Alyss had barely slept for the past few days, for she had spent much of her time nursing the injured knight through a fever. The first night had been the worst of all, for she had no idea if he would survive until the morning, and eventually she had dozed off in exhaustion. When she had woken a few hours later, it was in panic, but the knight still breathed and for that she was glad. His wound showed no sign of an infection, but she did her best to keep it clean and hope that he would recover soon. Osric had returned to Nottingham Castle with a letter for the Sheriff to explain what had happened, while Alyss did what she could to nurse the knight and compete her usual duties. Her father had barely disturbed her while she was caring for the injured man, and it was plain that Edgar did not wish to have Gisburne under his roof. He only enquired if the knight lived, and that was it. Alyss just hoped that her father would soon realise that Sir Guy was not quite the tyrant he thought he was. She also made sure to check on Fury daily, and ensured that the creature was well looked after. She had instructed Mark to exercise the horse in the paddock, but so far it seemed that Fury would not let anyone ride him. Therefore, Alyss had been forced to take on that duty, and though she felt bad for riding such a magnificent creature when it was not hers, she knew she could not let Fury's welfare suffer. Every time she mounted up, she was reminded of her journey through Sherwood, and the memories of her escape came back, but she brushed them off and focused on giving the horse a good ride around the village. Of course, all of the children would come out to admire the creature, and though Alyss had chastised them lightly, she could not blame them for their interest. After all, Fury was truly a magnificent beast.

"How is our guest this morning?" Edgar asked as Alyss served breakfast. She had left Eleanor to look after the knight in her absence, and the young woman had been happy to help out.

"There is still no change. His fever will not break and…" She sighed heavily. It had been three days since she had found the wounded man, and she knew that if the fever continued for much longer then they would be burying the man.

"You have tried everything?"

"All that I know." She told him before yawning. "I think he may need…"

"We cannot afford a physician." Edgar stated firmly. "What is wrong with him anyway?"

"He was badly wounded." She explained, barely touching her porridge. She knew she had to eat, but she did not have the appetite. "I have dealt with that, but there are also some fresh cuts on his chest. It's almost like he was clawed by a wolf…" Edgar put his spoon down and shook his head in disbelief.

"I had heard rumours, but I did not believe that even Gisburne could be that much of an idiot."

"Father!" Alyss chastised, but Edgar took no notice.

"Tell me, does he say anything of Fenris?"

"A little. Why?"

"There were rumours of a cult devoted to Fenris ravaging the shire. Apparently, they took over Grimstone Abbey, and destroyed the grain reserves of Nottinghamshire." Edgar explained. "To join the cult then one must undergo some form of initiation."

"You think that maybe it?"

"I believe so." Edgar paused. "They say that dark magic is involved." Alyss was no longer hungry, and she stared at her father in horror as she took in this information.

"You are saying there is no means of saving him?" Her father nodded, and Alyss got to her feet. "No… No, I refuse to believe it."

"Where are you going?" Edgar asked as Alyss grabbed her cloak.

"To find someone who can help." She called as she left the manor and headed towards Sherwood.

Sir Guy of Gisburne felt as weak as a new born kitten, and he had no idea where he was or what had happened as he regained consciousness. All he knew was that his chest hurt, and that he was not in Nottingham. A young woman's voice filled the air, singing in a language he did not know, though it sounded somewhat familiar, and he felt the tender touch of soft skin against his as they applied something to the wound. His eyes flickered open and he blinked a few times to allow them to adjust to the light, while his head pounded. His throat felt dry and he had no idea how long he had been unconscious for.

"Hello Sir Guy." The young lady said softly as she noticed he was awake. He could only stare at her, trying to work out why she was so familiar. "Drink?" She offered, before helping him to take a sip.

"Where…?" He croaked, his voice hoarse after not being used for so long.

"Nettleworth." She told him. "You were found collapsed on the road through Sherwood nearby, and brought here."

"Fury?" He asked, concerned for his horse's welfare.

"In the stables, and being well looked after. I have made sure of that."

"I…" He began, though he felt rather tired.

"Rest now. I will be here if you need anything."

She was true to her word, and when he woke a few hours later he found food waiting for him. He carefully eased himself upright, though the pain from his chest caused him to curse, and then looked around as he heard the lady chuckle. The room was rather familiar, and as he spotted the young woman by the fire, he realised that she was more beautiful than he had remembered. It had been an age since he had last laid eyes on the Lady Alyss, for he had never been given the opportunity to visit Nettleworth, nor had she travelled to Nottingham, and yet… Yet he had not forgotten her. How could he? She had been the best thing that had happened to him in a long time, and yet she had been torn away from him just as he had been about to give up everything for her. He had no idea what had happened to her in the last eighteen months, but the fact that she still lived in the manor gave him some hope.

"Thank you my lady." He said as he finished eating the simple broth. It had not been much, but he did feel a little better, and his head was at least not pounding quite so much now.

"I am glad you are feeling better." She smiled as she brushed her dress down and came across. She felt his forehead with the back of her hand, and then handed him a cup of ale.

"I have no doubt that I owe that to you." He smiled, but she sighed.

"You are exceedingly lucky that Fury found his way to the village. If anyone else…"

"Most would have left me to die." The knight admitted, but Alyss was not shocked. "I owe you my life my lady."

"Then we are even." She said as she rested a hand against her scar, remembering how he had ensured her survival over a year ago. "You are welcome to stay until you have recovered, and word has been sent to Nottingham."

"How long…"

"Five days." She told him as she picked up a jar from the table. "It was touch and go for a while, but…"

"You always made a fine nursemaid." He flashed her a smile, and she briefly returned it. "Although I am sorry for the circumstances that have brought me here. I have no doubt that…" He trailed off as he realised that she was looking hesitant. "What is it?"

"I need to check your wound." She told him, so he shifted on the bed and let her come closer. She bit her lip nervously as she removed the bandage, while he did his best to ignore the feeling of her hands on his bare chest, her body so close to his. Though it had been over a year since he had seen her, not a day had passed by without him thinking of her. He had asked after her each time Osric or Edmund had returned from Nettleworth, and he had tried to get across to the village whenever he could, though his plans had always been foiled. He knew that it was hopeless to believe that anything could happen between them, but the thought of Alyss had kept him going in his darkest moments, and to be here with her now... Well, he could not be entirely certain that this was not a dream.

"It does look better." She told him, ignoring his gaze as she put on a fresh bandage. "It will leave a scar though, and it will be a couple of weeks before you will be able to leave."

"I am glad it is healing." He said, not worried that he would be stuck indoors for a while. After all, he could not want for better company. "I have no wish to trespass on your kindness for any longer than is necessary."

"I am certain my father will be glad to hear it." She pointed out ruefully.

"I take it he was not pleased?"

"Would you be if you were in his position?" She asked, and he noticed the dark rings around her eyes. Alyss looked rather tired, and he knew it could not have been easy for her to run the manor and look after him.

"No." He sighed. "I am truly sorry for taking you away from your home for so long. Had I known…"

"Then Nettleworth would have been lost to us two years ago." She pointed out as she started to tidy up. "In taking me prisoner, you effectively saved the manor." The knight was surprised.

"Oh…" He sank back into the pillows, trying to make sense of this.

"So I should thank you. Believe it or not, I did not completely hate my time in Nottingham. There are parts of it that I still miss."

"The aviary?" He guessed, and Alyss smiled.

"As well as the gardens and the view from the tower." She admitted, though he had the distinct feeling that she was not being entirely honest.

"It has not been the same since you left." He told her before yawning, feeling rather exhausted.

"You should probably get some sleep and save your strength." She told him, and he sighed.

"Will you still be here when I wake?" She nodded, and so he closed his eyes.

"Pleasant dreams Sir Guy." She wished, while he sank into sleep.