Crossfire - Chapter Six
Title, Chapter: Crossfire- Chapter Six
Author: emmithar,kegel84
Summary: Robin has his hands full when two members of the gang find themselves in trouble.Robin must rely on the help of a traitor in order to save them, and possibly himself as well.
Characters/Pairings: Features the gang and Marian, Sheriff and Gisborne, Thornton and some OC's
Parings: R/M, W/D
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers/Warnings: AU from mid Season 2
Disclaimer: Unfortunately we don't own anything. We're just borrowing and will return everyone in reasonable condition once we are finished.
Notes: Many thanks to neaptidea for the beta, and theonlyspl for the artwork :)
Artwork, by theonlyspl
Previous Chapter
It was nearly noon by the time they passed under the gates and into Nottingham. That thought alone worried Robin, his heart seizing in fear as they scurried inside, pressing themselves up against the walls and into the shadows. His eyes searched the town frantically, reading the faces of the peasants and guards that wandered by, going about their daily tasks. From here he could not see the gallows, and he could not know if it was already too late.
Had the sheriff known about Marian, no doubt he would not have waited long to punish her. But there was no proof, other than Allan’s word, of what had actually happened. The man had already betrayed them, and more than once had sold out secrets and endangered them all. Why now would he want to help? The thought that it was a trap was with him, ever the more now that he stood here in the shadows and watched.
“Master, what do we do? They are guards all over the place.”
Much’s voice was thin, pressing. He could hear the worry, could hear the same concern that he felt. They could not just stay here, and hope for a chance to slip by unseen. Too much time would be wasted, and if they stood here for too long, they were bound to be caught. Robin searched the town, seeing an opening in an alleyway, a few yards beyond where they were standing now. If they could reach it, the corridor would lead them closer to the castle. Robin knew that he must go in first, to confirm Allan’s story, before he endangered everyone else.
“We can go up through the front,” Allan suggested, his breaths heavy. He was tense, worried. Robin could only wonder how much of it was an act. The thought that he was potentially being played angered him, sending a white hot fury through him that he had to suppress. Allan might be lying. But he also might be telling the truth.
“How do we know you’re not just trying to trap us?” Much demanded, trying to sound smug as his lips pressed together tightly. There had never been a fondness between them, and Allan’s betrayal only seemed to widen that gap.
“We’ll go around, come in from the south end,” Robin decided, having already thought it over. That was the quickest way in, and towards the dungeons.
“But the south side is teeming with guards,” Allan protested.
“That’s where we are going,” he repeated, with more firmness this time. He would not be swayed, least of all by a traitor. They would play this game his way, rather than following the other blindly. If there were plans, a trap of some sorts, Robin would not walk into it willingly. Surely Vaysey knew he would not, and had some other trick up his sleeve, but they would deal with that when and if the time came. For now, they would do as he said, and enter from the south.
“We’ll all be caught if we go that way-“
“Well then, you shouldn’t be worried,” Much cut Allan off, scoffing.
“I’m a wanted man,” Allan reminded him, “They know I warned Marian. I had to run!”
“And I’m sure you tried your hardest to get her out safely as well,” Robin snapped.
“I tried, but she wouldn’t come. She made me go, said I had to get you. It wouldn’t do any good if we were both caught.”
His brow furrowed as he turned away, lips twisting into a scowl. As much as he didn’t want to believe what he was saying, it did sound like Marian. He almost hated her for it, hated that she had stayed behind, and instead allowed Allan to go free. Why could it not have been the other way? Marian would be safe, and Allan would receive everything he deserved. Robin pushed past the man, heading to the edge of the wall, watching as another group of guards passed by, oblivious to the group of outlaws just beyond the fading shadow. Soon there would be no cover for them, when the sun passed directly overhead. They had to move.
“What’s the plan?”
Robin pointed, as Much knelt near him. The others, he knew, were watching, waiting for him to continue. He took a breath, and did so. “We head down the alleyway. That’ll lead us to the center of town. We’ll need a distraction. I want you and the others to cause trouble when we get close, lure the guards away from the courtyard. Don’t press your luck; once you have them on your tail, get out of there.”
“What about you?” Much wondered, nervously glancing back to where Allan stood, “and him?”
“Allan will be coming with me.”
He wanted the man there, so that he could be aware of the first sign of trouble. The best place to keep a threat was right in front of you. The worry in Allan’s eyes was evident, causing Robin to pause, wondering if it was fear he was seeing. Fear at being caught? Or fear of Robin’s wrath when things went ill? That would be pondered on later. With a nod of his head, they hurried for the alleyway, in two separate groups, when the guards had their backs turned.
When they reached the center of the town, Robin headed toward the front, falling in step behind Allan. They came to a pause near the portcullis, waiting with baited breath for the signal. It came a moment later, in a burst of yells and cries that flooded the marketplace. There was a flurry of footsteps, guards running past to intervene, to bring everything to a stop. Robin pushed Allan forward, the man taking the hint and quickly rushing in the opposite direction of the commotion. He followed, slipping inside the courtyard only moments after. They were in the clear; for now.
The courtyard lay empty. But it wouldn’t stay that way for long. Not with the ruckus just beyond. Soon this area would be teeming with guards. And Gisborne and the sheriff, no doubt, wanting to see what all the commotion was. Allan was motioning for him to follow, apparently having the same idea, and wanting nothing more than to be gone before they did arrive. Robin, however, had other matter to take care of first.
Allan was caught off guard as Robin grabbed him, slamming him against the wall that was nearest. His voice was low, deadly even, as he spoke, the threat more than clear.
“If this is some sort of trap, you won’t live long enough to regret it,” he warned, breath hissing through his teeth.
“There is no trap,” Allan replied, trying to pull free. “Trust me.”
Trust. Robin scoffed. The man had a lot of nerve, asking for that. This wasn’t the time to debate that. They had to get in, and get back out, all the while rescuing Marian, and not running into trouble themselves. Robin let go of Allan, motioning towards the door that was nearby. Already he could hear more guards approaching. It would do best if they made haste.
Robin paused long enough to turn back, eyes searching out the market. He couldn’t see the others, and hoped quietly that they had made it to safety. Turning back he followed after Allan, hoping that he too, would be safe, and Marian as well.
Once they had made it inside, Robin realized that they would not only have to free Marian, but Edward as well. If Allan had actually told the truth, this was probably the reason why Marian had not fled, and would not do so unless she could free her father, too. She wouldn't choose to leave him behind, no matter the danger it cost her.
Robin had an uncanny feeling when they sneaked along on their way to the dungeons. He couldn't suppress the thought that Allan was leading him into a trap and that Vaysey would be laughing at him. But then he couldn't risk Marian's life on the suspicion. And this was what the sheriff could build on. He wasn't sure how much the man knew about how close they still were, but now that the man knew about her being the Nightwatchman - according to Allan at least - the sheriff could guess that he and Marian were allies. And Robin Hood wouldn't abandon an ally, even less so one of his own.
“How do we get in?” Allan whispered then.
“You tell me,” Robin returned irritatedly. He was blaming the man, there was no question about that. Either Allan was leading him into a trap, or he had caused Marian to be found out. He frowned impatiently. “I have a plan.”
“And what is it?”
“You go in first,” Robin determined. “We trust the guards don't know yet that you aren't with the sheriff any longer. And maybe you still are,” he added grimly. “Go ahead.”
“I-”
“You could have thought about that before you sold us and Marian out to Gisborne.”
“It wasn't on purpose,” Allan defended himself.
“Go.” Robin motioned into the direction they had to go to get to the dungeons. Allan moved hesitatingly, glancing back at Robin whose cold expression finally made him continue on. Robin followed a few paces behind, ready to flee if it was necessary. But nobody hindered them in getting through the door that led to the stairs that would take them down to the cells. It was only at the staircase that they met a guard, or rather that Allan met a guard, for Robin kept himself hidden in the shadows.
“What're doing here?” the man asked.
“Just checking,” Allan shrugged uncomfortably. “Sheriff's orders.”
“It's not your job, is it?” the guard was confused, but watched only as Allan made a move to march down the stairs.
“Sheriff wanted me out of his sight,” Allan made up. “Better than hanging at least, eh?”
The guard nodded just as long as it took for Robin to sneak up to him and hit him over the head with the broad side of his sword. The man fell to the floor unconscious, and Robin motioned with his sword for Allan to move on. Allan vanished downwards and Robin took a few moments to remove parts of the guard's uniform as well as his helmet. When he arrived downstairs as well, wearing what he had taken from the man, Allan was already waiting for him nervously. The man clearly didn't want to be caught here. Or he was a good actor, which was probably true as well, considering he had fooled Robin and all of his men for months.
“Where's the jailer?” Robin asked.
Allan pointed into the shadows and Robin could make out the man who was sleeping with his head on a small table there. The keys that were lying on the table were just what Robin wanted.
“I'm getting the keys,” he said. “You go and figure out where Marian is.”
Robin moved to the table, as Allan turned down the corridor, disappearing into the darkness. He wasn’t sure how well he liked that fact, but kept his focus on getting the keys without being caught. It wouldn’t be difficult; the reek of ale was more than evident that the jailer had drunk himself into a stupor. And Vaysey wondered how outlaws were able to meander through the dungeons so easily.
He followed Allan a minute later with the keys in his hand, catching up to him only a minute later. He had come to a stop next to a cell and Robin remembered it was the one where Edward was being held.
“What are you doing here?” the man wanted to know, looking at Allan. “You are with Robin?” he added after a moment.
“He was,” Robin corrected him, approaching the cell. “I’m here to free you…and Marian.” He said the last part quietly, watching Edward’s face for any indication that this might be a trap. But his expression was grave, and a sound near him peaked his interest.
“Robin?” he could hear her speak up, as he was opening the door to Edward's cell. Allan was truthful in at least one aspect. Robin was relieved to know that she was actually here - and not at a yet worse place, and he hurried to open the door to where she was held as well. He brought her into a quick hug, thankful she was still alive, but then the realization that they still had to get everyone out of here, hit him. For all he knew, this could still be some sort of trap.
“Do you have a weapon I can use?” Marian asked him as they walked to where Edward and Allan were waiting.
“I don't plan to fight our way out of here,” Robin said, uneasy at the idea. He and Marian could handle it fine, but he worried for Edward, and about Allan. Her father was frail, and wouldn’t be able to hold up on his own, and Allan…there was no telling when and where his loyalty would end. True, he had gotten him down here, but Robin could still not shake the unnerving feeling he had, the thought that the sheriff and Gisborne were near, and waiting for them all.
“We might not have a choice.”
Robin shook his head. “I'm going to lead the way.” He unsheathed his sword again, and moved on, Marian behind him, Edward and Allan following after. Robin had them wait as they reached the stairs, moving up on his own to check the corridors above. Another guard would not give him a second look, only seeing another guard and it would give him time to make sure there was no one waiting to spring a trap on them. Once he was sure, he gave a whistle, waving a hand impatiently.
They were lucky and didn't have to fight anyone on their way outside as Robin had hoped. He hurried along the hallway away from the dungeons, still knowing Marian behind him. It was only when he saw Much's face that he slowed down so Edward could catch up, and it was then he noticed that Allan was gone. Whether the man had left voluntarily or because he had met trouble, he couldn't be sure. At this point, he wasn’t too concerned. Marian was safe, as was her father.
“Where's Allan?” came the question not from Much, but from Djaq who had turned up alongside of John, coming to a stop next to Much. The group was crowded in a far corner, near the entrance to the courtyard.
“Did you notice any trouble behind you?” he asked Edward.
The man shook his head. “He was right behind me just a minute ago. He must have fallen behind when we left the castle.”
Robin nodded. He turned to Much. “You and the others need to take Marian and Edward back to camp. I’ll be there when I can.”
“Master-”
“Go,” Robin told him, seeing that not only Much didn't like the order, but Marian just as little. He held their gaze, moving to John next, who nodded his head in understanding. The man placed an arm around Marian’s shoulders, moving her away. Her father moved to follow, helped along by Djaq. Only Much stayed behind, protesting one last time, trying to get Robin to come along.
“Master, we must leave!”
“I give you my word, I will meet you at camp,” he reassured him. Robin knew of his worry, but he also knew there was something else he must do.
He had to take care of Allan...
~~~~
He wasn’t stupid. Allan knew that Robin would take action once things were done. Right now he was counting on the fact that Robin would be distracted, focused on getting Marian and her father to safety. Hoping was a better word.
It hadn’t taken much effort to fall behind. (Robin had kept up a hurried pace, and though Edward had gone more slowly, Allan had gone even slower. Soon, when he turned the corner, the evidence that he had been following anyone was now gone. But just because he was safe from Robin, did not mean he was safe where he was.
Here, in the castle, there was still the chance he would be found by Gisborne, the sheriff, or a guard who knew what was going on. He had been lucky with the first guard; most likely the guards about the castle, and the market knew that he was trouble. But perhaps the sheriff had not spoken directly with the man that guarded the dungeons. After all, it wasn’t a course of action normally taken by him.
Allan wasn’t sure if it was guilt, or the lack of it, that bothered him. He wanted to convince himself that he would have gone down to help someone escape, if it were Marian, Robin, or one of the others. He wanted to believe it. But he was no Robin Hood. That much was apparent. If he was, then he would be with the man, instead of running from him.
A larger, more pressing question that was starting to occupy his mind was the simple fact of where he would now go. The earlier thoughts of heading south, to Portsmouth, returned, and he still fancied the idea. Robin wouldn’t follow him that far; he wouldn’t want to leave his precious shire. Or Marian, now that she was once again with him.
Allan bit back the bitter feeling as he made his way along the corridor. He should be happy for Robin. They had a successful escape; Marian was safe, as was her father. They would be able to be together, and Marian no longer used as bait in the games the sheriff so enjoyed tormenting Gisborne with. Yet, as hard as he tried, he could feel nothing but jealousy. He wanted what Robin had. And Allan knew he could never have any of it.
He had tried to be an outlaw; miserable at the conditions, at the lack of honor and glory. What good was it if you were always risking your neck, and still forced to sleep in the dirt like a common thug? And castle life, though it had better in commendations, seemed to be far more dangerous than the previous occupation. Now, he had nothing, and nowhere to go but a dim thought in his mind.
Allan came to a sudden stop, backpedaling quickly into the shadows. He had almost walked straight into them, the guards who were still headed this way. With nowhere to go but the way he had just come, Allan found himself almost at run. One good thing he had learnt from Robin was how to run without causing a racket. It was proving quite useful now.
Once he felt he was ahead far enough, he slowed his pace. He would have to find another way out. Once in the market, he would be safer. Allan sped up his pace, eager to reach his destination. Anywhere would be better than here. The thought gave him courage, enough motivation to keep going. It all disappeared as he rounded the next corner.
Allan once again found himself backing up. This was unexpected. At least, unwanted. Try as he might, he couldn’t hide from the fact that he had been seen. Allan was hurrying down the corridor, his stomach seizing as he heard the chatter of the guards. They were still heading this way. And Robin was coming from the other direction.
Quickly he weighed his dilemma. There was the chance that the guards were clueless about what had happened. Allan had always relied on his quick wit and smooth tongue to get out of situations. Added in the fact that Robin Hood was here, it could prove the distraction necessary to be on his way.
On the other hand, it was possible that the guards knew about Allan’s betrayal, and were out searching for him now. They would know he helped Robin, and wouldn’t think twice about forgoing him for the outlaw. Perhaps his chances were better with Robin. The man was angry, but Allan had helped in freeing Marian. He had fetched him in the first place. Technically, he was the reason she was even still alive. Surely Robin would understand that.
He found himself turning, just as Robin closed the gap between them. “Robin, I-“
Allan stumbled at the first blow, tasting blood. Maybe he deserved the hit, but he hadn’t been prepared for it. Regaining his balance, he pulled back quickly as another came. There was no wondering if Robin was angry with him. He ducked the next one, spinning around the man, reaching for his sword.
Robin was faster; he was always faster. Allan found himself pressed against the wall behind him, blade against his throat. He had been in this position more than once, but it didn’t make it any more comfortable.
“You’re going to kill me, after all I’ve done?”
“Yes,” the answer came without hesitation. But if he was so certain, then why had he not done so already?
“You wouldn’t even have known about Marian if I hadn’t come to tell you. I didn’t have to, but I did,” he reminded Robin, hoping to sway him some. The flat of the knife was pressed firmly against his flesh, forcing him on his toes.
“They wouldn’t know about Marian if it wasn’t for you. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you. I should have done this a long time ago.”
“Robin, I swear I didn’t” he meant to explain, to beg, to plead for mercy. He didn’t want to die, and he hadn’t meant anyone any harm. There wasn’t a chance to do so, the guards rounding the corner just at that time. What they saw must have baffled them. They stood, perplexed, before suddenly crying out, ordering them to surrender.
Robin could have slit his throat; there was enough time to do so. For whatever reason he didn’t, Allan didn’t question it. There was relief, as he sank against the wall, a hand to his throat, checking for injury. Robin had taken off, darting around the corner. Allan soon followed, at a more unsteady pace. Soon though, he was running. The guards were close behind, still yelling their orders as if saying it certain many times would suddenly make their suspects surrender.
Allan stopped short, nearly losing his balance as he came around the last corner. Robin had come to a full stop in the middle of the corridor, staring straight ahead. Allan could see why. Another number of guards were coming, had spotted them as well. And soon, the guards from behind would close the gap. Allan found himself swallowing, glancing both ways.
“What do we do?”
Robin scowled, but didn’t answer. Allan wasn’t sure if he expected one. He had just naturally fallen back into the role of being one of Robin’s men. There had been many scrapes the man had gotten them out of. This was only one more.
Robin held up his sword, preparing himself for a fight. Allan did the same. It was foolish to think he could talk his way out of this one. Not after already having fled. The guards wouldn’t buy it; not even they were that dull.
“I’m sorry, Robin,” Allan found himself apologizing, although he wasn’t sure what for. The first betrayal. The last? The unintentional one? Or maybe for everything ill he had done.
“No time,” the man cut him off. And there was none. Robin dodged forward to meet the first group of guards, blocking a sword headed straight for him. Allan followed suit, but with the other group coming in from behind. There were three of them here. Perhaps five, or maybe six that were facing Robin. Again he had that unsettling feeling that he would not come out of this alive.
He ducked, and dodged the blades coming his way. But he couldn’t avoid the fist, or the foot. Not with so many around. Allan found his head spinning, his feet stumbling as he tried to block another blow. The force of it knocked him to his knees, and in short moments, he was disarmed. One guard held him at sword point, the other, fastened a bond around his wrists, binding his hands behind his back.
Behind him, he could hear Robin struggling. He too was being bound in a similar fashion. Allan met his gaze briefly, frightened by the dark and cold glare that was sent his way. If Robin had not been happy before, then now he was furious.
“Take them to the dungeons, and send word that we’ve caught Robin Hood, and Guy of Gisborne’s man.”
Allan was hauled to his feet roughly, just as Robin was. The guard shoved him ahead roughly, laughing as he nearly lost his feet. “Not so high and mighty now, are we? Gisborne had you too overrated. I knew you were trouble long ago.”
He felt his cheeks burn. Robin had accused him of a similar thing just moments before. There was really nowhere for him to go, for him to really belong. That was hardly a matter of choice anymore. Allan knew where he was going. And when the sheriff found out he was there, Allan had a feeling that fate he would face would be far worse than whatever Robin could have done to him.
Next Chapter
Author: emmithar,kegel84
Summary: Robin has his hands full when two members of the gang find themselves in trouble.Robin must rely on the help of a traitor in order to save them, and possibly himself as well.
Characters/Pairings: Features the gang and Marian, Sheriff and Gisborne, Thornton and some OC's
Parings: R/M, W/D
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers/Warnings: AU from mid Season 2
Disclaimer: Unfortunately we don't own anything. We're just borrowing and will return everyone in reasonable condition once we are finished.
Notes: Many thanks to neaptidea for the beta, and theonlyspl for the artwork :)
Artwork, by theonlyspl
Previous Chapter
It was nearly noon by the time they passed under the gates and into Nottingham. That thought alone worried Robin, his heart seizing in fear as they scurried inside, pressing themselves up against the walls and into the shadows. His eyes searched the town frantically, reading the faces of the peasants and guards that wandered by, going about their daily tasks. From here he could not see the gallows, and he could not know if it was already too late.
Had the sheriff known about Marian, no doubt he would not have waited long to punish her. But there was no proof, other than Allan’s word, of what had actually happened. The man had already betrayed them, and more than once had sold out secrets and endangered them all. Why now would he want to help? The thought that it was a trap was with him, ever the more now that he stood here in the shadows and watched.
“Master, what do we do? They are guards all over the place.”
Much’s voice was thin, pressing. He could hear the worry, could hear the same concern that he felt. They could not just stay here, and hope for a chance to slip by unseen. Too much time would be wasted, and if they stood here for too long, they were bound to be caught. Robin searched the town, seeing an opening in an alleyway, a few yards beyond where they were standing now. If they could reach it, the corridor would lead them closer to the castle. Robin knew that he must go in first, to confirm Allan’s story, before he endangered everyone else.
“We can go up through the front,” Allan suggested, his breaths heavy. He was tense, worried. Robin could only wonder how much of it was an act. The thought that he was potentially being played angered him, sending a white hot fury through him that he had to suppress. Allan might be lying. But he also might be telling the truth.
“How do we know you’re not just trying to trap us?” Much demanded, trying to sound smug as his lips pressed together tightly. There had never been a fondness between them, and Allan’s betrayal only seemed to widen that gap.
“We’ll go around, come in from the south end,” Robin decided, having already thought it over. That was the quickest way in, and towards the dungeons.
“But the south side is teeming with guards,” Allan protested.
“That’s where we are going,” he repeated, with more firmness this time. He would not be swayed, least of all by a traitor. They would play this game his way, rather than following the other blindly. If there were plans, a trap of some sorts, Robin would not walk into it willingly. Surely Vaysey knew he would not, and had some other trick up his sleeve, but they would deal with that when and if the time came. For now, they would do as he said, and enter from the south.
“We’ll all be caught if we go that way-“
“Well then, you shouldn’t be worried,” Much cut Allan off, scoffing.
“I’m a wanted man,” Allan reminded him, “They know I warned Marian. I had to run!”
“And I’m sure you tried your hardest to get her out safely as well,” Robin snapped.
“I tried, but she wouldn’t come. She made me go, said I had to get you. It wouldn’t do any good if we were both caught.”
His brow furrowed as he turned away, lips twisting into a scowl. As much as he didn’t want to believe what he was saying, it did sound like Marian. He almost hated her for it, hated that she had stayed behind, and instead allowed Allan to go free. Why could it not have been the other way? Marian would be safe, and Allan would receive everything he deserved. Robin pushed past the man, heading to the edge of the wall, watching as another group of guards passed by, oblivious to the group of outlaws just beyond the fading shadow. Soon there would be no cover for them, when the sun passed directly overhead. They had to move.
“What’s the plan?”
Robin pointed, as Much knelt near him. The others, he knew, were watching, waiting for him to continue. He took a breath, and did so. “We head down the alleyway. That’ll lead us to the center of town. We’ll need a distraction. I want you and the others to cause trouble when we get close, lure the guards away from the courtyard. Don’t press your luck; once you have them on your tail, get out of there.”
“What about you?” Much wondered, nervously glancing back to where Allan stood, “and him?”
“Allan will be coming with me.”
He wanted the man there, so that he could be aware of the first sign of trouble. The best place to keep a threat was right in front of you. The worry in Allan’s eyes was evident, causing Robin to pause, wondering if it was fear he was seeing. Fear at being caught? Or fear of Robin’s wrath when things went ill? That would be pondered on later. With a nod of his head, they hurried for the alleyway, in two separate groups, when the guards had their backs turned.
When they reached the center of the town, Robin headed toward the front, falling in step behind Allan. They came to a pause near the portcullis, waiting with baited breath for the signal. It came a moment later, in a burst of yells and cries that flooded the marketplace. There was a flurry of footsteps, guards running past to intervene, to bring everything to a stop. Robin pushed Allan forward, the man taking the hint and quickly rushing in the opposite direction of the commotion. He followed, slipping inside the courtyard only moments after. They were in the clear; for now.
The courtyard lay empty. But it wouldn’t stay that way for long. Not with the ruckus just beyond. Soon this area would be teeming with guards. And Gisborne and the sheriff, no doubt, wanting to see what all the commotion was. Allan was motioning for him to follow, apparently having the same idea, and wanting nothing more than to be gone before they did arrive. Robin, however, had other matter to take care of first.
Allan was caught off guard as Robin grabbed him, slamming him against the wall that was nearest. His voice was low, deadly even, as he spoke, the threat more than clear.
“If this is some sort of trap, you won’t live long enough to regret it,” he warned, breath hissing through his teeth.
“There is no trap,” Allan replied, trying to pull free. “Trust me.”
Trust. Robin scoffed. The man had a lot of nerve, asking for that. This wasn’t the time to debate that. They had to get in, and get back out, all the while rescuing Marian, and not running into trouble themselves. Robin let go of Allan, motioning towards the door that was nearby. Already he could hear more guards approaching. It would do best if they made haste.
Robin paused long enough to turn back, eyes searching out the market. He couldn’t see the others, and hoped quietly that they had made it to safety. Turning back he followed after Allan, hoping that he too, would be safe, and Marian as well.
Once they had made it inside, Robin realized that they would not only have to free Marian, but Edward as well. If Allan had actually told the truth, this was probably the reason why Marian had not fled, and would not do so unless she could free her father, too. She wouldn't choose to leave him behind, no matter the danger it cost her.
Robin had an uncanny feeling when they sneaked along on their way to the dungeons. He couldn't suppress the thought that Allan was leading him into a trap and that Vaysey would be laughing at him. But then he couldn't risk Marian's life on the suspicion. And this was what the sheriff could build on. He wasn't sure how much the man knew about how close they still were, but now that the man knew about her being the Nightwatchman - according to Allan at least - the sheriff could guess that he and Marian were allies. And Robin Hood wouldn't abandon an ally, even less so one of his own.
“How do we get in?” Allan whispered then.
“You tell me,” Robin returned irritatedly. He was blaming the man, there was no question about that. Either Allan was leading him into a trap, or he had caused Marian to be found out. He frowned impatiently. “I have a plan.”
“And what is it?”
“You go in first,” Robin determined. “We trust the guards don't know yet that you aren't with the sheriff any longer. And maybe you still are,” he added grimly. “Go ahead.”
“I-”
“You could have thought about that before you sold us and Marian out to Gisborne.”
“It wasn't on purpose,” Allan defended himself.
“Go.” Robin motioned into the direction they had to go to get to the dungeons. Allan moved hesitatingly, glancing back at Robin whose cold expression finally made him continue on. Robin followed a few paces behind, ready to flee if it was necessary. But nobody hindered them in getting through the door that led to the stairs that would take them down to the cells. It was only at the staircase that they met a guard, or rather that Allan met a guard, for Robin kept himself hidden in the shadows.
“What're doing here?” the man asked.
“Just checking,” Allan shrugged uncomfortably. “Sheriff's orders.”
“It's not your job, is it?” the guard was confused, but watched only as Allan made a move to march down the stairs.
“Sheriff wanted me out of his sight,” Allan made up. “Better than hanging at least, eh?”
The guard nodded just as long as it took for Robin to sneak up to him and hit him over the head with the broad side of his sword. The man fell to the floor unconscious, and Robin motioned with his sword for Allan to move on. Allan vanished downwards and Robin took a few moments to remove parts of the guard's uniform as well as his helmet. When he arrived downstairs as well, wearing what he had taken from the man, Allan was already waiting for him nervously. The man clearly didn't want to be caught here. Or he was a good actor, which was probably true as well, considering he had fooled Robin and all of his men for months.
“Where's the jailer?” Robin asked.
Allan pointed into the shadows and Robin could make out the man who was sleeping with his head on a small table there. The keys that were lying on the table were just what Robin wanted.
“I'm getting the keys,” he said. “You go and figure out where Marian is.”
Robin moved to the table, as Allan turned down the corridor, disappearing into the darkness. He wasn’t sure how well he liked that fact, but kept his focus on getting the keys without being caught. It wouldn’t be difficult; the reek of ale was more than evident that the jailer had drunk himself into a stupor. And Vaysey wondered how outlaws were able to meander through the dungeons so easily.
He followed Allan a minute later with the keys in his hand, catching up to him only a minute later. He had come to a stop next to a cell and Robin remembered it was the one where Edward was being held.
“What are you doing here?” the man wanted to know, looking at Allan. “You are with Robin?” he added after a moment.
“He was,” Robin corrected him, approaching the cell. “I’m here to free you…and Marian.” He said the last part quietly, watching Edward’s face for any indication that this might be a trap. But his expression was grave, and a sound near him peaked his interest.
“Robin?” he could hear her speak up, as he was opening the door to Edward's cell. Allan was truthful in at least one aspect. Robin was relieved to know that she was actually here - and not at a yet worse place, and he hurried to open the door to where she was held as well. He brought her into a quick hug, thankful she was still alive, but then the realization that they still had to get everyone out of here, hit him. For all he knew, this could still be some sort of trap.
“Do you have a weapon I can use?” Marian asked him as they walked to where Edward and Allan were waiting.
“I don't plan to fight our way out of here,” Robin said, uneasy at the idea. He and Marian could handle it fine, but he worried for Edward, and about Allan. Her father was frail, and wouldn’t be able to hold up on his own, and Allan…there was no telling when and where his loyalty would end. True, he had gotten him down here, but Robin could still not shake the unnerving feeling he had, the thought that the sheriff and Gisborne were near, and waiting for them all.
“We might not have a choice.”
Robin shook his head. “I'm going to lead the way.” He unsheathed his sword again, and moved on, Marian behind him, Edward and Allan following after. Robin had them wait as they reached the stairs, moving up on his own to check the corridors above. Another guard would not give him a second look, only seeing another guard and it would give him time to make sure there was no one waiting to spring a trap on them. Once he was sure, he gave a whistle, waving a hand impatiently.
They were lucky and didn't have to fight anyone on their way outside as Robin had hoped. He hurried along the hallway away from the dungeons, still knowing Marian behind him. It was only when he saw Much's face that he slowed down so Edward could catch up, and it was then he noticed that Allan was gone. Whether the man had left voluntarily or because he had met trouble, he couldn't be sure. At this point, he wasn’t too concerned. Marian was safe, as was her father.
“Where's Allan?” came the question not from Much, but from Djaq who had turned up alongside of John, coming to a stop next to Much. The group was crowded in a far corner, near the entrance to the courtyard.
“Did you notice any trouble behind you?” he asked Edward.
The man shook his head. “He was right behind me just a minute ago. He must have fallen behind when we left the castle.”
Robin nodded. He turned to Much. “You and the others need to take Marian and Edward back to camp. I’ll be there when I can.”
“Master-”
“Go,” Robin told him, seeing that not only Much didn't like the order, but Marian just as little. He held their gaze, moving to John next, who nodded his head in understanding. The man placed an arm around Marian’s shoulders, moving her away. Her father moved to follow, helped along by Djaq. Only Much stayed behind, protesting one last time, trying to get Robin to come along.
“Master, we must leave!”
“I give you my word, I will meet you at camp,” he reassured him. Robin knew of his worry, but he also knew there was something else he must do.
He had to take care of Allan...
~~~~
He wasn’t stupid. Allan knew that Robin would take action once things were done. Right now he was counting on the fact that Robin would be distracted, focused on getting Marian and her father to safety. Hoping was a better word.
It hadn’t taken much effort to fall behind. (Robin had kept up a hurried pace, and though Edward had gone more slowly, Allan had gone even slower. Soon, when he turned the corner, the evidence that he had been following anyone was now gone. But just because he was safe from Robin, did not mean he was safe where he was.
Here, in the castle, there was still the chance he would be found by Gisborne, the sheriff, or a guard who knew what was going on. He had been lucky with the first guard; most likely the guards about the castle, and the market knew that he was trouble. But perhaps the sheriff had not spoken directly with the man that guarded the dungeons. After all, it wasn’t a course of action normally taken by him.
Allan wasn’t sure if it was guilt, or the lack of it, that bothered him. He wanted to convince himself that he would have gone down to help someone escape, if it were Marian, Robin, or one of the others. He wanted to believe it. But he was no Robin Hood. That much was apparent. If he was, then he would be with the man, instead of running from him.
A larger, more pressing question that was starting to occupy his mind was the simple fact of where he would now go. The earlier thoughts of heading south, to Portsmouth, returned, and he still fancied the idea. Robin wouldn’t follow him that far; he wouldn’t want to leave his precious shire. Or Marian, now that she was once again with him.
Allan bit back the bitter feeling as he made his way along the corridor. He should be happy for Robin. They had a successful escape; Marian was safe, as was her father. They would be able to be together, and Marian no longer used as bait in the games the sheriff so enjoyed tormenting Gisborne with. Yet, as hard as he tried, he could feel nothing but jealousy. He wanted what Robin had. And Allan knew he could never have any of it.
He had tried to be an outlaw; miserable at the conditions, at the lack of honor and glory. What good was it if you were always risking your neck, and still forced to sleep in the dirt like a common thug? And castle life, though it had better in commendations, seemed to be far more dangerous than the previous occupation. Now, he had nothing, and nowhere to go but a dim thought in his mind.
Allan came to a sudden stop, backpedaling quickly into the shadows. He had almost walked straight into them, the guards who were still headed this way. With nowhere to go but the way he had just come, Allan found himself almost at run. One good thing he had learnt from Robin was how to run without causing a racket. It was proving quite useful now.
Once he felt he was ahead far enough, he slowed his pace. He would have to find another way out. Once in the market, he would be safer. Allan sped up his pace, eager to reach his destination. Anywhere would be better than here. The thought gave him courage, enough motivation to keep going. It all disappeared as he rounded the next corner.
Allan once again found himself backing up. This was unexpected. At least, unwanted. Try as he might, he couldn’t hide from the fact that he had been seen. Allan was hurrying down the corridor, his stomach seizing as he heard the chatter of the guards. They were still heading this way. And Robin was coming from the other direction.
Quickly he weighed his dilemma. There was the chance that the guards were clueless about what had happened. Allan had always relied on his quick wit and smooth tongue to get out of situations. Added in the fact that Robin Hood was here, it could prove the distraction necessary to be on his way.
On the other hand, it was possible that the guards knew about Allan’s betrayal, and were out searching for him now. They would know he helped Robin, and wouldn’t think twice about forgoing him for the outlaw. Perhaps his chances were better with Robin. The man was angry, but Allan had helped in freeing Marian. He had fetched him in the first place. Technically, he was the reason she was even still alive. Surely Robin would understand that.
He found himself turning, just as Robin closed the gap between them. “Robin, I-“
Allan stumbled at the first blow, tasting blood. Maybe he deserved the hit, but he hadn’t been prepared for it. Regaining his balance, he pulled back quickly as another came. There was no wondering if Robin was angry with him. He ducked the next one, spinning around the man, reaching for his sword.
Robin was faster; he was always faster. Allan found himself pressed against the wall behind him, blade against his throat. He had been in this position more than once, but it didn’t make it any more comfortable.
“You’re going to kill me, after all I’ve done?”
“Yes,” the answer came without hesitation. But if he was so certain, then why had he not done so already?
“You wouldn’t even have known about Marian if I hadn’t come to tell you. I didn’t have to, but I did,” he reminded Robin, hoping to sway him some. The flat of the knife was pressed firmly against his flesh, forcing him on his toes.
“They wouldn’t know about Marian if it wasn’t for you. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted you. I should have done this a long time ago.”
“Robin, I swear I didn’t” he meant to explain, to beg, to plead for mercy. He didn’t want to die, and he hadn’t meant anyone any harm. There wasn’t a chance to do so, the guards rounding the corner just at that time. What they saw must have baffled them. They stood, perplexed, before suddenly crying out, ordering them to surrender.
Robin could have slit his throat; there was enough time to do so. For whatever reason he didn’t, Allan didn’t question it. There was relief, as he sank against the wall, a hand to his throat, checking for injury. Robin had taken off, darting around the corner. Allan soon followed, at a more unsteady pace. Soon though, he was running. The guards were close behind, still yelling their orders as if saying it certain many times would suddenly make their suspects surrender.
Allan stopped short, nearly losing his balance as he came around the last corner. Robin had come to a full stop in the middle of the corridor, staring straight ahead. Allan could see why. Another number of guards were coming, had spotted them as well. And soon, the guards from behind would close the gap. Allan found himself swallowing, glancing both ways.
“What do we do?”
Robin scowled, but didn’t answer. Allan wasn’t sure if he expected one. He had just naturally fallen back into the role of being one of Robin’s men. There had been many scrapes the man had gotten them out of. This was only one more.
Robin held up his sword, preparing himself for a fight. Allan did the same. It was foolish to think he could talk his way out of this one. Not after already having fled. The guards wouldn’t buy it; not even they were that dull.
“I’m sorry, Robin,” Allan found himself apologizing, although he wasn’t sure what for. The first betrayal. The last? The unintentional one? Or maybe for everything ill he had done.
“No time,” the man cut him off. And there was none. Robin dodged forward to meet the first group of guards, blocking a sword headed straight for him. Allan followed suit, but with the other group coming in from behind. There were three of them here. Perhaps five, or maybe six that were facing Robin. Again he had that unsettling feeling that he would not come out of this alive.
He ducked, and dodged the blades coming his way. But he couldn’t avoid the fist, or the foot. Not with so many around. Allan found his head spinning, his feet stumbling as he tried to block another blow. The force of it knocked him to his knees, and in short moments, he was disarmed. One guard held him at sword point, the other, fastened a bond around his wrists, binding his hands behind his back.
Behind him, he could hear Robin struggling. He too was being bound in a similar fashion. Allan met his gaze briefly, frightened by the dark and cold glare that was sent his way. If Robin had not been happy before, then now he was furious.
“Take them to the dungeons, and send word that we’ve caught Robin Hood, and Guy of Gisborne’s man.”
Allan was hauled to his feet roughly, just as Robin was. The guard shoved him ahead roughly, laughing as he nearly lost his feet. “Not so high and mighty now, are we? Gisborne had you too overrated. I knew you were trouble long ago.”
He felt his cheeks burn. Robin had accused him of a similar thing just moments before. There was really nowhere for him to go, for him to really belong. That was hardly a matter of choice anymore. Allan knew where he was going. And when the sheriff found out he was there, Allan had a feeling that fate he would face would be far worse than whatever Robin could have done to him.
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