Author's note: Sorry for the long delay. This installment was broken in to two chapters. It is totally wacky I know, but it will have a point! I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 8

SHERWOOD

Robin sat by the spent fire twirling a flower between his thumb and forefinger.

"If the potion works", Will began, "I wonder what that was for."

"I don't know, Will, but I'm thinking it might still come in handy." He slipped the delicate flower back into its pouch.

"Master, you honestly told Marian to play along with Gisborne?" Much asked when he returned to the fire.

"Much, Marian can handle herself." Robin replied, with a little less confidence than usual.

"Yeah, but can she handle Guy?" Allan cynically added.

"I don't know why we sit around asking question, we should go to Nottingham and bust Djaq out of there!" Little John added with his usual directness.

"Everyone needs to calm down. Djaq asked me to give her some time and I am." Robin said with finality.

"Well, I don't like that plan one bit." Much said.

"We can at least visit Marian and see if she's alright." Will offered. Robin nodded his approval.

NOTTINGHAM

"So, Gisborne, how'd it go?" The Sheriff asked in an affected tone.

"Marian was…more receptive than usual." Guy replied.

"Marvelous! So did you pop the question?"

"Not yet."

"What are you waiting for?" Vasey clapped Gisborne's right shoulder, "strike while the iron is hot and all that."



"Her father didn't seem very pleased."

"You've got to be kidding me," Vasey said derisively, "we go through all the trouble of concocting a magic love potion and you're going to let daddy stop you!?"

"No, it just may take more time than I had originally anticipated." Guy was slightly irritated.

"Well, we just need to up the dosage—make it impossible for her to be influenced by her father." Suddenly, the doors to the great hall were pushed open. A sheepish guard stepped inside.

"M'lord, the prisoner wants to see you….both of you." Guy glanced at Vasey.

"I hope the pleading is good this time." The two followed the guard out of the room to Djaq's chamber. Vasey signaled for the guard to wait outside the door. He felt confident in his security with Gisborne present.

"Well, my dear", Vasey began, "how have you been?"

"Did it work?" Djaq asked, ignoring Vasey and looking squarely at Gisborne.

"Yes, very well." There was no hint of remorse in his voice—not that she could detect. It made her feel like goading him.

"I'm glad to hear it. Now you have an advantage over the attractive men." Gisborne looked slightly taken aback, and angry, his pride had been wounded.

"Don't be ridiculous, silly woman, Gisborne is as handsome as they come." Vasey interjected. Guy now felt a curious mix of anger, pride and disgust. He just sighed and turned away. Djaq smiled.

"I know he is, Sheriff." Djaq replied almost solemnly. Gisborne turned to look at her. Her meaning was now clear to him. He felt a brief pang of remorse. The Sheriff was becoming agitated.

"Enough of these lingering looks." Vasey interrupted. He moved over to Gisborne and waved a hand in front of his face. "Gisborne? Did you forget? You want Marian remember? Mar-i-an." He accented each syllable to emphasize his point. He abruptly turned form Gisborne and stared straight into Dajq's eyes. She wasn't afraid of the smaller man, but there was an energy and tenacity in his eyes that drained her own. "Now, get on with the pleading. You want your freedom now, right?"

"Yes, I have done everything you have asked."



"I'm sorry, my friend, but I'm not going to be able to be so faithful to our contract." Vasey smiled maliciously.

"I thought you might say that," Djaq replied.

"Perceptive girl. Isn't she brilliant Gizzy?" Guy made no response.

"Which is why I've made this." Djaq produced a vial with a rose colored, transparent substance. Vasey and Guy stared at it. "It is an antidote--to the love potion."

"Why on earth would we want that?" Guy asked.

"Don't be an idiot, Gisborne, an antidote would be excellent leverage. Not to mention, it would protect us from any…mishaps." Vasey explained.

"Yes, and, were you to take it", Djaq said looking at Guy, "you could drink the love potion yourself with no ill effect." Guy raised an eyebrow. "It would double the power of the potion's effect on another."

"Fantastic!" The Sheriff clapped his hands together. "Just what we were looking for. Well, it's time for me to get my afternoon nap."

"Excuse me? Won't you set me free?"

"I'll sleep on it." Vasey said insidiously and left the room. Djaq looked forlornly at Sir Guy. He wanted to let her go to ease his conscience, but he also knew it was a practical impossibility. She was far too valuable.

"Should I drink it now?" He asked. Djaq almost felt guilty when she nodded her assent. Guy swallowed the tincture lioke a shot and handed her the vial.

"Wait a few moments, for it to take full effect." Djaq informed him. Guy began to feel dizzy, disoriented. He started to lose his balance and instinctively grabbed on to Djaq's shoulder for support. She clutched his right shoulder to keep him from falling. She began to fear she'd overdosed him. In moments, though, he collected himself and drew back to his full height. He stared at Djaq and strange feelings crowded his mind. It was as though everything he'd ever wanted ever enjoyed was standing right before him. He was quickly losing his cool, rational control. Only Marian had ever made him feel that way, but her image was quickly being replaced by a short haired Saracen woman with soulful eyes. "Are you alright?" She queried.

"I'm well. How could I be otherwise in your presence?" Djaq was convinced the potion had worked. She repeated to herself that it was the only method of escape.

"Gisborne—



"Call me Guy." He stepped closer. She looked up into his eyes. The brooding look had been replaced by a passionate, obsessive one that was at once intriguing and frightening. Djaq began to fear that he might be even less pliable in his current state.

"Guy, please, take me away from here."

"Anything, my love, but kiss me first." He leaned close, but Djaq stepped back.

"After we are away from here." Djaq said. He smiled roguishly.

"As you wish." Guy walked over to the guard. "The prisoner is coming with me. In form the Sheriff." It was an unenviable task. Before the soldier could leave the room, another stepped in.

"Sir Guy, Lady Marian is here to see you." Djaq sharply drew in a breath. She hadn't expected a visit from Marian.

"I will be back shortly." Guy said to Djaq.

"Hurry." She added. Guy walked away swiftly, spurs clanking down the hall.

To be continue…