Two days before Allan looked behind him and uttered a thank you to God for the first time in his life, Thornton had been looking out of the window of Marian's room at Locksley. He had gone to put some fresh laundry in the linen box that Jessica had washed that day. It was a beautiful evening and he was wondering where in the forest his two favourite people were. He worried about them now that they were all consumed by love, it may make them careless. His attention was taken by the sound of hooves and carriage wheels coming toward the house. He looked out of the window and was immediately chilled by what he saw – The Sheriff and his armed guard coming toward Locksley. This could only mean one thing and Thornton knew that he had to act quickly.

He padded down the stairs and snuck past Gisbourne, collapsed at the table. He could hear the guard had stopped outside and the Sheriff calling Gisbourne's name. Gisbourne, GISBOURNE! Here now you drunken slob, it's time, we have enough evidence.'

That was enough to confirm Thornton's fears. He went to the box at the back of the kitchen and scrambled in the bottom for what he was looking for. He took it and rushed to find Jessica.

'Jess, Jess' he whispered, 'here take this...' he shoved a letter into the girls hand 'take this to Paul in the village... he MUST take this to the queen's guard in York. It is from the Lady Marian... she is in grave danger... quick girl quick.' Jessica turned and did as she was told. Thornton watched her go and as she disappeared into the darkness he hoped upon hope that the letter would be enough. That it would be the saviour she had always hoped it would be. Thornton turned and had little time to think as he saw Gisbourne bearing down on him, rock in his hand.

Allan, joined by the others stared down the hill. They were staring directly into the sun, low in the sky, it took a few seconds to register exactly what was coming. Much recognised it immediately. 'It's the Royal standard... but what is the... hey hey hey stop!' He shouted running towards the group. The others ran after him, waving their arms frantically. The horses slowed and came to a halt. Much ran up to a beautiful chestnut horse, huge and graceful. Riding him was a knight from the Queen's guard. He slid off his horse and towered over Much, who now felt small, scruffy and smelly. He was beautifully attired in rich purples and reds and when he spoke his voice was like velvet. 'We come from the Queen on an urgent quest. The Queen's past Lady in Waiting, Margaret of Knighton's daughter is in danger. We are looking for Locksley Manor...'

The boys could not believe their ears. They whooped and shouted for joy hugging each other and laughed ' The Lady Marian is our dearest friend' Will said after a while, 'she has been imprisoned by the Sheriff of Nottingham with Robin Hood. The Sheriff is an evil traitor who is plotting against King Richard. They are to hang at dusk.. in Nottingham... ' he pointed to the castle ahead and then became acutely aware of the sun setting behind the hill. 'We do not have much time'

'Join us and lead us to the Lady Marian' The boys shared the horses with some of the guards and they galloped toward Nottingham.

Robin had been drifting in and out of consciousness in his wife's arms and Marian had softly sung as she soothed him and stroked his hair. It had not been the moments after her wedding to Robin that she had hoped for but strangely she had never felt happier. In a way, the thought of all the hardship coming to an end soon was strangely comforting. Tuck had helped her come to terms with what lay ahead and she felt a calmness and an ease about her situation. She feared that once Robin awoke, he would not share her serenity. He started to stir, his mouth twitching, his eyes flickering. 'Shhh my love. I am here...' his eyes opened and smiled. He tried to get up but slumped back down, for fear of opening his wounds. Slowly he tried again and with Marian's help he managed to stand. He walked to the bars, shaking the damp steel and looked out into the darkness of the jail. He then walked to the back of the cell and felt the wall, cold, damp and hard. He stamped his foot on the floor – 'Not much chance of escape from here...' he said, smiling and gathered his wife into his arms. 'Might as well pass the time before they come for us' and he kissed her gently. 'Do you think if we close our eyes we could pretend we are back at the lake, the sun beating down on our naked bodies...' he kissed her again, harder.

'Robin... we are not alone...' Marian looked up at him and smiled. 'but if we were that is exactly where we would be...'

They both jumped as they heard footsteps entering the hall. It was the jailer and 6 guards. Marian went to the cell beside their's and took Tuck's hand. 'Thank you for everything you have done my friend. I have been honoured to know you.'

'The honour is mine...My Lady' he said kissing her hand. 'I have a feeling that happiness will be yours before nightfall.' Marian nodded believing she understood his words. The jailer unlocked the cell and bowed his head as the guards entered the room. Roughly, they took Robin and shackled his arms behind his back, he cried out as his wounds reopened. They then turned their attention to Marian. Robin was on high alert and struggled against the two guards holding him. 'Turn around please my Lady' one said and gently pulled her by the shoulder. They then shackled her hands behind her back. 'I hope that is not too tight..' he said 'No... thank you.' she replied, grateful for a small act of kindness.

They were led from the dungeon to the steps of the castle. The bright sunshine hurt their eyes, with no hand to shield them, they squinted and bowed their heads. The sheriff and Gisbourne were stood at the top of the stairs in their full regalia... the sheriff resplendent in furs and Gisbourne in the ridiculous black leather he was so fond of. The two came stalking over to have a closer look at their prisoners. 'I hope it hurts Hood... really really hurts' the sheriff said, mocking him by pretending to hang himself with an invisible rope

'Your comeuppance will hurt more, when the devil himself gets hold of you'

The sheriff nodded to Gisbourne and he punched Robin in the stomach so hard that he doubled over and fell to the ground; only he could not fall because the guards had hold of him. Robin coughed and blood splattered on Gisbourne's shoes. Robin looked up and half smiled as he said 'sorry 'bout that!'

Gisbourne's attention turned to his wife. He pulled back her head sharply and leaned toward her menacingly 'You are going straight to hell you adulterous bitch..'

'I am no longer married to you, you lying, treacherous bastard. Tuck married me to Robin... and if that sends me to hell I will gladly stay there for all eternity.' Gisbourne turned a deadly shade of purple and shouted toward the guards 'Get that Tuck up here, if he consorts with outlaws he can be beheaded while the others swing.'

'No Guy, no... he is a man of God. He has nothing to do with this.' Marian sobbed, the stupid mind games were going to cost yet another life.

The guards brought up Tuck into the sunshine. Marian saw him for the first time. A portly man in robes, he had warmth about his face. Although clearly afraid, he looked at her and smiled warmly.

And now the three of them were led to the gallows.

Robin and Marian stood on the boxes as the ropes were placed around their necks and Tuck was shoved to the ground on all fours. The newlyweds turned to each other... and smiled. 'I love you' 'I love you'. Robin looked around at the casements and the crowd. No sign of anyone, his lads had failed.. He felt the hand of fate start to take him by the shoulder. Marian struggled to control her breathing as the Abbott of Clun began to read the charges to the prisoners. She looked up at the sun and as it shone into her face she commented to herself how warm it was and how good it felt on her skin. The sun began to shine brighter and brighter and hotter and hotter and the light in her eyes glowed brighter still until... everything went black.

Marian stirred and her eyes flickered. The soft scent of flowers filled her nostrils and she felt a coolness against her skin. She was aware of a breeze and realised that she was lying down. She opened her eyes and found herself in the familiar room in Locklsey. She was in bed, in a fresh white gown and a vase of roses was beside her. She tried to sit up but realised that she was stiff and that her limbs hurt, as did her stomach. She lay on her back for a moment and tried to work out what had happened. She came up with two possibilities – either she was dead and this was heaven or hell. Or the last two nights had been a dream... she jumped as the door to her room began to open. The wood creaking as it did so. Two eyes were staring at her from behind the door. Immediately it flung open...

'You are awake... thank goodness. You had me worried then for a minute... 'Robin said and gently sat on the bed, taking her hands. 'How do you feel?' Marian simply stared at him. Was this Robin?

The man in front of her was impossibly handsome. His hair was short, he was clean shaven and he wore a loose white shirt, brown trousers and black boots. His hands and his nails were clean and he smelled, well gorgeous. 'Robin?' He laughed as she said it. 'Mmm I know... I feel a bit foolish, but I was bullied in to getting spruced up by everyone downstairs. If this shocks you, you should see Allan!'

Marian smiled, although she was not entirely sure what had happened or what had gone before. 'Robin, I do not know what has happened, or why I am here. The last thing I remember was standing beside you at the gallows..'

'Then my love, you do not know how everything has come to be right with the world and that it is all down to you... my wonderful wife.' The blank look on her face suggested that he should continue.

'Before Thornton was killed, he sent your letter to the Queen's guard. Do you remember, the one you wrote to be sent if Gisbourne ever harmed you? He gave it to Paul, who rushed it to York. Thornton did this before he died, it must have been the last thing he did.' Robin said sadly and squeezed Marian's hand... 'Your letter saved us Marian.'

'As we stood on the gallows and the sheriff and Gisbourne were about to win the ultimate prize, the gates of Nottingham flew open. On the most magnificent horses I have ever seen, rode 12 of the Queen's guard. She had sent them to us to deal with Gisbourne and his treachery. Captain Furneaux, I later found out his name, went directly up to the sheriff and accused him of treason and being in league with the devil and that he had come to arrest him and Gisbourne. Oh Marian, it was wonderful. They shouted and hollered for the guards to attack them, but as they had been sent directly from the Queen, no guard would come forward. The two drew their swords and fought with a couple of the guards but they were no match for them... the sheriff became mad and flew about with his sword raised. One of the guards ran him threw and he fell to the ground – dead. The guards and the crowd whooped with joy and they ran forward to help us and the prisoners. I released you from your rope but it had become too much for your battered body and mind and you passed out. I carried you to one of the Queen's horses and a knight carried you to safety. I returned to ensure the castle was safe and that the crowd were indeed on our side. It was very quick Marian, the coup ended and peace reigned by nightfall.'

'And Gisbourne...'

'Arrested and taken to London – to the Tower where he will be tried and hanged for treason.'

Marian's demeanour dropped at this news 'Then I am still married' she whispered.

'Yes, unfortunately you are, to me my love. Your marriage to Gisbourne has been annulled due to the despicable circumstances of the union, his awful treatment of you and that he is a traitor to the crown. We are free to marry for real... in public.'

'It's hard to take this all in... You look so... well.. So... handsome.' She smiled as she said it. This was not an invitation; she just couldn't believe the transformation. 'so who is downstairs... '

'Allan, Much, Will and John, Captain Furneaux and the servants.. oh and your father. He is no longer under house arrest. You have been asleep for 3 days. Marian, so much has happened.'

Tears filled Marian's eyes. She couldn't believe everything had been put right. She hugged Robin tightly, as if to make sure he were real, flesh and blood. Robin responded and hugged her, stroking her hair. 'It will all be right Marian, from now on...now, you must get dressed, in your own time and come and greet everyone. They will be so pleased to see you... and we have a wedding to organise... the one you always dreamed of my love... in Locksley church.' Marian smiled, still not sure what to say. Her head felt like it may explode with the news she had heard. Robin jumped up, as giddy as a school boy and kissed her on the forehead. He took both of her hands and squeezed gently 'It is all true, my love, everything is as it should be.' He left her to get ready.

Slowly Marian sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her face with her hands. It didn't seem real – so much good news – so rare these days, had she forgotten how to react to good news! She padded across the floor of her room and looked out of the window. Everywhere she looked hse could see people laughing and talking. Men and women standing in groups, talking, gossiping, whiling away the hours as they never would have before. Children were playing, chase, fighting, girls dancing – such a wonderful, unusual sight Marian could not help but smile. She turned and spotted thje looking glass on the wall by her dresser. Slowly she walked toward it, afraid of what she would see. Taking a deep breath, she peered into it. Her fingers traced the faint bruises on the side of her face, the gash on her cheek, healing, both eyes open although heavy from the hardship endured.

'The physician said that nothing would cause permanent scarring' Robin said as he reappeared carrying a gown for Marian to wear and some towels. 'Not like mine...' he showed her the scar down his face from the sheriff's ring of office 'Quite cool, don't you think? Add to all the others and the pattern on my back...' Marian lifted her hand and touched the scar with the tips of her fingers, afraid to hurt him. 'It's OK Marian. Nothing hurts, not now. Here, Jess has drawn you a bath, some fresh towels and a dress I bought for you from the village. Simple, not grand, but beautiful. Just like you...' he smiled into her eyes and left.

Bathing did not prove easy for Marian, her body ached and she found getting into the bath difficult. But once in, the warm water and the rose petals washed over her and soothed her, allowing her to close her eyes and picture what had happened. Nothing – perhaps she would remember, perhaps not. Did it really matter? She dressed and combed out her hair, leaving it long, knowing that Robin preferred it that way. The dress he had bought was perfect. It was green with small white flowers on the bodice and the skirt was long and simple. Nothing too fussy. She left the room quietly and appeared at the top of the stairs. In the great hall there was a lot of murmuring and talking. About 6 or so men were seated, looking at a plan and talking. John looked up and saw Marian first. He stood and said 'It is good to see you My Lady.' At that point all the men stood. Allan, Much, Will and Robin, who bounded up the stairs and took her hand to lead her down. One man remained seated, but looked at her and smiled. 'Father' she said and rushed to him. She bent low and took his hands. How she had hated him for selling her to Gisbourne, how she had not wanted to visit him and pretend everything was as it should be. But now looking at him she realised he was an old man, the only family she had and that if he ever knew what she had really been threw he would die of a broken heart. She threw her arms about his neck and they both sobbed into each other – forgiving a thousand wrongs. A lump came to Robin's throat and he had to cough first before he spoke so as not to give it away

'Marian, darling..' he said touching her gently on the arm. 'We have waited to do something until you woke. We knew you would want to be present, but it cannot wait any longer.' she turned and looked at him. He held her hand as he said 'we must say goodbye to Thornton.'

'Yes' she whispered. 'Thank you for waiting'

The ceremony was led by Locksley's new clergyman, Tuck. His words were simple, but truthful. They said goodbye to Thornton the trusted man servant, friend, guide and hero. Each person around the grave knew they owed not only their lives to him but the future they were to have as well. There were many tears, unashamed from all. Tears of grief, for those who did not live to see this wonderful day and of happiness. Afterwards, a party was held in Locksley. The likes of which had never been seen, there was so much celebrating that Much and Allan took many days to recover from their hangovers. Robin and Marian simply sat and watched. He with his arms around her, she leaning her head on his shoulder. They had been through so much and yet it was as if they had been transported back to the day after he had originally proposed. Although they knew each other intimately, passionately, a calmness and serenity had come over them. Now they did not need to sneak off and make love under the stars, grabbing at each other for a moment of happiness in a world resembling hell. Now they could take their time, learn to be with each other as they had always intended. They agreed to hold the blessing of their marriage in the Spring that was soon to come – to give a chance for Marian's bruises to fully heal and that they would not know each other intimately again until then. It was Robin's idea, he had told Marian that now he had time he was going to savour every minute of longing for her so that he could savour every second when they were reunited. Marian found this impossibly romantic and loved him all the more for it. So as they sat together as the sun set on their village, only one feeling spread between them, pure happiness.

The Great North Road stretched in front of them. It would be some time before the wagon made it to London. Inside a man dressed in black leather lay on his front, his hands shackled behind his back. He had been awake for some time, his mind and his heart blackening with every bump in the road. The wagon stopped, the guards jumped down. They were resting their horses. One guard peered in to the wagon through the slit in the side of the tarpaulin. He knew that this would be his only chance …