Some Things Are Worth More Than Gold

Please note that I do not own any of the characters in this story, they belong to the BBC…this is a non-for-profit, just for fun piece of fan writing. Enjoy x

Chapter Seven – Doing What We Do Best

All was quiet in Sherwood Forest, the sun had just set and the sky was resplendent, with shades of pink, gold and the first blues of night.

Robin and his gang did not have time to admire the scenery. They were on a mission. Crouched amongst the undergrowth in various positions around the North road, they sat silently and waited. This wasn't their original plan; it had had to be changed at the last minute;

"Master, I do not understand. How do the sheriff and Gisborne know of our plans to take the money?"

"I don't know, Much! But we have to change our plan if we are to stop the money!"

"So what do we do?" asked Will

"Well, Gisborne is expecting us to create some kind of road block; therefore if we don't create a roadblock it will unsettle him."

"So what do we do?" Will repeated.

"Silent attack." Said Robin, "We let the cart go past then follow, silently. Then we simply take out the guards one by one, working from the back forwards. Take the cart, Gisborne looks around and we have gone!"

"I ain't being funny but that sounds almost too easy!" Allan chimed in

"It's simple. That is the key to it. Simplicity. But it all depends on silence." Robin smirked.

"We do it." Said John

So that was how they had changed the plan, and that was how they had come to be hiding out in bushes ready to engage a silent running attack on Gisborne's guards.

The sound of hooves filled the air and soon the gang could see horses approaching. The cart trundled past, catching Robin's eye they began to move.

Sure footed and silent they launched their attack. Quickly disposing of the guards John and Much made off with the cart of money, followed by Robin, Will, Djaq and Allan all crowing silently in delight.

"Steady men, we can be sure to expect an attack on the cart…." Gisborne turned around to see an empty cart and several riderless horses. Slapping the saddle in anger he screamed into the forest; "Hood! You might have won this battle, but trust me when I say we will get that money back!"

Gisborne rode off fuming. Robin could not resist making a parting comment at his enemy;

"Just doing what we do best now Gisborne!"

Laughing at his anger the gang made their way back to camp.

Back in the castle Marian had just finished tending to her father and was preparing to retire herself, she heard the sound of horses in the courtyard. Curious, she looked over the balcony and saw Gisborne jump down from his horse. Judging from the empty cart and Gisborne's stance she could tell Robin had taken the money.

Smiling softly to herself she returned to her bedchamber.

"Ah! Gisborne." Grinned the Sheriff, "Is Hood comfortable in the dungeons?"

"He is not there my Lord." Gisborne replied

"Well where is he?" growled the Sheriff

"He is in Sherwood Forest, Sir…with the money."

"WHAT?!" fumed the Sheriff, "How?"

"They changed their plan. My spy told me that they would attempt a roadblock, but they didn't" said Gisborne, "I shall have to find out from him how Hood knew to change the plan."

"Yes, yes. Forget that about that now. What we need to think about is how to get the money back. If the Black Lords find out about this then our plan is going to be in jeopardy."

The Sheriff began to think. Gisborne slapped the table as an idea hit him.

"We take out a little insurance." He grinned

"What? Explain yourself Gisborne!"

"We take something precious of Hood's as our insurance that he will not do anything with the money. We then offer him a trade. As we do our trading the guards kill him and his men. Simple"

"Yes but how do we get at one his men? Or should we take it out on his precious citizens of Locksley?"

"Actually my Lord I was thinking of someone much closer to home. Someone who should be punished anyway considering Hood was seen leaving her room a few nights ago."

The Sheriff's eyes gleamed;

"Marian."

Said lady was sleeping peacefully…dreaming of days gone by, before Robin left for the Holy Land. Her dreaming was interrupted by a loud banging. Startled she woke up.

"My Lady, if you please…" the voice outside was cut off.

"Open it now fool!" she recognised Gisborne's voice, and a small tremor of fear ran through her. He did not sound at all pleased.

Marian steeled herself for whatever she was about to face, and flung herself out of bed, grabbing her robe for modesty, just as the door flew opened and Gisborne, accompanied by several guards stormed in.

"Out! Now!" Guy ordered, grabbing her arm.

Startled she wrenched her arm out of Gisborne's grip.

"Sir Guy please, what is the meaning of this?"

He grabbed her by both shoulders and looked her in the eyes; she shuddered inwardly at the malevolence in his eyes. She would have to work hard if she were to escape this.

"You have been consorting with Hood." He stated

"Rubbish! Why would I want to consort with that outlaw?! He is nothing more than…."

She was cut off by a blow to her face, so powerful it knocked her to the floor, stifling a groan of pain as her ankle twisted underneath her and her head hit the stone floor.

"Guy…" she whispered

"You were seen! My guard was placed near your door after we searched your room, and he saw Hood leaving the room. You denied that he was there! You can't talk yourself out of this one Marian! Guards!"

The guards dragged a struggling Marian out of her room.

"What is going to happen?" she asked, half fearful

Guy saw the fear in her eyes and he felt a surge of power; Marian was just a woman despite her bravado, she was just like every other woman.

"Nothing to worry about." He smirked, "Just a little insurance."

END OF CHAPTER

Oooh! It's all kicking off now! Hope that you are enjoying reading this as much as I enjoy writing it!

Once again, big thanks to my reviewers, your comments and support are always welcome!

Will update soon!

RobinsMarian xx