Loved in the darkness part 8
By Leah
Summary
Note, there is some fresh material situated in the middle of this ditty. I hope you enjoy it. All new chapters will start from this one.
Anyway. Ana has wed Vasey. Is there still hope for her? This chapter is dedicated to, as always, my beautiful friend Angelique, my BETAS and Jessie who helps me run "Stirred"
In addition, this chapter is dedicated to the late but forever brilliant Australian actor, Mark Priestly who committed suicide due to depression this year.
Rest in peace, Mark. We will miss you.
Disclaimer
I do not own a bloody thing! The BBC & England own Robin Hood although they were kind enough to let Australia get the season 2 DVD before anybody else.
This ditty contains references to …
MASH the TV show.
Bernard Cornwell's Alfred series.
The other Boleyn girl by Phillipa Gregory
Rated a big fat M for some sexual content and abortion. If abortion upsets you, please do not read this chappie. I have included it because I am a staunch supporter of abortion and found it necessary to include it in this chapter.
Locksley Stables
After bidding her husband farewell that morning Marian dressed, broke her fast then headed for the stables to see the horses.
The comforting scent of the stable filled her nose as soon as she made her entrance. Equines whinnied their greetings as she walked past them to talk to Guy's prized stud stallion, Ominous who nickered happily as soon as he saw her.
"Hello my big fellow," she cooed, petting his orange, velvety nose.
The stallion nickered again and nuzzled her hair, eager for treats.
Laughing, Marian obliged him, offering the snuffling animal several pieces of carrot before moving onto another loose box.
"How are you, Angel?" she asked merrily.
Angel was one of Guy's new breeding mares. A five-year-old blue roan rouncy from York. The female horse let out a snort of acknowledgment before wandering over to hang her head over the loosebox door to sniff Marian's belly.
"Yes, we're both having babies!" Marian told the mare.
Angel's ears flicked back and forth, listening to Marian. She neighed then bobbed her head up and down as if in agreement.
Their meeting was rudely disrupted when Allan A Dale cantered into the stables on Stiorra.
"Marian," the young man greeted, wiping his sweaty brow. "How's the love of Guy's life?"
"Wanting more hay," Marian replied.
"Hope you're not jealous."
Marian shook her head and walked over to stand beside Stiorra.
"We have an understanding."
Allan chuckled.
"Hold her while I get the tack off?" he asked.
"Gladly."
Whilst Allan busied himself with Stiorra's saddle and saddlecloth, Marian quietly stroked the mare's nose.
"You did not attend the wedding," she said after a while. "Or the festivities afterwards. Why not, Allan?"
Allan was silent for a long time. He tried to ignore her question by studying a saddle sore on Stiorra's withers.
"Allan?"
"Yeah … I couldn't watch," he said and ran a hand through his hair, adding tiredly. "I mean … I couldn't watch her get married to him. So I stayed here."
The baby kicked Marian hard in the stomach causing her to grimace.
"You alright?"
"Just the baby," Marian replied dismissively. "It takes delight in giving me hard kicks when I do not eat enough."
Allan chuckled.
"Have you formed an attachment to Ana?"
Stone neighed shrilly from his end of the stables. Emmett and Glide nickered loudly in reply.
"No," Allan told her softly. "Ana's great … But I'd never marry her. Too much of a hassle. Guy would have my hide if I even forgot her birthday."
"And the lady Morag is so refined, sweet tempered and boasts a grand pedigree," Marian added.
"Yeah, well. Can't keep working as Guy's squire all my life, can I?"
"But surely Guy told you that he was going to make you his master at arms as soon as he became sheriff? And that he was entertaining the idea of giving you Bonchurch?" Marian asked curiously.
"Yeah, told me when you came back from the wedding," Allan replied, bending over to inspect Stiorra's shoe. "Shit," he groaned. "I had these fitted last week and they're already loose." He put the mare's foot down, smiling tiredly at Marian. "I need to get a black smith in to see me girl's feet. Can I walk you back to the house?"
"I can go on my own."
"Nah, I'll take ya," he signalled for a boy to see to Stiorra. "I won't tell Giz if you don't," he added with a hint of cheek in his eyes.
"He will never know," Marian whispered back.
Nottingham Castle courtyard.
Gisborne trotted down the castle stairs to meet with Vasey.
"My lord," he greeted. "I hope your time away from Nottingham was to your liking."
"It was, Gisborne, it was. London is lovely this time of year." Vasey looked around, sniffing. "Hmmm, Looks like you can take care of things without me. Well done, Gisborne, well done. Now, if you would excuse me, I should like to sup with my wife. Feel free to go home and do the same with yours-Ah, here is my charming lady now," the sheriff added as Ana emerged from the carriage, pale and fatigued.
"Brother," she greeted.
Guy frowned at her. Ana's body language was stiff and guarded. The small smile she offered was, without a doubt, forced. The violet dress she wore was loose fitting, and to Guy's confusion, she wore a wimple.
Why would Vasey have her wear a wimple? Gisborne had never made Ana or Marian cover their hair; he preferred to let them wear it whichever way they wished
'She is his wife now and he can have her wear a basket on her head you half-wit!' he reminded himself.
"My dear, your brother shall escort you to our quarters before he heads back to Locksley," Vasey said, disrupting Guy's thoughts. "Might I remind you to dress to impress. We are to dine with Sir Percy in the hall later."
"Yes husband," Ana replied meekly. "I must confess that I am rather tired. I should like to rest before we dine if it is not too much trouble."
"Good idea, I need you refreshed and cheery for this evening!" Vasey told her, grinning unctuously.
Castle Hallway, near the sheriff's quarters
"So …" Guy began. "How do you fare, Ana?"
"I am well," the young woman replied. "But tired from the journey."
"Is there any thing-"
"No. There is nothing you need concern yourself with. Tell me, how is Marian?"
The mention of his wife's name instantly brought a smile to Guy's lips.
"She is large and complains endlessly."
Ana laughed softly at his joke then winced.
"Ana?"
"Do not fuss!" she hissed. "I told you, I am well."
"You winced."
"In London I had a little fall, I landed on my side." She smiled to reassure him, adding gently. "It is nothing a nice long bath will not fix."
Locksley Manor
Marian was lying on the chaise longue having a little nap by the fireplace when she felt a hand stroking her forehead.
"Is my little mare well?"
She opened her eyes and yawned.
"Nay," she replied taking her hand off her mouth. "I am as big as this Manor and it is entirely your fault, Guy of Gisborne."
Gisborne snorted then invaded her space on the long chair by carefully manoeuvring her until her head was resting in his lap.
"Oh, it's woken up!" Marian exclaimed as her baby kicked her hard from inside her.
Guy reached out to rub her stomach, silently delighting in the frequent pushing against his hand.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" his wife accused crossly.
"I did."
"Ha! And yet in the privacy of our bedchamber you grumble about being kicked in the back!" she grouched.
"Now you see why I make you lie on your left side," Gisborne pointed out. "Do you need a pot?"
"The only thing I want to relieve myself of is you and I do not think you would fit into a piss pot!"
"Language, Marian!"
"Ohh, enough of this banter, I need to check on the kitchens." She heaved herself upwards with a groan. "Speaking of food … I wonder if I am eating for more then just two."
Guy firmly rubbed the middle of his precious wife's back, trying to be empathetic.
"I saw Ana today," he said whilst helping Marian to her feet, walking with her to the kitchens.
"How is she?"
"Better then expected," he told her. "Tired, but better then expected."
Guy did not dare mention Ana's fall to Marian, fearing what his wife would do. Especially win her present condition.
Nottingham Castle, sheriff's quarters
Another week had gone by since Vasey's return and Guy's fears for his sister's life had risen to new levels.
Marian had asked him to deliver a message inviting Ana to dine with them at Locksley. When he came to the sheriff's quarters to deliver it to his sister, Vasey, to his horror, intercepted it.
"Ah, Gisborne! Jolly good! Your sister is in a mood I'm afraid. She does not wish to see any one." The short sheriff pouted then added with mock misery. "Not even me."
"We would like to have Ana dine with us at Locksley, my lord. Perhaps that would lift her spirits?"
"Perhaps, but I can tell you now that she won't go. She has barred her door and flatly refuses to speak to anyone. I shall, however, pass this message to her servant women and let you know whether it is yay or nay before the day is over."
Castle Hallway
"Psst!"
Frowning, Gisborne looked around.
Nothing.
With a shrug, he continued his walk.
"Pssst!"
Very annoyed now Guy put a hand to the hilt of his sword.
"If you know what's good for you, you will show yourself to me now!" he demanded angrily.
A plump and pretty servant girl stepped out from behind a pillar.
"Sorry, my lord," she apologised nervously. "I had to hide myself. I'd be right sorry if the sheriff caught me!"
"What do you mean? Speak wench!"
"Sir Guy … Your sister-she-"
"Guy!"
The girl's eyes widened in fear. Picking up her skirt, she whirled around and faded into the shadows like a ghost.
Gisborne stared into the shadowy corner until Allan A Dale said his name again.
"What is it?" he growled irritably.
"Sheriff wants to see ya," Allan replied. "You alright?"
"Fine," his superior replied coldly. "Go and see to the horses. We'll be riding to the Mertons to discuss your betroths dowry before we head home for the day."
"Righto."
Sheriff's Quarters
"You sent Allan for me, my lord?"
"Yes I did. I have received word from my wife. I hope this satisfies you." Vasey handed Guy a scroll watching curiously as the younger man's eyes roamed over it.
"She cannot mean this!" Guy exclaimed. "I will not accept this behaviour from my sister!"
"Yes, well, sorry old boy, but I'm afraid she was insistent. She does not want to see you or your little wifey. In fact she has made plans."
"Plans?"
"Yes. Plans! She has informed me she wants to leave for Kirklees a few weeks before I travel to London. The young lady has been quite out of sorts, so, I am giving her leave of me."
Guy felt ill, ever so ill.
"I see," he murmured.
Vasey thumped Guy on the back.
"Cheerio, Gisborne!" he said then spun around on his heel to head back to his table, whistling merrily.
Guy, clutching the scroll tightly in his hands, nodded to the sheriff and stormed out of the chamber.
Castle Hallway
"My lord!"
Gisborne ignored the servant and kept on marching.
"My lord, please stop! My legs are not as young as they used to be!"
With an exasperated groan, Gisborne came to a halt and turned around.
"What does the sheriff want now!" he snapped at a grey haired servant woman, tapping his boot impatiently on the hard stone floor.
"Begging your pardon, Sir Guy, but you'd best come with me right now."
"Why?"
"Your sister."
"My sister does not wish to see me. This scroll is proof."
"That scroll is a lie, my lord," the woman replied sadly. "She was forced to write that to deceive you."
Gisborne nearly dropped the scroll he had been shaking in the servants face to the floor.
"What?" he demanded in a low and dangerous voice.
"Please, Sir. It'd be better for all of us if you were to follow me right now."
A secret chamber in the castle
Gisborne had been taken down a long and winding staircase until reaching a heavy oak door. After being forced to turn his back and wait for a moment or so, he was ushered through it.
The room was rank with the stench of faeces urine and vomit. Very much like a dungeon except there was a bed in the centre and two servant women to manage it rather then burly, ugly men.
Lying on the bed, dressed in a soiled shift was a ridiculously thin woman whose face was bruised beyond recognition.
"Who is this?" Guy asked the woman at his side. "Where is my sister?"
"Guy? G-Guy?"
Guy's blood went cold. Ignoring the stink, he rushed over and sat beside the woman, taking her into his arms and near sobbing into her lank, greasy hair.
His sister did nothing but held onto him, sighing against his chest.
"You found me," she whispered.
Guy drew away, grasping her face between his hands.
"My god," he croaked.
Ana ran her tongue across her dry cracked lips.
"As you can see, brother. I am not well."
"What has he done to you?"
"I tried to escape … Oh Guy; he is such a horrid man. His lackeys found me trying to steal a horse from the stables. They knocked me out then they brought me to him … Vasey was so angry with me he … He cut off my finger."
Ana removed the blanket, revealing her right hand. Guy's lips parted in a silent cry of terror. The deformed finger Morris had broken long ago was missing, reduced to a bandaged stump.
"No," he whimpered. "No, Ana, no!"
"That is not the worst of it. Not by a long shot." Ana's calmness diminished and she fell against him, sobbing.
"What!" Gisborne cried. "What Ana! Tell me what he has done to you!"
"I am with child," she whined. "I am carrying his child!"
Guy abruptly pulled away, grasping his sister's face so roughly in his hands she winced in pain.
"Did he force you?" he demanded. She nodded.
"On our wedding night and the night after that. He-He forces me all the time." She gulped hard. "When we were in London I became ill. He had the prince's physician tend to me. I am now a month with child …" She groaned loudly. "By god I do not want this child, Guy!"
Clumsily, Ana gripped her brother's arms, staring pleadingly into his eyes.
"Help me!" she whispered desperately. "Get this thing out of me. Please Guy, get it out of me!" she dropped her head, sobbing hysterically.
"My lord."
Gisborne looked over his shoulder to see it had been the younger of the two servants who had spoken.
"My lord, I am sorry but you must go," she told him. "The sheriff cannot know you were here."
The master at arms swore under his breath.
"Ana, I must leave," he told her. "But I will come back. Do you understand?"
"You promise?"
Guy forced a smile.
"I won't let you down. I'm your brother, aren't I?"
He rose from the bed and crossed the floor to address the servants.
"Why has she been left to wallow in her own muck?" he demanded in a fierce whisper. "Clean her up at once!"
"Punishment, Sir Guy," the young girl informed sadly. "After the sheriff bought her down here she spat in his face. Now she has to piss and shit, eat, drink and sleep in that bed till he says she can leave it."
Gisborne sighed and raked a hand through his hair.
"Do what you can for her then," he advised wearily. "I will find a way to come to you again, just as soon as I know what to do."
The castle courtyard
"Where were you? I've been waiting here for ages!" Allan cried as soon as he saw Guy marching toward him.
"Go to Locksley and tell my wife I will not return till late!" Gisborne snapped, ripping Glory's reins out of Allan's grip. "Have her send a servant to Sir Merton with apologies. You'll have to visit Morag later." He swung himself into the saddle, kicking the stallion's flanks.
"Ha!" he yelled. "Ha!"
Glory's ears slipped flat against his head, the stallion neighed shrilly before darting forward, leaving Allan and his mare in a cloud of dust.
Hill over looking Locksley
Pulling Glory to a halt Guy dismounted and sat beneath a tree, staring into space.
He had hoped that a long, hard ride would clear his head.
No such luck.
Again, he felt useless! So profoundly useless! He hated this feeling. This cold twisting in his gut. He wanted it to stop! He wanted clarity again.
Gisborne pounded his gloved hand against the grassy earth and swore furiously.
There had to be a way to save Ana, to keep Marian and the baby alive and beyond Vasey's reach.
Vasey's threat echoed in his mind and he grimaced at the idea of being forced to eat both his wife's and Ana's eyeballs.
Oh what to do?
The man buried his face in his knees, breathing heavily in and out. He remained this way for quite some time until he finally got to his feet and mounted his steed.
Locksley Manor
Marian was laughing with Hannah when Guy entered the main room looking terrible.
"Come with me," he told her, taking her roughly by the arm, ignoring Hannah's look of surprise.
Guy & Marian's chambers
Releasing Marian's arm Guy slammed the door behind them then tore off his leather doublet, kicking it into a corner.
"Guy?" his wife questioned, sitting on the chaise longue.
He ignored her and began to pace, clenching his leather clad fists and muttering unintelligibly under his breath.
Annoyed, Marian rose to her feet blocking his path.
"What is wrong?" she demanded.
Gisborne nervously ran his tongue across his lips.
"Is it Ana?"
"You have to leave," he said at last.
"What? I don't understand. Why do I-"
"I am going to kill Ana," he cut off firmly. "The sheriff has her imprisoned in the castle as punishment for trying to escape. Once he has figured out it was I who killed her he'll want my head on a plate."
Marian stared at him, rendered speechless. Gisborne sighed and pinched his nose. "Marian, you have to leave Locksley, now!" he told her. "I want you to take Hannah and Allan with you. When the sheriff catches me he will no doubt want to torture you to hurt me."
"Guy, no! This is madness!" Marian cried, clutching his hands in her own. "This is precisely what he wants you to do! Don't you see that he wants you to kill Ana to drive us apart! It is the sheriff you should murder, not Ana!"
Guy ripped his hands away from her, lips curling backwards in anger.
"Foolish woman!" he seethed. "If I kill Vasey I will be responsible for a massacre!"
Marian, ever the brilliant pretender, put a hand to her mouth, feigning shock.
"Why?" she whispered.
"Prince John made a promise to the sheriff. Should Vasey of Nottingham die an unnatural death Nottingham will be brought to her knees. Everyone will be slaughtered."
Having said this, Guy resumed his pacing.
"I could slip a poison into her wine," he muttered, not caring if Marian heard him. "If she is still in the chamber the sheriff will think she died of a fever. Killing her that way will be much easier then shooting her when she travels to Kirklees. That will-"
"Make you well and truly the sheriff's devil," Marian finished bitterly.
"Damn you, woman! I have already told you there is nothing I can do!" he roared. "You did not see her in that room, on that bed. Beaten near to a pulp, babbling like an idiot!"
"Oh Guy …"
"And she is with child, Marian," he went on doggedly. "She is carrying his child. No woman in this world, be she poor or a queen, deserves that! Now you see why I must kill her!"
"I see a brother who loves his sister very much!" Marian insisted passionately. "But you must understand that murdering her is the surest way to truly damning yourself! If you kill her the sheriff will twist the situation so much that you have no choice but to cling to him more fiercely then you have ever done before, thus getting rid of the good man inside you!" Panting, she put a hand to her belly and leant tiredly against a wall. "There is …" she stopped, sucking in a breath, "there is another way to help Ana. You won't have to kill her but you will have to-"
"What?" he demanded voice soaked in mad desperation. "What is it?"
"Robin Hood," Marian revealed warily. "You must change loyalties and side with Robin Hood."
"What?" Gisborne exploded.
"Guy, this could be our only chance! Give Robin everything he wants in exchange for Ana's freedom and the chance to rid England of the sheriff once and for all!"
"I'll pretend I did not hear you correctly," Gisborne growled menacingly.
"But-"
"He is an outlaw! Have you lost your senses? If Prince John were to find out I had decided to switch loyalties and killed one of his closest companions Nottinghamshire would turn into hell on earth!"
Disgusted with her Guy turned and stared out the window, body trembling with fear, anger and exhaustion.
Marian walked over to stand behind him.
"You need to make a choice," she told him firmly.
"Not Hood!" he ground out through clenched teeth.
"Guy this is the only way to help Ana and you know it!"
"Marian …"
"Think about her! Think about your child! Stop being so self absorbed!"
"ENOUGH!"
He swung around and an eye blink, his leather-clad hand was wrapt tightly around her neck.
Marian's eyes widened but she did not dare try to fight him. She stood still, ever so still.
The man and woman stared at each other for a long time, both knowing that all he had to do was squeeze and it would all be over.
Guy's fingers dug into her skin, squeezing lightly at first then harder and harder.
Marian did not dare utter a scream, nor did she struggle to free herself from his iron grip. Black dots distorted her vision as he continued to tighten his hold on her throat; still she made no effort to free herself.
She waited.
Waited
And waited.
Guy of Gisborne's fingers lingered upon Marian's pale neck till he gradually pulled them away, balling his hand into a tight fist before letting it drop to his side.
Swiftly, he turned from her, stalking over to another window and sticking his head out of it, panting hard as if someone had denied him oxygen.
Marian let out a long shuddering breath and placed a hand to her sore neck, realising just how close she and their baby had come to dying.
"Guy?" she managed in a hoarse whisper. "Guy, please, we-"
"You do not …" he stopped. "You do not know what you are asking."
"I am asking you to fight for her life! For our lives!" she insisted. "It is that simple. Leave the sheriff and help your family!"
"I can't."
"Then I must do it on my own."
"No!" Gisborne cried. He whirled around and rushed over, grabbing her by the wrist.
Marian looked up from the hand he was clutching to stare at him.
"No what?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Marian I can't lose you. Not again!" He grasped her arms, fingers digging into the fabric of her sleeves. "Don't leave me," he pleaded frantically. "Don't leave me."
Marian wrenched herself free.
"No," he cried, eyes full of fear. "No! Maria-"
"Shh," she soothed. "Shh." With a small smile, she reached up to stroke his stubbled cheek; her smile grew a little more when he shuddered against her fingers.
"Tell me what to do," he moaned closing his eyes. "I don't know what to do."
"Help me," she told him softly. "Help Ana. Help England."
Guy covered her small hand with his large one.
"I'm afraid," he admitted to her.
"We have all lived in fear for almost every moment of our lives. That has to change." Marian took her husbands hands one she placed on her heart. "Trust in me," she told him solemnly and placed his other hand on her belly. "Trust in our child."
The baby kicked hard against its fathers palm as if it understood the dire situation.
Guy closed his eyes.
"Without you … Without our child," he whispered. "I may as well not exist at all."
"True," Marian told him with a hint of mischief. "Now go and sit on the bed."
Whilst Guy did as he was told, Marian extinguished every candle in the room except one. Sitting beside him, she rested her head upon his shoulder, placing her hand over the ones he had clasped in his lap.
"It is dark," she told him. "Talk to me."
"Does talking help?" he asked wearily.
"Yes."
"Do you love Robin?"
"No."
Her answer was simple and plain. A straightforward no.
"Do you love me, Marian?"
"Do you love me, Guy?"
"Don't answer a question with a question!" he groaned.
"Sorry!" Marian laughed softly then became serious. "I do love you," she revealed with a beautiful sincerity. "Years ago I despised you and pitied you at the same time. Now, I love you. I love your dark, fierce nature; I love the gentle man you keep tucked away from everyone except the people you think should see him. I feel so privileged knowing that I am one of those few people." She stroked his hand. "My heart breaks and bleeds when you go to the sheriff, talk with the sheriff, when you are forced to hurt innocent people because he has ordered you to." She stopped for a moment. "If he were to take you from me I do not think I could survive."
"If the sheriff were to fall then I will be dragged down with him," Guy muttered.
Marian frowned at him.
"How would that be possible?"
"Do you re call our betrothal celebration? When I fought with Hood?"
"Yes."
"I had a tattoo on my arm. The tattoo of a wolf. Disturbing the image was a scar."
"The wound Robin gave you in Acre?"
"How did you know about Acre?" Gisborne asked torn between fury and surprise.
"Robin's companion," she told him. "He came to the hall telling me that his master had lost his senses and was going to kill you rather then rescue the Saracen. I came with him to the camp to make Robin see reason. That is how I found out about the assassination attempt on the king."
"And after knowing that, you still find it in your heart to love me?" Guy asked gruffly.
"You failed to kill him," Marian pointed out. "And you could have killed me today for asking you to help Robin, but you didn't."
Guy turned his head and sniffed.
"We need to place ourselves in Robin's care," she continued. "After he has rescued Ana you have got to tell him everything about the sheriff and the plot to kill the king then Robin will have the means to arrest Vasey and hopefully persuade the king to give you a fresh start."
Guy chuckled bitterly.
"You make it sound so simple."
Marian gave a heavy sigh.
"It is not, my love," she murmured.
"Allan! Allan!"
The squire groaned and opened his eyes.
"What is it? It's not even dawn, Maz!"
"You need to go to the forest," Marian whispered fiercely. "Guy must meet with Robin."
"On my own? But-"
"If you value your life you will go to the outlaw's camp and secure a meeting with Robin! Do not return to Locksley until you do! Now get up!"
"Robin won't like it."
"Again, if you value your life you will-"
"I'm going! I'm going!"
Satisfied, Marian left the bedchamber and hurried back to her own. When she got there, Gisborne was lying on his back in their bed, staring at the ceiling.
Ignoring the sad feeling in her gut, Marian entered the bed and lay down beside him.
"Allan is leaving for the forest now as we speak," she whispered, resting her cheek upon his chest. "All we can do now is wait."
Gisborne shuddered but said nothing.
"Give us strength," Marian thought. "Please god, Give us strength."
Allan returned some time after dawn.
"He'll meet Guy near the caves. Only condition is that Guy comes unarmed."
"Thank you!" Marian told him, face flushed with relief. "I'll go and tell Guy right now."
"Where is he?"
"Angel is showing signs of labour," Marian replied, scratching her nose. "So Guy's been spending the post dawn hours with her."
"Now I wonder why Giz finds a broodmare better company then his own wife," Allan teased, jumping back as the pregnant woman playfully tried to swat him.
Locksley Stables
Gisborne was seated outside Angel's box, cleaning his claw dagger when Allan and Marian came for him. Looking up from the wicked knife, he sheathed it and rose to his feet, folding his arms neatly across his chest.
"What have you got for me?" he asked.
The North Road
Around noon, the two men and one woman set off for Sherwood Forest.
Marian, stubborn as a mule and despite Guy and Allan's protests, had insisted on coming with them.
"Fine," Gisborne had growled at her, "but if anything should happen-"
"Nothing is going to happen, Guy," she told him promptly. "It is far too early."
Guy snorted then threw the saddlecloth across Glory's back.
"Women!" he muttered darkly under his breath.
Off they went. Riding along the north road for what seemed like forever until Allan sharply turned Stiorra onto another path, leading them through a thick scrub.
Sherwood
Hood was waiting for them by a large, dark cave entrance, grinning the very grin that made Gisborne's blood boil.
"Well, well, well," the cocky outlaw greeted. "Sir Guy of Gisborne is asking me for my help! This is too good to be true!"
Marian shot Robin a fierce look before allowing Guy to help her onto the ground.
"What's in it for us, Gisborne?" Robin asked and any of his visitors could reply Little John, Djaq, Will Scarlett, and Much were surrounding them with their weapons drawn.
"I knew you wouldn't come alone," Robin informed coldly. "But setting that aside I will ask you again. What is in it for us?"
"My wife is with child and you would shove a sword in her face?" Guy seethed.
Robin considered this.
"You're right; then again, you should have tied Marian up before you left. Now tell me what I want to know or you will not leave this place alive!"
"Pardons," Marian begun after a brief and rather uncomfortable silence. "A chance to rid Nottingham of Vasey once and for all."
"Really?" Robin asked, rubbing his chin with grubby fingers. "Is that so?"
"You heard me," Gisborne growled.
"Actually he heard her, not you," Will said. "So why don't you tell us why we should help you, Gisborne."
Guy licked his lips nervously. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak.
"My sister has wed the sheriff. She is in torment. There is nothing I can do for her without endangering the lives of Marian and our unborn child. I am willing to give you whatever information you need to send to King Richard as well as everything the sheriff has taken from you in return for your aid."
"We have also agreed that when all this is over you and Guy are to share the rank of sheriff, Robin," Marian added.
Robin stared dumbstruck at his former betrothed. A few seconds past and he burst out laughing.
"Me and Gisborne sharing the job of sheriff!" he crowed. "I don't think so!" He wagged a finger at Marian, chuckling. "That is good, Marian!" he giggled. "That is so good!"
"She's not being funny, Robin," Allan muttered.
"Robin, this is a two way thing!" Marian cried, frustrated. "We are giving you what you want and you are giving us what we want! Why can't you just-"
"Save your breath, he is not going to help us," Guy muttered, taking her arm. "Come away."
Marian's shoulders slumped in defeat. Gathering her skirt, she allowed Guy to lead her to Glory.
Allan stared at Robin in amazement.
"You're a fucking coward, you know that?" he spat. "A right fucking coward! I hope you rot in-"
"That's enough!" Guy barked from behind Marian. "Let's go home."
Locksley Stables
Guy's expression was unreadable as he lifted Marian from Glory's back. Not bothering to cool the stallion down, he removed the tack then ushered the animal into its box before heading over check on Angel who was lying on her side, groaning loudly.
A pale, bloody tip of the placenta slipt into view and the poor mare groaned again, kicking at a wall.
Marian wondered over to stand beside Guy, timidly resting a hand on his arm.
"I'm sorry," she told him meekly.
Guy said nothing but covered her small hand with his large one.
"I thought-" she could not finish.
"You tried," he told her gently. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Forgive me little mare," he whispered. "I love you but I …"
"Do not lose hope!" Marian pleaded. "There has to be some other way! We can do this! I know we can!"
Guy shook his head.
"We both know that the only way to save her is to end her life. Ana must die."
"No!" she protested earnestly. "I love you too much to lose you to the sheriff! Don't give into this madness, you can't!"
There was a sickening wet sound. Marian and Guy looked from each other to see Angel's body relaxing.
Her foal was finally in the world.
Marian returned her eyes to Guy.
"Do not pretend that you will be able to go through this life with your sister's blood on your hands!" she hissed. "Could you really sink that low?"
Swearing softly under his breath, Guy wrenched himself away from her and stalked off to saddle a fresh horse.
He would ride to Nottingham, purchase a poison, then murder his sister. The poison, he fancied, would have to be quick. He did not want his Ana to suffer.
There was a little squeal as Angel's foal; a black colt, struggled to his feet only to fall comically back onto the straw covered floor. Marian smiled weakly at the mother and son then hurried after Gisborne.
"Guy!" she began but failed to deliver the rest of her sentence for the look he gave her was so menacing she was rendered mute.
"Go into the house and pack your things!" he snarled at her. "If you are not ready to leave by the end of the hour I will be glad to beat you this time!"
Fat tears dribbled down Marian's cheeks. She bowed her head submissively.
"As you wish," she murmured.
Guy squeezed his eyes shut as Marian drifted further and further away from him.
"Till we meet again in heaven," he whispered tightening his hold on the stable door.
Despite all the wrongs he had committed to satisfy Vasey's lust for power and dominance, he still hoped he would go to heaven.
The strawberry roan gelding he had chosen for his mission suddenly spooked as an arrow smashed its way through a window before pounding into the post it had previously been leaning against.
Guy jumped back in surprise. Marian who had not yet left the stable whirled around with a hand on her mouth.
Allan came into the stables grinning broadly.
"Someone's had a change of heart," he said.
Locksley Manor
"If I am to help you, Gisborne, I have a demand to go along with your offerings," the outlaw said, casually leaning against a pillar.
"And what might that be?" Marian asked dryly.
"I want to marry Ana."
"What?" Guy roared.
Marian quickly grabbed Guy's arm, holding him back.
"Let me marry your sister or I'll let the devil take you and what remains of your family!" Robin replied.
"My sister would never marry you!" Guy snarled, struggling against Marian's restraining arms. "She barely knows you!"
"Oh she knows me," Robin taunted the fearsome Gisborne, adding smugly. "Rather intimately too."
"You fucking earsling!" Guy howled. "If you've-"
"Relax, I never took her flower." Hood assured hurriedly. "But we have been lovers ever since we first laid eyes on each other. An-"
"If you love her so, why did you not rescue her before the wedding?" Marian demanded, cutting Robin off. "To leave her to suffer is rather cold blooded of you, Robin."
"I tried to rescue her but Ana refused to come with me," Hood insisted. "She said that the only way to sway Gisborne from the sheriff was for her to become the sheriff's wife. He would see her suffering and would do anything to help her; even it meant risking everything by changing loyalties."
"Emotional blackmail?" Guy asked bewildered.
"Something like that," Marian replied.
Guy hissed his annoyance then pinched his nose.
"I shall need to hear about this so called "love" from Ana," he said at last. "Rescue her and I will give you my answer."
"Don't you mean blessings?" Robin asked with a frown.
"I mean answer. Just because we are to be on the same side does not mean I will let you prance in and marry my sister Willy nilly, Hood."
"That's Locksley to you," Robin shot back coldly.
"No, you will be nothing but Robin Hood until Vasey can be executed without endangering Nottinghamshire," Marian told him firmly. "Once he is dead you can reclaim Locksley as your own. Guy and I shall re-locate to Knighton and the castle. Do you understand?"
"I accept these terms," Hood said after a bout of hesitation. "Let me head back to the camp for my people. When we come back, we'll go over a plan to rescue Ana."
A few days later, somewhere secret
"This had better work, Hood, or-"
"Yes Gisborne, I know! If it doesn't you'll have my guts sewn onto a tapestry!"
Nottingham Castle, sheriff's quarters.
"Ah, Gisborne! I have a marvellous joke for you!" Vasey crowed when seeing his lieutenant. "What was it again? Oh yes! What do you say to a woman with two black eyes?"
"I don't know, my lord," Guy replied coldly.
"Nothing you haven't already told her twice," Vasey answered with a perfectly evil giggle. "Any way, what can I do for you? If you've come to beg me to stay … Sorry, London beckons!"
"My lord, my wife and I wish to accompany Ana to the abbey," Guy said, folding his arms across his chest. "We believe it would do Ana some good to have family with her now that she is with child."
Vasey studied Gisborne for a long time. Guy found he could only stare back impassively.
'Say yes,' he thought. 'Say yes you old goat turd,'
"Permission granted."
'What?'
"Your sister will be in London for quite some time before she can visit. I will not deny her a final meeting with her brother and his fat little wife. I'll have a servant tell her the news."
'It worked,' Guy thought ecstatically. 'It worked!'
"May I go and tell her myself, my lord?" he asked.
"No, no. The woman is sick as a dog," Vasey denied. "I've had her confined till the brat pops out. Now … Off with you, Gisborne. You are not the sheriff yet. You still have work to do in Nettlestone."
On the road to Kirklees Abbey
"Oh god, why didn't we take the smoother road?" Marian grouched.
"This is the smoother road," Ana told her sourly, adding. "Apparently," she looked to Guy, "Perhaps you would feel better on your horse, brother?"
"Perhaps. But we should be there soon," Guy said, and sympathetically put an arm around Marian's waist.
"This does nothing good for my stomach," Marian complained, leaning against him.
Gisborne rolled his eyes.
Suddenly, the carriage came to a halt.
"What the devil-" Guy began. Marian groaned.
"Why have we stopped?" Gisborne demanded, glaring up at the carriage driver.
"I reckon me horse be lame, my lord!" the driver replied quickly. "Let me check er shoes. If she ain't, we'll be on our way."
Allan rode over to peer through the carriage door window.
"He's not fibbing," he confirmed. "The horse is lame."
Gisborne sighed irritably then turned to the women.
"We may be here for quite a while. Marian would you care to relieve yourself? You seem rather green."
"Ye-" burp, "Yes. The fresh air will do me good. Coming, Ana?"
"No I think I shall remain in here," the younger woman replied, pulling her furs tighter around her. "It seems quite chilly out there."
"Very well, we shan't be too long."
Kirklees Abbey
Marian woke up with a thudding headache and a bleeding nose. With a low moan, she rolled over to see Guy lying next to her. He was already awake and, to her pleasure, appearing a good deal worse. His lower lip was busted and bleeding. His right eye was black and nearly swollen shut.
"Hello," she mumbled.
"Jesu, you look terrible," he told her.
"Thank you, you look marvellous."
Gisborne smiled.
"The plan worked, Marian."
"Phase three of it did. Let's just hope the rest of it falls through." She made a face. "Ugh! I can still taste that concoction Djaq made me drink! Why did it have to be so foul?"
"You needn't complain. You weren't the one trampled upon by a giant!"
"Little John did that to you?"
"No Marian, a destrier did this to me!" Gisborne snapped irritably. "Now when do we get out of here?"
"We have to wait for awhile. A week or so at least. We're supposed to be recovering from an ambush by rogue outlaws, remember?"
"Those two made terrible outlaws," Guy rumbled.
"How so?"
"Legrande laughs too much."
"He has a beautiful laugh."
"And what was Carter was doing with those swords?"
"Jealous?"
Gisborne snorted.
"And to make matters worse …" he gingerly rolled over onto his stomach. "Look at what your former betrothed did to me for fun."
Embedded in Guy's left leather clad buttock was, as plain as day, an arrow.
Marian put a hand to her mouth but before she could stop herself she burst into a fit of giggles.
"Marian!" Guy cried with massive indignation.
"H-how do you know it was Robin?" she asked then burst into giggles again.
"Trust me, I know it was him," her husband replied watching her sourly, "I heard the little runt laughing at me."
Marian cupped her face in her hands, laughing gleefully into them.
"Marian! I-"
"How is Allan?" she asked quickly before Guy could yell at her.
"I cannot tell you," he replied grimacing uncomfortably. "Haven't seen him since waking up."
Gisborne then cursed under his breath at the rising pain in his derrière. Although the sisters of the abbey were kind enough to give him a tonic to both put him to sleep and ease the throbbing in his head and butt cheek, he wished they had removed the arrow from his arse before sending him into oblivion.
Oh no, they couldn't do that. They insisted on sending for a physician because they were too prudish and sin fearing to pull the thing out themselves.
Somewhere in Sherwood
Ana of Nottingham's eyes sprung wide open as soon as the blindfold was removed.
"Mmph!" she cried against her gag. "Mmph!"
The noblewoman struggled hard, even more so when the individual who had relieved her of her blindfold entered her line of vision.
"I will not harm you," a beautiful dark skinned woman told her, "I shall take the gag off, but you must not scream. Do you understand? You must not scream."
Ana nodded vigorously.
The gag came out and Ana wasted no time delivering a fierce lecture.
"How dare you!" she snapped. "I am the sheriff of Nottingham's wife! Mark my words you wicked witch! You will pay dearly for treating me in such an ill fashion! And-"
"Djaq, I see our guest is alive and verbally kicking."
Ana's strange coloured eyes widened in shock.
"Robin," she breathed.
Kirklees Abbey
"Just pull it out!"
"My lord, patience! If I were to be too hasty we could have an infection!"
"Mate, we'll have more then a sodding infection if you don't take that arrow out right now," Allan insisted. "Guy's not used to his arse being examined like this."
"Allan," Gisborne growled warningly.
"Look," the former outlaw added, taking the flustered physician aside. "Giz is practically a baby. A big fluffy puppy. He may be all fire and brimstone at the moment but can you blame him? He's got a thumping great arrow lodged in his bum."
"Will you please stop talking as though I am not in the fucking room?" Guy hollered, glaring at the men from over his shoulder. "Get over here, pull this thing out, and keep the stitches small!"
"Sedate him! Sedate him!" squealed the physician.
Whilst Guy was having his "wound" tended to, Marian sat on her bed mending a tunic for one of the abbeys orphans. She was almost done when there was a knock at the chamber door.
"Come in," she invited.
The heavy door opened with a loud creak and a plump nun entered.
"My lady Gisborne," the woman greeted respectfully. "Forgive me. I bring a message."
"A message?" Marian asked looking up from her work. "From whom, sister?"
The nun hesitated.
"Tell me, Sister," Marian ordered firmly.
"My apologies, my lady," the nun stammered. "I am just very anxious! The message is apparently from the men who kidnapped the lady Ana of Nottingham," the woman paused, clutching her rosary tightly. "Please do not make me take this message to your husband! I do not want to be around when Sir Guy reads this. I can still remember how he reacted when the physician pulled that arrow out of his …" She stopped, blushing a fierce shade of red.
Marian, taking pity on the woman, told her to give the message to her and she would relay it to her husband.
Once the nun was gone, Marian broke the seal and began to read.
"To the sheriff of Nottingham.
Let us get straight to the point.. We want thirty thousand pieces of gold or your little wifey gets it. Leave the money or your reply in Nottingham's stables on the second day of the third week or your skinny whiny bitch dies.
Yours sincerely, your wife's captors"
Locksley village, Matilda's cottage
Rosa of Locksley was nursing her baby daughter, Alice, when Robin Hood dropped out of nowhere.
"Hello Rosa!" the outlaw greeted when the young woman had gotten over her freight. "How's the littlie?"
"She's well, Robin. Growing up in leaps and bounds. What can I do for you?"
"I need to see your mother," Robin replied, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his breeches. "I need her to work a miracle for me."
"What kind of miracle?" Rosa asked curiously. "It's not a love potion you want, is it?"
Robin shook his head.
Sherwood Forest, outlaws camp.
"Alright, where be this lady?" Matilda asked, panting hard.
"Right here," Robin said, pulling aside a goatskin flap.
Ana of Nottingham sat amongst furs and blankets, dark brown hair held together in a thick plait.
"Hello," the young woman greeted shyly.
"Milady," the midwife replied. "Our mutual friend has told me what you want. I need to be straight with you before I do anything. Are you certain you do not want this baby?"
"Yes," Ana replied calmly. "I do not consider what I have inside my belly to be a child. I consider it to be the devils work. Life is precious but I will not be the one who brings this life into the world. It cannot come into this world!" Ana rose to her feet, standing before Matilda she pulled off one of the gloves she wore, showing the woman her missing finger.
Rosa, who had been standing right behind Matilda, stifled a gasp whilst Robin bowed his head, staring sadly at the camp floor.
"Had this child been sired by any other man I would have gladly carried it to term then loved it. But it was not a man who put this thing inside me! It was the devil! Take this creature from my womb I beg you! If there is any compassion in you I beg you to get this monstrosity out of me!"
Matilda immediately pulled the now hysterically crying woman into a tight embrace, surprising everyone.
"Don't you fret, little mite," she murmured in Ana's ear. "I'll make it right. I promise."
A few weeks later Ana felt her head with nervous hands.
"You've cut so much off!" she exclaimed to Djaq.
"You have to look like a boy!" the Saracen insisted. "The sheriff's spies are everywhere, especially Acre."
"Don't worry," Will added. "You still look pretty."
Ana rolled her eyes.
"Good morning everyone," Robin greeted. He stared at Ana.
"Who's the new bloke?" he demanded, pointing a finger at the woman.
"Robin!" Ana exclaimed with a laugh.
"It's very convincing Djaq, well done," Robin praised before the Saracen could hit him. "Now all we have to do is find Ana some new rags. That dress won't do."
"And give me a new name," the woman added walking over to stand with Robin. "Suggestions anyone?"
"How about … Andrew of Hereford?" Will asked.
"I like it." Ana replied. She reached for Robin's hand, squeezing it firmly. "When can we see Guy and Marian?"
"Hmmm. How about … Today?" he asked. "The sooner we can get that information from your brother the better."
"And that other thing you want," Ana replied grinning mischievously.
Kirklees Abbey
A few days into their stay at the abbey Gisborne found himself being forced to put on a fine show of the tormented brother. He had to. The sheriff was visiting them.
"So you're stuck here for another week?" Vasey asked with a pout.
"Yes, my lord."
"All because someone decided to shoot an arrow into your behind for a bit of a laugh?"
"We were all injured during the ambush," Gisborne explained with the faintest trace of annoyance. "The physician told us to rest for several weeks. He was especially concerned about Marian's condition."
"You should eat more apples," Vasey stated with a mocking grin. "They keep the physicians away."
Gisborne scowled and turned his head.
"My lord, what about the ransom?" Marian asked timidly. "Will you pay it?"
"Thirty Thousand pieces of gold? For my wife. Hmmm. Well …"
"My lord-" Guy began.
"I am not paying that kind of money for a woman, Lady Gisborne," Vasey told Marian, cutting Guy off. "Sorry old chum," he added, patting Guy hard on the back. "But it looks like you'll have to bid your sister a fond fare thee well. Bellow so she can hear you."
"My lord, please!" Gisborne cried. He tried to get to his feet but was too weak to stand and collapsed back onto the bed, grimacing in pain.
"Sheriff, show some compassion, I beseech you!" Marian begged. "This is your wife! You cannot-" She was soon silenced by the look of absolute fury on the short sheriff's face.
"Tell your fat old tart to hold her tongue!" the heartless man snapped at Guy. "I don't like nags for horses and I don't like nags for wenches either!"
Marian's cheeks felt so hot with anger she thought her face would melt. Taking a deep breath, she sunk meekly into her chair and stared miserably at her hands.
Vasey, pleased with this outcome, informed Gisborne that either the ransom was to be lowered to two hundred pieces of gold or the people holding Ana could keep her. And with that, he swept out of the chamber, whistling merrily as he made his departure.
As soon as they could no longer hear the sheriff's footsteps or whistling, Guy and Marian congratulated each other on the falsehood they had created.
"Now all we need to do is wait for Robin," Marian murmured.
Marian was walking along the corridors of the abbey when she bumped into a monk.
"Oh!" she cried. "I'm sorry! I-" She stopped her babble as soon as the monk looked at her. "Robin," she whispered.
"Get your husband," the fake monk hissed. "Meet me in your chambers!"
Nodding, Marian gathered her skirt and hurried off to the garden.
Gisborne and Marian entered their chamber together.
"Hood," Guy greeted warily.
"Gisborne," Robin replied. "Got someone here to see you." The outlaw stepped aside.
Leaving a shadowy corner was a very skinny, boy.
"Who is this?" Guy asked with a frown.
The boy laughed.
"This is Andrew of Hereford." Robin introduced.
"You do look like a boy," Marian commented with a smile.
"You know this person?" Guy asked her, still frowning his bamboozlement.
Marian nodded.
"I should," she replied smirking at the youth. "She's my sister in law."
Gisborne's eyes widened in awe.
"Ana," he whispered.
"We needed a good disguise," Robin told them. "Till Vasey is dead, Ana has to be seen as a boy." The outlaw paused to reach into his robes, withdrawing a ring. "I ask now for your permission to place this ring upon your sister's finger, Sir Guy. I have kept my word."
Guy and Marian looked at the ring Robin held out for them to see. It was quite gaudy. A giant emerald with the tiniest of diamonds surrounding it.
"Do you love him?" Guy asked Ana after a bout of hesitation.
Ana hesitated briefly.
"Yes," she answered. "I do."
Guy was silent for a while, looking from Robin to Ana.
"Then you have my blessing," he informed at last.
"And mine to," Marian added promptly. "Look after her, Robin."
Robin grinned at her then placed the ring upon Ana's finger.
Ana rushed over and flung her arms around Guy.
"You are the best brother in the world," Ana whispered, kissing his cheek.
Gisborne said nothing but hugged her tightly.
"So … jealous Marian?" Robin asked jovially, nursing a goblet of wine.
Marian glanced quickly in Guy and Ana's direction then gave a snort.
"Be glad that my husband did not hear you say that," she taunted. "He'd rip you to shreds."
Hood rolled his eyes.
"In his dreams," he muttered sarcastically then raised the goblet to his lips.
"Where is Allan?" Ana asked, leaving her brothers side to join Robin's. "I should very much like to see him before we leave."
"Allan left a while ago for Locksley," Marian contributed. "Guy wanted him there to await our return."
The younger woman's face fell.
"Oh … I see. Thank you, Marian."
Marian had not failed to notice the look of sheer disappointment on Ana's face before the younger woman concealed it.
She frowned mentally.
'Do you really love Robin, Ana?' she wondered. 'What are you up to?'
"I will tell him you asked for him," she then offered quickly. "I have no doubt that he will be sorry to have missed you."
Ana, almost immediately, brightened. "Thank you, Marian."
"We have to go," Robin said, setting his goblet on a nearby table before Marian could say anything else. "As soon as the sheriff leaves Nottingham I'll travel for Acre to meet with the king. Carter and Legrande will be going with me."
"Dear betrothed. Do not forget Much and myself!" Ana reminded playfully.
Robin smacked a hand to his forehead. Ana, realising what she had done, cursed herself.
"What?" Guy growled after a small bout of silence.
"Gisborne, I tried to talk her out of it but she's as stubborn as your wife!" Hood cried before the taller, older man could throttle him. "Anyway," he quickly added. "Ana coming with me may be safer for her and a way to get you into the king's good books."
Guy pinched his nose and groaned.
"Out of the question-" he began. "Ana stays-"
"Brother, if I were to go to Acre and meet the king I could save you!" Ana pleaded, cutting off Guy.
"And I swore to our mother on her death bed that I would protect you!" Gisborne snapped in return, "If you should be harmed or killed over there I-"
"I am not a child," Ana interrupted gently. "And you have your own family to protect. Focus on them. Focus on yourself. I'll be fine."
Guy sighed heavily. He looked to Marian.
"Well?" he asked her with his eyes. "What should I do?"
Marian shook her head, silently telling him the decision was his to make and his alone.
He gave her a furious look and turned back to his sister. After a few more moments of hesitation, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Very well," he said gravely. "But should anything happen-"
"Carter and Legrande would die before any harm came to her," Robin promised. "I give you my word." The outlaw then smiled at his betrothed who beamed radiantly back at him. "And she is stronger now," he added.
Guy nodded. Walking over to Marian's portmanteau he reached inside, pulling out a leather satchel.
"Guard this with your life," he said, handing it to Robin.
"What is it?" Hood asked.
The corners of Gisborne's mouth curled upwards.
"Vasey's demise," he told Robin.
Nottingham Castle-The great hall
Vasey called Gisborne to the great hall just as soon as the master at arms had bid farewell to his wife.
"So, Gisborne. You are back from Kirklees. Good, good. Now. Any news on my wifey? Have they lowered the ransom?"
"Yes."
"Really? Oh my, the little wretch must be so bloody tiresome they're that desperate to be rid of her! …" he paused to plop a grape into his mouth. "So how much do they want this time?"
"Twenty thousand."
Vasey spat the pips at Guy then got up to walk over to his window.
"Tell them this from me. A clue. Sod off!"
"My lord! Surely you-"
"No. Tis not negotiable," the sheriff replied dismissively. "I flatly refuse to pay twenty thousand for a woman. I'd get ten very good jousting coursers for that."
Guy paled.
"My lord … With respect … She's my sister," he pleaded feebly.
"Stop that whinging right now!" Vasey hollered, whipping around to glare furiously at his distraught second in command. "My god I am becoming doubtful, Gisborne! Very doubtful! How do I know you can handle this job? Jesu! You're becoming as soft as your fucking wife!"
Guy bowed his head.
"Forgive me," he murmured.
"A clue. I am sick of the sight of you. Get out!"
"My lord," Guy replied and swiftly made his exit.
"Oaf!" Vasey grumbled behind Guy's back.
Locksley Manor
"So, what did he say?" Marian asked, practically pouncing on Guy as soon as he entered the manor.
"He said what we needed him to say," Gisborne replied dryly.
"Excellent!" Marian enthused. "Now all we need to do is make the sheriff believe that Ana is well and truly dead. I'll send Allan to Djaq after we have dined with the latest-"
"Marian."
"Yes?"
"All this. It seems too easy," Guy told her. "The sheriff. He was-"
"Putty in your hands?"
He offered her a surprised look.
"Yes," he confirmed.
Marian smoothed out her skirt and sat down.
"I can see your concern, Guy. And it is justifiable. The sheriff must be treated with extreme caution at all times. I have made provision should anything happen and Robin has assigned people to watch over us like hawks. You may even find some people coming to the manor or the castle looking for work." She smiled at him. "We are quite safe."
"What about when the sheriff leaves Nottingham for good?" Gisborne argued. "The prince has not made me a promise! The entire population of Nottinghamshire could be after my blood!"
"Shh," Marian soothed. "Do you trust me when I tell you our plan will not fail if we tread carefully?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Do you trust me when I tell you that no one will dare attack you when you become sheriff?"
"Yes, Marian. I trust you."
His wife grinned again.
"Liar!" she mocked playfully. "It doesn't matter. I will not see you harmed."
Time went by and on the day of Vasey's birthday celebrations the people ransoming his wife sent him a gift. His wife's remains. A thick plaited length of dark hair drenched in blood.
Vasey, the monster he was, gave a grunt of the purest disgust and ordered the "gift" to be taken away.
Gisborne bowed his head, muttering prayers for Ana's soul under his breath whilst Marian looked on, laughing at the sheriff on the other side of her face.
Nottingham Castle Courtyard weeks later
Peasants' and nobles gathered into Nottingham's Courtyard, wondering what today's special announcement was going to be.
"My lords, ladies and peasants!" Vasey greeted with much extravagance. "Today I leave for greener pastures. Today I leave to serve my friend, my prince, Prince John!"
The peasants would have cheered had they not feared a hanging. The nobles standing around Vasey quietly murmured their congratulations.
"Sir Guy is your sheriff now," Vasey went on cheerfully. "He will be listening to your complaints rain hail or shine, won't you, Gisborne?"
Guy rolled his eyes.
"Hurry up and leave you sickening old fart,' he thought irritably. ' The sooner you go the sooner I can plot your demise,'
A few hours later, Marian walked beside Guy as they accompanied Vasey to the waiting carriage.
'It's happening,' she thought excitedly. 'Jesu! Guy is going to be the sheriff!'
"Do be careful with that you blithering oaf!" Vasey cried when the man carrying his portmanteau stumbled and dropped the heavy case onto the ground.
"Sorry milord."
"Oh you will be if anything's broken," he sneered. "Gisborne, if this brute has damaged any of my belongings I want him to be well hung. Even if I'm not here to see him swing!"
"The documents making your new rank official have yet to be approved," Vasey explained to Gisborne whilst his belongings were being loaded onto the back of the carriage. "Sir Jasper, another member of the prince's court will make a trip to Nottingham within eight months. Till then, Gisborne, pray that I don't die."
Guy bowed his head slightly.
Vasey's beady eyes drifted past Guy to rest upon Marian. The balding man and pregnant woman held each other's gaze, neither willing to look away.
'I may be leaving,' he sneered silently at her, trying to stare the young woman down. 'But know this. Your precious Gisborne's soul is mine. It will always belong to me. One day you will regret you ever set your big blue eyes on him!'
Marian didn't even flinch. She held her head high as if she were a queen.
"Farewell, my lord,' she said calmly.
Vasey snorted his disgust and returned to Guy.
"Well, Gisborne. It has been a …. Well it has been something, eventful I suppose. I shall try to forget all of this very quickly and I hope we do never see each other again. Try to cope without me for I will not be around to pick up the pieces!"
"All will remain satisfactory, my lord," Guy replied smoothly. "On behalf of my wife and myself, we wish you a safe journey to London."
"Give our best to the prince," Marian added with a small smirk of pleasure.
"Yes! Yes!" Vasey grumbled, irritated. "Enough! I'm going!"
With a swirl of his black ermine trimmed robe, he leapt into his carriage.
"To London!" he roared.
"Get up!" the driver ordered the four dapple-grey geldings. "Get up!"
Guy and Marian watched in silence as Vasey made his departure from Nottingham. They prayed silently that the next time they saw him he would be in chains instead of finery.
"Well," Guy said as soon as the carriage was out of sight. "Shall we?"
Marian's lips curved upwards into a broad smile as she took the arm her husband, the unofficial sheriff of Nottingham, offered her.
The Great Hall
The newly appointed master at arms was focusing all his energies on chatting up a rather pretty servant girl when the sheriff and his wife entered the hall. The girl was blushing madly whilst trying very hard to pay attention to her task, which was arranging the food on the hall's table.
"Allan, leave the wench alone," Guy growled. "Lord and Lady Merton are to dine with us this evening; Morag will be with them, so I need you on your best behaviour."
All of the flirtatiousness suddenly fled from the new master at arms eyes and he mumbled an apology to the girl.
Whilst Gisborne did not notice the odd change in his former squire, Marian did and frowned mentally.
Why was Allan behaving so curiously?
Her thoughts were disturbed when Guy took Allan to a corner, speaking in a soft, hurried tone, glancing warily about the room in case someone was eavesdropping.
Allan nodded, smirked at Marian then headed off.
"Where is Allan going?" Marian inquired as soon as her husband sat down before her.
"To visit Sir Howard."
"Why?"
"To give him a drink," Guy replied, reaching for a jug of wine. "I hope he enjoys it. Monkshood mixed with mead goes down very well so I've been told."
Marian felt a deep chill go down her spine.
"You're killing them," she whispered watching the red liquid fall into his goblet.
"Starting from the bottom. The ones no one will listen to should they squeal for aid. We do this quietly and slowly, Marian. If we kill the people he trusts the most. Percy, Radcliffe, Stoker, too soon. We'll upset the whole plan."
Marian sat back in her chair utterly amazed at how brilliant her husband was. From a quiet, brooding iron fist, Guy had become a snake in the grass. A true force to be reckoned with.
He had real power now and was wasting no time in using it.
"Will Allan make contact with Robin?" she asked when over her surprise.
"Yes."
"So … that means they could travel for Portsmouth today," she whispered, feeling a little giddy with excitement. "The final phase of the plan will kick into action." Marian almost wept with joy but gathered herself when a messenger entered the hall.
"My lord sheriff, my lady, I bring a message from Sir Merton. He congratulates you on your promotion but regrets to inform you that he and his family will not be able to dine with you and Lady Gisborne this evening. The Lady Merton and Lady Morag have fallen ill and are to remain in confinement till further notice."
"Is it bad?" Marian asked, setting her piece of sheep tongue on her plate.
"I cannot say, my lady," the messenger replied.
"I assume it is," Guy said with a trace of wariness. "Merton would meet with us alone if all they had was a mere cold."
"Ride back and tell Sir Merton that we understand and hope that his family recovers quickly," Marian said, all the while resting a hand upon her large belly, adding. "Have the kitchens feed you before you leave too."
The man bowed.
"My lord sheriff, my lady Gisborne," he said then left them alone to finish their meal in peace.
Marian burped loudly.
"My compliments to the kitchens," she giggled, covering her mouth, blushing with embarrassment.
The sheriff shook his head.
"You are revolting!" he declared.
"Oh, and you are not?" Marian exclaimed. "Remember that time you dropped a half eaten apple into the basket of apples I was to give that guest from the holy lands?"
Guy wrinkled his nose at the memory of that sodding earsling of a prince. The bastard nearly cost him and his men their lives.
"I admit I do recall such a moment," he told her sourly before eying her stomach thoughtfully.
"What?" Marian demanded.
"How much longer?" he asked.
"Two more months," Marian replied, washing her hands in a bowl of water. "Well … Nearly one. Next week will be the beginning of the eighth." She bit her lip and lightly caressed her stomach.
Gisborne noticed her anxiety but said nothing. He did not want to see her fret. However, he sure as hell did not want to molly coddle her either.
"You need a project," he told her in an as a matter of fact tone.
"I have two already!" she laughed. "You and this little one!"
"So you are not even the least bit curious about my idea then?" he asked her with a raised eyebrow.
Marian pondered for a moment then replied that she was indeed the smallest bit intrigued.
"I want you to bring Hannah into Nobility," he replied.
Marian's blue eyes widened.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Make Hannah your companion," Guy explained. "If she behaves and does what she's told I'll give her a dowry at the end of next year."
Marian passed her tongue over her lips.
"Hannah does not have family, Guy. People like Lady Gelda and her hens will tear her to pieces."
A smirk spread over Guy's lips.
"Gelda is a jealous old hag. You and I must enjoy rubbing her nose in our good fortune every chance we get." He reached out and tweaked her nose. "Hannah will have position in the castle as your companion. Whether she boasts a great pedigree or no is not relevant."
Marian grabbed his hand and raised it to her lips.
"Thank you my lord, sheriff," she told him, beaming radiantly.
Nottingham stables
Allan was tending to a sore on Stiorra's rump when the messenger came into the stables to retrieve his mount.
"Oi, you're Andrew from Merton, aren't you/" Allan asked, walking toward the young man.
"Aye, Sir Allan," he replied, adding grimly. "Things aren't so good over there."
"What do you mean?"
The messenger hesitated.
"I over heard the physician talking to his aid. He reckons Lady Morag and her mother will not have much longer in this world."
"What? Why?"
The messenger hesitated again.
"Come on, tell me!" Allan demanded.
The young man sighed.
"They have a mighty fever, throwing up whatever he gives them," he told Allan miserably. "That Lady Morag, she'd be the sweetest thing I've set me eyes upon. A right proper lady. She's not deserving of this, nor her mother."
Allan raked a hand through his hair.
"Jesu," he murmured.
"Sir, I need to go back to em," the messenger said wearily. "Is there anything you want me to tell your lady?"
"Ah … Yeah," Allan replied. "Tell her I hope she and her mother get better soon."
The messenger nodded and reached for the reins of his horse.
Nottingham Castle, The great hall
That evening during dinner, Marian voiced her concerns about Allan.
"I don't think he wants to marry Morag at all," she told Guy, plopping a piece of cheese into her mouth.
"How can you tell?"
"It is a woman's gift!" she taunted. When Gisborne rolled his eyes and shook his head, she playfully added. "I looked at his face."
Again, Guy shook his head, "Allan has many faces. He used to be an outlaw."
"Guy. Look past the idea of marrying people for power and see that Allan's heart may not be in it. Take him aside tomorrow and talk to him."
"Marian …"
"Go on. But don't threaten him, Guy. Be … nice."
"Nice?"
"Yes, nice."
Gisborne stared at his grinning wife for a moment or so. Completely bamboozled. Then with a grunt, he got to his feet and stomped off, muttering under his breath and scratching his head.
"Are you going off to sulk?" Marian called after him. When she didn't receive a reply, she sat back in her chair laughing softly.
A few days later, Hannah of Locksley trembled uneasily before the lady Marian of Gisborne and the sheriff of Nottingham as they laid her new future down before her.
"You will be taught to read and write. You will also be instructed in what whatever else I see fit."
"Yes, milady," Hannah murmured.
"Yes, Marian," the noble woman corrected gently.
"Ah … Yes, Marian," Hannah replied, cheeks colouring.
"You will also be in charge of our child," Gisborne added. "You will consult with physicians and midwifes then report back to Marian or myself, is that clear?"
Hannah shrunk back unwillingly.
Marian looked up at Guy and frowned at him.
"Be nice," she warned him silently before returning to Hannah.
"I do understand that this is quite strange to you, but I believe you are an intelligent and good woman. With this rise in station you will have many great advantages."
"Thank you, Mil-" Hannah stopped herself as soon as she saw Marian's black eyebrow lift warningly. "Thank you, Marian."
"I shall leave you to it," Guy said to Marian.
"Send for Geraldine, will you?" Marian asked him as he left her side. "My new companion needs dresses."
Hannah touched the pale blue servant dress she was already wearing.
"This will not do?" she asked, puzzled.
Marian shook her head.
"You can wear it till your new dresses are ready, then I'll give it to someone who needs it more."
"But I …"
"No buts! That part of your life is over," Marian cut off leaving no room for argument. "Now, your bath will be here soon. Get behind that changing screen and strip."
After the servants and Marian had left her alone to enjoy her bath, Hannah allowed her dark green eyes wandered over her body.
She never really considered herself right for nobility, or beautiful for that matter. She was far too thin, even skinnier then the now deceased lady Ana of Nottingham, thus making her cleavage nothing to boast about.
Her skin was brown, thanks to working under the sun, not the clear pale pink most noblewomen proudly showed off. Her waist length light brown hair was so thin she had to be careful or she would pull many a strand out when combing it.
"I'm too old," she thought, adding to her confusion and misery. "Who would want a twenty year old for a wife?'
She had received offers of marriage. Many, in fact. From good men to. Alas, it was her mother who kept her from accepting them for she was so ill and there weren't any other daughters or neighbours to help look after her. So, thanks to Thornton, Hannah managed to find work at Locksley Manor as a servant girl around the time Sir Guy had recovered from his great illness which had left him bed ridden for many a month.
Her wages she earned were small, but fair. They kept her mother in somewhat good health and the tax collectors smiling. Then when the Lady Marian came to Locksley, every cloud diminished from her sky.
Hannah's wages were raised and her mother's cottage refurnished.
A light knocking tore Hannah from her thoughts. She looked up to see Marian enter the chamber.
"Geraldine will be here soon," she told Hannah. "Here is a shift and a robe. Dry yourself then come out and we'll get started."
Geraldine showed up later, arms full of fabrics and other necessities.
"I need to hire a girl," she grumbled, setting the items upon a large wooden table. "I'd be getting too old for all this lugging around."
"Perhaps if I am unsatisfactory to Marian I can be of service?" Hannah suggested with a meek smile.
"Nonsense," Geraldine objected. "You're a lovely girl. Nice skin, pleasant voice. Once I know what you're after in the way of gowns you'll have lords near and far coming for your hand in no time."
Hannah blushed prettily then looked down to admire a roll of red silk.
"This is very nice," she said to Marian.
Marian smiled.
"It is," she agreed.
"Can I-" the young woman stopped and shook her head. "Could you please choose for me, Marian? I don't want to look like a right twat!"
Hannah immediately covered her mouth when she realised what she had said.
Marian and Geraldine burst out laughing.
"Oh, you won't!" Marian giggled. "The red silk is fine. What an excellent choice."
Hannah blushed at the praise then, feeling a little braver, began to pick out some more colours.
"I'll have the dresses ready before the end of the week," Geraldine told Marian. "I've also got some lovely ideas for baby outfits as well, milady."
"You never stop to breathe, do you, Geraldine?" Marian teased playfully.
"No. Never!" the short dressmaker replied with a gay laugh.
As soon as Geraldine had gone, Marian called for refreshments.
"Do I really need to learn how to read and write?" Hannah asked, nursing her goblet of mead.
"Yes," Marian told her simply. "I had to."
"But I think it would be rather tricky and some people do not like …." Hannah stopped.
"Some people do not like intelligent women?" Marian finished.
"Yes."
"Hannah. As my companion, I absolutely insist that you are able to read and write. I will need you to write letters for me. The sheriff may need you to read messages from me. Am I understood?"
Hannah bowed her head.
"Yes, Marian," she murmured.
"Good. Now raise your head and straighten your shoulders, I will not see you slump like an old man."
Hannah quickly did as instructed.
"Now send one of the guards to fetch the jeweller."
Hannah groaned.
Almost a week had past and Hannah was slowly blossoming into an intelligent, beautiful noblewoman. She was slow with her reading and writing but quickly excelled at embroidery and other activities Marian had been forced to take part in as a young girl.
"She loves everything I loathe," Marian told Gisborne whilst supping with him in the hall. "I don't know what to make of her. She truly mystifies me."
"Hmmm."
"What does "Hmmm" mean?"
"Perhaps I should have married her and not a scheming, stubborn wench like you?"
"It is far too late now, Guy."
"Oh, I know," he rumbled.
"Have you spoken to Allan yet?"
Gisborne groaned his irritation.
Marian glared at him.
"All you have to do is talk with him! Ask him how he feels! Is that really so difficult?"
"I'm not a woman!" Guy snapped. "I cannot simply wander over and gossip! I'm too busy running this shire!"
"Gossip? Is that all you think females do when their friends are in utter torment?" Marian gave a snort, dropped her knife, and folded her arms across her chest.
"Men!" she huffed.
Guy stared back at her. For the briefest of moments he felt angry enough to want to wring her neck. Then he took the time to appreciate her flushed cheeks, angry frown, and proud posture.
A wicked smile spread across his face.
"I think it is time we retired for the evening, don't you?" he asked her softly.
Guy & Marian's Quarters
Marian had originally hoped to go over a decorating plan for their castle chambers and the baby chamber with Gisborne that night. But he, however, had other ideas.
The moment the doors had closed behind them, Guy had snaked his arms around her waist and buried his face in her neck.
"God I love you when you're pregnant!" he told her roughly, squeezing her arse.
"Ugh, don't. I'm as big as this castle," Marian grumbled, trying to wiggle free.
"Oh yes. Plump tits, huge arse. It's a fucking disaster!" he replied with immense sarcasm and reached up to squeeze one of her breasts.
Marian's sourness faded and she groaned happily, rubbing her buttocks against his lower half.
"Careful my lady," Guy purred in her ear. "I might not be able to control myself if you keep doing that."
Marian turned until she was facing him, blue eyes alive with desire.
"Go on," she invited huskily. "Lose control."
"The baby-"
"Will be fine," she assured.
Spent, Gisborne rolled away from her, closing his eyes as he breathed in sweet oxygen. When he believed he was sufficiently recovered, he sat up and pulled the blankets and furs over himself and Marian.
"Well?" he asked, pulling her to him.
Marian giggled.
"Oh you are good!" she praised, patting his damp arm. "You are very good!"
"I aim to please," He replied, trying to be humble.
"That you do," Marian agreed happily. "Now with your permission, my lord sheriff. I should like to get some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow."
"Then good night, my sweeting," he murmured, kissing Marian's sweaty brow.
"Good night, my love," she replied and closed her eyes.
Gisborne was up before dawn the next day. He tried, yet failed, to be quiet so Marian would not be disturbed.
"Why are you up so soon?" she asked groggily. "The sun isn't even up yet."
"Forgive me, but I cannot sleep anymore. Go back to sleep. We'll break our fast together in the hall later."
An hour or so had past since Guy had left her for his duties. Marian was finally up and rousing Hannah so they could bathe then go to the hall to break their fast with Guy,
"He won't want me there," Hannah complained whilst servants rushed back and forth, heating water and chattering.
"It doesn't matter," Marian calmly told the young woman. "I want you there. Think of it as something to learn from."
Hannah muttered something that Marian did not quite catch. She was about to ask her friend to repeat it when she felt a sudden pain in her stomach.
"Marian?" Hannah asked, noting the older woman's sudden lack of colour and sharp intake of breath.
"I am well," Marian told her dismissively. "It was a little cramp."
"Perhaps it would be best if you were to remain here. I can go to the sheriff and make an apology for you?"
"Heavens no!" Marian protested. "All I need is a hot bath. If you keep up with this hesitation then I shall have more then just cramps! I shall have my husband in a foul mood and you to blame for it! Now off to the changing screen with you!"
Marian sighed heavily with content as soon as her body felt the hot water of the bath. She rested her hands upon her stomach, lightly stroking her belly with her fingers, imagining the child in her womb.
"Not long now little one," she murmured softly then winced.
"Another cramp?" Hannah asked, sitting in the tub opposite her.
"Yes. But I am sure it is nothing to be concerned about. I really am."
Hannah opened her mouth to say something but changed her mind and compressed her lips.
Another ten minutes went by and the ladies decided it was time for them to leave their baths and face the day.
"Do you want to wear your blue woollen dress or the brown silk?" Hannah asked from behind the changing screen.
"The brown silk," Marian replied wearily. "It's looser."
"Fine," Hannah said, appearing from the screen. "I'll fetch it for you then I'll fix your hair."
Marian was about to heave a leg over the side of the tub when a savage pain gripped her belly, forcing her to cry out loudly in agony.
"Jesu!" she gasped, clutching at either side of the tub.
'That wasn't a cramp,' she thought wildly. Was she-No! It was far too soon.
She doubled over in agony as the pain returned, this time managing to withhold a cry.
Every ounce of colour fled from her face as soon as she heard the sound of water splashing on water. Slowly, she looked down and moaned her despair.
"Hannah!" she screamed from the top of her lungs. "Hannah!"
The Great Hall
Gisborne was browsing through documents, Allan at his side, when Hannah burst into the room, panting for air.
"Slow down or you'll crash into the table!" Allan told the young woman sharply.
"Sorry Sir Allan," she apologised. "My lord sheriff!" she cried. "You had better come with me! Lady Gisborne is in a right state!"
"What's wrong with her?" Allan asked before Guy could get a word in.
"The baby, Sir Allan!" Hannah gasped. "Lady Gisborne is having the baby right now!"
"No, that cannot be right. It's far too early for Marian to be in labour." Guy contradicted.
"With respect, my lord sheriff, Lady Gisborne's waters broke when she was in her bath this morning. There is blood in the water. My lords, this baby wants out and it's coming out! May be she's having a girl?"
Guy dropped the parchment he had been holding and jogged toward the door, Allan following close behind.
"She's in your chambers, my lord," Hannah contributed as they jogged along the corridors. "I've sent for the midwife and physician. My lady kicked up a right fuss about having the babe here but, like I told you earlier, that baby is coming whether she wants it to or not!"
Guy nodded his thanks to Hannah then burst into a run for his and Marian's chambers.
End of part 8
Author note
Whooo! Maz is having her baby at last! Will she be alright? On the other hand, is she going to surprise Guy so much he will fall off his horse?
Will Ana marry Robin? Is Allan keeping a huge secret from Guy and Marian? Also, what will happen to Morag and her mother? Will they live to see another day?
I sincerely hope that people were not too upset by the content of this chapter. I support abortion whole-heartedly and really, really wanted to add it into this story.
So Maz is in labour. A month early too! Will she be alright?
Hannah is a last minute addition to Guy's Nottingham court. I wanted Marian to have a companion and decided Hannah would be a good choice rather then some noble girl, I don't think our Maz had many noble girl chums.
"Sweeting" is a term, a bit too modern for this fic, borrowed from the Phillipa Gregory novel. "The other boleyn girl"
Hope you've enjoyed this chapter, xxxx oooo, Leah
