In this excerpt from "The Outlaws of Sherwood" by Robin McKinley, a character expresses frustration toward an unruly situation involving brigands. The man highlights the absurdity of the threats by focusing on the sheriff's unexpected demeanor and the lack of respect shown by the porters who failed to respond promptly to the herald. This moment reveals a mix of tension and humor, as the man humorously suggests that the porter's negligence should be met with serious consequences.

Ultimately, the excerpt conveys a sense of unpredictable authority and the chaos that ensues when important figures, like the sheriff, are not given the respect they demand. The situation illustrates the challenges and absurdities faced by those in positions of power, as well as the consequences of social hierarchy in times of conflict. McKinley's storytelling captures both the gravity of the scene and the underlying humor, reflecting the complexities of human interactions in a tense circumstance.