Denial, Chapter 65: Saving England
Title: Denial, Chapter 65: Saving England
Author: teamlavender
Characters/Pairings: Allan, Will/Djaq, Robin/Marian, Legrand, Little John, Much/Carter, King Richard, Vaizey, Guy
Rating:PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: 5830
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by teamlavender. Takes place during AU 2x13.
Summary: Denial, the "season finale". The gang and Marian have been rescued from the desert by Much, Carter and Djaq. Allan is desperate to escape Vaizey's clutches and prove his loyalty to his old friends. Everything comes to a head when the gang face down Vaizey and Gisborne in the deserted village in a fight for their lives and King Richard's. Who will live and who will die? Oh right... this is Denial... the endings are better here!!
Previous chapter summaries & info about writing for Denial are here...
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Saving England
by darkentwisted, wastingyourgum, robinfanatic, perteltote, and jagnikjen
Allan trailed through Acre after Vaizey...
The man was in a bloody hurry for some reason and kept glancing back at him -- just often enough that it was impossible for him to slip away unseen. As they pulled up in front of their lodging, Vaizey slid off his horse and threw the reins at Allan and snapped, "Here you, boy, take care of that!"
As Vaizey rushed into the house, Allan slowly tied the horses off as he considered his options. He could leave now...no one would see him...or maybe he should try to learn what Vaizey was up to first. The gang wouldn't have much time out there in the sun...but if he didn't know the score it might not matter whether he got there in time or not.
Following on up the stairs, he could feel himself growing light-headed from the heat trapped under the tile roof. As he reached the top, Allan heard Vaizey berating someone. Nervously, he realized that it was coming from the room where Marian had been chained and where he and Marian had sat while Guy... He pushed open the door and reluctantly entered. He glanced around just in time to see Guy heave himself off the low bed and wobble to his feet.
"Allan..." Guy mumbled, "...what are you doing here? I thought that you--"
Vaizey hurled a bundle of black leather at his midsection.
Allan watched as the man nearly collapsed back to the bed at the impact. He felt a momentary urge to help as Vaizey shouted, "Get your clothes on, you useless idiot! I need you with me, NOW!"
But he just stood and watched as Guy slowly fumbled with the heavy clothes. Guy's sweat-slicked hair and pale skin already spoke of a fever, and it made Allan sweat just to look at all that black leather. Christ! He even had the overcoat there. You would never catch Allan wearing anything like that in a hell-hole like this.
Guy jumped as Vaizey screamed again, "You will be ready! I don't care how you feel! I am counting on you if the imposter fails! The king will die today or you will pay!"
Allan flinched and then tried to look nonchalant as Vaizey turned to glare at him before lowering his voice and hissing what sounded like detailed instructions into Guy's ear.
So that's what this was all about. The assassination attempt must be planned for this afternoon. Well then, all he had to do was go untie the gang and warn Robin there was some sort of imposter. He glanced up, ready to make an excuse and get the hell out of there, but paused as he glimpsed Guy's skin in the instant before he pulled his shirt over his head. He looked so soft and white out of the leather, and the way he stretched his damp head to catch Vaizey's whispers reminded Allan of a new-hatched chick. Quickly, he banished the thoughts -- the man might be many things, but defenceless certainly wasn't one of them. Guy would just have to handle the sheriff on his own. He had, after all, coped with Vaizey alone for years before Allan came along.
"I'll...uh...go saddle the horses," he said and slipped out of the room, hoping that no one would remember that the horses were saddled already.
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Although he had regained consciousness, Legrand was still dazed with heat exhaustion. The only scrap of shade for miles around was a nearby abandoned town. Much and Carter gave directions to it and then headed off with Robin and Marian to intercept the king. John and Will slowly half-carried, half-dragged Legrand towards it. Djaq followed behind them carrying several of the water-skins Much and Carter had brought, along with John's staff and Legrand's sword. Will had already reclaimed his axes.
John and Will staggered into the first house they could find that still had most of its roof intact and laid Legrand down in the darkest corner. John sat down heavily, still feeling fairly weak himself.
Djaq put the fullest water-skin down by his hand. "There's a well. I'll get some more water. You should take his armour and his boots off," she suggested, gesturing to Legrand.
John nodded and rolled his semi-responsive friend up into a sitting position and then leaned him across his shoulder so he could haul up the long chain-mail from under him. "Give me a hand here, Will," he grunted.
Will took hold of the sleeves of Legrand's mail shirt and tunic and tugged them upwards. Legrand slowly slid out of the armour and fell back towards the ground, now clad only in his leggings and boots.
John swore under his breath as he only just caught Legrand's head before it hit the floor. "Careful!" he spat. He bundled up the tunic and laid it under Legrand's head as a makeshift pillow.
Will set aside the mail shirt and under shirt. "Sorry. I'll go help Djaq with the water, shall I?" Will asked.
John nodded. "And keep an eye out in case Allan and the sheriff come back."
Will left, leaving the two larger men alone together.
John tugged off Legrand's boots and laid them beside his armour. He coughed a little and reached for the water-skin, hoping Djaq and Will would hurry back.
"Do my feet smell that bad?" Legrand rasped, without opening his eyes.
"Terrible," John replied. "Almost as bad as that cheese you made me try in Marseilles."
Legrand smiled weakly. "Palate-less peasant."
John gave a small chuckle. "How do you feel?" he asked gently.
"Hot. Light-headed -but I'll be fine in a minute or two." Legrand's voice was still faint and he coughed as he finished speaking.
"Here." John knelt beside him and lifted his head so he could drink some more water.
"Merci."
John placed his hand on Legrand's chest. It was still very hot. A long shiver ran through Legrand's body and John took his hand away in concern. "Are you getting chills?"
"Just when you touch me..." Legrand mumbled. His head rolled back as he passed out again.
John shook his head, but couldn't stop the small smile creasing his face. Idiot...
"How is he?" Djaq asked, coming into the room, followed closely by Will.
John turned. "He's fainted again but I think he's getting better."
Will looked from Legrand to Djaq. "You should stay here with him while John and I go catch up with the others," he said. "We can come back for you both later." Will tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible but he could tell from the wry smile Djaq gave him that she saw right through him.
"You mean I should stay out of the way of any possible fighting because of the baby," she said.
"Yes." Will put down the water he was carrying and took her in his arms. "I thought I'd lost you - lost you both - once already today. Please don't make me worry about you again - at least until tomorrow?"
"I could say the same thing..." Djaq said softly.
"I'll stay if you want me to. Just say the word."
"No, Robin will need you both. I will stay here and look after Legrand. You should go."
John stood up slowly, looking very closely at his boots as Djaq and Will kissed. Will walked outside without looking back, but John turned just before following him. "I'll look after him, Djaq," he promised her. "I know how much he means to you."
Djaq looked down at Legrand then back up at John. "I will do the same, John," she said with a smile.
John frowned and started to speak but Will called him from outside. He picked up his staff and left, leaving Djaq still grinning to herself as she sat beside Legrand and reached for the nearest water-skin...
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As soon as Allan had stepped outside, the heat struck him again, even worse than before. He shrugged his black vest off and arranged it haphazardly over his head, pulling it low to shade his eyes -- he was sure he looked a prize idiot, but it was that or fall over from the heat. These Saracens were an odd lot but they did have the whole head-covering thing right. He didn't even want to think about the gang -- and Maz -- stranded out there, bare to the sun.
Allan hurried back towards the desert and thought over what he would say instead. He had to get this right. Maz would back him up, but he had to convince the others.
His well-practiced arguments were all for naught, however. He found nothing but empty poles when he arrived. Someone else had rescued them first! Much? He suppressed a moment of annoyance and jealousy. He should be glad they were out of the sun. Saving their arses would have given him a good in, but he would find another way...
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Will and John hurried out of the house. They darted up the street and back toward the dilapidated village gate.
Will paused, anxiously peering around one corner. "I hear something."
John nodded, listening. "Horses. C'mon," he whispered.
They found refuge, ducking into an alleyway painted with shadows just as two Saracens raced by. The enemy soldiers disappeared out of sight as they rounded a corner at the far end of the street. Will was about to emerge from their hiding place when Vaizey and Gisborne came into view. Galloping on horseback, the two black knights were headed directly toward the house where Legrand was in Djaq's care.
Will's heart sank. "We have to go back."
"No - wait," John said, grabbing Will's arm. "Look. It's all right. They've moved past the house."
"If Vaizey and Gisborne are here..." Will peered back toward the gate.
"Then Robin and the others shouldn't be far behind," John added.
As if on cue, Carter and King Richard appeared.
John pointed straight ahead. "Let's find a way a way to put the sheriff between us and the others," he half-whispered.
Will nodded. The Black Knights would be surrounded. He and John headed up the street at a fast trot.
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Much saw Carter and the king disappear into a side street off the courtyard of the deserted village. Typical, both of them, Much thought, charging ahead without more protection. They'd followed the sheriff and Gisborne. Vaizey's other assassins had been ahead of them all. There was no telling where they might already be positioned.
Without warning, Much found himself falling from his horse. He smacked the desert sands hard, twisting awkwardly to avoid being crushed as the animal went down, hit by an arrow from some unseen assassin. He pressed himself into a pile of sandbags to dodge more arrows as Marian and Robin dismounted and scooted in beside him.
"Are you all right?" Robin asked him.
"Yeah." Much wondered if he shouldn't be asking Robin that after his encounter with the Saracen impersonating Saladin. But there had been little time for talk since the gang - and Marian - had been rescued from the desert.
Robin brushed his hand along Marian's cheek. "Marian?"
"I'm fine," she replied.
Robin eyed the courtyard. "Where's the king?"
"He went after the sheriff," Much said.
"This is a trap," Robin said.
Marian noticed that the enemy fire had stopped. Their attacker had bigger fish to fry - he'd turned his attention to King Richard. While Robin and Much plotted, she slipped away.
"We need to get out of here." Robin realized Marian had already taken it upon herself to steal away. He spotted the king and then his line of sight followed up to the roof above him where a Saracen assassin might lie in wait. Robin hustled down the street looking for a way to get to the rooftop.
As Robin found a way up and started to make his way Much hung back, tailing Robin just in time to see a Saracen appear from nowhere and train a dagger on his friend. "Oh no you don't!" Much said as he snuck up on a higher part of the roof behind the would-be assassin. His sword reacted before he could think and the perfect arc of his swing took the traitor's head.
Robin turned and grinned at his friend. For a moment it was like old times.
Much nodded, sheathed his sword, and climbed down to trail after the king and Carter. Robin was fine for now, and Much turned his attention to his lover.
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Robin scrambled across the rooftop, the high ground giving him an advantage that soldiers coveted. Skirting the edge of the building, he spotted Carter on foot tearing out from behind a pillar. Hoofbeats caught his ear and a moment later the king rounded the corner ahead. Richard spurred his horse forward, his sword flashing.
Robin nocked an arrow in his bow, motioning to Richard that the way was clear. But Richard reined in his horse, spotting movement on the rooftop above Robin's head.
The king's reluctance to advance baffled Robin for barely the blink of an eye. Richard hurled his sword. The weapon skimmed dangerously close to Robin's head but he ducked, feeling a blast of air. Behind him the Saracen screamed, blood seeping from his tunic where the sword gutted him.
Richard raised his fist in victory. Robin nodded as the king galloped past him down the street. Another Saracen stepped out from a doorway, his crossbow sighted on the king. He lifted it to fire but Robin spotted him and loosed his arrow first, forcing the attacker to recede into the shadows of an alleyway.
Robin jumped from the roof. He tore after the assassin. An oomph! and the distinct sound of a sword meeting wood made him freeze. A moment later the Saracen stumbled out of the alley. Little John emerged from the shadows, his staff striking blow after blow. John twisted to one side of the entrance as Will shot out behind him, his axe catching the Saracen's blade in a downward arc. The Saracen was as tall as Will but stronger and used to fighting in the desert heat. He pressed Will's axe away and lifted his weapon to strike again. Will stumbled in the soft sands but John's staff intercepted the swing that would have sent him to his Maker.
Robin unsheathed his sword and charged forward. The Saracen snaked away from John to meet Robin with a powerful thrust. Robin parried back. The Saracen paused, the tip of his blade teasing Robin's.
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Vaizey pulled his horse up abruptly and studied their backtrail; rising dust clearly marked their progress through the city and pursuing hoofbeats echoed off of the amber walls. He glanced around the empty square, noting several small side-streets paralleling the way they had come.
"Off the horse, Gisborne," he hissed. "It's time to go lion hunting."
They stashed the horses just off the square and then Vaizey hurriedly stationed Gisborne nearby, in a niche with a clear view over the square.
"You are the fail-safe Gisborne. I am trusting you with this, do not fail me. If the king makes it this far, you will take care of him, understood?"
Vaizey watched, satisfied, as the man nodded grimly and set himself to wait. Then, taking his bow, Vaizey ran back down one of the side streets, seeking the perfect spot for a....ah, yes, just here, the way was clear, the line was perfect...
He sat, chuckling to himself...yes, lions were undoubtedly brave, but that very courage made them foolhardy, and no one knew better than Vaizey how to take advantage of fools. He had always known that the best way to defeat a lion was to make it believe that it was the one hunting you. There! The hoof-beats were louder now and he nocked the arrow, drew the fletches back to his ear, waited for the moment...and the arrow was away! The bolt buried itself deep in the shoulder of the Lionheart. It was not a fatal shot, but it would be easy enough for Gisborne to finish the job.
He huddled back into his place of concealment, waiting for the others who were sure to follow.
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A painful wail ripped through the village. Robin recognized the voice but stood his ground against the Saracen.
"Your king is done, Robin Hood. And so are you." The Saracen faced Robin, John, and Will and laughed, showing no sign of fear.
Robin frowned, looked at his friends, then met the Saracen's eyes. The man was outnumbered three to one and cornered in the street with no chance for escape. And what of their king - hurt, maybe dying? Vaizey and Gisborne were still out there.
"Not at your hand," Robin replied.
"Right!" John exclaimed. "Not if I have anything to say about it!"
"John, Will," Robin said, "find something to tie this one up."
The Saracen glared at Robin then pounced, his weapon pressed toward the outlaw's heart. Will knocked the blade away with a swing of his axe and Robin lunged forward, his sword tearing into the man's chest. The Saracen collapsed to the ground, his bulging eyes meeting Robin's before he took his last breath.
Robin nodded to his men. "Let's find the king."
A scream suddenly pierced the hot desert air. Robin's heart stopped. "Marian!"
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Much turned into one deserted side street, paused and listened. A horse whinnied. He stepped forward cautiously. An arrow whined and the hoofbeats of a horse sounded just around the corner.
Carter suddenly appeared at a cross street ahead of him. He spotted Much, held a finger to his lips, and pointed. Much recognized the signal from countless encounters with the Turk in situations just like this.
Both men crept up the street until a voice roaring in pain halted their advance. The shout echoed through the village. Carter's expression told Much what he already knew. The king was in trouble.
Carter turned back the way he'd come. Much took off in a run to follow him.
Carter shot down the street and through a passageway. He hadn't noticed Vaizey skulking behind a pillar and brandishing a sword.
"Bye-bye, blondie," Vaizey snarled, bringing the hilt of his sword down, catching the knight in a sideways blow.
Carter stumbled, then scrambled backwards as Vaizey beat after him. Sword raised, the sheriff prepared to deliver a deathblow when suddenly, cold steel met his throat.
"Not so fast," Much hissed. "He's with me."
Carter shook his head and stood up, recovering his sword.
"Are you all right?" Much cautiously asked, glancing quickly sideways between the two men.
"Now that you're here." Carter smiled, rubbing his bruised temple.
"Ahh, Mulch is it? Hood's former boy toy." Vaizey glanced at the knight in front of him. "I heard you had upgraded masters." He spun around as he spoke and engaged the former servant. "You make such a fetching couple, too."
"Carter is not my master," Much spat wide-eyed as steel struck steel.
Vaizey turned to the other blond and smiled evilly, engaging Carter's sword as well. "Isn't that what the wife always says?" He continued trading thrusts with the two knights until a scream from the courtyard caused all three men to pause. Seeing his chance to escape, Vaizey ran.
"Marian!" Much exchanged a troubled glance with Carter. All thoughts of chasing the sheriff were forgotten. They turned and rushed toward the sound.
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Djaq tore a strip of cloth from the bottom of her tunic and wet it with some of the water. She laid it across Legrand's forehead to try and help his temperature come back down.
Once she'd done that, she inspected the scars from the arrows and knife attack that had so nearly killed him all those months ago. They had healed well and she allowed herself a small smug smile of self-appreciation as she ran her fingers gently over the longest scar high up in his stomach.
"Better not let your husband catch us. He looks the jealous type." Legrand had not moved or opened his eyes but he was grinning broadly.
"Surely it is I who should be more worried that you will tempt him from me?" Djaq replied, poking him softly in the ribs.
"He is a handsome man..." Legrand said thoughtfully.
Djaq poked again, slightly more forcefully.
"Ow! All right - you can keep him." Legrand laughed. "He's too skinny for my tastes anyway." His eyes slowly opened and he looked around the deserted house. "Where are the others?"
"John and Will have gone to help the others intercept the sheriff and his assassins."
"I should...I should..." Legrand struggled to try and sit up.
Djaq firmly pushed him back down. "You should lie there for a few more minutes."
Legrand glared at her, but after so long under her care he had become accustomed to following her orders. He was about to speak when the sound of horses galloping towards them made them both look towards the door.
Djaq scrambled to her feet and hurried to the opening. She peered out cautiously in time to see two of the sheriff's men come thundering past, followed by Gisborne and the sheriff himself.
"The sheriff," she turned and whispered at Legrand.
His eyes widened in alarm. "John? Will?"
Djaq looked out again. "I don't see them," she said anxiously. "But they would have heard the sheriff approaching and hidden themselves. I only hope Robin and the others are not far behind." She scanned the deserted streets. "The sheriff did not look pleased - which can only be a good sign for your king." She turned back to face into the house again.
Legrand had somehow pulled on his boots and gotten to his feet and was now standing, albeit somewhat unsteadily. He leaned over and picked up his tunic.
"What are you doing?" she said, disapprovingly.
Legrand pulled the tunic on over his head. "He needs me," he replied. "Where is my staff?"
"We could not carry both your staff and John's. Carter brought your sword." Djaq pointed to it lying by the wall.
Legrand picked it up and started buckling it around his waist.
"Legrand, you cannot go out there like this - and with no armour on! Everyone out there is already doing their best to protect Richard. He could ask for no finer bodyguard."
Legrand looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Richard? Yes - Richard. I'm the King's Guard. I have to..." he staggered slightly and put one hand out against the wall to steady himself.
Djaq walked over to him. "Legrand, please. I promised I would look after you." She frowned up at him then raised her fists. "Are you going to make me fight you? Because I know exactly where to hit..."
Legrand looked down at her small determined face and burst out laughing. "God help that poor husband of yours." He gestured to the water skins. "Hand me some water. I promise you I am feeling much better."
She gave him some of the water, and after taking a long drink, he looked much more steady on his feet than he had only moments previously. Shouts from outside and a sudden ring of steel - the noise of swords clashing - made his head snap up. He handed the water back to Djaq and headed for the door.
"So you are leaving me here alone to defend myself?" she asked him.
Legrand stopped in the doorway. His shoulders slumped in defeat as he turned round to face her. He closed his eyes and scowled. "Damn you, woman. We both know you are more than capable of that."
"And we both know that your knight's code sees me as no more than a helpless female that you are bound to protect," she said primly.
Legrand looked over his shoulder at the open door and then back at Djaq. He slowly nodded. "I cannot refuse a request for protection from a pregnant woman - even a Saracen woman - no matter how aggravating she may be," he growled.
Djaq smiled triumphantly. She was about to invite him to take his sword off and sit down again when a piercing scream came from outside. Djaq instantly knew who it had been - there was no other it could have been. "Marian."
She tore past Legrand and out into the street. He looked in sudden bewilderment after her then quickly drew his sword and followed.
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The ride through the desert heat was stifling as Allan reached the small village. Well if I can't save 'em, at least I can warn 'em, he thought as he slid off the steed and sidled against the mudbrick wall. It was quiet, too quiet, and he had been in this predicament with the gang too many times not to know that the fight had already started. He wanted to warn Robin, but he didn't feel like being sheesh-kabobbed for the good deed either. He had to find Will. Will hated him but he would never hurt him.
He watched Vaizey silently fire an arrow at the king and his heart leapt. It was too late to do anything but watch as the monarch fell. What happened next was straight out of his nightmares. Marian's gleaming white tunic flashed as she ran screaming toward Richard. Guy's dark figure ran toward her in stark contrast. He wished to wake up, but the heat and stifling air around him told him there would be no waking. He could picture what might happen next and it made his racing heart stop. Any hope he had for the future would fall with her.
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Marian screamed as she saw the king collapse to the ground. In agonizing slow motion she ran to do the first thing she could think. She shielded the injured man with her own flesh as the brooding ambassador of darkness came to claim his prize.
The king lay in a heap moaning and holding his wound as Marian stared incredulously at the man she once cared for so deeply, but now loathed. "You think I'm going to let you kill England?"
"Get out of the way, Marian, and let me finish this so we can have our life together."
Marian was practically on top of Richard. "You think I'm going to go with you?" she snorted. "You disgust me! First my father, then Allan; you gave them up to that madman. How could you do such things? You helped Vaizey torture my father until the day he died. How could you do that to him? And now you are trying to kill our king!" Marian nodded defiantly. "You are so blind, Guy! You honestly think I'll let you and the sheriff carry out your plan and run away with you?" She laughed coldly. "You fool. It's too late. I love Robin Hood."
Confusion crossed Guy's face, but was quickly replaced by heartbreak. "You don't mean that," Guy snarled as his world crumbled.
Marian stared at her attacker as a sudden rush of realization hit her. She and Robin had said their vows. They'd married. Finally. In the desert, under the glaring sun, in front of God and their friends. Happiness filled her and she smiled, a wide radiant smile. She refocused on Guy and said, "I am already married.... I am married to Robin Ho--"
Before she could finish, Guy's face contorted in rage and as the maiden screamed again, he swung hard landing a crushing blow. His sword pommel fell hard against her temple and she crumpled where she stood. Scarlet pooled from the wound as her blood mixed with the hot sand.
"Marian!" Allan shouted, as he bolted from his hidden spot. He ran toward the fallen noblewoman and the monarch and shielded them both with his body. "Gis--what have you done?"
The black knight seemed mesmerized by his former fiancée bleeding in the sand in front of him. "She got in my way." He spoke slowly as if waking from a dream. Pressing a hand to his head he mumbled, "She told me she was already married to Hood...all this time...she lied to me." Then he dropped his hand and his cold blue eyes focused on Allan. "It's not too late. I still have you! We can still do this! Move her! Let me finish him!" He levelled the sword at his servant.
The former outlaw looked up at his master as he stood in front of Marian. He was numbed by shock, barely hearing Gisborne's barked commands. "You killed her...the one person I had left who thought I was good...you killed her! She cared for me, had my back." Allan leaned over Marian and placed his hand under her head. "Marian! Marian!" He drew it away covered in blood. "Aww, Gis, oh God, what have you done?" He caressed her cheek as tears mixed with the dust on his face. Allan suddenly glared at Guy. "After all she did for you. She loved you and look what you did to 'er, Gis!"
Guy stared at the only man he had come close to caring for, holding the lifeless body of the woman he once adored, and could feel nothing. "She never loved me. She loved Hood."
"She wouldn't leave you with Vaizey, she thought she could save you, Gis, and I thought so, too." Allan's jaw clenched. He stood and reached for his weapon. "Marian was right, I can't let you kill the king, Gis!" Allan swallowed hard as he drew his sword. His blue eyes gazed wide at the impossible situation he found himself in. "Not bein' funny, but in order to get to 'im, you'll have to go through me first."
Guy's face crinkled in confusion again as he studied his servant. He growled, "Think about what are you doing, Allan."
"As you always told me, Gis, I never think. I guess I was never any good at doin' that."
"Have it your way then." Guy raised his blade against that of his servant. Allan was distracted by the voices of his former friends as he thrust back. Taking the advantage, Gisborne's broadsword penetrated Allan's torso like a knife through jelly. Blood shot out of Allan's mouth. He looked at his tormentor in disbelief.
Gisborne gasped in realization of what he had done. "Allan...!"
"Gisborne! Come on!" Vaizey spat as he rode up behind the black knight.
"No, not without Marian!" Gisborne looked down at the pale still body of the woman he loved and then at his injured servant. "I can't...Allan...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"Aww, how sweet." The sheriff's face quickly changed from mock sympathy to hostility. "Leave the boy, claim your dead leper and let's move on."
Robin burst from between the buildings. "No...Marian!" he screamed as he ran across the courtyard.
Allan heard the shouting as he slid to his knees. Everything around him blurred for a moment, the sun so bright, his pain so great...but Marian...he caught a glimpse of Marian. Her eyes fluttered briefly. There was movement around him...and the shouting...words he could not understand...he couldn't focus but saw Marian being lifted from the ground. Allan closed his own eyes knowing she was all right.
Carter and Much skidded to a halt just behind Robin. The outlaw leader stood dumbfounded, watching as Gisborne threw his wife's seemingly lifeless body over his horse and rode away. Will and John stopped short at the scene before them. Legrand lurched into the courtyard, as well, with Djaq keeping pace beside him.
"Mon dieu," Legrand exclaimed softly as Carter and Much hurried to Richard's side.
Djaq's gaze careened around the courtyard. She breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Will but she choked on it when she saw Allan. "Allan!" Djaq ran over to the dying man. The sword that impaled him held him upright on his knees in the sand. Will and John helped her gently lay the man down on his side.
"Not bein' funny, but...ugh...what took you guys so long to get here?" Allan deliriously grabbed the hilt of the sword and made to pull out the offending weapon. John's hand held Allan's forcefully back.
"Allan, stop, please." Djaq looked up at Will. She shook her head and then looked down at her friend. "If you pull it out..."
Realization showed in the faces of the people around him. John turned away, a fleeting moment of guilt pawing at him as he watched Legrand move toward the king.
Allan looked at Djaq. "I'm going to die, ain't I?" He looked at each member of the gang, then again, expectantly, at Djaq. "You can patch me up, can't ya?"
"I'm sorry, Allan." The Saracen buried her head in her lover's shoulder to hide her tears.
Allan's and Will's eyes connected. "Will...I'm sorry...for what I did. You know I di'n't mean it."
Will grasped his friend's hand. "I forgive you for that." He forced himself to smile, easing the conscience of the dying man as well as his own. "I still have to kick your arse for it, though."
Allan smiled and tried to laugh, but coughed as blood foamed from his lips. "Not bein' funny, but I woulda looked forward to that." He saw Much and Carter helping the king stand up but he focused on the brooding man in front of him. "Robin."
The outlaw leader held his grief and leaned over the fallen man who was, once again, one of his own. "Be still, my friend." He placed his hand on Allan's shoulder.
"I never meant to betray you. Marian...I tried to look after her."
"That you did and I'm grateful." Robin stared past Allan toward the gate where Gisborne had disappeared with Marian's body. "Now, just shush," he said as Much came up beside him. Carter and Legrand were a few paces behind and helping the king.
"No...let me finish. I missed you...all of you. I want to be in the gang again." Allan looked at the leader. "Please let me come back, Robin. I...I don't want to die alone."
Djaq nodded at Robin as she took off the extra set she had carried for so many months. The people around them looked on as Robin placed the wooden tags around the dying man's neck. "You saved the king. You've earned these, my friend."
Allan examined the solemn faces of his friends. "I'm glad you let me be in the gang again.... Thanks, mates, all of you." He smiled through blood stained lips as the faces of his friends softened and the light over their shoulders claimed his vision, then his eyes rolled back and his head lolled to the side.
"Is he...?" Much asked.
Djaq shook her head as she felt Allan's pulse. "It won't be long."
"He was a brave man," Carter said.
"Un héros," Legrand added.
"Yes, he was a hero," Richard rasped painfully as he staggered over to the others. "He saved England."
The gang stood around their fallen comrade in solemn solidarity and waited for his life to ebb away.
>>>--------------->
A note from the authors:
We will be on hiatus for the next few weeks. Watch for Denial II, chapter 1 beginning in mid- to late July. Denial II will take place in the months set immediately after this 2x13 finale but prior to 3x01. The gang, accompanied by Much & Carter, journey toward Poitiers, Gisborne and Vaizey head back to England, Djaq and Will welcome a new life and so does Allan (in a manner of speaking!), and Marian... well remember... no one dies in Denial!
Author: teamlavender
Characters/Pairings: Allan, Will/Djaq, Robin/Marian, Legrand, Little John, Much/Carter, King Richard, Vaizey, Guy
Rating:PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst
Words: 5830
Disclaimer: BBC & TA own; we just want to play in their universe
Notes: Beta'd by teamlavender. Takes place during AU 2x13.
Summary: Denial, the "season finale". The gang and Marian have been rescued from the desert by Much, Carter and Djaq. Allan is desperate to escape Vaizey's clutches and prove his loyalty to his old friends. Everything comes to a head when the gang face down Vaizey and Gisborne in the deserted village in a fight for their lives and King Richard's. Who will live and who will die? Oh right... this is Denial... the endings are better here!!
Previous chapter summaries & info about writing for Denial are here...
>>>-------------------------------->
Saving England
by darkentwisted, wastingyourgum, robinfanatic, perteltote, and jagnikjen
Allan trailed through Acre after Vaizey...
The man was in a bloody hurry for some reason and kept glancing back at him -- just often enough that it was impossible for him to slip away unseen. As they pulled up in front of their lodging, Vaizey slid off his horse and threw the reins at Allan and snapped, "Here you, boy, take care of that!"
As Vaizey rushed into the house, Allan slowly tied the horses off as he considered his options. He could leave now...no one would see him...or maybe he should try to learn what Vaizey was up to first. The gang wouldn't have much time out there in the sun...but if he didn't know the score it might not matter whether he got there in time or not.
Following on up the stairs, he could feel himself growing light-headed from the heat trapped under the tile roof. As he reached the top, Allan heard Vaizey berating someone. Nervously, he realized that it was coming from the room where Marian had been chained and where he and Marian had sat while Guy... He pushed open the door and reluctantly entered. He glanced around just in time to see Guy heave himself off the low bed and wobble to his feet.
"Allan..." Guy mumbled, "...what are you doing here? I thought that you--"
Vaizey hurled a bundle of black leather at his midsection.
Allan watched as the man nearly collapsed back to the bed at the impact. He felt a momentary urge to help as Vaizey shouted, "Get your clothes on, you useless idiot! I need you with me, NOW!"
But he just stood and watched as Guy slowly fumbled with the heavy clothes. Guy's sweat-slicked hair and pale skin already spoke of a fever, and it made Allan sweat just to look at all that black leather. Christ! He even had the overcoat there. You would never catch Allan wearing anything like that in a hell-hole like this.
Guy jumped as Vaizey screamed again, "You will be ready! I don't care how you feel! I am counting on you if the imposter fails! The king will die today or you will pay!"
Allan flinched and then tried to look nonchalant as Vaizey turned to glare at him before lowering his voice and hissing what sounded like detailed instructions into Guy's ear.
So that's what this was all about. The assassination attempt must be planned for this afternoon. Well then, all he had to do was go untie the gang and warn Robin there was some sort of imposter. He glanced up, ready to make an excuse and get the hell out of there, but paused as he glimpsed Guy's skin in the instant before he pulled his shirt over his head. He looked so soft and white out of the leather, and the way he stretched his damp head to catch Vaizey's whispers reminded Allan of a new-hatched chick. Quickly, he banished the thoughts -- the man might be many things, but defenceless certainly wasn't one of them. Guy would just have to handle the sheriff on his own. He had, after all, coped with Vaizey alone for years before Allan came along.
"I'll...uh...go saddle the horses," he said and slipped out of the room, hoping that no one would remember that the horses were saddled already.
>>>------------------------>
Although he had regained consciousness, Legrand was still dazed with heat exhaustion. The only scrap of shade for miles around was a nearby abandoned town. Much and Carter gave directions to it and then headed off with Robin and Marian to intercept the king. John and Will slowly half-carried, half-dragged Legrand towards it. Djaq followed behind them carrying several of the water-skins Much and Carter had brought, along with John's staff and Legrand's sword. Will had already reclaimed his axes.
John and Will staggered into the first house they could find that still had most of its roof intact and laid Legrand down in the darkest corner. John sat down heavily, still feeling fairly weak himself.
Djaq put the fullest water-skin down by his hand. "There's a well. I'll get some more water. You should take his armour and his boots off," she suggested, gesturing to Legrand.
John nodded and rolled his semi-responsive friend up into a sitting position and then leaned him across his shoulder so he could haul up the long chain-mail from under him. "Give me a hand here, Will," he grunted.
Will took hold of the sleeves of Legrand's mail shirt and tunic and tugged them upwards. Legrand slowly slid out of the armour and fell back towards the ground, now clad only in his leggings and boots.
John swore under his breath as he only just caught Legrand's head before it hit the floor. "Careful!" he spat. He bundled up the tunic and laid it under Legrand's head as a makeshift pillow.
Will set aside the mail shirt and under shirt. "Sorry. I'll go help Djaq with the water, shall I?" Will asked.
John nodded. "And keep an eye out in case Allan and the sheriff come back."
Will left, leaving the two larger men alone together.
John tugged off Legrand's boots and laid them beside his armour. He coughed a little and reached for the water-skin, hoping Djaq and Will would hurry back.
"Do my feet smell that bad?" Legrand rasped, without opening his eyes.
"Terrible," John replied. "Almost as bad as that cheese you made me try in Marseilles."
Legrand smiled weakly. "Palate-less peasant."
John gave a small chuckle. "How do you feel?" he asked gently.
"Hot. Light-headed -but I'll be fine in a minute or two." Legrand's voice was still faint and he coughed as he finished speaking.
"Here." John knelt beside him and lifted his head so he could drink some more water.
"Merci."
John placed his hand on Legrand's chest. It was still very hot. A long shiver ran through Legrand's body and John took his hand away in concern. "Are you getting chills?"
"Just when you touch me..." Legrand mumbled. His head rolled back as he passed out again.
John shook his head, but couldn't stop the small smile creasing his face. Idiot...
"How is he?" Djaq asked, coming into the room, followed closely by Will.
John turned. "He's fainted again but I think he's getting better."
Will looked from Legrand to Djaq. "You should stay here with him while John and I go catch up with the others," he said. "We can come back for you both later." Will tried to keep his voice as neutral as possible but he could tell from the wry smile Djaq gave him that she saw right through him.
"You mean I should stay out of the way of any possible fighting because of the baby," she said.
"Yes." Will put down the water he was carrying and took her in his arms. "I thought I'd lost you - lost you both - once already today. Please don't make me worry about you again - at least until tomorrow?"
"I could say the same thing..." Djaq said softly.
"I'll stay if you want me to. Just say the word."
"No, Robin will need you both. I will stay here and look after Legrand. You should go."
John stood up slowly, looking very closely at his boots as Djaq and Will kissed. Will walked outside without looking back, but John turned just before following him. "I'll look after him, Djaq," he promised her. "I know how much he means to you."
Djaq looked down at Legrand then back up at John. "I will do the same, John," she said with a smile.
John frowned and started to speak but Will called him from outside. He picked up his staff and left, leaving Djaq still grinning to herself as she sat beside Legrand and reached for the nearest water-skin...
>>>------------------------>
As soon as Allan had stepped outside, the heat struck him again, even worse than before. He shrugged his black vest off and arranged it haphazardly over his head, pulling it low to shade his eyes -- he was sure he looked a prize idiot, but it was that or fall over from the heat. These Saracens were an odd lot but they did have the whole head-covering thing right. He didn't even want to think about the gang -- and Maz -- stranded out there, bare to the sun.
Allan hurried back towards the desert and thought over what he would say instead. He had to get this right. Maz would back him up, but he had to convince the others.
His well-practiced arguments were all for naught, however. He found nothing but empty poles when he arrived. Someone else had rescued them first! Much? He suppressed a moment of annoyance and jealousy. He should be glad they were out of the sun. Saving their arses would have given him a good in, but he would find another way...
>>>------------------------>
Will and John hurried out of the house. They darted up the street and back toward the dilapidated village gate.
Will paused, anxiously peering around one corner. "I hear something."
John nodded, listening. "Horses. C'mon," he whispered.
They found refuge, ducking into an alleyway painted with shadows just as two Saracens raced by. The enemy soldiers disappeared out of sight as they rounded a corner at the far end of the street. Will was about to emerge from their hiding place when Vaizey and Gisborne came into view. Galloping on horseback, the two black knights were headed directly toward the house where Legrand was in Djaq's care.
Will's heart sank. "We have to go back."
"No - wait," John said, grabbing Will's arm. "Look. It's all right. They've moved past the house."
"If Vaizey and Gisborne are here..." Will peered back toward the gate.
"Then Robin and the others shouldn't be far behind," John added.
As if on cue, Carter and King Richard appeared.
John pointed straight ahead. "Let's find a way a way to put the sheriff between us and the others," he half-whispered.
Will nodded. The Black Knights would be surrounded. He and John headed up the street at a fast trot.
>>>------------------->
Much saw Carter and the king disappear into a side street off the courtyard of the deserted village. Typical, both of them, Much thought, charging ahead without more protection. They'd followed the sheriff and Gisborne. Vaizey's other assassins had been ahead of them all. There was no telling where they might already be positioned.
Without warning, Much found himself falling from his horse. He smacked the desert sands hard, twisting awkwardly to avoid being crushed as the animal went down, hit by an arrow from some unseen assassin. He pressed himself into a pile of sandbags to dodge more arrows as Marian and Robin dismounted and scooted in beside him.
"Are you all right?" Robin asked him.
"Yeah." Much wondered if he shouldn't be asking Robin that after his encounter with the Saracen impersonating Saladin. But there had been little time for talk since the gang - and Marian - had been rescued from the desert.
Robin brushed his hand along Marian's cheek. "Marian?"
"I'm fine," she replied.
Robin eyed the courtyard. "Where's the king?"
"He went after the sheriff," Much said.
"This is a trap," Robin said.
Marian noticed that the enemy fire had stopped. Their attacker had bigger fish to fry - he'd turned his attention to King Richard. While Robin and Much plotted, she slipped away.
"We need to get out of here." Robin realized Marian had already taken it upon herself to steal away. He spotted the king and then his line of sight followed up to the roof above him where a Saracen assassin might lie in wait. Robin hustled down the street looking for a way to get to the rooftop.
As Robin found a way up and started to make his way Much hung back, tailing Robin just in time to see a Saracen appear from nowhere and train a dagger on his friend. "Oh no you don't!" Much said as he snuck up on a higher part of the roof behind the would-be assassin. His sword reacted before he could think and the perfect arc of his swing took the traitor's head.
Robin turned and grinned at his friend. For a moment it was like old times.
Much nodded, sheathed his sword, and climbed down to trail after the king and Carter. Robin was fine for now, and Much turned his attention to his lover.
>>>------------------->
Robin scrambled across the rooftop, the high ground giving him an advantage that soldiers coveted. Skirting the edge of the building, he spotted Carter on foot tearing out from behind a pillar. Hoofbeats caught his ear and a moment later the king rounded the corner ahead. Richard spurred his horse forward, his sword flashing.
Robin nocked an arrow in his bow, motioning to Richard that the way was clear. But Richard reined in his horse, spotting movement on the rooftop above Robin's head.
The king's reluctance to advance baffled Robin for barely the blink of an eye. Richard hurled his sword. The weapon skimmed dangerously close to Robin's head but he ducked, feeling a blast of air. Behind him the Saracen screamed, blood seeping from his tunic where the sword gutted him.
Richard raised his fist in victory. Robin nodded as the king galloped past him down the street. Another Saracen stepped out from a doorway, his crossbow sighted on the king. He lifted it to fire but Robin spotted him and loosed his arrow first, forcing the attacker to recede into the shadows of an alleyway.
Robin jumped from the roof. He tore after the assassin. An oomph! and the distinct sound of a sword meeting wood made him freeze. A moment later the Saracen stumbled out of the alley. Little John emerged from the shadows, his staff striking blow after blow. John twisted to one side of the entrance as Will shot out behind him, his axe catching the Saracen's blade in a downward arc. The Saracen was as tall as Will but stronger and used to fighting in the desert heat. He pressed Will's axe away and lifted his weapon to strike again. Will stumbled in the soft sands but John's staff intercepted the swing that would have sent him to his Maker.
Robin unsheathed his sword and charged forward. The Saracen snaked away from John to meet Robin with a powerful thrust. Robin parried back. The Saracen paused, the tip of his blade teasing Robin's.
>>>------------------->
Vaizey pulled his horse up abruptly and studied their backtrail; rising dust clearly marked their progress through the city and pursuing hoofbeats echoed off of the amber walls. He glanced around the empty square, noting several small side-streets paralleling the way they had come.
"Off the horse, Gisborne," he hissed. "It's time to go lion hunting."
They stashed the horses just off the square and then Vaizey hurriedly stationed Gisborne nearby, in a niche with a clear view over the square.
"You are the fail-safe Gisborne. I am trusting you with this, do not fail me. If the king makes it this far, you will take care of him, understood?"
Vaizey watched, satisfied, as the man nodded grimly and set himself to wait. Then, taking his bow, Vaizey ran back down one of the side streets, seeking the perfect spot for a....ah, yes, just here, the way was clear, the line was perfect...
He sat, chuckling to himself...yes, lions were undoubtedly brave, but that very courage made them foolhardy, and no one knew better than Vaizey how to take advantage of fools. He had always known that the best way to defeat a lion was to make it believe that it was the one hunting you. There! The hoof-beats were louder now and he nocked the arrow, drew the fletches back to his ear, waited for the moment...and the arrow was away! The bolt buried itself deep in the shoulder of the Lionheart. It was not a fatal shot, but it would be easy enough for Gisborne to finish the job.
He huddled back into his place of concealment, waiting for the others who were sure to follow.
>>>------------>>
A painful wail ripped through the village. Robin recognized the voice but stood his ground against the Saracen.
"Your king is done, Robin Hood. And so are you." The Saracen faced Robin, John, and Will and laughed, showing no sign of fear.
Robin frowned, looked at his friends, then met the Saracen's eyes. The man was outnumbered three to one and cornered in the street with no chance for escape. And what of their king - hurt, maybe dying? Vaizey and Gisborne were still out there.
"Not at your hand," Robin replied.
"Right!" John exclaimed. "Not if I have anything to say about it!"
"John, Will," Robin said, "find something to tie this one up."
The Saracen glared at Robin then pounced, his weapon pressed toward the outlaw's heart. Will knocked the blade away with a swing of his axe and Robin lunged forward, his sword tearing into the man's chest. The Saracen collapsed to the ground, his bulging eyes meeting Robin's before he took his last breath.
Robin nodded to his men. "Let's find the king."
A scream suddenly pierced the hot desert air. Robin's heart stopped. "Marian!"
>>>------------>>
Much turned into one deserted side street, paused and listened. A horse whinnied. He stepped forward cautiously. An arrow whined and the hoofbeats of a horse sounded just around the corner.
Carter suddenly appeared at a cross street ahead of him. He spotted Much, held a finger to his lips, and pointed. Much recognized the signal from countless encounters with the Turk in situations just like this.
Both men crept up the street until a voice roaring in pain halted their advance. The shout echoed through the village. Carter's expression told Much what he already knew. The king was in trouble.
Carter turned back the way he'd come. Much took off in a run to follow him.
Carter shot down the street and through a passageway. He hadn't noticed Vaizey skulking behind a pillar and brandishing a sword.
"Bye-bye, blondie," Vaizey snarled, bringing the hilt of his sword down, catching the knight in a sideways blow.
Carter stumbled, then scrambled backwards as Vaizey beat after him. Sword raised, the sheriff prepared to deliver a deathblow when suddenly, cold steel met his throat.
"Not so fast," Much hissed. "He's with me."
Carter shook his head and stood up, recovering his sword.
"Are you all right?" Much cautiously asked, glancing quickly sideways between the two men.
"Now that you're here." Carter smiled, rubbing his bruised temple.
"Ahh, Mulch is it? Hood's former boy toy." Vaizey glanced at the knight in front of him. "I heard you had upgraded masters." He spun around as he spoke and engaged the former servant. "You make such a fetching couple, too."
"Carter is not my master," Much spat wide-eyed as steel struck steel.
Vaizey turned to the other blond and smiled evilly, engaging Carter's sword as well. "Isn't that what the wife always says?" He continued trading thrusts with the two knights until a scream from the courtyard caused all three men to pause. Seeing his chance to escape, Vaizey ran.
"Marian!" Much exchanged a troubled glance with Carter. All thoughts of chasing the sheriff were forgotten. They turned and rushed toward the sound.
>>>------------------------>
Djaq tore a strip of cloth from the bottom of her tunic and wet it with some of the water. She laid it across Legrand's forehead to try and help his temperature come back down.
Once she'd done that, she inspected the scars from the arrows and knife attack that had so nearly killed him all those months ago. They had healed well and she allowed herself a small smug smile of self-appreciation as she ran her fingers gently over the longest scar high up in his stomach.
"Better not let your husband catch us. He looks the jealous type." Legrand had not moved or opened his eyes but he was grinning broadly.
"Surely it is I who should be more worried that you will tempt him from me?" Djaq replied, poking him softly in the ribs.
"He is a handsome man..." Legrand said thoughtfully.
Djaq poked again, slightly more forcefully.
"Ow! All right - you can keep him." Legrand laughed. "He's too skinny for my tastes anyway." His eyes slowly opened and he looked around the deserted house. "Where are the others?"
"John and Will have gone to help the others intercept the sheriff and his assassins."
"I should...I should..." Legrand struggled to try and sit up.
Djaq firmly pushed him back down. "You should lie there for a few more minutes."
Legrand glared at her, but after so long under her care he had become accustomed to following her orders. He was about to speak when the sound of horses galloping towards them made them both look towards the door.
Djaq scrambled to her feet and hurried to the opening. She peered out cautiously in time to see two of the sheriff's men come thundering past, followed by Gisborne and the sheriff himself.
"The sheriff," she turned and whispered at Legrand.
His eyes widened in alarm. "John? Will?"
Djaq looked out again. "I don't see them," she said anxiously. "But they would have heard the sheriff approaching and hidden themselves. I only hope Robin and the others are not far behind." She scanned the deserted streets. "The sheriff did not look pleased - which can only be a good sign for your king." She turned back to face into the house again.
Legrand had somehow pulled on his boots and gotten to his feet and was now standing, albeit somewhat unsteadily. He leaned over and picked up his tunic.
"What are you doing?" she said, disapprovingly.
Legrand pulled the tunic on over his head. "He needs me," he replied. "Where is my staff?"
"We could not carry both your staff and John's. Carter brought your sword." Djaq pointed to it lying by the wall.
Legrand picked it up and started buckling it around his waist.
"Legrand, you cannot go out there like this - and with no armour on! Everyone out there is already doing their best to protect Richard. He could ask for no finer bodyguard."
Legrand looked at her with a puzzled expression. "Richard? Yes - Richard. I'm the King's Guard. I have to..." he staggered slightly and put one hand out against the wall to steady himself.
Djaq walked over to him. "Legrand, please. I promised I would look after you." She frowned up at him then raised her fists. "Are you going to make me fight you? Because I know exactly where to hit..."
Legrand looked down at her small determined face and burst out laughing. "God help that poor husband of yours." He gestured to the water skins. "Hand me some water. I promise you I am feeling much better."
She gave him some of the water, and after taking a long drink, he looked much more steady on his feet than he had only moments previously. Shouts from outside and a sudden ring of steel - the noise of swords clashing - made his head snap up. He handed the water back to Djaq and headed for the door.
"So you are leaving me here alone to defend myself?" she asked him.
Legrand stopped in the doorway. His shoulders slumped in defeat as he turned round to face her. He closed his eyes and scowled. "Damn you, woman. We both know you are more than capable of that."
"And we both know that your knight's code sees me as no more than a helpless female that you are bound to protect," she said primly.
Legrand looked over his shoulder at the open door and then back at Djaq. He slowly nodded. "I cannot refuse a request for protection from a pregnant woman - even a Saracen woman - no matter how aggravating she may be," he growled.
Djaq smiled triumphantly. She was about to invite him to take his sword off and sit down again when a piercing scream came from outside. Djaq instantly knew who it had been - there was no other it could have been. "Marian."
She tore past Legrand and out into the street. He looked in sudden bewilderment after her then quickly drew his sword and followed.
>>>------------------------>
The ride through the desert heat was stifling as Allan reached the small village. Well if I can't save 'em, at least I can warn 'em, he thought as he slid off the steed and sidled against the mudbrick wall. It was quiet, too quiet, and he had been in this predicament with the gang too many times not to know that the fight had already started. He wanted to warn Robin, but he didn't feel like being sheesh-kabobbed for the good deed either. He had to find Will. Will hated him but he would never hurt him.
He watched Vaizey silently fire an arrow at the king and his heart leapt. It was too late to do anything but watch as the monarch fell. What happened next was straight out of his nightmares. Marian's gleaming white tunic flashed as she ran screaming toward Richard. Guy's dark figure ran toward her in stark contrast. He wished to wake up, but the heat and stifling air around him told him there would be no waking. He could picture what might happen next and it made his racing heart stop. Any hope he had for the future would fall with her.
>>>------------------------>
Marian screamed as she saw the king collapse to the ground. In agonizing slow motion she ran to do the first thing she could think. She shielded the injured man with her own flesh as the brooding ambassador of darkness came to claim his prize.
The king lay in a heap moaning and holding his wound as Marian stared incredulously at the man she once cared for so deeply, but now loathed. "You think I'm going to let you kill England?"
"Get out of the way, Marian, and let me finish this so we can have our life together."
Marian was practically on top of Richard. "You think I'm going to go with you?" she snorted. "You disgust me! First my father, then Allan; you gave them up to that madman. How could you do such things? You helped Vaizey torture my father until the day he died. How could you do that to him? And now you are trying to kill our king!" Marian nodded defiantly. "You are so blind, Guy! You honestly think I'll let you and the sheriff carry out your plan and run away with you?" She laughed coldly. "You fool. It's too late. I love Robin Hood."
Confusion crossed Guy's face, but was quickly replaced by heartbreak. "You don't mean that," Guy snarled as his world crumbled.
Marian stared at her attacker as a sudden rush of realization hit her. She and Robin had said their vows. They'd married. Finally. In the desert, under the glaring sun, in front of God and their friends. Happiness filled her and she smiled, a wide radiant smile. She refocused on Guy and said, "I am already married.... I am married to Robin Ho--"
Before she could finish, Guy's face contorted in rage and as the maiden screamed again, he swung hard landing a crushing blow. His sword pommel fell hard against her temple and she crumpled where she stood. Scarlet pooled from the wound as her blood mixed with the hot sand.
"Marian!" Allan shouted, as he bolted from his hidden spot. He ran toward the fallen noblewoman and the monarch and shielded them both with his body. "Gis--what have you done?"
The black knight seemed mesmerized by his former fiancée bleeding in the sand in front of him. "She got in my way." He spoke slowly as if waking from a dream. Pressing a hand to his head he mumbled, "She told me she was already married to Hood...all this time...she lied to me." Then he dropped his hand and his cold blue eyes focused on Allan. "It's not too late. I still have you! We can still do this! Move her! Let me finish him!" He levelled the sword at his servant.
The former outlaw looked up at his master as he stood in front of Marian. He was numbed by shock, barely hearing Gisborne's barked commands. "You killed her...the one person I had left who thought I was good...you killed her! She cared for me, had my back." Allan leaned over Marian and placed his hand under her head. "Marian! Marian!" He drew it away covered in blood. "Aww, Gis, oh God, what have you done?" He caressed her cheek as tears mixed with the dust on his face. Allan suddenly glared at Guy. "After all she did for you. She loved you and look what you did to 'er, Gis!"
Guy stared at the only man he had come close to caring for, holding the lifeless body of the woman he once adored, and could feel nothing. "She never loved me. She loved Hood."
"She wouldn't leave you with Vaizey, she thought she could save you, Gis, and I thought so, too." Allan's jaw clenched. He stood and reached for his weapon. "Marian was right, I can't let you kill the king, Gis!" Allan swallowed hard as he drew his sword. His blue eyes gazed wide at the impossible situation he found himself in. "Not bein' funny, but in order to get to 'im, you'll have to go through me first."
Guy's face crinkled in confusion again as he studied his servant. He growled, "Think about what are you doing, Allan."
"As you always told me, Gis, I never think. I guess I was never any good at doin' that."
"Have it your way then." Guy raised his blade against that of his servant. Allan was distracted by the voices of his former friends as he thrust back. Taking the advantage, Gisborne's broadsword penetrated Allan's torso like a knife through jelly. Blood shot out of Allan's mouth. He looked at his tormentor in disbelief.
Gisborne gasped in realization of what he had done. "Allan...!"
"Gisborne! Come on!" Vaizey spat as he rode up behind the black knight.
"No, not without Marian!" Gisborne looked down at the pale still body of the woman he loved and then at his injured servant. "I can't...Allan...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"Aww, how sweet." The sheriff's face quickly changed from mock sympathy to hostility. "Leave the boy, claim your dead leper and let's move on."
Robin burst from between the buildings. "No...Marian!" he screamed as he ran across the courtyard.
Allan heard the shouting as he slid to his knees. Everything around him blurred for a moment, the sun so bright, his pain so great...but Marian...he caught a glimpse of Marian. Her eyes fluttered briefly. There was movement around him...and the shouting...words he could not understand...he couldn't focus but saw Marian being lifted from the ground. Allan closed his own eyes knowing she was all right.
Carter and Much skidded to a halt just behind Robin. The outlaw leader stood dumbfounded, watching as Gisborne threw his wife's seemingly lifeless body over his horse and rode away. Will and John stopped short at the scene before them. Legrand lurched into the courtyard, as well, with Djaq keeping pace beside him.
"Mon dieu," Legrand exclaimed softly as Carter and Much hurried to Richard's side.
Djaq's gaze careened around the courtyard. She breathed a sigh of relief when she spotted Will but she choked on it when she saw Allan. "Allan!" Djaq ran over to the dying man. The sword that impaled him held him upright on his knees in the sand. Will and John helped her gently lay the man down on his side.
"Not bein' funny, but...ugh...what took you guys so long to get here?" Allan deliriously grabbed the hilt of the sword and made to pull out the offending weapon. John's hand held Allan's forcefully back.
"Allan, stop, please." Djaq looked up at Will. She shook her head and then looked down at her friend. "If you pull it out..."
Realization showed in the faces of the people around him. John turned away, a fleeting moment of guilt pawing at him as he watched Legrand move toward the king.
Allan looked at Djaq. "I'm going to die, ain't I?" He looked at each member of the gang, then again, expectantly, at Djaq. "You can patch me up, can't ya?"
"I'm sorry, Allan." The Saracen buried her head in her lover's shoulder to hide her tears.
Allan's and Will's eyes connected. "Will...I'm sorry...for what I did. You know I di'n't mean it."
Will grasped his friend's hand. "I forgive you for that." He forced himself to smile, easing the conscience of the dying man as well as his own. "I still have to kick your arse for it, though."
Allan smiled and tried to laugh, but coughed as blood foamed from his lips. "Not bein' funny, but I woulda looked forward to that." He saw Much and Carter helping the king stand up but he focused on the brooding man in front of him. "Robin."
The outlaw leader held his grief and leaned over the fallen man who was, once again, one of his own. "Be still, my friend." He placed his hand on Allan's shoulder.
"I never meant to betray you. Marian...I tried to look after her."
"That you did and I'm grateful." Robin stared past Allan toward the gate where Gisborne had disappeared with Marian's body. "Now, just shush," he said as Much came up beside him. Carter and Legrand were a few paces behind and helping the king.
"No...let me finish. I missed you...all of you. I want to be in the gang again." Allan looked at the leader. "Please let me come back, Robin. I...I don't want to die alone."
Djaq nodded at Robin as she took off the extra set she had carried for so many months. The people around them looked on as Robin placed the wooden tags around the dying man's neck. "You saved the king. You've earned these, my friend."
Allan examined the solemn faces of his friends. "I'm glad you let me be in the gang again.... Thanks, mates, all of you." He smiled through blood stained lips as the faces of his friends softened and the light over their shoulders claimed his vision, then his eyes rolled back and his head lolled to the side.
"Is he...?" Much asked.
Djaq shook her head as she felt Allan's pulse. "It won't be long."
"He was a brave man," Carter said.
"Un héros," Legrand added.
"Yes, he was a hero," Richard rasped painfully as he staggered over to the others. "He saved England."
The gang stood around their fallen comrade in solemn solidarity and waited for his life to ebb away.
>>>--------------->
A note from the authors:
We will be on hiatus for the next few weeks. Watch for Denial II, chapter 1 beginning in mid- to late July. Denial II will take place in the months set immediately after this 2x13 finale but prior to 3x01. The gang, accompanied by Much & Carter, journey toward Poitiers, Gisborne and Vaizey head back to England, Djaq and Will welcome a new life and so does Allan (in a manner of speaking!), and Marian... well remember... no one dies in Denial!