Author's Note: Hello, readers! Just a quick note on the following chapter. In keeping with the spirit of my story thus far, which is much more about fantasy than historical accuracy or a true reflection of medieval times and customs, Guy's "trial" is related here in a very simple and brief fashion. It is not likely to resemble in any way how real trials were conducted in those days. My apologies in advance to the history buffs for my admittedly unsophisticated tale, but I didn't do my research on this one! I'll leave that to more ambitious writers of historical fiction!
A note to EliraLupa: Sorry I wasn't able to send you a PM, so I'll thank you here, as I've done before with another reviewer. I'm so glad to hear that you are enjoying the story, and I appreciate your review very much!
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"I AM PROUD TO CALL HIM MY FRIEND"
Robin, Marian, and the rest of the gang gathered at Locksley Manor early the next morning. Breakfast was a hurried and silent affair. After the meal, they departed, carrying Allan's best wishes for Guy with them, and his regrets that he could not be there personally to speak in his friend's behalf.
Though he did not voice it to the others, Allan knew that, in all likelihood, he would never see Guy alive again. All of Matilda's well-meaning words of comfort could not touch the painful knot of sadness deep in his heart as he watched them ride away toward Nottingham.
On the way, they stopped to pick up Meg. She appeared to have gotten as little sleep as the rest of them, and, wrapped in her own grief, was unnaturally quiet on the ride to the castle.
Robin noticed upon arriving that only a small number of people were being allowed inside the Great Hall. He was relieved that King Richard had seen fit to limit the size of the gathering, so that Gisborne's hearing would not degenerate into a noisy circus of gawkers. As they entered the hall, Ralf DeBracy spotted them, greeted Robin, and joined them in the row of seats set up for the audience.
The king sat at the long table at one end of the cavernous room, surrounded on either side by his panel of advisors. Tuck was among them. Robin was glad that at least one of the men who would advise the king, and help decide Guy's fate, was someone who understood and sympathized with him.
At the appointed hour, the hearing was called to order. The audience quieted down, and King Richard ordered Gisborne to be brought out. Two guards led him forward to stand before the king. Robin was irritated to see him still shackled hand and foot.
What do they think he's going to do—try to escape, or harm the king? he thought. Guy saved the lives of most of the men here! So why this unnecessary precaution? Couldn't they afford him a little dignity and let him stand unchained?
He looked closely at Guy. The man's face was pale and tired, but composed. He glanced briefly in the direction of the gang. Robin smiled encouragement, but Guy had already looked away, and did not see him.
The king's spokesman then read Guy's confession. Robin cringed as he listened, and wished for the hundredth time that Guy had not been quite so thorough in his admission of guilt. He saw many members of the counsel and the audience look at one another and shake their heads. Guy stood motionless during the reading, with bowed head.
Several people were then called forward, one at a time, to verify the truthfulness of the accusations against him. Most of them Robin recognized—peasants from the villages, townspeople from Nottingham. Some appeared quite eager to speak against Gisborne, others were more reluctant participants. For over an hour, they gave their damning testimony before the king and his counselors. True to his intent to put up no defense, Guy said not a word throughout the proceedings.
King Richard ordered a recess so that he and his counsel could discuss what they had heard thus far. They retired to a private room off the main hall. Guy was allowed to sit down, and given something to drink, but when Robin went over and attempted to speak with him, the guards turned him away. He returned to the others with a solemn face.
"Well, that couldn't have gone any worse," remarked John sourly. "If Gisborne wanted to bury himself, he's certainly done a good job of it."
"He confessed to things I'd completely forgotten he'd done," added Will.
"What will happen now?" asked Djaq.
"King Richard will ask if anyone wishes to speak for Guy. I've had a chance already, but I'll say more if I can," answered Robin.
"Do you think Gisborne will say anything in his own defense?" asked Much.
"I doubt it."
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King Richard and his advisors returned to the Great Hall an hour later, and sat back down at the table. Never an expressive man at any time, his face was difficult to read. Robin, as well as he knew him, still could make nothing of that stern countenance. The king motioned for his spokesman to continue.
"His Majesty King Richard, and the honourable members of his counsel, have heard the evidence presented against Guy of Gisborne. This evidence has consisted of his own personal and freely given confession as well as the corroborating evidence given by eyewitnesses of his crimes against the people of Nottingham."
"Because Guy of Gisborne has declined to be defended by a lawyer, and has stated his intention not to defend himself against the charges laid on him, at this time the king and his counselors would be pleased to give audience to anyone who wishes to speak in his behalf. If you so desire, please raise your hand, and you will be called forward."
The gang waited to see if anyone else wanted to be first. Several men, guards from the castle and a couple of peasants from Locksley, put their hands up timidly. Robin smiled at Marian.
"They were at the gates with us," he told her, "when Guy held off the army. This could help his case."
The men, seven in all, got up together to stand before the king. None of them were eloquent, but they expressed themselves from their hearts. Between them all, they told the entire story of the storming of the gates.
"Sire," they said, "he held off the whole of Prince John's army." "I can't believe he wasn't killed." "He never hesitated." "We thought we were all dead, until he stepped in, and gave us a chance to get to safety." "I owe him my life."
Encouraged by the first group of men, several others, including Archer, then came up and gave their testimony as to his reformed character as well.
From Guy's plea for Meg's life at their near execution, to joining up with Robin Hood's gang, his part in the overthrow of Isabella, his actions at the siege, and his partnership with Robin in accomplishing the death of Sheriff Vaisey, the story was told in full. This last part, the death of Vaisey at Robin and Guy's hands, was related by Archer, and caused quite a stir amongst the listeners who had not yet heard the story.
Guy remained silent while the men praised his actions, but his eyes plainly bespoke his astonishment at finding friends amongst the people he had wronged for so long.
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Ralf was called up next. He bowed to the king, and stepped forward, red-faced and anxious-eyed when he saw the sea of faces turn toward him.
"State your name," said the king's spokesman, "and your relationship to the accused."
"Sire," he said, "My name is Ralf DeBracy. I was one of the castle guards, and served under the authority of Guy of Gisborne."
"You wish to speak in his defense."
"Yes, your Majesty. I hesitate to speak in front of all these people, so I ask for your patience, please. Others here have called me a hero for helping to lead the coup against Lady Isabella. I was only doing my duty, sire. But Sir Guy is the one on trial here, and I wish to speak in his behalf, for whatever value it may have in this case."
King Richard nodded assent, pleased with the humble manner of the young guard. He and his counselors gave Ralf their attention.
"Sire, I began working at the castle about two years ago, and I was put under the direction of Guy of Gisborne. Right from the start the other guards warned me to do as I was told, not talk back, and not question any orders. By the time I finally met the man personally, I was, quite honestly, scared to death of him!"
This caused a few knowing smiles and chuckles from the audience.
"One day I was sent off alone with him on an assignment. I was too scared to speak a word. To my surprise, he asked me my name, and who my family was. I don't know what made me say it, but I told him I liked to read. I'll never forget how he smiled then. I'd never seen him smile. Frankly, I didn't think he could smile."
"Then he said to me that he liked to read, too, when he got the chance. Pretty soon he was asking me what books I had read. I was so surprised, but I told myself he was probably just bored with the long ride."
"But a few days later, he came up to me again, and asked me about a book I had been reading. After that we had a number of conversations. The next thing I knew, he was offering to loan me some of his books, knowing I didn't have the money to buy any myself. I wanted to say no. I felt it would be too much of an imposition on him. But he insisted, and seemed pleased to have me accept."
"Sire, let me say that I never presumed upon the relationship. I knew better. Gisborne was my lord, and the one I answered to. There was always a reserve in our talks. I didn't want to cross any lines with him, and neither did he. I got the sense that his friendliness toward me could change in a heartbeat if I took any liberties of manner or showed any disrespect toward him. With him it was always 'yes, sir, no, sir'. I was low in the ranks of the guards. I never forgot who he was, and who I was in relation to him."
"But as I got better acquainted with him, sire, I started thinking about what his life was like. All of us at the castle saw how Sheriff Vaisey treated him. We always knew when Vaisey had been ragging on Gisborne worse than usual, because he would often take it out on us in turn. But more than a few of us felt sorry for him."
"I got to thinking—who does he talk to? He didn't appear to have any friends. Again, I knew better than to treat him as an equal. But I started to wonder if he sought me out just to have someone to talk to in a way that wasn't hostile."
"After Sheriff Vaisey disappeared and was believed dead, Gisborne took over Nottingham. We thought he was to be the new Sheriff. I didn't see him much after that, and our conversations ceased. Then everything went wrong between him and Prince John and Lady Isabella. We heard he had been put in the dungeon. I didn't see him again until the day he was to be executed. Three of my fellow guards tried to speak in Gisborne's behalf, and Lady Isabella had them locked up. One of them was tortured for daring to question her."
"I was there when Gisborne was taken out to be beheaded. I felt very badly about it, remembering our talks. I still had a couple of his books in my possession. But I didn't dare speak up lest I end up in the dungeon, or worse. We all saw what happened to Miss Meg when she tried to break him out of prison. And I was married then, with a child soon to be born. I had to think of them."
"Everyone here knows the rest. Robin Hood and his men stopped the execution and rescued Gisborne and Meg Bennett. I was torn between my relief to see him escape, and my duty as a guard."
"In the end, I chased after Gisborne, and fought with Little John as he and Allan a Dale attempted to get Gisborne out of Nottingham. I lost the fight to Sir Guy. I thought I was a dead man. But, he let me live, and I can't thank him enough. Because of him, I've had the chance to be a father to my son. When he and Robin planned the coup against Isabella, and asked me to organize the castle guards, I was very happy to assist."
"Others have already testified as to Gisborne's courage at the siege. I second their statements. None of us who saw him would disagree. But, I wanted to speak of my own relationship with him, because it is a side of the man that, I think, few people have seen. Because we shared a common interest, I had opportunity to see that side of him. I agree with others here—he's a changed man, your Majesty, and I feel that he deserves a second chance."
Ralf bowed to the king again, and stepped down. He walked back to sit beside Robin. Guy turned to them, and gave them both a nod.
"Thank you, Ralf," whispered Robin.
"It wasn't much of a story."
"Yes, it was. Look at Guy. That's the closest he's come to a smile all day."
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Little John was next. John was a man of few and blunt words, but his story moved many in the audience and on the counsel.
"I hated Gisborne as much as anyone," he said. "He could go straight to hell for all I cared. If you'd told me a few months ago that I'd be here today defending him, I'd have laughed in your face. Well, not in your face, sire. But I've changed my mind about him, and here's why."
In a few terse words, John told the story of the improbable friendship that had sprung up between himself and Guy in the weeks they had spend together at the outlaw camp after Guy's rescue.
"Asking pardon of young Ralf here. I hold no grudge against him, 'cause the lad was just doing his job. But Gisborne saved my life that day. He had no reason to. He could've run away from Allan and I both and made his way out of Nottingham without our help. He chose to come with us, and he chose to join our gang and help us defend Nottingham. And he helped Robin rid us all of Vaisey. That's worth a lot in my mind. I agree with DeBracy, I think he should get a second chance."
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Meg's testimony before the king was as dramatic as Robin and the gang had expected. She had a decided flair for storytelling, and told the tale of her imprisonment with Guy, and the final hours leading up to their close brush with death, with such heartfelt passion that her audience was quite spellbound.
She drew a vivid picture for her listeners, until they could see themselves in the prison with them, as he shared his meager meal with her, defended her against the lascivious attentions of the guard, attempted to get them out of the castle to safety after she freed him, and, on that last night, when they believed they would die together the next day, poured out his heart to her, and held nothing back.
There was a dead silence in the room as she finished her story, but it was followed by the sound of weeping from some of the female spectators. Meg then faced the king, unashamedly confessed her love for Guy, and made her entreaty for his life. However theatrical her recital of the story, her tears for him were very real. No one, not even Richard, doubted the young woman's sincerity as she asked earnestly for pity for the man she loved.
Guy's attention was riveted on her throughout her story, but as she sat back down, his gaze dropped to the floor.
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Last of all, Robin and Marian stood up together.
"Your Majesty, members of the counsel, and good people assemblied here today," began Robin. "I am in full agreement with the testimony that has been given as to Guy of Gisborne's change of character, though, like my dear friend Little John, I can hardly believe I'm saying it, given our long and inglorious history together."
He gave a brief account of his dealings with Sheriff Vaisey and Gisborne, leading up to that terrible day in Acre.
"When we returned home to Locksley, I wanted only one thing—to kill Gisborne. As I could not do anything about Vaisey at the time, I took my anger out on Guy. I hated him as I'd never hated anyone else before, with the exception of Vaisey, of course. I saw him as a traitor to his king, a willing pawn of Sheriff Vaisey, a cruel bully who enjoyed hurting those weaker than himself."
"But I failed to kill him that day. He almost killed me instead. For months after that we tried to kill each other, and a few times we nearly succeeded."
"So, why am I now speaking in his defense? Because I've learned something important. Life is not always as black and white as I once thought, and people are not always what they seem at first glance, either. Marian tried to tell me that, years ago, about Guy. I found out she was right."
He told them the story of his encounter with Gisborne in the Great Hall after they had pushed Prince John into the well.
"I saw his other side then," said Robin. "That day, we understood each other. From there, we became friends, though not right away. Guy, as our beloved Meg told us, had yet to endure quite an ordeal in the dungeons of the castle, at his own sister's hands. And I still had much to learn, about the part I played myself in ruining Guy's life. I soon thereafter heard the true story, from a very unexpected source—the father I thought was long dead."
He related the story to his audience.
"Much has been said here about the injustices Gisborne inflicted on others. But, in truth, he has also suffered injustice, and I feel he was a victim of Vaisey as much as anyone else. I say this, not to minimize his wrongdoing, but to bring a sense of fairness and compassion to this hearing."
"Guy has freely admitted his own guilt, and, as we have all seen, has made no attempt to defend or justify himself. He called himself a coward in front of me. But in my opinion, what he has done, in turning himself in, and facing up to his wrongs, took real courage. I have only admiration for that kind of courage, and I am proud to call him my friend."
"Lady Marian and I stand in agreement here today in our belief that Guy of Gisborne is a changed man. He has worked very hard to make those changes. I've watched it firsthand, and I know the man that he is, and wants to be. He did not want me to interfere in this hearing, or speak for him. But I could not call myself his friend if I stood silent. As he will not speak for himself, I will ask for him."
"I make request before you for his life to be spared. I ask that he be granted a second chance, so that he might continue on the good and honourable and courageous course he is now on, and have a new opportunity to be a worthy citizen of Nottingham."
"I ask of you, your Majesty, and all you his advisors, to consider carefully what has been presented here today. We all stand before God, to be judged by Him, and we hope for mercy from that very God. Can we not show the same to a fellow human who has admitted his wrongs and wishes to make a clean start, and launch upon a better and more noble life and purpose?"
"I thank you all for your wise consideration of this case, and for your attention, to myself and all of us who wished to speak in Gisborne's defense. We are grateful for this privilege."
Robin and Marian bowed to the king, and went back to their seats. They looked toward Guy. This time, there was a smile on his face.
"Nice speech, Robin!" whispered Much. "If I were ever in this much trouble, I'd sure want you defending me!"
Archer reached across to take Robin's hand in a strong grasp. "For our brother," he said.
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There was a pause while the counselors held a conference amongst themselves, before the king's spokesman stood up and addressed Guy.
"Guy of Gisborne, you are being offered the opportunity one last time to speak in your own defense, before we decide upon your sentence. Do you wish to do so?" he asked.
Guy faced King Richard, bowed to him respectfully, and, with the same newfound strength of character that he had demonstrated at Nottingham's besieged gates, answered him.
"Your Majesty, I have no defense to make," he said simply. "I am guilty of the offenses that were read out against me. I cannot excuse or justify them. As for speaking in my defense, my friends here have done a far better job than I ever could, and I thank them for it, though I am certainly not deserving. For the rest, for the final judgment, I leave myself in your hands, sire."
There was a deep silence in the room, before the spokesman continued.
"In that case, his Majesty King Richard, and his counsel, will convene to discuss what has been presented here today. You will be taken back to the prison. When the king's decision has been finalized, you will be called back to hear your sentence."
Guy was led out. He turned and gave the gang a quick nod as he passed them, but another smile was beyond him.
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"What do we do now, stay here and wait? How long will they be?"
"I don't know, John. Here comes Tuck. Maybe he can tell us something. Tuck, how's it looking?"
"I can't tell you, Robin. I'm sworn to silence. However, the king has asked for your presence on the counsel."
"What does he want?"
"I can't tell you that, either."
"Is it good or bad as far as Guy is concerned?"
"I wish I could tell you. I just don't know."
"Okay, I'm coming with you. What about the rest of you?"
"Perhaps we can go to the inn," suggested Marian, "and wait for word there."
"Yes. I'll come and get you when the hearing begins again."
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Robin left with Tuck. Marian and the others, with Ralf as company, went to the inn near the castle. They ordered some food, as it was just past noon, but no one was very hungry, and they picked at the meal listlessly. Even Much had lost his appetite. Meg had stopped crying. On her face was the calmness of despair. Little John sat frowning and gnawing at his fist, Archer played absently with the untouched plate of food.
Marian broke the pall of silence that had descended on all of them.
"We did the best we could," she said. "Whatever the king's decision, we'll have to accept it."
"We can't appeal it?" asked Archer.
"No. I'm afraid Guy gave up that right."
"I wish Robin and I could have stopped him."
"I know, Archer. I do, too. But Guy did what he thought was best. He made the choice for himself. You know, I'm proud of him for it. He didn't run away, he faced up to what he did. If the worst happens, I'd rather remember him that way, wouldn't you?"
John nodded. "Aye, you're right, Marian. Come on, gang, let's not be so down in the mouth here. Let's be hopeful. Robin's in there with the king. And we've got Tuck on his side, too. It's not over yet."
He smiled kindly at Meg, and put his brawny arm comfortingly around her drooping shoulders.
Nearly two hours passed, with agonizing slowness, before Robin returned to them. He sat down at the tavern table, and rubbed his tired eyes.
"So, what news?" asked Will. "What did King Richard want from you?"
"He wanted to question me about Guy's inheritance that was lost. Turns out that King Richard knew Guy's father, Sir Rodger of Gisborne, and thought quite highly of him. The man served with honour under Richard's father. He wanted to know more of the story of why and how Guy lost the estate, and the relationship between him and myself and Archer. He was also interested in finding out how he got mixed up with Vaisey. I told him all I knew."
"So, what was the reaction?"
"Like Tuck, I wish I could tell you. He pressed me for details, but I'm not sure why, or if this is good news for Guy or not. I know King Richard quite well from my years of service in his private guard. But I'm sure Much will agree with me—he's not a man you want to trifle with. It got pretty tense in there at times. I was sent out before the final decision was discussed."
He stood up. "We should head back in. Marian, the king wants to speak with you, too."
"Me?"
"Yes, right away. I told him I'd send you in. He wants to hear your side of the story, from you. The sentencing is going to be announced soon. I'm glad they are getting to it all in one day. I don't think I could take another night like last night, and I'm sure Guy would rather know as soon as possible."
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The audience drifted back into the Great Hall and seated themselves. Marian came out of the private meeting room and rejoined Robin. King Richard then came out, with his counselors, and they arranged themselves at the table once again. Guy was brought back in, and seated. After a few minutes, the hearing was called to order. The murmur of voices died down, and the king's spokesman arose, with a document in his hand. He addressed Guy.
"Guy of Gisborne, stand and hear the king's judgment."
Guy stood up, flanked by two guards, and walked forward to stand before King Richard. He gave a quick glance at Robin and the others as he did so. Robin smiled in support. Guy nodded acknowlegement, lifted his head a bit higher, and squared his shoulders. His gaze lingered longest on Meg, and she smiled back at him through her tears.
"Guy of Gisborne," began the spokesman, "His Majesty King Richard, and his counsel, have heard your crimes against the people of Nottingham and its surrounding villages, your crimes against followers of King Richard, and your traitorous crimes against the king himself. To these offenses you have freely admitted your guilt, and have passed up your opportunity to defend yourself, or allow a lawyer present to defend you. In addition to your own freely given testimony, your crimes have also been testified to by a number of reliable witnesses, who confirmed the accuracy of your confession."
"Because of the serious and long-standing nature of your offenses against the king's subjects, and the appalling nature of your crimes against King Richard himself, it is the duty of this counsel to declare that you are worthy and fully deserving of death."
Guy stared down at the floor, his face ashen. Robin turned to his gang, and saw his own feelings of horror and dismay reflected in their faces. Meg sobbed aloud, and buried her head against Archer's chest.
"It's done. They're really going to kill him," he said heavily. "If only he hadn't—"
"Wait!" whispered Marian. "There's more."
The king's spokesman continued reading from the verdict.
"However, in deciding upon your sentence, other factors have been taken into consideration. Upon the testimony of your friends, among them Robin of Locksley and Lady Marian, the king has learned of your valiant defense of the people of Nottingham when it was under siege by your former master, Sheriff Vaisey. You shared with Robin in holding the city for King Richard, and helped him bring Vaisey to justice. Many have testified as to your courage and selflessness in the face of great danger."
"Also, the personal testimonies of your friends have shown to the king that you are of a reformed character from the time when you committed these offenses, and have clearly demonstrated a sincere and heartfelt remorse for the harm you have caused the king and others."
"For these reasons, our lord, King Richard, has decreed that, although you are deserving of death, he will extend mercy and commute the death sentence. It is therefore his judgment and decree to spare your life."
Guy looked ready to drop. Robin realized he was holding his breath, and let it out in a gasp. Meg lifted her head and stared, speechless for once. The others looked from one to another, as hope returned to their faces.
"Thank you. Thank you, sire," said Guy, in a faint voice. He could not lift his head, so shaken was he.
"Let's just hope now that he's not going to be exiled," muttered Archer. "Or worse, thrown into prison for the rest of his life."
"I think he'd choose to die first," said John. "But let's wait to see what they say."
"King Richard is further pleased to grant you a pardon, conditional upon your continued reformation, and your avowed promise never to take up arms or revolt against him again."
"This counsel, and the king, recommend you take this very seriously, Guy of Gisborne. This pardon was granted largely in consideration of your friends, Robin of Locksley and Lady Marian, not upon your own personal merit. There will be no clemency a second time. If you agree to the terms of your pardon, you will be released to the custody of Robin of Locksley. Do you accept these terms?"
This time Guy looked up, and addressed the counsel of the king's advisors, and King Richard.
"I accept them, your Majesty, and swear upon my life to live by them," he said.
"Then you are hereby released, and may you live the rest of your days in recognition of the king's mercy and the second chance you have been given."
"I will. Thank you, sire. From my heart, I am grateful." He bowed low toward Richard.
"Unchain him," commanded the spokesman. "This hearing is now over."
The room broke out in applause. The cheers had far more to do with admiration for the king's magnanimous gesture toward the most notorious man in Nottinghamshire than any joy that the man was now free, but it mattered little to Guy's friends and family. They rushed forward to meet him, and reached him as the guards were unlocking his shackles.
Robin was the first to embrace him, but the others followed. They had to hug him over Meg, for she clung tight to him and would not let go.
Guy could not take it all in.
"I've been pardoned?" he said, his voice thick with emotion. "It's all over, it's really over?"
"You have," answered Robin with a wide smile and a thump on the back. "You're a free man! Well, as long as you behave yourself from here on in."
"I've been pardoned," Guy repeated, in a tone of wonderment, as if waking from a dream. He stared at Robin. "It's over. I am free…."
His voice dropped to a whisper, and his face went white. He staggered, and then went down, taking Meg with him. Robin grabbed him as he sank limply to the floor.
"Guy! Whoa, whoa, easy! Help me, John, I think he must have fainted!"
"Again?" chuckled Will, until Djaq nudged him in the ribs.
Robin sat down on the floor and cradled Guy's head in his lap. He slapped his face lightly.
"Come on, wake up, it's all done! You're going to be fine." He looked up at the others. "Someone get me some wine to bring him 'round."
Meg, having extricated herself, with Archer's assistance, from under her unconscious beloved, fetched a glass. By this time a small group from the audience, always eager for a bit of excitement, had gathered nearby. The spectacle of a big and terrifying man like Gisborne, laid out cold on the floor, was not a sight to be missed.
"Is he dead?" inquired more than one onlooker.
"No, just a bit overwhelmed, I think," Robin told them. He glanced up and realized that one among the crowd was King Richard himself.
"Sire," said Robin with a laugh, "I think you gave him the shock of his life!"
Robin caught the amused twinkle in Richard's eyes as he watched Robin and Little John attempt to get some wine into Guy to rouse him. Guy moaned and opened his eyes.
"Hey, it's okay. Come back to us! You've really got to stop this fainting stuff, Guy. You're too big for me to lift!"
Guy smiled weakly at Robin and John. He turned his head and saw the king. "Sire, thank you."
King Richard nodded, and his manner became crisp and business-like again.
"I will see you both tomorrow at Locksley Manor. Once you've worked out the details between you, we'll have the papers drawn up."
"Details? Papers, your Majesty?" inquired Robin as he and John helped Guy to stand up.
"The lands and property that belonged to your father are to be returned to you," King Richard told Guy, who was now fully conscious but a little unsteady on his feet, and whose gaze was still a bit fuzzy.
"You'll own your father's portion of the Locksley estate, Gisborne. It should have been yours all along. Do I assume correctly, Robin, that you agree with me?"
"Of course, sire!" answered Robin.
"I'll have my own lands?" Guy looked from Robin to the king and back again.
"And a house, once it's rebuilt, and your title. You'll be Sir Guy of Gisborne for real this time," said Richard.
Guy could only stare in bewilderment. "Sire, I-I don't know what to say…."
"Now don't go and faint on me again!" laughed Robin. "You've gone white as a ghost. Here, have some more wine."
But Guy didn't faint. Instead, all the fear and shame and misery of the preceeding weeks, indeed, of all the years since the loss of his parents, from which point his life had gone so terribly wrong, burst out of him in a flood of convulsive sobs. He sank back down on the floor, buried his face in his hands, and cried as he had not cried since losing Marian.
Meg sat beside Guy, her arm through his and her head against his shoulder. After a moment, Robin knelt down next to him and tried to shake him out of it, but Marian stopped him.
"Let him, Robin," she said gently. "He needs to get it out."
Some in the crowd looked embarrassed, a few smiled, but on many faces there was a measure of compassion for the sight of a strong, proud man like Gisborne so broken down. Robin nodded to his men, who took the hint and encouraged the spectators to disperse. Guy had been humbled already, and very publicly. Robin saw no point or purpose in humiliating him any further.
The king lingered a moment longer before telling Robin, "I'll be at Locksley at noon tomorrow, and we'll talk more. For now," he gestured down toward Guy, "I think you'd best get him home to rest for a while."
"Yes, your Majesty, I think you're right. And, thank you. I'm in your debt."
"As I am in yours, Robin of Locksley. Until tomorrow, then." He departed with his secretary and his bodyguards.
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Finally, after some minutes, Guy was calm again. "I'm sorry—"
"Nothing to apologize for, my friend. It's been quite a day, for all of us, but you especially. Come on, let's go home. We have a lot to talk about." He and John helped Guy up.
"I'm all right," he grumbled, as he wiped away his tears with something of returning pride. "Don't fuss over me."
This did not deter Meg, who was busy smoothing his hair back from his hot, flushed face, but he only beamed down at her, and kissed her blushing cheek.
"You need some rest and some decent food in you," said Archer.
"Well, I won't argue that. Prison food hasn't improved much since my last memorable stay in the Nottingham dungeon."
"Got a taste of your own, Gisborne?" teased Little John.
"Shut it, John."
John grinned at Guy like he'd received a superb compliment. Guy sneering, and mouthing sarcasm, was a good sign that he was returning to himself again.
"I wouldn't mind something to eat myself," threw in Much as he patted his stomach. "It's been rather a long day, all in all. Makes a man hungry."
"Much, are you ever not hungry?" asked Djaq.
"Yes, when I'm fast asleep!"
He could not understand why his reply, given in all truth and sincerity, made the others, even Guy, all laugh aloud.
