Chapter 5

Trial of Gisborne

Bang! Bang! "Lacey, open the door!"

"Who is it?" I groaned, pulling my pillow over my head.

"Who do you think?" Guy's voice retorted back. "I'm coming in so you better be decent."

Before I could protest, the door did indeed open. I found Guy alone, wearing his usual black leather.

I slowly sat up and rubbed my eyes. "What do you want? You know you're only supposed to come in here if Vaisey is with you."

"Well, the Sheriff is busy right now," Guy informed me with him arms folded. "Anyway, today I plan to announce my engagement to Marian at the Locksley manor and since the Sheriff is busy now and will arrive later, he's ordered you to go and represent him."

"Do I really have to?" I grumbled, lying back down.

"As his ward, it is your duty," he reminded me and started towards the door. "We are leaving in fifteen minutes so be sure you're prepared."

I huffed. "Why does it have to be first thing in the morning?"

"It's mid-day, Lacey," Guy pointed out, before slamming the door.

xXx

At the Locksley manor, I poured my own wine to the top of the rim of my goblet. This would likely be the only thing to get me through this day. I don't know how Guy convinced Marian to marry him, but she did not appear a joyful bride-to-be. She hardly even offered a smile when he slid the ring on her finger. The people in the manor clapped politely. The wine already seemed to creep up inside my brain delaying my applause.

"Now," Guy picked up his goblet and raised it to me, "the Sheriff sends his regrets as he is not here at the moment but he sends his ward in his stead. Lady Laceyna will now offer us her word."

What? Guy never said anything about making a speech. Damn him….

I inhaled a fast sip from my goblet and coughed in my hand.

"Right," I began, awkwardly holding up my cup, "people of Knighton…"

"We are not at Knighten manor right now," Guy said through gritted teeth.

"Of course," I attempted to recover quickly. "I knew that… Uh, people of Notting… people of England…"

I peered down at my now almost empty goblet and realized I probably should have drunk my wine just a little slower. I did not even think I was still on my first one…

"England, that sounds good," I confirmed louder, raising my goblet. "Good people… as Sheriff…"

An arrow shot from upstairs, almost brushing against my hand holding the goblet.

Robin Hood's voice then followed, "I hate to interrupt what I'm sure would have been a good speech, Lacey, but I'm afraid we have business to attend."

Thank the lord, I thought, realizing I had no idea where I was going with my speech.

"You all know what to do," Robin continued, as his men emerged from all corners. "Please, remove all your jewels."

I started to step back but realized Allan stood just behind me with his arrow positioned. Letting out a sigh, I removed my single golden necklace and slid it around his neck.

"I think it looks better on you," I commented, letting out a giggle.

Allan looked puzzled but I think I caught a smile.

I started towards the door. "Well, that's all I have so I may as well be going."

"Wait," Allan said, taking a step towards. "You have to have more than just a necklace."

I raised my eyebrow and smirked. "Perhaps I do, but I don't think now is the time or place."

Allan appeared rather taken aback by my comment but I caught a brief grin.

As Robin approached Marian, Guy whispered to me, "Send a signal to the Sheriff now."

I shrugged. "Why? We're in no real danger. All we had to do was give up some jewelry."

"He's after Marian," Guy gritted.

"I don't think he'll hurt her. Didn't he once have feelings for her?" I could not resist adding, "Perhaps he still does…"

My comment only infuriated Guy even more. He went after Robin Hood, who was apparently holding up Marian's hand. Moments later, Vaisey and his soldiers busted in. With everyone distracted, I decided this would be my moment to discreetly slip out. The fuzziness from the wine made me just want to lie down. Once outside, I took hold of the nearest horse and climbed up. However, before I had the chance to take the reins and ride, I felt someone jump on behind me.

"What are you doing?" I demanded to Guy in annoyance.

"He took Marian's ring," Guy answered, "and I'm going to get it back. Since you're here, you're going to help me."

"I don't want to chase Hood into the forest for a ring," I groaned.

He merely grunted, "You should have thought of that before trying to take my horse."

We followed Robin Hood deep into the forest. Guy pulled the horse to a halt when we saw Hood himself leaning against a tree, thumbing with the ring. Guy swung his leg over and slid off the horse, pointing his sword at Robin.

"Is this all you came for?" Hood asked him, holding up the ring.

"Give it here," Guy demanded, taking a step closer.

Robin merely tossed it. Guy kept his sword pointed at him, while Robin pulled out his own sword. I started to pull the reins of the horse, prepared to make an escape, but I did not go quite yet. The next thing Robin said struck my ear.

"You were there, weren't you," Robin accused him, "in the Holy Land. You tried to murder the king!"

I tilted my head and wondered, What is he talking about? When would Guy try to kill the king?

I pulled out the extra sword Guy kept on the horse and slid off.

"So what now?" Guy asked him, as he bent down to pick up the ring. "You have no proof."

The moment Guy was caught off guard, Robin kicked him right in the chest, knocking him over the ground.

"Are you going to put me on trial? You'll never win," Guy of Gisborne sneered.

Robin shook his head, putting a knife to Guy's throat. "No, I am going to kill you."

I kept my sword up, but hesitated. I could simply let Robin take out Guy. That way, no one would stand in the way of me becoming the next Sheriff. However, if I did not make it look as though I at least tried to save him, Vaisey would likely blame me for his death in the first place.

"No!" a hard tone said from my left side. "Killing, we do not do."

"Lacey, I need backup!" Guy demanded, Robin's dagger still rubbing up against his neck.

I looked and saw four of Robin's men and shook my head.

"There's no way the two of us can take all of them," I said, stepping back. "You should have brought more men."

Robin's men all agreed that they do not kill unless absolutely necessary. For a moment, Hood acted as though he were about to let Guy go, but at the last minute gave him a blow to the head with the bulk of his sword. I let go of my own weapon.

"I surrender," I said, quietly.

Robin turned his head and appeared as though he just remembered I was there. His head turned towards his men.

"Tie her up, and him too before he wakes up," Hood ordered. "Make sure they're far enough away from each other so they can't talk."

I did not resist as Allan and Will took each of my arms and pulled them behind a tree and bound my hands. Little John and Robin dragged Guy up a small hill and tied him to another tree, his arms pulled above his head. I know Robin's intent was to keep us distant from one another so we couldn't talk, but I wanted to hear him interrogate Guy. After all, if what Robin said was true and Guy of Gisborne did try to murder the King of England, then he would be put to death and the position for the next Sheriff of Nottingham would be mine.

"Once he wakes up, I'm going to do whatever it takes to get the truth out of him," I heard Robin grit as walked back down the hill towards me.

The rest of the men huddled about ten paces in front of me. Allan stood closest to me, but his back was turned.

"Hey," I called to him, nodding my head for him to come.

He took a few steps closer to me.

"What does Robin mean he's going to do whatever it takes to get information from us," I demanded in a hushed tone. "How far do you think he'll…"

"Don't worry," Allan replied with a wink, "I won't let him go too rough on you."

I rolled my eyes and snorted.

"Where's Djaq?" Will Scarlet asked him, looking around.

I glanced towards the groups as well to see that they were one man short. Vasey must have managed to capture him back at Locksley Manor.

"We should go back for her… uh him," Allan said.

I raised my eyebrow. Her?

"No!" Robin said, aggressively. "I've come this far to expose the truth and I won't stop now."

"But Robin, it's Djaq," Allan protested. "I mean, I rather, like…"

"I love her," Will cut in.

They remained quiet. It became even more clear to me their friend was indeed a girl. I can only imagine how desperate they must be to get her back.

"Why not trade me for her?" I suggested.

Robin shook his head and raised her brow towards me. "Afraid to tell me something, are you, Lacey?"

"I'm only trying to think of what might help your friend," I muttered weakly.

The only one who appeared on board with my suggestion was Will.

"I think we should do it," he said.

Robin shook his head. "Out of the question. We can't trust her!"

"Her, we do not like," Little John grunted.

I chuckled. "Touchy... but listen to me, if you want your friend back then you have to give the Sheriff something in return. If what Robin claims about Guy is true, then Vaisey would be smart to distance himself from Guy's crime."

"Unless, he was involved too," Robin pointed out, darkly.

I remained quiet. Surely, if Vaisey did know about this plot, I would as well.

"Robin… Djaq," Little John reminded him.

Robin continued to protest. The next thing I knew, Little John's fist went swinging right at Robin's head, knocking him to the ground, unconscious.

For a moment, all men were silent. Even I was too shocked for words at how quickly this group turned on their leader.

"So… now what?" Much quivered in a squeaky voice.

"We go," Little John answered, simply in a rough voice. "For Djaq."

As they started to leave, Will turned back and said, "Wait. Should we try her suggestion and offer to trade her for Djaq?"

Allan walked towards me and shook his head. "Nah, we don't know if that will even work. We should keep her here, just in case…"

As his voice trailed off, I looked at him sharply and gritted, "If you think what happened between you and me in the forest will happen again just because you are holding me hostage, you are tragically mistaken."

This seemed to throw everyone off.

"What is she talking about?" Much asked him, looking rather alarmed.

I smirked, and added a little more quietly, "Oh, you haven't even told them about that, I see. I bet you were hoping you could keep me to yourself…"

"Allan?" Much asked again, sounding horrified. "What…"

"Nothing… it's nothing," Allan said, quickly, walking away. "Let's just go. In and out… we grab Djaq and go. It should be easy…"

Before I could say anything else, they were all gone, except for Much with a still unconscious Robin. Within the hour, Robin Hood did indeed wake up, but unfortunately for him, his men bounded him, leaving him to awake propped up against a tree with his hands pulled over his head like Guy. I could easily spot the fury in his expression.

"Much…" he grunted, struggling his bounded hands. "Untie me."

As his former servant and now partner in crime shook his head, I could not help but laugh.

"I can't do that, Master," Much insisted, avoiding his eyes.

Hook looked directly at him. "Much."

Much still did not say anything.

Robin sighed and added more gently, "Come on, Much, I just need to talk to him. Now, I can't do that tied to a tree, can I?"

His friend took a step closer to him and asked, "You promise you're just going to talk?"

Hood nodded. "I promise."

"Wait," I interjected. "He'll say anything to get untied. You should just wait for the rest of your group."

To my surprise, Much actually took a step back.

Robin looked at him in disbelief. "Come now, Much, who are you going to listen to, me or her? She's the Sheriff's Ward! They're the enemy. And now, I finally have something against Gisborne. That's only a start to taking them down so the people can live in peace. Will you help me?"

Before I could say anything, Much walked over to Hood and untied him. Without sparing a moment to waste, Robin grabbed his sword and marched right up to where Guy was tied up. I could only hear Robin's demanding shouts. My eyes widened as I watched Robin relentlessly beat Guy from face to gut. If Guy spoke, I did not hear him. I imagined he whimpered in pain.

"Robin! You promised!" Much cried out, throwing his arms up.

Much started to walk towards them, but I called out, "Much… you don't think he'll do that to me, do you?"

He looked at me and let out a nervous cackle. "No… no, I'm sure he'll go easier on you with you… you being a woman and all…" At that moment, we both observed Robin strike his weapon in the flames and hold the burning blade right against Guy's neck. "I think…"

Robin turned and started back down towards us. I began to struggle.

"Much… untie me… please."

He took a step towards me but nervously shook his head. "I don't think I can do that…"

"Alright," Robin said, throwing his sword to the ground, eyeing me. "Your turn, Lacey."

I gulped.

Much intervened, "Robin, perhaps you should… I mean she's…"

"Much, I need more firewood," Robin said, cutting him off. When his friend did not moved, he added, "Now, Much!"

"Much…" I tried in desperation. "Stay."

"Much, go," Robin repeated without looking at him.

With consent, Much hung his head low and started to walk away. He did glance back at me and mutter, "It'll be okay… I'm sure."

His tone did not sound convincing at all. Just moments later, Much grew out of sight. I could see Guy struggle out of the corner of my eye, but even if he did manage to escape, he would not likely bother to come for me.

Robin stepped closer to me. I could feel my heart start to gallop like a heard of cattle.

"Why so nervous, Lacey," Robin asked, eyeing my chest, which began to pop up and down through my blouse at a rapid pace.

"I think I have a good reason to be," I mumbled, shooting a sideway glance towards Guy.

Robin Hood started to pace around the tree I was bound to. I tried to control my breaths. I have never seen this side of Hood before. He seemed more sadistic than I ever thought it could be. It almost reminded me of Vaisey…

"What do you want from me?" I asked him, softly.

Hood stood in front of me and shrugged his shoulders. "It's quite simple, really. I want the truth. Now, where was Gisborne during the battle?"

"What battle?"

Robin punched his fist through the tree, just above my head. "You know which battle I speak of, Lacey!"

I did. There was one battle where there was a plot to kill the king. There was a special group of assassins that intended to do so but I had no idea who they were.

"Guy's been sick," I answered, with my head down. "He was confined to your manor during that whole time."

Robin pounded the tree again. "That's a lie! Did you actually see him?"

My breaths began to pick up even more, but I thought. I honestly do not recall seeing Guy that entire time he was ill.

I shook my head. "No, I never saw him once."

He raised his eyebrow. "You didn't bother to visit him in his time of need?"

I let out a nervous laugh. "Guy was sick and miserable at the time. I'm the last person he would have wanted to see. Actually, I'm pretty sure he specifically requested I be kept away from Locksley."

Robin stepped away, putting his hand over his mouth, clearly trying to contain his frustration.

I glanced up, hoping Guy could not hear me from where he was bound.

"I suppose it's possible he was gone," I admitted. "After all, hardly anyone saw him during that time he was ill. Do you have any proof? Did he confess anything to you just now?"

"He didn't deny it," Robin said, glancing up at him, "and he has their symbol tattooed on his arm. Have you seen it?"

I laughed and shook my head. "Are you kidding? Guy doesn't even take off his gloves around me." I paused for a moment before adding, "But this is good! Let me go and I'll tell Vaisey everything you've found out. He'll have no choice but to put Guy to death, and that leaves me…"

Robin just looked at me in a mixture of disbelief and disgust. "You actually expect me to trust you?"

"Yes!" I said more confidently, jerking forward. "With Gisborne out of the way, I'll be the next Sheriff. Believe me, for you, it's better me than him. I could even restore your nobility since you would have helped reveal Guy's treachery. Also, you could probably help more people that way as you like to do, right?"

Robin shook his head and sighed, leaning his arm against the tree over my head. His face was just a small quill's length away from mine. He uttered softly, "Lacey, I want to believe you. I want to believe that there is someone with power that gives a damn about the everyday citizens, but I just can't. The Sheriff himself raised you. You're his ward."

I could not think of what to say. To Hood, every word that came out of my mouth would only appear as a plea for my own freedom.

I glanced up towards Guy again and asked, "So what happens now?"

He picked up the sword he had planted in the ground. For a moment, Hood pointed it towards me but the thrashed it directly at Guy with great force. I closed my eyes, expecting the worst. When I opened them, I found the sword had freed Guy from his bounds.

"This is what's going to happen," Robin explained, "I'm going to fight him until I get a confession out. You, Lacey, are going to witness and testify that confession, and then, I'm going to kill him. Do you agree?"

I grunted and tried to move my hands. "It's not as though I can go anywhere, but yes, I agree."

Robin patted my cheek and simply muttered, "Good girl."

He walked up and thrashed his sword at Guy, striking right between his bound hands. As the ropes fell, Gisborne appeared momentarily confused until Hood revealed only one of them will make it out alive and their battle begun. To me, both men seemed equal in strength. One moment, Robin would have the upper hand, knocking Guy to the ground with his bare fist, but he soon rose and threw a blow right in Hood's gut. As they both appeared to grow weary, I felt this fight had gone on for hours.

But I soon realized as they talked, Robin still carried tender feelings towards Marian. This was not just about brining Guy to justice. This was personal.

"You'll never have Marian," Guy was saying, standing up from his knees. "She belongs to me now."

"She will never marry a traitor like you," Robin fired back, as he too stood up.

Guy sneered, "You still have no proof, Locksley. Only a known thief's word against mine."

"I know about the tattoo on your arm," Robin reminded him, and briefly pointed his head towards me. "Also, I have a witness of the truth for when I kill you."

Guy glanced at me before clenching his fist, giving Hood another blow that knocked him to the ground. He bent over and pulled one of Robin Hood's arrows and stepped towards me.

"No you don't," Guy said, pointing his arrow at my chest while he turned his head back to where Robin lay. "This is what happened. You kidnapped Lacey. I rushed after you to her rescue…"

"Guy…" I breathed, desperately trying to move my hands.

He paid me no attention. "But I was too late. By the time I caught up, Robin Hood had already pierced this arrow directly through her heart."

As he raised the arrow, ready to stab it, I struggled, my breaths growing heavier.

"Guy… please, no!"

He tilted his head. "Sorry, but I'm afraid this is the only way…"

As he took another step towards me, I saw Hood's hand pull his shoulder back and throw a blow directly at Guy's head, knocking him to the ground unconscious. I let out an exhale of relief.

"Robin!"

I turned my head and saw Much had returned with Marian by his side. She walked with a weary Robin behind a tall tree so they could talk alone. I wondered if Marian came for Guy or Robin…

"Will someone please untie me?" I groaned, jerking my head up towards the tree leaves.

"I don't know if I should do that," Much muttered, shooting a nervous glance in Robin's direction.

"Fine," I said. "Can I at least have a drink of water? Please, I nearly died just now."

Much took pity on me and did pour some water in a spoon and offered it to me. The coolness soothed my dry throat.

Just moments later, Robin and Marian returned. Marian walked behind me and began to untie me.

"What's going on?" I demanded, holding my sore wrists together.

"We made a deal," Marian answered simply. "You're free to go."

Hood added, "I would suggest you leave quietly with Marian now before I change my mind."

I did not want to test my luck so I did follow Marian out on foot.

"Why did you save me?" I asked her when we reached far enough away. "Guy's your betrothed, the one you're going to marry?"

"I could not negotiate for him," Marian answered simply.

I looked at her and tilted my head. "Do you believe Guy did it, try to kill the king I mean?"

Marian sighed. "I don't know what to believe, but if so, Guy should withstand trial, not be murdered in the forest."

"I suppose you're right," I said with a sigh. "But if he is found guilty, you will no longer be able to marry him. Don't worry, we can find someone else, or when I'm Sheriff you can marry Hood himself for all I care. After all, he'll no longer be an outlaw after this probably."

When Marian did not say anything, I looked at her and raised my eyebrow. "You've visited Robin Hood here in the forest, haven't you?"

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

I shrugged. "Don't worry, even if you are, I won't say anything. After all, it's twice you've saved my life now."

"I appreciate that," she said, quietly.

I chuckled and looked forward. "I'm surprised at you, Marian. I always thought you were such a proper lady. Next thing I know, you're going to tell me you're this Night Watchmen everyone's been raving about…"

Again, Marian did not respond.

xXx

I later found Vaisey and his men fighting Hood's men. They had given us Guy back in exchange for their friend everyone now realized was a girl called, Djaq. My blood boiled at the sight of Guy. By the time I approached them, Robin and his men had fled and the Sherriff was holding Guy's arm as he whimpered in pain with his mouth still gagged.

"How could you let them get away!" Vaisey hollered before his eyes turned to me. "Lacey, you're late!"

I pulled out my sword and pointed it to Guy. "Hood's right, he's a traitor. He tried to kill the king. There's a tattoo on his arm to prove it."

Vaisey held up Guy's arm, revealing only a burn. "There is no tattoo, Lacey."

I gasped. He must have burned it to protect Gisborne, meaning Vaisey was in on the murder plot as well.

I took an angry step forward. "Oh yeah, well he tried to kill me just now in the forest!"

Vaisey rolled his eyes. "Oh Lacey, stop being so dramatic."

With that, the Sheriff simply motioned for his men to follow. Guy pulled his gag down and started behind them but I grabbed his arm, digging my nails into his burned arm. As he hollered in pain, I pulled Guy's own sword and pressed the blade against his throat.

"You listen to me," I gritted. "If you ever try to kill me again, I will deliver your treacherous corpse to the king myself. Do you understand me?"

He only managed a nod with beads of sweat on his forehead.

I wanted so badly to cut through Guy's throat but I knew if I killed him it would cause me more trouble than it was worth, especially now that I saw Vaisey protect Guy from the law. Neither of them even bothered to tell me they plotted to murder the king. I don't think I have ever felt more alone in this place than I do now.