Robin Hood By Louise Reason
CHAPTER ONE
Sherwood Forest...
The horses galloped with increasing speed. Lady Marian dashed through the darkened surroundings and she dare not look back as it would be at a cost; there was a risk of slowing down her major escape. She could not afford to be caught for more reasons than one, she had just been to the well guarded town of Locksley to try and smuggle in food whilst dressed as the night watchmen. Marian realised her punishment would be execution if her disguise was unveiled.
Keep going Marian, we cannot be found, at this point things had become desperate for Marian and she was overwhelmed with panic, the sound of the horses has escalated to great heights which caused her to fear for her life. Controlled by temptation Marian looked back, but she fell to the floor. Feeling completely frightened she attempted to regain her footing, but suddenly the area lost its only supply of moonlight and she became shaded in darkness. Do I dare look up, and so she slowly lifted her head, and standing in front of her was a handsome muscular man clasping a well shaped bow, and he was equipped with a large supply of arrows.
"Robin" Marian said, delighted to see him; she let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Shhh!" Robin demanded, he took her hand "Now hold onto me and don't let go"
"Ok" she whispered, unaware of what his plan was, then she noticed a rope attached to his belt.
"JOHN, MUCH, NOW!" Robin shouted, and suddenly the pair of them shot in the air, as both John and Much pulled them up to extraordinary heights into a nearby tree.
The guards on horses passed them by as they were unaware of their ware bouts and they disappeared into the night.
"Master, why can't you do the simple thing and just hide somewhere" Much said, trying to get his breath back as he was shocked by how close that episode was.
"Now Much, Where would be the fun in that?" Robin replied and laughed. "Right everyone back to the camp, including you Marian"
The Camp...
"Your back, and about time to I must say" Allan said in his usual cheeky way. "Oh hello Marian"
The rest of the gang were in shock to see her in the forest.
"What happened?" asked Will politely
"Well that is the question isn't it" Much butted in.
"Quiet Much, give Marian a chance to explain" Robin said, as if trying to impress her.
"I'm not completely sure that there is a lot to explain as there is no newly created news, I was simply fulfilling my usual duties as the night watchman" Marian answered. She noticed the expression on Robins face.
"Ah yes but you haven't explained how you become involved in such a dilemma, where your only hope was to be rescued by me" once again Robin had turned on that charm as if wanting to make himself look incredibly impressive.
"The sheriff seems to have Locksley under a constant watchful eye, something I was unaware of" Marian answered
"Why is he doing this, and how will they get food or medicine?" Djaq asked
"He wants to find you Robin; I heard something about him charging an extra penny each time it arrives at the collection day of taxes, the people of Lockleys won't be able to pay the increasing rate, you need to do something" Marian suggested
"I hate the sheriff! What do we do now?" Will wondered
"We go to Nottingham!" demanded John
Marian began to realise that it was very late and her father would begin to worry about her absence.
"I think it may be best if I headed home now" Marian said
"Oh yes, I will show you out the forest so you don't walk into any more of the sheriffs men" Robin replied.
Marian didn't answer she just walked out of the camp and Robin followed. At this point it was extremely dark causing their path to seem and obstacle.
"You know, I can look after myself" Marian said, although she was already aware of Robins plan to get some alone time with her. Robin did not answer her, he just continue walking at her side and pulled a cheeky smile to himself.
The Manor...
"Get out of sight Robin if you are noticed you will be punished, you know that" Marian said
"No one will see me" Robin replied and he pulled her over for a kiss " I couldn't leave without saying goodbye could I" he smiled then disappeared into the night. Marian also smiled, then she turned to go inside, she noticed the light in the main room was still glowing but she assumed it was only her father getting worried about her but she quickly removed her outer clothing to reveal one of her usual outfits just in case, she hid the night watchmen suit in her horses cart . To her amazement she found both her father Edward and Guy of Gisborne waiting anxiously.
"Yet another unexpected visit Sir Guy" Marian said from the doorway, causing both men to turn and face her.
"Marian, where have you been?" asked Gisborne. He was a tall, dark haired, mysterious man, for some unknown reason he never looked properly happy, he was far too serious for that. It was clear to some people that Gisborne did care for Marian though, what he was unaware of was that Marian did not feel the same way.
Why does he always appear when it's hard to explain where I have been? Marian decided to play along with things until she could come up of a believable explanation of where she had been.
"A familiar thing to ask, if I'm not correct you ask that every time you see me, do you not?" Marian answered
"I apologise, I'm just concerned such a woman should not be out alone, especially at this time of night" Gisborne replied. Marian did not say anything to his latest comment but she raised an eyebrow at him, making him realise he had not answered her original question.
"Oh if I may I would appreciate your company at tomorrow night's celebration" Gisborne said, it wasn't a question as he was used to getting his own ways, making it clear he wouldn't take no as an answer.
"I was unaware of such a celebration" Marian replied
"Courtesy of the Sheriff, he wants to show off his new treasures to the people of Nottingham" said Gisborne. "Of course you will accompany us, Edward"
"My Daughter and I will be honoured to attend" answered Edward
"See you tomorrow evening then Sir Guy" Marian said. Gisborne returned a smile although there was no feeling to it; it was if he had to go to a lot of effort. Then he left.
Thank god he didn't wait for an explanation. Marian was relieved, she turned to her father but he looked angry with her.
"You were out as the night watchmen again weren't you?" Edward asked
"I was" Marian replied
"Marian, you must stop this before your get yourself caught, or worse hurt" Edward demanded
"Father, I must help the people of Locksley, they are suffering because they under the orders of such a spiteful sheriff, I cannot sit back and watch that happen" Marian said
"It is not your choice, there is nothing you can do" said Edward. Marian walked over to her father and hugged him, she assured him she would be careful, and then she turned round and head up to bed as I was now the early hours of the morning.