Part 14

"This is a lot of money for us to smuggle out," Djaq said when Alan, Robin and Will appeared by the gate.

Much appeared shortly afterwards empty handed.

"Where is Marian?" demanded Robin.

"I was hoping she along with Eve would already be here with you," Much replied. Adding, "Master I know she will be here do not worry."

"I worry when I think she is alone in the castle, a castle in which Gisborne has free roam in."

"Ah I didn't think of that. Still she can look after herself."

Marian's exit was halted when she came across Gisborne and the guards sorting out money and grain she sidled up to a door and silently opened it and slid inside. The room was empty bar a vat or two and obviously used as a store. The slit like window was high. She pushed one of the barrels as quietly as she could up to the window to provide her with the extra height she required. Standing on the barrel she could see out to the courtyard beyond, it was soothing to feel fresh air upon her face. She took some deep breaths but still the nausea remained she mentally convinced herself she had caught the flux. How she was going to confess that she had been to Knighton to Robin she didn't know. However her main concern right now was getting to the east gate before Robin sent the remainder of the gang to search for her.

The minutes ticked by, "I'm not being funny but we need to get this money out of here," Alan said glancing in all directions.

Robin looked thoughtful then spoke. "Right we will take the money, Djaq, John wait for Marian."

"You are not going to wait for her Master?"

"No this is the plan, any more questions?"

"No but Gisborne has just walked into the outer courtyard," said Will and Robin ushered them into hiding.

They waited with bated breath watching Gisborne's movements; he eventually called his men over and went in the direction of the stables.

"Still here?" Marian voice said startling them all as they turned their attention on her.

"Where have you been?" asked Robin.

"Where's Eve?" added Much.

"Later," Robin said. "Now Marian's back let us get out of here."

"But what about Eve?" Much whined.

"She is not coming I will explain everything later."

Later saw the gang disturbing the money to the various needy homes in the area with the exception of Knighton. Some money remained.

"Perhaps we could take it to Edwinstowe," suggested Marian, desperately trying to think of a reason to leave the gang for a day or so.

"I feel I can not travel that far right now," Robin replied.

"Well," she said with a shrug. "Perhaps I could go unescorted. I can look after myself you know."

"Can you?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" she bit back.

"Almost every time you are left to your own devices something happens."

"I got you out of York goal."

"That was not near here. Here. Gisborne is here."

"Which is why, I would be safe in Edwinstowe."

"I told you I can not go."

"Then do not. Do not feel you have to baby-sit me I can take care of myself."

"I will go with you," Djaq said unexpectedly.

Robin looked at both women thoughtfully and replied. "Alright you go together, but no heroics no getting caught you understand."

Marian smiled and nodded, pleased that she had managed to find way to get away from the majority of them, now she only had to dodge Djaq, then everything would be okay if she did indeed have the flux.