It was amazing what an hour or two of sleep could do! Robin awoke refreshed from his nap, ready to plan the details of his gang's latest mission.

Will's arrow firing devices were clever, but they wouldn't be enough. They'd work well to distract and frighten the guards, but they couldn't handle Gisbourne or Allan. Especially Allan.

So, Robin still needed to come up with a plan to steal Gisbourne's loot, which wouldn't throw his men into too much danger.

There was no way they would be able to take the entire cart to a hiding place in the forest. It couldn't be transported off the main roads, for its wheels would leave ruts which could be followed. So, they would need sturdy bags to load the money and goods into. And, they would need rope to tie Gisbourne and his men to trees, for they couldn't kill them, unless it was absolutely necessary. Robin hoped it would be absolutely necessary, at least where Gisbourne was concerned.

Robin looked forward to taking on Gisbourne himself. That went without saying. But who would take on Allan? It would have to be John. The others might prove too emotional dealing with a man they had cared for like a brother. That left his other three lads to handle… how many guards?

Could Daniel and Mark each man an arrow firing device during the skirmish, to continue firing arrows down upon their enemy? No, Robin decided. He wouldn't risk the boys' lives. Besides, the arrows couldn't be aimed to only hit Gisbourne's men. They'd also be raining down on his gang.

It just wasn't enough! It was only half a plan. Robin wouldn't mind the risk, if it were only him. But he needed something better to keep his men safe.

He was startled from his thoughts by Marian's voice calling his name. He looked up to see her riding toward him at breakneck speed. She was in trouble! Robin grabbed his bow and cocked an arrow, all senses alert to defend the woman he loved...the woman carrying his child.

"Robin!" She leaped from her horse and ran to him, her beautiful eyes flashing fire. "Just what do you think you're planning, pitting yourself against Gisbourne?"

Now, how did she know that? Of course…Much. Where was he? If Robin's hunch was right, Much would soon be here facing him as well, apologizing for spilling the secret.

"Well, I'm certainly relieved to find you're not in danger," Robin chuckled, returning his arrow to his quiver. "But, from the look in your eyes, it would appear I might be."

"You think this is a joke? Why must you always find everything so funny?"

"Don't worry, Marian, I'm taking this mission very seriously. I don't think you realize just how much wealth lies hidden in Gisbourne's cart. Now, do you really think I'd let all that money and all those valuables go towards Shah Mat, with just a little bit left over for Gisbourne to try and impress you, or don't you know I'll make certain it goes to the poor? It'll be winter soon, and I won't let people go hungry."

His voice and manner grew in force and passion as he spoke. Marian was swayed. Her fingers toyed with the laces on his shirt as she spoke.

"All the same, Robin, I don't like you doing battle with Gisbourne."

Robin was silent, and Marian looked up to see his eyes glinting with jealousy.

"And why is that, Marian?" he asked. "Do you think he's a better fighter than I am? Or more clever? Are you worried about me getting hurt, or are you worried I'll hurt him?"

Marian hated it when he lapsed into these unfounded fits of jealousy. The very mention of Gisbourne's name on her lips was sometimes enough to propel him there.

The trouble this time was, what he was saying had some validity. She didn't want either man to be hurt.

"Stop it, Robin," she commanded. "You ought to know by now you have no cause to be jealous!"

"Then you shouldn't object to my teaching him a lesson. It won't be half what he deserves. For that, we'll have to wait until the King returns."

Marian tried to hide the sick feeling his words brought on. She didn't want to see Guy hang. He was turning...she could see he was turning to good.

"And what about Allan?" Marian asked.

"What of him?"

"What are planning to do to him?"

"Why do you care? He's a traitor just like his master."

She took a deep breath. She needed to tell him.

"He saved my life, Robin."

Robin's eyes could be so intense. He stared at her, waiting for her to continue.

"I promise to tell you the entire story, but right now, we haven't got the time." She couldn't envision telling him the entire story until they were old and grey, and he was dangling grandchildren on his lap. But he obviously needed a few more details. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, if she left Gisbourne out of the story.

"Robin, the real reason I haven't been the Nightwatchman lately is because I was captured and uncovered."

"WHAT?"

Her words spilled on top of each other as she tried to explain. "But it's alright! I was due to hang, but the Sheriff still didn't realize I was the one, and Allan put on my Nightwatchman costume and faked an escape. He was very brave and bold, Robin. Guards were chasing him, and the noose was all ready. He risked his neck for me."

Robin felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. Marian almost hanged?

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He looked hurt. How to explain without hurting him further?

"I...didn't want to worry you."

"Don't you believe you can trust me, Marian?"

His sad eyes melted her heart. She decided to play one of the lovely games they played with each other. "Listen," she whispered, before lifting her face and pressing her lips to his. "What did you hear?"

He sighed. "You love me, but you can't trust me. I've let you down somehow. How can I make you trust me, Marian?"

"I trust you," she lied. She trusted him to overreact where Gisbourne was concerned. "But, right now, I need to know if you think you can trust Allan."

"Marian, you know I can't. He's proven himself a traitor. But I can see he's a friend to you, and I'll always be grateful for that." He smiled...not the smile that Marian felt rivaled the sun, but a smile all the same. "It seems you and Allan have been taking turns saving each other's lives."

"So it seems," she agreed. She leaned into his arms and lifted her face to be kissed. "Shouldn't we be getting back to your mission?"

"I thought you were trying to stop my mission."

"That was before you so eloquently convinced me that you needed to get that money. Robin, I have a plan. Let me help you."

Robin's eyes looked worried as he stared into hers. He needed a better plan. It wouldn't hurt to listen to her proposal.

At that moment, Much rode sheepishly into the camp. "Umm, hello, Master," he gulped. "I see Marian's come to call. Hello, Marian. Umm, everything alright?"