Will's sharp eyes scanned the crowds. His eyes had to be sharp, being a carpenters son, and they came in very useful when searching for a lost man. They'd lost Allan. It must have been the sixth or seventh time that month and he was becoming a menace. Will trusted the conman although it was not wise, but he trusted him all the same. However, over the last few disappearances Will had noticed a niggling feeling in his stomach and a heaviness to his heart which he could only explain as doubt. Doubt in his best friend. Or was he that?
Will's hawk eyes caught a sudden flash of movement and cloak. The suspicious presence and unmistakable gait screamed 'ALLAN' but when Gisbourne, hidden in the shadow of a rickety cottage, acknowledged the figure with a smile Will refused to believe it was his wily friend. Friend. He'd seen him as something else.
'No sign of him Robin.'
Robin's face fell.
'He must be somewhere, they can't of got him!' Brave words Robin, hopeful words. Will's stomach knots told him that Allan had gone to them willingly. He shook his head to rid it of the truth. Allan wouldn't do this to them. To him. Allan, his Allan loved them.
Forest-floor mulch seeped through his threadbare cloak sending a chill through his skin. Allan had always chased it away. Allan couldn't kiss away the fallen tears. Allan wasn't here any more. Allan had betrayed them and how ever much Will had denied it, the whole gang knew now. He'd lost his beautiful A-Dale to Gisbourne. Or 'Guy' as Allan had called him. It was no longer doubt that weighed down his heart but fear, anger, hatred and sorrow. The feelings of a lover betrayed.