?Flower garlands hung from colorful tents, and 

people danced and sang. Women and men

turned to look at Little John as he strolled

through the fairgrounds. He was taller than

all the other men there, with strong and

broad shoulders. A big crowd gathered

around a ring where men fought with staffs.

The champion was Eric of Lincoln. Eric walked

up and down, swinging his staff. "Is there a

man from Nottingham brave enough to

challenge me?"