Author Notes: I've come to the conclusion that I probably really should be doing work and not posting, but I love you guys so much, and this is way more fun than essays! Thanks for the feedback, and I hope you like this one.

Chapter 9: Shadows Across the World

Marian looked up from her seat by the hearth as Robin stooped to enter the room, "How is he?"

Robin shrugged, looking lost, "We got him up to the room you showed us. He didn't wake up." He sighed, sitting down, "Azeem does not want to tell me the truth, but I can see it in his eyes – he is worried."

Marian placed her hand on Robin's knee, "From what I have seen of your brother, I have found him to be as strong-willed as you. He will survive."

Robin smiled at her gratefully, and then they both seemed to realise themselves. Marian removed her hand as if burned, cleared her throat, and busied herself with her hair; anything for her hands to do. Robin gave her a crooked smile, "Why is it that after everything, we are still awkward?"

Marian stopped her nervous actions, letting her hands fall to her lap as she matched Robin's expression, "Because status seems to make things all that more complicated."

Robin gave a bitter laugh, "I know what you mean. Sometimes I wish my life were just as simple as the one John, Fanny and all the others have lived. But then I look at Will, and I remember that nothing ever is."

Marian shrugged, "We can but try." She turned her gaze back to the flames.

Robin looked at her for a long moment. She was a strong woman, but he knew that this day would mark her until the end of her days, "In all the confusion, I never asked." Marian frowned, but invited him to continue with her eyes, "How are you?"

He watched as shadows clouded her normally clear eyes, "There is more to be pitied from the Sheriff's actions than just what happened to me, Robin of Locksley. For all those people taken to Nottingham that night, I know that many more graves lie in your forest."

"Marian…"

She seemed to be struggling to keep her composure. Robin took her hand, only to have it wrenched from his grip, "I'm sorry, Robin, but I need time, and your brother needs you. Use this house as your own."

"But-"

"Milady?" Sarah had appeared in the room.

Marian raised her eyes to his, "Please Robin. I love you, but I need to be alone."

Robin nodded. If she had not said those three words, he likely would have refused, but the plead in her voice was too strong. At a loss of what else to do, he moved away, wandering absently off. He ended up in the courtyard. It was mostly empty, save for a few who had sought sanctuary of late. Sitting on a pile of chopped wood, was Azeem. The Moor smiled softly as Robin approached, "I have left Bull to watch over your brother. I believe the man felt guilty; he needed something to do. You, on the other hand…"

Robin let his head fall into his hands, "Nottingham's dead. How can he do this much damage from the grave?"

"You have accomplished much, Christian. I have no doubt that you will accomplish more."

"I just…with Will, and now Marian…"

The dark eyes regarded him with scrutiny, "You can expect neither to return to as they once were. Will, simply because your relationship must grow, and the lady Marian, because she needs time."

Robin threw his hands up, "That's what she said."

Azeem shrugged, "She was taken from her home and forced to marry an evil man. Her future could have been much darker. Be thankful for that."

Robin nodded, "Thank you, my friend. You are indeed a credit to your name."

Robin groaned, the crick in his neck alerting him that he really should not have fallen asleep in a chair with his head on the bed. He blinked the sleep from his eyes as the first rays of the new sun lit began to light up the room. His hand was clasped over another, which was pale and clammy. Robin jerked up into a full state of awareness. His brother was lying in the bed before him, but he was no longer as still as he had been the day before.

Will's head tossed, his eyes scrunched up as if trying to dispel whatever nightmare plagued him. His long hair was plastered to his head, which was covered in a sheen of sweat. His teeth were involuntarily chattering slightly, as if he was cold. Tentatively, Robin pushed back Will's hair to feel his forehead, only to confirm his worst fears. Will's skin felt like it was on fire. Gently, Robin grasped his brother's shoulder, and tried to wake him up, "Will? Will, it's Robin." But there was nothing. "Will!"

He was loath to leave Will, but he knew Azeem had more experience in the healing of wounds than he did. Besides, Bull was leaving to check on the state of the shire and the forest that morning, and so he would be able to send him for a doctor if the Moor was at a loss.

As it happened, Robin found that he did not need to go and find his friends. Apparently, his voice had risen in his attempt to rouse the ill man, and two men suddenly burst into the bedchamber. "What is it?" Azeem seemed slightly out of breath, and Robin was reminded of the injury he had sustained from the witch.

"It's Will…" He found he couldn't complete the sentence, a feeling he had not felt since Peter's death clamouring at his throat.

The painted man pushed his way through, resting a hand on Will's head as Robin had done. His expression was grave. "He has developed a fever. I fear that the wound has become infected." He sighed.

Robin jumped in at the slight pause, "What can we do?"

"We must clean and redress the wound. I will see what sort of herbs and other supplies the Lady Marian has at her disposal. If she has none, then one of us must go and collect them – and soon. I had some in Sherwood Forest. Time is imperative if you want your brother to live."

Bull nodded, "I'll go. You tell me what you want."

Robin gave them both a weak smile, "Thank you my friends."

Azeem shook his head, "Do not thank me until this is over. He will get worse before he gets better – the fever must break."

Robin nodded, "It will."

Azeem looked into the desolate eyes of his equal, "We can but hope. But the road will not be easy – for you or for him." And he swept from the room to get to work, leaving Robin to worry over the words alone.

To Be Continued…

Author Notes: Can't say I'm a big fan of this chapter, but it was necessary to write. Please let me know what you thought.