CHAPTER NOTES: I will explore more on Marian's new life with the outlaws soon, but for now, I wanted to focus mostly on Katherine's relationships with everyone, especially with Guy as they are trying to process through things. Both have been hurt by everything that happened and are trying to find their places among each other again.
As I stated before, this story will slowly start to become Canon Divergent as we reach towards the end of Season 2. However, I've added twists in along the way ;D
CHAPTER SUMMARY: Marian tries to adjust to her new life with the outlaws. Katherine must entertain a guest at the castle which causes a further divide with Guy.
CHAPTER 15 - The Game
SHERWOOD FOREST
Marian sat around the quiet and empty camp, sighing. Despite her attempts to persuade Robin to let her join in on their latest heist and prove herself, he had apparently wanted to keep her safe inside the camp. This wasn't how she pictured her new life starting out. Her thoughts traveled to her sister and father at the castle, hoping they were safe.
Hearing the voices of the merry men making their way back to camp, she turned to address them, mostly Robin in particular. "Having the time of our life, I see." She pouted, glaring at him.
"Oh, someone's mad." Allan teased, pointing at Robin.
"Marian, we've already been through this before. It's safer for you to be here."
"No, it's boring." She retorted. "I want to be out there fighting alongside you. I can protect myself you know!"
Seeing there was trouble in paradise, the merry men left them alone to talk it out among each other as they counted their riches. Robin sighed. "What if you were to get caught by Gisborne or his guards? Then they would know you are a traitor and your sister and father would be in danger."
"Not if I go as the Nightwatchman!" Marian pointed out to him, grinning. "Everyone already assumes I work with you as is. It's not exactly a lie."
Robin gave her a pointed look, crossing his arms. "No."
She sighed, begging. "Come on. At least let me prove myself!"
The merry men looked over before the outlaw finally gave in. "Fine. Our next target is Locksley village."
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
It was late at night when Robin and his gang snuck into the castle with Marian by their side dressed as the Nightwatchman. Carrying torches, they made their way around the corner, walking up to a particular room.
Much asked. "How do you even know there is a strong room?"
"Wild guess." Robin said.
"I overheard some villagers talking about it." Marian chuckled, proud of herself.
Walking up to a brown door, they all looked at it confused. "This is just an ordinary door, no handle or lock." Much pointed out.
Just as Robin went to take a step, an arrow came out to shoot him before Will stepped in and pulled him back.
"I do not like this." Djaq said.
As they began to survey the area, Much went and pulled on a rope. "What's this?"
"Much, don't touch that!"
It was too late as they heard something approaching their way. Will quickly found an opening in the wall and turned the mechanism as the door opened to the strong room. Robin looked into the room with wide eyes, spotting a chest. "The Sheriff's war chest, and that is our target."
Just as they tried to step into the room, a gate slammed in front of them, locking them out. Hearing dogs running their way, Marian looked with wide eyes. "We need to get out of here and come up with a different plan."
"She's right, we're not equipped for this." Will pointed out.
"Robin! Dogs!" John shouted, trying to get his attention.
He looked at the chest, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "I know...but we'll be back."
LOCKSLEY VILLAGE - NEXT DAY
Standing in the alley of his manor with guards, Guy addressed the workers as requested by the sheriff. "The Sheriff wanted me to thank you all for your hard work building his new strong room."
"It was labor more like." One of the workers spoke up, avoiding eye contact. "Where's our money?"
Guy stopped him, giving him a dark look. "You'll get what's coming to you." Circling around the workers, he started to get down to business, interrogating them. "Now, how did Robin Hood find out about the strong room?" He put his arms around two of them. "Somebody must have told him. Loose talk costs lives."
Guy nodded, walking away from them as the guards pulled out their weapons.
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
Walking down the stairs into the great hall, Katherine saw it was widely decorated, looking completely different from usual. It was very lively with casino and gambling tables. Servants were dressed up to different extremes, making her question exactly what was going on. But nothing made her question more as to why the sheriff had suddenly requested her presence.
This was it. Judgement time. He was going to get on her about the things she had revealed to Guy. Walking down the steps, she felt as if she were walking to her execution. "Ah, Lady Katherine. There you are. Since your sister has thought it best to disobey my order and run off to an abbey, you will have to prove your worth even more for her, your father and yourself." Katherine glanced to Guy with wide eyes, realizing what he had done. "Our guest is due to arrive shortly and I want you to be a friend to him. I would like you to make him think his every desire is yours to obey. Show him a good time. What do you think Gisborne?"
Despite looking displeased with the order, he answered. "Good idea my lord."
Katherine looked hurt at Guy's reply. Of course she had no choice but to obey following the sheriff's orders. "Yes my Lord, I will do what you wish."
Vaisey chuckled. "Good. Now, when the count arrives, I want you to smile for him and uh- buy yourself a gown. How should I say that, um...stimulates the imagination." He held up three coins, making her feel as if she were to prostitute herself. Taking one of the coins, he threw it in the air as if to make her fetch, but Guy caught it. "The cheaper the better I think." The sheriff walked off, leaving them alone.
Guy looked to her, holding the coin. "Thank you...for what you did." Katherine said, commenting on the fact he didn't give Marian away.
The Knight walked up to her, giving a serious, cold look. "I didn't do it for her." He stated. "Forget about your sister. You can no longer have anything to do with her anymore. She is an outlaw now." Guy felt as if this was poetic justice for Marian punching him.
Worried eyes looked up at him, fearful of the tone in his voice and implication of his meaning. "You're speaking as if she is dead."
He gave her a look that spoke volumes before tossing the coin at her and walking off. Katherine felt a cold shiver go down her back, knowing Guy would kill her sister if he got the chance... again . It made her want to curse away her feelings for him even more.
NOTTINGHAM TOWN
Looking among the market square for the perfect gown, a guard stood next to her, keeping a carefully scrutinizing watch over her. Spotting a silver gown with a low cut neckline, Katherine smiled, knowing that would be the perfect outfit. She couldn't help the feeling that washed over her, making her feel terrible for having to play this part. It wasn't as if Gisborne seemed to care...or at least he didn't show it.
She was more concerned for her sister's well-being, regretting telling him the truth in the first place.
"Trinkets for the lovely lady." Two cloaked people appeared before her as she realized they were Robin and Marian. Katherine tried to keep cool, looking back to the dress.
Robin nodded to his group of merry men away at a distance. Much walked up to a farming merchant and grabbed a cabbage, causing a distraction. "You call this fresh? You can't expect people to eat this muck!" He pushed the merchant back who grabbed Much by his shirt, causing the guard watching Katherine to leave her side.
Marian and Robin quickly grabbed her aside, taking this opportunity to speak with her. "They have you well guarded."
"What are you doing here?" She asked them. "It isn't safe."
"We had to come see you. You're our eyes and ears inside the castle, remember." Marian stated, pointing out to her sister.
"No, you really shouldn't be here." Katherine sighed, deciding she might as well warn her sister while she could. "I told Guy you're working with Robin."
The couples eyes went wide, looking over her with disbelief, shock and betrayal. "What? Why would you do that?" Robin asked.
"I had a perfect cover story of kidnapping to prevent that from coming to light!" Marian exclaimed, angry with her sister.
"Do you honestly expect me to keep lying to him when that was what got us into this mess in the first place?" She stated, staring down the both of them. Katherine made a valid point, but they couldn't help but feel betrayed. A small smile came to her lips. "But Gisborne didn't tell the sheriff."
Robin rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "You still have feelings for him after all this?" Katherine kept silent only confirming his suspicions.
"It doesn't change the fact he still knows." Marian pointed out, angry with this news. "Does he know of the Nightwatchman?"
"No." Katherine told her. "But it isn't safe for you to return to the castle at all." She bit her lip, looking down. "I'm sorry, sister."
Marian sighed, knowing she must have done so to help ease the secrets between her and Guy. Even if she was angry with her over giving her away, she had to focus on the mission at hand. "This is part of your battle, right?" Katherine nodded. "Can you at least tell us what's going on at the castle?"
She supposed it was the least she could do for giving away her sister's position. "They're expecting a guest today, a rich German count. They want me to fawn over him so they're making me dress up."
"German?" Robin asked, intrigued. "Do you think Prince John and the sheriff are working for allies abroad?"
"He's not an ally, he's a gambler. They've set up gaming tables inside the castle and I think the sheriff is planning to steal the counts money. This is the last time I'll give you any information like this." She stated. "I've already done enough damage."
"Thank you sister."
"Stay safe. Now, get running!" Katherine warned them as they ran off before she called her guard back.
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
Standing to attention at the steps, the carriage with the German count began to arrive through the gates. Katherine walked down the stairs, awaiting to greet the guest as ordered. Guy glanced at her, looking in awe. The flowing silver gown she wore made her shine, standing out before them. As she glanced over to the Knight, he looked away from her, acting like he wasn't even moved by her presence.
"Ah, Count Friedrick. Welcome to Nottingham." The sheriff greeted, awaiting him as he got out of his carriage.
"Tell me, are all the roads in England so bad? I feel like I've been beaten like the egg."
Vaisey smiled, lying through his teeth. "Your safety was my first concern. I organized the route as to avoid the forest. We couldn't have your fortune or your good self falling into outlaws hands."
The Count just looked him down. "Myself and my men are a match for any rustic refuge, I assure you." The sheriff stood aside to direct his attentions to Katherine standing off to the side in her flowing silver gown. His eyes were immediately drawn to her, letting out a gasp of delight. Guy narrowed his eyes at him and Katherine smiled. He took off his hat, bowing before her as he approached. "Had I known what awaited me here, I would have employed winged horses."
Katherine giggled, playing her role. "You're most charming, my lord. It is a pleasure to meet you." Guy raised an eyebrow, watching the scene with discomfort.
"Lady Katherine has made it her personal responsibility to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible." The sheriff told him.
"Really?"
"Yes. I am happy to make your acquaintance, Count."
The count waved her off happily. "Oh, come come. Acquaintances are for old ladies and priests. We will dispense with such formalities. I am already your friend-" He grabbed her hand, bringing it up to his lips. "And always, your servant." He kissed her hand happily, causing Katherine to force a smile on her face. Guy was behind her, gritting his teeth at the servants who were carrying the Count's chest out of the carriage dropped it on the ground, causing him to look back from her and yell at them. "Do be careful there! Take the chest to my rooms!" He looked back, explaining himself. "It's a few shillings for the gaming tables. Tell me, do you play Lady Katherine?"
"I never have, but I'm a fast learner." She replied.
"Are there pursuits that would interest you more? Tell me, do you ride?" He asked, causing her eyes to go wide briefly as she kept the smile on her face. Guy gave him a look, finding this would be a difficult task to watch unfold.
They entered the great hall and Katherine walked right beside him as the little parade piece she was while the sheriff took the Count around the room, showing him what awaited for the festivities. "No expense has been spared for your gambling pleasure. Food, drink, company. We aim to please in every respect, isn't that right, Katherine?"
"Yes my Lord." She replied, that ever present smile on her face. Walking over to one of the tables with curiosity, she asked. "How do you play this one?"
"Ah, let me show you." He began to explain the game to her, getting rather close to her personal space which bothered her. Seeming to drift off into space, not paying attention to what he said, her thoughts went elsewhere. Guy seemed to flood her thoughts again, making her heart clutch with pain as she questioned their relationship currently.
Before she knew it, other nobles came into the room and she found herself among a gambling table. The count looked over to her with a smile just as the Knight walked into the room, glancing over to her. "Come, Lady Katherine, bring me some luck."
She didn't hear him, still stuck in her thoughts, not even noticing the person she was thinking of had walked back into the room.
"Where have you been?" The sheriff asked Gisborne as he walked up to him.
"An errand."
"He's quite taken with her. Encourage him. He'll lose quicker." Guy rolled his eyes, sighing at the order. The last thing he wanted was to have the Count flirting with her more, but he had to follow through. Guy walked up to him, causing Katherine to stare wide eyed, finally realizing he was here. "Katherine just needs some coaxing."
"Really? Then I shall relish the challenge." The count said before smiling at her. "Lady Katherine, I cannot roll unless you help me."
"Of course. Anything you wish." Katherine said, briefly glancing to Guy who watched the scene before she walked over to the Count, smiling. He grabbed her hand and put the dice in before kissing it. If looks could kill, the Count would be dead in that very moment from the way Guy glared at him. Katherine threw the dice across the table and it rolled.
"Lady Katherine wins!" the gamekeeper announced.
The Count turned to her happily. "You see, I need you!"
His closeness bothered her, making her sick to her stomach. She smiled before trying to excuse herself. "If you excuse me, I must tend to my headache so I can better accompany you dear Count."
Before she could leave, he grabbed her, looking to her with sympathy. "Oh, how terrible. If I may, I find that a gentle rubbing of the temples is most effective." He said, beginning to do exactly that with her. Guy rolled his eyes, starting to feel sick himself.
Katherine smiled at him. "You are very kind, but I'm just going to lie down for a bit. I will be back."
"As hard as it is, we must let you go."
"Thank you for your understanding, Count." She bowed before walking off upstairs. Once she got to the top and out of the great hall, Katherine let out the breath she had been holding. She couldn't do this, it was a hard task to do. Her heart felt like a weight in her chest and every time he flirted with her, it made Katherine feel as if she was betraying Guy.
It was just adding further salt to her wounds. Did Guy even care?
The count walked over to the sheriff and smiled. "She is quite the beauty. I must confess, when I first came to this country, I thought I would not like it. But now...I like it very much!" He chuckled alongside the sheriff.
Walking down the hallway, Katherine found herself lost in her thoughts again. She didn't even notice where she was before stumbling into some guards. "Sorry, May I pass?"
"Can't do. Sheriff's orders. These are his private quarters."
"Lady Katherine!" She heard the voice of Count Friedrich making his way towards her.
Sighing, she gave in to her fate. "Very well." Turning to leave, the guard's began to tower behind her, making her question their motives. "I'm leaving already."
They looked over her with lustful eyes. "Nice gown. Very fetching. Bit of a new look for you." This caused her to gasp, walking back in fear. With two different parties coming towards her, she began to feel truly suffocated and cornered. "How about a little kiss?"
"Guy!" She found herself shrieking out before the guards were suddenly knocked out. Even though he wasn't the savior she was wishing for, Count Friedrich had saved her, causing her to look at him in a new light. "Thank you."
"I thought it only best to come after you. You feigned a headache and I followed." He pointed out, causing her to swallow. "This is how truces are made all over the world."
"What?" Katherine asked, confused as to what he was implying. "I wasn't-"
"GISBORNE!" Hearing the shout of the sheriff, Katherine knew they shouldn't be found in this area. They had to hide somewhere and quickly. She grabbed his hand, taking the lead. "Follow me!"
Making their way in the war room, Katherine looked around in shock and confusion before the Count pushed her along with him to hide behind a pillar. "Come, quick."
The door opened as the sheriff and Gisborne came into the room. "There should be a guard at the door at all times."
"I'll look into it immediately, my lord."
"Wait. First thing first, tomorrow's meeting. Come here." Guy stopped before walking towards the sheriff." Katherine listened into the conversation, even with the Count playfully messing around beside her. "There. I have outlined the deviation of the money in my strong room. You will be in charge of making sure our friends, the Black Knight's, get their shares."
"You wish to strengthen our forces in the south? The share is generous."
"Strategy Gisborne. The King is most likely to land there on his return." Katherine felt a lump in throat form, wondering if Guy was still attempting to kill the King. "Besides, there will be plenty of funds in the war chest after our German Booby loses tonight." Katherine looked over to the Count with a look of sympathy, noticing he stopped with his playful ways, now paying attention. "We will make sure he loses big."
"What if the Count surprises and wins?"
"Wins? That buffoon?" The sheriff began to imitate the Count, mockingly. "Oh, I feel I have been beaten as an egg. Mincy oath." Katherine put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"You have made provisions just in case?"
"You know me too well, Gisborne. Of course. All eventualities have been considered." He showed him the dice in his hand with a smile. "Dice that only roll one way: in our favor." They smirked at each other. "Make sure Katherine is with us tonight." They began to walk off before Guy paused, looking back as he took his leave.
Katherine let out the shaky breath she had been holding, not expecting any of that to have happened. The Count walked out from around the pillar, ranting. "What does he think? That I will not be suspicious of an invitation out of the blue from a sheriff in...where are we? That I will not do my homework and find out who he is! Does he not think his reputation has not spread to Europe?" He narrowed his eyes at her. "And you...you are in on this little plan. Do you think this is the first time I've been offered a girl to take my eyes from the tables?"
"I assure you I am not doing this willingly, Count!" Katherine stated. "I had no idea what the sheriff was planning." And apparently it was something bigger than she had thought.
"Do you people think I am a complete idiot?" He asked.
"They do, but obviously there is more to you than they realize."
This took him by surprise. "What do you mean?"
"The way you fought back there. The way you've done homework on your hosts." Katherine smiled at him, finding a relating charm with him. "You're just like me, making people think you're incompitent and unable to defend for yourself, but we are the ones who do the research and surprise them when they least expect it."
"I am no cheat."
"And I am not the sheriff's lackey by any means." They both smiled to each other warmly, finding a common ground they could stand upon. "We must come up with a plan. Play the sheriff at his own game." Katherine recommended. It was something she was doing.
"And how would we do that?"
"If the sheriff is planning to use the money to plot against the king, then I say we get rid of it for him. I have friends who could do exactly that. I know it's a risk, but if you want to out smart the sheriff at his own game, we need to work together on this."
First step of the plan was in place. Katherine had changed out of her gown and into a riding outfit, tending to a horse outside the castle doors. The Count and her were going to take a ride through Sherwood Forest so she could meet with her sister and Robin in secret, letting them know of what was happening involving the King. This was her battle now and she couldn't put the King in danger.
The sheriff noticed her and approached. "What do you think you're doing? You stay in the castle!"
"I am doing as I've been instructed, my lord." Katherine replied, looking to him to see the Count making his way down the stairs.
"Lady Katherine is to ride out with me!" The count exclaimed happily, playing the part along with her.
The sheriff chuckled. "No, no."
"Well, If I do not ride, I may be out of sorts, and if I am out of sorts, I might decide not to play the tables at all tonight." He stated dramatically. Katherine had to hold back the smirk coming from her lips at Vaisey's reaction.
Seeing he had no choice but to give in if he was to get what he wanted, the sheriff replied. "Very well. I will provide you with an escort. GUARDS!" Katherine began to panic, giving the count a look. "The forest is a very dangerous place."
"Sheriff, we are both men of the world, yeah? Perhaps alone out with nature out in the forest amongst trees and flowers, Lady Katherine might not be so hard to get? Hmm?" He exchanged a look with the sheriff. "No guards."
Looking as if he had no other choice, just wanting to get what he wanted, Vaisey gave a smile. "Don't be late back."
"Thank you." Katherine mouthed to him as the guards drew back into the castle and they made their way off.
As they rode their horses through the forest, the Count made small talk with her. "Now that I am better acquainted with your sheriff, I'm beginning to understand why you have such admiration for this outlaw."
"Uh, well, it helps when your sister is one of them." She commented, giving a small smile.
"Ah yes, Marian and Robin Hood. I think I would like to take to the forest and fight injustice just like them." This caused Katherine to chuckle before he asked. "Why don't you?"
A nervous smile now resided on her face. "Well...it's a long story."
"Does it involve that man by the Sheriff's right hand side?" he asked knowingly. Katherine's smile dropped completely, eyes going wide. "I've seen the way you watch him. Something has happened between the two of you, no?"
Clearing her throat, she answered. "It's complicated...very complicated. In fact, I'm not even sure how things are between us anymore." Why was she telling this stranger her personal feelings? Probably because she had no one else to tell them to, and she needed help sorting it all out.
"Ah, trouble in paradise as they say?"
"That's for sure. We've… there is bad blood between us now and I'm not sure if it can be fixed. In fact-" she sighed, letting out a shaky breath. "I'm not even sure if he feels the same about me anymore." Deciding to change the subject off of her, she began to ask about him. "Enough about my troubles. Tell me Count, why does a clever man such as yourself take to gambling?"
"I am a Count. My life has been managed since the day I was born. Tradition. Etiquette. It's also safe. I crave danger...you wouldn't understand."
"I wouldn't say that." Katherine said, feeling the similarities between them growing even more. Making their way around the corner, they arrived to a particular spot and Katherine started whistling for them.
"Are you sure you can find these friends of yours?"
"Actually, they are going to find us."
Appearing out from behind the trees on cue, the merry men, Robin and Marian began to make their way towards the two nobles. They got off their horses to greet them. "Is this the guest you told us about?" Marian asked.
"Count Friedrich Berthold Otto von Wittelsbach from the German duchy of Bavaria and your friend." He greeted them happily despite the fact they stuck swords at him. Marian quickly told them to put them down. "Ah, you must be the sister." She spoke with the Count as Robin and Katherine walked off a distance.
Dragging her aside, the outlaw questioned Katherine. "This is the sheriff's guest?" he gave a look of disbelief.
She couldn't help but smile knowingly. "I wouldn't underestimate him, Robin."
"You trust him enough to bring him here to meet us?"
"Let's have him help us." Marian said, clearly accepting the Count after speaking with him.
The Count decided to speak, explaining himself to the outlaw. "It seems we have a common desire, Robin Hood. We wish to see the sheriff broken and humiliated. As Katherine and I had spoke about, I was just telling Marian-"
"First name terms." Robin said, glancing at the sisters before him.
"Jealous?" Marian asked, giving him a look that told him to grow up. Robin couldn't help but chuckle.
"Katherine has a proposition."
"The sheriff has a strong room. I think he plans to use it for means to attack the King. If you want to rob it and stop him, you must do it tonight."
"We already know about the strong room." Marian told her sister. "We've been trying to figure out a way to break into it all day long. It looks like we have no other choice, we need to do this now."
"It's not possible. We're not ready." Will commented.
Katherine sighed. "My sister's right, you need to come tonight. Otherwise, the Black Knight's will get their shares and everything will get a whole lot worse for England. Now, aren't you fighters of justice?"
Robin started to give a look, wagging his eyebrows at Marian as she giggled. Much stood beside, a look of dread. "Oh, I don't like that look. That look means trouble."
"Robin. Marian."
"It's certain death!"
"Well, if that money's going to be used to finance weapons meant to kill the King then, we're dead already."
"It's settled. We'll be there tonight." Marian exclaimed.
NOTTINGHAM CASTLE
Returning back from their ride, the Count and Katherine came through the gates, greeted by the guards. They jumped from their horses and smiled at each other before noticing Gisborne and the sheriff watching them with suspicion from the balcony above.
She hated having to resort to this, especially with Guy watching, but they had to convince the sheriff. "Hold my hand."
"What?"
"They're watching us and we need to make it look like we've been doing something else in the meantime."
Looking back to see the men were indeed watching them, a mischievous grin came to the Count's face recalling his earlier conversation with Katherine. "Since you're helping me with my matter, I can help you with yours concerning the Knight."
She raised an eyebrow at him in confusion. "How so?" Before she had time to react, he put his hands around her and leaned in giving her a long, passionate kiss.
The sheriff watched with amusement as Guy glared, deeply hurt by the act. "Aw, we have a budding romance after all."
"So it would seem." The Knight responded bitterly. It appeared Katherine was long over him, her words of how she loved him cut like knives into his very core.
Pulling back from the kiss, the Count looked to her apologetically. He explained his reasons for kissing her like that. "Men are more likely to act on their feelings if they feel they are losing something precious to them."
Katherine smiled despite being shocked by the sudden action. He pulled her up before they walked off, hand in hand with each other. The sheriff watched, digging the knife deeper into his right-hand-man. "He succeeded where you failed, Gisborne. So, come on, money to be made!" Guy had decided from this point he would bury his feelings for her, moving on just as she already had.
Night had come around and everyone was taking their places in tonight's game. Djaq had gone in disguise while the rest of the merry men prepared to break into the strong room. Katherine and the Count looked to the place where they would be putting the money after tonight. Walking towards the chest of the money the Count was prepared to lose, the two spoke with each other. "The money you lose is going in there. It connects to the strong room below."
"And then our outlaw friends will steal it back for me." The Count sighed, giving a sad look. "It seems unfair, no gambler likes to lose, not even on purpose."
"You know you can't win. The sheriff won't allow it."
He smiled at her. "Of course."
He opened the chest, displaying all the coins inside. Katherine helped him set up the table for tonight as the sheriff approached them, eyeing the money. "Count Friedrich. Fortune awaits, good luck." Guy walked into the room, spotting them.
"Lady Katherine is my good luck charm for this evening." The Count said, playing his part and putting an arm around her. Katherine saw Guy looked unfazed.
The sheriff narrowed his eyes despite the smile on his face. "You know Gisborne, I've found my respect for our Katherine." They watched as she blew the dice for good luck.
"Only to endure this ritual at every turn." He replied, watching her flirt with him.
"Let him lose in his own way. If he doesn't, we'll switch the dice."
Seeing he had won at his role, the Count kissed Katherine's cheek and she cheered for him loudly. "I won." The game was now afoot as they began to play, keeping with their parts as the outlaws below snuck around, getting ready to break into the strong room. With every roll, the Count kept winning. The sheriff watched carefully, knowing they would have to switch the dice soon if this kept up. Guy on the other hand was seething with anger and betrayal, waiting for the moment for this man to lose and Katherine to leave his side, crawling back to him.
Down below in the dungeons, the gang realized the sequence to the strongroom's security system had been changed. Despite it, they knew they had to go through with it or else. They managed to make their way in, each assigned an individual task. Djaq went back upstairs disguised as a waitress, giving Katherine a nod to let her know they were in.
"They're in." She informed the Count. "Time to change the game up." He rolled the dice and gave a face, seeing he had won again.
"If that's the way he loses, you might have to use your contingency plan sooner than expected." Guy commented as they walked along, watching them.
"Eh, we're about even. It's early yet."
"Katherine…" Djaq came up next to her, whispering.
"Count...we need to start losing."
The count looked over to Vaisey and decided to go to plan two. "Sheriff, let us make things more interesting. Everything I have, against the entire continents of your strong room." Katherine's eyes went wide, wondering what he was doing. The sheriff gave a questioning look. "As we say in Balvaria, Sie können es nicht mitnehmen." Everyone made a questioning face, wondering what he had said. "You cannot take it with you." He explained. This finally got a chuckle out of everyone, especially the sheriff. "What do you say? It's only money."
The sheriff hesitated before responding. "I agree." It seemed things were going according to plan . "For such a momentous game, might I suggest a change in dice?"
"As you wish." The Count agreed. He looked them over carefully, as if inspecting them, which caused the sheriff to panic slightly. "Oh, I see. Yeah. Excellent!" Everyone chuckled as he held them towards Katherine. "For luck!"
She blew them and he threw, everyone watched with anticipation as they landed. "The house wins!"
Everyone sighed sadly. Katherine gave the Count a look of sympathy despite the fact everything was going accordingly to plan. "Lady Katherine," the Count began, giving her a scolding. "You have brought me nothing but bad luck. Your attentions are no longer welcome. Away with you!"
The Count walked off leaving Katherine to act as if she had been assaulted by his words. Looking to the sheriff with a panic and sad look, she turned her back to him before a smile came to her face. Guy walked up, feeling smug about the situation she was in now. "Well, Katherine...seems you've lost his attention."
She smiled over to him. "Have I?" Before walking off to another table, watching as they poured the money down the shoot, knowing it would go to Robin and his gang. Katherine left the room, making her way to the halls where she greeted her sister, Djaq and the Count.
"My men have the coach ready. You're friends?"
"They're packing up as we speak." Marian replied, having just arrived from the strongroom to inform them.
The alarm began to sound for the strongroom and they quickly made their way outside, seeing the carriage was being loaded up with the money. Marian and Djaq closed the main doors to the castle, making sure everyone was locked inside, slowing down the guards.
Seeing the rest of the merry men get onto the carriage, Katherine decided to greet her friends off. "Stay safe sister." Marian told her.
"You as well."
"If you're ever in Balvaria, I remind my lady, your servant, your booby, and your friend." The Count said, kissing her hand.
"Take care dear Count." Katherine said, bidding him goodbye. She watched as they left the castle safely before going back inside to face the doom at hand. It was her mission now to help stop the sheriff from his plans to kill the king and save Guy if she could.
SHERWOOD FOREST
The Count had left his money with the outlaws, wishing them luck in their mission to save England. Using the money wisely, they bought food for the poor and Marian helped deliver it among the people as the Nightwatchman. Joining back at her friends' side, they all watched the happy faces from the poor as they found food and money.
"I'm not being funny, the poor have it easy." Allan said.
"I don't think so, Allan." Little John added in.
Robin smiled, looking upon the people. "This is what we do, lads. We've turned warchest into poorchest." Marian took his hand into hers, smiling proudly. Despite missing her life at the castle with her sister and father, she felt she was achieving her calling here beside her love. "Come on, we got four more villages to visit before sundown."