Bane
"Marian," Robin said, his hands shaking with emotions, "I'm here to rescue you."
Marian didn't know what to think. Her heart jumped into her throat as she stood; staring at him - Robin - eyes filled to the brim with loathing. He had always angered her; almost every moment they were together, Robin never failed to infuriate her. Though she would become irritated at him, she knew that most of what he said was meant to do just that - get a rise out of her and she always played the game.
That was what it was though, a game… This time it was different, he hadn't been there when she needed him the most. He left her to her fate, betrayed her trust, and now - now when Guy had brought her back, had made her his, now Robin came to reclaim her like a piece of linen to be bartered with, abandoned in the rain and then set out to dry. No, Marian would not let him ring her out - not again. She waited for him too many times and she was sick of it.
"Does it look like I need rescuing?" she glared at him and his eyes softened, hurt beyond words.
"Marian, I - I don't care what he's made you do. I just want-"
"Guy hasn't made me do anything." Marian moved from her position at the door to stand directly before him; her hands upon her hips, her eyes were flashing fire.
"Then he hasn't touched you!" Robin felt his entire being swell at the thought that Gisborne hadn't molested her in any fashion. He reached out to take her arm - he had to get her to Sherwood before that creature came back! His face fell when she snatched her arm out of his reach.
"I never said that, Robin," her words were meant to hurt, make him angry - she was playing her own game, fighting her own hurt with expressions intended to crush.
Robin of Locksley felt his heart clench and twist he couldn't help but recall her words; Guy hasn't made me do anything. I never told you that. Was she telling him that she had willing gone to Gisborne's bed? Willingly let him kiss her, hold her, touch her? Dear God, what for?
Robin could barely get the word out as it caught in his mouth, "Why?"
Seeing his face - his eyes so bright and tormented, Marian felt some of her hate slip away. This was Robin after all, she had known him from before she could remember; he had been her protector, her guider, her sweetheart… No! How could she think such thoughts when he had let her down - when she was married to Guy? Surely it was sinful to hold feelings for another when she was already wed… She didn't know how to answer him. Coherent thought seemed to slip past and she could grasp onto nothing. Her anger was cooling and slowly being replaced with a dull ach; a throbbing buried deep in her heart. If he cared, why hadn't he come for her?
"We are married. Robin - I - Guy saved me, he married me, he - why didn't you come?" the last part was hardly above a whisper, so soft and yet the words held such power, power enough to kill. Robin took a step forwards and, as she saw the sorrow and compassion for her splayed on his face, at that moment all Marian wanted was for him to hold her but she knew that would never be possible - not now… Instead of falling into his arms and crying over the shattered picture she had painted of her life, Marian returned to her anger, pushing away the burning hurt trying to let the hate squelch it completely, "Where were you!" Her own image of her future, though tattered and torn since Winchester carried her off, was suddenly ripped in two. The feelings she had tried to suppress for Robin and apply to Guy reversed and suddenly Guy was standing at the dark locked door of her heart and Robin was basking in the warm glow of her affections.
Robin looked as if he had been slapped in the face. "I tried. I tried." His head was spinning and he thought that if he did not sit down he would stumble; his world was careening out of his control. Marian was married to Gisborne and it was his fault - his own blasted fault! If only he had- well there was nothing he could do about it now; it was over and done with. He suddenly found his future lying cockeyed in the shadows along with his other lost dreams.
He turned around - he couldn't face Marian anymore, not when he knew that she thought so little of him. Leaning up against the wall, Robin pressed his forehead into the back of his hand. There was a gnawing feeling inside his soul, one that he recognized all too well but didn't want to identify - the blind rage of revenge. He had wanted to make Gisborne suffer for not saving her but now he wanted to not only make him suffer but kill him for a different reason. Robin's vengeance was now directed at him for saving Marian and for destroying his life and hers in the process.
On the other side of the room, closer to halfway around the world, stood Marian. Her formerly severe face had been tempered yet again as she watched Robin's features contort into pain. A thought that had slipped away from her unexpectedly returned: Robin tried to come? Had something happened to him?
She needed an answer and though she didn't wish to hear it for fear of what the results would bring, Marian asked again, gulping for air in the process, "Where were you?"
With his head and hand still pressed against the wall, Robin began in a shaky voice, "I was riding - after you. I was thrown from my horse." He heard her make a disbelieving sound and snapped around to face her, "If you don't believe me, take a look at this!" Roughly, in his anger, Robin pulled back the thick mess of bangs that covered his head and reveled to Marian and obvious wound - healing as it was. "I tried to save you! But when I woke, it was days later, days too late. I was going after you and heard that Gisborne had brought you here. I'm here to save you!"
Marian felt her heart stop. Robin had tried to come - he really had. He was prevented but now was here to save her - without a care that not one but possibly two men tarnished her! The question of if Robin would still love her after Winchester had stolen her was answered - and it was not the answer that Marian had been expecting after his absence. He still loved her and she had betrayed him with his worst enemy! Yet, his worst enemy had been her savior and if it had not been for Guy, she would have been violated. Guy loved her, but so did Robin…
Sitting down on the bed, Marian cradled her head in her hands, "It's too late. Robin, I'm sorry." Sorry she was, for doubting and hating him when he had legitimate reasons for not coming to her aid. Sorry for marrying Guy in such haste. Sorry for not waiting for him and all the while thinking ill of him. Her very core ached when she thought of Robin and her own disappointments. It also chided her for the regret she felt about wedding Guy, after he was so kind to her and so loving the night before. Could she keep him locked away from her?
Robin felt a monster spring to life inside him. He raked a hand through his hair - he would sooner go rot in hell than give her up so easily! "This is my home! And everything inside it belongs to me! When the king comes home, Gisborne will die as the traitor he is and everything that he stole from me I will reclaim - including you. Till then, I can take you away from this nightmare and keep you safe."
Marian stood again, "I am nobody's property!" She shivered, though the air was not cold, but the chill that had run through her when he mentioned Guy's death was an unexplainable frost on her countenance.
"I did not mean it like that, Marian."
"I take the vows I made seriously: What God has yoked, let no man put asunder. I will not betray him, Robin."
Robin got the sickening feeling that she was not talking about God when she said the last bit… "If a marriage is forced, the innocent party under duress, it is unlawful and can be annulled."
Marian couldn't understand why the word 'annulment' should make her cringe so. "Robin," she took a deep breath and tried to compose her feelings for fear they would overtake her and carry her away, "Everything is a choice. I have to live with mine."
Robin's hope sank, no matter what he tried, he couldn't force her to see reason, "You may have to, but I don't. One day you are going to need me. One day he is going to grow tired of you and hurt you. On that day, I'll come for you. If it takes his temper and fists to make you see reason when I cannot, then so be it. But, I will be there for you, Marian. And I'll kill him if I have to."
Before she could utter any protest to his words or to his sudden proximity, Marian felt his lips brush past hers in a feather light kiss. Her heart fluttered then shattered when she recalled the tall dark man who also loved her, who would never harm her like Robin had warned. She turned her head away before he could get bolder, "You should leave." His eyes made her think better of her words and she added, "Guy could return at any moment."
Robin nodded and crawled out the window, pausing and turning back around, "Marian, please reconsider. We - we're meant to be together." His hand brushed her cheek and then, with an overwhelming amount of sadness at the distressing sight of her head turning away, Robin ducked out the window and was gone.
She stared out the window after him, watching as he slipped stealthily into Sherwood. Even at the distance she was, she could see the slump of his shoulders and the dip of his head. She suddenly felt the desire to call after him, tell him to come back and she would go with him. She opened her mouth to call his name, but no sound came out. Not even a squeak.
Thinking of Guy had made her stop; she could not betray his already scant trust in her! Besides, couldn't she help Robin far better if she remained in the castle? But, she shouldn't be helping him at all really… Not since she married Guy. How could she be married to that man and still hold feelings for another? The thought itself made her sick and a dreadful feeling of unfaithfulness stole over her. However, as she watched Robin, she felt her heart ach for him and herself. Alas, she could only have one or the other - and she had chosen the other. Only death would end her choice… That notion startled her as well; made her feel fearful and vulnerable - as if a part of her knew that one day all her choices would be for naught, all would be lost, and she would be back at the beginning.
Surly the king would kill Guy and Marian would not have the chance to straighten out her feelings for him. She would never be able to make a proper choice - decide if she cared for him or loathed him. The regret that the wayward thought caused, made her breath harried. She knew, deep down she knew, that Guy would meet his end by a taut hempen rope. Then she would be free to marry Robin - wouldn't she? But would she want to? Would she want to marry another when the man that she had shared an existence with - more intimately than anyone else - was dead? Could she be so fickle and forget about the way he loved her before he was even cold in his grave. Her sudden instinct was to treat Guy kindly when he returned home, try to show him some affection and not hurt his pride; care for him as one would care for a graying old dog not long bound for this world. Marian stilled the rapid beating of her heart. Oh, dear God - why did she have to feel this way? Was her marriage to be the bane of her existence?
Guy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel something was wrong - there was no doubt about that. The castle felt colder than usual and empty. His chamber this morning had a comforting closeness and now, when he was walking the stark wide halls alone, everything felt vacant. That did not explain the chill and feeling of dread as he approached the Sheriff's chamber. He rubbed his neck instinctively.
Guy's throat was not the only thing that pained him; his shoulder burned as it had been doing for the past few days. But today the dull ach had turned into a feeling of fire. Nevertheless, he ignored it, as he had the entire morning. It would not be long till it dissipated as had all past wounds he had received.
His head ached; the fight with Marian must have taken a toll on his wellbeing. Guy tried to conjure up thoughts of last night - to soothe the sting of their battle. It was in vain however, for just as he began to think upon the subject did he hear laughter echo from the Sheriff's chamber. Instead of quelling his nerves, the laughter only served to set them on edge and Guy felt his heart sink - this was a bad sign indeed.
Cautiously, Guy pushed open the door; there sat the Sheriff behind his desk, a half empty chalice placed to his right and, standing before him, was a man that Guy couldn't place. The stranger stood tall, his face was young and handsome, hair - the color of bronzed leather - swooping over one dark blue eye. He couldn't have been out of his mid-twenties and yet he stood before Vaisey with a practiced ease - unconcerned and at his leisure. Guy's brows furrowed and grew black as he noticed the outsider's spurs - a knight…
Guy coughed, "Milord?"
"Ah, Gisborne! Nice of you to finally join us. I was beginning to think that you were still too engrossed with your new wife to bother with us. I was telling Spencer here, you remember Sir Spencer of course? Well I was just telling him that you could provide a room for him at Locksley."
Guy felt his head throb more, dear God why him? But he now knew who the guest was; Spencer was one of the visiting Black Knights. Surely he should be gone by now? The unknown reason why he had stayed on ate at Guy - the Sheriff was plotting again. Guy could have laughed, Of course, when wasn't the Sheriff scheming? He didn't want this man intruding at his home. "Milord? Do you think that is wise? Marian-"
The wicked gleam in Vaisey's eyes sent another chill through Guy, who didn't have a chance to finish for Vaisey interrupted, "Oh, yes! Marian! You're concerned for her wellbeing. You don't think that it is wise to confront her with another man, do you?"
Ignoring Guy's frown and threatening 'milord,' the Sheriff continued, looking at Spencer, "Marian, Guy's blushing new bride - well, almost new. Just been rescued from a awkward predicament, you see. Raped by another man - missing for several days in fact. Apparently, Guy is worried about her feelings." Vaisey turned to Guy, his leering smile almost too much for him.
The tone that the Sheriff suddenly employed was one of feigned concern, "Is that right Gisborne? You don't want her to be frightened of Sir Spencer?" Vaisey grinned at Guy, mocking him, and then turned his gaze back to Spencer, "We'll just let you remain at the castle."
Guy knew his fists were clenched tightly, yet he did not care. Though he didn't want to believe that the Sheriff would be capable of doing so, Guy suddenly knew that Vaisey had put on this charade of re-rooming Spencer only to spread word that Marian had been violated. How badly did he want to speak out in her defense - tell them that she had not been harmed. Tell them that he had saved her in time. Tell them that she had been pure and unspoiled!
As he opened his mouth to knock their thoughts and ideas, Guy recalled Marian's own words to him: You wouldn't have believed me. Tis true and applicable, they wouldn't believe him. His mind sped back and told him to fetch the wedding night sheet, thrust it into their hands and show them proof of her spotlessness. However, that would humiliate her and make her hate for him grow - drowning out any semblance of love. Could he knowingly do such and risk her favor? No, he could not. He would show compassion, show humanity, and push his own desires aside and forgo showing that he had been conqueror. He would show Marian that he honored her, no matter what others thought of her reputation.
Sir Spencer gave a fake smile, in Guy's direction. Guy glared, and crossed his arms - tilting his head back to put on a show of superiority to the young imp, "Milord, I ask permission to release Edward."
Vaisey lifted his head from where he had been looking down, a twitch played across his lips, "Very well. Go set the old fart free." He moved his arms to simulate a flapping motion, "Might be too weak to fly though… Still sickening. But don't worry, I've had Blight down to take a peek at him - he's bled out the bad humors."
It was not the common practice of bloodletting that caused Guy to cringe - it was how the Sheriff said it, too happy, too full of glee. Dear God, what would he find in the dungeons? "I'll send him to Locksley with Allan, milord." Guy hurried down the hall and to the stairwell that led to the cells, he took the stairs two at a time. His vision swam and Guy decided that was not the best tactic. The cold and damp of the dungeon lashed out at him and he only hoped that Edward was still alive - this was no place for an old man.
Guy approached the cell with trepidation, his chest tightened from cold as well as fear, "Edward?" He stood at the bars and looked in, expecting the worst… Grabbing the jailer by his collar, Guy shook him when he saw the object of his attention sprawled out over a thin smattering of hay. "Get him out of there!" Guy barked, giving the man another shake when he fumbled with the keys.
Throwing open the door as soon as he heard the lock click, Guy dropped down to his knees by Edward's head. He checked for a pulse. He was still alive, but Guy needed to get him to Marian - soon. If only so he could see his lost child one more time…
Putting most of Edward's limp weight on his right side, Guy managed to heave him to his feet. Edward had opened his eyes and looked about him - the stare was almost blank. Despite the blurry gaze of Edward, Guy was aware that he was recognized by what was said, "Marian? You couldn't find her." The statement touched Guy's bone more than he could care to admit. It showed just how much Edward felt - all was lost and he was willing to accept it. His daughter, his only child, was gone and he was left alone to die - never knowing if she still lived.
Guy managed to stifle a grunt; his arm was in pain, the skin was growing tight because of the dungeon's cold. Then the weight that Edward put on his other arm was drawing the skin from as far as his left shoulder. One arm wasn't nearly enough to hold onto the sick man. "No, I found her. She's safe, Edward, Marian's safe."
The sudden bright disbelief that filled those formerly expressionless eyes, cut Guy. Then Edward of Knighton shook his head, "Please." He pulled a gulp of air into his lungs, "It is unkind to lie to a dying man." Another acceptance.
"I don't lie," Guy said, grunting as he struggled with him on the steps; he was trying to keep Edward's weight from causing him to tumble down - snapping both their necks. Guy felt weak and he hated that feeling of helplessness, for Guy of Gisborne should always be in control. Never had he felt so pathetic, for each second Edward was in his grasp Guy felt his strength being sapped from his arms. Guy couldn't recall having felt this way over the past few days. Could his emotions have been running too high? His thoughts too focused on more important matters than his own body? Either way, Guy wished that his head would let him be and that his arms felt stronger.
They almost fell all the way back down the stairs. On the last step, on the very top one, Edward's knees buckled and Guy saw the flight of never ending steps begin to swirl and spiral before his eyes. Guy managed to keep hold of the frail man, regaining his own footing before they could plummet to the cold stone below. He felt his breath shudder as he hoisted his father-in-law back up and nigh on carried him out of the castle.
Outside, Guy stole a glance around looking in vain for Allan. Guy cursed, hadn't he told him to stay there? Selective hearing. Growling, Guy assisted the frail man down the second flight of stairs and to the stable. How in God's name was he supposed to keep that man on a horse?
Where was Allan! Guy entered the stable, "Hitch up the Sheriff's carriage!" The order fell to the ears of the young stable lad - the very one who Guy had threatened previously. Holding back a gulp the boy did as Guy bid, trying not to recall how the cold blade of the knife felt on his skin. The young groom should be getting used to this…
Guy almost couldn't remember why his thoughts were so distracted when they drew into Locksley. But between Edward's condition, the borrowing of the Sheriff's carriage, and his own feeling of malaise, Guy of Gisborne's thoughts were bouncing from one subject to the next.
He almost dreaded Marian's reaction when she saw her father. Would she blame him for this as well? Surely she would, it was his fault that Edward was in the dungeons another night. If only he hadn't been weak and hadn't given into the Sheriff's orders. If only he was man enough to stand up to him. If only he could be more humane. But certainly that was weakness! How was it possible to feel weak for not taking a stand and showing humanity when he felt that humanity was the personification of weakness itself? Guy shook his head, if humanity and surrender both embodied weakness - then Guy was the most spineless of them all.
"Father!" Marian's voice tugged at Guy's heart as he entered the manor. "What has he done to you?"
Guy stood back, leaning against the doorframe; he didn't want to get involved with the scene playing out before him. It was better to stay detached, aloof. He was shaken out of his thoughts - which were being more muddled by the minute - by Marian's next words, "Thank you."
Guy gave a dry laugh, "For what?" He rolled his shoulders back to push himself off the frame; the action elicited a strangled groan from him. His shoulder felt like a beating heart, thumping and pounding on its own.
Marian bit her tongue, she was drawn - she needed to go to her husband and tend him as well. His shoulder, must still pain him… Right now, her father needed her and if she went to Guy, he would become smug and arrogant, believing that she was anxious to be near him. All things considered, she was eager to be by him, if only to try to prove to herself that she cared for him - her husband - and had feelings for him and not Robin. But she held back, she did not want to make the first move - not be the first to yield.
Guy's breath came heavy when he next spoke, the pain in his shoulder having jarred his breathing, "I'll send for a physician." Guy's first thoughts wandered to Pitts, but he had been disposed of - killed by the Sheriff. He had outlived his usefulness. Guy cringed and Sir Spencer suddenly dominated his thoughts. Was he himself outliving his usefulness? Would he arrive at the castle one day only to be skewered at the end of the Sheriff's blade?
Marian stopped his ideas yet again, "I said a healer, if you please. They are less wrapped up in themselves."
Guy looked befuddled - he hadn't realized that she had been talking. "Of course," he said, stepping out the door. He turned around to look at Marian again. She was so perfect, kneeling next to the chair her father was in, her hands holding onto his. She caught his stare, "Yes?"
He was flustered, oh how he didn't want to go back to Vaisey! He wanted to stay here and be with Marian. Marian and only Marian - Edward be damned! He couldn't, "If A Dale comes crawling back here tell him I'm looking for him."
Allan couldn't have cared if the King's entire army was looking for him at the moment. The chain he had lifted off Winchester's corpse still jingled in his pocket, three ales filled his belly, and a fourth was clutched in his hand. As he sat with his head on the table, Allan felt a twisting feeling in his stomach - and it wasn't the drink. He despised himself for telling Robin that Marian was alone. He knew that it was wrong to betray Guy's trust - for he was the only one who trusted him now.
All the secrets that he had sold and given away made a fabric that was slowly weaving a noose about his neck - and the feeling was getting tighter every moment. Every new confidential detail he gave away put another stitch into the cloth. It was a despicable emotion, to feel so self-loathing, and Allan wished desperately that it would go away.
How could he get out of this mess? Guy was his doom and Robin wouldn't take him back… His mother always said that he would dig himself into a pit one day, and only he would be able to pull himself out of it. Was the blackness that he felt encircling him that prophesied pit?
Allan did know that his wanting to have a better life was vanity. Why should he be able to have coin in his pocket and a warm bed when everyone else who mattered didn't? Sighing, Allan took another swig from his mug; he answered his own question - he shouldn't.
Guy made it back to the castle - his head felt as if it would burst. The ordeal of getting Edward out of the dungeon and taking him back to Locksley had taken its toll on him. Guy felt an involuntary shudder creep along his spine when he imagined what the Sheriff would say at his long absence. If Allan had been where he was supposed to be, Guy would not be facing the Sheriff's wrath anew.
He stumbled, nothing to be alarmed of - but Guy felt his shoulders grow stiff. Was his wound causing these problems? Surely it was like every other wound he had been dealt. It would pass.
Head still aching he entered into the Sheriff's chamber and was screamed at and derided for his troubles. When Guy started to explain why he was the one who had to take his father-in-law home, the Sheriff only yelled 'Silence!' directly into his face. Guy growled when he witnessed Sir Spencer's obnoxious smirk. "Go terrorize peasants or something useful and stop mewling over old men. I never thought you would manipulate your relationship with Marian by showing compassion to her daddy. Maybe I should praise you for thinking outside the box? I bet she'll be fawning in your arms when you come riding up tonight. Enjoy Gisborne. But do I ever want you doing your bidding on my time. A clue: No!"
Guy quit the room, his stirrups clanged down the passageway in his anger. He felt his blood drum hot under his skin as he started down the steps to the outside, to his horse. To hell with the Sheriff! Guy's steps swirled before his eyes and he stumbled again. His chin knocked against the stone and he felt his body twist and tumble as he fell. The pounding in his head lessened as he felt the darkness that loomed around his eyes enclose him…
A/N I am so sorry for the long wait! I was much busier on my trip than I had anticipated. I promise to get started on the next chapter right away to make up for it! Now in the next chapter we will find out exactly what is wrong with Guy. (I know I still have to explain about Robin and his riding incident - bare with me.) Any guesses? The title of this chapter might provide a clue. It has something to do with him getting stabbed but not quiet what you are thinking…
Allan will have a larger role - don't worry. And there will be some more of Robin and Marian angst. Hopefully Marian will get her emotions under control one day soon. Guy doesn't have any patience to be a patient and Vaisey is rather cranky that Guy is absent again.
I promise that the next chapter will have some more humor to it - this chapter just didn't allow for any. Good grief!
I hope that Robin and Marian were believable… As well as Guy.
Thank you all for reading!