Bittersweet

By: Emmithar

Rating: T

Disclaimer:

Sadly I do not own anything but my own imagination. All recognizable characters are not mine. They belong to BBC and I shall be returning them (hopefully) in one piece when I have finished.

Summary: Robin's return to Sherwood brings hope, but how long can it last? Chaffee, the new master-at-arms controls the populace through fear, and even Sheriff Vaysey finds himself at a loss. In order to help his people, Robin knows Chaffee must go. But that is easier said than done, and Robin soon finds himself allied with old foes.

A/N: This is the fifth story in the 'Boundaries of Brotherhood' series. Thanks to those of you who are still reading, I am trying to keep my updates a little more consistent.

I do enjoy reading your input, so feel free to leave a quick review and let me know what you think.

Thanks goes to Kegel for her beta and continued support in writing :)

Onto the story.

Chapter One

They had been tracking him for the better part of the day now. Weaving in and out of the trees, taking care not to be seen. The man they followed was alone, riding through the forest on a black steed. They outnumbered him four to one; with such odds they should have already taken him down. Yet he was not like the other men who had traveled through here.

It had been almost six weeks since their return to the forest, and in that time their full health had more or less been restored. Even Will, whose injuries had been far worse than the others, no longer felt any pain. He ran now, moving silently along a hidden path that was parallel to the road. Djaq was not too far behind him.

The first few weeks they had stayed close to camp; venturing out only to hunt. The time spent in the dungeons had done damage to them all, leaving them weak and tired, without any energy. But with some much needed rest and a proper diet, they had regained their lost strength, as well as some of their courage. Some, but not all.

It was almost three weeks before they had traveled to the first village. They had chosen Nettlestone, still too wary to return to Nottingham where they had been held prisoner, and fearful of running into Chaffee at Locksley. There hadn't been much to take; food was scarce for them, but a stash of silver had still been buried from an earlier raid so they had taken that instead. Yet the villagers did not greet them as old friends, rather instead they had been fearful, refusing each and every offer, some even going as far as running away when they approached. They had received the same response at Clun, and after Knighton, they had simply given up. The villagers were simply too afraid of retribution to risk taking anything.

Instead, they had turned their efforts to something they could do, and could do well. To rob unsuspecting travelers. The goods they had taken were being stored for now, at least until a plan could be formed. They would help the people; that decision had already been made. They would continue what Robin had started; it was just a question of how. Until then, they would continue ambushing all those that passed through these woods.

And that, they had done very well. No one had been spared. Some victims gave in easily, while others needed more convincing. Will was certain that would be the case with this one. He came to a stop, kneeling down near a tree as he watched the road. Djaq came up near him, watching from over his shoulder, a hand on his back to steady herself. The traveler rode on, showing no indication that he was aware that he was being followed. Will glanced across the way, could see the others there, waiting for his first move. It would happen soon. They didn't have a choice; if they waited any longer he would be too close to Locksley for comfort.

Yet still he was apprehensive. The man was big, presenting a strong appearance. He would fight back, no doubt, and most likely he would know what he was doing. He looked like a warrior; and strapped to his side were weapons, weapons that only men of war carried. He had been to the crusades. Briefly Will wondered if the man knew Robin.

The thought caused him to grimace. He missed Robin, wondered about the man often, wondering if he had ever found Much. Like the others he still clung onto the hope the man was alive, that they were both still alive, but that hope was fading with each passing day. It had been too long, too much time had passed. Robin was no more than a memory now. And they were doing this for Robin.

Will pulled his sword free, could see Djaq do the same. She had stepped up near him, and lifted the weapon above her head, catching the sunlight on the metal. It was the signal for the others, and a moment later they were all running down to intercept the man.

The horse was on its back feet, a shrill scream coming from the animal from the sudden surprise. The man was yelling as well, trying to hold on. It did no good, and he fell from the saddle, rolling on the ground. Allan was quick in grabbing the reigns, pulling the horse away and trying to calm the creature as the others surrounded the fallen man. It had been too easy.

Will lowered his sword, pointing it at the man as he struggled to his feet. His head was still down, black hair covering his features as he moved. Will shook his head, warning the man to stay down.

"This is an ambush," he said simply. "We're here to take whatever you may have. You can cooperate and we'll let you keep some, or you can make this difficult, in which we will take everything."

Men would fight to keep what was rightfully theirs. To offer an compromise was so much easier. More times than not they would agree, happy to give a portion away if it meant their safety. Others did fight, and always lost in the end. But fights were messy, they drew unwanted attention, and could end dangerously.

"What will your choice be?" Djaq prompted the man to answer. She was behind Will, sword near her side. "Well?"

The man laughed, looking up at them all. He was bracing himself with one hand, the other resting on his side. In the next moment he moved, pulling free his own sword. So a fight it would be. Will took a step back, ready to intercept the blow. But the man did not charge him, dropping back down and kicking out.

Before he knew what had happened, Will found himself flat on the ground, sword kicked from his grasp. Pain shot through his back, branches and rubble digging in his flesh as a heavy boot came down on his chest. The tip of the sword ran across his chest, coming to a rest on his neck, effectively pinning him to the ground.

Near him he the others called out, moving to help him. But they were stopped short, the man above him growling out at them all.

"Anyone comes near, and the skinny one gets it."

Will watched as Allan drew his hands back, letting go of the horse, showing he meant no harm. Djaq was clearly alarmed, but she too had come to a full stop. And then there was John, an angry frown on his face, the staff clenched tightly in his hands.

"You let him go," John spat forcefully.

Will swallowed, trying to be as still as he possibly could. It was difficult to breathe, the boot pressing into his chest, forcing him further against the forest floor. There was no way he would be able to throw him off balance.

He saw the man smile, his mouth move as if he was going to give some sort of retort, but his expression changed from one of triumph, to one of worry as a blade came to rest against his own throat. He turned to see who had come up behind him, Will following his gaze as well.

"I suggest you do as the man says."

He could scarcely hope, believing at first it was merely a dream. Yet there was Robin, holding the sword that was leveled at the man. Behind him Much stood, bow ready and drawn. Not just any bow, but Robin's own, the distinctive curve hard to miss. Why Much held it, instead of Robin, was a curious thing, but one he would have to think about later. If there was to be a later.

The others must have been just as stunned as he was because no one spoke. Robin's voice had been thin and cold, a deadly tone Will had never heard the man use. It frightened him. The very notion was ridiculous; Will knew that he had no reason to fear the man. Yet the cold stare Robin was leveling on the other was something he had not seen before.

"Lay off, or I'll gut him."

"You do, and you'll wish that we'd kill you by the time we finish with you."

The threat was very clear; before Will would have doubted that Robin would ever do such a thing. But the look in Robin's eyes convinced him otherwise. He had once been a man of war; Robin spoke little of those five years, but Will could imagine what may have taken place.

Apparently the stranger was thinking the same. He seemed to hesitate, but showed no indication of giving in. Robin gave him some incentive.

"This will end one of two ways," Robin was speaking slowly now, as if to a child. "With you walking out of here alive, or with us digging a fresh grave. The choice is yours."

The next moment Will felt the pressure on his chest lessen. He let out a breath of relief, scrambling backwards. Djaq moved in to help him to his feet, and he gave her a shaky thanks.

"Wise choice," Robin still held the blade at the man's throat. His gaze never left that of the man's. "Will, you okay?"

"I'm good."

Robin nodded. "John, looks like our friend here could use some assistance in relieving his burden. Would you care to help him?"

There was a smile on John's face as the big man stepped up, staff in hand. In a moment he had the stranger on the ground, staff pinning him much like he had Will only moments before. Allan jumped in quickly seizing the purse that was tied to his belt.

"Will, take the horse."

"You can't do that!" the man exclaimed angrily, trying to kick out as Allan finished untying the purse. John butted him with the staff again, earning a groan.

"I think you'll find that we can and we most certainly will," Robin argued the point monotonously. He had dropped the sword to one side, but Much still held the bow taunt, ready to fire in case something went wrong.

"Besides, I wasn't lying when I said you'd be walking out of here. It's quite a ways, so you best be going before night falls. It's dangerous in the forest at night. Outlaws, you know."

Will heard Allan laugh at the comment, and could feel himself grin a little as well. It had been so long since he had seen the other man, but in mere seconds Robin had assumed the same amount of respect and authority he had once held over the group. Will was grateful for it as well. For the first time, things felt normal.

"You won't get away with this. Chaffee will hear about this. He will! He'll take care of you."

"Good; I look forward to it."

The nonchalant tone in Robin's voice could not be missed. The stranger had scurried to his feet, moved as if he was going to attack, but then reconsidered. He was unarmed, had lost everything but the clothing on his back, and treading thin ice against six outlaws. Instead he spat at Robin's feet, turning quickly and running as if afraid of retaliation. Robin watched the man run until he was out of sight.

"Well, that was exciting. But I think I've had all the excitement I can stand for one day," Much blurted out, lowering the bow. There was smile on his face, but it was strained.

"Who's Chaffee?" Robin ignored the comment.

"He's the new Master-at-arms." Allan provided.

"What?" Robin's brow furrowed. "What happened to Gisborne?"

"It's a long story," Will offered, one hand running against the horse's flank. The creature ate the foliage below, hardly caring he had a new master.

"That's putting it mildly," Allan added in. "There's a lot you need to know."

"Then you best get started."

The others had eaten that morning, so it was only Robin and Much that ate now. Rather it was Much who ate. Robin's stomach was still tied painfully in knots that had accumulated with his approach back to Nottinghamshire, plagued with distress due to thoughts about Marian now being a Gisborne. Seeing his men had distracted him briefly. But now the knots were turning into fierce tangles as he listened to the story his men were telling him. About Marian's sentencing, about their imprisonment, and about Chaffee.

Halfway through he found his hunger had dissipated, and even Much could not finish his plate despite the man's early complaints of being hungry. The last day or so had been rough on the both of them, and Much had spoken about nothing but food as they approached the forest. But all of that was gone as the grisly tale was finished.

"That is…revolting," Much offered up, unable to find something better to say. Yet Robin could not think of a more appropriate description.

"He's threatened to punish anyone found taking offerings from us," Will finished off meekly. There was something in his tone that indicated he hadn't told him the entire story. It was something he would address later. For now, he was seething.

"I will change that."

"They won't take anything," Allan shrugged his shoulders. "We tried, but they won't even come near us. Run into their houses and block the doors."

"I will take care of it," Robin pressed. How exactly, he wasn't sure. He would learn what he could about this new master-at-arms, and deal with it then.

"Alright, I believe you," Allan held up his hands in meek apology. "So what about you? Where have you been all this time?"

"Devonshire," Robin hoped the one word answer would satisfy them. "Where is Marian?"

Will had briefly touched the topic that she had stayed behind with Gisborne. While he was angry at that, he could not fault her for doing so. It was in her nature, and she would never abandon the man. He should be jealous of that, but Robin was more elated that she had not married as he first had assumed.

"They're staying at the cave, the one we used to use for shelter from the rains," Will responded. "We've been bringing her food and supplies, but we don't get much of a chance to speak with her. I don't think Gisborne knows she's been helping us."

"Hey now, don't go changing the subject," Allan jumped into the conversation. "What exactly have you been doing in Devonshire while we've been playing musical stockades?"

Robin let out a frustrated sigh. He wanted little more than to go find Marian. He missed her so much it hurt. Yet he doubted his men would simply let him leave. Not only that, but Robin figured he owed them some sort of explanation. So he told them, omitting most of what had truly happened to him during his captivity, loosely skimming over the details.

Much had fallen asleep halfway through, light snores coating the story as it was revealed. Robin was grateful, knowing the man would most likely interject his own opinions at the most inconvenient of times. It also gave him the opportunity to avoid bringing up Eleri. That, he knew, was still a fresh wound for the man.

Much had not spoken of her since they had left. Yet his moods were not consistent; he would be happy, and suddenly grow quiet, become detached. It was those times Robin knew he was thinking of her, and he often wondered if he thought the same things of her as he did of Marian.

"So they were here, looking for slaves?" Djaq wondered, "And took him?"

Robin nodded, glancing to where the man slept. "I think they did not want to go back empty handed."

Out of all people, Djaq would understand the best. She too had been taken prisoner, had been sold as a slave. Had also been destined to work in mines. It was how they had first met; Robin had granted her freedom, and she had chosen to stay.

"You're lucky you even found him," Will nodded towards him. "How did you manage?"

"It wasn't easy," Robin confessed, but he never regretted his decision in going. At first he almost had not, convinced the man had abandoned them all. The thought always lingered on his mind, on how close he had come to subject the man to such a life for the rest of his days.

"We all thought you were dead," Djaq was watching him. Robin grimaced, meeting her gaze.

"I did not intend to be away for so long. Had I known..." he shook his head. They had not been able to tell him how long they had been kept in the dungeons, having lost track of the time. He could only imagine what they must have gone through, yet maybe it was the smallest of blessing for they were still alive now. Had he returned here, and found them all gone...he shuddered at the thought.

"I'm going to see Marian," he told them, trying to chase the thought away.

"I will come with you,' Will offered, already on his feet.

Robin almost shook his head, wanting to go see her alone, but hesitated. He figured that Will would probably follow regardless of what he said. He would rather keep the man close than constantly look over his shoulder. So he nodded, moving to his feet. Marian was waiting, and he was most eager to see her.

Guy was already gone by the time she woke. It wasn't much of a surprise; they had argued again the night before. No doubt he had gone off to find food, despite the fact they had plenty here. He knew it came from the outlaws and refused to eat any of it. Marian was not so particular, and bit into the apple as if to prove her point.

She could not stay here much longer, she knew. It had started the first night they had come here. Guy had wanted to go on, to leave Nottinghamshire altogether. Marian knew there was little other choice. There was no place for either of them in Nottingham now; Gisborne had lost favor with the sheriff, and she had been branded a traitor, accused of helping the outlaws. How much the sheriff knew exactly was beyond her knowledge.

As to Guy, she had told him some, but not all. She had admitted to helping the outlaws, but had not elaborated. She had said nothing about the Nightwatchman. That was her own secret, a secret she was hoping to return to when the time was right. There might be no place for Marian, but as far as the Nightwatchman was concerned...

It was difficult to find excuses to stay. Guy had pressed her to leave, to go with him and start a new life. It may have been the smartest option, the safest. But doing so meant to leave everything behind; she still had friends here, such as Sara and Jess. The outlaws as well, and Robin...

She had heard nothing of him. In the few times she had managed to speak with Will he had always shaken his head. There had been no signs, no news. She wished he would have stayed here; he was always leaving. First for the war, and now again to search for Much. It was a hopeless cause; surely he could have known that. Still he had gone and it made her angry. But Marian secretly wondered if she would hate him all the more if he had simply given up on the man. She suspected the answer to that was yes.

Not that it mattered. Robin was not here, and she was running out of time. She could not stay in this cave for ever, could not expect for Will and the others to continually bring her food and supplies. She could not forever lie to Guy of Gisborne.

Already the man was frustrated with her. He had offered to go where ever she wanted, had suggested to return to her father, had demanded that they leave. She countered it by saying this was her home, that she couldn't just leave. Guy had pointed out to her that she had left once, had pressed her to do so again. Still she refused.

It always ended up the same, the pair of them yelling, drowning out the sounds of the forest. Then they would not speak to one another for a time, before quiet apologies were exchanged. They were tired, they were scared, they didn't mean anything of what they said. Then things were civil, for a time, before the arguments started once more. And Marian knew they could not continue to do this for much longer. She would have to make a decision.

She could join the outlaws. They would let her stay, she knew. But that meant she would have to leave him behind. Telling him the truth would anger him, and what he would do she could not say. The man had nothing at the moment, and it would devastate him. That was not something she could do.

Marian supposed she could leave and say nothing. It would be easy enough to slip away while he was out hunting. He would not stop searching for her, she knew. And he would most likely find her easily enough. The outlaws would be the first place he would go simply because he had no one else to turn to. And what would he say when he saw her with them?

The last option was to leave with him. To go find a new place they could call home. What they would do, she was not certain. Guy would want to marry, she knew. He had brought it up once or twice, but she simply explained that marriage was not a priority given all that taken place, and shortly after he had dropped the subject. For that she was grateful.

Before she had been ready to marry him. She was old, far past the age for when women normally wed. She had been mocked for it for such a long time. It never was supposed to be like that. She was supposed to marry Robin, and he had gone away. No man had gone to her for a time, expecting Robin's return. As the years went by, Gisborne had come into the picture, and the man had not cared about her past.

She could marry him. Marian knew there was good inside of him, knew that she could bring that part of him out. Guy was continually played by the sheriff, having thoughts and ideas planted into his mind and she changed those thoughts and ideas more than once. It would do her good to marry him, she decided. Then Robin had returned from war.

She could not deny that she loved him still. Had he stayed within the law, they could have married, could have had a decent life. She would have been honest with him, told him about her Nightwatchman duties. Marian half-suspected he would have joined her too, fighting in secret against the sheriff. But he had turned against the sheriff publicly, had made himself an outlaw. There had been no hope then.

And now...now they were all outlaws. Marrying would bring no benefit, and she felt guilty whenever that thought popped into her head. She should not marry simply because she might gain something, but rather because of love. But did she love Guy? Marian was so confused she could no longer answer any of those questions.

The whistle came, one she heard clearly. It would be passed off as a bird by the untrained ear, but that had been the same signal used by Robin and his men for as long as she could remember. Will had resorted to that to get her attention, not risking being seen with her if Gisborne was around. Why the man was back today puzzled her; he had just dropped off supplies the day before. Maybe he had heard news?

The thought brought her to her feet and she left the cave quickly. Marian brought a hand over to shield her eyes from the sun as she stepped outside. The whistle came again, to her right, and she turned making her way up the hill. Halfway up she stopped as she saw the other man, disbelief creeping into her.

"Robin?"

The man did not answer, simply crossing the gap and pulling her into an embrace. She wrapped her hands around his neck, burying her face against his chest. He held her for a long time, saying nothing, and she too was silent, lost for words. Each breath she drew brought in his lingering scent, one she long had remembered but thought she would never smell again. He was here, Robin was home. She felt herself cry.

Robin kissed her on top of her head before pulling away, hands holding her face. There were tears in his eyes as well. Marian smiled at him.

"I thought I would never see you again."

"I was away longer than expected," he confessed.

"Much?" She was nodding, remembering the reason why he had gone in the first place.

"He's okay, he's here," Robin answered. She let out a breath, glad to hear that answer. She was not sure of what to say had it been something else. For Robin to have lost him...

"Are you okay?" Robin asked her then, watching her closely.

"I am now." And she was. She had not felt this relieved since coming to the forest.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For not being here," he shook his head. She knew he was blaming herself. Marian reached up a hand, placing it against his own which still was on her cheek.

"Don't," she scolded him. "You could not leave Much, and no harm was done. I am fine."

"You were lucky; you were all lucky."

"What happened to Much?" she ignored him, trying to change the conversation.

"He was captured, and sold as a slave," Robin explained briefly. "They were using him to mine coal, but I put an end to that. Tell me what you know about Chaffee."

Marian shook her head. The distraction only lasted briefly. She could ask more about what had happened, but she knew Robin well enough that he would not talk about it until he chose to do so. In some cases, that was never. He hid his secrets well.

"I know nothing more than what your men have told you surely."

She had been in the dungeons by that time. Chaffee was as much a mystery to her as he was to the others. Maybe not as much as the others.

"Have you spoken to Will? He may know more."

"He has not said much," Robin frowned looking over his shoulder. "Why would he know more?"

To this Marian hesitated. "He did not tell you." How long Robin had been back she couldn't be sure. Not long enough to hear all that had happened.

Robin shook his head. "I figured something may have happened. I did not press the topic at the time."

"Talk with him," she urged quietly. It was not her place to explain. Even if it was, she suspected anything she would say would be a partial truth. All she knew was that Will had had an encounter with Chaffee, had been in the man's chambers. There hadn't been a lot of time to talk since their escape.

Robin was already nodding. "Come back with me?"

She knew he would ask, and for a second she almost accepted. Marian had almost come to terms that she wouldn't be seeing him again, and now that he was back, she was afraid to let him go. But if she went with him, what would happen to Guy?

"I cannot leave him," she explained. Marian could see the frustration in his eyes.

"What will you do?"

"I do not know. Guy wants for us to leave, to head to a new shire."

"Don't-"

"You cannot order me, Robin of Locksley," she chided sternly, but couldn't help the smile that was on her face.

"Marian, please," Robin pressed again, his voice softer this time. He was pleading.

"I will be here," she promised. "I will figure something out, and when I do-"

"You will come with me?"

She hesitated, but then nodded. Yes; when she had things figured out, she would go with him.

TBC