The Branded Arrow

Museum Catalog Note This issue of the Robin Hood Library contains the opening chapters of a historical adventure serial titled "Attacked by Normans," featuring named characters Edwin (a Saxon youth), his betrothed Edith, her father Leofric (a merchant), and the servant Gurth. The narrative begins with a Saxon party traveling through Sherwood Forest in July, delayed by a horseshoe incident. They camp in a forest glade where they are ambushed at night by Norman men-at-arms led by De Maulac, the Wolf of Blackstone, a villain associated with Prince John. The attackers wound Leofric and attempt to seize Edith, but are interrupted by Robin Hood and his followers arriving to mount a dramatic rescue. The story continues with the party defending a fortified house against a sustained Norman siege involving arrows, ladder assaults, and coordinated attacks, with Edwin and Friar Tuck organizing the defense from interior positions.