Betrayal's Trace

Guy blinked in the hazy light that filtered through the small room. His arms felt heavy, as if they had drowsed without him and then, as he looked down, he saw Marian - still curled in them. He smiled but suddenly frowned when he recalled the scar. Lifting one arm up he managed to run the hand down his face, his thoughts irritable - How could she?

Guy didn't know, but he did know that if he allowed that to come between them - his life would turn to hell. He needed to let it go; Vaisey would never have to hear of it. His heart thudded when he asked himself whether she would continue on her questionable escapades… Surely, after Winchester, Marian would have no desire to risk her life again.

Sighing at the loss of comfort he would soon face, Guy slid his other arm out from beneath her sleeping form. He hissed, how he had managed to wedge his wounded shoulder there, he would never know. Lightly, Guy touched Marian's left hand and slowly slipped Winchester's ring off. He thanked God that it was rather too large for her finger - making it easy to remove. He needed to go and find a silversmith and barter with this ring for a new one… One that did not have so many bad memories attached to it.

He had told the priest the truth - he did have the wedding ring, from their failed nuptials, at home. He just didn't feel like dredging Locksley pond to find it… Though he was still bothered by the previous night, Guy crept out of the bed and began to replace his leathers. Once his breeches were donned, as well as his boots, Guy set about the dreaded task of his shirt and jacket.

The dried blood on his discarded undershirt made the thin material stiff and hard. He rubbed his hands over the discolored spot, attempting to loose up the cloth - it worked to an extent. Yet, when he slid both arms into it and raised it over his head, the pain was horrific. He gritted his teeth to keep from waking his sleeping bride. Guy continued to clench his jaws together while he maneuvered his arms backwards and slipped on his jacket. Still clutching the ring, Guy left the inn and went out into the dawn, hoping against hope that Marian would still be there when he returned…

The wet air of daybreak clung to him in a haze as he patrolled the streets; his face brightened as he saw what he was looking for - it fell when he noticed no one was at the smithy's… Stiffening his shoulders, even though one of them screamed not to, Guy banged on the door - trying to bring the owner in direct haste. No one came, and his pounding increased.

It wasn't too long after, that a middle-aged man with thinning dark hair, a swarthy complexion, and dressed in a long white night shirt, peeked out at him through the door. "We're not open yet," the man said, his voice was nasal as if he needed to wipe his nose.

Guy pushed forcefully on the slightly opened door, sending the man stumbling backwards. As Guy entered the establishment, the silversmith noted the scowl on his face and the deadly looking sword at his hip. He didn't protest the dark clad man's arrival anymore… Glancing around, Gisborne removed the ring from where it lay buried between his fist, "I am looking to trade this ring for one you have. Don't tell me that you have none, I know you do."

The smith had not been about to say anything of the sort when he had seen, in full, the angry man before him. Quickly and without a second thought, the white clothed man unlocked a small wooden box and withdrew a handful of rings. Demurely he approached Guy and held out the jumble for his inspection.

A large ornate ring, clustered with many different stones, drew Guy's eyes instantly. He almost laughed when he noticed the ring that Marian would pick for herself - a plain sliver band, devoid of any precious gems. Picking up his first choice, Guy eyed it; questioning Marian's reaction to the extravagant item. It would show the world that he could provide for his wife, but he knew that she would look down on it in disgust.

She had seemed to like the unadorned necklace he had given her, so long ago - she had even said that she would treasure it. What had he told her? It's simple silver. You have no need of gold or gaudy jewels. Had he meant it? Or was he only trying to flatter her?

Slowly, he returned the large ring to the man's outstretched palm, but he could not bring himself the pick up the lesser one. During his hesitation, it was then that Guy noticed a small ring, dotted with several stones of sapphire, emerald, and jasper. The similarity that it bore to his former betrothal ring was in the size and width, the stones being embedded into the silver and not raised like the others. Guy picked that ring up and placed down Winchester's - not bothering to consider that the silversmith was getting the better end of the deal. He gave a quick nod to the jeweler and left, taking fast and deliberate strides, making haste to his next stop.

Marian snapped open her eyes and shot upwards in the bed. She looked about the small room and it occurred to her that Guy was nowhere in sight. She didn't know if she should be relieved or perturbed by his absence. Getting up, Marian went and splashed some water from the basin onto her face. As her left hand brushed past her cheek, she felt a noted change - the ring was gone. Her first thoughts were that it must have fallen off, but when that proved false, Marian suddenly received a sickening jolt to her stomach - but why it bothered her so much she would never know. Guy and the ring were gone, Guy had taken the ring, Guy had left her… Was he so furious about finding out the secret of the Night Watchman? Apparently, he must be - for he was gone as was the ring symbolizing their marriage. Instinctively, she wanted to run out to the barn and see if the horses were still there but she told herself that it was useless; Guy had abandoned her and now she was alone, far from home, and with no way of transportation. She growled to herself; well, maybe Guy of Gisborne hadn't cared for her quite so much after all!

Guy strode into the inn and, ignoring the looks that were directed at the dark stain on his jacket, mounted the stairs. Guy hadn't seen Allan down in the ordinary stuffing his face, and figured that he must still be lazing about in bed. He was grateful to Allan for one thing - that he hadn't picked up any type of stringed instrument and attempted to serenade Marian and him in some debauched form of a charivari… Of course, Guy thought, if a man takes it upon himself to do something so stupid like that, he deserves death - puts him out of his misery - as well as us…

Instead of knocking, Guy roughly pushed open A Dale's door - half-expecting to find him three sheets to the wind, romancing (or the equivalent to it) some trollop. Guy was startled to find Allan alone and awake. The latter raised his brows in question at Guy's unannounced entrance; Guy merely sniffed and told him to fetch breakfast for the three of them.

Uncharacteristically, Guy knocked before he opened Marian's door and smiled at her surprised expression. He was pleased to see her still there; the worry of her deserting him seeped from him. He came up to her, pushing all thoughts of the Night Watchman out of his mind, and handed her a small sack - noting her disheveled appearance in the tattered dress she wore.

Impulsively Marian reached for, and took the bag, "What's this?" Her words were dry and unattached, but her eyes were one large unanswered question: Why? Why was he being so gentle? Why had he married her despite Winchester? Why had she wed him? Why hadn't Robin come? Why did she deserve to be in this position in the first place? Was God trying to teach her a lesson? Bring her down a notch from the self-assured manipulator that she was and show her humility? But if it was God's hand in this scheme, why had he placed the devil himself in charge of her wellbeing?

Gesturing to the container that Marian clutched, slightly annoyed by her brusque question, Guy said on a sigh, "You'll have to open it."

Marian wanted so badly to ask if he had gone to annul the marriage, but she bit her tongue. If only she knew that Guy had vowed to forgive her ridiculous escapades as penance for not saving her maidenhood… Inside the satchel were two plain dresses, the material was soft and comforting to the touch - something that Guy had made certain of. Opening her mouth to stutter a 'thank you,' Marian found herself cut off by his next words, "I'll leave while you dress. Allan is preparing for us to break our fast; I'll wait for you outside." Marian watched as he left, unsure what to make of him… Devil or saint, she couldn't decide - maybe he was but a man who had just missed being something remarkable…

When Marian left the room to join Guy, he clasp her hand gently in his. Without thinking, Marian made to pull away but Guy held her firmly and, lifting her hand, slid something onto her finger - a ring. Instantly, as she looked down, she knew that it was beautiful, thanking Guy in her heart that it wasn't overly flashy. She was still startled by the fact that it was different until Guy whispered to her, his voice so low and sad that she felt her heart would melt, "I told you I would get you a proper ring." Without another word and without giving her time to respond, he guided her down the stairs, to the table, where Allan was waiting.

Allan smiled when Marian sat down across from him but his eyes narrowed when he noticed her left hand, "Wait, I though' that y' didn't 'ave a ring?"

Guy snapped off the end of a slightly malformed dark piece of bread, "I didn't."

Allan looked incredulous, "Then where did this come from?"

Lathering butter on his burnt bread to disguise the color, Guy cringed at the thoughts of the taste, and said, "I traded the other ring for it."

"Y' what? It was worth a lot Giz, don't I even get some the profit?"

"There was no 'profit,'" Guy said in a rumble, forsaking his 'toasting fork mishap,' he leaned across the table, and pulled Allan towards him - trying hard to keep Marian at somewhat of a distance and avoid her disapproving stare. "And besides, you stole the ring, then you gave it to me, hence it was my property and I did with it what I pleased. Understand?"

Heaving an empty sigh, Allan strained backwards and away from Guy. Straightening the messed up front of his shirt, Allan wondered if he should have even bothered giving Guy a ring - hadn't he said that he had one back at Locksley? If Guy did in fact posses a ring for Marian, he should have at least paid him for Winchester's… No good deed goes unpunished, Allan thought, and this was the last time he went looking for a thrashing - that was for sure! Annoyed at his loss, Allan muttered throughout breakfast, all the while fingering Winchester's gold chain still lining his pocket…

Allan saddled the horses, but his temper was in an ire - was he to be used as a bloody servant? How much better was his life now than when he was with Robin? The one thing that he could say was that he had a roof over his head; cringing he recalled that he had cover in the dungeon just the same… Allan tightened the saddle on the last horse, the new white one; he knew that Marian would be relieved by the fact that Guy only had him sell one of the steeds. A smirk plastered itself across Allan's face when the thought struck him that he could loosen Guy's saddle - 'course he figured that the bloke would pack quite a whollup after the amusing antics were over and done…

Guy walked into the stables alone and Allan presumed Marian had been left inside. With her away, Allan decided to liven things up a bit - exacting revenge for his loss as he did so. He nudged Guy, "So, 'ow did things pan out last night?" He waggled his brows to form an innuendo and Guy rolled his eyes, irritated.

"None of your concern," was the flat reply. Not exactly what Allan had been hoping for, being in the mischievous mood that he was - he wanted to get Guy's hackles up.

"Surely there's 'omething you wanna talk 'bout - ya know, man to man."

Guy's eyes drifted to him, slowly observing him out of their corners. His face was grave and Allan was completely unprepared for what happened next. Suddenly Allan A Dale found himself thrust up against the rickety wall, Guy's hand enclosed about his throat.

Teeth clenched and practically spitting in his anger, Guy said, "Did you know Marian was the Night Watchman?"

It took a moment for Allan to recover his senses enough to register the demand, but during that moment, Guy was snarling for him to answer. Should I tell? Allan's thoughts bounced from one point to the other, Marian said she'd kill me if I betrayed her. But obviously, Guy already knows… Guy's incessant shaking and choking broke him, "She told me not to tell ya!"

So, she was consorting with Hood…That thought made Guy's stomach roll though he had suspected something of the sort but he had to forgive her, it was his apology. Lessening his tight grip and dropping Allan back to the dirt, Guy growled, "And why did you keep this bit of information to yourself?"

Allan gasp at the air he was able to breathe again and said, rubbing his neck, "She can be quite persuasive, Giz. I don't think you know what you've gotten yoursel' into."

"Oh, I know what I'm into - I just don't think that you know what you are." Guy turned, stalking out of the barn. "Speak of this to anyone, and I'll finish tying the noose you started."

Allan slowly stood from where he had been dumped, his breath was sharp and quick, his head racing, and heart pounding. Giz had his hands on him more than any experienced tavern wench ever had - though Allan felt that their's were far less deadly than Guy's - at the least they didn't try to murder him… Dear God, first Robin turns on him and refuses to heed any explanation and now Guy was doing the same! Was he so useless that no one wanted him about? Allan shook his head, that couldn't possibly be - could it? The thought ate at him, scraping away at a half-healed scab and starting to fester it. The thoughts of betrayal jumped back into his mind from the corners where he had endeavored to push them. Was he up to three now? He betrayed the gang, he betrayed Guy by not telling him pertinent information, and now he betrayed Marian for telling her secret? Skin in behalf of skin… Had he sold his soul to the devil to save his own hide? Either way he looked at it, Allan felt that he had stooped lower than he really had. He had to find a way to redeem himself - find his purpose again.

A sharp twang snapped at Guy as he collected Marian to take her to the stable, his wife. Anger at her, anger at himself, betrayal, and sorrow all mixed in his hot blood. His atonement for letting her be taken and used - for that was all it was, no love was involved in her violation, only lust - was to forgive her lies and secrets.

As he grasp her hand in his, Marian felt the initial reaction to pull away. She contained it, however, and allowed Guy to lead her outside and to the stable - he wasn't doing anything to cause her harm, just being possessive and commanding… Not that the latter were unusual exhibits for him; she was quite accustomed to having to fight Guy for her freedom and intended to do so if he pushed her too far.

The day slowly turned into dusk and Guy wanted to stop before nightfall covered them. He paid to stay at yet another inn, and Marian eyed it with trepidation. Would he consummate the marriage vows here?

Once fed a slightly better meal than they had at the last ordinary, Guy tilted his head, signaling Marian to follow. She stood from the table that Allan still lounged at, determined and rigid. Allan wasn't blind, "Oi, if you need me. I'm jus' a couple o' rooms over." He said a quick prayer and hoped that she wouldn't take him up on his misplaced offer. All he wanted to do was reassure her, he sure as hell did not want to stop Guy from doing whatever it was that he wanted to do…

Marian was surprised when Guy only made to hold her again that night. He didn't try to seduce her, kiss her, or force his rights on her. She was grateful for his kindness and whispered a soft 'thank you' into the black room.

Guy responded by wrapping his arm tighter about her, "Go to sleep-" He stopped. Guy had wanted to say 'Marian' but that seemed unsuitable and too trivial - but he could not bring himself to speak his next thought aloud. However, he did have his say in his heart and nuzzled her hair on the silent words, "My love."

The same events repeated themselves for the next four days. Marian was getting rather used to having Guy hold her while she slept. Though at times she felt stifled and chained, other occasions he was a comforting presence. Marian was indebted to him for not trying to exact her wifely duty. Her thoughts were still in a muddle about what she in-fact wanted. When he held her at night she imagined what it would be like to fully be his wife but when daylight streamed in, a blush would ride high on her face and she would want as far away from him as possible. The betrayal that she felt for sleeping in the arms of another, when the man who she thought she had loved for many years was so far away, even when that man had failed to save her, confused her.

It was not long until they reached Nottingham, the gray walls of the castle stood threatening high and Marian couldn't remember the time when she had stopped thinking of the castle as a cheerful place to visit while her Father worked. Her Father! Marian couldn't wait to go and see him and let him know she was alright. As her husband, surely Guy could get him out of the dungeons now! Guy had already dismounted and now she did the same, her heart beat against her chest. Her desire to rush inside and see her Father was crushed when Guy spoke, "Take her to Locksley, Allan. I'll come shortly."

"Right," Allan said, "Com'mon, lets get going."

"No," Marian said, without the slightest hesitation in her voice. She didn't cringe when the two men blatantly stared at her, instead she stared right back, determined and haughty. "I will go in and see my Father."

Shaking his head, Guy said, "That is unwise."

"And why is that?" she demanded. "Just because I married you does not mean that I am stripped of my own rights!"

"I said no such thing! Why is everything a fight with you?" Guy stepped closer to her and towered above her.

Marian refused to be intimidated, "You denied me my right to see my Father. I take that as-"

"Woman! I am trying to save you grief! I left without the Sheriff's permission; he is going to do everything in his power to make our lives hell! Can't you see that?" The last question was spoken softly, a sharp contradiction to his former yelling. "It will be better if you stay out of sight for several days."

Before Marian could say another word, Guy grabbed her around the waist and was hoisting her back upon her white stead. Forced to comply or be toppled off, Marian seized the bridle. Guy swatted the horse's haunch and it galloped a small distance away before Marian had a chance to stop him. "Take her home," Guy said again. Allan turned his mount to follow her and Guy felt a large dread creep inside his torso as he thought of Vaisey's unchecked anger…

Immediately the gates opened for him and Sir Guy rode inside, avoiding the looks of those who questioned his whereabouts. The unfortunate stable boy, who Guy had first encountered, was the only lad there to take his horse. He quivered and shook from fear as Guy handed him the reigns. "Did you keep your mouth shut?" Guy asked the frightened lad. The boy nodded, visibly shaking under the man's gaze. "Good," Guy said, and walked away, leaving the groom to breathe a sigh of relief.

A chill permeated him, as Guy walked down the long corridors and to the Sheriff's office. The chill wasn't only from the damp castle but from his own dread. "Milord," Guy said as he entered, rather nonchalantly - trying to keep things calm and maybe just maybe, Vaisey wouldn't demand his head on a spike…

The Sheriff sat at his desk but stood as soon as his master-at-arms entered the room, "Gisborne? Where have you been!"

Guy gave a quick bow of his head; he needed to show submission lest he be kicked like an insolent pup, "I bring you news of Winchester's death. Sussex is yours."

The Sheriff approached, "That is not the reason you went, now is it? Don't play me for a fool Gisborne; I know you went after your little leper. Where is she?"

"Home, Milord."

"Home, as in Locksley? Tut, tut, Gisborne, I thought that you would want to make an honest woman out of her before bedding her as well."

"That is already done. We were married five days past."

"Isn't that nice, very nice, and she already broken in for you. No extra exertion on your part. Now, you came to see me for a reason, not just to tell me that you're back from your nuptial week - what do you want for getting me back Sussex?"

Heart thudding, beating rapidly, Guy spoke, his mouth dry, and desperately trying to contain his anger at the insults Vaisey was making at Marian, "Allan A Dale, has been of help to you, Milord, in retrieving Sussex, I ask for his life."

The Sheriff thought, "Hood's man working as your man… I rather like the irony of it. Might even stumble Hood out of hiding from wherever he's gotten too… Granted."

Guy let out the breath he was holding, though why he was concerned with Allan's hide was beyond him. This was going far easier than he had anticipated so he proposed another request, though deep in his mind something told him that he wasn't out of the woods yet, "Marian's father. She needs him, and I feel that Marian has been punished enough without him remaining in the dungeons. I'll keep her in line from now on."

Vaisey rolled his eyes and mouthed, several times, in what could only be described as singsong, 'You feel.' "Let the old geezer spend one more night in his cell, you can collect his shriveled self in the morning." He cocked a brow, "Is that all?"

Guy nodded his head in agreement, he had gotten what he needed, and was not about to argue over one night with the Sheriff when he was in such a listening mood.

"Good," Vaisey said, grabbing up a knife and thrusting it against Guy's neck before he had a chance to run. "If you ever, ever, do something so stupid, deceitful and against my orders again - I will slit your throat." He raked the blade across the sensitive flesh of Guy's neck, drawing a slender trace of blood in its wake. The Sheriff laughed, and the sound of it burned a hole into Guy's soul, "Better yet, I'll make you watch while I slit your leper's pretty little neck and then keep you alive and suffering for as long as I want. Yes, I like that idea better - don't you?"

He pushed Guy away from him, "Be here at dawn! And get out!" Not needing to be told twice, Guy bolted from the room and down the hall, trying in vain to wrench the memory out of his mind. He felt absurd, like a child running from the whipping that his father just dished out. But the blood trickling down his neck was enough to show just how close he came to loosing his life.

When Guy reached Locksley, the sun was starting to set and he spotted Allan at the stable, hobnobbing with the aged groom - though Guy couldn't rightly say that Allan was higher in society than the other was. Without a word, Guy turned over his black horse and stalked off to the manor house. Swiping at the thin cut, yet again, making certain that there would be no blood to frighten Marian; she didn't need to know of Vaisey's threats. Hearing the sound of steps behind him, Guy was annoyed to discover that Allan was following him. Couldn't he just sleep in the barn? Alas, Guy knew that he would have to order a room prepared for A Dale.

Allan was trying hard to overtake and then keep up with Guy's fast long steps. The pond gleamed in the fading light, bright and beautiful; the sun casting shadows over the clear splashes of liquid.

Allan caught up with Gisborne and stopped him midway around the pond, "You know mate, if you 'ave a ring for Marian 'ere, wouldn't it be right 't give that 'un to me? I mean, ya already got 'er a new 'un. Aint that something in the 'Knight's Code" or wha'not?"

Guy turned to smile at him; Allan didn't catch the overly amiable look. "Why, yes Allan. I think you should have it."

Allan grinned, that hadn't been as hard as he had expected! "Thanks Guy."

Clapping a hand on Allan's shoulder, an act that should have made the latter reconsider and run, Guy continued, "The only problem is that you'll have to go and get it."

"Well how hard can that be?" Allan said, still unawares as to the danger he was in.

"Oh, it won't be. Providing you like to swim," on the last word, Guy gave a mighty shove and sent Allan careening backwards and into the glimmering water.

Allan only had time for his eyes to grow wide and startled, before he connected with the water. The loud splash, sting of his back, and sudden feeling of drowning, delayed any other response than standing up in the weeds and sputtering. He wiped his eyes with his wet sleeve, an ineffective act, and shook the water from his hair as Guy walked off to the manor. He was going to have to watch that man more closely…

"Enjoy your bath," Guy called over his shoulder, the smirk embedded onto his face apparent in his tone. Vaisey had humiliated him, it was only fair that he return the favor. Continuing to the manor, his thoughts were suddenly distracted - he had something that he needed to do. He was just worried how Marian would react to the fact that Guy wanted to claim Winchester's babe, if there was one, as his own…

A/N Sorry for the delay! I've been really busy and then my Grandmother fell and had to go to the hospital. It has been a busy few weeks! Well, hopefully Vaisey was in character - all nice one moment and then angry the next. I hope that all the others were in character as well. You will need to wait for the next chapter to find out how Marian reacts to Guy's news.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and if you would like to, please let me know what you thought and leave a review. ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood BBC and the BBC - not me, owns any conversations that you recognize.