-1pt 1
sequel to Gisborne's Revenge, what happens next.
Six weeks later Marion had gone to visit her father, and sneaked in to her own room. It felt strange to be sneaking in by the window. That was what Robin did. Her room was dark, and still as she left it. She knew that no one was there, except her father. Marion moved out of her room and down the hall, moving silent. Glancing down into the main room, seeing her father sitting at the table, bent over a piece of parchment and the quill in his hand not moving on the paper.
"Father?" Marion's voice was low, but he heard it and looked up. He stood, and held out a hand to her.
"Marion? I have missed you. Are you well?"
Marion moved down the stairs, and over to her father. He held out his arms and she moved into his embrace, glad her father was still safe. The fire in the fireplace flickered and crackled, and the scent of dinner wafed out of the kitchen.
"I am fine, Father. Are you well?"
Edward looked down at his daughter, his face more lined proof that the past six weeks had been hard on him. She worried that he would not live much longer, as she studied the face who once was strong, smart and the best Sheriff of Nottingham. Where had that man gone, he was lost in the passage of time. Once she and Robin had been children, then young lovers with no cares. Now they were grown, with responsibilities, and the sword of death hanging over their heads, ready to fall.
"I am so proud of you, daughter. I don't think my old friend, the former Earl of Loxeley or I ever dreamed our children would make such a difference in our country. How is Robin?"
Marion's smile softened as his image came to mind. "He's well."
"Does he treat you well? If not…"
"I have no complaints. He is all I dreamed of and more. Father I have a surprise for you."
"Oh? Did you bring Robin with you?" Said Edward as he looked around.
"No, but this surprise I hope makes you happy. I am with child. Robin and I are going to have a baby." She hoped this news would give him something to live for.
Edward stood there looking at her, his face blank for a moment before he broke into a warm, loving smile. Then he drew her into his arms, and kissed her on the top of her head. "Oh Marion, my child. I am so proud of you. This is such good news. You and that rascal Robin with a child of your own."
"Yeah, a kid like us."
Edward pulled back. "The forest is no place for you now. Will you go to relatives far from here, so you can be taken care of?"
"No. I will not leave Robin. Where ever he is you will find me. He's my home. He takes care of me. We have 4 godfathers lined up already. I am fine."
"If you are sure. But I worry."
"I love you father, but I must go. I don't want to get you into trouble with the Sheriff. But I will come again, with Robin."
She turned and started up the stairs when there was a knock on the door.