Crossfire - Chapter Nine
Title, Chapter: Crossfire- Chapter Nine
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
They had seen to Marian and Edward’s safe passage. Marian wouldn’t have had it any other way. Her father was old as it was, and his stay in the dungeons had not been particularly kind. John had been able to secure a cart, borrowed from a farmer, while Much had gathered the horses. The provisions that were packed were few, but it would be enough for them until they reached the next village once outside of Nottinghamshire. Where they would go, Djaq wasn’t sure. How Robin would take the news, she was even less sure.
But they had done what had been asked of them. Marian and her father were both safe, and with a little luck would come to no ill tidings on their journey. Marian had promised to return, and speak with Robin herself once things were taken care of. Yet she had a feeling that would be some time before it would actually come to pass. And Djaq worried.
Not just about Marian. The lady would be busy, no doubt, on the run, and taking care of her ailing father. But Djaq’s mind was concentrated on other things as well. She was worried about Robin. She had not seen the man since they had left Nottingham. Yes, he could take care of himself, this she knew. She could also remember the look in his eyes and what he had said. She worried about Allan.
The man was a traitor. Back in her homeland, he would have been treated far less kindly. Perhaps Allan deserved what was coming, but Djaq still felt he was a good man. She didn’t want to think what Robin might do, even though a part of her knew what he would do already. Allan might have betrayed them, might have betrayed Marian, but it was because of him that she was saved.
It felt right to her. Allan had made a mistake, had taken the steps necessary to fix everything. Why couldn’t Robin see this as well? Now that Marian was safe, Djaq longed to head back for the castle. Foolishly she was hoping there was enough time to get him to change his mind. But by now it would be too late. Whatever Robin had done could not be undone. And despite how she might argue with him, she knew it was his right. Robin had allowed Allan a chance before, many chances before it seemed. The thought did not make it rest any easier inside of her. What more, Will was nowhere to be seen. The man had been angry this morning at being left behind. He had wanted to help, and Djaq knew they probably could have used his help. True, they had done just fine without him, but it had felt odd to go to Nottingham and not see the man a step or two behind. Now that they had returned to camp, Djaq had been planning on speaking with him, helping to ease his anger, and perhaps speak more about the fire that had taken place in Locksley.
She knew he was not guilty. Despite what others said. It was something she could not only feel, but also see in his eyes. Will loved the people of Locksley almost as much as Robin did. Perhaps even more, it felt like. But maybe that was her personal feelings intermixing with rationalization. She did love Robin, like she loved the rest of the group. However, there was something different about Will.
So it was a disappointment not to see him at camp when they returned. Robin had instructed him to stay, but knowing Will, the man must have left shortly after they did. He had been leaving quite often as of late. Heading into the forest at night. Sometimes she had almost followed, but had given into sleep instead, deciding whatever it was, it might be personal business. It might be the same now.
She sat down at the base of the hill, starting a fire before heading up the slope. Much was already busy in the kitchen, the smell wafting through the air and leaving her hungry. No doubt that he too was trying to distract himself.
Djaq collected one of the large pots they had stored in the back, grabbing the pouch from her bed as she passed back by. There was still time in the day to experiment with more potions and brews. One could never have too many remedies, especially given the life they were currently living. None of them were injured now, but there was no telling when it might come to that, or what they would need. But mostly, it served as a distraction. A rather good one.
It wasn’t until she was handed a plate with supper that she realized how much time had passed. Much and John were both quiet, but she could clearly see how tense they were. There was still no sign of Robin, and Will was nowhere to be found. Her appetite had all but left, and she could see the same was for the others.. She let out a sigh, setting the plate on the ground.
“John?”
The man met her gaze, and she didn’t have to ask more, for the man was nodding already.
“We go find them.”
They collected their weapons, put out the fire, and concealed the camp, taking every precaution that was necessary as they headed out. They didn’t have to go far. Half a mile down the forest trail, they were able to see the first signs that travelers were nearby. Djaq crept low, concealing herself behind some foliage, peering to see who it was. Her anticipations melted away, a smile crossing her face as she moved to her feet the next moment. Much too, had seen who it was.
“Master!”
Robin acknowledged them with a small nod, a grim smile on his face. Will was nearly in step with him, caught in conversation with the other. They both fell silent however as they drew near. Djaq wondered how Will had ended up with Robin, or where the man had even been. But she didn’t question him, instead drew him into a hug which the man returned briefly before pulling away.
“Marian?” Robin was curious, and Djaq swallowed, unsure of how to answer. She was spared by that, Much already ahead of her.
“She left, with Edward. She did say she was coming back though.”
Robin nodded. “Good.”
“What about Allan?”
Djaq wasn’t sure she wanted to know. But part of her decided that not knowing was worse. Robin’s gaze was hard, and he shook his head, pushing past them so he wouldn’t have to answer. Djaq turned to Will next, but suspected he wouldn’t know more than she did.
“He’s alive,” Will answered, much to her relief.
“You were in Nottingham?” She was surprised; if Will had followed, why hadn’t he found them earlier?
“Not by choice,” the man admitted. “Later…we have other problems right now.”
“Problems?” John was curious. He had stayed behind with them. Much had gone ahead, catching up with Robin.
“There was another fire in Locksley. They still blame us…well, me, I guess.”
“More fires? But why?”
She knew the first fire could have been caused by the storm. But there had not been another storm since. Could it have been another accident? Or was someone truly burning houses down? Djaq turned to Will, but the man shook his head. He motioned in the direction Robin had taken, and she could understand what he meant. Robin would have the answers, or at the very least know what they should do next.
~~~~~
Gisborne knew this would be a bad meeting. The sheriff had called for him directly, and he had feeling of what it was about before he had even gotten there. And the sheriff was fuming.
“Tell me, Gisborne, that they didn’t get away?”
Gisborne stood where he had entered, biting his lip before he finally shrugged. He had been more intent on finding Allan, than paying attention to what had been going on around him. The wretched little rat had nearly gotten him with the whip. A few inches closer, and it would have hit him right across the face. He could still remember crying out in surprise, and some in fury. It had been a bad idea to arm the former outlaw. He had even warned the sheriff about it. Not that the sheriff had ever listened to him before.
“I had three of them, all there, in the dungeons. I was going to have a hanging. A glorious hanging in the morning. I was going to be rid of Hood…and now…they are all gone. And the leper…her father…”
Gisborne apologized, but not as heartfelt as it should have been. He knew Hood would find a way out. Had counted on it. Marian was gone; there was a good chance he wouldn’t see her again. But he would rather have that than to watch her hang. While she was alive, there was still hope. One day, when he surpassed the sheriff, he would send for her, and have her as his bride.
“What is that sniveling smirk for, Gisborne?”
He hadn’t even realized he had been smiling. Quickly he masked it with a cough, and came up with the first excuse he could muster. “I was thinking of what we would do when we did capture them again.”
“And how do you plan on accomplishing this impossible feat? You can’t even control a leper, let alone an outlaw.”
Gisborne bristled at the comment, but did not respond to it. Instead he cleared his throat, explaining his jumbled plan and hoping it would make some sort of sense. “Allan won’t stay away for long. There’s nowhere for him to go. When he comes back, I’ll deal with him personally. We’ll put an end to everything; I promise you, milord, that he’ll lead us to Hood’s camp.”
“I hope for your sake that you’re right,” Vaizey warned him. “Now get out of my sight. I have important business to attend to.”
Gisborne did not need a second invitation, taking to the halls. He was certain Allan would be back. He was even more certain he would find Hood’s camp. Then he would have no qualms in killing the outlaw. Marian would be safely away by then. And with Robin Hood out of the picture, it would be a glorious future for him.
~~~~
Allan couldn’t very well just go barging into camp. Even if he had helped both Robin and Will escape, Robin wouldn’t believe him. Will might have something positive to say, Marian too, if she was still around by any chance. Yet he couldn’t trust his life on chance. Allan needed something more, something that would guarantee him to get back with the lads.
He slouched a little more in his chair, making sure that his hood stayed up over his face. A quick change of clothes, a stolen purse, and he had found himself here, drowning away his troubles with some ale. How he always managed to end up here, he wasn’t sure. But at least he could count on not being found. Gisborne would not assume he would stay around, not after all that had transpired. He took another drink, setting the cup down before lacing fingers behind his head. What could he do?
How could he make Robin trust him again? He had told Robin about Marian. Had helped her and her father escape. Had even gone back for Robin after the man was caught…well, sort of, at least. But was that enough? Part of him doubted it. Robin had seemed ready to kill him a short time ago. Maybe going back wasn’t the wisest of ideas. What else did he have?
No…he had to come up with something more. Had to find a way to prove himself. Maybe if he went back there, begged…no maybe that was too much. He could simply ask…but Allan wasn’t sure he was ready to do just anything. Who knew what Robin might think of?
“Did you hear…outlaws…escape?”
Allan picked up the words, but only intermittently. The two men were a few tables away, bent over their own cups, nursing them slowly. They were locked in conversation, so much so that they did not even notice as Allan moved closer to where they sat. Allan had a good feeling about what they were discussing, but wanted to make sure for his own sake. The talk of the town was the best way to know what was going on, without getting your own self in trouble.
“I heard they got away, alright. No good for any of us, mark my words,” the other man responded, clearing his throat with a round of heavy coughs.
“Why do you say that?”
“Them burning the houses down there, back in, what was it? Locksley? What do you think they will do next when they’re ain’t nothing left to burn?”
“Rubbish, the outlaws haven’t burned nothing,” the first defended, to which Allan agreed. Even the sheriff had admitted privately that Robin and the others were not responsible for that. What would they gain from it anyway?
“Not what the sheriff says.”
“And since when has the sheriff said anything true? He says outlaws do everything, and then something else always comes up, and it was never outlaws in the first place. Besides, I heard that Thomas Bennet’s house was burnt down last.”
“Never heard of him.”
“Yes you have. He used to live here, up until recently . Selling remedies, claiming to be able to cure the sick. Turns out he was the one making them sick in the first place. Then he goes and sells the cure, and guess who’s a hero?”
The other man nodded, as if understanding now. Allan couldn’t remember hearing about a man named Thomas Bennet before. He figured the sheriff could have brought such a person up. Maybe it was before he came to the castle…
“I remember now. Moved off to Locksley, did he?”
“That’s right. He killed a few people, wanted to start a panic, earn some extra money. There’s a lot of people who would want him dead, I think. He had it coming to him, you know he did.”
Allan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, taking in the information as the two men began talking about something new. Back when they were in the dungeons, Robin hadn’t a clue to who was responsible. It hardly sounded like this Thomas Bennet was, more like he was the victim. But if he had grudges held against him, it would be a start in finding out who might be responsible for the fires. Already he could feel himself smiling, thinking things over.
Robin would have to take him back now.
~~~~~
Will was angry. Not only did Robin still blame him for disobeying, but he also would not listen to reason. Will supposed the first issue was true. He hadn’t stayed at camp like Robin had wanted him to, but by going to Locksley he had learned of something important.
Up until now, they had only heard of one fire. Had assumed it was incidental, caused by the storm on that same night. But with another, they could be certain that someone was responsible. And Will hated the fact that people were blaming him. Robin had to understand how he felt. The man had been blamed once before, when Joderic was killed. Will had never much liked the bailiff, a lot of people really hadn’t, but there were few who had wished the man to be dead.
Robin had gone through, had done what was necessary to clear his name. Why could he not do the same here? Why couldn’t Robin understand that Will wanted to be proved innocent as well?
“We can’t prove that you are innocent until we catch the killer,” Robin let out a sigh. He was still angry, but what about particularly, Will couldn’t say.
“We go back to Locksley,” he started, but was cut off by Robin.
“If we go to Locksley, the people there will still blame us. They will not listen to reason. They’re afraid, and people do strange things when they’re scared.”
Will noted easily how Robin had avoided pinning anything on him individually. Will knew the people did, but it was easier for Robin to pretend it was all of them. Maybe part of him was right. The villagers did seem to associate them all as one group. He let out a sigh.
“We have to do something.”
“And we will. First we have to find out who’s responsible for the fires.”
“How? If you won’t speak with them-“
“We need to find out who would benefit from the fires.”
“The sheriff,” Much offered from where he sat. “He’s always looking for ways to make you look like a criminal.”
“Yes,” Robin replied dryly, “But this isn’t the sheriff’s way.”
“Of course it is,” Much wanted to argue. “Or Gisborne…he did burn down Marian’s house, remember?”
“Burning, maybe. Not killing…”
“This is the sheriff we’re talking about, remember?” Much pressed.
“He wouldn’t benefit from just killing people, not unless people truly believed it was Robin’s doing,” Will interjected, understanding what Robin was trying to say. “The people there believed they saw me. They’re weren’t told who was responsible.”
“What about Gisborne, then?”
“He wasn’t in Locksley that night,” Robin shook his head. “There are far easier ways to pin blame on a bunch of outlaws rather than going through such lengths. I don’t think the sheriff or Gisborne are involved in this one. Not this time.”
“Who else then?” Will was desperate to know, “Who else would benefit from burning houses down?”
“I might have an idea.”
The cheerful voice was sudden, unexpected, and Will wasn’t the only one to reach for his weapon. All of them were armed in just short of a second, Robin taking the lead with his bow ready. Allan stopped where he was, holding hands out to his sides to show he was unarmed. Robin seemed to pause for a real long moment, as if considering something, but Will could see the man was checking the surroundings. Satisfied that Allan was indeed alone, Robin lowered his bow.
“What do you want?”
“I…uh, have some information you might find useful. About the fires.”
“Tell us,” Robin demanded. His voice was still cold, his gaze still hard. Will knew this was another reason why the man was so angry.
“I will…if you promise me something.”
“We don’t deal with traitors.”
Allan seemed to consider this, shrug, and then turn to leave. “Right then. Good luck in finding out who’s starting the fires. I hear the sheriff is starting a campaign to make the killers pay. I hope you find them before the sheriff finds you.”
“A campaign?” Much’s voice was tense, the worry clear on his face. “Master, what does he mean?”
Will could only guess. They had been chased before, hunted by dogs and men. How far would the sheriff go this time?
“Robin, maybe we should listen to what he has to say,” Will prompted. The man held his ground, shaking his head.
“Listening to what he wants can’t hurt,” he continued to push, turning to watch as Allan walked even further away. “He’s been with the sheriff, with Gisborne. He might know something we do not.”
“So we tell him what our plans are? Then he’ll go tell the sheriff. Is that what you want?”
Will shook his head. “He won’t-“
“How do you know?”
“Trust me,” Will answered. He took a breath. “When the guards took us away, the sheriff wanted Allan to torture me. He wouldn’t. You might not trust him...but I do. You do trust me, right?”
“You disobeyed me earlier,” Robin reminded him coldly, but the edge was gone in his voice. Will found himself smiling.
“You knew that I would.”
Robin gave a nod once a moment had passed, agreeing to it all. “Fine. We’ll listen. But we make no promises.”
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
They had seen to Marian and Edward’s safe passage. Marian wouldn’t have had it any other way. Her father was old as it was, and his stay in the dungeons had not been particularly kind. John had been able to secure a cart, borrowed from a farmer, while Much had gathered the horses. The provisions that were packed were few, but it would be enough for them until they reached the next village once outside of Nottinghamshire. Where they would go, Djaq wasn’t sure. How Robin would take the news, she was even less sure.
But they had done what had been asked of them. Marian and her father were both safe, and with a little luck would come to no ill tidings on their journey. Marian had promised to return, and speak with Robin herself once things were taken care of. Yet she had a feeling that would be some time before it would actually come to pass. And Djaq worried.
Not just about Marian. The lady would be busy, no doubt, on the run, and taking care of her ailing father. But Djaq’s mind was concentrated on other things as well. She was worried about Robin. She had not seen the man since they had left Nottingham. Yes, he could take care of himself, this she knew. She could also remember the look in his eyes and what he had said. She worried about Allan.
The man was a traitor. Back in her homeland, he would have been treated far less kindly. Perhaps Allan deserved what was coming, but Djaq still felt he was a good man. She didn’t want to think what Robin might do, even though a part of her knew what he would do already. Allan might have betrayed them, might have betrayed Marian, but it was because of him that she was saved.
It felt right to her. Allan had made a mistake, had taken the steps necessary to fix everything. Why couldn’t Robin see this as well? Now that Marian was safe, Djaq longed to head back for the castle. Foolishly she was hoping there was enough time to get him to change his mind. But by now it would be too late. Whatever Robin had done could not be undone. And despite how she might argue with him, she knew it was his right. Robin had allowed Allan a chance before, many chances before it seemed. The thought did not make it rest any easier inside of her. What more, Will was nowhere to be seen. The man had been angry this morning at being left behind. He had wanted to help, and Djaq knew they probably could have used his help. True, they had done just fine without him, but it had felt odd to go to Nottingham and not see the man a step or two behind. Now that they had returned to camp, Djaq had been planning on speaking with him, helping to ease his anger, and perhaps speak more about the fire that had taken place in Locksley.
She knew he was not guilty. Despite what others said. It was something she could not only feel, but also see in his eyes. Will loved the people of Locksley almost as much as Robin did. Perhaps even more, it felt like. But maybe that was her personal feelings intermixing with rationalization. She did love Robin, like she loved the rest of the group. However, there was something different about Will.
So it was a disappointment not to see him at camp when they returned. Robin had instructed him to stay, but knowing Will, the man must have left shortly after they did. He had been leaving quite often as of late. Heading into the forest at night. Sometimes she had almost followed, but had given into sleep instead, deciding whatever it was, it might be personal business. It might be the same now.
She sat down at the base of the hill, starting a fire before heading up the slope. Much was already busy in the kitchen, the smell wafting through the air and leaving her hungry. No doubt that he too was trying to distract himself.
Djaq collected one of the large pots they had stored in the back, grabbing the pouch from her bed as she passed back by. There was still time in the day to experiment with more potions and brews. One could never have too many remedies, especially given the life they were currently living. None of them were injured now, but there was no telling when it might come to that, or what they would need. But mostly, it served as a distraction. A rather good one.
It wasn’t until she was handed a plate with supper that she realized how much time had passed. Much and John were both quiet, but she could clearly see how tense they were. There was still no sign of Robin, and Will was nowhere to be found. Her appetite had all but left, and she could see the same was for the others.. She let out a sigh, setting the plate on the ground.
“John?”
The man met her gaze, and she didn’t have to ask more, for the man was nodding already.
“We go find them.”
They collected their weapons, put out the fire, and concealed the camp, taking every precaution that was necessary as they headed out. They didn’t have to go far. Half a mile down the forest trail, they were able to see the first signs that travelers were nearby. Djaq crept low, concealing herself behind some foliage, peering to see who it was. Her anticipations melted away, a smile crossing her face as she moved to her feet the next moment. Much too, had seen who it was.
“Master!”
Robin acknowledged them with a small nod, a grim smile on his face. Will was nearly in step with him, caught in conversation with the other. They both fell silent however as they drew near. Djaq wondered how Will had ended up with Robin, or where the man had even been. But she didn’t question him, instead drew him into a hug which the man returned briefly before pulling away.
“Marian?” Robin was curious, and Djaq swallowed, unsure of how to answer. She was spared by that, Much already ahead of her.
“She left, with Edward. She did say she was coming back though.”
Robin nodded. “Good.”
“What about Allan?”
Djaq wasn’t sure she wanted to know. But part of her decided that not knowing was worse. Robin’s gaze was hard, and he shook his head, pushing past them so he wouldn’t have to answer. Djaq turned to Will next, but suspected he wouldn’t know more than she did.
“He’s alive,” Will answered, much to her relief.
“You were in Nottingham?” She was surprised; if Will had followed, why hadn’t he found them earlier?
“Not by choice,” the man admitted. “Later…we have other problems right now.”
“Problems?” John was curious. He had stayed behind with them. Much had gone ahead, catching up with Robin.
“There was another fire in Locksley. They still blame us…well, me, I guess.”
“More fires? But why?”
She knew the first fire could have been caused by the storm. But there had not been another storm since. Could it have been another accident? Or was someone truly burning houses down? Djaq turned to Will, but the man shook his head. He motioned in the direction Robin had taken, and she could understand what he meant. Robin would have the answers, or at the very least know what they should do next.
~~~~~
Gisborne knew this would be a bad meeting. The sheriff had called for him directly, and he had feeling of what it was about before he had even gotten there. And the sheriff was fuming.
“Tell me, Gisborne, that they didn’t get away?”
Gisborne stood where he had entered, biting his lip before he finally shrugged. He had been more intent on finding Allan, than paying attention to what had been going on around him. The wretched little rat had nearly gotten him with the whip. A few inches closer, and it would have hit him right across the face. He could still remember crying out in surprise, and some in fury. It had been a bad idea to arm the former outlaw. He had even warned the sheriff about it. Not that the sheriff had ever listened to him before.
“I had three of them, all there, in the dungeons. I was going to have a hanging. A glorious hanging in the morning. I was going to be rid of Hood…and now…they are all gone. And the leper…her father…”
Gisborne apologized, but not as heartfelt as it should have been. He knew Hood would find a way out. Had counted on it. Marian was gone; there was a good chance he wouldn’t see her again. But he would rather have that than to watch her hang. While she was alive, there was still hope. One day, when he surpassed the sheriff, he would send for her, and have her as his bride.
“What is that sniveling smirk for, Gisborne?”
He hadn’t even realized he had been smiling. Quickly he masked it with a cough, and came up with the first excuse he could muster. “I was thinking of what we would do when we did capture them again.”
“And how do you plan on accomplishing this impossible feat? You can’t even control a leper, let alone an outlaw.”
Gisborne bristled at the comment, but did not respond to it. Instead he cleared his throat, explaining his jumbled plan and hoping it would make some sort of sense. “Allan won’t stay away for long. There’s nowhere for him to go. When he comes back, I’ll deal with him personally. We’ll put an end to everything; I promise you, milord, that he’ll lead us to Hood’s camp.”
“I hope for your sake that you’re right,” Vaizey warned him. “Now get out of my sight. I have important business to attend to.”
Gisborne did not need a second invitation, taking to the halls. He was certain Allan would be back. He was even more certain he would find Hood’s camp. Then he would have no qualms in killing the outlaw. Marian would be safely away by then. And with Robin Hood out of the picture, it would be a glorious future for him.
~~~~
Allan couldn’t very well just go barging into camp. Even if he had helped both Robin and Will escape, Robin wouldn’t believe him. Will might have something positive to say, Marian too, if she was still around by any chance. Yet he couldn’t trust his life on chance. Allan needed something more, something that would guarantee him to get back with the lads.
He slouched a little more in his chair, making sure that his hood stayed up over his face. A quick change of clothes, a stolen purse, and he had found himself here, drowning away his troubles with some ale. How he always managed to end up here, he wasn’t sure. But at least he could count on not being found. Gisborne would not assume he would stay around, not after all that had transpired. He took another drink, setting the cup down before lacing fingers behind his head. What could he do?
How could he make Robin trust him again? He had told Robin about Marian. Had helped her and her father escape. Had even gone back for Robin after the man was caught…well, sort of, at least. But was that enough? Part of him doubted it. Robin had seemed ready to kill him a short time ago. Maybe going back wasn’t the wisest of ideas. What else did he have?
No…he had to come up with something more. Had to find a way to prove himself. Maybe if he went back there, begged…no maybe that was too much. He could simply ask…but Allan wasn’t sure he was ready to do just anything. Who knew what Robin might think of?
“Did you hear…outlaws…escape?”
Allan picked up the words, but only intermittently. The two men were a few tables away, bent over their own cups, nursing them slowly. They were locked in conversation, so much so that they did not even notice as Allan moved closer to where they sat. Allan had a good feeling about what they were discussing, but wanted to make sure for his own sake. The talk of the town was the best way to know what was going on, without getting your own self in trouble.
“I heard they got away, alright. No good for any of us, mark my words,” the other man responded, clearing his throat with a round of heavy coughs.
“Why do you say that?”
“Them burning the houses down there, back in, what was it? Locksley? What do you think they will do next when they’re ain’t nothing left to burn?”
“Rubbish, the outlaws haven’t burned nothing,” the first defended, to which Allan agreed. Even the sheriff had admitted privately that Robin and the others were not responsible for that. What would they gain from it anyway?
“Not what the sheriff says.”
“And since when has the sheriff said anything true? He says outlaws do everything, and then something else always comes up, and it was never outlaws in the first place. Besides, I heard that Thomas Bennet’s house was burnt down last.”
“Never heard of him.”
“Yes you have. He used to live here, up until recently . Selling remedies, claiming to be able to cure the sick. Turns out he was the one making them sick in the first place. Then he goes and sells the cure, and guess who’s a hero?”
The other man nodded, as if understanding now. Allan couldn’t remember hearing about a man named Thomas Bennet before. He figured the sheriff could have brought such a person up. Maybe it was before he came to the castle…
“I remember now. Moved off to Locksley, did he?”
“That’s right. He killed a few people, wanted to start a panic, earn some extra money. There’s a lot of people who would want him dead, I think. He had it coming to him, you know he did.”
Allan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, taking in the information as the two men began talking about something new. Back when they were in the dungeons, Robin hadn’t a clue to who was responsible. It hardly sounded like this Thomas Bennet was, more like he was the victim. But if he had grudges held against him, it would be a start in finding out who might be responsible for the fires. Already he could feel himself smiling, thinking things over.
Robin would have to take him back now.
~~~~~
Will was angry. Not only did Robin still blame him for disobeying, but he also would not listen to reason. Will supposed the first issue was true. He hadn’t stayed at camp like Robin had wanted him to, but by going to Locksley he had learned of something important.
Up until now, they had only heard of one fire. Had assumed it was incidental, caused by the storm on that same night. But with another, they could be certain that someone was responsible. And Will hated the fact that people were blaming him. Robin had to understand how he felt. The man had been blamed once before, when Joderic was killed. Will had never much liked the bailiff, a lot of people really hadn’t, but there were few who had wished the man to be dead.
Robin had gone through, had done what was necessary to clear his name. Why could he not do the same here? Why couldn’t Robin understand that Will wanted to be proved innocent as well?
“We can’t prove that you are innocent until we catch the killer,” Robin let out a sigh. He was still angry, but what about particularly, Will couldn’t say.
“We go back to Locksley,” he started, but was cut off by Robin.
“If we go to Locksley, the people there will still blame us. They will not listen to reason. They’re afraid, and people do strange things when they’re scared.”
Will noted easily how Robin had avoided pinning anything on him individually. Will knew the people did, but it was easier for Robin to pretend it was all of them. Maybe part of him was right. The villagers did seem to associate them all as one group. He let out a sigh.
“We have to do something.”
“And we will. First we have to find out who’s responsible for the fires.”
“How? If you won’t speak with them-“
“We need to find out who would benefit from the fires.”
“The sheriff,” Much offered from where he sat. “He’s always looking for ways to make you look like a criminal.”
“Yes,” Robin replied dryly, “But this isn’t the sheriff’s way.”
“Of course it is,” Much wanted to argue. “Or Gisborne…he did burn down Marian’s house, remember?”
“Burning, maybe. Not killing…”
“This is the sheriff we’re talking about, remember?” Much pressed.
“He wouldn’t benefit from just killing people, not unless people truly believed it was Robin’s doing,” Will interjected, understanding what Robin was trying to say. “The people there believed they saw me. They’re weren’t told who was responsible.”
“What about Gisborne, then?”
“He wasn’t in Locksley that night,” Robin shook his head. “There are far easier ways to pin blame on a bunch of outlaws rather than going through such lengths. I don’t think the sheriff or Gisborne are involved in this one. Not this time.”
“Who else then?” Will was desperate to know, “Who else would benefit from burning houses down?”
“I might have an idea.”
The cheerful voice was sudden, unexpected, and Will wasn’t the only one to reach for his weapon. All of them were armed in just short of a second, Robin taking the lead with his bow ready. Allan stopped where he was, holding hands out to his sides to show he was unarmed. Robin seemed to pause for a real long moment, as if considering something, but Will could see the man was checking the surroundings. Satisfied that Allan was indeed alone, Robin lowered his bow.
“What do you want?”
“I…uh, have some information you might find useful. About the fires.”
“Tell us,” Robin demanded. His voice was still cold, his gaze still hard. Will knew this was another reason why the man was so angry.
“I will…if you promise me something.”
“We don’t deal with traitors.”
Allan seemed to consider this, shrug, and then turn to leave. “Right then. Good luck in finding out who’s starting the fires. I hear the sheriff is starting a campaign to make the killers pay. I hope you find them before the sheriff finds you.”
“A campaign?” Much’s voice was tense, the worry clear on his face. “Master, what does he mean?”
Will could only guess. They had been chased before, hunted by dogs and men. How far would the sheriff go this time?
“Robin, maybe we should listen to what he has to say,” Will prompted. The man held his ground, shaking his head.
“Listening to what he wants can’t hurt,” he continued to push, turning to watch as Allan walked even further away. “He’s been with the sheriff, with Gisborne. He might know something we do not.”
“So we tell him what our plans are? Then he’ll go tell the sheriff. Is that what you want?”
Will shook his head. “He won’t-“
“How do you know?”
“Trust me,” Will answered. He took a breath. “When the guards took us away, the sheriff wanted Allan to torture me. He wouldn’t. You might not trust him...but I do. You do trust me, right?”
“You disobeyed me earlier,” Robin reminded him coldly, but the edge was gone in his voice. Will found himself smiling.
“You knew that I would.”
Robin gave a nod once a moment had passed, agreeing to it all. “Fine. We’ll listen. But we make no promises.”
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