G/M - One more lie - Chapter Six
Hello! A major apology to everyone for this late, late, late update. It took me more than usual to write this one and my beta phadria also take her time for the job. Busy ladies that we both are! But have some improvements I consider so worth waiting for it. As always, please let me know what you think. Comments are happiness to me and who knows you could give me some crazy idea.
Chapter 6
Morning came with a knock at the door. Sarah was ready for action but Marian was not so enthusiastic. She had spent much of the night crying and the morning had found her before sleep did. She did not know how she could have so much to cry for but...now wasn't the time to fix it.
"Lady Marian?” asked Sarah. “Are you unwell?”
"No I am quite well.” muttered Marian, “A little out of sorts perhaps. I really don't feel strong enough to face the Sheriff and his guest just yet. Would you bring my breakfast up here please, Sarah?"
"You did not sleep well, my lady? Those papers... they were not bad news I hope?" replied the maid gesturing over the crumpled counterpane and tangled sheets to the two little bundles of paper on the night stand.
Marian gave a small smile and shook her head slightly. Sarah did not look entirely satisfied with the response but she curtsied and left to fetch the breakfast all the same. Marian collapsed back into the pillows and hoped to heaven that her maids eagle eyes had failed to spot the black sleeve belonging to a shirt, which was clearly not for a lady, lying next to her pillow. It could have been clearly seen from Sarah's point of view but, if she had spotted it, she had pretended not to have done.
***
Allan was readying himself to depart for Nottingham under the watchful gaze of Gisborne. His mute stares had driven Allan to distraction and he was ready to scream at him. But a silent Guy was perhaps better than the night before- when his talk of love had been unsettling to Allan at best- so he decided to let him be.
"So are you gonna tell me what I'm looking for?" Allan asked as he fastened his belt.
"A small wooden box.” answered Guy. “It should be in my room's...although if it isn't check Vaisey's. One of my men told me he had seen him sneaking around in there before we departed for the Holy Land.”
"And what's inside that box then? More of that Black powder or something?”
"That is not your business, Allan" Guy replied dryly.
“Pardon?” Allan replied quickly, “I thought for a second there you said it wasn't my business! I'm not being funny alright, but is it you who's risking life and limb trying to get it or is it me? Least you can do is tell me what I'm puttin' my head in a noose for!”
"It is best you do not know."
Allan gaped at him for a moment, shocked and not a little hurt, "I thought you trusted me!"
"I do.” Guy answered grimly, crossing his arms and glaring at the rope that suspended his seat at the camp entrance. “And I care for you. Which is why I am not going to tell you; for your own safety."
Allan raised his eyebrows at him.
He sniffed and turned his glare to the floor, “I would do it myself, if I did not stumble with each step."
Allan shook his head incredulously and fastened his cloak. There was no use arguing with the man.
"Alright." he said simply. "If everything goes according to plan, I'll see you in a few hours... If it doesn't well... it's been a pleasure, Guy of Gisborne." he said with cheerful mockery.
"Yes, a gruelling one. Now stop making your farewells, Allan. You're going to come back and you're going to do it in one piece. Now clear off." he told him, with ill concealed affection in his voice.
"Do my best, my lord!" Allan answered with a cheeky grin as he left the camp.
***
Sarah watched Marian pick at her breakfast. Not even the hot bread smeared with sticky honey- which usually she devoured with abandon- could tempt her from her thoughts. And Sarah was willing to bet at least 10 shillings on what those thoughts might be.
It just had to be the contents of the wooden box. Sarah shuddered to think what could be written on the papers- judging by the man they belonged to... nothing good. Sarah wondered if they might even hold bad news about Lord Robin, they affected her Lady so...
Marian picked at a crust. She was tired, wrung out by her tears and exhausted. She could not summon the energy to care what she was doing and wanted only to lie in bed for the whole day. How could she find the strength to look at those papers and read what she already dreaded? But this was not the time to lie down and pity herself! She had to pretend to help Allan in a plan doomed to fail from the start. Doomed because she had already retrieved the box just a few hours earlier. Retrieved to stop Guy from leaving and give her enough time to-
"Enough to what?" she muttered angrily to herself.
"My lady...?” asked Sarah.
"Hmmm? Oh nothing..."
“My Lady are you sure you are well? Dale is surely on his way by now but I have no idea what I'm needed to do... perhaps I should tell him to come back when you are a little better?"
"No, no... don't do that.” answered Marian quickly, “If I am honest Sarah... I am not sure how much I should involve you. Lady Georgia has already threatened you for helping me... If anything goes wrong...”
"I want to help you, Lady Marian.” said Sarah quietly. “I don't know exactly what it is you've been up to or what is happening now... but I do know that nobody is safe any more and that if people like you... and me... do not do something they never shall be."
Marian sighed "We always thought that, with Vaisey gone, Nottingham would be perfect. But now this Foxley is here to prove us all wrong..."
"What would you have me do then my lady? Dale will be here within the hour!”
"Yes... I know Allan will manage to get through the gates. Heaven knows he's a resourceful creature... but he could run into trouble in getting beyond the castle's yard so you are to be his key to the gates."
"I don't know... I mean, I've yet to be engaged, my lady, so I don't know...." and Sarah blushed from head to toe.
"Well, it's nothing to.."she stopped when she saw her maid's face. "Sarah, is there something you are not telling me?" asked Marian slyly.
"Nothing, my lady!" the maid told her feet.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, of course! Whatever would I not be telling you?" she gabbled, trying to reach the door before it was too late. "I'll go and keep watch for that outlaw now then. I'll get that idiot man into the castle before you can say “Robin Hood”.”
Marian watched her leave. She'd had a hard night but she could not help a smile. That was too strong a denial for any old 'idiot man', Marian thought. But then the same could be said of her denials... Marian shooed such thoughts away and began to dress.
******
In the dinning hall, the Sheriff and the Governess were busy plotting as they had breakfasted.
"What am I supposed to do next, Jeffy? I mean, there's nothing in Gisborne's rooms and you yourself checked the Sheriff's so... What else can we do?"
"I don't know. Let me think, my dear!"
"Well think fast because I can't stand this thing one minute more, you know. The servants always looking at me as if I have no clue what I'm doing!
"But, darling, .. You have no clue what you are doing! In fact, I would bet money you haven't done one thing that could be considered a governesses duty yet!"
"Oh, yes! It's funny for you!” huffed Georgia. “You who spend all day getting that Windsort idiot drunk and making puppy eyes whenever Lady Marian is near...
"It's Winchester, Georgie, make a note of it if you can't remember and I'm not puppy eyeing anyone!"
"You'd better not. You should keep in mind who is the Lady of this cold and unpleasant place!"
"You, my love, of course." he answered touching her hand behind the table. "But if you are patient enough, we will be rid of Marian and Winchester both, in just one clever move-"
"What clever move am I making?" called a voice from the door. Winchester entered the great hall even as they were talking about him but, fortunately for the scheming couple, he was vain enough to ignore everything but then mention of his name.
"None if you know what's good for you." Georgia muttered to the Sheriff.
"Miss, would you be so kind as to bring some more food for our guest to break his fast with?" Sheriff replied loudly.
"Of course, my lord. But remember we need to discuss..."
"I know, I know" Sheriff replied, tired of everything. "Now, go away, woman"
As soon as the lady left the room, Winchester tried to recover himself and asked:
"So where is she?"
"I believe she is still in her rooms. Her maid told Lady Georgia that Lady Marian wasn't feeling quite well last night"
"Women! Weakest creatures that they are! "he exclaimed with a thundering laugh."I wonder if I should get some trinket to her, as proof of my growing admiration?".
"And I thought you did not care a shilling about Lady Marian." The Sheriff replied with a devilish smile.
"That was before I beheld her.” confided Winchester. “The lady certainly has a beautiful pair of...eyes."
The sheriff cackled. "Oh, you, Winchesters! It must be in your blood, this fondness for the ladies of Knighton!”
"Yes, it is true her mother rejected my father- and her miraculous escape from the robbers that killed him is suspect- but I rather think that, if she is indeed my enemy, there is nothing worse I could do to her than to make her my wife. With your permission of course.”
"Speak of devil..." said the Sheriff.
********
Sarah hurried through the passages of the castle, her cheeks aflame. Her mistress had come very close to discovering just how hard the task was for Sarah. She could barely stand Dale's cheeky face but the thought of seeing it made her heart beat so hard it couldn't be healthy... And it was not because of the danger ahead. When she reached the courtyard-vhaving been delayed by a clumsy kitchen girl spilling flour all over her- Allan was waiting. He was leant against the same tree he had been last time they met. His hood concealed his face but there was no mistaking it was him, who else carried two swords? She hurriedly beat the flour from her dress. She cursed the dust that would not be moved and straightened back up to pat her hair before she approached him. Unfortunately he had already spotted her and she found herself confronted by an all to bright pair of green eyes.
How they could be so bright when they were shaded by a hood Sarah didn't know.
"Oh you're here.” she said dryly, dropping her hands back to her sides. “This way.”
"Hello to you too, darling!" Allan snorted.
"We really don't need to waste time with pleasantries Dale." she replied, turning her back to him and leading the way into the castle.
"You know, it's a miracle you aren't married." Allan snapped.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Nothing." he gave a fake grin.
"You just said it was a miracle that I am unmarried!” gasped the maid. “Now I suggest you explain yourself pretty quickly or I shall leave you to find your own way into the castle."
"I'm just saying,” shrugged Allan, “it's surprising that the sweetest girl in the whole of Nottingham, could remain unmarried! How could you not fall for those charms!"
"I have plenty of proposals." bit out Sarah, walking deeper into the castle, glaring at him over her shoulder.
"Yeah and I bet they took it back as soon as you gave them one of those looks!”
"Outlaw! " she spat.
"Are we stating the obvious now?"he asked with eyes wide open "Chamber maid! Anyway, keep it down or all the girls will want one."
"You're are a criminal and you smell. How's that for obvious?”
"Well you're right about that but... hey! Don't hold it against me! It's a bugger trying to keep all the rose petals together when you wash in the river. Not to mention the hassle of heating the water.”
"Why did I agree to subject myself to this?"
"Ah, it's a mystery to me too sweetheart but at least it's entertaining."replied Allan as he hurried after her. He caught up with her outside the kitchens and nonchalantly took hold of her hand. She jumped in surprise but quickly caught on- they were supposed to be engaged after all. She forced a small smile. Allan grinned back and laced his fingers through hers, entwining their hands so beautifully Sarah thought it might be some kind of magic. She just hoped he didn't notice how much her hand was trembling.
"Stop worrying." he whispered.
Apparently he had noticed then. He stopped walking and brought her hand to his lips, deftly placing a soft kiss on it's back. "I'll take care of everything"
“Well before you go play heroes Allan,” she said sweetly, snatching back her hand, “let's see exactly how many goons need 'taking care of', shall we?”
Allan smiled and gestured for her to be his guest.
“Just stay put, Outlaw.”
Of course, Sarah already knew there would be at least six men guarding the corridor and she could not wait to see the smug smile wiped off Dale's face. She also had a bizarre urge to kiss that smug look too but she dismissed the thought as quickly as possible. The priests were very clear on that subject. Sarah was wondering exactly why the priests were so against the idea when she peeped around the corner to see exacty how many goons there were this morning.
She was startled to see not a single soul there. No guards at the other end of the passage or on the door. Something must have happened in the night! Perhaps they discovered Lady Marian and... no, they couldn't have done. Sarah returned to Allan.
"How many of them?" he asked.
"None!" she exclaimed, still in awe.
"None? What do you mean 'None'?"
"No one, not a soul, nobody... The door is unguarded!" Her worry began to overtake her but she could not tell Allan that.
"Are you sure we've not been found out?" Allan asked "I'm not being funny, but dungeons don't suit me a bit!"
"Of course we haven't! But we will, if we keep babbling like two old women instead of doing something"
"Well I suppose I'd better get on with it and look for...um I mean do what I have to!
"Allan..." she called him before he parted her side. "Please take care. I'll be waiting here!"
He gave her a up to eyes kind of smile and then walked on.
********
In the meantime, Marian was pacing her room. She was nervous but- guilty as she felt- it was not for Allan and Sarah's little adventure that her pulse raced and stomach lurched. It was for the papers on her bedside table. Stealing her resolve, she snatched them up and pulled off the ties.. Were they meant for her to read them? She could have died and this box would never have be discovered...
"You want to read them! And they were for you! Everything else in that box was between us." she said to herself. She randomly picked one of the pieces and read:
“Today was a hard day for me as well Marian.The sheriff never fails to surprise me. He had your hair cropped short like a common adulteress. Seeing you up on the scaffolding- your hair falling to the floor around your feet- was harder than it should have been. You held her head high, proud as you ever were, even as you were shamed, tears held back, pride reflected on your face as you were dispossessed of a Lady most precious gift. Vaisey's gleeful comments made me feel sick. If only... if only she would return my advances... I know your love would wash away all my sins...” Oh, lady! Oh, my lady! If you just let me take care of you.
Marian remembered feeling, rather than seeing, his eyes on her as the hangman sheared her hair. Of course, the whole crowd had been staring at her and She had kept her eyes fixed on the sky, determined not to drop a single tear, but his gaze had burned into all the same. At the time she had not expected any more from him than to stand beside the Sheriff and do his bidding but for a moment she had hoped he might defend her. She had not been surprised when he did not. She had done what was just and if that meant an impromptu trim... so be it.
I'm nothing but a man, Marian, but you always treated me like a puppet and now I've gone way too far. Burning your house was not on my mind that night. It seemed fitting, you had destroyed any chance us building a home together; I destroyed your house. I wanted to make you feel all the pain I had in my heart . You did not come when I called you. And then I saw your face, as sure as always that I would do what pleased you, thought you could humiliate at the alter and get away with it, you thought you could beg me to stop, not believing me capable of... You, woman, had the ability to bring out the best as well as the worst in me.I regret it now. But that is the way it always is between us; me feeling substandard and Marian virtuous and righteous. So... No more, Marian, no more! I HATE YOU NOW and I mean to hate you forever! I no longer more care about you or your father, no longer feel guilty for my actions, no longer feel anything.
It was one of Marian's worst memories. Something she could not forgive him. Her home reduced to ashes because of his anger. She provoked him, she defied him but... Never thought he could be able of that till the moment she saw his eyes, darker than ever, torch in hand and ready to burn it down. Her home! How could he do such a thing? Him more than anyone, Him who knew how it was like to be dispossessed of land, home and honour... Reading how he had hated her was too much. She knew she had pulled his strings until they snapped and had sent him to the rage that destroyed her home but she did not like to know he had loathed her as he did it. She did not like to think he still might.
“Everything is back in it's box.” you told me. I disappointed you once again. You tried so hard to work like a team and I had not thought you would respond so badly to Lambert's death. The man had betrayed me and, as my fiancée, betrayed you. You had wanted me to win back his trust and have him taken to safety and I, weakest mind and will in Nottingham, was swept away by Sheriff's poisonous words.But had I thought Marian would be so... cold with me, I would not have been so easily convinced. I didn't have a clue about what to do next to recover that trust. I saw you in the yards with one of the horses and... How I wish you could be that gentle with me, Marian. But that gave me an idea to be sure of and I was right. For once, I knew hundred percent sure this was the right present as your brilliant smile and dancing eyes proves me when you saw that chestnut-brown horse right at your door. You make me happy just with your smile and I dare to say you looked at me very differently that bright morning.
Marian smiled. She had not wanted to see him, but he had come to Knighton all the same. She had protested that she did not like surprises as he covered her eyes with and led her out the house. She could feel his breath in her neck as he untied the cloth that covered her eyes and watched her reaction. And there it was, the most beautiful horse she'd ever seen... and it was for her! His smug smile had warmed her inside out and made her fell sort of happy, happier even than having the horse
These was not letters. These was part of his toughts, it looked like he wrote those words right after every moment, like a silent conversation, like the words they left unspoken. She had so many things to tell him and remain silence, afraid of her own feelings and him... Well, who could blame him for not to speak it aloud. She was never ready to listen..
***
Allan was desperate. The box was not where Guy said it should be. He searched the whole room in case Guy had been mistaken but... nothing. The box was nowhere to be seen. He opened the door and called softly for Sarah.
"What now?" she hissed as she stepped back into view, her eyes scanning the passageway for danger.
"It's not here!"
"But Sir Guy told you that was the place?"
"Well... I don't know if Giz is a reliable source anymore. Why don't you come in here and we can look for it together?"
"Oh sure thing ginge. And who is going to keep watch exactly?"
"Nobody came passed while I was inside, did they? Now come and help me or we'll be here all night. And by that time we will have been caught!"
"Fine.” she snapped. “Well come on, go, go, go!" she pushed him inside.
They'd been no more than five minutes when Sarah sensed somebody coming. She heard the governess' voice and footsteps coming echoing down the passageway outside, coming nearer and nearer.
"Under the bed! "she cried in a whisper.
"What?”
"Bed! Now, Allan!"
"God you're a bit keen aren't ya?" he said grinning openly to her.
"Oh shut up." Sarah said as she scrambled under the bed. "I'm not being caught in here for you or Gisborne!”
Finally understanding her meaning Allan dropped to the floor and squeezed himself in next to Sarah. Never one to miss an opportunity, he slipped a hand around her waist. She was about to protest- loudly- but Allan covered her mouth with his hand.
He shushed her almost silently “They are here." he whispered next to her ear.
*****
Marian ran a finger once more the little pieces of paper now surrounding her and she felt like crying again. She knew Guy was a sinner but... he had never pretended to be a saint. He had committed terrible wrongs. But he'd had nobody. He'd told her that once. He'd never had someone he could trust... someone he knew would not betray him. It was no small wonder he had become so heartless when all he had was himself. But he had tried... for her. She had been the one person he had wanted to feel for and she had rejected him. He'd loved her but she hadn't realised until it was too late. He could have easily have lashed out and killed her in Acra. Knowing his temper as she did, Marian had steeled herself for such a result. Guy always acted rashly. Always regretted it after. She'd made her peace with it before she even told him.
"I rather die than being with you, Guy of Gisborne"
She vaguely remembered Vaisey shouting something and Guy throwing a dagger over her shoulder. Then he pushed her to the floor, roaring in pain as an arrow hit his shoulder. She'd thought it was Robin's at first. But it was not. It was the Sheriff's. And it had been meant for her. Guy had told her his world would be ash without her... but she'd never thought he would throw himself in front of an arrow for her. Guy seemed to need time to think his sacrifices through usually. As his weight collapsed onto her and Marian understood what he had done... she knew she had been lying before.
You lied to me. You mocked me. You never really cared for me. You're a liar and I can't believe I have given my heart to such a cruel woman. I never believed you capable of such wrong. I always thought you so pure. So innocent. And all the time you werebetraying me. My angel was in league with Hood, with my enemy, all along. You were the Nightwatchman. Nightwatchman! You were the Nightwatchman! I've seen the scars... Oh, Marian! All this time when I loved you,when I gave you my heart completely and thougght that- in time- you would accept me, I never had a chance. Never, even in my darkest dreams, have I thought you to be capable of such betrayal. You who hated treachery of all kinds and punished me mercilessly for mine. All this time, you were laughing at me. With Hood . ... Yet I cannot hate you! Despite all the harsh words I threw to you, despite all the anger running through my veins, I don't feel strong enough to not love you.
I have tried before.
Oh, God! What a long day that had been! He'd thought deception was in her nature after that but it was not. She'd not considered her lies at first. When she had first faced him as the Nightwatchman, they had been little more than acquaintances. It had barely registered when she saw him with a bruise she'd inflicted. When he was courting her their fights were something of a release and she had not considered how betrayed he have felt had he know. Her lies were never meant to hurt him. But she had never actively sought not to hurt him.
They were on the opposites sides of life, though he may not understand that yet and she could not remain silent and allow his side to mistreat people as if they were pieces on a chess board. The Nightwatchman was the only thing that gave her a sense of peace. She was still amazed he didn't discover her secret much earlier but... perhaps his love for her was blinding him, making himself believe what was easier to.
"You don't know me as well as you think" he had said. Well, if there was one thing this box proved, that was it.
This dream day has become a nightmare! You left me there with all the people of Nottingham looking at me and trying to conceal their laughter. Even that damned priest was grinning like a fool Me, stood up at the altar, punched in the face by my own bride. I felt I could lay there on the floor forever, just waiting for death to come. My eyes finally opened to the truth. I feel like I could burn the whole Nottingham, I feel I could beat someone to death, I feel... What do I have to do to not feel anymore?
Marian would always be a little ashamed of herself for that. She had been furious at the time. Furious that he could have lied about something so important. And put her father in danger as a result. But... she knew humiliating him at the alter had been neither a wise, nor a kind, reaction. Perhaps she could have explained herself to the congregation. Asked him to continue to wait. Even running out wordlessly would have been better than knocking the man to the floor.
I feel like a God today! I have never hoped for a reconciliation with Marian as much as I do today. Everything started bad, worse... the Sheriff was missing. He had been seen leaving the castle on Horseback... in his nightclothes, but with a visitor; Sir Jasper. The effeminate leech of a man was a vassal of Prince John, here to collect the Sheriff's seal. No Sheriff, no seal, no Nottingham. But I, as a black knight, would be spared along with my family. Marian... you would not become my family. You refused to abandon the people of Nottinghamand Prince John's envoy were on the march to burn Nottingham to the ground. You- and your usual willfullness- were making go out of my mind. But then as I was out there, at the gate, ready to leave before the city was to be razed, I realized there was nothing to me if you died. I had to bear Prince John's man laughing in my face but I didn't care, how could I when everything I cared for was within those walls. "And without her, my world may as well turn to ash" I heard myself saying, no matter what the question was.I'd die for you, Marian. I would gladly give my life any moment just to know you're safe and happy. Even though, now I know I had no chance to win your heart. I live in hope cause we stood side by side, waiting to die and she took my arm.
'Yes!' she thought, with a wide smile on her face. That day he was her knight in black leather, fighting for Nottingham instead of wearing it down; being a brave man instead of Vaisey's puppet. She'd thought she had come unhinged when she saw him, standing on the stairs above her and telling her that he was going to die by her side.
Marian had felt something for Guy in that moment, something she'd only felt before that night at Locksley Manor when he had been half naked and half armoured. The beauty of his body in the candlelight left her breathless and she had to admit her heart was skipping a beat each time her eyes met his.
She was impatient to find the piece of paper that belonged to that night. She was dying to know what he felt and what he thought she felt... Surely he had written something about it.
Now she was sure. She needed to see him once more, just once more to be sure of the step she was about to make. She was engaged to Robin and there was no turning back from that but she needed to be sure this was only a silly thing. She felt flattered by Guy's deep feelings but nothing more. Nothing more.
Surely it was nothing more.
****
"Now, move that bed!”As soon as Lady Georgia entered the room and said those four words, Sarah felt her soul leaving her body.
“We need to find it no matter what. And as soon as we finish here we go to Vaisey's rooms."
The guards started moving the heavy four-poster. Wild panic filled Sarah, as she tried to slide along with it, maintaining her hiding place. But the bed was moving faster than the maid could shuffle. Allan grabbed her just before they were discovered, and pulled her towards him in a desperate kiss. Sarah tried, in vain, to push him away but it was too late. Three pairs of curious eyes were upon them.
"Well well well.” came the governesses voice, causing the two 'lovers' to jump apart. “Oh, I really hope you have an explanation for such a situation"
"Madam,! I... I am so sorry!" she apologized as she tried to scramble to her feet, helped by Allan who, incredibly, was standing in a second. "He is Da... Da..."
"Dale Davidson, from Nettlestone. I'm Sarah's fiance" Allan interrupted. "We only got engaged a couple of days ago and her father don't exactly love me as a son. I wanted to see her... it's it's my fault. I pulled her in here when she tried to make me leave. Please, don't punish her.”
"She is working. She can play around all she wants in her free time! This is your last warning,..." Georgia said waiting for the name of the maid.
"Sarah, my lady" she replied with an awkward curtsey, shivering from head to toe. Allan noticed that and took hold of her hand in his again.
"Understood then, Sarah! Now, go and show your fiancé the door and back to work!"
"Yes, madam!" she exclaimed pulling Allan out of the room, clutching tightly to his hand.
However, it was not to the castle gates that they were headed but to Lady Marian's rooms.
“Just a minute!” squeaked Marian, when they knocked on her door. She hurried to stuff all the papers back in their box and hide Guys and the Nightwatchmen's clothes from sight.
“My Lady it is us.” called Sarah's voice through the wood.
Slamming Guys wooden chest in her desk she called for them to come in.
"It's gone!" said Allan as soon as the door opened. "I've searched the whole room and it's not there"
Marian ignored him. She knew the box would not be there, she had just shut it in her desk but... Sarah was looking very flushed.
"Is something wrong, Sarah?" Marian asked.
"We're were caught as we were searching the room!" panted the maid, struggling to catch her breath.
"How? You were supposed to just escort him into the castle and keep watch." asked Marian, already looking to Allan for an answere.
"His idea. "Sarah pointed to Allan.
"I needed some help!” he protested. “But we didn't get time enough. This awful bird came in."
"I don't understand. If you were caught, why are you here?" she asked again as she tried hard to understand.
"We hid under the bed... "Sarah started.
"And the guards, removed it so we were in plain sight." Allan continued.
"And I didn't know what to do! I was shaking..."
"That's just coz I kissed you though. I'm a good kisser, you know!" Allan admitted sharing a wink with the maid.
"You...kissed her? " Marian was confused.
"His idea, again!" Sarah said to her shoes, the colour in her cheeks brighter than ever.
"I couldn't think of anything coherent to say so I kissed her " he said to Marian before turning to Sarah and added "And you may deny, but you were pretty much for the cause, my lady, you kissed me back!"
"In your dreams, Dale!" she gasped, feeling a little ashamed.
"Dale? Listen you can Dale me all you like, you called me Allan earlier!"
"My lady, if you don't need me, I would like to go back to the kitchens before Lady Georgia misses me."
"Yes," Marian agreed. "Yes, of course. I'll send for you when you're needed"
"We need another plan-”Allan began, not saying a word to Sarah as the young maid disappeared through the door.
"Word to the wise Allan,” said Marian stiffly, “Do not play with her feelings."
"Oh you're a fine one to talk!"
"It is not the same!” answered Marian. Allan obviously did not entirely agree. “I need to see him, Allan.” she said quietly.
"He doesn't want to see you, Marian, you should know that."
"I know he still loves me and..." she couldn't end the sentence. It was too painful to admit she may love him too when it was settled she would marry Robin.
"And what, Marian?"
"Nothing! It's nothing!"
"Good, then let's go back to the matter at hand,” Allan said "Now about this chest-”
"What chest?” For a moment Marian thought Allan had seen the wooden box and a fleeting sensation of panic rippled through her.
"The chest I intend to find for Guy... I need to go to Vaisey's rooms. Maybe it's in there."
They were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Allan scurried under the bed, for the second time that day. Marian quickly draped her dressing gown over the foot of the bed to conceal his shoes.
“My lady, may ask something of you?" Lord Foxley shouted through the door.
"I cannot attend you properly right now, my lord Sheriff. May I join you in the Great Hall in a few moments, please?" she called back.
"I was wondering if you could do me the great favour of taking our guest for a ride through Sherwood Forest." the Sheriff continued, as though he had not heard her response. "I have some business I need to take care of and Lord Winchester has been asking for you this morning"
"Damn!” cursed Marian. “I had to bear the father and now I must babysit his son too?" Marian whispered to Allan.
"Winchester's son? Well congratulations Marian. That family has set their eyes on you!·" he whispered back trying his best not to laugh.
"Lady Marian?"
"Yes, my lord!" Marian answered losing her temper.
"Settled then. I will have the horses saddled. He awaits your company in the Great Hall."
"Yes, my lord" she repeated mechanically.
At the sound of fading footsteps, Allan reappeared from underneath the bed. There was a question in his eyes that he'd clearly rather not ask.
"Don't look at me like that, Allan! I'll stay away from the camp."she said putting a tentative hand on his shoulder. "But... I really need to see him.”
"You don't give up easily, do you?" Allan said trying to sound nice "Right now, my main concern is that chest. And yours is the latest Winchester"
"Fine. But this is not over yet!" she replied.
"Oh, I'm sure it isn't! Now go! " he said as she watched her go to the door. "Marian...?”
"You change your mind? " she ventured with a smile.
"Be careful with Winchester"
"He better be careful with me!" she snorted with a grin.
"Fair point! Sometimes I forgot I'm talking to the Nightwatchman!"
"Not to mention I'm the one who knocks the sense back into you when it's needed.”
***
Riding through Nottingham Forest with a man that made her skin crawl was Marian's idea of a pleasant morning. They rode in silence, for the most part. From time to time Marian would remark upon some local legend to fulfil her duty as a guide. Marian thought that Winchester might not have asked for this tour through the woods either. He looked uncomfortable.
"So Lady Marian... How long do you intend to stay at the castle?"
"Excuse me, my lord, but I don't understand the question"
"It's been a long since Robin left for the Holy Land and it's a war after all. I'm sure you consider death as a possibility" he said remarking "death" with voice and gesture.
"Of course.” she replied stiffly. “But I know in my heart Robin will be back soon and we will be married."
"And the other man? The Sheriff's Master at Arms? Any news about him?"
"He was severely wounded when I left Acra and I've heard nothing of the matter since then."
"It is probaby only idle gossip," he began "but most people said that Gisbert is coming back to Nottingam."
"Gisborne, my lord, Sir Guy of Gisborne" she corrected him. " And as I said before, I have not heard any news.”
"But you were his friend? There was a time when you were betrothed to him, I believe.”
"A promise made under duress. My father was ill and we needed protection so...Why don't you get straight to the point, my lord? she suddenly prompted.
"Whatever do you mean?" he asked guiltily.
"You are questioning about everything but the thing you really wish to know about."
"And that is...?" he stared at her, holding back the reins.
"Your father. His death and everything surrounding it."
"You are a clever woman, Marian..." he admitted grudgingly.
"Lady Marian, if you don't mind my lord."
"Who killed him? "
"I don't know, they were wearing hoods and I could not see their faces."
"Hoods, like your fiancé?"
"Robin would never have done something like that. They were wearing long black cloaks and strange insignia on the right size of the chest..." she lied "I believe it was the Black Knights' work. Your father wasn't specially popular among them since he tried to blackmail the Sheriff"
Winchester stopped his horse. "If you think you can treat me the same way you do all the other men around you, my lady, you are grossly mistaken! I may act it but I can assure you I am no fool! So you had better start being nice with me or you are going to find yourself in a lot of trouble, understood?"
"Oh, I see you are as charming as your father" she answered. "Now I am not some silly girl to be bullied and patronised as you seem to think. Now you had better watch your manners or you will find yourself in trouble, are we clear? she answered back. "I'm the bounce-back kind, Lord Winchester"
"I am too, Missy!" and at that very moment, he pulled a dagger from nowhere grabbed Marian's exposed forearm, dragging the blade across it. Marian punched him and pulled her arm from his grip, kicking her horse into a gallop. Winchester caught the beasts flank with his blade before Marian had chance to escape.
The poor animal went mad and Marian struggled to remain in the saddle. Winchester watched her with an evil grin on his face.
"Oh dear! Lady Marian has been taken by rogues." he called after her, turning his horse back to Nottingham.
After a long run, the horse stopped abruptly and Marian was thrown to the ground and left there.
Chapter 6
Morning came with a knock at the door. Sarah was ready for action but Marian was not so enthusiastic. She had spent much of the night crying and the morning had found her before sleep did. She did not know how she could have so much to cry for but...now wasn't the time to fix it.
"Lady Marian?” asked Sarah. “Are you unwell?”
"No I am quite well.” muttered Marian, “A little out of sorts perhaps. I really don't feel strong enough to face the Sheriff and his guest just yet. Would you bring my breakfast up here please, Sarah?"
"You did not sleep well, my lady? Those papers... they were not bad news I hope?" replied the maid gesturing over the crumpled counterpane and tangled sheets to the two little bundles of paper on the night stand.
Marian gave a small smile and shook her head slightly. Sarah did not look entirely satisfied with the response but she curtsied and left to fetch the breakfast all the same. Marian collapsed back into the pillows and hoped to heaven that her maids eagle eyes had failed to spot the black sleeve belonging to a shirt, which was clearly not for a lady, lying next to her pillow. It could have been clearly seen from Sarah's point of view but, if she had spotted it, she had pretended not to have done.
***
Allan was readying himself to depart for Nottingham under the watchful gaze of Gisborne. His mute stares had driven Allan to distraction and he was ready to scream at him. But a silent Guy was perhaps better than the night before- when his talk of love had been unsettling to Allan at best- so he decided to let him be.
"So are you gonna tell me what I'm looking for?" Allan asked as he fastened his belt.
"A small wooden box.” answered Guy. “It should be in my room's...although if it isn't check Vaisey's. One of my men told me he had seen him sneaking around in there before we departed for the Holy Land.”
"And what's inside that box then? More of that Black powder or something?”
"That is not your business, Allan" Guy replied dryly.
“Pardon?” Allan replied quickly, “I thought for a second there you said it wasn't my business! I'm not being funny alright, but is it you who's risking life and limb trying to get it or is it me? Least you can do is tell me what I'm puttin' my head in a noose for!”
"It is best you do not know."
Allan gaped at him for a moment, shocked and not a little hurt, "I thought you trusted me!"
"I do.” Guy answered grimly, crossing his arms and glaring at the rope that suspended his seat at the camp entrance. “And I care for you. Which is why I am not going to tell you; for your own safety."
Allan raised his eyebrows at him.
He sniffed and turned his glare to the floor, “I would do it myself, if I did not stumble with each step."
Allan shook his head incredulously and fastened his cloak. There was no use arguing with the man.
"Alright." he said simply. "If everything goes according to plan, I'll see you in a few hours... If it doesn't well... it's been a pleasure, Guy of Gisborne." he said with cheerful mockery.
"Yes, a gruelling one. Now stop making your farewells, Allan. You're going to come back and you're going to do it in one piece. Now clear off." he told him, with ill concealed affection in his voice.
"Do my best, my lord!" Allan answered with a cheeky grin as he left the camp.
***
Sarah watched Marian pick at her breakfast. Not even the hot bread smeared with sticky honey- which usually she devoured with abandon- could tempt her from her thoughts. And Sarah was willing to bet at least 10 shillings on what those thoughts might be.
It just had to be the contents of the wooden box. Sarah shuddered to think what could be written on the papers- judging by the man they belonged to... nothing good. Sarah wondered if they might even hold bad news about Lord Robin, they affected her Lady so...
Marian picked at a crust. She was tired, wrung out by her tears and exhausted. She could not summon the energy to care what she was doing and wanted only to lie in bed for the whole day. How could she find the strength to look at those papers and read what she already dreaded? But this was not the time to lie down and pity herself! She had to pretend to help Allan in a plan doomed to fail from the start. Doomed because she had already retrieved the box just a few hours earlier. Retrieved to stop Guy from leaving and give her enough time to-
"Enough to what?" she muttered angrily to herself.
"My lady...?” asked Sarah.
"Hmmm? Oh nothing..."
“My Lady are you sure you are well? Dale is surely on his way by now but I have no idea what I'm needed to do... perhaps I should tell him to come back when you are a little better?"
"No, no... don't do that.” answered Marian quickly, “If I am honest Sarah... I am not sure how much I should involve you. Lady Georgia has already threatened you for helping me... If anything goes wrong...”
"I want to help you, Lady Marian.” said Sarah quietly. “I don't know exactly what it is you've been up to or what is happening now... but I do know that nobody is safe any more and that if people like you... and me... do not do something they never shall be."
Marian sighed "We always thought that, with Vaisey gone, Nottingham would be perfect. But now this Foxley is here to prove us all wrong..."
"What would you have me do then my lady? Dale will be here within the hour!”
"Yes... I know Allan will manage to get through the gates. Heaven knows he's a resourceful creature... but he could run into trouble in getting beyond the castle's yard so you are to be his key to the gates."
"I don't know... I mean, I've yet to be engaged, my lady, so I don't know...." and Sarah blushed from head to toe.
"Well, it's nothing to.."she stopped when she saw her maid's face. "Sarah, is there something you are not telling me?" asked Marian slyly.
"Nothing, my lady!" the maid told her feet.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, of course! Whatever would I not be telling you?" she gabbled, trying to reach the door before it was too late. "I'll go and keep watch for that outlaw now then. I'll get that idiot man into the castle before you can say “Robin Hood”.”
Marian watched her leave. She'd had a hard night but she could not help a smile. That was too strong a denial for any old 'idiot man', Marian thought. But then the same could be said of her denials... Marian shooed such thoughts away and began to dress.
******
In the dinning hall, the Sheriff and the Governess were busy plotting as they had breakfasted.
"What am I supposed to do next, Jeffy? I mean, there's nothing in Gisborne's rooms and you yourself checked the Sheriff's so... What else can we do?"
"I don't know. Let me think, my dear!"
"Well think fast because I can't stand this thing one minute more, you know. The servants always looking at me as if I have no clue what I'm doing!
"But, darling, .. You have no clue what you are doing! In fact, I would bet money you haven't done one thing that could be considered a governesses duty yet!"
"Oh, yes! It's funny for you!” huffed Georgia. “You who spend all day getting that Windsort idiot drunk and making puppy eyes whenever Lady Marian is near...
"It's Winchester, Georgie, make a note of it if you can't remember and I'm not puppy eyeing anyone!"
"You'd better not. You should keep in mind who is the Lady of this cold and unpleasant place!"
"You, my love, of course." he answered touching her hand behind the table. "But if you are patient enough, we will be rid of Marian and Winchester both, in just one clever move-"
"What clever move am I making?" called a voice from the door. Winchester entered the great hall even as they were talking about him but, fortunately for the scheming couple, he was vain enough to ignore everything but then mention of his name.
"None if you know what's good for you." Georgia muttered to the Sheriff.
"Miss, would you be so kind as to bring some more food for our guest to break his fast with?" Sheriff replied loudly.
"Of course, my lord. But remember we need to discuss..."
"I know, I know" Sheriff replied, tired of everything. "Now, go away, woman"
As soon as the lady left the room, Winchester tried to recover himself and asked:
"So where is she?"
"I believe she is still in her rooms. Her maid told Lady Georgia that Lady Marian wasn't feeling quite well last night"
"Women! Weakest creatures that they are! "he exclaimed with a thundering laugh."I wonder if I should get some trinket to her, as proof of my growing admiration?".
"And I thought you did not care a shilling about Lady Marian." The Sheriff replied with a devilish smile.
"That was before I beheld her.” confided Winchester. “The lady certainly has a beautiful pair of...eyes."
The sheriff cackled. "Oh, you, Winchesters! It must be in your blood, this fondness for the ladies of Knighton!”
"Yes, it is true her mother rejected my father- and her miraculous escape from the robbers that killed him is suspect- but I rather think that, if she is indeed my enemy, there is nothing worse I could do to her than to make her my wife. With your permission of course.”
"Speak of devil..." said the Sheriff.
********
Sarah hurried through the passages of the castle, her cheeks aflame. Her mistress had come very close to discovering just how hard the task was for Sarah. She could barely stand Dale's cheeky face but the thought of seeing it made her heart beat so hard it couldn't be healthy... And it was not because of the danger ahead. When she reached the courtyard-vhaving been delayed by a clumsy kitchen girl spilling flour all over her- Allan was waiting. He was leant against the same tree he had been last time they met. His hood concealed his face but there was no mistaking it was him, who else carried two swords? She hurriedly beat the flour from her dress. She cursed the dust that would not be moved and straightened back up to pat her hair before she approached him. Unfortunately he had already spotted her and she found herself confronted by an all to bright pair of green eyes.
How they could be so bright when they were shaded by a hood Sarah didn't know.
"Oh you're here.” she said dryly, dropping her hands back to her sides. “This way.”
"Hello to you too, darling!" Allan snorted.
"We really don't need to waste time with pleasantries Dale." she replied, turning her back to him and leading the way into the castle.
"You know, it's a miracle you aren't married." Allan snapped.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Nothing." he gave a fake grin.
"You just said it was a miracle that I am unmarried!” gasped the maid. “Now I suggest you explain yourself pretty quickly or I shall leave you to find your own way into the castle."
"I'm just saying,” shrugged Allan, “it's surprising that the sweetest girl in the whole of Nottingham, could remain unmarried! How could you not fall for those charms!"
"I have plenty of proposals." bit out Sarah, walking deeper into the castle, glaring at him over her shoulder.
"Yeah and I bet they took it back as soon as you gave them one of those looks!”
"Outlaw! " she spat.
"Are we stating the obvious now?"he asked with eyes wide open "Chamber maid! Anyway, keep it down or all the girls will want one."
"You're are a criminal and you smell. How's that for obvious?”
"Well you're right about that but... hey! Don't hold it against me! It's a bugger trying to keep all the rose petals together when you wash in the river. Not to mention the hassle of heating the water.”
"Why did I agree to subject myself to this?"
"Ah, it's a mystery to me too sweetheart but at least it's entertaining."replied Allan as he hurried after her. He caught up with her outside the kitchens and nonchalantly took hold of her hand. She jumped in surprise but quickly caught on- they were supposed to be engaged after all. She forced a small smile. Allan grinned back and laced his fingers through hers, entwining their hands so beautifully Sarah thought it might be some kind of magic. She just hoped he didn't notice how much her hand was trembling.
"Stop worrying." he whispered.
Apparently he had noticed then. He stopped walking and brought her hand to his lips, deftly placing a soft kiss on it's back. "I'll take care of everything"
“Well before you go play heroes Allan,” she said sweetly, snatching back her hand, “let's see exactly how many goons need 'taking care of', shall we?”
Allan smiled and gestured for her to be his guest.
“Just stay put, Outlaw.”
Of course, Sarah already knew there would be at least six men guarding the corridor and she could not wait to see the smug smile wiped off Dale's face. She also had a bizarre urge to kiss that smug look too but she dismissed the thought as quickly as possible. The priests were very clear on that subject. Sarah was wondering exactly why the priests were so against the idea when she peeped around the corner to see exacty how many goons there were this morning.
She was startled to see not a single soul there. No guards at the other end of the passage or on the door. Something must have happened in the night! Perhaps they discovered Lady Marian and... no, they couldn't have done. Sarah returned to Allan.
"How many of them?" he asked.
"None!" she exclaimed, still in awe.
"None? What do you mean 'None'?"
"No one, not a soul, nobody... The door is unguarded!" Her worry began to overtake her but she could not tell Allan that.
"Are you sure we've not been found out?" Allan asked "I'm not being funny, but dungeons don't suit me a bit!"
"Of course we haven't! But we will, if we keep babbling like two old women instead of doing something"
"Well I suppose I'd better get on with it and look for...um I mean do what I have to!
"Allan..." she called him before he parted her side. "Please take care. I'll be waiting here!"
He gave her a up to eyes kind of smile and then walked on.
********
In the meantime, Marian was pacing her room. She was nervous but- guilty as she felt- it was not for Allan and Sarah's little adventure that her pulse raced and stomach lurched. It was for the papers on her bedside table. Stealing her resolve, she snatched them up and pulled off the ties.. Were they meant for her to read them? She could have died and this box would never have be discovered...
"You want to read them! And they were for you! Everything else in that box was between us." she said to herself. She randomly picked one of the pieces and read:
“Today was a hard day for me as well Marian.The sheriff never fails to surprise me. He had your hair cropped short like a common adulteress. Seeing you up on the scaffolding- your hair falling to the floor around your feet- was harder than it should have been. You held her head high, proud as you ever were, even as you were shamed, tears held back, pride reflected on your face as you were dispossessed of a Lady most precious gift. Vaisey's gleeful comments made me feel sick. If only... if only she would return my advances... I know your love would wash away all my sins...” Oh, lady! Oh, my lady! If you just let me take care of you.
Marian remembered feeling, rather than seeing, his eyes on her as the hangman sheared her hair. Of course, the whole crowd had been staring at her and She had kept her eyes fixed on the sky, determined not to drop a single tear, but his gaze had burned into all the same. At the time she had not expected any more from him than to stand beside the Sheriff and do his bidding but for a moment she had hoped he might defend her. She had not been surprised when he did not. She had done what was just and if that meant an impromptu trim... so be it.
I'm nothing but a man, Marian, but you always treated me like a puppet and now I've gone way too far. Burning your house was not on my mind that night. It seemed fitting, you had destroyed any chance us building a home together; I destroyed your house. I wanted to make you feel all the pain I had in my heart . You did not come when I called you. And then I saw your face, as sure as always that I would do what pleased you, thought you could humiliate at the alter and get away with it, you thought you could beg me to stop, not believing me capable of... You, woman, had the ability to bring out the best as well as the worst in me.I regret it now. But that is the way it always is between us; me feeling substandard and Marian virtuous and righteous. So... No more, Marian, no more! I HATE YOU NOW and I mean to hate you forever! I no longer more care about you or your father, no longer feel guilty for my actions, no longer feel anything.
It was one of Marian's worst memories. Something she could not forgive him. Her home reduced to ashes because of his anger. She provoked him, she defied him but... Never thought he could be able of that till the moment she saw his eyes, darker than ever, torch in hand and ready to burn it down. Her home! How could he do such a thing? Him more than anyone, Him who knew how it was like to be dispossessed of land, home and honour... Reading how he had hated her was too much. She knew she had pulled his strings until they snapped and had sent him to the rage that destroyed her home but she did not like to know he had loathed her as he did it. She did not like to think he still might.
“Everything is back in it's box.” you told me. I disappointed you once again. You tried so hard to work like a team and I had not thought you would respond so badly to Lambert's death. The man had betrayed me and, as my fiancée, betrayed you. You had wanted me to win back his trust and have him taken to safety and I, weakest mind and will in Nottingham, was swept away by Sheriff's poisonous words.But had I thought Marian would be so... cold with me, I would not have been so easily convinced. I didn't have a clue about what to do next to recover that trust. I saw you in the yards with one of the horses and... How I wish you could be that gentle with me, Marian. But that gave me an idea to be sure of and I was right. For once, I knew hundred percent sure this was the right present as your brilliant smile and dancing eyes proves me when you saw that chestnut-brown horse right at your door. You make me happy just with your smile and I dare to say you looked at me very differently that bright morning.
Marian smiled. She had not wanted to see him, but he had come to Knighton all the same. She had protested that she did not like surprises as he covered her eyes with and led her out the house. She could feel his breath in her neck as he untied the cloth that covered her eyes and watched her reaction. And there it was, the most beautiful horse she'd ever seen... and it was for her! His smug smile had warmed her inside out and made her fell sort of happy, happier even than having the horse
These was not letters. These was part of his toughts, it looked like he wrote those words right after every moment, like a silent conversation, like the words they left unspoken. She had so many things to tell him and remain silence, afraid of her own feelings and him... Well, who could blame him for not to speak it aloud. She was never ready to listen..
***
Allan was desperate. The box was not where Guy said it should be. He searched the whole room in case Guy had been mistaken but... nothing. The box was nowhere to be seen. He opened the door and called softly for Sarah.
"What now?" she hissed as she stepped back into view, her eyes scanning the passageway for danger.
"It's not here!"
"But Sir Guy told you that was the place?"
"Well... I don't know if Giz is a reliable source anymore. Why don't you come in here and we can look for it together?"
"Oh sure thing ginge. And who is going to keep watch exactly?"
"Nobody came passed while I was inside, did they? Now come and help me or we'll be here all night. And by that time we will have been caught!"
"Fine.” she snapped. “Well come on, go, go, go!" she pushed him inside.
They'd been no more than five minutes when Sarah sensed somebody coming. She heard the governess' voice and footsteps coming echoing down the passageway outside, coming nearer and nearer.
"Under the bed! "she cried in a whisper.
"What?”
"Bed! Now, Allan!"
"God you're a bit keen aren't ya?" he said grinning openly to her.
"Oh shut up." Sarah said as she scrambled under the bed. "I'm not being caught in here for you or Gisborne!”
Finally understanding her meaning Allan dropped to the floor and squeezed himself in next to Sarah. Never one to miss an opportunity, he slipped a hand around her waist. She was about to protest- loudly- but Allan covered her mouth with his hand.
He shushed her almost silently “They are here." he whispered next to her ear.
*****
Marian ran a finger once more the little pieces of paper now surrounding her and she felt like crying again. She knew Guy was a sinner but... he had never pretended to be a saint. He had committed terrible wrongs. But he'd had nobody. He'd told her that once. He'd never had someone he could trust... someone he knew would not betray him. It was no small wonder he had become so heartless when all he had was himself. But he had tried... for her. She had been the one person he had wanted to feel for and she had rejected him. He'd loved her but she hadn't realised until it was too late. He could have easily have lashed out and killed her in Acra. Knowing his temper as she did, Marian had steeled herself for such a result. Guy always acted rashly. Always regretted it after. She'd made her peace with it before she even told him.
"I rather die than being with you, Guy of Gisborne"
She vaguely remembered Vaisey shouting something and Guy throwing a dagger over her shoulder. Then he pushed her to the floor, roaring in pain as an arrow hit his shoulder. She'd thought it was Robin's at first. But it was not. It was the Sheriff's. And it had been meant for her. Guy had told her his world would be ash without her... but she'd never thought he would throw himself in front of an arrow for her. Guy seemed to need time to think his sacrifices through usually. As his weight collapsed onto her and Marian understood what he had done... she knew she had been lying before.
You lied to me. You mocked me. You never really cared for me. You're a liar and I can't believe I have given my heart to such a cruel woman. I never believed you capable of such wrong. I always thought you so pure. So innocent. And all the time you werebetraying me. My angel was in league with Hood, with my enemy, all along. You were the Nightwatchman. Nightwatchman! You were the Nightwatchman! I've seen the scars... Oh, Marian! All this time when I loved you,when I gave you my heart completely and thougght that- in time- you would accept me, I never had a chance. Never, even in my darkest dreams, have I thought you to be capable of such betrayal. You who hated treachery of all kinds and punished me mercilessly for mine. All this time, you were laughing at me. With Hood . ... Yet I cannot hate you! Despite all the harsh words I threw to you, despite all the anger running through my veins, I don't feel strong enough to not love you.
I have tried before.
Oh, God! What a long day that had been! He'd thought deception was in her nature after that but it was not. She'd not considered her lies at first. When she had first faced him as the Nightwatchman, they had been little more than acquaintances. It had barely registered when she saw him with a bruise she'd inflicted. When he was courting her their fights were something of a release and she had not considered how betrayed he have felt had he know. Her lies were never meant to hurt him. But she had never actively sought not to hurt him.
They were on the opposites sides of life, though he may not understand that yet and she could not remain silent and allow his side to mistreat people as if they were pieces on a chess board. The Nightwatchman was the only thing that gave her a sense of peace. She was still amazed he didn't discover her secret much earlier but... perhaps his love for her was blinding him, making himself believe what was easier to.
"You don't know me as well as you think" he had said. Well, if there was one thing this box proved, that was it.
This dream day has become a nightmare! You left me there with all the people of Nottingham looking at me and trying to conceal their laughter. Even that damned priest was grinning like a fool Me, stood up at the altar, punched in the face by my own bride. I felt I could lay there on the floor forever, just waiting for death to come. My eyes finally opened to the truth. I feel like I could burn the whole Nottingham, I feel I could beat someone to death, I feel... What do I have to do to not feel anymore?
Marian would always be a little ashamed of herself for that. She had been furious at the time. Furious that he could have lied about something so important. And put her father in danger as a result. But... she knew humiliating him at the alter had been neither a wise, nor a kind, reaction. Perhaps she could have explained herself to the congregation. Asked him to continue to wait. Even running out wordlessly would have been better than knocking the man to the floor.
I feel like a God today! I have never hoped for a reconciliation with Marian as much as I do today. Everything started bad, worse... the Sheriff was missing. He had been seen leaving the castle on Horseback... in his nightclothes, but with a visitor; Sir Jasper. The effeminate leech of a man was a vassal of Prince John, here to collect the Sheriff's seal. No Sheriff, no seal, no Nottingham. But I, as a black knight, would be spared along with my family. Marian... you would not become my family. You refused to abandon the people of Nottinghamand Prince John's envoy were on the march to burn Nottingham to the ground. You- and your usual willfullness- were making go out of my mind. But then as I was out there, at the gate, ready to leave before the city was to be razed, I realized there was nothing to me if you died. I had to bear Prince John's man laughing in my face but I didn't care, how could I when everything I cared for was within those walls. "And without her, my world may as well turn to ash" I heard myself saying, no matter what the question was.I'd die for you, Marian. I would gladly give my life any moment just to know you're safe and happy. Even though, now I know I had no chance to win your heart. I live in hope cause we stood side by side, waiting to die and she took my arm.
'Yes!' she thought, with a wide smile on her face. That day he was her knight in black leather, fighting for Nottingham instead of wearing it down; being a brave man instead of Vaisey's puppet. She'd thought she had come unhinged when she saw him, standing on the stairs above her and telling her that he was going to die by her side.
Marian had felt something for Guy in that moment, something she'd only felt before that night at Locksley Manor when he had been half naked and half armoured. The beauty of his body in the candlelight left her breathless and she had to admit her heart was skipping a beat each time her eyes met his.
She was impatient to find the piece of paper that belonged to that night. She was dying to know what he felt and what he thought she felt... Surely he had written something about it.
Now she was sure. She needed to see him once more, just once more to be sure of the step she was about to make. She was engaged to Robin and there was no turning back from that but she needed to be sure this was only a silly thing. She felt flattered by Guy's deep feelings but nothing more. Nothing more.
Surely it was nothing more.
****
"Now, move that bed!”As soon as Lady Georgia entered the room and said those four words, Sarah felt her soul leaving her body.
“We need to find it no matter what. And as soon as we finish here we go to Vaisey's rooms."
The guards started moving the heavy four-poster. Wild panic filled Sarah, as she tried to slide along with it, maintaining her hiding place. But the bed was moving faster than the maid could shuffle. Allan grabbed her just before they were discovered, and pulled her towards him in a desperate kiss. Sarah tried, in vain, to push him away but it was too late. Three pairs of curious eyes were upon them.
"Well well well.” came the governesses voice, causing the two 'lovers' to jump apart. “Oh, I really hope you have an explanation for such a situation"
"Madam,! I... I am so sorry!" she apologized as she tried to scramble to her feet, helped by Allan who, incredibly, was standing in a second. "He is Da... Da..."
"Dale Davidson, from Nettlestone. I'm Sarah's fiance" Allan interrupted. "We only got engaged a couple of days ago and her father don't exactly love me as a son. I wanted to see her... it's it's my fault. I pulled her in here when she tried to make me leave. Please, don't punish her.”
"She is working. She can play around all she wants in her free time! This is your last warning,..." Georgia said waiting for the name of the maid.
"Sarah, my lady" she replied with an awkward curtsey, shivering from head to toe. Allan noticed that and took hold of her hand in his again.
"Understood then, Sarah! Now, go and show your fiancé the door and back to work!"
"Yes, madam!" she exclaimed pulling Allan out of the room, clutching tightly to his hand.
However, it was not to the castle gates that they were headed but to Lady Marian's rooms.
“Just a minute!” squeaked Marian, when they knocked on her door. She hurried to stuff all the papers back in their box and hide Guys and the Nightwatchmen's clothes from sight.
“My Lady it is us.” called Sarah's voice through the wood.
Slamming Guys wooden chest in her desk she called for them to come in.
"It's gone!" said Allan as soon as the door opened. "I've searched the whole room and it's not there"
Marian ignored him. She knew the box would not be there, she had just shut it in her desk but... Sarah was looking very flushed.
"Is something wrong, Sarah?" Marian asked.
"We're were caught as we were searching the room!" panted the maid, struggling to catch her breath.
"How? You were supposed to just escort him into the castle and keep watch." asked Marian, already looking to Allan for an answere.
"His idea. "Sarah pointed to Allan.
"I needed some help!” he protested. “But we didn't get time enough. This awful bird came in."
"I don't understand. If you were caught, why are you here?" she asked again as she tried hard to understand.
"We hid under the bed... "Sarah started.
"And the guards, removed it so we were in plain sight." Allan continued.
"And I didn't know what to do! I was shaking..."
"That's just coz I kissed you though. I'm a good kisser, you know!" Allan admitted sharing a wink with the maid.
"You...kissed her? " Marian was confused.
"His idea, again!" Sarah said to her shoes, the colour in her cheeks brighter than ever.
"I couldn't think of anything coherent to say so I kissed her " he said to Marian before turning to Sarah and added "And you may deny, but you were pretty much for the cause, my lady, you kissed me back!"
"In your dreams, Dale!" she gasped, feeling a little ashamed.
"Dale? Listen you can Dale me all you like, you called me Allan earlier!"
"My lady, if you don't need me, I would like to go back to the kitchens before Lady Georgia misses me."
"Yes," Marian agreed. "Yes, of course. I'll send for you when you're needed"
"We need another plan-”Allan began, not saying a word to Sarah as the young maid disappeared through the door.
"Word to the wise Allan,” said Marian stiffly, “Do not play with her feelings."
"Oh you're a fine one to talk!"
"It is not the same!” answered Marian. Allan obviously did not entirely agree. “I need to see him, Allan.” she said quietly.
"He doesn't want to see you, Marian, you should know that."
"I know he still loves me and..." she couldn't end the sentence. It was too painful to admit she may love him too when it was settled she would marry Robin.
"And what, Marian?"
"Nothing! It's nothing!"
"Good, then let's go back to the matter at hand,” Allan said "Now about this chest-”
"What chest?” For a moment Marian thought Allan had seen the wooden box and a fleeting sensation of panic rippled through her.
"The chest I intend to find for Guy... I need to go to Vaisey's rooms. Maybe it's in there."
They were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Allan scurried under the bed, for the second time that day. Marian quickly draped her dressing gown over the foot of the bed to conceal his shoes.
“My lady, may ask something of you?" Lord Foxley shouted through the door.
"I cannot attend you properly right now, my lord Sheriff. May I join you in the Great Hall in a few moments, please?" she called back.
"I was wondering if you could do me the great favour of taking our guest for a ride through Sherwood Forest." the Sheriff continued, as though he had not heard her response. "I have some business I need to take care of and Lord Winchester has been asking for you this morning"
"Damn!” cursed Marian. “I had to bear the father and now I must babysit his son too?" Marian whispered to Allan.
"Winchester's son? Well congratulations Marian. That family has set their eyes on you!·" he whispered back trying his best not to laugh.
"Lady Marian?"
"Yes, my lord!" Marian answered losing her temper.
"Settled then. I will have the horses saddled. He awaits your company in the Great Hall."
"Yes, my lord" she repeated mechanically.
At the sound of fading footsteps, Allan reappeared from underneath the bed. There was a question in his eyes that he'd clearly rather not ask.
"Don't look at me like that, Allan! I'll stay away from the camp."she said putting a tentative hand on his shoulder. "But... I really need to see him.”
"You don't give up easily, do you?" Allan said trying to sound nice "Right now, my main concern is that chest. And yours is the latest Winchester"
"Fine. But this is not over yet!" she replied.
"Oh, I'm sure it isn't! Now go! " he said as she watched her go to the door. "Marian...?”
"You change your mind? " she ventured with a smile.
"Be careful with Winchester"
"He better be careful with me!" she snorted with a grin.
"Fair point! Sometimes I forgot I'm talking to the Nightwatchman!"
"Not to mention I'm the one who knocks the sense back into you when it's needed.”
***
Riding through Nottingham Forest with a man that made her skin crawl was Marian's idea of a pleasant morning. They rode in silence, for the most part. From time to time Marian would remark upon some local legend to fulfil her duty as a guide. Marian thought that Winchester might not have asked for this tour through the woods either. He looked uncomfortable.
"So Lady Marian... How long do you intend to stay at the castle?"
"Excuse me, my lord, but I don't understand the question"
"It's been a long since Robin left for the Holy Land and it's a war after all. I'm sure you consider death as a possibility" he said remarking "death" with voice and gesture.
"Of course.” she replied stiffly. “But I know in my heart Robin will be back soon and we will be married."
"And the other man? The Sheriff's Master at Arms? Any news about him?"
"He was severely wounded when I left Acra and I've heard nothing of the matter since then."
"It is probaby only idle gossip," he began "but most people said that Gisbert is coming back to Nottingam."
"Gisborne, my lord, Sir Guy of Gisborne" she corrected him. " And as I said before, I have not heard any news.”
"But you were his friend? There was a time when you were betrothed to him, I believe.”
"A promise made under duress. My father was ill and we needed protection so...Why don't you get straight to the point, my lord? she suddenly prompted.
"Whatever do you mean?" he asked guiltily.
"You are questioning about everything but the thing you really wish to know about."
"And that is...?" he stared at her, holding back the reins.
"Your father. His death and everything surrounding it."
"You are a clever woman, Marian..." he admitted grudgingly.
"Lady Marian, if you don't mind my lord."
"Who killed him? "
"I don't know, they were wearing hoods and I could not see their faces."
"Hoods, like your fiancé?"
"Robin would never have done something like that. They were wearing long black cloaks and strange insignia on the right size of the chest..." she lied "I believe it was the Black Knights' work. Your father wasn't specially popular among them since he tried to blackmail the Sheriff"
Winchester stopped his horse. "If you think you can treat me the same way you do all the other men around you, my lady, you are grossly mistaken! I may act it but I can assure you I am no fool! So you had better start being nice with me or you are going to find yourself in a lot of trouble, understood?"
"Oh, I see you are as charming as your father" she answered. "Now I am not some silly girl to be bullied and patronised as you seem to think. Now you had better watch your manners or you will find yourself in trouble, are we clear? she answered back. "I'm the bounce-back kind, Lord Winchester"
"I am too, Missy!" and at that very moment, he pulled a dagger from nowhere grabbed Marian's exposed forearm, dragging the blade across it. Marian punched him and pulled her arm from his grip, kicking her horse into a gallop. Winchester caught the beasts flank with his blade before Marian had chance to escape.
The poor animal went mad and Marian struggled to remain in the saddle. Winchester watched her with an evil grin on his face.
"Oh dear! Lady Marian has been taken by rogues." he called after her, turning his horse back to Nottingham.
After a long run, the horse stopped abruptly and Marian was thrown to the ground and left there.