Plans Gone Awry?
Sir Guy of Gisbourne was not a man accustomed to being kept waiting. Not at all. He was a man of importance. He issued orders to his men or his staff and he was obeyed quickly and without question. He merely had to snap his fingers and he could have his pick of female companionship for the night. No, he was not a man who liked to be kept waiting. So it was with great impatience that he had been pacing the castle courtyard, for the past twenty minutes or more, doing just that.
Waiting.
Waiting for Marian to join him. He had made arrangements to spend a few hours riding with her and he was quite anxious for them to be on their way before the Sheriff invented some 'urgent' business to keep him at the castle. He had been able to spend very little time with her away from the castle lately and he was determined that nothing should ruin their plans.
So he swallowed his impatience as best he could and he waited.
He was, in fact, feeling more optimistic regarding their relationship than he had been in some time. Even when they had been engaged to be married, he had always been well aware of the fact that she had agreed to the arrangement under duress. She'd needed the protection that he'd offered to her and her father and she'd been left with little option other than marrying him. It had always been painfully obvious that he was the pursuer and that she merely accepted his attention as a matter of strained politeness.
She had never hidden that fact.
But now things were changing, he could tell. Everything felt different. She was different. Now it was often she who sought him out for company or conversation and he found himself very hopeful that they were, once again, headed toward matrimony. Only this time it would be different. This time he wouldn't need to lie to her. This time they could come together as friends and equals and perhaps he could even start to rely on her goodness and generosity of spirit to help soothe some of the hurt and angry pride he'd carried with him for so long.
He knew that he wasn't exactly what she desired in an ideal husband and that status and wealth were not nearly enough to win the heart of a woman like Marian. And he also acknowledged that there were aspects to his personality and his job description of which she disapproved. But he recognized that she was, at last, willing to take a chance on the two of them finding their way together. That she, too, seemed hopeful that they could smooth out one another's rough edges and bring out the best in each other. Guy wanted that more than he'd ever wanted anything before.
And now that this ridiculous Saracen money exchange was nearing completion, he would be able to move Marian and her father back to Knighton. He knew that Marian's father was less than comfortable being at the castle, and the old man would surely be impressed when Guy arranged to have them return to their family home. That would greatly ease the tension between him and Sir Edward who, he knew, still did not quite approve of him as a husband for his only daughter.
But Sir Edward had always been far too indulgent with the woman, as far as he was concerned, and it had led her to no good end. Once the two were able to resume their courtship, however, he was in little doubt of the fact that her father would see the positive influence a firm hand could have in guiding a free-spirited woman such as Marian.
Although, Guy had to admit that a part of him secretly loved her spirit and her courage. And he had the feeling there was still so much more to her that he had yet to uncover. But he would help her see that she must rein in her defiance and not make an enemy of the Sheriff. He would teach her the way the game was played. He would help her see the benefits of behaving in a manner befitting the future Lady Gisbourne. Together, they would be an unstoppable team.
"Sir!" Came a frantic voice from behind him, interrupting his musings. "Sir!"
Guy turned to see one of his lower ranking guards approaching...one of the many he did not know by either face or name "What is it?" He asked in an irritated voice.
"Sir, we've spotted one of Hood's men climbin' down the wall from the part of the castle being used by the visitors. We gave chase but `e got away." The man panted, obviously winded from running to deliver this news as quickly as possible.
Damn! "Are there men stationed at all exit points?" He asked quickly. Sadly, his outing with Marian would have to wait.
"Yes Sir."
"Good. I'll take a group of guards up to that wing of the castle in case any more of Hoods men are lurking about. You wait here for the Lady Marian to arrive. Explain to her that something urgent has come up and that I won't be able to join her. Do not tell her what has happened. Then escort her back to her rooms and make sure she stays there until I come for her. Do you understand me?" Guy growled.
"Yes Sir." The man answered.
"Good. What is your name?"
"Smith, Sir." He said.
"Well, Smith, if anything should happen to Lady Marian or if she is not in her room when I come for her, I will hold you personally responsible. Have I made myself clear?"
"Perfectly, Sir."
"Good." And with that, Gisbourne strode off purposefully. Hopefully he could have this problem solved before he had to bring it to the Sheriff's attention. If he could capture Hood or one of his men in the process, all the better. But right now he would settle for keeping them as far away from the Sheriff's guest and his money as possible.
"You!" Sir Guy barked, in the general direction of the head of a group of guards to his left, as he stormed his way further into the castle. "Take half of your men and scour the castle and the grounds from top to bottom. Hood's men have been spotted and I want them found now. The rest of you, come with me."
When they reached the Saracen wing, they were stopped in their tracks by a group of rather large Saracen guards with swords drawn.
"Stand aside. We have reason to believe there may be criminals in this part of the castle and we need to get through to search as quickly as possible." Gisbourne ordered, earning him confused and angry looks from the Saracens, but no compliance.
"I said stand aside!" He repeated, attempting to move forward through the wall of Saracen guards.
"La!" Said the largest of the men, who also appeared to be the one in charge, with a firm shake of his head. He put his hand on Gisbourne's chest and held him at bay, causing Gisbourne's own guards to draw their weapons instantly.
"No! Sheath your weapons." Gisbourne ordered his men, backing off considerably. As much as he would relish the chance at seeing all of these foreigners run through with English swords, he knew that the Sheriff, on behalf of Prince John, needed to keep their guest—as well as his father—happy. "Where is your master?" He then demanded of the largest Saracen.
"Lam afham." The man responded, once again giving a firm shake of his head.
"Your master. Your master." Sir Guy spat angrily, having a very difficult time keeping his temper in check. "Where is he? I must speak with him. There is no time to lose. Justget him!"
"Lam afham." The large man repeated.
"Rashid." Gisbourne said through gritted teeth, having finally managed to recall the name. "Get me Rashid!"
The large man at last seemed to understand. "LaHza!" He said in Sir Guy's direction and then turned and whispered something to one of his own men who nodded and hurried off down the hallway.
In a moment, Rashid appeared looking very concerned.
Sir Guy, wasting no time, said, "Forgive me, Sir, but we must—Where is your translator?" He asked suddenly, looking around and realizing he wouldn't get very far without one.
"Ill." Came the heavily accented reply.
Seeing as the answer was given in English, Gisbourne took the chance at continuing. "I see. Well I need access to your rooms. There may be criminals on the loose in the castle and we must capture them as well as secure the money. However, your men will not allow me to pass."
"No. Sorry. No pass." Rashid stated firmly.
"You do not understand!" Growled Gisbourne.
"Vaysey. Where is Vaysey?" Rashid asked.
"He is elsewhere in the castle. He would want you to let me through!"
"No. Bring Vaysey." And with that, Rashid turned and walked back down the hall, his guards resuming their positions with weapons drawn, allowing no one to pass.
In another part of the castle, Sheriff Vaysey sat back and stretched languidly, having just finished a leisurely and very satisfying breakfast. He allowed himself a moment to enjoy his victory. Well, perhaps more than just a mere moment. After all, he deserved it.
Prince John had been negotiating this deal for many months now and had been beside himself at being unable to properly motivate Rusher or Hasheem, or whatever his name was, to simply accept the money and go home. That was until he, Vaysey, had once again offered his services. And, once again, he had come through where others had failed.
Although he had not, in fact, expected it to be so very easy. He had assumed he would have to employ some nasty persuasive tactics and then perhaps even scare the boy clean out of his wits before he'd be able to get him to comply. But, surprisingly, it had only taken a few days and the boy had come to him.
Ah well. All the better. Who was he to look a gift horse in the mouth? Hm? If Hasheem requested the payment and was ready to be on his way, then what was the harm in allowing Prince John to believe that just the right amount of pressure had been applied to achieve the desired end?
In fact, the Sheriff had wasted no time in dispatching a messenger to London last night to alert the Prince that everything had been done just as he had instructed. Prince John could now be in absolutely no doubt as to his loyalty and would surely reward him when he sat on the throne of England as its one and only ruler.
Ah yes. Who else had proven himself as loyal or as willing to do any task, no matter the danger or seeming impossibility? Vaysey would most assuredly find himself at the Prince's right hand, surrounded by wealth and luxury and very far away from the stench of Nottingham.
He was drawn from his pleasant daydream by the sound of Gisbourne clearing his throat loudly from the doorway. "Now Gizzy. Why so glum this morning? Hm? Why aren't you smiling when there is so much to smile about? Come now." He said affecting a sympathetic tone as well as a deep frown as he batted his eyelashes mockingly at the other man. "Has your little leper friend rebuffed your advances yet again? Tsk tsk."
"M'Lord, we have a problem." Gisbourne said as quickly yet carefully as possible.
"A what?" He cupped his hand around his ear as if he hadn't quite heard. "A problem you say? No no no no no, Gizzy. A problem is the one thing we'd better not have this morning." The Sheriff said with a dangerous smile, the morning sunlight glinting off the ruby in his tooth.
"There's a...situation, M'Lord, and it requires your immediate attention. One of Hood's men was spotted leaving the castle and I fear that the money you have just paid out may have been compromised." Sir Guy instinctively ducked as he delivered the final words of his rehearsed speech.
And with good reason.
"What!" The Sheriff now made no pretense of smiling, and instead rose so quickly that he knocked over his chair. He then flew out from behind his table, hurling objects at Gisbourne as he went. "One of Hood's men? Near my money? How could this happen? Gisbourne, you idiot! How could this happen? Tell me you captured him!"
"Um, no M'Lord." He muttered. "He got away. But I am attempting to search the visitors' wing of the castle in order to verify that the money has not been taken, but I have been barred access by those...by your guest and his minions. They will not allow anyone to pass but you, M'Lord."
"Well why are we standing here?" And he shoved past Gisbourne on his way out the door, bellowing as he went. "Guards! Guards!"
Gisbourne—who was trying desperately to perfect a balance between following quickly, lest the Sheriff become even more agitated, and maintaining a safe distance, lest the Sheriff feel the desire to strike someone—ventured to make a statement, "M'Lord, I have guards in the Saracen wing already. They are awaiting your arrival."
"Well why didn't you say so, you fool? Let's go!"
They made their way up to the Saracen wing of the castle very quickly, the Sheriff stomping and spewing venomous threats at anyone and everyone as they went. When they arrived, they were stopped in their tracks by the same guards. Only this time, once they spotted the Sheriff, one of them scurried off immediately to alert his master.
Rashid once again came out to meet them looking very frazzled. "Vaysey." Rashid nodded in greeting.
"Yes, yes. We need to come through. There are outlaws on the loose, you see. Please, have your men step aside." The Sheriff ordered impatiently with a wave of his hand.
"Out laws?" Rashid asked in apparent confusion.
"Yes, outlaws. That's what I said. Now move aside, Hasheem—"
"It's 'Rashid', M'Lord." Gisbourne provided helpfully, earning him a scowl from the Sheriff.
"Whatever your name is," the Sheriff continued with barely veiled contempt, "I must get through here immediately to ensure that the Prince's money is secure."
"My money." Rashid corrected in much better English.
"What? Oh. Yes, fine. Your money then. But you clearly do not understand. These men are of an...unsavory sort. They are criminals and they have no regard for the law or for the property of good men such as yourself. Their leader is a menace and a perpetual thorn in my side. We must see to the money at once. Don't you see?" Vaysey was now becoming desperate. He was beginning to wonder just how much trouble he would be in with Prince John if he simply had this Hasheem fellow and his guards moved out of his way by force, when the man before him spoke.
"Come then. This way." Rashid said, indicating with a wave of his hand that the Sheriff should follow him.
Vaysey stepped forward gingerly, eying the armed Saracen guards as he went, though they made no further move to block his path. His guest then led him down the hall to the last room on the left and gestured for him to enter. As he did so, he saw all of the chests he had handed over the night before, seemingly undisturbed.
"See? No criminals. The money is safe." Rashid explained in heavily accented English.
"Ah. Yes well, I'm sure you won't object to my men searching anyway. Hm?" It was not really a question.
"Search quickly. Then go." Rashid said with finality, stepping aside to allow the Sheriff's guards enough room to look around and ordering his own people to do the same.
"Gisbourne!" The Sheriff bellowed loudly.
"I am right here, M'Lord." Came a voice from right behind him.
"Oh. Good. I want every inch of this wing searched. And when you've finished here, I want the entire castle searched from top to bottom."
"It is already being taken care of." Sir Guy answered.
"It had better be." The Sheriff stated menacingly before turning to go. But just as he reached the end of the corridor he stopped and returned to the room at the end of the hall and addressed Rashid. "Are those different locks?"
"Yes." Came Rashid's reply.
"I want those chests opened." The Sheriff stated.
"What?" Rashid asked, clearly shaken at the request.
"I. Want. Those. Chests. Opened." He repeated slowly, an odd look crossing his face. "Now."
"But why?" Rashid questioned nervously.
"I want to see for myself that the money is, indeed, undisturbed. Now where is the key?"
"Here." Rashid answered, patting the side of his robe. "My money. My locks. My key."
"Now look here." Gisbourne addressed Rashid angrily but was cut short by a stern look from the Sheriff.
"Listen, Hasheem—er, Rusher—er, whatever. You have obviously failed to grasp the severity of this situation. Your father and Prince John have an agreement, yes? You and I are merely the facilitators of said agreement and as such we have a responsibility to see to it that this money is kept safe until it reaches its destination. Surely we want the same things here. I merely want to reassure myself that this rather substantial amount of money is exactly where it should be. You can certainly not object to such a...request." He said the last word with more than a slight hint of malice, for Vaysey was not accustomed to making requests.
"I...I suppose that is so." Rashid said uncertainly, looking around. "I...I will open them." And he fished the key out of his robes and, with a shaky hand, walked over to the nearest chest and opened the lock. When he flung back the lid, the Sheriff exhaled audibly, clearly relieved to see that the money was, indeed, present. Rashid closed the lid, securing the lock in place and then went about the same process with several subsequent chests until the Sheriff seemed satisfied.
"Sir, there's nobody here." One of the guards reported to Gisbourne, who, in turn, reported the same to the Sheriff.
"See? All is well." Rashid concluded, gesturing for Vaysey and his men to be on their way.
"So it would appear." Said the Sheriff. "Gisbourne!" He bellowed, only to once again discover the man he sought standing immediately to his rear.
"Yes, M'Lord?"
"Round up your men and get them out of here." And he turned to sweep from the room.
"Do you really think that is wise?" Gisbourne questioned. "We may have gotten lucky this time, M'Lord, but we may not be so lucky the next. If Hood has gotten word of this exchange, he will surely not give up until he has his hands on the money."
"Mm. Yes. Good thinking for once, Gisbourne. Fine. Keep four of your men posted outside this room at all times."
"No!" Rashid insisted. "I have my own guards. You have intruded too much. Go now."
Ignoring him, Gisbourne continued to address the Sheriff. "I fear that may not be sufficient. You will recall, I am sure, the quick work that fake Abbess made of cleaning you out some time ago. She went out the window, making off with the tax money before anyone knew that anything was amiss. Surely Prince John would not be pleased with a similar mistake again, M'Lord."
"You let me worry about pleasing Prince John!" The Sheriff said sharply. "But, you do have a point. What do you suggest?"
"I was thinking of the strongroom. It was constructed for just such a purpose and it's impenetrable."
"Hold on!" Rashid began, scanning the crowd frantically. "You cannot simply come here and take—" But he stopped abruptly and nodded slowly instead. "Fine. Take it. For safe keeping only until I depart." He said resignedly.
"Wonderful. Don't mind if I do." Said the Sheriff, beaming. "See to it Gisbourne."
"Yes, M'Lord."
"By the way." Vaysey addressed Rashid. "Where is that impatient little fellow? The one who translates for you? He was much easier to talk to."
"Apparently he is ill." Gisbourne answered instead.
"Ah. Pity. Well, carry on Gisbourne. Carry on." And with that, the Sheriff finally turned and, with great pomp and ceremony, strode back down the corridor and out of sight.
The Previous Night...
"Well it seems that we have a long night ahead of us." Will said to Djaq after Rashid left them alone with the chests of money.
"That we have." She agreed with a smile, moving closer to where he stood. "I will open the shutters and give the signal." And she grabbed a lit torch as she moved toward the window. She threw open the shutters and waved the torch back and forth three times in the air, as was the agreed upon signal to Robin and the others.
As she replaced the torch in its bracket on the wall, Will said, "I was thinking of hollowing out the mattress to put the bags of money in. What d'you think?"
"That is a good idea. We will not be sleeping on it tonight anyway." She answered, settling on the floor near him and beginning to open the chests.
"I have to admit, I'll miss sleeping on something so soft and comfortable." He said. "I don't think I ever slept as well as I did last night. Although...I'm sure it had more to do with you being beside me than what we were sleeping on." He grinned as he leaned over and kissed her cheek sweetly.
"Oi! Stop that! What are you two trying to do? Blind me?" Came Allan's teasing voice as he climbed in from the window tugging on the end of a rope and hoisting up several large and heavy sacks filled with rocks. Will got up immediately and went to help.
"See John. I told you they shouldn't be trusted all alone together." Allan leaned out the window and called down. "I had to pry 'em off each other."
John, after climbing in and looking none too pleased about the height or the comment, merely grunted.
"Stop exaggerating, Allan." Will admonished. "And keep it down, will you?"
"Besides, if you are scandalized by such an innocent kiss, then you are not the Allan A 'Dale that I know and love. Now get over here and start helping us. We have a lot to do tonight." Djaq paused to look behind the two men who had just joined them. "Where are the others? I thought that we were all going to remove the money together. That is what Robin said."
"Relax. Robin stopped in to see our mutual friend, as usual. But he'll be here." Allan answered.
"And the prattler went with him. Also as usual." John added with rolled eyes.
"And thank the Lord for small favors!" Allan declared, throwing his hands up. "He hasn't shut up once the whole night. Even while we were standing in the Great Hall, mere feet away from the Sheriff and Gisbourne who are just waiting for the chance to fry our bacon I might add, he still muttered to himself the entire time. 'I hope nobody recognizes us...These guard uniforms are itchy...I wonder if Robin knows what he's doing this time?...Boy that meat looks tasty...Is that cake?' On and on and on."
"Ah. I take it that he is not fond of this plan, then? Cake and meat aside, of course." Djaq asked with a smile.
"When is that one ever satisfied with a plan?" John asked.
"Ahem. I quote," Allan cleared his throat and spoke in his best Much-voice, although it was slightly higher pitched than was really necessary, "We're doing all this practically under the Sheriff's nose and we don't even get to eat the cake!"
"You were thinking that too? So was I. It did look tempting." Much agreed wholeheartedly as he appeared at the window, causing the others to burst into fits of giggles.
"Shh!" Djaq admonished, regaining control of herself. "These halls are crawling with people just beyond that door! No one is supposed to know that we are in here. Remember?"
Everyone quieted down and tried to stifle their laughter as best they could. Much, who was still uncertain as to what had sparked the laughing fit to begin with, said, "Oh. Marian is coming too. She wanted to help and Robin told her she could."
"I wonder if that's a good idea." Will stated. "It's late. What if Gisbourne figures out she's not in her chamber at this hour?"
"I told him I wasn't feeling well and would be taking a sleeping drought. He won't try to disturb me tonight." Marian answered as she preceded Robin in through the still open window.
"Are you sure that is wise, Marian? What if you are seen?" Djaq asked her.
"The same could be said for the rest of you as well. But you're all here." She bristled.
"Yeah, but we're outlaws. Everybody expects to find us up to no good. If you get caught, you're gonna have some serious explaining to do." Allan said with a shake of his head.
"She'll be alright as long as we stay in here and keep it down. Besides, she's with me." Robin assured them, flashing his 'hero of the people' smile and making everyone, including Marian, groan.
So the seven of them sat on the floor of Djaq's temporary bedroom, each with a chest in front of him or her, and proceeded to scoop the money into bags as silently as possible. They all talked quietly while they worked. They laughed and joked and even took turns telling stories, and it ended up being very much like any comfortable evening spent in the forest.
Except for Marian's presence, of course. She almost never came out to the camp at night unless it couldn't possibly be helped. But it felt right to have her there with them, almost like she was a regular member of the gang. Everyone was at ease and, although there was much to get done, the time and the work seemed to pass quickly enough.
"So have you given any thought to where we can keep the money, Will?" Robin asked.
"I was going to hollow out the mattress and store the bags inside. I doubt the Sheriff would think to look there when he comes up here." Will answered.
"He won't have any reason to. He'll be looking for us, not the money. As far as he'll be concerned, the money will still be locked up in the chests." Robin agreed.
"But why are we involving the Sheriff and Gisbourne at all anyway?" Much asked. "It just seems stupid to go out of our way to get their attention. And then to bring them up here to the very room where the money is? It still doesn't make sense to me."
"Because making them think that the money is at risk in this part of the castle is the only way to be certain that they take it—or what they think is it—to another part of the castle." Will explained. "That way they'll focus their attention on wherever they move the money to, and not here."
"Right. That way we keep them as far away from the actual money as possible and, when Rashid and his people leave for home, that will leave us free move the money out without arousing suspicion." Robin added.
"It still seems a bit risky, though. Why do we have to leave the money here in the castle anyway? Once we have it all in bags, why can't we just take it with us to the forest?" Allan asked.
"We would never be able to get that much money out of here without being detected. It's heavy, it'll jangle and make all sorts of noise, plus there's just too much of it. It would take the six of us several trips each in order to carry it all while climbing down from this height. But if we're patient, and all goes according to plan, we should be able to safely walk right out the front door with it in a few days' time." Robin told him.
"It's the part about everything going according to plan that has me worried." Much grumbled.
"Come on, Much." Robin coaxed. "Why do you hate this plan so much? It's a good plan and it can work."
"It can. But it can also fail. Miserably." He countered.
"Oh ye of little faith." Robin teased. "The Sheriff is nothing if not predictable. Once he and Gisbourne get wind of the money being in danger, they'll move it somewhere they can keep a closer eye on it. They won't know we've already taken it. They'll make sure the chests are well guarded and then, when Rashid leaves Nottingham, the Sheriff will send most of his men along—to keep us from attacking his retinue—and that will leave the castle practically unguarded. No one will even notice a cart full of dirty old linens being taken right out the front gate. They'll be too busy worrying about the money that is supposedly on its way to the Holy Land. Trust me. It'll be easy."
"Easy may be overstating things a bit. But I do agree that it can work. I will just have to be certain that Rashid can pull off the deception. I haven't told him this part of it yet. I did not wish to give him any more to fret over than is necessary at one time." Djaq said.
"Yeah, I've been thinking about that." Will spoke a little uncertainly. "What if he doesn't know we have the money?"
"I do not understand. Of course he will know." Djaq answered.
"But what if we don't tell him we've taken it? What if we just let him think that the Sheriff has locked away the chests with the money still inside? That way he won't have to do so much pretending and there's less chance of him messing things up. For us and for him." He explained.
"But he will be heartbroken. He wants so badly to succeed at this and stop what his father is doing. He will be so disappointed." Djaq said.
"Maybe that's what's best for him." Will said gently.
"What are you saying, Will?" Robin asked.
"Look, you've seen how nervous he is." Will answered. "You've said yourself, Djaq, that he's not cut out for this. His father doesn't sound like the sort of man who will be very easy to fool. Especially when Rashid is not very good at pretending. But if he thinks we've failed and that we were interrupted by the Sheriff before we had a chance to get the money, he'll be just as shocked as his father when the chests are opened and there's nothing in them but a few coins and a bunch of river rocks. Rashid will be confused and he won't really know for sure if we actually did take the money or if the Sheriff and Prince John double crossed his father. I was just thinking that maybe his startled reaction will be enough to keep him safe from his father."
"But can you do this without his help?" Marian asked.
"I think we can. His job is done, for the most part." John said thoughtfully.
Robin nodded. "Djaq?"
"John is right." Djaq agreed. "Rashid does not need to be involved in the rest of it. When the Sheriff comes up here tomorrow and demands to see the money, I will instruct Rashid on how to respond. He does not have to know that we have already removed it. Thank you, Will." She said, touching his cheek.
"What for?" He asked, reddening slightly.
"It is very kind of you to consider his safety." She responded softly. "So, have you all decided which of you will approach Gisbourne in the morning?" She asked, turning her attention to the entire group.
"I will." Allan answered with a grin. "I get to enjoy the perks that go along with wearing the guard uniform for a bit longer."
"What 'perks'? These stupid uniforms are itchy and uncomfortable." Much whined.
"Yeah but the kitchen girls seem to love a man in uniform and they always throw some extras my way." He said, grin widening.
"Food or kisses?" Djaq asked.
"Take your pick." Allan answered with a waggle of his brows.
"I pick food." Much declared.
"Yeah, well, you would." Allan laughed and the others followed suit.
"So I've made plans to meet with Guy in the morning so that he'll be waiting in the courtyard when it's time for you to talk to him. He thinks we're going riding, so he'll probably be alone. I thought that would make it easier for you." Marian said to Allan.
"Aw. Poor Gisbourne. He'll be so disappointed to miss your lovely outing." Said Robin in a tone that was clearly less than sorrowful.
"Ah well. Maybe I'll make it up to him later." Marian replied in a falsely sweet voice. Robin suddenly lost any humor. "I'm only teasing, Robin, and you know it."
"That's not funny, Marian." He replied sulkily.
They worked as the night progressed, scooping out coins as quickly and quietly as they could, and enjoying the banter while they tried to keep their minds off the sleep none of them would be getting that night.
When Djaq excused herself—for the third time—to slip behind the curtain where the chamber pot was kept, Marian mouthed the word 'Again?' to Much who merely shrugged.
Allan, however, catching the exchange, decided to explain. "Yeah. She does that a lot lately. You get used to it. Sometimes at night though, she goes so much that I wake up and think it's raining. But nope...it's just Djaq...peeing again."
Robin, John and even Will laughed heartily at this, but Much looked shocked. "You're disgusting Allan." Much said.
"What? It's funny." Allan feigned being wounded.
"I can hear you, you know!" Came a threatening voice from behind the curtain.
"Yeah? Well we can hear you too and it sounds like rain." Allan quipped.
"Very funny." She answered dryly as she came back to join the others.
"I must say, Djaq. I'm impressed. I think your chamber may be even nicer than mine. And these do not look like the Sheriff's standard furnishings. Your Saracen friend must be a man of considerable wealth and importance." Marian observed.
"Yes. These are his own belongings that he brought with him from home." Djaq answered. "And he has been very kind to me. To both of us, actually." She said with a smile in Will's direction.
"So you and he were childhood friends. Right?" Marian asked.
"Yes, I suppose that you could describe it that way. Our families have known one another for several generations, so we always saw him at weddings and other social gatherings. And he sometimes spent time at our home." Djaq explained.
"And his father's got like twenty wives! Tell her." Allan prodded Djaq when Marian looked at him in disbelief.
"Not twenty, Allan." Will laughed.
"A lot, though. Like ten or something." Allan insisted.
"Six." Djaq corrected.
"Six? All at once? That's just...barbaric." Marian cringed.
"Barbaric? Hardly. It is actually somewhat common where I come from." Djaq answered simply. She was not offended by Marian's statement, as she herself often mentally expressed the same sentiments regarding certain English customs with which she was unfamiliar.
"Really? Those poor women. It must be so terrible for them. Being pushed aside, having to compete for their husband's attention." Marian continued with a shake of her head.
"They must not mind it too much. They agree to it, don't they? Maybe they like it that way." Allan offered with a shrug.
"You all don't know how it is over there. The women in that part of the world have very little freedom. They're considered the property of their father or husband and they must marry where they are told or face banishment or even death." Much explained to the group in a very solemn and authoritative manner, leaving Djaq unable to do anything but burst into laughter.
Everyone stopped sorting the money and stared at her in shock.
"I would think that you, of all people, would be sympathetic, Djaq. It's not funny." Much chided.
"No it really isn't. I think it's quite sad, actually." Marian agreed with a frown.
"Are you serious?" Djaq, having finally recovered herself, asked no one in particular. "Much, wherever did you hear such ridiculous nonsense as that?" Much squirmed and stammered under her gaze and she noticed that Robin, at least, had the decency to cast his eyes down.
"Well...I...I mean Robin says..." His voice trailed off as he looked to his leader for help but found him completely absorbed in a piece of lint on the carpeting.
"Uh huh. That is what I thought. Robin why did you tell him such a thing?" Djaq asked him sternly.
"I don't understand. Isn't that so?" Will asked her.
"Absolutely not! The women in my homeland are the property of no one. Frankly speaking, from what I have observed, we have more rights than your average European woman." She answered heatedly.
"But you used to say that if your people could see you running around the forest dressed in trousers and living with men, they would disown you." Will reminded her.
"I do not recall telling you that I would be disowned. But they would be shocked, that is true." She admitted.
"See?" Much said.
"Marian? Was your father very understanding when you first became the Nightwatchman?" Djaq asked her innocently.
"Well, he didn't actually find out about my activities for a few years." She answered, caught off guard by the abrupt change in subject.
"Oh. Why?" Djaq asked.
"He found out quite by accident, really. I would never have told him willingly. He would not have understood."
"Is he opposed to acts of charity, then?" Djaq pressed her.
"No. No of course not. But I knew that he would disapprove of the idea of me dressing up and sneaking around and putting myself in dangerous situations. He—Oh." She reddened. "You tried to trick me, Djaq. That was not very nice." But she smiled in understanding.
"I am sorry. But I think that we can all agree that Sir Edward is an honorable and decent man and that he is a caring father. Is it so strange, then, that my own people would find my behavior here somewhat untraditional?" Djaq asked them.
"No. I guess not." Will said after thinking for a moment. "It's just that Robin always told us that women over there are heavily guarded and that they must be chaperoned at all times. He said that they are hidden away and regarded as possessions."
"Robin!" Djaq admonished.
"Djaq, I meant no disrespect. But when I was in the Holy Land, the only time I ever saw your women was peeking out of upper windows or scurrying from one building to another before they could be seen. They did not go about in general society." Robin told her.
"Oh I see. So if an invading army marched into Nottingham tomorrow, your men would send their women out to greet the invaders, would they? They would surely not try to keep their wives and mothers and daughters safe by keeping them inside and away from the very men who were sent to slaughter them. No. That would be barbaric." She laughed again, this time without any mirth. Will tried to put a soothing hand on her lower back, which she allowed, but it did nothing to calm her. "You were a stranger in my land, Robin. Did you never consider that the women were hiding from you?" Djaq responded.
"Well, no." Robin admitted. "But—"
"But you've said yourself that marriages over there are arranged." Much insisted. "Remember when Robin performed the marriage of Eleri and Harri from Locksley last year? You kept saying over and over how odd it was that they had chosen one another by themselves instead of having their families arrange it. You said that in your homeland, families decide on suitable marriage partners, not foolish young people who think they're in love. That's what you said."
"There is a vast difference between an arranged marriage and a forced one. Is there not? And are you telling me that there are no arranged marriages between your Nobles here in England? You, Robin, were betrothed to Marian since you were children. No?" Robin, Marian and Much all nodded.
"The difference is that we take all marriages seriously. Not only those of the upper classes. Where I come from, a marriage is considered more than simply the joining of two hearts and two people. It is a contract. It is a bond between families and it represents faith and honor and many other things." She looked at them all pointedly and then turned her attention back to Much.
"But I am certain that I never implied that our women were forced to marry men against their wishes." She told him. "In fact, Mohamed taught that a father may not compel his daughter to marry where she does not wish it. And the Qur'an states very plainly that a man, once married, must honor his wife and treat her with kindness and respect. So our women are very well protected, yes. Just not in the way that you believed. We have rights and freedoms, we own property, some even have professions, we are given the same education as men. How many European women can say the same?"
"Calm down, lass." John said soothingly. "No one is arguing anymore." And he turned and gave a hard look in Much's direction.
"I am not angry, John. It is just...People should not state something as a fact when they really do not know. That leads to ignorance and prejudice. But I am not angry. I did not mean to speak as if I were. I understand that there are misconceptions between our people. We are so different that there are bound to be. Before I came here, I had many ideas about Europeans in general. And most of them have been proven false during my time with all of you. But I believed what I heard simply because I knew no differently. You should not believe or repeat everything you are told, Much." She said in a gentler tone of voice.
"What sorts of things?" Marian asked. When Djaq looked confused, she elaborated. "You said that you had false ideas about Europeans before you came here. Like what?" She asked curiously.
"I would rather not say." Djaq responded with a slightly guilty smile. "But, for what it is worth Marian, the idea of a man having multiple wives does not really appeal to me either."
"You never have to worry about that. You'll always be more than enough for me." Will whispered in her ear making her smile.
"But I would not go so far as to call it barbaric." She continued. "Allan is right. The women usually do not seem to mind the arrangement and are, in fact, very well provided for. As are their children. Still, it would not suit me."
"I'm glad to hear it, Djaq. I know that I could never abide such a thing either." Marian said with a pointed look in Robin's direction.
"Oh I don't know. The idea doesn't sound so bad to me." He said, earning him a punch in the arm. "Ow!"
"Only if I could have several husbands. That way, when one of them vexed me, I could simply send him to his room and pick up with another." She smiled wickedly at him.
"Now that is something that will never be allowed in any culture or religion." Djaq rolled her eyes at the pair.
"You never know. Maybe some day. We can hope, can't we?" Marian responded, her smile widening for Robin's benefit.
"No. It would never work. It can not." Djaq insisted with a shake of her head for emphasis.
"Why not?" Marian asked.
"Children." John stated simply.
"That's right. If a man has more than one wife, there is no question as to the parentage of whatever children he has. He is their father and their mother is, obviously, whichever woman gave birth to them. But if a woman had more than one husband, it would be much more difficult to determine her children's true parentage. And no man wants to leave his estate to another man's child." Djaq explained.
"So is this how you all normally spend your evenings together?" Asked Marian with a smile. "Dissecting complex issues of race and religion?"
"Hardly." Will laughed. "We usually sit around the fire and discuss the day's events or tomorrow's plans or someone tells a story or something."
"Do not be too charmed by it Marian. The truth is that very often we get on one another's nerves so badly that we spend the entire evening either bickering or trying to ignore one another." Djaq added.
"Well, I'm sorry you seem to have such a miserable time with us. I always thought you enjoyed our company." Allan sulked.
"You see what I mean." She said to Marian. And then to Allan, "Of course we have good times. I just do not want Marian to get the wrong idea."
"And just what would that be?" Much asked.
"That our lives are easy or like some endless party. To someone who does not spend every day with us, I imagine that being an outlaw might even seem glamorous. They might not consider the days when we are cold or hungry or soaking wet. Or the times when we are stuck inside the camp for days on end. It is not always exciting or even dangerous. Sometimes it can get rather boring. I just think that Marian should be aware of everything. Not just the good times."
"But you still love it though, don't you Djaq?" Marian asked her seriously.
"Yes." She admitted, her face softening. "I do. Very much. We are a family and we work very well together. I would not trade any of these silly men for anything and they know it."
"I don't know about that. You sure ditched us fast enough for the chance to stay in this fancy room." Much teased. "Although I suppose that Will is just as guilty of that as you are."
"We're not guilty of ditching anyone, Much. We're here as part of the mission. That's all." Will answered with a chuckle. "And if we happen to enjoy a little privacy and luxury while we're here, well that can't be helped."
"That reminds me." Robin said, having emptied his second chest and starting on a third. "I meant to ask you Djaq. What made you change your mind about telling Rashid you were married? I thought we agreed it would be better if he didn't know."
"Yes. That had been my intention. But he kept trying to get me to return to Acre with him, so I finally figured out that the only way to convince him I was really serious about staying here was to tell him about Will."
"You didn't tell me that." Will said accusingly.
"I did not think that it was important." She blinked, startled by his tone.
"How could it not be important?" He asked with a hint of pain in his voice. "You're my wife and the mother of my child. If some other man wanted to take my family away from me, I think I have a right to know." He said in desperation.
"You are making far too much out of this." She whispered as quietly as possible, not enjoying being a spectacle for the others. "First of all, he did not know that I was your wife when he offered to escort me home. That is the whole point. I told him about you so that he would know how happy I am here and that I have no intention of leaving. No matter how many times he brings it up. And now he understands." She added, somewhat confused and hurt over his very public reaction.
Silence.
From everyone.
"The offer was not made as some sort of romantic gesture!" She grudgingly explained to the group after the very uncomfortable silence had become nearly unbearable. "I had already told him that I was brought here against my will and that Robin and the rest of you rescued me from the Sheriff. I needed him to understand why I trusted Robin with my life and why he should as well. But then he assumed that I had only stayed this long because I feared facing the people back home after I had run off so abruptly. He thought that maybe I was ashamed of things that had happened to me and the choices I had made and he wanted me to know that he would help me. As a brother might. That is all."
"I'm sorry, Djaq. Of course he would offer you the chance to go home. I shouldn't've acted that way." Will said with genuine contrition.
"I suppose that I should have mentioned it to you. I was not trying to conceal it. I really did not think that it was important. I thought that you knew I would never leave. Not now." She told him.
"What about before, though?" Much asked sadly. "If he had come before you were with Will, would you have left us?"
"How can I answer that, Much?" She asked uncomfortably.
"Easy. Just say yes or no." He said.
"But it is not easy. How can I know what I would have done if things were different? I do not think that I would have gone. I have been happy here. But I can not know for certain. Remember, I could have gone home at almost any time if I had wanted to. I could have returned with Prince Malik last year. For that matter, I could have gone back with the other captives when Robin offered me the chance the first day that I met all of you. I chose to remain here."
"Because of what you said? Because you were afraid to face people after running away?" Much asked.
"What? No. What are you talking about, Much? And why are you asking all of these personal questions anyway? You are always impertinent but even you have never shown the slightest interest in my reasons for being here."
"It's just that I always thought you decided to join us that first day because you were grateful for being freed and because...well...because you didn't have anything to go back to in the Holy Land. No family, no home. I...I thought you were like us...that you'd lost everything. We shared our lives and I always assumed that we became...became your family and that this was your home." Much stammered.
"I am grateful. And you are my family. All of you. What has changed to make you think otherwise?" She asked.
"Well now you make it sound like you could have gone back any time and picked up right where you left off. And you say that this man, Rashid, treats you like a sister and he is clearly a very wealthy man. So it sounds like you still have friends and maybe even family over there who might welcome you back if you wanted and I guess it makes me wonder why you stayed here at all? If your family and his have known each other for generations, like you said, and he is as wealthy as he seems, then your relatives must be wealthy as well and you could probably have had a decent life over there. So why did you run away to begin with and why would you have wanted to stay with strangers and sleep on the ground and be cold and hungry and in constant danger when you could have been living the life of a Noble?" Much wondered.
"That is none of your business." She snapped. "You know what? I have grown tired of this. I am a very private person, you know. I have always been." She swept over all of them with an irritated glare. "I am weary of having my personal business discussed so openly all of the time now. Everyone is always making a discussion out of where I go, where I sleep, with whom I speak, whether I am being careful or not. I understand that part of that is inevitable because of the pregnancy and marriage and even a little bit because of my involvement in this mission. But this is too much! Now you want my thoughts and my memories as well? You go too far in your curiosity. Now do your work and leave me alone." She ordered angrily.
Will pulled her rigid form very close to him—which she neither resisted nor facilitated—and pressed his mouth against her ear. "Don't be upset. Much is just being Much. Ignore him." He whispered so that only she could hear. "And I really am sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I love you. Please don't be angry."
She nodded but said nothing. Neither did anyone else and the easy banter and general lightness of a few moments before was replaced with a strained sort of quiet and an extreme level of discomfort. Everyone pretended to concentrate on his or her task and no one wanted to take a chance on being the first to say something that might cause tempers to flare again. Finally, after taking several deep breaths and trying to restore some sense of balance to her thoughts and feelings, Djaq decided to speak.
"I have friends and family over there. But the people who were important to me are dead and gone." She began in a voice that sounded, even to her, like it belonged to someone else. She did not once look up from the chest of money she was sorting.
"You don't owe us any explanation." John said firmly.
But she continued. "Much is right about one thing. You all have shared every part of your lives with me and if you need this in order to understand me, then fine." She took another deep breath. "The family that I loved, and that loved me, is gone. You were correct when you assumed I had lost everything. I lost everything I loved. That is why I left. I did not want that life without them. I was a coward and did not even bother to say goodbye to anyone. I was selfish—"
"Djaq, you don't—" Will tried but she kept talking.
"I believed that I was the only person ever to suffer such a loss, so I ran off thinking that no one could possibly understand what I was going through. I made some questionable choices. The details are really none of your concern. They are private. But there are still a few people who care about me there, but most of them—if not all—believe me to be dead. Just another casualty of the endless Crusades. I learned that from Rashid on his first night here."
"Sorry, Djaq. I shouldn't have pried." Much said plaintively.
"Shh!" She hissed. "It is true that my family is wealthy, but my father was a simple man by nature and we lived rather more humbly than most of our relations. Still, we lived well. There is no point in trying to deny our wealth now, I suppose. I never brought it up because I was raised to understand that matters as intimate as one's finances are rather crude to disclose." She said pointedly. Much squirmed.
"Besides, that has not been a part of my life for a long time. I suppose that what you say is true, Much. After I was captured and brought here, I could probably have returned to Acre and made some claim on the estates of both of my parents and lived a life of relative comfort. But it never crossed my mind. I do not know why I decided to stay here with all of you in the beginning. I guess that I admired what you were trying to do for the poor and I thought that perhaps I could fight for something I believed in for a change. The hardships seemed small compared to that. Is that so different from the reasons that the rest of you started doing this? You could all have moved on and made a life elsewhere, I am certain. I stayed because it seemed the right choice for me at the time. Now this is my home. That is all you need to know. Do not ask me about this again. Please. Some things are painful to relive and I prefer to focus on the present. That is my right, is it not?"
"Of course it is." Robin said. "We're glad you chose to stay with us, Djaq. And John's right. You don't owe us any explanations."
"Ow!" Much exclaimed. "You kicked me!"
"I did not. And anyway, if I had, you'd deserve it for upsetting Djaq." Allan said.
"You did!" Much insisted, rubbing his leg. "And I didn't mean to upset her. I just didn't want her to leave us."
"Knock it off! Both of you." Robin ordered in a tone that they knew meant his patience was wearing thin.
"Allan, do not kick Much." Djaq said. "Much, would like me to take a look at your injury?" She asked. Much nodded and she got up and moved to where he sat on the floor. She went through the pretense of thoroughly inspecting every inch of his shin and then she replied in her most serious physician's tone, "There does not appear to be any permanent damage. But I will have to keep a close eye on you for a few days just to be certain. Just as a precaution, you should try to eat as much as possible for a few days. Physician's orders."
He smiled and took her hand for a brief moment, both of them accepting the unspoken olive branch that the other was extending.
Suddenly Marian began to chuckle. "I believe you about the bickering, Djaq, but you'll never convince me that things could ever be boring around here."
The rest of them started to laugh as well and some of the tension was eased. They immediately resumed their work and little by little, the conversation picked up again. When they had finally emptied the very last chest, they began the laborious task of filling them up with stones. Then they laid just enough coins over top of the stones to create the illusion that the chests were full of money. Will cut open the mattress and pulled out the filling—which he was surprised to find was made up of fine, silky feathers—before packing the bags of money in the casing and closing it back up.
As light began to pierce the sky, they were finally finished.
"Well, lads, I'd say that about does it." Robin announced "We should go now so that Djaq can get ready to deal with Rashid. Marian, I'll take you back to your room now. Allan, get your helmet on and get ready to meet with Gisbourne in a little while. The rest of us will meet you back at camp. Will, are you coming with us or staying here?"
"I'll be along in a minute. You go ahead." Will answered.
Robin nodded.
"Goodbye, Djaq." Marian gave a small wave.
"Goodbye, Marian. It was nice to have you working with us. I wish it could happen more often." Djaq said affectionately, earning her a grateful smile from the other woman.
The rest of the gang bid their farewells and departed until at last it was only Will and Djaq.
"Are you still angry with me?" Will asked carefully.
"We do not have time to discuss this matter at present. We will talk later." She answered shortly.
She was not angry with him, but she found herself faced with a problem she had not anticipated. There would surely be times when she and Will disagreed or even became angry with one another. That was normal in any relationship. But they would have to devise a plan for dealing with their issues away from the rest of the gang.
Not only was it embarrassing to her and to Will to discuss their private matters in a public setting, but it was unfair to the others as well. It was one thing for the six members of their group to have heated discussions in each other's presence, but it was quite another for a married couple to do so.
"Djaq." He swallowed hard over the lump that was forming in his throat. It had taken so long for them to get to the point where it seemed as if everything would finally work out between them. He couldn't believe that he had been so stupid as to throw it all away over some childish fit of jealousy. "Please. Please. I don't want to lose you. Not now."
She spun around to face him and pushed him against the wall with so much force that he feared she planned to do him bodily harm.
"Don't you ever let me hear you say anything like that again!" She had her palms pressed against his chest as she kept his shoulders pinned to the wall.
He was momentarily distracted by the surprising amount of strength she suddenly seemed to possess. It was disconcerting and more than a little frightening. She, sensing his fear and confusion, released him. "It is not about size or strength." She said in explanation, as if reading his thoughts—which was no less frightening to him. "It is about speed, pressure and catching your opponent off guard. One day I will teach you. A woman as small as I am does not survive so long fighting against men without learning a trick or two...or three." And she smiled at him causing him to release a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding.
"But I meant what I said. Don't say anything like that again. Don't even think it." She said, with much less harshness than before.
"I know. It was stupid. I got jealous and I don't even know why. I just—" He stopped when she placed a finger gently over his lips.
"That is not what I am referring to. I understand why you panicked when you heard that Rashid offered to take me back with him. I've hurt you. I know that. It will take time to trust what he have together." She craned her neck and replaced her finger with her lips. She lingered there for just a moment before pulling back. "But you must never speak of losing me. People argue, Will. We will argue. But we are a family. You and me. Aside from everyone and everything else, you and I are a family. I love you. You will not lose me. You must be secure in that."
He nodded, relieved. "But I am sorry. I know you wouldn't leave me and I know that he was just being kind to you. I shouldn't have overreacted."
"You should not keep your thoughts to yourself. If you have concerns, we should talk about them. I am learning that it can be good for us to discuss our feelings. Especially our fears. But please, let us be careful what we say in front of the others. I am trying very hard to be open with you although it really is not my nature or habit. But I want to give all of myself to you. Do you understand? But that...privilege...does not extend to the others. Only to you. I care for them, but I will not open myself up to them. And if we make them a part of our private dealings, they will not know where to draw the line."
"I understand. And you're right. It means so much to know that you trust me with what's in your heart. Thank you. I won't betray that." Will told her earnestly.
"I know that. And once Rashid leaves England and we are both back at the camp for good, we will figure out how much affection we are comfortable with around other people. There is time for that. But promise me now that our private disagreements will remain private from this point forward. Please."
"I promise. I love you." He said, leaning down to kiss her gently.
"I love you, habibi." She said when the kiss ended. "Now go. Rashid will be coming soon and I must figure out what I will say to him. We have to make sure that the Sheriff is disturbed enough by this supposed outlaw sighting that he has the chests moved. Otherwise, we will have to come up with some other plan for getting the money out of here right under the Sheriff's nose, as Much would say."
"Speaking of Much, are you alright? About what happened earlier?" He asked.
"Yes. Much and I have made our peace. I am fine. Thank you for asking. Now go." She said, playfully shoving him towards the window.
"Alright. Alright." He laughed.
Over an hour later, she heard the commotion at the end of the corridor which she assumed was either Gisbourne, the Sheriff or both . So she was not surprised when Rashid began knocking frantically on her chamber door a moment later.
"Enter." She called out in Arabic. "Ah, Rashid. Good morning. I heard commotion. Has something happened?"
"That man. The dark haired one who is always with Vaysey. He is here and he is asking to see me. My guards have detained him. What should I do Saffiya? What do you suppose he wants?"
"You know, Will left a short while ago." And she pretended to be thoughtful for a moment. "I hope he was not seen by anyone. If he was, he may have been recognized. If that is the case, the Sheriff and his men may want to be certain that the money is still safe. Do not be nervous. Just go out and greet him but do not allow him back here yet. Tell him that you will only allow him to come through if he is accompanied by the Sheriff himself. Then, when he goes to get the Sheriff, return here and I will tell you what we must do. Go on. It will be alright." She told him confidently.
Once he did as she bid and returned, he was even more anxious. "It was just as you feared. He spoke of criminals and he wished to search these rooms and verify that the money is safe. What do we do? Do you think that your husband is in danger?"
"No no. Will is very clever and he will have evaded the guards. Do not worry about him. And as for the money, when the Sheriff arrives, you should allow him to see the money if he wishes. We do not wish to make him suspicious. So if he wishes to search for outlaws, allow it. If he wishes to see the money, allow that as well. Do not make it too easy for him, or he may wonder why you are not more cautious, but you do not wish to make an enemy of him. He can be a dangerous man, Rashid."
"Very well. I will do as you instruct."
"Here is the key to the new locks that Will put on the chests. If the Sheriff notices them, simply explain that you wanted your own locks with your own key. He can surely not find that very strange. The money is now yours, after all. And no matter what happens or what the Sheriff or his men say or do, do not panic. I will put on my robe and veil and I will go out to the hall and try to blend in with your people. There will be enough commotion that I should go unnoticed. If you become confused or nervous, just find my face in the crowd and I will indicate to you what you must do. Alright?"
"Yes. Thank you, akhawaat. I will do just as you say."
She tried to ignore the guilty feeling that had settled in her chest. "Good. Now, give me a few moments to ready myself and slip into the hall undetected." She said.
Quite a while later, after Gisbourne had his guards thoroughly search the premises and then remove the chests as per the Sheriff's orders, Rashid and Djaq returned to her chamber unseen.
"What will we do now, Saffiya?" He asked in a wretched voice.
"First, it would be best if you informed the Sheriff that you plan to depart from England as soon as possible. Then, have your staff pack up your household and be ready to go as soon as the Sheriff can arrange transport. It will more than likely be quite soon. He will be anxious to tell Prince John that the money is on its way to your father. I will alert Robin to this new development and he will devise a new plan. Please do not worry. I have been involved in enough of these capers that I have come to expect the unexpected. Things rarely go as planned. But it will be fine in the end. You must trust that."
"Do you think that Robin will give up now that the money is locked away?"
"No. Robin knows that these things sometimes happen. He will probably attempt to steal the money from the strongroom." She again ignored that feeling of guilt. "If that proves impossible, he can always put together a raid to rob your party while you are traveling to the port."
"I thought that he said I would be too heavily guarded for that to be feasible."
"Yes, that is what he said. But he will try his best to find a way. Remember, he is man of peace. He will do all that he can to secure it. And, if it happens that he is unable to recover the money, you must not blame yourself. You have acted very bravely, Rashid. We can not control everything. I thought I learned that lesson long ago, but it turns out that I am only just now coming to understand it." She tried to reassure him.
"But should I not stay here until Robin finds a means of getting the money? Why must I leave so soon when the plan is not yet a success?"
"Because we have only given your translator enough of the hallucinogenic substance to remain in his system for a few days. Any more than that would be too dangerous for him. So you need to be on your way before he recovers. We already spoke about the danger he can pose to you with your father. Let us not forget that part of the plan. Speaking of your translator, what has your physician concluded about his illness?"
"He informs me that Dabir was the victim of attempted poisoning and that I was most likely the intended target. Just as you said."
"Good. It is important that your staff believe that. The fact that the Sheriff and his men stormed in here today and demanded the money will only serve to make your people more suspicious of him. That will help you later on. Even if we fail here, your safety upon returning home must be assured."
"But if we fail at this, there will not be peace! That is far more important."
"One way or another, there will be peace. You must have faith." She thought for a moment, wanting to offer him something to believe in. "Rashid, I want you to remember something that you may not understand just yet. Alright? Even when it seems that all is lost and that there is no hope for success, it is still possible that things will work out in the end. Perhaps just not in the way that you may have envisioned them. Do you understand?"
"I am sorry, Saffiya, but I do not."
"No, of course not. But one day you will. You are a good man Rashid and you deserve happiness and peace in your life. I hope that you will find it."
"I know that you have found happiness, Saffiya, but I do not think that you have yet found peace. So I hope that you, too, will find it. Your family would be very proud of the woman you have become."
"Thank you." She said, genuinely touched by the sentiment. "Rashid, I wonder if I may ask a favor of you?"
"Of course. You may ask anything."
"When you return to Acre, and enough time has passed that your father will not scrutinize your every move, would you take a message to someone for me?"
"Lord Bassam?" He asked.
"How did you know?" She asked him.
"You must have asked me one hundred questions about him on the first night that we spoke. I could tell then how much you missed him. I would be happy to deliver any message you wish. I will have parchment brought so that you may write him a letter."
"No. If it were to be discovered among your belongings or on your person, it would cast doubts on your loyalty to your father. He would wonder where you got the letter and why you were delivering it. It would be best if the message were a verbal one. Please, just tell Bassam that I am alive. Tell no one else though, I beg you. The fewer people who know that you have encountered me in England, the safer you will be. Your father probably has more spies than even you are aware of."
He nodded.
"But tell Bassam that I am sorry for my...just tell him that I am sorry. He will understand. Tell him that I was selfish but that he was always good to me. Tell him I love him and that I am content with my life here. If he asks you about me and my activities, or about Will, you may tell him everything. You have my consent to answer whatever he wishes to know about me. He can be trusted. He may even be able to help you get a message to the Sultan, about those who are working against him, without anyone knowing it came from you. Trust him. He too is a man of peace."
"I will do as you have said. But you are not yet leaving, are you?"
"No. I will stay in this chamber until you depart. If that is agreeable to you." She answered.
"Yes. Please stay. Your husband as well, of course."
"Thank you. Now. You should speak with the Sheriff and your staff. There are many arrangements to be made for your journey."
As Rashid left to do as she had instructed, Djaq sat down on the divan and as she felt her baby wiggle inside of her, she thought over all that had happened in the past few days. She thought over the conversation she had just shared with Rashid. She had not intended to have him deliver any messages for her upon his return to Acre. But her conversation with Much and the others had brought up feelings she had long suppressed and she now decided, as she rubbed her palm gently over her belly and began to softly sing a lullaby, that perhaps, as she faced the present and looked toward the future, it might not be such a bad idea to make amends with the past.
A/N: Sorry for the delay in posting this one. Real Life and all that. I know that this was a long chapter, but if you made it to this point on the page, you must have read it all. Thanks for that! =) What did you think? Click the button and tell me.
P.S. I suppose I should explain about some of the things that were discussed by Robin and Much regarding the role of women in the Holy Land during this time. Thank you to bkwrm for bringing to my attention the fact that there may be some confusion regarding the historical accuracy of such information. Muslim women of that time actually did have much more freedom and were given more respect and larger roles in society than their modern-day counterparts. (My assumptions about modern Muslim women are shaped almost entirely by the media, mind you. So I may be incorrect in that aspect) I have done some rather extensive research on the subject of women's roles during the Middle Ages and everything I have read leads me to believe that Arab women were far more advanced in education and standing than were their European counterparts of the time. But I do not claim to be any sort of an authority on the subject, so I would be happy to hear what all of you think.