I thought it had been longer since I updated but apparantly not... ahh well any people thank you for your reviews and enjoy the new chapter.

Chapter 10

Knighton – 4 months later, January, 1189

Marian was still raw over Johns death, she found that throwing knives at trees helped. Her aim was better than she thought it would be and 4 months offered plenty of practice. Throwing plates also seemed of use to her, good stress relief and sometimes safer than throwing knives but not by much. Sophia had now made sure that the only plates Marian could get too were wooden. They were less easy to destroy so Marian mainly stuck to the knife throwing. She was in the manor cleaning up from her latest plate throwing event, the wall had notches in it from where the knives hit and dents from the wooden plates, Marian had found some clay plates today and was now picking up the broken pieces. No one dared go near her when she was in one of these moods. Even Melissa had become distant, he had recently become betrothed and had told Marian that once they were married they were going to move away. Marian put the last of the shards in the bin when she heard shouting coming from Knighton. She quickly grabbed her cloak and ran out of the house towards the shouting.

When she arrived at the house she saw Gisborne and his guards pulling Adam and his younger brother Mark from the house. "Where is the money we are owed?" Gisborne yelled into Adam's face. Adam did not even flinch, having a drunk of a father he was used to the screaming. His father had died from drinking and Adam refused to go the same way, his father had missed many a payment and now it was catching up with Adam.

"I do not have it." Adam spoke calmly still being held by his collar his brother shaking with fear being held by two guards. Adam was 18 like Marian, his brother 2 years younger. Gisborne pulled back his hand to strike the young man in his hand. Marian could not let Adam be hurt and she knew Gisborne would not hurt anyone in her presence, he was trying to make up for allowing John's death. Adam had been her friend for many years. She could not let this happen.

"Stop!" She shouted. "What is going on?" At the sound of Marian's voice Gisborne immediately dropped Adam, Adam stepped back and took a deep breath his knuckles had turned white from being clenched so tightly.

"This family owes us money. He cannot pay, it is law lady Marian that cannot be changed." Gisborne trying to sound polite but coming across sarcastic.

"Adam what about the money in you fathers box?" I asked, Adam raised an eyebrow and I signalled with my eyes to play along. He realised that the lady of the manor was helping him.

"I didn't check there." He said simply.

"Come on, I shall help you. Sir Guy if you wouldn't mind waiting here while I help him." Marian said, blasting a fake smile showing all the perfectly white teeth. It was the use of his title that won him over. He simply nodded and Adam and Marian quickly walked into the house. They walked out of view of the door and Marian unfastened the bag on her belt. "Here take this." She said handing him the bag, he pushed it back.

"No, I am in this mess because my father borrowed money I will not do the same." Adam said pushing the bag back.

"If you are worried about repayment we will figure something out."

"Mi'lady I hate to say but this bag still isn't enough." Adam said finally looking inside.

"Then you and Mark both come and live at Knighton in the servants quarters now hurry before Gisborne suspects something." Marian said pushing him out of the house. They stood before Gisborne. "They money he has found is not enough, so you may take the house as well I am all for following the law. But allow them to take their possession." Marian said showing her teeth once more.

"Of course, thank you for your assistance, Lady Marian." They way Gisborne's eyes settled on her unnerved her. She was relieved when Adam and Mark walked out of the house.

"Let's go." Marian whispered and they walked towards Knighton manor. She could feel Gisborne's eyes burning into her back. She shrugged it off and continued walking.
"Lady Marian I cannot thank you enough for helping me and my brother." Adam said once they were out of earshot.
"It's ok."

"Marian what am I going to do?"

"I have a plan."
"Anything please."

"Ok well, you work for me on the farm, and in exchange you can live in the servant's quarters of the house and working for me will pay of the debt you owe me as well." Marian said.

"Really mi'lady. Thank you. Thank you so much!" Adam said almost bursting.

"Oh and I offer a job to your brother as well." Marian smiled around Adam to see Mark who was also beaming.

"Thank you mi'lady." Mark was a lot quieter but the sincerity of both their words made Marian glad she had done it. Then something hit her. What if she could help others like she had helped these two? Of course she couldn't hire everyone to work on her farm and she didn't have enough money to go to every family and give them what she gave Adam. But she would figure something out. She would help people and do something meaningful. She would do what she always intended to do. To help people.