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Part 7

"Where's Alan and Will now?" Much said exasperated, huddled on his haunches in the cave once more, the rain pelting down outside

"They went hunting for food" Djaq said

"That was hours ago" Much added "I hope they have not run off with the haul again"

"It's over there" said Robin pointing to the sack of treasure that Gisborne was still searching for. "We must dispose of it, in the next day or so"

"It is odd that it is raining like the other day and Alan and Will are missing once more. However this time you are here with us Master"

"But no Marian" he replied

"You are worried?" Much asked

"Yes and no" he honestly replied

"She can look after herself no?" said Djaq

"I know" Robin replied quietly before getting up and wandering to the back of the cave

"Is he alright?" asked Djaq

"I think so" Much said

"What happened at Knighton?" asked John

"Well………….." started Much and filled them in.

"You, are late" Much said as Alan appeared in the cave bearing gifts in the form of three very dead rabbits.

"Supper and we come bearing other gifts too" Alan told him, with Will and behind him, concealed, Marian

"Other gifts? What other gifts?" asked Much flustered but happy that there was some food to cook.

"Not a gift exactly, but we met someone in the forest and invited them for supper"

"You can't go inviting willy nilly, people we do not know, people whom Robin might not agree with as guests" Much protested

"I do not think he will send me away" Marian said her voice lilting through the recess of the cave and reaching the ears of Robin.

"Marian!" said Much, about to add further when he was cut off by Robin

"Marian"

"Robin"

He inclined his head and she followed him to the inner cave and they sat, beside each other.

"You are not surprised to see me" she stated rather than asked

"I went to Knighton Hall this morning. I spoke with your father after Gisborne and the Sheriff left"

"My father. Is he hurt? Did they hurt him?" she anxiously asked

"They frightened him a little" Robin said choosing his words carefully

"Robin" she said warningly "Tell me the truth, did they hurt him?"

He shook his head "No, I did not see evidence that he was hurt…they pushed him around a little"

"Perhaps I should go back, to make sure"

He restrained her, putting his hand upon her forearm "It is not safe Marian. There is a price on your head and that is what the Sheriff wants. He wants you to go there. There are extra guards in place, as soon as anyone set eyes on you, you will be arrested and hung, your father too"

"For collaboration amongst other things" she sighed sitting back against the rock and wincing slightly

"Marian!" his voice faltered a little, as he watched her, the memory of how he came so close to losing her still fresh in his mind.

"Sore" she reluctantly admitted

He looked, stared at her unbelievingly "Marian" he repeated thinking how often her name seemed to fall from his lips the past few days

"Really. I am tired, hungry and a little sore that is all"

Robin sighed and said changing the subject "So, now you are an outlaw, what is your plan?"