CHAPTER SUMMARY: The Sheriff declares causing pain towards the people who don't pay their taxes as Robin and Marian look to stop it. Guy and Katherine find pleasure in each other's company.

CHAPTER 11 - Pleasure and Pain

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

It was another beautiful day, Katherine was convinced. Rising to the sun peeking in through the windows to greet her and the birds chirping outside, she got out of bed with a little more joy in her step.

Walking down the steps of the castle, she bid hello to the servants as always. Despite her nice nature, they watched how they spoke or looked at her knowing she was Gisborne's woman and if he caught them even interacting with her - well, they didn't want to find out what would happen.

Katherine's attention was brought over to the cries of a woman. She was small with brown hair and pleading eyes. "Please, just let me see my son!"

The guard stood at his post, not letting her past. "No."

"What is going on here?" Katherine said, walking up to ask the guard and woman.

"Ah," she exclaimed, clinging onto her for support. "My lady, the sheriff has taken my son. They won't let me see him."

The guard chimed in. "He's been accused of working with Robin Hood, my lady."

Her brown eyes went wide before a smile came to her face. Katherine offered a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, but we can't let you see him. Be assured though, I will speak with the sheriff about your son and set things right."

"Thank you!" The woman said, taking her hands into hers.

Katherine nodded and began to walk back to the front of the castle before seeing her sister had just arrived, getting off her horse. Marian glanced to the group of men - the latest victims of the sheriff's, all tied up to a tree in the courtyard. At that moment, Guy came walking down the stairs. "It seems the Sheriff is determined to arrest half of Nottingham."

"Just reminding them of their obligations to the sheriff and the king." Guy responded, giving a breathy sigh. He was surprised she was talking to him, but he was glad she seemed to be warming up to him. "And of their loyalty to their betters." He continued to walk past before spotting Katherine coming towards them. "Katherine."

She smiled, greeting him. "Hello. What are you two talking about?" She was intrigued to find her sister starting conversation with him.

Marian didn't stop for her sister though, continuing on with her point. "Well, if their obligations are higher and higher taxes, is it any wonder they need reminding of their loyalty." Guy gave her a look and Katherine's attention was directed to the men tied at the tree, realizing what was happening. "They have nothing to give, and yet they are being punished."

Katherine glanced at Guy, giving him a look that apologized for her sister and her bold ways before he walked off. The sheriff came down the stairs, catching the sisters by surprise. "Ah, Marian. I thought I heard your voice. Charming as ever, even in decent. Who is the one who took out the squad of soldiers single handedly?"

"This one, sir." The guard replied, pointing to the big fella.

"Ah, ugly brute. And yet…" the Sheriff paused, looking over him with more curiosity. "I feel like I've seen him somewhere before. Do you think he looks like one of Robin Hood's men, Marian?"

She was quick to shake her head, already lying to him. "How would I know? Outlaws all look the same to me."

"Katherine?" The sheriff asked her next, believing her to be the trustworthy one out of the sisters, especially since she hadn't been on his bad side.

She looked over to the man who exchanged a look with her. Marian held her breath, hoping her sister wouldn't rat him out. But Katherine honestly didn't know he was one of Robin Hood's men. "Possibly, but can't be too sure."

"No necklace, sir." informed the Guard.

Vaisey continued to stare him down, finding this most interesting. "Obviously a common brute. Certainly looks wild enough though. Not so tough now, are we, wild man?" He chuckled to himself sadistically. "Beat some civilization into you. Roll onto tomorrow's entertainments."

Marian narrowed her eyes at him, both fury and confusion swirling in them. "Entertainments?" She asked.

"The festival of pain!" The Sheriff exclaimed in reply before turning to give the guard orders. "Throw that brute into the dungeons, soften him up!"

If looks could kill, the Sheriff would be dead right now. Actually, he would have been dead plenty of times considering all the townspeople who hated him. Marian glared at him as Katherine kept quiet, going along with everything as always. Even if she didn't like it, she knew she had to play along with the game despite how vile it all was.

Marian began to charge after the sheriff, not willing to stand for this kind of treatment. Katherine sighed, knowing she would have to go after her sister before she got herself into more trouble. Walking into the great hall, Marian spotted Guy and thought that maybe she could reason with him instead considering he was her sister's betrothed. If he really loved Katherine like she thought he did, then he would help her if a family member came to him with a concern...right?

"You cannot seriously count in such cruelty." She said, standing in front of Guy.

"Marian…" he said softly, not wishing to argue with her, especially in front of her sister.

"It is not punishment, it is barbaric!" She exclaimed, raising her voice just as the sheriff walked into the room towards them. Katherine's eyes went wide briefly before feeling her voice catch. Guy glanced over to her, both exchanging another look.

"Delicious, is it not?" Vaisey strode up, goblet in his hand, finding this all amusing. "There is an air of poetry, the poetry of pain!" He chuckled, poking Guy's chest. The Black Knight smirked at him and Katherine smiled, both keeping on their facade with the Sheriff. The man of Nottingham himself gazed at Marian, noticing her frown. "Our peasants advocate seems rather upset with me. What do you think I should do, Katherine?" She remained silent just as he hushed everyone. "Shh. Listen. Drip. Drip. I can hear her heart bleed from here." He suddenly grabbed Marian's face, causing Katherine's eyes to go wide. "Fear humbles even the most rebellious spirit, my dear. Robin Hood himself will come to fear me, one day. In time." He let go, booping her nose. "Don't doubt it."

As the sheriff walked away, Guy began to speak up, turning to face his boss. The sister's exchanged looks with each other. "My lord, don't forget the wagon with the king's duty leaves for London tomorrow."

Marian perked up, listening into what they were saying. Katherine grabbed her sister's hand as they slowly followed behind the men.

"That is your responsibility, Gisborne. Just make sure it is secure. Take the whole garrison if need be." He stuck his hand in a sack and pulled out a clutter of gold coins before dropping them on the ground. "I would hate to be in your shoes if this fell into outlaws hands." Guy smirked and the sheriff briefly glanced at the sisters. "Especially after all the trouble we went to collecting it."

"Are the castle guards sufficient enough for your entertainment?"

"No, take all you need. I presume you are going to accompany the cart personally."

Guy leaned onto the table, explaining his plan. "I will take a wagon through the hidden crossroads from there, the Garrison will be escorting it as far as London."

The sheriff waved him off with not much of a thought, walking away. "La-de-da-de-da!"

Guy rolled his eyes, knowing the sheriff thought him incompitent. "Only a fool would attack against such odds." He pushed himself from the table and walked away.

Katherine looked to her sister, seeing the wheels turning in her head as she came up with a plan. Not liking it one bit, she gave her a disapproving look. "Oh no, don't you dare. I know exactly what you're thinking."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

She crossed her arms, giving Marian a look that said she wasn't stupid. "You're my sister, I know better than that. While father is away and you're staying at the castle, that means you're under my watchful eye. I'm not going to let you do anything that will bring danger to us, even if it is to help Robin.

Marian sighed, not even giving her sister another reply as she walked off. They both knew at this point they would do everything for their respective loved ones. There was no fighting it or trying to stop it, the sisters were stubborn in their ways. "There's a child in the dungeons. A woman was asking about him today." This stopped Marian in her tracks. Katherine supposed she would tell her incase she decided to be the Nightwatchman anytime soon. "Help him if you can because the sheriff won't."

Rounding a corner of the castle, Marian held a twisted picklock in her hands. She was clearly a woman with a mission, using the picklock to open up the door to the jail. The door creaked with a moan. Before she could enter, someone took her by surprise. "Boo!" It was the guard, returning back to his post. "My lady." He addressed her.

"The prisoners, I heard there were families down there. Children. Do they have enough food and water?" Marian asked, trying to cover herself for being caught.

The guard looked her up and down. "This is not some soft in for their pleasure, my lady."

"That is no reason to ill treat them." Obviously that one wasn't going to work, so she decided to try something new. "Actually, I thought I might be able to see the wild man. I'm rather intrigued." She chuckled.

The guard gave an amused chuckle. "No." He stated. "Can't let you in. Sorry." He went down the stairs, closing the door in her face.

Now not sure exactly what to do since her cover story didn't work, Marian stood there, tapping the lockpick upon her hand, looking around for something, anything, to help her out. Hearing the sound of Guy around the corner, she quickly hide the lockpick in a metal decoration. "Marian…?"

She turned around, greeting him. "Sir Guy." As he gave her an intimidating look that asked what she was doing here, Marian stuttered. "I was just looking for my portmanteau. I don't know whether they took it from the horse already or where-"

"I will have it brought to your room." He told her, looking at her with arms crossed and a smile on his face. He was trying to be as kind to her as he could be. At least it wasn't hard knowing how a little sister would be. "I'm glad you decided to stay. Katherine needs to be around her family and she didn't like the idea of you being all alone at Knighton Hall, what with your father away."

Marian smiled at him. "May I pass?"

He paused before stepping aside to let her walk away. Guy then walked over to the balcony and called out to the guards in the courtyard. "Oi, you. Got a job for you." The one guard got up and began to walk over, but he stopped him. "Not you. Him. Have the Lady Marian's portmanteau taken to my horse in the stables and follow me with it to her chamber."

"Yes my lord." The guard said monotone, dragging his feet.

"Quickly!" barked Guy.

Katherine was sitting in her sister's room, helping her get comfortable in the castle. Marian told her she tried to go see the prisoners, but to no success. Now she had Guy bringing up her stuff, causing her sister to slap her arm.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Come in." Marian said.

Guy opened the door, walking in to see the two sisters together. "Marian. Your things." He said as the guard followed in with her stuff. "Over there." He pointed and the guard followed suit before dropping it at the sisters feet. They both looked surprised, but Marian let out a gasp, realizing who it was. "Be careful you clumsy oaf!"

Robin of Locksley, you really have guts, don't you. Katherine thought, giving him a look. She could easily give him away right now, no problem. It would be amusing to see, but she knew her sister wouldn't like that.

"Marian? Katherine?" Guy questioned, noticing their looks.

Marian peaked around Robin, looking to Guy. "I'm quite well."

"She realized she made a mistake with her writing. Troublesome things. " Katherine replied, glancing to Robin letting him know she was indicating him when she spoke.

"Could you put them over there by the bed?" Marian asked as Robin grinned. This caused Katherine to sigh, watching him and Guy who was completely unaware of who he was. Her heart lurched, feeling bad for lying to him.

"Wait." Guy suddenly said as the guard walked past him, stopping at the door. This caused both women to hold their breaths wondering if he figured it out. He glanced at Marian, trying his best to show Katherine that he cared for her sister as family. "Is there something else I can do for you?"

Marian looked to Robin who was directly behind Guy. "No, no thank you."

Guy motioned for the guard to leave as Robin gave a bow.

"Actually, there is something." Katherine said, daring to make a fool out of him. Guy looked back at the guard who suddenly looked down, hiding his face and stopping in his tracks. She walked over to her sister's stuff. "You brought some of my things, right?" She questioned Marian, looking at the two bags.

"Yes. It's in that one."

Katherine looked to the guard with a mischievous grin on her face. "Bring it to my room. I'll follow you." Marian couldn't believe the nerve of her sister right now. She couldn't tell if she was trying to keep up the facade or making a fool out of Robin for the heck of it. Either way, it reminded her of how they would interact with each other in their youth.

"You heard her. Get to it." Guy quipped as the guard grabbed the huge, leather suitcase and they made their way outside the room and to the room next door.

"Just put it over here. That is all. You may go now." She said, waving him off. Robin gave her a cheeky look before leaving the room.

Before he followed after the guard, Guy stopped and turned around. "Katherine-" Marian had followed outside wanting to make sure Robin was safe as she took her place beside him, both listening in on the couple's conversation. "For sometime now, you've constantly been in my thoughts." He began to walk towards her, no longer blocking her vision of the door so she could see her sister and Robin spying on them. "Without you, I no longer feel...quite whole."

Robin looked like he was going to be sick and Marian watched with curiosity. Katherine directed her attention back towards him, moved by his words. She was stuck between feeling awkward having them watch and reveling in it because of how many times she endured their couple moments. "Guy,-"

"Please don't send me away." He begged, extending a hand towards her which she happily took. Standing up, Guy leaned in towards her, practically bringing her in towards him. The closeness was not uncommon on them despite being relatively new, but their watchers were taken by surprise at the inappropriateness of it all. "We should be spending more time together, so we can understand each other better." He looked up from her hand and into her eyes, bringing her closer to his body. "I want to know you."

Marian blushed at the indication of it all and Robin gave a protective glare, wanting more than anything to strike him down where he stood for speaking to his little sister in such a way. Katherine blushed, taken by surprise at Guy's newfound bluntness concerning private affairs. "I- I um...-" She was rendered speechless, feeling her heart and body race fast. This was a new feeling altogether.

Seeing that she was hesitating, he pulled her closer. Guy knew she felt the same about him, it was certain at this point. Losing control of his mind, his emotions began to take over. He just wanted her. "Katherine -" he huskily said, " be with me. " Leaning in towards her with his hand on her waist, his lips crashed to hers in a hot steamy kiss. She closed her eyes, giving into the pleasure of it, completely forgetting someone was watching them. At this moment she didn't care. All she knew was that she wanted to get lost in the ecstasy of his kiss and where it would lead.

Guy hoisted her up onto the desk, kissing her deeper and with a more fiery passion, as if trying to claim her lips. He began to trail kisses from her mouth along down her neck, causing Katherine to let out a moan in pleasure. Both were too lost in their emotions for one another that it took Katherine a minute to remember they were being watched when she absentmindedly opened her eyes to find Robin and Marian staring at them in absolute shock. "Guy!" She exclaimed, pushing him back as he was making his way towards her chest.

He paused and slowly raised his head to look at her with those blue eyes before noticing the scared look on her face. She kept gazing between him and the door. Guy looked towards the door and didn't see anyone there, Robin and Marian having just back away in the nick of time. Finally realizing it was concerning his actions toward her, Guy pulled away, hanging his head in shame. "I- I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Katherine said, putting a hand to his cheek, getting him to look back at her. He placed his hand on hers. "It just took me by surprise...but I would like to get to know you as well, my husband-to-be." A smile graced his lips and he went to open his mouth, only to be stopped by her putting a finger to his lips. "We will get that chance after our wedding."

"Of course." Guy replied, clearing his throat. He didn't mean to get carried away in his emotions over her again, almost losing it.

"I'll see you later, okay. I should go check on Marian."

He nodded, making his way to the door and walking down the hall. Katherine took in a breath, regaining herself. She didn't dare to see her sister and Robin right now in pure embarrassment after knowing they witnessed all that.

Besides, they were probably talking to each other and unlike them, she wasn't one to interrupt or eavesdrop on their alone time.

"Well, that was something else." Robin cheekily stated, sitting inside Marian's room as they spoke with each other. "I don't want to see that ever again." He gave a disgusted grunt.

Marian sighed, changing the subject. "You're mad to be here at all. Extra guards have been laid on. The place is full of prisoners." She noticed the worried look Robin gave her. "You know about the sheriff's plans for tomorrow? The punishments?"

"Yes. And I intend to stop it."

Marian scoffed. "With what? You are few against many." She pointed out.

"We few have proved quite effective in the past. We will rescue them - all of them. I have a plan - well, half a plan I think."

"How?"

"I never give up. Not anyone."

"You may discover it is too late for some." Robin gives her a look. "I mean, the way the prisoners have been treated, most of them are beyond help. The bowmaker of Locksley has already been tortured. Guy wanted a special example made of him. He's the first to be punished."

"Yet he plays the gallant gentleman. And he does so want to know Katherine."

"You should be glad. It is because my sister is involved with him that I am able to tell you the revenue wagon leaves tomorrow for London with the king's annual duty."

"And?"

"And the sheriff thinks you will try to save your friend the bowmaker whilst the wagon leaves unchallenged."

"Right, I have a plan."

NEXT DAY

All the nobles were gathered in the great hall for the sheriff's despicable event of the day. Prisoners from the dungeons were forced onto their knees or standing off on the opposite side of the room. Unfortunately for the Knighton sisters, they were positioned sitting on either side of the sheriff at his request, wanting to see them squirm. Katherine wished Guy was here to make it bearable, but he was currently away starting his mission.

"Morning everybody, and welcome to my festival of pain." The terrible sheriff himself began to address the room. "I want to talk to you about community taxes. Taxes are a fact. The cost of living in a free country. Now, if you do not pay your taxes, then you sacrifice that freedom and must be punished accordingly." Marian gave a look as the sheriff walked among the prisoners, scowling at them. "I am sick and tired of your sob stories: 'can't pay', 'too old', 'too sick.' Is this going to help our beloved king in Arce?" He grabbed the handful of a little boy's hair, pulling at his scalp.

Katherine noticed the woman from before among her crowd, finally realizing the little boy was her son. She remained calm, but sympathy passed in her eyes. The sheriff then proceeded to pull onto Little John's hair. "A clue: no." He shook his head for him mockingly. "Those who understand this," he paused, rubbing his hands off onto one of the prisoners, "they will survive." The sheriff pulled a cord where a tent was covering something. "For those who defy me, well, the chair of delight."

Marian gasped, looking upon the torture device. Seeing all the mortified looks on everyone's face only seemed to fuel the sheriff even more. He walked over to another table to unveil even more items to get even to talk. "These prisoners do not pay their way. They help those who seek to undermine my authority, therefore they must all be punished." He said, sticking his head through a torture device with spikes in it, demonstrating what would happen with glee. "Now, do you think that they are the only ones to suffer? No because they do not pay their dues, we the good citizens, we have to pay more. And how on Earth are we supposed to support our king's glorious crusade?" The nobles shook their heads, giving displeased gazes. "If they were to pay their taxes, then we in the community would pay less! So you see, what I'm actually trying to do is lower taxes."

Marian stood up, handing her picklock to one of Robin's men coyly. "I'm feeling quite unwell. I think I might-"

Katherine looked up at her sister with concern, knowing how she felt. "Yes, yes, it's probably the peasants. The stench, here, sniff this if it gets too much." The sheriff handed her a fruit. Marian smelled it, giving a strange look. "So, let's bring the prisoners out and start a little burning."

Glancing at the woman from before, Katherine exchanged looks with her before their attention was brought to a man the guards grabbed, bringing up to burning embers laid out before them. "Now, you people seem to think Robin Hood and his men are worthy of your support and encouragement. Well, we'll see."

"Luke, the Cooper of Locksley." a guard announced him.

"Outlaw collaborated."

Katherine watched in worry as they grabbed the woman and her son, bringing them to join alongside the man. "Alice of Locksley and her son, John." Marian and Katherine exchanged glances, both showing the same concern.

"Outlaw sympathizers."

"Please, they had nothing to do with this. It is all my doing." Luke begged, trying to save their lives, but to no avail. A guard kicked him, getting him to shut up.

The sheriff looked amused. "Oh, gallantry. You see, Marian, it's not dead. Well, not yet." He chuckled, jumping from his seat, going to the peasants sides. "Such a gallant intervention. I wonder, how I could reward that, hmm?" It was quite obvious at this point he was egging Marian on, looking to her as he threatened to push the boy into the hot coals. She wasn't going to give in so easily, narrowing her eyes at evil man. "Should we have him crawl on the ground face first? So gallant in the heat amongst them all."

Katherine lost her calm facade, feeling her heart race with panic over the family. She wanted to jump in and save them, but knew it would endanger many. For once, in this very moment she found herself wishing Robin would just sweep in with that stupid grin like he always did and save the day.

The sheriff made his way back to his seat as the guards began to slowly lean the boy and mother towards the fires, but they fought their way back. "So, who's first? The boy! Oh, brave."

Seeing the heartbroken look on the mother's face, Katherine felt her stomach start to twist with disgust. She closed her eyes, not being able to watch this any further. It was too terrible, a true tribute to the sheriff's festival of pain.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Little John shouted out, standing up and starting to break free from his restraints. He practically snapped it in half, charging towards the sheriff. "YOU ARE A DEAD MAN!"

"Stop him you fools!"

In that moment as if hearing her words, Robin appeared from above, shouting to the people in the room. "Charity starts at home, Vaisey!" He threw gold coins from the sacks he had stolen, causing the guards to stop and try to grab for the money.

"NOT IN MY HOUSE!" The sheriff yelled, annoyed with the outlaw and his antics. "GET HIM!"

Robin chuckled as Marian and Katherine exchanged smiles with each other, watching the rain of golden coins fall before them onto the floor. Even the peasants and nobles were running to get all the money the sheriff had taken from everyone. As usual, Robin and his men began to fight the guards, going to free the prisoners. The Knighton sister's watched in amusement as the sheriff was having a tantrum, stomping around like a little kid at all his money on the floor and everyone trying to take it.

Marian looked up to Robin, running off to join him as the sheriff was dragged away in a choke by Little John. Katherine sat in her place, watching the scenes unfold with amusement. For the first time since he returned, she found his antics quite justified.

It all stopped when the sheriff grabbed Little John, holding a knife to his throat. However, the giant man wasn't going to give in that easily to the tyrant, throwing him over his shoulder and raising said knife into the air. Katherine's eyes went wide before Alice stopped him. "No, you said you wouldn't murder."

"Men... but this is the devil!"

"Good answer." The sheriff shouted, hiding himself like the coward he was.

Alice pointed out. "Our son's safe." Little John put the knife down, leaving the sheriff on the ground as he walked away with his family.

Getting back up, he chuckled. "You just couldn't-" before being knocked unconscious by Little John's punch.

Katherine ran to the family, ushering them out of her. "Leave quickly. Go, go!"

"Thank you my lady." Alice said.

She exchanged a look with Robin, telling him to do the same while he could. "Ah, but not yet. Vaisey needs to be tied up." He chuckled. "You and Marian should go before you get caught with us."

The sisters nodded, fleeing the room together, making their way back to Marian's room. They let out a sigh of relief, happy everyone got out safe and the sheriff got what he deserved. Looking at each other, it was the first time in a long while they had started to connect since Robin's return. And oddly enough, it was all thanks to Robin himself.

"Did you actually let Robin go? I could have sworn you would lock him up or something for how much you say you hate him."

Katherine rolled her eyes. "I still don't like him and what he does but...I can let this slide this time. But - only this time! The sheriff did deserve it."

The sisters giggled, feeling like they were back to simpler times in their youth, recalling their adventures they would have with him.