Disclaimer: If I owned Robin Hood I would have money, a job, and possibly a decent, steady relationship.

Seeing as I don't have those, give some pity to this poor author.

Don't sue.

"Siobhan…Siobhan!"

I recognized the voice and quickly pulled Will in the door, folding him around me like a protective blanket. "Will, please don't shout my name. Especially as of late."

"What are you on about?" Will held my at arms length to look over my face. He must have seen fear there because his voice softened. "Why do you look so worried?"

"There's a man…he's been in the village. Killing animals, apparently speaking in tongues, they're saying he's been taken over by one of those devils. They say he tried burning down the church earlier in the week. A few whisperings were going around that I must have something to do with it. They're talking witchcraft and blasphemy for not being a Christian in the area."

"What…when did this start?"

I shook my head moving into a chair. "I don't know. A week I think? Not everyone has believed the rumors but the Church burning thing…it's making me a bit nervous."

Will cupped the side of my face in his hand. "Do you want to stay in the forest tonight?"

I covered his hand with my own. "I do not know. I just know I need to get away from here for a bit."

Will smiled and pulled me close. "Then you'll come to the forest for a while. I wish you had sent word earlier."

"I thought things were fine earlier. I didn't think anyone would ever suspect me of anything. I mean…how long have I been helping people around here Will?"

"Everything will be okay." He bowed his head forcing me to look into his eyes, a small smile across his lips. "All right?"

I smiled in spite of myself. "You don't have to act so high and mighty because I'm asking for help, because technically I did not ask." I tried to think of something else to say because this subject was bothering me, and my eyes fell across the top of his lip. "I see the little mustache is coming along well."

"Oh, that was a bit cruel." He ran a finger over the fine hairs. "I think I look quite good thank you."

"Very dashing." I smiled and grabbed my side bag. "Now, take me from this place before someone exclaims I sewed symbols into their garments to turn them into toads."

I watched Robin ride into camp and fell back noticing the man on the back of his horse. "Robin, by the goddess, what are you doing?"

He dismounted with his companion giving me an odd look. "What do you mean?"

"Do you know what this man has been doing?"

Robin nodded. "Yes I do, but something is wrong with him."

My eyes widened. "Of course there is. He's been killing everyone's bloody livestock and attempted to burn down the church the other day."

"And today…"

"Today too? Robin, I may not follow your church and its rules but I am pretty sure that is a no-no."

Robin gave a small laugh. "And why are you so concerned? You have no livestock and you do not go to church."

Will moved forward, eyes moving over the man. "There are whisperings that Siobhan may have something to do with this man. That she called devils to posses him and do evil in the village. I brought her here because since the attempted on the church the whisperings are getting louder."

Robin's eyes widened. "They think you're doing something evil? Have they all gone mad? I doubt you are capable of doing something evil. You don't follow the church but you've always respected those that do."

My fingers flexed a few times then took position holding my elbows. Robin's words made me feel a bit better, as if I finally had people on my side was what I needed to assure myself. "So…what id wrong with him?"

"I've seen this man fight. He was in the Crusades, I can tell. He was over there with King Richard. He's seen far more than he should have, probably was captured at some point by the tattoos on him. That may explain the church burning attempt. He's beyond sides now. War had turned his mind."

Much nodded understanding what Robin meant. "Crusader's sickness."

"They'll be thousand more like him if the war drags on. He needs care." Robin turned to Much. "You need to look after him."

Much shook his head. "Oh, no."

Robin gave him a funny look. "Why not? You looked after me all these years."

Allan interjected, stroking his bead. "Yeah but he's a menace."

Much nodded. "Exactly." He paused staring at Allan. "You know I think that's the first time we've ever agreed on something."

Allan paused. "That's not…"

I looked at the ground with a smile. Now Allan would complain for the rest of the day that that was not what he meant. Forbid, he should ever side with Much on anything. I was never going to understand the way a man's mind worked.

After slight argument Much finally agreed. "Fine. Just answer me one question. How are you supposed to look after a deranged heretic?"

Robin smiled looking over at Will. "I don't know. How have you kept Siobhan in check Will?"

Will held me back with a laugh as I went to hit Robin. "I think it's a bit too early for heretic jokes Robin."

Robin laughed. "All right, I'm very sorry Siobhan, I did not mean to offend."

I waved my hand letting Robin know it was fine. That didn't stop me from smacking Will on the arm for laughing. I moved away turning around suddenly. "Oh, wait there is something I forgot to tell you."

Will gave me a look. "What?"

I tapped a finger to my lips. "The question is should I bother to tell you?"

"Siobhan…" Will's voice was full of warning.

I smiled hopping over a log. "Maybe it is better I keep the secret to myself. After all what would you do with a massive amount of eastern cedar."

Will's eyes widened. "What?"

I laughed taking large steps backward moving away from his reach. "Yes, I did not think you would be interested."

Will took a jump toward me but missed. I laughed and ran down the hill to the stop I had found the carriage the other day. I had been looking for new dyes and hiding from the cottage when I came across this magnificent carriage. Touching the wood made me think of Will. I remember his father getting a block of wood like this. I may not know a lot about wood but Will taught me enough to tell when the wood was precious. Plus I remembered the scent of it. Like my plants certain wood had pleasant scents.

Sliding all the way down the hill, Will finally caught up with me grabbing me from behind, pulling me into the leaves. I laughed as he rolled me under him, my laughter silenced by his kiss. I breathed in his scent, and took in his warmth. This small comfort helped me forget the fear I had had earlier in the week. That was a feeling I did not like. It was one thing to be an outcast and disliked within the castle. It was another to be feared in your own village.

"Well I hate to interrupt you, but…Hell, look at that carriage!"

Allan slid down the hill coming beside us his eyes wide.

Will rolled off me climbing onto of the carriage for a better look.

Allan helped me to my feet, eyes roaming over the wheels. "This is amazing. How'd you find it?"

I cleared my throat running my fingers across the fine curtains. "I was here earlier in the week looking for dyes when I came across it. It must have gotten tossed here during the storm. You should probably go back and get Robin. I'll wait with the carriage, need to catch my breath."

Will kissed the top of my head and ran off with Allan.

I pulled myself to the top of the carriage which was really one of the sides. It was amazing to see that through the odd weather we'd been having it was not damaged as far as the eye could see. Other than being on it's side, it was in wonderful condition.

I stretched myself out and closed my eyes for a brief nap. I couldn't have been asleep for more than a few minutes when I heard voices coming over the hill as the others came to look at the carriage. Will and Robin jump on top beside me running their hands over the wood, both impressed.

"This must have gotten caught up in the storm two weeks ago." Robin crossed his arms smiling at me. "You've been holding out on us Siobhan. Why didn't you tell us before?"

I sat up, arms around my knees. "I haven't been visiting anyone lately. I've just been staying within the cottage mostly."

Robin knelt by my side as Allan, Will, and Little John spoke animatedly about the carriage. "You actually were afraid of going out?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Not exactly. I was on precaution at first because they were talking about this man going around killing pigs and the cows. But when the whispers starting and I got a few funny looks I thought it best to stay secluded for a while. I do rash things, but I'm not stupid Robin. I know what they do when they accuse someone of witchcraft. I still value my life."

Robin gave me a sympathetic look and squeezed my hand. He didn't need to say anything. That was as close to admitting fear as I would ever get.

Allan held up a list as Will went on about the uses of the wood. "Looks like a list. Wait, I may be wrong. Is it directions?"

Will moved forward looking over the paper. "I think it's the castle. Looks like the Sheriff's got himself a rich visitor."

We all jumped as Little John ran screaming toward the farthest tree. He pointed inside the carriage still looking frightened. "There! There!"

Robin jumped down heading inside the carriage. A few seconds later he jumped out wearing a black mask. The mask was covered in tiny holes a few small steel arrows sticking out. The men yelled and ducked down as I watched confused from the carriage.

Robin began laughing and pulled the mask off.

Allan glared. "It's not funny Robin. It's witchcraft."

Robin held the mask in his hand. "Hardly."

Will took it from Robin examining it. "It's a fine piece of work…for a nasty mind. Robin." He handed him back the mask.

"The Sheriff certainly is keeping some strange company." Robin handed me the mask. "Have you heard anything?"

I touched the small holes shaking my head. "Haven't heard anything." I put my fingers through the eyeholes, making John shout again. "Oh it's only a mask."

There was a still silence then a flock of birds flew form the trees shrieking. The leaves around the carriage spiraled up in a sudden wind encircling all of us.

Robin looked at his men's shocked faced. "Oh, come on! You cannot believe in this. Get a grip."

Will helped me off of the carriage and odd look on his face. "If I didn't know any better…"

My feet touched ground and I squeezed his shoulders a bit tighter. I knew he was joking but it was a bit annoying. "Will…don't start."

"What if I dunked you in the water a few times?"

"I would be wet, very angry, and I would throw you in the water."

Will laughed planting a kiss on my head. "That's my girl."

I lay my head on Will's shoulder. I had stayed at the camp a bit longer before Will decided he should walk me back home. "Are you sure you can't stay a bit longer?"

Will's eyes traveled over my face a small smile hidden behind those beautiful irises. "You know I would."

I saw my chance and smiled, moving my face closer to his. "Are you sure? I mean, didn't Robin tell you to make sure I was safe?"

Will tapped my lips with his finger. "I know what you're doing and it won't work." He tried to sound stern but his smile ruined the effect.

I pulled his arm closer around me, spinning so I was now in front of him, no longer at his side. "Please Will? Just a bit longer?" I pressed against him slightly hoping to change his mind.

Will looked down at me a small groan escaping his throat, even with his mouth shut. I knew I had him. I moved him closer to me even placing myself against the wall so he was in control of what happened from here. My fingers brushed over the front of his shirt willing him closer to me.

"Maybe this is why Robin told me to follow you."

I turned my head narrowing my eyes at Allan who was leaning into the window grinning at us. "Do you not have anything better to do?"

Allan leaned further into the window chucking my chin. "Robin's orders Siobhan. We need Will back and since there's no one here waiting to attack you…"

There was a sudden knock on the front door and we all froze.

"Siobhan? It's Tobias, are you in?"

My eyes widened. "Just a moment." Will and I pulled Allan through the window and I forced both of them into my bedroom. I would have them leave, but I didn't want to risk the thought of guards. I hadn't even heard Tobias approaching. When the bedroom was shut I hurried over to the front door and opened it to see Tobias. I noticed he was alone and was thankful at least for that.

Tobias gave me a smile looking over my shoulder. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

I folded my arms. "Actually I'm taking care of a sick villager, but I have a bit of time to talk while the medicine takes effect. What can I do for you?"

Tobias bowed his head. "I wanted to check up on you. Word in the village is there was a heretic that was burning buildings and harming people. I wanted to make sure you were safe and unharmed."

I gave a sigh leaning against the doorway. "Tobias, you need to stop this."

He gave an echoing sigh taking my hand. "Why Siobhan? What is it you're waiting for? Even if your carpenter comes back he'll be locked away as a traitor. Move on, there is nothing else he can do. I do not think he'd bother to come back."

My heart grew cold as I snatched my hand back. "Firstly I never said he was a carpenter, stop searching for answers. Secondly, how dare you sir? You have no right to say what he will or will not do, having never met him."

Tobias' eyes darkened. "But I do make a promise Siobhan. If he comes back he will be arrested. He was in jail to begin with, and his sentence was death. The sentence will not change."

I moved back from him and shut the door immediately throwing the barrier over it. I put a hand over my mouth, shoulders slumping forward.

Hands gripped my shoulders and shushed my haggard breaths. "Siobhan, take a deep breath love. It's going to be okay." Allan's voice was low but comforting.

I turned my face toward him a smile on my lips. "How is it going to be okay? I have a deranged guard under Gisborne who is after me and threatens the only people I care about."

Allan gave my shoulder a squeeze. "I said it was going to be okay. I didn't say I knew how."

Will moved from the bedroom looking me over. As he moved closer Allan stepped away and Will held me in his arms, lips against my temple. "You've been having a long week darling."

My fingertips reached around his back searching for a little comfort of holding him close. I was more worried about the threats toward Will than the ones the Sheriff had made or any time I had been hit over all this time.

There was a little cough near us. "I'm not being funny, but maybe we should go before lover boy comes back with guards to grab our girl here."

Will cradled my face. "Do you think you'll be okay?"

I nodded moving my face to kiss his palm. "Just take care of yourself all right?"

He placed a kiss on my forehead and hurried out the back door with Allan.

I moved my back against the door sliding down the hard wood. It was times like this I gave Marian the most credit. She was loyal to Robin yet kept her cool with the Sheriff and his men. My temper would be what would get me killed.

The moon was full and welcoming. I stood outside the cottage a blanket wrapped around me watching the sky. I closed my eyes breathing in deeply. This was going to be a long night.

"Cerridwen, listen to a simple prayer. I know I have been a poor follower in late time. I wish not to be selfish but I wish for guidance. Not for myself, but for Will and the others in the forest" I gave a great sigh falling to my knees. "I mean not to be ungrateful. You have given me health, and a love, though challenging, that is lasting. I ask for guidance on what I should do. I am hunted for my beliefs, both in religion and in political beliefs. There must be a way for you to show me the way." I pressed my forehead to the ground. "I bring no offerings because I know not what is proper anymore. I wish not to insult and offer my ever faithfulness of your will. Blessed be."

I sent a glance up at the sky. Nothing had changed, hopefully it would.

"Marian, do me a favor, keep your guard dogs away from me. I understand if you want to still have Gisborne around…where'd you get the horse?"

Marian smiled giving the horse's nose a kiss. "He's a gift."

I stopped and gave her a look I had perfected over the years. The look a mother gives to a child they would like to shake upside down until they came to their damned senses. "A gift."

Robin popped up form the stables behind us. "And how are you going to reciprocate from this gift?"

I held my hands up. "I'm not listening to the two of you forget it."

Robin and Marian did their usual flirting fight and Marian finally agreed to check in at the castle to see what she could find.

Robin gave me a quick look. "And you, staying out of trouble?"

I gave him a sweet smile. "Not being dunked in the river am I?"

Robin looked between Marian and I shaking his head and running off. I don't think he ever bargained to have so many people give him a headache so quickly.

Marian took the horse brush from me. "So do you feel like coming to the castle?"

"Not particularly, but I probably should anyway. I've avoided traveling, but I suppose it's time to drop off clothing and pick up mendings. Of course now I'm under the protection of Gisborne's lady fair."

Marian chucked the brush at me head swinging onto the horse's back. "You know, you never know when to shut your mouth."

I gave her a wicked smile getting onto Fabian's back as we set a trot to my cottage to gather the mending basket. "And you my friend are quickly forgetting your sense of humor."

I decided to wait outside for Marian. I did a quick runaround dropping off clothes, picking some up, and making appointments for new fittings. I didn't want to wait around longer than I had to. I leaned against a wall near one of the back alleys that snuck you into the castle kitchens. I needed some place to duck out just incase Tobias should walk by.

"Miss do you happen to know where I can find a lovely seamstress?"

I turned quickly only for Will to pull me into a little alcove hidden from sight. I gave a laugh as I steadied myself. "Are you trying to scare me to death?"

Will had a wicked look in his eyes. "Not exactly." His hand moved to my side slowly moving my shirts up.

I gave a small laugh hitting him in the chest. "I don't think so."

His eyes darkened to the shade that made my toes curl and breath quicken. "You were very interested yesterday."

"Well yesterday it was just the two of us and we were home. Not out in the open hiding in an alley."

Will's lips brushed my own, no longer moving the skirts up, but bunching them in his hands. He moved his torso against mine, but his lower body hovered away seeming to increase tension. "Maybe you're right it might not be the best place…" His words held a little laugh because he could sense how unwilling I was to move at the current moment.

I squirmed slightly releasing a little sigh I did not know was hiding in me. "Will, maybe we can continue this, ah, later." I arched my back slightly moving myself closer to the wall and farther from Will's touch. "Don't you have a mission from Robin?"

Will leaned against his wall watching me. His lips curved into that dangerous smile. Apparently he didn't want to end things yesterday as I thought. We hadn't been intimate since our first night together, but now and then there was still a lingering tension in the air. Part of my body clenched at the sight of that smile and the look he gave me when I knew exactly what he was thinking. It was dangerous and oh so wonderful at the same time.

Will released the cloth still in his hands and took my hand giving it a light kiss. "I do, you're right. I will see you later, m'lady." With that he slid into the side passage and disappeared from my sight.

Marian appeared at my side a few moments later. "He did always know how to charm you."

I blushed deeply, I could feel it. "I'm sorry, were you just spying on me Marian?"

"Not that you would have noticed, but I only came at the end of your little talk. I see things are going well with Will again."

I smiled as we headed to the horses. "Things have been going very well with Will."

Marian climbed atop her horse and stared at me. "Siobhan…did you…?"

"Does it matter?"

Marian gaped at me. "Of course it-"

"No Marian, does it really matter? I love him. I will be with him when the King finally returns and restores peace. I don't want to be with anyone else and I will not be condemned to stay with a man I do not love just because of his position. I'm sorry Marian. I am not like you in the sense you can have Gisborne and Robin. All I have and want is Will. Yes I do know the way I went about things is not proper, but I do not care. Your rules and beliefs I respect because that is how I was brought up. That does not mean I must abide by them."

"And what if you become with child?"

I gripped the reins a little tighter pulling Fabian around leaning securely on my mending basket. "Then I bring our child into the world and if there is mercy it will be into a world of peace again and not disaster."

Marian shook her head. "My friend, I have always known you to be a strong person, but never foolish. There must be something else there that I do not see. Just promise me to be careful. I would not want one of my few friends taken away forever."

Marian had hit my doorway with an arrow message and I road Fabian quickly into camp the next morning.

Will met me in the front helping me down. "What's going on?"

I pushed the note into his hands. "Visitor on the move, Saracen."

Will gave me a brief look of shock and dragged me down to the others where he told Robin the news.

Robin looked at me. "What else?"

Will opened the note, but I broke in. "He left at dawn with Gisborne and some men. They're headed this way into the forest. Robin, I'm pretty sure that'll be his carriage we found. He might be looking for it."

Robin nodded giving a speech to the others at Will hurried me back to Fabian. He helped me up and gave me one of his famous looks. "Ride swift. Last thing we need is for Tobias to find you."

I leaned down giving Will a light kiss. "Let him try." I reared Fabian around and raced back to the cottage avoiding the short way incase Gisborne and his men should see me. I ended up circling the town and walking Fabian back into the house.

Matilda was waiting for me by the porch. "Someone looks a bit out of breath."

I ran forward giving her a tight hug. "Oh thank goddess you're okay."

Matilda gave a laugh and held me at arms length. "And why wouldn't I be?"

I gave a sigh motioning around. "If you've past through you must have hear about the attempted church burning."

"Aye, I hear many things." She gave me a look.

"Right, by all means come inside." I took off Fabian's reigns smacking his hide to go out back and stretch his legs. The one wonderful thing about my horse was he would attack anyone who ever tried to take him, smart horse. I went in through the back door pulling a chair up across from Matilda. "So what have you heard you wish to speak to me about?"

"Well I've heard quite a bit. Some things you haven't told me, some rumors about a wonderful boy I remember so well…"

I gave her a smile. "If you're asking about Robin, he is indeed back, in the flesh. Healthy and irritating as always, still driving Marian mad. I see him as much as possible. Do the laundry and the like."

Matilda smiled. "I also hear our young Robin helped someone close to you escape."

I gave a sigh, relaxing myself. With Matilda I never had to hide my fears or feelings. She was the midwife my mother sent me off to, to learn the trade when I was younger. "That was a very bad day. Matilda, I thought I was going to lose him. Little Lukie as well. If they died Dan wouldn't have lived much longer. I wouldn't have had anyone left."

Matilda gripped my hand. "You would have had me little one."

I smiled placing my other hand over hers. "Matilda, you haven't lived close to the village in years now. And from what I hear you're looking to get away for a while."

"Who'd you hear that from?"

"Rosa."

"My own daughter going around telling stories before I can get them across. Should have known she would have seen you eventually. But yes it's true. Shouldn't be more than a year, maybe just a few months. My sister just lost her husband and Rosa and I are going to stay with her for a while to help her get back on her feet. She's got three little ones, but she's my youngest sister. Never had a lick of sense, and never took care of any younger ones. She was a trouble maker, Ma married her off early. I just came to check up on you girl. I haven't seen you in some time and I worry. Especially with that man of yours go-Oh ho."

"What?"

Matilda's face broke into a smile. "He's not gone."

"Well of course he's not. He's in the forest with Robin and the others."

"No, no. I mean he's not gone from your life."

I felt the heat rise up my neck. "Of course he's not. I still love him."

Matilda's smile grew. "You little devil you sealed the deal."

I gaped at her. "Matilda!"

"Siobhan, little girl don't lie to me. I know that look. It's not only the look of a woman in love, it's the look of a woman who has a man tied down. It's a foolish look for most who don't have children. I know you don't have children, and I know you are not a fool. Which means he's spent the night here."

I crossed my arms unable to think of anything to say.

Matilda gave my head a kiss and got up from her chair. She squatted by me feeling my stomach and gave a satisfied noise before moving toward the door. "You're not with child now, but you'll have a healthy brood. That Will of yours should be proud he has the love of one of the strongest young women around. Now, if you should need anything you send word to my sister, Helena, over in Leicester. They'll know where to find us."

She gave me a hug and left without another word.

It was something about Matilda's visits. Every time I saw her I felt completely better about whatever situation I was in. I felt safer as if an invisible shield was placed around me.

I sometimes wonder what I would have been like if I hadn't lost my mother. Of course then I remember I never lost her. I still had her around. She was in my heart and in all of her friends. Her two best friends kept her alive for me. Will's mother, Jane, held on just long enough to tell me she and my mother would always watch over and protect me. With a smile she also reminded me to watch out for her hardheaded son since he listened to me more than her. Matilda lingered for a while, but even she moved on. Not to say she abandoned me, but she knew better than to smother me. She had a child of her own to care for and knew Will was looking after me as well. Even when we were young and decided we didn't really want to marry, we might as well be married to each other than some crazy other person. Will and I fought, but heaven help anyone who spoke poorly of me in front of Will.

I turned taking off my outer clothing and crawled into bed. I think I deserved to sleep in.

"Go away."

I hid further under my quilt bringing it up over my head.

There was a sigh from outside my window and I felt someone fall onto me.

I cried out attempting to push whoever climbed through the window off of me.

"Siobhan. Wake up. Come on, it's late and you get cranky if you oversleep."

"I get cranky if I don't sleep."

Will gave a little laugh and slowly pulled the quilt away from me. "I think I'll take the lesser of the evils."

I squeaked as he ripped the rest of the quilt off. "Will!" I grabbed the quilt back covering myself. I had gone to sleep in my shift, too lazy to even change into a nightgown.

"Djaq needs supplies from you."

I squinted at him from the bright light now flooding my room. "What time is it?"

"Almost noon."

I sprang out of bed, grabbing clothes and fussing around. I never slept this late. Goes to show how tired I'd been. Not giving a second thought to Will I threw off my shift and slipped into new clothes. If he was embarrassed it was his own fault for breaking in through my window.

I turned facing Will. "Now what does Djaq need?"

Will's eyes swept over me, not really hearing what I said. Apparently ripping off my clothes wasn't a great idea.

"Will. Focus."

Will eyes slowly cleared and he handed me a small parchment. "Djaq said I'd either forget or mispronounce something so she thought it better to make a list."

I gave a little laugh gathering small pouches and taking ingredients from jars. "I always knew she was smart. Now, who's the sleeping potion for?"

Will shrugged. "Harold I suppose. I didn't even know what the ingredients were for."

"And how's your visitor?"

"Prince Malik al-Ayyubi-n-Shadi is doing just fine. Honestly why do they all have such long names. I had to listen to it a few times before I could figure out what anyone was saying."

I was stunned. "Prince? Will…are we talking about Saladin's nephew?"

"One in the same."

I grabbed my cloak. "Well then. It's not often one gets to meet royalty."

"Too late we sent him back."

"Sent him…Will. This is going to require you to tell me everything that's been going on."

"I thought as much. Come on, you need to come to the forest anyway I'll explain on the way."

I sat to the side watching Will, Little John, Robin, and Allan ogle the women practicing their dancing below. Djaq and I gave them a weary eye and sighed to each other. Men.

Djaq leaned forward suddenly a scared look on her face. "This is not a ransom." We watched as the man below us ripped the curtain from the small carrying stand to reveal what looked like a soldier. "Robin this is not right. Muslim's are forbidden to worship human images. It might be the Al-Shuj'aan, Saladin's assassins."

"But they're women."

Djaq and I turned to give Allan a cold stare. I swear he shrunk back.

Robin shook his head. "That money could feed a lot of mouths, let's go."

"Robin, no!" Djaq pulled Robin back as the mood shifted.

The women suddenly took stances throwing what looked to be metal stars at the image of the soldier.

I gasped at their accuracy. "That's not worship."

"That's target practice." Will seemed to have read my mind.

I turned to Robin. "Let that teach you to be more careful. Think before you do Robin."

Djaq nodded. "You're not listening to me because I am a woman. Don't make the same mistake with them."

Robin nodded mouth still hanging open. "I'm all ears."

Djaq gave me a look. "Are you sure you feel comfortable about this?"

I nodded adjusting the last of my knives. "I will not sit this one out. If I go down I'll bring at least two of them down with me. You say these assassins are good? Well to this day I have never missed."

Djaq nodded with a smile. She knew what I meant. I didn't want to be left behind in case something went wrong. It wouldn't be right for me to live in case they didn't defeat this guard. Things were not looking so good for us. The assassins were sent to kill the prince. That much we knew. We also knew they had to be stopped, killing the prince meant the end of a peace treaty that could happen soon, and that was what we needed. We needed out King back and peace in the lands. We needed peace in the Holy Land and peace in our lands here at home. Prince John needed to be taken off the throne and I needed my life back. Harold was a prime example. We needed to stop everything that was going on.

In this time Harold had found his tongue. He revealed that the assassins were the ones who captured him. And had taught him how to break thick ropes. That was a trick I would love to learn myself, but I didn't say it out loud. I doubted anyone would appreciate the humor.

Now we were set out to do something we had to. Even Robin wasn't thrilled about these odds against us. He was even less thrilled when I told him I was coming. Will wasn't too happy either, but apparently the look in my eyes made him see my point. If they all died what did I have left? More years of misery in the village? Being roughhoused by the ones that ruled over us? No, I only behaved because Robin was trying to make a difference. If he died everything I had left was dead. So Will watched silently as I hid the remainder of my knives on my person ready to fight.

We walked to the castle, everyone in silence. Will sent me looks every now and then. I walked closer to him twining my fingers with his. I wouldn't leave him.

We heard screaming from the hall and quickly ascended the stairs to see the man who lead the assassins holding the Sheriff to the ground with his blade.

Robin shot an arrow through the man's middle and walked everyone forward. Getting closer Will threw his cloak over me hiding my face. Just in case we made this though it was better if we tried to pretend I wasn't here.

Robin sent the others to grab the prince still standing over the Sheriff. He turned to Will and I with a nod. "Will, you and your girl bring the horses to the East gate. We'll get Malik."

We nodded and ran down the hall. Will grabbed my shoulders and lifted me to the other side of the stair case as a blinded solider fell out of the room wielding a sword. Will knocked him down and hurried to my side as we hid watching the assassins run out of the room and toward the front. We stayed close to the wall the rest of the way bringing the horses to Robin's waiting point listening hard for any indication of what was going on. All I could hear was screaming, but not the screaming of anyone I recognized.

Will and I reared the horses back as there was movement from the servants' quarters. Robin and the rest proceeded out with who must have been the Prince. I slid from my horse handing the reins to Little John. Will gave me a hand up, pulling me behind him on his own horse.

Robin gave me a nod. "Nice to see you finally listened to orders and didn't run in, knives wielding today."

"Nice to see you alive Robin. Always a pleasure."

He laughed and led the way back to the forest.

The prince said his farewells to us all giving me a deep bow. "I appreciate you fixing the tears in my clothes. You did not have to do that."

I smiled bowing my head. "It is not every day I am allowed to work on the clothes of a prince. Or clothes of such beautiful fabric and color."

Night had fallen by the time we arranged a place for the prince and Harold to leave. Harold had decided to go, finding the treatment the prince knew of with the mask to relieve some of the pain he suffered. He also wished to see him safe stating there would never be true peace in his mind until there was peace out in the Holy Land. I had taken it upon myself to make sure they were dressed properly for their journey and would not look like lost beggars before they could find another safe place to stop.

The prince smiled at my words unwrapping one of his satin belts and placed it in my hands. "Please, do not argue but take this. I cannot find a way to repay your friends for their kindness, but it would please me for you to have this. Anyone who can appreciate something simple as color in fabric in this terrible time has a pure heart that must live on."

I curtsied. "Have a safe journey, may Allah watch over you."

His lips twitched to a smile. "Jazakallah Khair, Siobhan. I thank you again."

With that Robin and Much led the prince and Harold toward the road torches high.

Djaq stood by me in awe. "That is…" She was speechless.

I laughed. "Djaq, I have said this before I will say it again. What makes me so approachable to others is my acceptance of diversity and religion. I do not discriminate because that is what I was taught. In truth all religions believe in the universal truth of living in peace. In times like this it is hard, but peace can be found in simple places. Just greeting someone and giving them a kind reminder of their faith works."

Djaq simple shook her head with a smile. "I do not know how you do it."

I smiled back. "Neither do I. I do whatever I can to live to the next day. And I've managed to do it yet again."

Djaq and I began walking back to camp. "I have always meant to ask you. I show my faith when I get the chance to pray and I have the marks of Allah on my arms. Robin and the others wear their crosses. Do you have something in particular you do?"

I smiled. "I speak to the goddesses throughout the day, thanking them for allowing me to wake up again in the morning. It is the little things in my day that remind me of my faith. Of course I also have this." I held out my hand stretching my forefinger and thumb out. On the skin in between was a triskelion. My mother had given it to be when I was seven. She took me into the fields the day I finally grasped all she had taught me about her ways. She made a black dye out of a variety of plants and made a small fire. She heated up one of her needles and spent the afternoon pressing the dye and needle into my skin so that the triskelion would be forever with me protecting me. "This is my daily reminded of who I am and what I believe. The boys follow the Christ, you follow Allah, and I follow a universal being. An element found in every religion. I follow love."

Djaq smile squeezing my hand and lowering it. "One day you and I must have a long discussion about our religions."

I gave a good natured laugh. "My friend there is nothing I would enjoy more that to understand your faith."

She gave me a curious look.

"I need to know what kind of faith and obedience you have to live in the forest with Robin and the others and not want to kill them everyday."

A/N:

A merry, merry to all. Yuletide, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza and Boxing day.

Ahhh the joy of knowing break is finally here soon coming and I will have time to myself finally. Of course spending time to care for a four year old isn't bad but away from people for a bit and back to my darling computer.

Might I add, I thank all my UK friends out there that don't think my writing is atrocious? Thank you greatly.

Anywho. Thanks for the reviews:

leafdom: Thanks! Love new readers, glad you enjoy my odd sense of humor.

Horatiofan101: I know I was terrible with this update, a lot came up between chapters 8 and 9. I never abandon stories, I have only put a story on hiatus and that was for less than a month, this year has just been hectic I'm sorry to say. Like I've said, I try not to force my characters into the story, I try to avoid forced appearances.

DeanParker: Thank you. Allan is fun to write. Beside Siobhan and Will I think I enjoy Allan and the Sheriff the most. They just have these amazing one liners.

Cowgirl: Yes, sorry about the late update. Much later than I would have liked I'm sorry to say. No little Will's or Siobhan's running around right now haha. That would cause a type of chaos Sherwood would not be able to currently handle. Allan is a sweet character and he just seems to be genuine in his protection of his friends. Even in the second season he never put them straight into danger. I think they're going to find a way to fix his position. I can't see him being able to handle the Sheriff for long. Just as I cannot see Gisborne not attempting to kill him at least once for that smart mouth of his.

PetiteDiable: Another new reviewer, my my I am becoming spoiled. Thank you for your input, glad to know you enjoy my little story here.

Pig-The-Prophetess: I always make sure to make a quick note to my reviewers. It's not a problem, sometimes my updates are a bit wonky. I'm glad you like the dialogue, I was trying to find something that included the proper talk of the time with a bit of local slang, I hope I didn't mess it up entirely.

emilyanne-xo: Thank you, so very much! I like trying to keep some historical facts in check, such as having people betrothed for a few years, it's an easy way to sneak in characters. I am very glad you enjoy my writing, I think I now prefer writing in 'proper' English. I know it makes my papers much more entertaining.

Rakuen91: Thanks for the review hope you enjoy this update.

Super late update. I suck big time.