus of Angels, I shall find it wanting," you say to Beatrice as you add a gold coin to her pouch. "My wife and I are fortunate enough that we have been invited to the castle feast this night, Lady Beatrice; will you be performing there, perchance?"

"Lady Arethousa has commissioned me to play at the bathing pools this evening," she replies. "Alas, the King has offered me no invitation."

"It must be that he has never heard you sing, then. If I should have the chance to speak with His Majesty at the feast, I shall certainly encourage him to do so; of that you have my word."

You feel a squeeze in your hand; Trina is clearly concerned that you are taking your banter too far, and risking discovery! While it would not be so bad if Beatrice knew who you were - she has played for royalty before, after all, and you imagine she would be discreet - it would probably be best on principle if she did not know.

"That is most gracious of you, my Lord. But I fear I must appear unmannerly, as the time before the festival grows short and I have yet much to do. May I take my leave?"

"By all means, Lady Beatrice."

She looks to Trina again, and smiles just as she had before, and then with a short and slightly theatrical bow she steps back to gather her coin and other belongings. A glance around shows you that the Sandstones have become noticeably less crowded, as the bards finish their songs and the people begin to make their way up to the city square, and it seems that perhaps you and Trina should do the same.