A/N: Hello again, sorry it took so long! But your waiting is rewarded; George's plan is entirely revealed, along with some character-defining emotions and thoughts of others. I felt I needed to show how the others were faring, even I myself don't entirely know. Most of the story is formed while writing, I don't really have everything planned out for the it. I'm glad the plot still comes to me, I haven't experienced a major writer's block yet. I hope it never happens.

Now on to the story, if you've even read my rambling this far. ^^;

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Chapter seven: Devious plotting

If there was one thing George of Nottingham hated, it was a Sunday. Most particularly a Sunday without an excuse for absence in church. He had already conveniently explained his not attending weekday masses by blaming his busy schedule, but he could only skip so many Sundays without rising suspicion. George didn't believe in God, as he had been raised by a witch who herself didn't care for any kind of religion. Despite all nonsense said about him, this rumor was true. Because of this rather awkward upbringing, George couldn't help but having a quite unstable mind. But he didn't question his sanity, nor did he allow anyone else to.

When George awoke that day, he figured this was the day he would always keep in mind as one of the worst in his life. First of all, it was a Sunday. Second, there was no way he could avoid going to church. And third, he had no idea how to settle the score with the wretched Locksley girl, let alone capture her. He had just managed to drag himself out of bed and into his clothes (he didn't feel like bathing at all), when someone knocked on his door.

'Go away!' He growled, 'I am in no mood for heel-licking, problem-pointing, head-nagging or any other kind of annoyance. Especially not this early in the morning!' He added, shouting angrily.

The person on the other side of the door was quiet for a while. Then slowly the door creaked open. Luckily for George it wasn't his clerk, who was the usual provider of that kind of agony. Instead it was his cousin, Guy of Gisbourne, who entered the room with caution.

'I see there's no use in bidding you a good morning.' He started carefully. 'I'm glad to see you're up. It wouldn't be wise to miss today's sermon.'

George's anger flared up again. 'Checking up on me, are you? Do I need to remind you that the only reason you're living your life as comfortably as you are is because I let you. Don't make me change my mind.'

Guy wisely remained silent. His cousin was not to be meddled with. It was his luck that he could read him fairly well, since George's moods were subject to often and sudden change. This had surely helped him when he'd been in a tight spot a few years ago. He'd made a stupid mistake and had needed his cousin's help to sort it out. Since then, George never ceased to remind him that he was in his debt, and probably always would be.

Guy decided to let the remark slide, again. Instead he focused on the task at hand; making sure George attended the mass. As much as he had needed his cousin once, that same cousin presently needed him just as bad. If only to avoid a revolt under the people.

'Come on George', he sighed, 'you know you have to do this. There's no point in fighting the inevitable. You have enough time to have a proper breakfast before we leave.'

Surprisingly, George just nodded and left the bedroom. Shaking his head, Guy merely followed.

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Sarah pulled on the cloak with fidgety, clumsy fingers. She'd been this way ever since Robin had left two days ago. She was out of her mind with worry, especially after seeing the flaming rage in the Sheriff when he had realized his prey was escaping him. Sarah hadn't heard anything ever since, and so assumed that Robin had got away. To take her mind of the matter, she had taken up the reign over Locksley Castle, and intended to govern it until her lady's return. She would not shame the faith Robin had placed in her.

Her mistress had also told her to go about her things as usual, and as such she was getting ready to go to church in Nottingham as they did every Sunday. Normally it was just Sarah and Robin who went there, but now Robin was absent, Sarah decided to take Duncan with her. The boy would enjoy an outing.

Locksley Castle wasn't far from Nottingham, only a two-hour ride in a calm gallop. It was situated North-West of the city, and a two-day ride West of Sherwood Forest. For Locksley Castle, Nottingham and the surrounding estates, the main road through the Forest was the fastest route to London. Even though travelers didn't like having to go through the haunted Forest, it was much faster than going around it.

Considering it took a while to get to the city, Sarah and Duncan left as early as possible. Sarah was glad Duncan's head didn't hurt him so much anymore. That was the only thing she disapproved of in Robin's escape; had she really had to hit the poor boy with a bucket that hard?

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'Really cousin, you'd say by the look on your face that you've lost the very love of your life two days ago. Was she really that important to you?' Guy was surprised. He'd never have thought George to actually love the girl, but judging by the look of him he was still very annoyed by the fact that she had escaped him.

George looked up furiously from his hastily cooked breakfast. 'What on earth gave you that idea? The only interest I have in her is her land and her title. I thought that obvious, but it seems I have to spell everything out for you.'

Guy would have loved to snap back at him, but managed not to. He also asked himself what had led him to believe anything else to be George's reason for action but his ambition. He would never learn, understand or keep in mind that George possessed no sentimental feelings whatsoever.

By the lack of response, George judged that his cousin didn't understand his reasoning, and because he himself thought his plan to be quite ingenious, he decided to explain it all.

'You know I've never liked king Richard, the blabbering fool. So when he left on that preposterous crusade of his, I didn't hesitate to undermine his rule. For some reason the grand majority of the nobles that remained here does look up to him. It has taken me six years to persuade them, and they still aren't sure. Then it came to me that there are two things I need:'

George leaned closer in a confidential way, about to reveal the two most essential things in his plan. He counted on his fingers.

'One: Money. Which is absolutely no problem, I'll just raise the taxes some more. And two: A significant enough title for everyone to accept me as the new king.'

Guy's eyes widened in astonishment; he'd known George was up to something, but placing himself on the throne? That was extremely daring. And dangerous.

George leaned ever closer. 'And that, cousin, is where the trouble lies. I was a good enough ass kisser to be named Sheriff, but the blasted 'Lionheart' didn't grant me a title or an estate with it. That was when my eye fell on the Locksleys. Not a very important family, but close to the king. It's said that it was partly because of their friendship that the wench's father took up arms as well. With him, and now his son too, gone, the girl was mine. Or so I thought.'

He had a look of disgust on his face.

'But she seems to escape me every time! It drives me crazy! And I really need her name and reputation. Without that, it would be very foolish to even attempt exiling Richard. And I have to make haste. No one knows when the king will return, but that could be any moment now, couldn't it? So I need to get my hands on her as soon as possible, and by any means necessary.'

Guy inwardly shivered at those last words. The ruthlessness practically dripped off of them. He knew that what George was planning wasn't right, not in the least. But there was nothing he could do without getting burnt as well. He was ashamed of it, but he couldn't deny that he was a coward. He had a good heart, and had always meant the best, but somehow things usually went wrong around him. And at those times, he lacked the strength of heart and mind to set things right. So he kept his face impassive, and murmured something about the brilliance of the plan to satisfy George's ego. Lost in thought, he followed his cousin to church.

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Duncan's injury hadn't caused any delays, so the pair arrived in the city well in time for church. Sarah looked around eagerly in the town she knew so well, but only had the privilege to see once a week. Her face fell as she noticed the ever-growing number of beggars sitting in the streets. She counted herself lucky each day to have employment in such a good household. She had of course noticed the rising prices for everything, but could hardly fathom how hard life was on common people.

Sarah left her horse with Duncan and made her way to the church, trying to avoid tripping on the homeless people scattered everywhere. She felt a heated surge of anger when she saw the Sheriff standing at the door, sleazily welcoming everyone of meaning. When she passed him, she smiled menacingly for a second, making sure he knew how ridiculous he was. Before he could address her, she neutralized her expression and entered the church. She hoped today's sermon would be of some guidance.

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At first he was taken aback, but he regained his composure when he realized who the woman was. He now recognized her as the Locksley servant. Yes, it was definitely her; light brown hair, oval face in a menacing expression clearly unusual to her features, brown eyes, slightly round build, mid-twenties… He might even remember her name. Sally, Susan…no, Sarah! That was it, Sarah.

Satisfied that he could place her, he recalled her disturbing look. It had made him feel laughed at, which he absolutely didn't like. Feeling his temper rising, he figured that the only reason for her strange behavior was that she knew. She knew where her mistress was hiding.

George had to keep himself from grinning evilly while he mechanically continued to welcome the arriving nobles. He forced himself to stop his train of thought and closed the heavy doors after the last person went inside.

While he silently moved to his seat up front, next to his cousin, he searched the large hall for the servant girl. He found her sitting eight rows behind him, softly speaking to her neighbours, all of whom were not worth taking into account.

As he sat down, the bishop got ready to begin the mass. Much to George's irritation he was not yet allowed to let his thoughts drift. They would begin with singing a few psalms. At moments like this he thanked whoever was up there for Guy's presence. His cousin always conveniently told him when to stand, to sit, say 'amen' (what kind of word was that anyway?!) and most importantly, what to sing.

With a sigh, he abandoned all thoughts and let utter boredom engulf him.

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Mass had been beautiful and full of meaning, as always. Sarah looked around contented. Yes, she believed. She utterly and deeply believed. The only thing that had broken her concentration had been a stream of cold air, and the rather loud closing of the church doors.

As she was leaving the pew, thinking the person entering was very rude and disrespectful, her attention was drawn to a hunched figure, standing in a dark corner. Not about to join the person in the corner, she moved along to the large altar to light a candle.

When she was about to pray for her mistress' safety, she saw out of the corner of her eye that the same hunched figure was now standing next to her. A very unpleasant smell came to her nostrils. Sarah was about to leave, when the person spoke.

'Keep praying. People must not see us speak.'

Taken aback, Sarah did as she was told. The voice had sounded strangely familiar, though.

'Good, now listen. It's me, Robin. I'm a-'

Sarah shot up from her bowing pose, wide-eyed and her mouth open to blurt out anything entering her thoughts.

'Don't!', Robin said sharply, peering at Sarah from under her hood. 'I must not be seen! I came to tell you I'm alright. I went into Sherwood Forest – which isn't haunted by the way – and I made some friends there. They're helping me out. There's no time to explain the rest, I have to go now. People will start noticing me soon. Take care.'

Robin smiled at her, and moved away. Shaken, Sarah struggled to keep her calm. Unvoluntarily, she began to smile at the situation and something pooped up in her mind.

'Milady!', she called in a whisper.

'Yes?'

'People will notice you for sure if you don't take a bath soon!' Maybe it was childish, but Sarah couldn't help herself.

Robin muffled a laugh. If she'd ever been worried about Sarah's state of mind, she now knew none of what was happening caused any kind of trauma for her servant. Sarah would be fine.

Trying to go unnoticed, she left the hall, making her way to the stairs. There was one more thing she had to do.

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N/A: Ok, what do you think? I tried to give the character of Guy some more depth than was the case in the movie. I liked his character as well as the actor who plays him, and I wanted to create a more sympathetic person. And he died way to soon, hehe. Not much more to say, just that I really, really like reviews as they tell me if you like what I write or not.

O yeah, even though it's a bit late: Happy Easter!