Fic: Better Days Will Come 22
Title: Better Days Will Come
By: Kegel
Fandom: Robin Hood BBC
Characters: Allan, Guy, Marian, Robin
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Anything that you recognize I do not own.
Summary: A twist of history and an unexpected offer give Robin new opportunities in his fight for both his people and country. It also brings new dilemmas, as he and the gang have to make hard choices to find their way when conflicts come to a head.
Spoilers: Till mid-season 2.
Chapter Summary: Allan starts a new life, Guy reveals a secret, and Robin and Marian have a talk.
Notes: Thanks to emmithar for the beta!
Chapter 22: Uncovered
At first Allan had not really known where to go. Will and John had sent him away, and Djaq had advised him to leave for the time being, telling him that he would be able to come back later. Much had been friendly, obviously happy to be back at Locksley, while Robin had reacted angrily, which hadn't really been a surprise, as much as the punch had hurt.
After that Allan had decided it was really better to leave, and had made his way to the only place that seemed to make sense for now: Nottingham. The villages were too closely knit to allow a new life for him there, no matter that many of the villagers would know who he was, or at least know that he had belonged to Robin Hood's gang.
In the town, on the other hand, things were easier, especially as they had all been pardoned. He was free to start a new life there. He might have considered checking in on Gisborne, see if the man had any leads for him, as he was the one who was basically responsible that Allan wouldn't get any assistance from Robin, but seeing that Locksley was back in Robin's hand and Gisborne apparently out, he figured there was no help to get from Guy either; he wouldn't have wanted to ask an irate Master-of-Arms in any way.
So Allan had made his way to the Tripp Inn. He was known there, of course, and not exactly unpopular. The fact that he wasn't an outlaw anymore now helped as well, as the innkeeper didn't
have to worry about getting into trouble for associating with an outlaw now. So when Allan had asked, the man had nodded, and as Allan had laid out his suggestion, a broad smile had followed.
Now Allan was sitting with his third ale that he had not needed to pay and a number of patrons was listening to him intently.
“So the gang's really in trouble with all of the sheriff's men,” he told them, “when Will and I are coming back and help them out and fight the guards off one against three. And there we are.”
There were cheers and Allan emptied the rest of his ale, while one of the patrons signaled the innkeeper to get Allan a new one.
“So you lived in a cave then? But you've got a real camp now, with bunks and a kitchen?” the man asked fascinated.
“Yeah,” Allan nodded. “It's hidden and got trees all around.”
“Can you tell again the story how you caught the taxman?” another man grinned, downing his own drink.
“Sure I can,” Allan agreed. The men here had already a few favourites of the stories he could tell of his dangerous outlaw life. Besides that he was doing some odd jobs for the innkeeper, which was what earned him a roof over his head, and so far he liked this new life pretty much.
“And do you know who the Nightwatchman is?” The man smiled. “He's been helping for years, and you've been working with him, haven't you?”
Allan shrugged. “Even if I knew, and it's not like we really know, I couldn't really tell you. I mean, he's wearing a mask for a reason, isn't he?” He hoped the man would give up the question. He hadn't even told Gisborne for money who the Nightwatchman really was, so he surely wouldn't do so for a cup of ale, would he?
“Nobody can really know. There's even more than one Nightwatchman, if you remember last year,” another man pointed out.
Allan laughed. No one needed to know that Djaq had been the second one. He grimaced at the thought, but then lifted the new cup of ale that had been placed in front of him. He wasn't planning to have any more regrets. For now, this worked well enough. Not being an outlaw anymore made Nottingham safe and he was sure he would find an odd job here and there once the patrons would grow tired of the stories of his life with Robin Hood's gang.
He didn't know what the others were doing. Will would probably return to Locksley. But life as a peasant wasn't for Allan anyway, he figured.
>>>>---------------------->
He mustn't lose sight of the man. This time he would catch him.
The Nightwatchman had descended to the streets of Nottingham by now, was running around corners, naturally in hopes of escaping Gisborne.
Guy didn't dare to alert any guards to the situation, unwilling to have them charge at him instead, if the sheriff had ordered them to do so, which was rather likely after what had been going on at the castle. So he needed to capture the man single-handedly and earn single-handedly the prize... winning back the sheriff's trust.
Running as fast as he could, Guy looked ahead to consider which way the Nightwatchman would try to flee. There were not so many ways out of Nottingham for a fleeing man. Maybe he would try to hide somewhere in the town, but as long as Guy would not lose sight of him, he would not manage to do so, and even then Guy would simply follow into whatever house the man might choose as a refuge.
As he came to the market, Guy was briefly held up by villagers walking into his way, that was until they recognized him and were backing away, leaving the way free to hunt after the Nightwatchman. Guy's excitement rose as he saw that his prey was facing similar problems ahead. The man tried to evade the collection of people, climbing over a heap of logs that was piled up next to a house. Reaching the top of the heap, the Nightwatchman stumbled though, tumbling forward.
Guy grinned as he rushed ahead, knowing his chance. The Nightwatchman scrambled to his feet, but he was trapped. At one side the house was looming, the roof too high to reach it from the ground, at the other side people, watching the spectacle and trying to make the way free for the thief. And then there was Gisborne coming up to them.
The Nightwatchman saw him and stared at him for a moment, before turning and trying to climb back over the logs he had just stumbled from. Guy followed, but then the Nightwatchman jumped and reached the roof of the house from the top of the logs. Feeling not quite as acrobatic, Guy ran around the building, cursing, pushing through people coming to stand in his way.
Still, he could see the Nightwatchman fleeing over the roof and guessed where the man would try to descend. Guy awaited him with a smile, drawing back into the shadows of the house. He hoped to catch the man unaware. Now he would not get away.
And then the masked man appeared above, and Guy watched him climb downwards. He didn't simply want to strike him down, no matter that he could. He wanted to catch him, and show his catch to Vaysey.
He didn't want to kill him, not right now. He needed to tackle him... The Nightwatchman dropped the last few feet to the ground and Guy jumped forward, colliding with the man so that both of them came to a fall.
Guy did his best to pin the other to the ground, but could feel him turning and a moment later the pain as the man kicked him in the guts. Guy winced and grabbed the Nightwatchman's cape, but the other was already back on his feet. Guy now gripped his sword, panting.
“Give up. You've got nowhere to go,” he called. “You might even get to see tomorrow, if you give up now. Else, die here.” He struck out with the sword, but the Nightwatchman skirted away from it like he had done many times before. Only once, one glorious time had Guy managed to sink a blade into the man's guts. There had been another time when he had managed a superficial wound. Both times though, it had not been enough to kill. And he didn't intend to kill right here and now. But the other didn't need to know that.
Guy struck out again and again and again, but couldn't get anywhere. Pretending another strike, he jumped forward again, now bringing his full body weight against the other. A moment later he could feel the blood in his face, as another kick had found its mark, as the Nightwatchman rolled away. Guy reached for him again, seeing that the other was groggy, too. He only got a grip on cloth again, pulling the cape as the Nightwatchman tried to turn away. Guy heard a quiet groan as the man was held back.
No, no man. That sound...
“Who are you?”
With a quick pull the other freed himself, backing away. Guy held up his sword again.
“Who are you?”
The other moved backwards still and Guy watched him in frustration.
“Why did you help me?” It was a good question. It didn't make any sense. Did the man think he would let him go now, because of that?
Still not having received an answer, he stepped forward again, pointlessly swinging his sword, as he knew the other would be able to evade him again. The man picked up a piece of wood and Guy almost laughed, wondering if he intended to defend himself with that. If Guy just kept it up a little while longer, he might be able to lead the Nightwatchman down into the dungeons after all. What a feat that would be. He had even managed to catch Robin Hood before, but never the Nightwatchman!
Striking again, the staff in the Nightwatchman's hands caught the sword this time, but it was obvious that the piece would not hold for very long. After a few more deflected or evaded strikes, Guy swung his sword to the side, triumphantly catching the other's arm this time. The cry made Guy freeze. The sound - it was not what it should have been.
But now... the other was hurt, not just exhausted. Guy wasn't the only one whose blood was trickling to the ground. It was his chance to finish this.
Gisborne stood frozen a moment too long. The Nightwatchman brought the staff upwards, swinging it against Guy's head. Guy dropped his sword, the sound he had heard still in his mind, as the pain of the strike came over him.
It couldn't be.
Trying to regain his balance, Guy reached for his sword, but saw that it was in the hands of the Nightwatchman now.
The man held the sword pointed at Gisborne, unmoving.
It seemed as if Guy saw the other really for the first time. The Nightwatchman; it wasn't a man.
Guy stared at her, seeing for the first time who was really before him, no matter that she was still wearing the mask.
“Marian.” It wasn't a question, no matter the faint feeling he had. As the first surprise was over, there came another feeling: betrayal. She was the traitor, the one who had stolen from the sheriff, from him, had been helping Hood... This, this was probably the worst of all.
She still held the sword, wasn't answering. But the silence was answer enough for him. He knew he was right.
“The Nightwatchman,” he said bitterly. “If I catch the Nightwatchman, the sheriff will welcome me back. I had to leave here because of you, because of your foolishness.” He reached up, feeling the blood that was still running down his cheek. “I didn't know it wasn't just foolishness. I didn't know you were a traitor.”
Seeing the sword pointed at him he figured it was not the wisest words he could choose. But what did it matter?
Marian reached up with one hand then, removing the mask and confirming her identity. She was pale, glancing at the wound at her arm.
Guy had as of yet to feel sorry for it.
He had wondered where she had gone, if she was safe. And now he knew that she was running around as the Nightwatchman, breaking the law, helping Hood... Oh, she had helped him, had saved him even several times over. She was working with Hood.
“We need to leave, Guy,” she said, a frown on her face that he was able to see now.
“Do we?” he sneered back at her. He had the Nightwatchman now. He knew who she was. She couldn't hide behind the secret identity anymore.
“The sheriff wants you dead.”
Guy gave a short laugh. Of course he had noticed this. It was all her fault. “Thanks to you.”
She ignored this, looking at him intently. “You need to leave. He wants to kill you. He even told Robin to do something about you.”
“Hood?” Gisborne spat. So the sheriff was working with Hood against him? And Marian was working with them? But she had saved him...
Marian shook her head, but Guy wasn't sure at what. “We can't talk about this here. We need to leave.”
“And where will we go, if I may ask?” Guy returned angrily. “Or where will you go? You can't run to Locksley anymore, can't go back to the castle. So it's off to Hood in the forest, isn't it?”
She looked at him sadly, slowly laying down his sword. He could just take it now and make her go to the castle, present his catch to the sheriff.
“Take care,” she said then. “Come to Locksley, if you need help.” She walked past him then, pushing the mask over her face again.
Guy stood fixed to the spot. After a few moments he moved to pick up his sword, before he finally turned around.
The Nightwatchman was gone.
>>>>---------------------->
Robin had noticed that it wasn't only at night that Marian left Locksley. She was still restless, Robin could see that, and it was not the first time today that the Nightwatchman had started her tour from Locksley.
It caused him to wonder if she didn't really want to be there. But then he could understand her need to do something... Robin planned to talk to Thornton once more about the taxes. The new tax that was to be paid by himself did not bother him so much; it was to get the money for the king's ransom together after all. But he also knew that the peasants didn't have anything to give anymore. He couldn't ask it from them.
Robin rubbed his fingers as they grew cold in the fresh spring air. The ones that had been hurt did not bother him much anymore. Still, he hadn't yet used a bow again. He had been standing outside of the house for a while now. The sun hadn't shown itself at all during the day, so any warmth the coming season might promise wasn't there yet.
The horse that came from the distance showed him that his wait hadn't been in vain.
Marian looked thoughtful when she dismounted. She had packed up the Nightwatchman's clothes in her bag and Robin wondered how many people might have seen the masked man leaving these past few days. How many of them would guess his identity?
“Has everything gone alright?” he asked, but a closer look at her told him that it hadn't. She was hurt.
“Gisborne,” she said, as she led her horse away. “He is back.”
“Where?”
“I saw him in Nottingham.”
The tone of her voice told him that this wasn't quite everything. She hadn't only seen the man and Robin's frown grew deeper as he saw her injury and heard of Gisborne...
“Where?” he went on.
“He went to the castle,” Marian specified.
Robin smirked. “I'm sure Vaysey liked that. Are they both alive?”
Marian patted the horse. “Can we go inside and talk there?”
Robin sobered up and nodded. When they were in the house, he wasn't even sure he really wanted to talk about Gisborne. Or Vaysey.
“Gisborne-” she started.
“I'm not sure what I'm doing,” he said.
“What?”
He turned to her, having closed the door to the hall. “We have to bring the king home, but I don't know if we're doing just that. I don't know where the taxes are going, where the money is going. Who's telling us Vaysey isn't using it for the Black Knights?”
“Maybe Gisborne can help,” Marian said.
“What?”
“I told you, I saw him in Nottingham. He came back.”
Robin scoffed. “Yes, but he's not on best terms with Vaysey, is he? And if he is, we are not on best terms with him, or are you?”
Marian shook her head. “The sheriff tried to kill him.”
Robin gave a short laugh. He didn't really want to care if Gisborne and Vaysey were at each others throats, but he couldn't really help feeling a little satisfied. He had wanted to get back at Gisborne... Marian didn't feel it was right, but then she seemed to have a soft spot for that murderer anyway. Robin frowned, the laugh gone, as he tried to banish the less amusing thoughts, too.
“But he's alive?” he clarified her earlier point.
She nodded. “The Nightwatchman... helped.” Her expression told him that she expected him to be angered, showing him just clearly enough that there was no point in fighting the issue. She already knew what he thought.
“So what do you want to do? How can he help us?” Robin didn't exactly try to keep his incredulity out of the question.
“He may not be able to get to sheriff now, but you can. And I'm sure there are things he knows that can help us.”
Robin sighed. “Then let's try.”
TBC
By: Kegel
Fandom: Robin Hood BBC
Characters: Allan, Guy, Marian, Robin
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Anything that you recognize I do not own.
Summary: A twist of history and an unexpected offer give Robin new opportunities in his fight for both his people and country. It also brings new dilemmas, as he and the gang have to make hard choices to find their way when conflicts come to a head.
Spoilers: Till mid-season 2.
Chapter Summary: Allan starts a new life, Guy reveals a secret, and Robin and Marian have a talk.
Notes: Thanks to emmithar for the beta!
Chapter 22: Uncovered
At first Allan had not really known where to go. Will and John had sent him away, and Djaq had advised him to leave for the time being, telling him that he would be able to come back later. Much had been friendly, obviously happy to be back at Locksley, while Robin had reacted angrily, which hadn't really been a surprise, as much as the punch had hurt.
After that Allan had decided it was really better to leave, and had made his way to the only place that seemed to make sense for now: Nottingham. The villages were too closely knit to allow a new life for him there, no matter that many of the villagers would know who he was, or at least know that he had belonged to Robin Hood's gang.
In the town, on the other hand, things were easier, especially as they had all been pardoned. He was free to start a new life there. He might have considered checking in on Gisborne, see if the man had any leads for him, as he was the one who was basically responsible that Allan wouldn't get any assistance from Robin, but seeing that Locksley was back in Robin's hand and Gisborne apparently out, he figured there was no help to get from Guy either; he wouldn't have wanted to ask an irate Master-of-Arms in any way.
So Allan had made his way to the Tripp Inn. He was known there, of course, and not exactly unpopular. The fact that he wasn't an outlaw anymore now helped as well, as the innkeeper didn't
have to worry about getting into trouble for associating with an outlaw now. So when Allan had asked, the man had nodded, and as Allan had laid out his suggestion, a broad smile had followed.
Now Allan was sitting with his third ale that he had not needed to pay and a number of patrons was listening to him intently.
“So the gang's really in trouble with all of the sheriff's men,” he told them, “when Will and I are coming back and help them out and fight the guards off one against three. And there we are.”
There were cheers and Allan emptied the rest of his ale, while one of the patrons signaled the innkeeper to get Allan a new one.
“So you lived in a cave then? But you've got a real camp now, with bunks and a kitchen?” the man asked fascinated.
“Yeah,” Allan nodded. “It's hidden and got trees all around.”
“Can you tell again the story how you caught the taxman?” another man grinned, downing his own drink.
“Sure I can,” Allan agreed. The men here had already a few favourites of the stories he could tell of his dangerous outlaw life. Besides that he was doing some odd jobs for the innkeeper, which was what earned him a roof over his head, and so far he liked this new life pretty much.
“And do you know who the Nightwatchman is?” The man smiled. “He's been helping for years, and you've been working with him, haven't you?”
Allan shrugged. “Even if I knew, and it's not like we really know, I couldn't really tell you. I mean, he's wearing a mask for a reason, isn't he?” He hoped the man would give up the question. He hadn't even told Gisborne for money who the Nightwatchman really was, so he surely wouldn't do so for a cup of ale, would he?
“Nobody can really know. There's even more than one Nightwatchman, if you remember last year,” another man pointed out.
Allan laughed. No one needed to know that Djaq had been the second one. He grimaced at the thought, but then lifted the new cup of ale that had been placed in front of him. He wasn't planning to have any more regrets. For now, this worked well enough. Not being an outlaw anymore made Nottingham safe and he was sure he would find an odd job here and there once the patrons would grow tired of the stories of his life with Robin Hood's gang.
He didn't know what the others were doing. Will would probably return to Locksley. But life as a peasant wasn't for Allan anyway, he figured.
>>>>---------------------->
He mustn't lose sight of the man. This time he would catch him.
The Nightwatchman had descended to the streets of Nottingham by now, was running around corners, naturally in hopes of escaping Gisborne.
Guy didn't dare to alert any guards to the situation, unwilling to have them charge at him instead, if the sheriff had ordered them to do so, which was rather likely after what had been going on at the castle. So he needed to capture the man single-handedly and earn single-handedly the prize... winning back the sheriff's trust.
Running as fast as he could, Guy looked ahead to consider which way the Nightwatchman would try to flee. There were not so many ways out of Nottingham for a fleeing man. Maybe he would try to hide somewhere in the town, but as long as Guy would not lose sight of him, he would not manage to do so, and even then Guy would simply follow into whatever house the man might choose as a refuge.
As he came to the market, Guy was briefly held up by villagers walking into his way, that was until they recognized him and were backing away, leaving the way free to hunt after the Nightwatchman. Guy's excitement rose as he saw that his prey was facing similar problems ahead. The man tried to evade the collection of people, climbing over a heap of logs that was piled up next to a house. Reaching the top of the heap, the Nightwatchman stumbled though, tumbling forward.
Guy grinned as he rushed ahead, knowing his chance. The Nightwatchman scrambled to his feet, but he was trapped. At one side the house was looming, the roof too high to reach it from the ground, at the other side people, watching the spectacle and trying to make the way free for the thief. And then there was Gisborne coming up to them.
The Nightwatchman saw him and stared at him for a moment, before turning and trying to climb back over the logs he had just stumbled from. Guy followed, but then the Nightwatchman jumped and reached the roof of the house from the top of the logs. Feeling not quite as acrobatic, Guy ran around the building, cursing, pushing through people coming to stand in his way.
Still, he could see the Nightwatchman fleeing over the roof and guessed where the man would try to descend. Guy awaited him with a smile, drawing back into the shadows of the house. He hoped to catch the man unaware. Now he would not get away.
And then the masked man appeared above, and Guy watched him climb downwards. He didn't simply want to strike him down, no matter that he could. He wanted to catch him, and show his catch to Vaysey.
He didn't want to kill him, not right now. He needed to tackle him... The Nightwatchman dropped the last few feet to the ground and Guy jumped forward, colliding with the man so that both of them came to a fall.
Guy did his best to pin the other to the ground, but could feel him turning and a moment later the pain as the man kicked him in the guts. Guy winced and grabbed the Nightwatchman's cape, but the other was already back on his feet. Guy now gripped his sword, panting.
“Give up. You've got nowhere to go,” he called. “You might even get to see tomorrow, if you give up now. Else, die here.” He struck out with the sword, but the Nightwatchman skirted away from it like he had done many times before. Only once, one glorious time had Guy managed to sink a blade into the man's guts. There had been another time when he had managed a superficial wound. Both times though, it had not been enough to kill. And he didn't intend to kill right here and now. But the other didn't need to know that.
Guy struck out again and again and again, but couldn't get anywhere. Pretending another strike, he jumped forward again, now bringing his full body weight against the other. A moment later he could feel the blood in his face, as another kick had found its mark, as the Nightwatchman rolled away. Guy reached for him again, seeing that the other was groggy, too. He only got a grip on cloth again, pulling the cape as the Nightwatchman tried to turn away. Guy heard a quiet groan as the man was held back.
No, no man. That sound...
“Who are you?”
With a quick pull the other freed himself, backing away. Guy held up his sword again.
“Who are you?”
The other moved backwards still and Guy watched him in frustration.
“Why did you help me?” It was a good question. It didn't make any sense. Did the man think he would let him go now, because of that?
Still not having received an answer, he stepped forward again, pointlessly swinging his sword, as he knew the other would be able to evade him again. The man picked up a piece of wood and Guy almost laughed, wondering if he intended to defend himself with that. If Guy just kept it up a little while longer, he might be able to lead the Nightwatchman down into the dungeons after all. What a feat that would be. He had even managed to catch Robin Hood before, but never the Nightwatchman!
Striking again, the staff in the Nightwatchman's hands caught the sword this time, but it was obvious that the piece would not hold for very long. After a few more deflected or evaded strikes, Guy swung his sword to the side, triumphantly catching the other's arm this time. The cry made Guy freeze. The sound - it was not what it should have been.
But now... the other was hurt, not just exhausted. Guy wasn't the only one whose blood was trickling to the ground. It was his chance to finish this.
Gisborne stood frozen a moment too long. The Nightwatchman brought the staff upwards, swinging it against Guy's head. Guy dropped his sword, the sound he had heard still in his mind, as the pain of the strike came over him.
It couldn't be.
Trying to regain his balance, Guy reached for his sword, but saw that it was in the hands of the Nightwatchman now.
The man held the sword pointed at Gisborne, unmoving.
It seemed as if Guy saw the other really for the first time. The Nightwatchman; it wasn't a man.
Guy stared at her, seeing for the first time who was really before him, no matter that she was still wearing the mask.
“Marian.” It wasn't a question, no matter the faint feeling he had. As the first surprise was over, there came another feeling: betrayal. She was the traitor, the one who had stolen from the sheriff, from him, had been helping Hood... This, this was probably the worst of all.
She still held the sword, wasn't answering. But the silence was answer enough for him. He knew he was right.
“The Nightwatchman,” he said bitterly. “If I catch the Nightwatchman, the sheriff will welcome me back. I had to leave here because of you, because of your foolishness.” He reached up, feeling the blood that was still running down his cheek. “I didn't know it wasn't just foolishness. I didn't know you were a traitor.”
Seeing the sword pointed at him he figured it was not the wisest words he could choose. But what did it matter?
Marian reached up with one hand then, removing the mask and confirming her identity. She was pale, glancing at the wound at her arm.
Guy had as of yet to feel sorry for it.
He had wondered where she had gone, if she was safe. And now he knew that she was running around as the Nightwatchman, breaking the law, helping Hood... Oh, she had helped him, had saved him even several times over. She was working with Hood.
“We need to leave, Guy,” she said, a frown on her face that he was able to see now.
“Do we?” he sneered back at her. He had the Nightwatchman now. He knew who she was. She couldn't hide behind the secret identity anymore.
“The sheriff wants you dead.”
Guy gave a short laugh. Of course he had noticed this. It was all her fault. “Thanks to you.”
She ignored this, looking at him intently. “You need to leave. He wants to kill you. He even told Robin to do something about you.”
“Hood?” Gisborne spat. So the sheriff was working with Hood against him? And Marian was working with them? But she had saved him...
Marian shook her head, but Guy wasn't sure at what. “We can't talk about this here. We need to leave.”
“And where will we go, if I may ask?” Guy returned angrily. “Or where will you go? You can't run to Locksley anymore, can't go back to the castle. So it's off to Hood in the forest, isn't it?”
She looked at him sadly, slowly laying down his sword. He could just take it now and make her go to the castle, present his catch to the sheriff.
“Take care,” she said then. “Come to Locksley, if you need help.” She walked past him then, pushing the mask over her face again.
Guy stood fixed to the spot. After a few moments he moved to pick up his sword, before he finally turned around.
The Nightwatchman was gone.
>>>>---------------------->
Robin had noticed that it wasn't only at night that Marian left Locksley. She was still restless, Robin could see that, and it was not the first time today that the Nightwatchman had started her tour from Locksley.
It caused him to wonder if she didn't really want to be there. But then he could understand her need to do something... Robin planned to talk to Thornton once more about the taxes. The new tax that was to be paid by himself did not bother him so much; it was to get the money for the king's ransom together after all. But he also knew that the peasants didn't have anything to give anymore. He couldn't ask it from them.
Robin rubbed his fingers as they grew cold in the fresh spring air. The ones that had been hurt did not bother him much anymore. Still, he hadn't yet used a bow again. He had been standing outside of the house for a while now. The sun hadn't shown itself at all during the day, so any warmth the coming season might promise wasn't there yet.
The horse that came from the distance showed him that his wait hadn't been in vain.
Marian looked thoughtful when she dismounted. She had packed up the Nightwatchman's clothes in her bag and Robin wondered how many people might have seen the masked man leaving these past few days. How many of them would guess his identity?
“Has everything gone alright?” he asked, but a closer look at her told him that it hadn't. She was hurt.
“Gisborne,” she said, as she led her horse away. “He is back.”
“Where?”
“I saw him in Nottingham.”
The tone of her voice told him that this wasn't quite everything. She hadn't only seen the man and Robin's frown grew deeper as he saw her injury and heard of Gisborne...
“Where?” he went on.
“He went to the castle,” Marian specified.
Robin smirked. “I'm sure Vaysey liked that. Are they both alive?”
Marian patted the horse. “Can we go inside and talk there?”
Robin sobered up and nodded. When they were in the house, he wasn't even sure he really wanted to talk about Gisborne. Or Vaysey.
“Gisborne-” she started.
“I'm not sure what I'm doing,” he said.
“What?”
He turned to her, having closed the door to the hall. “We have to bring the king home, but I don't know if we're doing just that. I don't know where the taxes are going, where the money is going. Who's telling us Vaysey isn't using it for the Black Knights?”
“Maybe Gisborne can help,” Marian said.
“What?”
“I told you, I saw him in Nottingham. He came back.”
Robin scoffed. “Yes, but he's not on best terms with Vaysey, is he? And if he is, we are not on best terms with him, or are you?”
Marian shook her head. “The sheriff tried to kill him.”
Robin gave a short laugh. He didn't really want to care if Gisborne and Vaysey were at each others throats, but he couldn't really help feeling a little satisfied. He had wanted to get back at Gisborne... Marian didn't feel it was right, but then she seemed to have a soft spot for that murderer anyway. Robin frowned, the laugh gone, as he tried to banish the less amusing thoughts, too.
“But he's alive?” he clarified her earlier point.
She nodded. “The Nightwatchman... helped.” Her expression told him that she expected him to be angered, showing him just clearly enough that there was no point in fighting the issue. She already knew what he thought.
“So what do you want to do? How can he help us?” Robin didn't exactly try to keep his incredulity out of the question.
“He may not be able to get to sheriff now, but you can. And I'm sure there are things he knows that can help us.”
Robin sighed. “Then let's try.”
TBC