Chapter 38: Isabella's Triumph

October 6, 1192

The sheriff, distracted by thoughts of Prince John's request to gather the nobles for an important announcement, burst into Gisborne's quarters without knocking.

"The prince wants to meet . . ." Vaisey stopped mid-sentence as Marian and Saffiya sat up in Guy's bed.

Saffiya pulled the blanket up to her chin and looked to Marian, who had been sleeping on the far side of the bed. She saw Marian glance quickly to the floor, where Robin had spent the night. Hopefully, he could roll under the bed and stay out of sight.

Vaisey was still standing there, open-mouthed and trying to form a sentence. At last he shouted, "GISBORNE!"

Within a few heartbeats, Guy and Allan stumbled into the room, still pulling on their clothes and nearly knocking each other over in their rush.

Vaisey had recovered sufficiently to speak, and he ordered the women, "UP! Get up!"

Guy stepped forward, "My lord, they are not dressed, let us give them privacy."

Vaisey shook his head. "They are covered well enough." He addressed them again. "I am waiting."

Marian and Saffiya carefully got out of bed. With the cooler weather of autumn, they were both wearing heavier, longer shifts that protected their modesty. Unfortunately, the shifts did not conceal their nearly identical pregnant bellies.

Another surprised expression passed over the sheriff's face. "Tell me, why is Lord Gisborne not sleeping in his own bed?"

Saffiya looked at Marian. She could tell that Marian was terrified – most likely because of her fear that Robin would be found in the room. Marian reached over and pulled the blanket off of the bed, and the two woman wrapped it around their shoulders and huddled close together.

Guy was surprisingly quick to offer an explanation. "My lord, I felt it was prudent to put the women together in one room in order to guard them more efficiently."

Vaisey rubbed his hands together in excitement. "Just as I suspected, our Lady Leper was spending her summer nights warming Locksley's tent in the woods. But apparently, Hood still has a taste for the dark and exotic! We now have both of Locksley's mistresses under our control! We must separate them to make it more difficult for Hood to mount a rescue. Put the Saracen in the dungeons, and put Marian back into that smaller room. It is more secure."

Saffiya gasped, "Robin is my brother!"

Vaisey just shook his head and continued to chuckle.

A silence fell over the group, and the sheriff huffed in irritation. "Well, Gisborne? Go make plans to move her. We need to place her in the dungeons. It is the most secure area of the castle."

Guy stood straighter and a look of resolve settled on his features. "No."

"No?" The sheriff's eyes narrowed. "That is not an acceptable response. I do not care if you think you are a baron now. You still answer to me."

Guy shook his head. "No, the Saracen is not carrying Locksley's child. She carries my child."

Saffiya watched as a shocked Vaisey again stood speechless and open-mouthed as he stared at Guy.

"Your . . . your child?" Vaisey's face hardened. "I do not believe it! What game are you playing, Gisborne!"

Guy returned Vaisey's stare. "No games, my lord. This woman carries my child."

Vaisey looked back at the two women huddled together under a blanket. "The little brown leper? You . . . Saracen, Princess whatever-you-call-yourself, whose seed is growing in you, Locksley or Gisborne?"

Saffiya knew that she could not let the sheriff believe that she carried Robin's child. She, and her child, would be in great danger. She answered him honestly. "He tells the truth. I am carrying . . . Lord Gisborne's child."

Vaisey's eyes widened. "When? . . . How? . . ." He began to howl with laughter. "How romantic! How charming! There you were, chained to a tree, and bedding Locksley's little brown Saracen sister. Amazing!"

Guy was now red-faced with embarrassment.

Vaisey was shaking his head in disbelief. "Everyone get dressed. The prince is preparing to leave this morning, and he wishes to address the nobles one more time. I believe he has an announcement of some sort. We will meet in the hall as soon as possible. Lord Gisborne, I insist that you bring these lepers with you!"

A short time later, Saffiya stood with Marian in the castle's large audience hall. They were a short distance behind the men who had assembled to hear the prince's final words before his departure. Robin was still playing the role of their guard. Saffiya wondered how the prince was faring after drinking the sleeping potion.

He soon appeared, and despite being a bit pale, Prince John did not seem to be suffering from any lingering effects. "We are pleased to bid au revoir to our most loyal subjects. As you know, Sherwood Forest has been overrun by bandits and despicable outlaws. We are impressed with the efforts of Lord Vaisey and Lord Gisborne to rid the greenwood of its vermin. Unfortunately, the Wolf Bandit, the leader of the outlaws, remains at large." Prince John motioned for Vaisey and Gisborne to join him at the front of the room.

Robin, irritated, muttered under his breath, "The Wolf Bandit, the leader of the outlaws! I would like to know the purpose of making me the lackey of–"

"Quiet!" hushed Marian.

The prince continued, "Today, we are issuing a challenge. We challenge Lord Vaisey and Lord Gisborne to capture this Wolf Bandit. Whoever captures the Wolf Bandit, and provides proof of his death, will be given the post of Sheriff of Nottingham!"

Vaisey looked sharply at the prince. "But . . . sire . . . I am already Sheriff of Nottingham!"

Prince John smiled. "And if you capture the Wolf Bandit, you shall remain Sheriff of Nottingham. If Lord Gisborne catches him, then he will be awarded the post of sheriff. Both of you have been chasing him for months. We grow tired of the situation here. Catch this vile criminal!" The prince then waved at his supporters and left.

"But . . . but . . ." Vaisey was sputtering in shock.

With the prince gone, the nobles were eager to leave and began calling for their carriages. Guy excused himself and resumed his duties, which included helping the nobles prepare for their departures.

"Marian," Robin's whisper drew the attention of both women. "Now that Prince John is departing, all these other nobles will also be leaving. I must tell the men to allow them to pass through Sherwood quickly and safely. As soon as they have left Nottinghamshire, we will implement my plan. I will return in three days. Tell your father to be ready."

Marian nodded. "Robin, what do you think of this competition?"

Robin laughed, in spite of himself. "I am curious to see how Lord Gisborne will fare. It will be difficult for him to execute himself and still claim his reward!"

"Robin!" hissed Saffiya, "the situation is not amusing! I am worried!"

Robin looked a bit chastened. "I am sorry, Saffiya. Please, both of you, take care! It is impossible to know what Vaisey's next move will be. Remember, you can always contact me through Allan."

Robin gave Marian a tender glance and slowly backed away. The women watched as he melted into the crowd, and Marian's heart ached for him.

October 8, 1192

Allan was moving quietly along the shadowed corridor. Marian had sent him on a mission to learn what he could about the sheriff's next move. It had been two days since the departure of the prince, but Vaisey had not done anything to capture the Wolf Bandit. In one more day, Robin would arrive and rescue Marian, Saffiya, and Sir Edward from the castle.

Finding the sheriff's war room, Allan took one last look up and down the hall before slipping into the room. Marian had grown up in the castle, and she knew the secret of the large tapestry that decorated one side of the room. Allan just hoped that Vaisey didn't know.

Pulling the tapestry to one side, Allan found a very narrow opening behind it. Voices behind him left Allan no choice but to slip into the tight space. It was a very snug fit, but he managed to squeeze through and step into the darkness. In the small space, he realized that it was just as Marian had described, a tiny room that would accommodate only two or three people. It was dirty and musty. Light from the war room was filtering in through a gap in the wall. He carefully inched closer and looked through the readymade spyhole. It provided an excellent view into the room beyond. Marian had explained to him that the opening was very close to a bracket which held a torch. The brightness of the torch helped keep the spyhole in shadow.

Vaisey and Isabella entered the room and walked up to the large table that dominated the space. "Well, ma chérie, your family is expanding in a most unexpected way," chuckled Vaisey.

"My lord?" came Isabella's curious response.

"Your brother has planted his seed in the Saracen woman."

Isabella gasped. "I do not believe it!"

"The little brown leper admitted it, as did your brother. I guess we now know which organ he uses for thinking. No wonder he is so incompetent," Vaisey sneered.

"If he is so incompetent, then how did he defeat all the outlaws when the nobles were arriving?" Isabella's shrill question angered the sheriff.

Vaisey slammed his fist on the table in frustration. "I know that there must be more to it! I refuse to believe that he suddenly became so successful at prevailing over the outlaws! He said something about having a man on the inside – a spy in the outlaw camp. We must find out more."

"What if Guy finds the Wolf Bandit first?"

"Ma chérie, it really does not matter. If I find the Wolf Bandit, I will kill your brother and blame the Wolf Bandit. If he finds the Wolf Bandit, I will kill your brother and blame the Wolf Bandit. I really do not see how I could possibly lose. In fact, I am happy to let him do the work. Let him find the Wolf Bandit. I will still reap the reward."

"What about me?" cried Isabella.

"Good question. I believe there were several knights at the prince's council meeting who might be in the market for a wife, especially the sister of a baron. It is a pity that you will not bring in as good a price as when you were thirteen."

"What!" Isabella had grown very pale and grabbed the edge of the table for support. "I thought we were working together!"

"Hmmm. It is unfortunate that you have been so unsuccessful at the tasks that I have set for you. Did you talk Hood into taking you to his camp? No. Have you kept me informed of your brother's activities? Clearly not. What exactly have you done for me lately?" asked the sheriff in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I can help you defeat the outlaws. I can help you prevail in this competition to find the Wolf Bandit!" Isabella's desperate screech made Allan's skin crawl.

"Isabella, if you actually find a way to be of assistance in any of these matters, we can talk about a reward for you, but I will be expecting something impressive! Go now. I have business that does not concern you."

A shaken Isabella quickly left the room.

Vaisey moved away from Allan's range of vision. He was still speaking, but Allan could not discern his words. The room grew quiet. Just as Allan was wondering if Vaisey had also left, the sheriff walked back to the table. A familiar looking older man was now with him, and Allan realized that it was Lord Knighton.

Vaisey enthusiastically greeted Marian's father. "Lord Knighton! You are looking much improved since the last time I saw you."

Sir Edward remained quiet.

"What is that package that you brought with you?"

Still, Sir Edward did not speak.

The sheriff sobered slightly. "Lord Knighton, I fear that I have some very bad news–"

"Marian? Is Marian well?" Sir Edward finally broke his silence, as his fear for Marian's safety overruled his unwillingness to speak to Vaisey. His voice was still hoarse, and he coughed several times.

"Lady Marian is still here in the castle. She appears to be in excellent health . . . for now. No, the bad news concerns you. I fear that I have discovered some paperwork here at the castle that indicates that you were transferring some of the tax monies intended for the king into your own coffers. Tsk. Tsk. Not good, Sir Edward!" Vaisey was grinning broadly.

"Vaisey, show me your proof. Since it is not true, I know your evidence is false!"

The sheriff pointed to several papers lying on the cluttered table near Sir Edward. "I have the ledgers from your last few years as sheriff."

"Impossible!" cried Sir Edward.

"Yet, here they are, as you can see." Vaisey retorted smugly.

"No," continued Sir Edward, "you misunderstand me. I say that it is impossible because I have the ledgers from those years right here." Sir Edward put his package on the table and untied the string. Allan could finally see that it was a stack of papers.

"Where did you get those?" His smile fading, Vaisey was surprised and clearly alarmed.

"They are from Knighton Hall. That is where I took my papers after you became sheriff. When the guard who escorted me here said that you had questions about my ledgers, I brought them with me."

"But . . . but Knighton Hall was burned! It is impossible that you would have these papers!"

Sir Edward shook his head. "Gisborne allowed us time to gather important items before he burned the hall–"

"Nooo!" howled Vaisey. He began to mutter, "Of all the incompetent . . . idiotic . . . simple-minded . . ."

"As you can see," Sir Edward calmly echoed the sheriff's own words, "whatever papers you have are forgeries. I have the only originals."

Vaisey came around the table and began looking through the papers. "Well, perhaps I can work with these instead. A few alterations here and there, and this set of papers will be more believable than those forgeries."

"What are you saying . . .?" Sir Edward paled.

"You have been found guilty of defrauding the king of his rightful tax revenues. Your punishment is the forfeiture of Knighton to the crown and life in prison. During his recent visit, Prince John transferred the estate to me. I now own Knighton." Vaisey was grinning again and nearly vibrating with enthusiasm.

"I will fight this, Vaisey! I will not let you take Knighton from me, from Marian, and from my grandchildren!" Sir Edward stood to his full height.

Vaisey swiveled away from Lord Knighton, and Allan could not see what he was doing with his hand. Allan pressed his eye closer to the spyhole.

Vaisey began speaking again. "I fear that you have already lost this fight, Sir Edward." Suddenly, Vaisey spun around and thrust a dagger into Sir Edward's chest.

Allan jerked back, away from the spyhole and struck his head on the rough stone wall behind him. For a few heartbeats, he saw flashes of light around the edge of his field of vision, but he was more concerned about the small cry that had escaped him as Vaisey coldly murdered the unarmed, older man.

Hearing a thud, Allan moved to look again through the spyhole. Sir Edward was now lying face down on the floor, and Vaisey was calmly cleaning his dagger with a small cloth. He returned the dagger to its sheath and casually stepped over the body on the floor.

Allan could make out Vaisey muttering, "My steward will know exactly what to do with these papers." The sheriff then loudly shouted, "Guards! Lord Knighton attacked me without provocation! Take him away!"

Allan ran back to Gisborne's quarters as fast as he could. He had to find Marian and tell her . . . but perhaps he should find Giz instead . . . did he really want to be the one to tell Marian that her that father was dead?

He rounded the corner and knocked anxiously on the door to Marian's room. At the sound of Marian's voice, he pushed the door open and found himself looking into the icy blue eyes of Isabella, who had come to open the door and was now coldly assessing him.

He forced himself to look away from Isabella's intense stare. "Uh, Marian, I'm lookin' for Giz. It's important."

"Oh, Allan, I am sorry, but he went to the barracks earlier. Can you tell me . . .?" At that moment, Marian must have recognized the desperation in Allan's eyes. She stood, walked over to the door, and spoke politely to Isabella. "Thank you for visiting me. Please, come again. I am often bored here in the castle."

Isabella narrowed her eyes, plainly unhappy to be dismissed. "You should work on your embroidery. It helps pass the time."

Marian fought the urge to roll her eyes. Embroidery! She would rather watch grass grow. "Oh . . . uh, all of my embroidery burned in the fire at Knighton Hall."

"I am sorry to hear that! My brother has a history of being careless with fire. I have some embroidery supplies at Locksley, from when I lived there with Guy. I shall happily go to Locksley–"

At the unexpected offer to go to Locksley, Marian paled and answered much too loudly, "NO! . . . I mean, I would not want to put such a burden on you! I have some sewing to do. That will be sufficient to fill my time." Marian smiled insincerely.

It was too late. Isabella's suspicions were kindled. Marian obviously did not want her to go to Locksley. She would leave as soon as possible.

The door had no sooner closed behind Isabella when Marian grabbed Allan's arm. "We must get word to Guy! We cannot let Isabella go to Locksley for any reason! Ellie is there!"

They froze when they heard another knock at the door. Cracking it open, Allan was relieved to see Saffiya, who had been waiting next door during Isabella's visit. He quickly pulled her into the room and began speaking to Marian. "Marian! Somethin's happened. I need to find Giz! I was in the war room, an' I saw everythin'!"

"What?" cried Marian. "Tell me now! Then we must warn Guy about Isabella . . ."

Allan closed his eyes, his face taut with sorrow and apprehension. He did not want to tell her, but she needed to know as soon as possible. "It's yer father. He was in the war room with the sheriff . . ."

"Yes?" nodded Marian, as Allan's pause stretched too long.

Allan pulled her over to the chairs near the hearth and insisted that she sit down. Marian was growing paler by the moment. Saffiya followed and sat in the other chair as Allan knelt down in front of Marian.

"The sheriff, well, he accused yer father of stealing. Yer father had proof of his innocence, but–"

"For God's sake, Allan, tell me!" Marian was becoming panicky.

"He said that yer father had already been convicted an' that Knighton had been forfeited. When yer father told Vaisey that he would fight the conviction . . . the sheriff . . . well, he killed yer father! There was nothin' I could do!"

Marian opened her mouth to scream, but all that came out was a puff of air. She stood and swayed. Both Allan and Saffiya jumped to their feet and took hold of Marian, who was on the verge of fainting.

Suddenly, Marian found her voice and began to wail, "No! NO! You are wrong! I do not believe you!"

Saffiya gently spoke, "Marian, please sit back down. Allan would never lie about this. You must be strong. When the sheriff announces the death of your father, you cannot let him know that you have already been told. He may discover that Allan has been spying! We must try to stay calm. We will mourn him properly, but we do not want to risk your life, or the life of your child!"

Marian nodded and dropped heavily into her chair. She covered her face and began to sob, her heart broken and in anguish for the loss of her dear father.

Isabella's dangerous interest in Locksley had been forgotten.

October 8, 1192 (continued)

Guy had spent the morning leading his men through their drills and helping to evaluate the training requirements of several new recruits. Earlier, he had received his new baronial seal and ring, as well as paperwork and other information that he would need as he took control of Carentune.

It would have been very exciting, if he hadn't been entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue. Danger, he could handle. Give him a sword, and point to the enemy, and he would prevail – but this endless juggling of falsehoods and trying to remember what to say and what not to say, and to whom to say it, or not say it . . . God's teeth, his head was going to explode!

He was taking the broad steps that led to the front entrance of the castle two at a time, and he nearly tripped when he saw Vaisey standing at the top, apparently waiting for him.

"Gisborne! I have some distressing news."

Evidently, the news was not too distressing. The sheriff was grinning broadly. Guy slowed his ascent and approached Vaisey. "Yes, my lord?"

"First, we should wave farewell to your sister." Vaisey lifted his hand and motioned towards the gates.

Guy spun around and saw Isabella and a small contingent of the sheriff's men heading to the gates. "Where is she going?" Guy asked.

"It is not important. I have sent for Lady Marian. Please join us in the council room." With those ominous words, Vaisey walked away, and Guy reluctantly followed. If the sheriff was this pleased, it had to be bad news for Guy.

"And so," concluded the sheriff, "Lord Knighton, knowing that he had been caught stealing money from the king, tried to escape. Perhaps he hoped to join the outlaws in the forest. Sadly, one of the soldiers, not realizing that it was Sir Edward, Baron of Knighton, killed him during his escape attempt."

Guy was standing next to a tearful Marian, as the sheriff continued with his obviously contrived version of the morning's events.

"Because of Lord Knighton's treasonous theft of money intended to help our glorious king liberate Jerusalem from the infidels, all of Knighton has been seized by the crown. But do not worry, Lady Marian, even though you are now penniless, I will allow you to continue living here, in the castle," the sheriff triumphantly proclaimed.

"And what does Prince John intend to do with Knighton?" Although he already knew the answer, Guy felt compelled to make Vaisey tell Marian everything.

"Of course, these are valuable lands. They need to be administered by an experienced man, someone the prince can trust."

"Such as yourself," Guy retorted.

"Precisely! Prince John has already given me possession of Knighton. It is a pity about the Hall. I hear it burned to the ground recently. Some people just never learn that if they play with fire, they will get burned," taunted Vaisey.

"My lord, with your permission, I would like to escort Lady Marian back to her room. She is understandably distressed." Guy had heard enough, and he was certain that Marian felt the same way.

Marian looked up at Guy. She was grateful that she did not have to face the sheriff alone, but she longed for Robin's loving embrace and words of comfort. Sighing, she wiped at her tear-stained face, and without waiting for Vaisey's permission, Guy and Marian left the room.

October 8, 1192 (continued)

Isabella knew that Marian and Guy were involved in some sort of intrigue – what had Marian put in the prince's ale? Guy had watched her do it, so they were obviously working together. Isabella felt confused. The next morning, the prince appeared to be unaffected by the potion; perhaps it had not worked. If the prince had become ill, or had died, she could have accused Guy and Marian. She would have been heralded as a heroine, and she might have received a significant reward. She just needed enough wealth and power to secure her independence. Never again did she want to be ruled by the whims of a husband – or any man for that matter.

It was early afternoon when she arrived at Locksley with half a dozen soldiers. The soldiers pushed through the door without knocking, and Isabella entered the manor with an air of satisfaction. The answer to the puzzle must be here! She didn't know what she would find, but she was convinced that she would find something significant.

Isabella shuddered slightly at being back in this God-forsaken corner of Nottinghamshire. She had spent the first eight years of her life on the nearby Gisborne fiefdom when her father was vassal to Robin's father. When Guy became manager of Locksley while Robin fought in the Crusades, she had lived in Locksley Manor with Guy. She had hated every moment, although she was not sure if it was Locksley Manor she hated or living under her brother's rule.

"Thornton!" she called to the elderly servant. He quickly appeared, accompanied by his wife and fifteen year-old daughter, a beloved child who had been born late in their lives, following many other children who did not survive infancy.

"Yes, my lady?" came his kindly reply.

"I know you are hiding something. We are here to search the house and stables." Isabella motioned to two of the soldiers. "You two, search the stables." She gestured to the remaining four soldiers, "Search every room."

The soldiers obediently began overturning tables and ransacking the house.

"My lady," Thornton's wife was obviously nervous and fearful. "What are you looking for? We have nothing here! You lived here; you know the house well; there is nothing of particular value kept here now that your brother is living at the castle."

"Interesting," mused Isabella, "when I spoke to Lady Marian earlier, she seemed most eager to discourage me from visiting Locksley. I can only assume that she is hiding something. I recommend that you cooperate. Cooperation means the difference between living and dying at the point of a sword."

The fearful look exchanged between the Thorntons gave Isabella hope that they could be convinced to confess what they knew. A sudden inspiration led Isabella to walk over to the Thornton daughter.

"You!" Isabella called to the nearest soldier. "Hold this girl."

The soldier dutifully grabbed the girl, who began struggling in fear.

Isabella motioned to the other soldiers. Waving her hand at the elderly couple, she commanded, "Hold them as well."

As soon as the soldiers were restraining the Thorntons, Isabella called for the remaining soldier. "Extend the girl's arm."

He seized the girl's hand and pulled it away from her body.

The Thorntons began pleading for mercy and continued struggling against their captors. They had no idea what Isabella might do to their precious daughter.

"If you want to save her life, you will reveal to me the secrets that are hidden here." Isabella then withdrew a small dagger from a sheath tied to her belt and sliced the girl's wrist.

The girl screamed, and her parents cried out and tried to rush forward, only to be held back by soldiers. Blood began to pulse slowly from her wrist and pool on the floor.

"There is still time to save your daughter. You can bind her wound, and she will survive. However, in a very short time, she will bleed to death."

The horror-stricken parents looked at each other. Thornton shook his head at the panic he saw in his wife's eyes. "No!" he cried, "you must not–"

"Upstairs!" Thornton's wife was desperate to save her only child. "What you seek is upstairs, behind the tapestry of the smaller bedroom!"

"NO!" again Thornton cried out, but it was too late.

With a cruel smile, Isabella commanded the soldiers. "Release them. Her mother can bind the wound. Follow me."

Isabella climbed the stairs in triumph. It must be something of great importance, if the old man was willing to sacrifice his beloved daughter. She opened the door to the bedroom and stepped into a familiar space. This was the room she had stayed in while living at Locksley Manor.

She gestured towards the tapestry. "Pull it down!"

One of the soldiers easily tore it from the hooks that secured it to the wall.

Sitting in a small crevice in the wall, with tears streaming down her face, was Lady Eleanor of Locksley clutching a wolf mask.

Next: The Wolf Bandit

Sheriff Vaisey captures the Wolf Bandit, thanks to Isabella. A frightened Lady Eleanor is reunited with Mama Marian, Aunt Djaq, and . . . Uncle Guy.