Chapter 12

Nottingham Castle

"Marian." Alan knocked on her door, the following morning, holding a tray of breakfast for her. "Marian, I've brought you some breakfast." Alan tried the handle assuming it to be locked, but to his surprise it was open. He walked inside, "Marian?" He was almost afraid to enter. When he walked in there was no sign of Marian, but only a broken window with a rope made of sheets hanging out. Robin. Alan put the tray down on the table and quickly ran to the window. He pulled the sheets up hoping no one had noticed them, when he finally got to the end the goose feathered fletched arrow confirmed his suspicions.

"You could have at least been clever and cleaned up." He muttered to himself. He quickly grabbed the broken glass and chucked it on the fire place and he broke the arrow in half and shoved it down the back of his trousers so he could take it somewhere to burn.

Once he was sure the room was clear of all trace of Robin, and he knew the arrow had been disposed of he disappeared to find Gisborne and tell him that Marian had left. Although he was not looking forward to the reaction of his master.

"Left, what do you mean left?" Gisborne growled.

"Exactly that, I went to take some breakfast to her room, walked in and she was gone." Alan explained. Gisborne's eyes turned dark, his face set in a grim line. He raised his hand to Alan, but stormed off without releasing his anger. He would need his man at a later date.

Outlaw Camp

Robin was pleased to see Marian sound asleep in her bunk, at least she had got some sleep. He had worried about her last night, and had even climbed into her bunk with her until she was asleep. The gang were sat eating there breakfast, "Robin do you think Marian will want something?" Much asked.

"What have you got left?" Robin asked.

"A piece of bacon, 2 eggs and a slice of bread."

"Put it on a plate, I'll take it to her." Robin replied having finished his own. Once Much had served the food, Robin took the plate and walked towards Marian's bunk.

"Marian… Marian." Robin whispered, gently shaking Marian's shoulder. She was sleeping with her back to everyone. "Marian."

"Hmm," Marian mumbled and rolled over, blinking her eyes.

"Good morning my love." Robin smiled. Marian still sleepy smiled back.

"Good morning handsome."

"Much has made you some breakfast, would you like it?" Marian nodded, pushed back the blanket she had been sleeping under and threw her legs over the edge. "I'll come and join you."

"Good, I'll take your food." Robin kissed her forehead then took her plate into the rest of the gang.

"Marian's not eating?" Much asked.
"She's coming through to join us." Robin replied. Marian pulled on her boots and walked towards the rest of the gang.

"Oh hello Marian, nice to see you." Much chirped.

"Good morning Much." Marian smiled. Robin shifted to make room for her next to him.

"This is for you." He smiled and handed her the plate.

"Thank you." She whispered. "And thank you Much, it looks wonderful."

"See, now why can't you all be so polite. Thank you Marian, you can stay." Much started whistling as he started to clean away the breakfast pots.

"Robin what are our plans for today?" Will asked.

"Well we have the regular drop offs to do in the forest. I suggest we spilt up today and then each take some village's to hand out in as well."

"Who goes where?" Will asked.

"Me and Marian will go to Knighton, possibly Locksley. Djaq and Will Treeton and Wadlow, Much and John Clun and Nettlestone. We will meet back here at sun down." Robin said as he paced back and forth. Marian sat silently eating her breakfast as everyone else got up and readied themselves for the coming day. Once she was finished she handed her plate too Much and went in search of Robin. He had just finished splitting the food between each village. Marian leaned against a tree as she watched him speaking to his men, when he noticed her he looked up and smiled. She smiled back and waiting for him to finish. He grabbed two bags and headed towards her.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked. Marian nodded her answer. Robin slung the bags over his shoulder along with his bow, his quiver already being on his back, and took Marian's hand and they headed in the direction of Knighton.