Chapter 10

Lizzie

I slept for two whole days, my body and mind exhausted by my ordeal but it was a dreamless sleep and I woke up rested with many of my ailments healed. Looking around me I realized I was in a room I'd never been in before and sat up, looking round – had it been a dream? Had Robert taken me off somewhere where no-one could stop him? But that was not him, sat on the chair and watching me with heavy eyes that told of little sleep.

"Guy?" My voice cracked with misuse. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips and he nodded

"Morning, sleepyhead. At last." I rubbed my eyes and smiled, swinging my legs out of bed and turning to face him. Guy sighed and answered my unspoken question.

"You're safe, Liz. Once word got out that Emolin was dead some very nasty truths began to be unveiled – things that people were too scared to voice when he was alive. Apparently before he fell for you he was in love with a married woman who didn't return his affections but he forced himself on her anyway, several times. Then shortly after her husband disappeared in unusual circumstances, his money ensured it was all kept quiet of course and the woman was so terrified that she fled. Now he's gone she's spoken out and other people are adding their word to hers. I'm guessing the end result won't be in his favor and she'll likely get his estate and fortune...what you don't want anyway." As he spoke all the hands that had been squeezing my heart released their grip and my breathing returned to normal.

"I'll take some of the money, it means nothing, but as for the house...I never want to set foot in it again." Guy nodded

"I'll make the necessary arrangements. Anyway, the long and short of it is if you want to stay with me you can. As long as you don't get in the way. And never mention my involvement in all of this to anyone, the Sheriff is suspicious as it is." I hugged him, surprising us both!

"I will stay. I'd like to." Guy nodded, fighting a smile, then turned to go. As the door shut behind him I looked around for a change of clothes. Spying a red dress draped over the back of a chair I got changed as quickly as I could and ran out and into the forest.

I found the camp without too much problem and emerged tentatively into the clearing where the gang were seated around last nights fire. Upon seeing me they all sprang to their feet and ran to greet me every face showing concern and pleasure at my recovery, I was lifted off of my feet by Little John who then sat me down on a pile of blankets in the center of the camp and Will pressed a tankard of water into my hand with a sympathetic smile. I chuckled at their antics -

"I'm fine, really!" Only Robin hung back, but his gaze was fixed on me intensely. The other outlaws exchanged looks and made various excuses and left, falling over each other in their eagerness to give us some time alone.

Robin was still looking at me silently, I looked back,

"Thank you Robin. So much." I said quietly and he shook his head slightly,

"You're brave."

"No, I'm not. I've lived in terror for five years with that man and then I was pushed to my limit – that's not bravery, that is fear. You are brave, Robin – you fight for what you believe in. you saved my life." He came and sat across from me with his arms around his knees.

"What are you going to do now?" He paused, "I – I feel like I'll lose you again." Suddenly he looked young and vulnerable.

"Me? Well I'll stay here of course! If you remember your proposition – I have a task to fulfill!" I said, smiling as he beamed and picked me up and swung me in a circle.

"In that case..." He said suggestively "since you're sticking around..." I laughed,

"Yes. You won't get rid of me that easily." Robin swept a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

"For which I'm eternally grateful." I kissed the tip of his nose and placed my hand on the side of his face as our lips met and Robins hand caressed my neck. After a while I pulled away,

"Robin?" I said looking at him earnestly,

"Yes?" He looked worried. Good.

"You need a shave." His laughter was loud and carefree and I laughed with him, who could help it? He sobered up,

"Well then maybe I wont give you your present then." He said raising an eyebrow. I gasped

"A present? For me! Oh I like your stubble, really! It's rugged and charming"

"Oh really?"

"Yes, most definitely." Robin laughed and drew a necklace from his pocket. Her necklace! But it had broken...

"Oh Robin! Is it a new one?"

"No. Same necklace. I fixed it, see?" He took my hand and traced a line down the middle of the wooden pendant, then he moved our clasped hands to the scar on my chest, doing the same thing. He looked at me intently as if trying to convey an important point.

"Even when things are badly broken they can heal." I looked at him,

"I haven't broken anything Robin, just bruised I -"

"I'm not talking about broken bones, Liz." He said quietly, placing a warm hand over my heart, which was suddenly beating very, very fast. Robin looked me in the eyes, putting a small amount of pressure on his hand.

"You're going to be okay."