It's been a while-- yes
I haven't abandoned the story -- no
I don't intend too either, and I will hopefully try to be better about posting
Thanks to all those who are still reading (if anyone is)
Review and I might write faster! (hint hint)
Chapter 7: Play the Game
There was no need to speak for the pair to understand one another. Living together in the midst of the forest for months on end had done that for them. Will took the lead, moving quietly down the corridors, keeping a keen ear out for his companion. Everything echoed quietly in the abandoned hallways, and Will could not miss the short heavy breaths that came from behind him, nor the uneven pace as they moved quickly. Injuries, he assumed. Injuries that would have to be tended to later.
He was uneasy to say the least. He had traveled lightly, armed with only his axe, dressed now in a guard's uniform. It was more than Robin had; the man had been stripped of all accessories, left weaponless and barely able to walk. Any confrontation would have to end in immediate surrender. Will would not risk Robin's life, even if Robin was willing to risk it himself. No, he would get Robin out alive, or share in fate if he should fail.
When they came to the crossing he slowed, listening to the quiet murmurs from around the corner. Robin had come to a stop behind him, one arm against the wall, supporting his weight. Will motioned to him to be silent, to which Robin agreed without hesitation. The fatigue was clearly etched on the man's face, and was not missed by Will. They waited, even long after the voices faded, Will daring to give Robin as much time as possible to rest. When they moved again, there was no complaint, instead a silence that somehow urged them on. And on they went.
Will could feel a growing thrill as they approached the last turn. He had taken a longer route for sure, hoping for the easiest method of escape. It had been building in the back of his mind; any climbing, or jumping, even the lengthily falls they took on a normal occasion could prove to be too much for his companion. Whether Robin knew of this plan, or was to worn out to wonder, he didn't question it. And now, they were almost free. Around the corner, down the stairs, and through the door. They would be outside the castle, but still in castle courtyard.
It would be into the alleyways then; they were less traveled, and it would provide them with ample cover until they reached Alan. He would feel safer then, more numbers, more weapons, and another pair of eyes. It was reassuring, but Will knew he could not give into the feelings just yet. Though it was so close, they still had a ways to go.
And even more it seemed. At the turn Will made his way quickly down the stairs, pausing though as Robin did not follow. Motioning quietly he urged Robin to continue, but the man seemed not to even notice, nor did he even turn his way. His gaze was fixed instead straight ahead, following the path of the corridor they were just walking. Without a word he took off, ignoring Will's call.
It did not take him long to catch up with Robin, coming to a stop as the man peered around the corners, before taking off once more.
"What are you doing?"
Robin did not answer, at least not right away. He pulled back into the shadows as footfalls entered the hallway, Will following without having to be told. It wasn't until the guards had passed that he answered.
"There's a Lord coming; I believe the Sheriff and Gisborne are intent on forcing him to sign his lands over to Nottingham."
"Where? When?"
He shook his head, closing his eyes. "I don't know; Gisborne wouldn't let loose all of the details. We must find out though, I will not allow another land to fall victim to the Sheriff's schemes, and the last thing he needs is more power to abuse."
"We've heard of nothing," Will countered him. "You do not know if the story is even true; Gisborne normally doesn't divulge the Sheriff's plans with you."
"That's why we need to find out more," Robin answered quietly. "Gisborne would have no means to lie about such a matter. It would give him nothing."
"Then we will find out later, when we are more prepared. Besides, what interest does a noble have in signing away his lands? "
"We may not have the time, as he may not have the choice. This needs to end here."
There would be no further argument; Robin was already moving again. The deep icy feeling had returned to the pit of Will's stomach, and it turned quickly into a steady ache as he moved to catch up with the departing man. It was a curse as much as it was a gift for Robin, the need to always put others above himself. One day it would very likely get himself killed, it already almost had.
He tried again to persuade the man into turning back, reaching out and clasping his shoulder. But he was brushed off quickly with a slight shudder. From pain or irritation would have to be figured out later. Will followed from then on in silence, hoping and praying things would work out.
"The Sheriff's room?"
Will had only asked as Robin slowed to halt before the door. He didn't respond, instead pressing his ear against the wood to listen. For a moment he was still, but slowly he worked the door open. Will moved a hand to his weapon, ready to use it if the need came, but Robin turned back to him and nodded.
He waited half a moment before entering, allowing Robin full access to the room. Candles were lit on the table, and along side the wall, illuminating the grand room that once had belonged to Edward. Will stayed near the door, listening intently, fearful of anyone that may approach.
Robin had moved over to the table by this time, moving the melting candles to the side as he scanned through several parchments, opening scrolls and putting them to the side. One by one, sorting and separating.
"Anything?"
Robin shook his head, glancing back up at the other man. "There are more, somewhere. Most of theses are only half-written, like they were forgotten or something."
"Anything of this importance wouldn't be left out," Will reminded him, moving up alongside of him. "There has to be something…a safe, or a chest, that he would keep them in."
"We wouldn't have the privilege of knowing of its whereabouts either."
The sound was unmistakable, and the pair froze, not daring to speak as it drew closer. The sheriff was usually overbearingly loud, so there was no telling in how close he actually was. Will already had his axe out, ready to fight. The Sheriff was easily intimidated, but the guards he had on hand were not. Even if he was alone it would give them only a few precious minutes in order to escape. It would not be easy.
"When you get a chance you get you out of here," Robin whispered to him, moving to the door.
"What? You can't be serious, I won't leave you behind."
"That's an order Will," Robin whispered fiercely, peering out the open door. "They'll follow me, you'll have enough time to escape."
"And everything I've done here would be in vain."
Robin turned back to him, shaking his head sadly. "No, you need to get back to the others, you need to find out who this noble is, and where he is coming from and intervene him. He cannot sign, you know this."
"And if I leave you, I leave you to your death," Will answered harshly.
"And if you stay," Robin nodded, walking towards him, "Then you will face your own death. No one will know of this new plot, and no one will be there to lead my men. I'm sorry, but I am making the choice here."
It was a mixture of pain and surprise. Will hadn't even had enough time to brace himself for the impact of the blow, but instead found himself flat on the ground, blood dripping off his fingers as he brought his hand away from his nose. Maybe it was because he had let his guard down, or maybe because it was he believed Robin has no real threat to anyone that he hadn't expected it at first; but the more he thought about it, the more Will realized Robin was only man who would do something such as this.
He hadn't wanted to do it; really it was only the way he could get him to listen. Or at least comply. The punch he had thrown would only stun Will for a few moments, so it was crucial on his part to hurry. Though his body ached, and his muscles screamed at the minimal exercise Robin forced himself to move.
Vaysey was not alone, accompanied by Gisborne and several guards. The look of shock and fury passed over their faces as they saw the escaped prisoner, and Robin was quick to turn and run as the shouts and alarms were raised. Robin led them away from the Sheriff's room, hoping and praying that Will would heed his order and leave while he still could.
The ache in his side was back, and his breath was short and hard to get a hold of as he turned down the long corridor. He could not outrun them for long, and he wasn't strong enough to fight, and being weaponless didn't help the situation much either. But it didn't leave him completely defenseless.
Slowing down a few paces Robin grasped one of the torches from the wall, waiting as the guards came racing down. He backed up slowly, looking as if he was ready to give up, only to thrust the burning torch up towards their faces, using the moment to knock one of the swords free.
It had been a direct hit, the two men howling as the clutched their burnt faces, dropping to the ground. Robin grasped the sword tightly as he backed up, catching Gisborne's face as the man approached.
"I shouldn't be surprised that you escaped your little prison," he sneered, "In fact I'm surprised it took you this long."
"Quite full of surprises, I assure you," Robin responded, glancing over his shoulder quickly as he continued his retreat. "It's your underestimation that gives me the greatest advantage."
Gisborne had stepped over the cowering guards now, oblivious to the state of pain that they were in. He held his own sword in his hand as he approached. Behind him Vaysey watched with a mild amusement that almost seemed like irritation.
"You have nowhere to run Hood, save for straight back to the prisons below!" Came Vaysey's cry.
"This is no fight," Gisborne told him. "I could kill you here and now, and you know it."
"But you won't," Robin told him coldly, watching as more guards rounded the corner from behind him, trapping him now. "You would rather fight the coward's battle."
"Not a coward, I just don't trust you," Gisborne told him quietly, a small smile playing on his face at memory of words. "Call it karma, if you may."
Robin said nothing, but he could remember the very words he had spoken himself. More guards had entered the already crowded hallway, Gisborne moving closer, holding his hands up, offering him the choice.
And Robin knew…knew that he would have to play this game once again, if only to find out what more he could, in hopes of passing it along. Will had gotten in once, and with any luck would already be gone. He more in likely would return, despite Robin's warnings.
As soon as he lowered his weapon he was seized, hands forced behind his back and pushed to his knees. He was afraid, he would be a fool to pretend otherwise, but he didn't have to show it upon his features. He held his calm expression even as Gisborne met his gaze.
"Take him to dungeons."
TBC
