On the Way to an Easier Life

Author's note: Warning…… this chapter deals with the violence of attempted rape. I do not mean to upset anyone or take lightly the seriousness of it. I just thought it fit here.

Thanks to all that have sent such kind reviews!!! Lana

Chapter 4

While Robin was arranging a rescue, Marian was sitting in a dark, damp dungeon. As she sat by herself, she thought about how she had arrived here. Everything is a choice, she thought. She supposed the choice to become the Night Watchman put her here…along with not forgiving Robin when he first returned. Then there was the choice to run from the altar, from Gisbourne. Lastly, there was the choice to not leave with Robin. She had turned him down more than once. She wondered if she would ever have the chance to say yes now. She sat with her chin on her knees, eyes closed, remembering the embraces and kisses last night. She knew he would be coming as soon as he found out about her as sure as she knew her own name. Waiting was the hard part.

During her musings, she heard the door to her cell creak. She opened her eyes. There stood Guy.

"Why?", he demanded with menacing eyes and a low voice.

"Why what?"

"Why did you do it?"

"I haven't done anything."

"Don't lie to me, Marian. You have betrayed me to Hood."

"I have not….."

Before she could finish, he was across the cell. He pushed her against the wall.

"You may have given him information. But, I will take what he cannot get. I will take you."

With that, he grabbed Marian's face and held it still while he kissed her. She struggled against him and tried to move away. She found out just how strong he really was. The more she fought him, the angrier he became. He struck her in the face and proceeded to tear at her dress. He shoved her to the ground and began to lift her blouse that was tucked into her dress. He easily overpowered her as he held her arms above her head and straddled her legs. He ignored her screaming and twisting as he pulled at her clothes. With her chest exposed, he began to tear at the waist of her skirt. He ripped a section down and all of a sudden, he came to an abrupt stop.

" NO. It is not possible." He just stared at the form crying and shaking on the dungeon floor. "It cannot be. Where did you get that scar?", he shouted as he stood up.

She flinched when he screamed the question a second time.

"You are the Night Watchman?", he spat out with disbelief. He stumbled back and reached his hand behind his neck. He shook his head, and with his newly discovered information, stormed out and left Marian on the floor in tears.