Warning contains mild MA material.
Roger and Marian were standing by the graves with Seth. The rest of the Gisborne family had gone back to the manor. Guy and Marian had just been buried at the church in Locksley. All of Locksley had turned out for the funeral.
"You know he left me out in the woods to die." Seth waited for the gasp of surprise from either Roger or Marian.
"He killed our mother twice", Roger said nonchalantly. Seth's jaw dropped. That was not reaction he was expecting.
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Guy along with Archer, Robin and his gang managed to get out of the castle in spite of it being bombarded with fireballs. Going around through the woods they came up behind Vasey and his hired mercenaries. Arrows took out about three quarters of Vasey's men, before Guy and everyone else rushed in for hand-to-hand combat. The fighting was furious. Much was lost trying to protect Robin's back. Archer along with Allan was battling the men trying to launch more fireballs. Guy had taken out two mercenaries and turned to see Robin trip over Much's body and get skewered by Vasey's blade. Guy swung his blade and almost severed Vasey's head. The fighting stopped as Guy put down his sword kneeling by Robin. Kate ran up and put Robin's head on her lap. She bent down, whispered something in Robin's ear and put his hand over her womb. Robin smiled and closed his eyes.
Multiple things happened at once. Isabella came riding out of Nottingham determined to kill whoever was trying to take her town from her. Prince John was in a carriage arriving at the scene of the carnage. And though she couldn't see what was going on Marian along with Will and Djaq was coming to Nottingham from the opposite direction of Prince John.
Arriving first Isabella pulled a sword out and started swinging at Guy. He disarmed her and pushed her over to Tuck. Tuck put a knife to her throat to keep her still.
Next Prince John arrived. Getting out of his carriage Prince John surveyed the carnage. "You've done it. You've killed the sheriff apparently for real this time and you've finally gotten rid of Hood. You do love me after all. You've made me so happy Gisborne. Finally that pestilence Robin Hood is dead" Guy gave a bow with his head. He was prepared for whichever way Prince John decided to play this. "You can have your old job back. You're the sheriff."
"No" screamed Isabella.
Prince John turned to Isabella. "I hear you've been very naughty. Killing your husband. Tsk, tsk. I can't have a killer being sheriff now can I?"
"No sire. I…" Guards had come up and taken Isabella arms.
Prince John waved Isabella away. "Yes do take her to the dungeon. Come Gisborne I can trust you now can't I?"
"Yes sire." Guy answered cautiously. He wasn't about to start trusting Prince John. There had to be some reason for the prince to forgive him so easily.
Looking once again at Robin, Prince John recognized Kate from the dungeon. "Arrest her she's one of Hood's people." Guy gave Kate a slight shake of his head telling her not to resist. "If fact, arrest all of these men. I'm sure some of them are Robin Hood's men"
"You can't arrest them." A voice was heard from the crowd that had formed. "I have pardon's for all of them from King Richard." The crowd parted and a hooded figure walked up to Guy and the prince.
"Who are you?" Prince John gave the figure a disdainful look. "Why should I believe you?"
Guy had recognized the voice and had stumbled back a step. No she was dead, she couldn't be here. This was some trick.
Taking off her hood Marian said, "I'm Robin Hood's wife. I've come from the Holy Land with pardons for my husband and all his men." Marian held up sealed parchments. Prince John took them and opened them. He recognized his brother's seal and signature. "My brother is not here why should I honor these?"
Before Marian could answer Guy said, "Sire if they are no longer outlaws they will have no reason to be thorns in your side. They will have to work and they will have to pay taxes instead of stealing what has been collected."
"Yes, you do make sense Gisborne. Fine I will let them stand." Prince John waved Marian away and handed the parchments to Guy. "Take care of this mess Gisborne. I'll be waiting at the castle."
Marian had been looking for Robin among his men expecting him to welcome her home. None of them could look her in the face.
Djaq tugged on Marian's sleeve and pointed to Robin's fallen body.
"No" Marian rushed up and pushed Kate out of the way.
"Robin no you can't be dead. I'm alive. I've come home. I've brought pardons from the king and you've got your lands back and your title. Robin. Robin." Marian was shaking Robin's body trying to get him to wake up. Will finally came up and took Marian from the platform. Little John came and put his arms around Marian while she cried into his chest. Allan went up and led Kate off the platform. Guy recovered enough and spoke to some guards. He turned to look at Little John. "Take her to Locksley."
"No" Marian yelled. "I'm not going anywhere without Robin."
"I've ordered the guards to bring Robin's body to Locksley so he can be properly laid out and mourned." Guy could see the look of confusion on Marian's face. "Things have changed a great deal since you've been gone." Guy motioned to Tuck then to Marian and Robin. Tuck nodded and got the gang moving.
"Since when do we trust Gisborne?" Will asked.
"Mate you have no idea the things that have happened since you've been in the Holy Land." Allan slapped Will on the back.
A cart was brought around and both Robin and Much's bodies were loaded in. Marian smoothed the hair on Robin's forehead.
"Marian come. We'll take them to Locksley." Little John led Marian to her horse and helped her on it. Will and Djaq mounted their horses and rode behind Marian. The cart with Robin's body went first, followed by Marian, after her came Will and Djaq then the rest of the gang. The people of Nottingham started to weep as their hero passed by.
Inside the castle Prince John was ordering servants to bring him food. Guy walked in to find Prince John sitting in Vasey's old chair.
"Gisborne you wonder why I made you sheriff again. I made you sheriff because you killed Hood and finally eliminated Vasey. The man was a liability. My brother is coming to Nottingham I believe he should have an accident while he is here. We don't want it to be obvious. We have to make it look real."
"I'm confident and accident can be arranged. There are after all dangerous outlaws in the know sire I only pretended to go against you to gain Hood's confidence so I could bring him down. I would never have actually killed you. Hood had to believe I was completely out of favor and had nowhere to turn. I'm sure you understand why I could not take you into my confidence. Had someone overheard us the plan would have failed. You do believe me don't you sire?" Guy was lying through his teeth but was determined to make sure there were no lingering doubts in Prince John's mind.
"You are devious man. I knew I liked you when you came to London." Prince John smiled. "Now I want to make sure that nothing is connected to me. I will be here to welcome my brother to Nottingham."
"Of course not sire", Guy smiled patronizingly. "Might I ask a boon sire?"
Prince John was willing to give Gisborne whatever he wanted within reason so long as he kept his mouth shout. Plus the more things Gisborne was beholden for the more power Prince John had over him. "Yes Gisborne ask away. I'm feeling generous today."
"The Lady Marian, I would take her to wife." Guy held his breath waiting for the answer.
"You want Hood's wife?"
"She was to be my wife once. I would have her again."
"Very well. I take it she will not be pleased. I shall tell her myself. Does that please you Gisborne?"
"Very much indeed sire. It will be a pleasure serving you once again."
"I've had a very adventurous day Gisborne I wish to lie down."
"Yes sire."
The prince left for the room he had occupied on his last visit. Guy hurried out the door and on to Locksley.
At Locksley Robin and Much's bodies were brought into the manor and taken up to the spare bedroom. Marian had one of the servants help her lay the bodies out. When she came downstairs the gang was waiting for her. They hadn't explained anything to Will and Djaq deciding to wait for Marian. Tuck and Kate were introduced. Archer was not there he had stayed behind in Nottingham with his weapons. Marian stared at Kate. Kate unconsciously put her hand over her womb. Marian noticed the gesture and narrowed her eyes.
"He thought you were dead." Kate said. She lifted her chin and stared Marian in the eyes.
"Ladies, ladies." Allan wanted to prevent a blood bath. Kate was no match for Marian.
"Come and sit down Marian and we'll explain everything." Little John led Marian to a chair. He put his arm around her assuming the role of father. Marian felt like a little girl at that moment. She saw her world crashing down around her. No more Robin, her father was gone and without children she no longer had a right to Locksley. Knighton was hers but it was probably still in a shambles.
Allan started telling Marian what had happened over the last months with Tuck taking over when he became part of the story. Little John added his two cents worth, only Kate stayed quiet. Will and Djaq both asked questions. Marian just listened. Finally she asked, "If Guy has joined with you why did he go back to Prince John?"
"I went back because we need to know exactly what he's planning." Guy stood in the doorway of Locksley manor. "And I haven't exactly joined them. I'm just not fighting them either."
Marian looked up at Guy. He looked older, tired, like he had been in an extended battle. Marian looked into his eyes and saw a myriad of emotions pass through them, joy, regret, sadness, sympathy and more. Marian was the first to look away.
Guy wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around Marian and comfort her. He also wanted to make sure she was real. Never in his wildest dreams did he believe he'd ever see her again. His heart ached seeing her.
"Prince John said King Richard is coming here. He didn't say how soon, he wants King Richard to have an accident. If I'm to remain sheriff again I can say nothing. You on the other hand you should be able to waylay King Richard and fill him in on his brother's treachery."
"Why would we want to keep you as sheriff?" Will asked.
Guy looked at Will and said, "Better the devil you know than the one you don't?"
"I have to get back to Nottingham. I thought you should know about King Richard. Oh and I wouldn't be surprised if Prince John makes a big show of mourning Hood. He wants to get back into the king's good graces and he thinks the people will love him if he mourns their hero. Marian may I speak to you in private?" Guy waited for Marian in the doorway and followed her outside.
"I'll have my things moved out and up to the castle. You don't have to worry about where you'll stay. Locksley is yours for as long as you want." Guy had to resist the urge to put his hand on Marian's cheek.
"Thank-you" Marian felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"I have to leave. I don't trust Prince John alone in the castle." Guy turned to walk to the stables to get his horse. Marian watched him ride away.
Walking back into the manor everyone looked at Marian to find out what Guy had said. "He said I could stay here. He'll move his things out." Everyone nodded and went back to talking. Will and Djaq told about Acre and the gang filled them in on different people they knew from the villages. Marian sat to the side not really listening but trying to figure out what she was going to do next now that Robin was dead. She felt numb.
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Prince John made a great show of mourning Robin. The villagers in Locksley rolled their eyes but said nothing. After the burial Prince John walked over to Marian. He leaned in and said, "My you are a pretty one."
"Thank-you sire." Marian gave a small grin and moved a step back. She didn't trust Prince John at all. Especially after hearing what had gone on in Nottingham while she was away.
"I'm so sorry for your loss." Marian could tell he wasn't sorry at all. "I'm sure you realize now that you're a woman all alone that you'll need someone to help you run your estate and take care of you. Someone to offer you their protection." Marian feared that the Prince was going to offer his protection. She was not about to become anyone's mistress. "I've got the perfect man for you. Sir Guy of Gisborne. You'll be married within the week." Prince John left Marian standing there with her mouth hanging open.
Marian looked over at Guy. He was talking to Allan about returning to the castle to work. When both men looked up Marian followed their line of sight to Kate. Guy nodded his head yes. Marian watched Allan walk over to Kate. She was able to catch a snippet of their conversation, something about marriage and a babe. Marian saw Kate nod yes and Allan smile.
Djaq walked over to Marian looking to where Marian was looking. "He thought you were dead."
"Apparently he didn't miss me at all. He fell into her bed easily enough."
"Maybe he was trying to fill the void you left."
"Maybe. I'm to marry Gisborne within the week." Djaq looked at Marian with horror on her face. Marian was still looking at Kate and Allan. "The prince has ordered it. I suppose it does not matter anymore."
"Surely you don't want to marry him?"
"Does it matter whether I do or not? I have no father. My husband is dead and didn't appear to mourn me very long. The prince, or the king for that matter, can marry me off to whomever they please. At least with Guy I know what I'm getting. He's already killed me twice. What more can he do to me?" Marian added with a wry smile, "And he can be easily manipulated."
"Kill you a third time? You could join a convent."
"Could you really see me in a convent?"
Djaq chuckled, "No. They'd kick you out for trying to take over. And teaching the novices how to fight."
Marian finally smiled. Sobering she said, "After what happened in Acre Guy may not even want me. I don't know if the prince has informed him of our marriage."
"It was probably Gisborne's idea in the first place."
"Quite possibly. Does he seem different to you?"
"How so?"
"I don't know. Maybe I'm imagining things. The gang did say he's been helping them."
"The question is what kind of sheriff he'll be."
"Hopefully nothing like Vasey."
"He was Vasey's right hand man and never went against one of his orders."
"Yes he did twice and both times to save me."
"You don't have feelings for Gisborne do you?"
"No Robin will always own my heart. Come people are waiting for us in the manor." Marian linked her arm with Djaq's and walked back to Locksley manor.
Marian did not see Guy watching her or the concern on his face. Surely if the prince had informed Marian that they were to marry she would be pitching a fit and calling down curses on his head. It was not like Marian to just sit back and accept things where he was concerned.
Throughout the following week various members of Robin's gang tried to convince Marian not to marry Guy. They may have seen the change in him, but they didn't trust him not to revert back to his old ways now that he was sheriff. Marian saw very little of Guy. He was busy trying to keep Prince John occupied and out of everyone else's hair. Guy was also trying to figure out what to do with Isabella. He was hoping to convince the prince to take her with him.
The wedding was held at Locksley. The villagers had hastily erected a church after Prince John had burnt the last one down. In the church Robin's gang sat to one side. Some of the area nobles sat in the front with Prince John.
The ceremony was short and a collective sigh was heard when it was finished and both parties were still at the front of the church. Marian looked down at her hand. She did not have the gaudy ring Guy had given her at their first wedding. This one was a simple gold band with a carved design. Guy was looking at Marian anxiously. She looked up and said, "Tis beautiful." Guy smiled and guided her out of the church. He was too happy to notice her flinch at his touch.
There was feasting at the castle that evening. Guy stood to take Marian to their bedroom. "Not so fast Gisborne." Guy dreaded what was going to come out of Prince John's mouth. If the fool kept him here until Marian fell asleep he might just strangle the man.
"Ladies take Lady Gisborne to her chamber. Do get her ready. We'll be along shortly." Marian's eyes widen as she looked at Guy. He shrugged his shoulders slightly. Guy was just as perplexed as Marian.
"Have some more wine Gisborne. I'm sure you're bride will be ready soon." Prince John motioned for a servant to pour more wine into Guy's goblet. Guy sat down and realized what was going to happen. There was no way for him to let Marian know they were going to have an audience tonight.
Upstairs the noblewomen stopped at the door to Guy and Marian's bedroom. They opened the door and put Marian inside. Marian tried to shoo the maids out. She was more than capable of undressing and dressing herself. When the maids finally left, Marian started pacing the room. Hearing voices in the passageway Marian quickly got into bed. The curtains were down for a semblance of privacy. Guy entered and was followed by Prince John and some other nobles. Prince John was laughing, "Well get on with it man. You can't bed the bride if you're not in bed."
Guy quickly undressed and received some rather raucous comments from the nobles assembled. Getting into bed he whispered in Marian's ear, "I'm sorry. I didn't know." Marian nodded and steeled herself for what was to come. Guy wanted to take his time. He was sure Marian was still a virgin and he wanted to make her first time special. Guy tentatively put his hand under Marian's nightdress to lift it up. He wanted to feel the smoothness of her skin on his fingers. Guy cupped one breast and caught Marian's gasp in his mouth as he leaned down and kissed her. Marian lay still. She willed herself not flinch when Guy kissed her. Reminding herself that Guy was her husband now she tried to respond but couldn't. Tears formed in her eyes. Guy misinterpreted the tears and whispered in Marian's ear, "I'll try not to hurt you." Moving his hands down between her legs Guy found Marian's bud and gently caressed it. Marian bucked against his hand.
"Get on with it Gisborne. We don't want to be here all night." Prince John said scornfully.
Guy looked at Marian saw her nod yes and entered her slowly expecting to meet a barrier. Guy's eyes widen in surprise then narrowed when there was no barrier to breech. "Hood", he hissed. No longer caring what Marian thought Guy slammed into her until he reached his climax. As soon as he was done he rolled off her and turned away from her.
"Tis done", he said, his voice hoarse.
"Bored now. Come along everyone." Prince John and the rest of the nobles left the room.
Marian lay there with tears rolling down her cheeks. When Guy did not turn back around, even though she knew he was awake, Marian rolled away from him to the edge of the bed. "It wasn't Robin. We didn't have time before I died." Marian's voice was so quiet Guy barely heard her. Guy was thoroughly confused. He let Marian be, he'd ask her in the morning what she meant.
Marian was afraid that this was how Guy was going to react. She almost hoped she had conceived because this might be her only chance for a child. After tonight she was sure Guy would never touch her again.
Guy was up and gone when Marian woke up. A tub had been brought in for her to bathe in. Taking her time Marian laid in the tub. It had been so long since she could just soak in a warm bath. After a while she felt lazy. There was work to do and if she was still Lady Gisborne this morning she should establish her authority immediately. Marian had just gotten out of the tub and was drying off with a linen towel when Guy walked into their bedroom. Marian was facing away from the door and didn't have time to cover her back before Guy could see it. She heard him suck in his breath. Marian tried to cover her self, but Guy stopped her hands. He gently touched the scars that crisscrossed Marian's back. Marian flinched. Some of them were still raw, barely healed.
"What happened?" His voice was low and quiet. Guy took the linen towel and wrapped it around Marian trying to keep it from covering her back and causing irritation.
"After you stabbed me Robin and I said our vows. Everyone thought I had died and they took me out to the desert to bury me. They had barely left when grave robbers came to take any money or jewels we were buried with. Carter had been buried beside me. When the grave robbers laid me on the sand they saw a tear coming out of my eye and realized I wasn't dead. They brought me to their house and nursed me back to health, after that they sold me as a slave. My new master decided he wanted a plaything in his bed. When I tried to fight him, he put the whip to my back. As you can see I never went to his bed willingly. If Djaq hadn't seen me one day while she was helping the man's wife I'd still be stuck in Acre. Djaq and Will went to King Richard and he arranged to have me freed. Djaq used her medicines to heal my back as best she could. The most recent whip marks are almost healed."
"I'm sorry for last night. Had I known I would not…" Guy couldn't look at Marian.
"I will accept it if you want to annul the marriage." Marian looked at Guy looking for his reaction.
Guy looked at Marian. He knew it was his fault that she had the scars on her back. If he hadn't stabbed her none of this would have happened. "No I do not want to annul the marriage. I said holy vows. I will not go back on them." Marian nodded. "I will not touch you again. Your body needs time heal. Do you want me to send in a maid to help you dress?"
"No. I'll find a dress that laces in the front."
"Prince John is leaving. He's taking Isabella with him. Why I don't know, but good riddance. He received a message that King Richard is delayed. It would be best if you were there by my side to see him go."
"I'll be down shortly." Guy nodded and left the room.
Guy and Marian looked the happy couple as they waved good-bye to Prince John. Isabella was shackled and in the carriage. "Remember Gisborne mums the word."
"Yes sire I won't forget." Guy turned back to the castle. "Even though you know most of these people already I want to introduce you to them as Lady Gisborne. I want to make sure they know who's in charge now."
For two months Guy let Marian mourn, but he had had enough. Guy knew she should be taking a bath so he decided to walk in on her. As soon as he walked in he saw the scars on her belly and the anger left him. Marian was standing by the bed and had reached for her shift but hadn't gotten it over her head to put it on.
"Do you mind?" Marian was in an odd mood, she had found out that morning that she was with child.
Guy took the shift out of Marian's hand and tossed it on the bed. He knelt down in front of her and looked at the scars. "I'm sorry." Guy leaned to kiss each scar and got smacked for his troubles. He looked up to see a furious Marian.
"You should be sorry. I've almost died twice at your hands. I should be married to Robin and living out my days surrounded by our children. Instead I'm married to a, a I don't know what. Who are you? You're certainly not the man I used to know."
Guy grabbed Marian and threw her on the bed. He leaned over her taking hold of both arms. Guy's face was inches away from Marian's. "Is this what you want?" Guy kissed her crushing her lips with his. He suddenly let her go and backed off the bed. "I'm sorry. Why do you always push me to hurt you?"
"Tis easier to dislike you when you're cruel." Marian was sitting on the edge of the bed completely unaware that she was still naked.
"You want to dislike me? I've said I won't annul our marriage do you really want to spend the rest of your life miserable? I for one don't. Robin is gone and that can't be changed. I will do things as sheriff that you won't approve of. Though I won't actively seek out Prince John I will have to do as he orders. He rules England while Richard is gone. All I ask is that you at least show me respect in front of the servants and the people of Nottingham and our estates."
Guy came over and gently pulled Marian to her feet. "I am sorry about hurting you. If I could take either of those scars away I would." Guy gently touched each scar.
"I'm with child", Marian blurted out. She backed away from Guy's touch.
"So not such a bad wedding night after all", smirked Guy. He looked at Marian's body and noticed her breasts were larger and her hair looked thicker if that was possible. Marian quickly grabbed her shift and put it on.
"I'll play lady's maid if you want a dress that laces in the back."
"No I've picked one out that laces in the front."
Guy walked to the door and turned around. "You'll play the part of wife?"
Marian gave a small smile. "Yes I'll play the part of wife."
Over the next six months Guy incorporated Marian into his days. He asked her to sit in on courts cases and give her opinions. Still following his mother's advice about gift giving Guy noticed the things that Marian looked at in the market and would later get them for her. Sometimes she would mention a family that needed something for a new babe or a child and Guy would make sure they got it.
When he visited a village he would bring Marian along. While he held court if she didn't want to sit in she would visit every family in the village to find out if there was a need. Most of the villagers didn't know what to make of her at first. They were afraid because she was married to Guy. But when they realized she truly was there to help they came to her with their concerns.
In Locksley she visited Djaq and Will. Will had taken over what had been his father's carpentry business. "I would like to place an order Will", Marian stated one day. "I'd like you to make a cradle please."
Djaq was there and threw her arms around Marian. "When will your time be?"
"The babe should be here in March."
"Are you happy about it?"
"I wish it were Robin's but yes I'm happy about it."
"If you keep wishing for Robin you will make yourself unhappy and you will have an unhappy babe."
"I promise I won't keep wishing for Robin. Now about that cradle." Marian turned to Will.
"You're too late. An order was already placed for a cradle for the castle."
"Who…"
"Your husband. He also placed one for the manor if you choose to stay here at all."
Marian turned around and saw Guy coming out of the manor. Turing back to Will and Djaq, Marian gave Djaq a quick hug and said, "I better go." Marian walked over to Guy and went up on tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
Surprised Guy asked, "What was that for?"
"Because you ordered cradles." Marian whirled away and started walking to the stables.
Guy turned to Will and shouted, "Cradles we need more cradles."
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"Our father killed your mother?" Seth was still in shock. The three of them, Seth, Roger and Marian were walking up to the manor.
"Yes. Twice", Marian confirmed.
"How?"
"His curved knife the first time, wasn't it?" Marian looked to Roger for confirmation. He nodded yes. "He ran her through with a sword the second time."
"Was this before or after they were married?"
"Oh before."
"And she still married him?"
Marian laughed, "Obviously".
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Guy looked out his office window and watched as Marian took a small boy from a woman and walk into the castle. Wondering what was going on Guy walked down to the great hall and saw Marian sending a servant to get food and drink for the boy.
"Are we taking in strays now", Guy asked with a grin on his face.
"Only when they belong to one of us." Marian was waiting for the explosion.
Guy narrowed his eyes and looked between Marian and the boy. "What do you mean belongs to one of us?"
"This is Seth." Marian had her hands on Seth's shoulders. Seth looked up into a pair of blue eyes exactly like his own.
"What is he doing here?" Marian could feel the anger rolling off Guy.
"Annie is dead. She died of the bloody lung disease." Some of the anger drained out of Guy.
"Didn't she have any family?"
"Does it matter? He's your son." Marian was getting irked.
"He can't stay here." Guy refused to look into the blue eyes of his oldest child.
"Oh yes he can and he will." Marian put her hands on her hips and drew herself up to her full height. "You fathered this boy and you will take responsibility for him."
Judith, Edward and Roger's nurse, stood at the top of the stairs holding a crying Roger. "He needs to be fed Lady Gisborne."
Marian walked away from Guy and up the stairs. "He better be here when I get back and not sitting in the forest some place."
Guy sat down and stared at the boy.
Seth looked up at his father and said, "I want to go home. My mama needs me to help take care of her. I wash the vegetables for her. Can I go home now?"
"You're mother's in heaven now. You don't live in that house anymore."
Seth started to cry. "I want my mama. I don't want her to be in heaven."
Guy couldn't help himself he picked Seth up and put him on his lap. The little boy leaned into Guy's chest and cried until there were no more tears. Seth looked up and said, "The lady said you are my father."
"Yes" Guy wouldn't look at his son.
"Why don't you live at my house? My friends have father's and they live at their houses."
"I didn't know where you lived." Seth seemed to accept this and didn't ask any more questions.
By the time Marian came back Seth was asleep on Guy's lap.
"If he stays here I don't want him getting the idea that he has a right to anything. I won't have him thinking that he can take Edward's place. As soon as he's old enough he will go to foster at another manor or castle."
Marian looked at Guy but didn't say anything. She would work her way around Guy later. "I've got a room ready for him. Since he's sleeping you can put him on his bed. I'll get a servant to watch him so he won't be scared when he wakes up." Marian got up and motioned Guy to follow her.
Seth's room was next door to the nursery. That way Judith could keep an eye on him along with Edward and Roger. Guy laid Seth down on the bed. Marian put a blanket over him. "He's just a little boy Guy. He's lost everything he knows in the world. You are all he has left." Marian turned to look at Guy. He was trying not to look at Seth. "Why did you leave Seth in the forest?"
Guy turned and walked out the door. Marian followed calling his name. "Guy, Guy stop."
Marian caught up to Guy and grabbed his arm. Guy stopped, turned and grabbed Marian's arm then walked her like an errant child into their bedroom.
"I left Seth in the woods for two reasons. First if Vasey had found out I fathered a child and that child was in the castle he would have used the babe as a hold over me. I'm sure torturing the babe would have been involved. I know torturing Seth would have been involved."
"Why didn't you take him to Kirklees like Annie asked?"
"Vasey had too many ties to Kirklees. If I had taken Seth to Kirklees Vasey would have found out and again would have tortured the boy to control me. I didn't want to see the boy tortured on my account."
"Why not leave him somewhere else? Why leave him in the foretst?"
"I only had a short time to get him away from the castle. Leaving him in the forest there was always the chance that someone would find him."
"So you thought that the possibility of getting attacked by wild animals and eaten alive was better than torture by Vasey."
Guy was silent. When he didn't say anything more Marian said,"You said there were two reasons. What was the second one?"
Guy looked at Marian. "It doesn't matter. Robin found Seth. He's alive and everything is ok."
"Yes it was fortunate that Robin found Seth and no everything isn't ok. You still have a son you tried to kill. Now he's here. And I want to know the second reason you left him to die."
Guy could no longer look at Marian. He got up and looked out the window. "I left him there because I thought if you knew I had a bastard son you wouldn't give me the time of day. It was hard enough trying to win you over as it was. You would have expected me to marry the mother and I was not about to do that. I didn't want you to ever find out about him." Guy left the room not bothering to look at Marian. He didn't want to see the look of disgust and hatred on her face.
Marian sat down hard on the edge of the bed. She knew she shouldn't feel any culpability for Guy leaving Seth in Sherwood, but she did. Had she really held herself so high and mighty that Guy felt he had to kill his own son to win her? And Guy was right she would have expected him to marry Annie even though she knew that was unrealistic. Lords did not marry the hired help even if they did produce bastards with them. Thinking about Seth being in the castle Guy was probably right, Vasey would have tortured Seth just to keep Guy in line. Marian almost wished she had never asked Guy about Seth.
Marian went to the nursery and found Seth looking at Edward and Roger. "Their your brothers. You can play with them." Seth shook his head no.
"Would you like to come with me and see the rest of the castle?" Seth nodded his head yes. Marian took his hand and gave him a tour of the castle. They also went down to the stables and paddocks. Seth stood on the railing watching the horses.
"Will I get to ride a horse?" he asked.
"If you like." Marian put her arms up on the railing next to Seth. "You can learn to fight with a sword too."
Seth nodded his head but didn't say anything.
Guy was just getting into the tub when Marian came in their room. She had put all the boys to bed and was going to take a bath herself.
Guy caught Marian's and eye and quickly looked away.
'For better, for worse the vows said.' Marian thought to herself. Out loud she said, "Lean forward."
Guy was surprised when Marian took a rag and started washing his back. "I would go back and change it if I could", he said softly.
"I know."
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"So why did she agree to marry him after he killed her twice?' Seth was thoroughly confused.
"Prince John ordered it and I think deep down mother always cared for him even though she claimed to be in love with Robin Hood. I know she fell in love with him after they married. And father always loved her." Marian looked at Seth to see if he was done asking silly questions.
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Marian caught the slight movement of Guy's hand motioning her closer. She leaned close to his mouth. If it hadn't been so still in the room Marian never would have heard him. "I love you wife." Tears filled Marian eyes. "I love you too husband." The last breath went out of Sir Guy of Gisborne. Marian smoothed his hair, touched his cheek and kissed him good-bye.
Later when little Marian came to check on her mother, she realized that her father had died. "Come away mother. Catherine and I will get father laid out. You need to rest. You haven't slept much since father got ill." Marian allowed herself to be led away.
Little Marian informed the rest of the family that their father was dead. All of the daughters had a hand in getting their father ready for his funeral. Guy's body was laid out in his finest clothes. They were black as it was hard to find their father in any other color. The body would stay in the bedroom until it was time for the funeral.
Marian had told her children she wished to go back to Locksley and be alone until the funeral. They thought nothing of it as their mother would often go off by herself when she wanted to get away from the family and think. Marian sent the servants off and went to the bedroom she had spent so many nights in with Guy. She sat on the bed and looked around. There were gifts on a shelf that Guy had given her over the years. Looking behind her on the bed was a leather jacket Guy had worn. Marian picked it up and and rubbed it against her cheek. The leather was soft against her skin. Marian could still smell a faint trace of Guy's scent.
When it started to grow dark Marian took her horse and rode towards Nottingham. As she approached the edge of the forest she dismounted and slapped the flanks of her horse to send it off. She knew it would find its way home. Using an entrance she had once found as a child Marian crept back into the castle and into the room where Guy was laid out. Lying down next to Guy, Marian put her head against his arm. Her hand went to his chest where she had laid it so many times before. "Wait for me. I'll be there soon." Marian closed her eyes for the last time.
Roger had gone to Locksley to check on his mother. Her horse was found eating grass outside the Locksley stables with the saddle still on. Word spread that Lady Gisborne was missing. The forest was searched in case her horse had thrown her. When she couldn't be found her children began to panic.
Robin opened the door to the room his father was in. He looked at the bed where his father had been laid out. Robin saw the figure lying next to his father and knew that she too was no longer alive.