Chapter 36

Sherwood Forest

Daniel and Mark were sitting in the tree above the great north road with a small bow and a few arrows each. After they had spotted Gisborne on the outskirts they had sprinted back to tell Robin, now Robin had them sat in a tree to fire arrows at the floor. Daniel was pleased to help Robin.

Robin was hidden behind another tree, the rest of the gang dotted around. Daniel had told him there were only 4 guards and Gisborne, easy for his gang. Will and Djaq were stood either side of the track, the plan was simple, so simple they were worried it wouldn't work. Robin could hear the sound of hooves and a cart. He peered from behind the tree and saw the cart approaching. As the cart got closer he drew the attraction of the boys in the tree. They saw him and nodded and loaded their bows.

Robin stepped out from behind the tree and stood in the middle of the road. The cart stopped.

"Hood." The main guard shouted, then a shower of arrows rained down on the guards. "Get back, get out of here."

Gisborne was sat a top of his horse not to be deterred. He jumped down from his horse and drew his sword.

"Very good Hood, but I don't scare easily and I don't see your friends around to help you."

"I don't need my friends to beat you." Robin sneered drawing his own sword. He wanted to fight Gisborne and almost hoped he would miss their string so he could, but it was dangerous for his gang. Gisborne let out and angry roar and charged towards him. As he approached Robin, Djaq and Will pulled on either end of the string they were holding and sent Gisborne hurtling over the top as it caught around his ankles. Gisborne ended face first in the mud and Little John soon appeared and pressed his knee into his back whilst Much began to tie him up.

"Djaq, Will grab the money." Robin said sheathing his sword, happy with how well the plan had gone. "See Gisborne, the forest isn't a place for everyone, many things to trip over you never can be too careful." Robin sneered at Gisborne. Guy roared and tried to shake his holders but Much and John held tight. Djaq and Will made light work of filling the bags and soon were ready to leave.

"Put him in the cart and send it on its way. See if they knew their way home." Robin said picking up the money, John and Much threw Gisborne into the cart and set it on its way. "Nice work." Robin smiled and headed towards the camp carrying one bag whilst handing the other to Will. Daniel and Mark jumped from the tree to follow.

"Robin." Daniel shouted running up behind them.
"Daniel, Mark, I forgot about you two! How could I when you played your part so well." Robin said shocked with himself.

"Thank you Master Robin." Mark smiled.

"Can you get yourselves back or do you want me to take you?" Robin asked.

"No we will be fine." Daniel finally spoke. Mark and Daniel turned and started walking towards the orphanage. Robin smiled as the boys walked away, Marian really had taught him well.

Locksley orphanage

Marian rode up to the outside of the orphanage, dismounted and tied up her horse. She knocked on the door and one of the sisters opened the door.

"Hello Lady Marian."

"Hello Sister Elizabeth, how are you?" Marian asked stepping into the orphanage.

"Yes I am well thank you. The boys are well also."

"That's great news, where is he?"

"He's out with Robin I believe."
"What?" Marian asked surprised.

"Yes, Daniel and Mark left this morning saying Robin Hood needed their help." Just as Sister Elizabeth said this the two boys walked through the big door laughing and shoving each other.

"Mother." Daniel shouted when he saw Marian, he ran over to her and she bent down to received his hug.
"Where have you been?" She asked kindly.

"We've been helping Robin Hood." He smiled to her.

"Doing what?"

"I mustn't say we promised Robin we wouldn't."

"I see. Well come on lets go get some food." Marian smiled to him and took his hand leading him toward the mess hall. Marian would speak with Robin later.

Marian left the orphanage after eating with the boys and the sisters, she said her good byes and mounted her horse and headed to find Robin.

Sherwood Forest

Robin was stalking through the forest looking for something to shoot for dinner that night. He couldn't believe how well the plan had gone and they deserved to celebrate. Pigeon was good and so was the occasional boar that he brought home, but today as a thank you he wanted deer. He was completely caught off guard when a voice rang out behind him.
"Robin of Locksley you really do have something to answer for." He span around when he recognised the voice, to find a furious yet still beautiful Marian stood before him.

"Wow Marian you look ravishing when you're angry." He said in his most seductive voice.

"Don't try it Locksley!" She shouted furious with him. "I am not one of the girls who drool all over you and hang on you every word. Do not treat me like on."

"Marian when you look at me like this you really can see into my soul."

"Ugghh do you ever take anything serious?"

"Yes, im serious about you."

"Robin stop it." Marian said turning away from him, she hated it when he was like this. He was shocked something was really eating her.

"Ok im sorry, what have I done?" He asked sincerely trying to touch her arm. She pulled her arm away and span around to face him.

"How dare you involve Daniel in your hair brained schemes?" She shouted at him. "Do you not think he had enough danger the last time he got caught up with you?"

"Marian I…"

"You what Robin? You'll keep him safe, promise nothing will happen to him. He is a boy Robin not a member of your gang." She began to cry. Robin stared at her with wide eyes, this was uncharacteristic for Marian. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight as she sobbed into his shoulder.

"Marian I'm sorry." He offered. "You know I wouldn't involve the boys unless I could be sure they were completely safe."

"I want him to be safe." She sobbed.

"I know, I know I promise I will look after him." He said, he pulled her from his shoulder to look into her eyes, he held her chin up and kissed her tenderly.

"I know you will, I'm sorry I shouldn't have shouted." Marian smiled at him. "Thank you Robin."

"Marian are you alright?" Robin asked, confused by her sudden change in emotions.

"Yes, yes I'm quite alright." She smiled putting her arms around his neck and pulling him close.

"Are…" He was interrupted by Marian's lips crashing down upon his, he moaned in surprise as their kiss deepened, he pushed her gently against a tree, pinning her body between his and the tree. Marian moaned as his lips moved from hers to make their way down her neck. He gently pulled down the sleeve on the beautiful green dress revealing her shoulder as he placed gentle kisses and nibbles on it.

"Robin." She gasped she felt like she was about to swoon. "Robin stop." She gasped, clinging to him. He immediately pulled away taking her face in his hands, he smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry Marian."

"It's alright." She smiled to him, "I just don't feel well."

"Come on, lets get to camp so Djaq can take a look at you." He said taking her hand.
"No Robin, I'm fine really." She said trying hard to stand up without falling.
"I don't think you're fine." Robin said pulling her along. Marian couldn't move anymore.

"Robin." She whispered. He turned around just in time to catch her as she fell towards him.

"Marian." He gasped holding her in his arms. "Nothing wrong. Yeah right." He shifted her in his arms and began carrying her to the camp.

Outlaw camp

"Djaq." Robin shouted opening the door. "Djaq."

"Oh no, Marian." Much gasped, "Robin what happened?"
"I don't know. She is sick." Robin said out of breathe.

"Here put her on the bunk." Djaq said clearing room for him to put her down. Robin laid her gently on the bunk and then straightened catching his breath.

"Marian." Djaq said shaking her. "Marian."
"Mmm." Marian said slowly opening her eyes.

"Marian what's wrong?" Djaq said she had found nothing out of the ordinary.

"Nothing Djaq. Honestly I'm fine but I am quite hungry." Marian said smiling at Djaq. Robin seemed relieved and handed Marian some bread they had picked up earlier that morning. Djaq did not seem convinced something was going on but she wasn't sure what.

"Come on let's get you back to the castle." Robin said offering his hand. Marian nodded rose from the bed and followed him to her find her horse.