1 Much Middleton

Robin Hood

Chapter 1 Much Middleton It was a sunny day in Sherwood village. Ten-year-old Much Middleton was helping his father in their mill. As he lifted a sack of corn, he heard shouting.

Dozens of soldiers pounded into the village on horseback, led by the Sheriff of Nottingham. "I need more money," the Sheriff declared. He owned Sherwood and the villagers had to pay him taxes so they could live there. From now on, you will all pay double.

Much's father was furious. "Only the King is allowed to raise taxes," he protested. The Sheriff sneered. "The King is overseas. I'm in charge now." With that, he lashed his horse and charged back to his castle.

That evening, Much lay in bed watching his father count their money. There wasn't nearly enough. "Do you think Robin Hood could help us?" Much asked. Robin Hood was a mysterious outlaw who stole money from the Sheriff to give to poor villagers. People said he lived in Sherwood Forest, though no one knew for sure.

Much was always asking for stories about Robin Hood. "Is it true he once defeated twenty of the Sheriff's men?" "A hundred!" his father joked, waving a shovel. Just then, there was a noise outside. Much's father gripped the shovel, scared it was the Sheriff's soldiers. He flung the door open...