Part 13
The gang entered the city gates with an unexpected ease which raised the suspicions on Robin's mind. What was going on?
---------
The thunder of hooves and the shouting of her husband brought Eleanor out to see what all the commotion was. She watched as he yelled orders to several people that he needed them to prepare for his almost immediate departure and stormed past her into the house.
His sergeant faltering uttered. "Sir Guy, the prisoner? Should she not wait inside?"
Gisborne looked outside at Marian. "She deserves to stay out there, but it will be easier to keep watch on her in here. Bring her in, sit her at the table and offer her something to drink and whatever you do, do not take your eyes off her," he barked.
"Guy?" Eleanor asked laying her hand on his arm fleetingly.
Suddenly he was aware of her. "Eleanor. I have to go away for a few days, you will entertain our guests."
"Will you be back for the Christmas celebrations?" she asked.
"I hope to," he replied.
Eleanor was rendered speechless as she watched Marian walk through the door, they exchanged silent words with their eyes. 'Yes,' Eleanor said, 'I promise,' and Marian looked visibly relived.
"What and where are you taking Lady Marian?" she asked.
"It is none of your concern," Gisborne replied.
"None of my concern? She is married to my cousin"
"Unfortunately," Guy said dryly.
"So what are you doing with her?"
"That I can not say, you might get word to Hood and that would not do at all."
"And what if I did? You are kidnapping his wife."
"It is not kidnapping, we have taken her prisoner for the crimes she has committed."
Eleanor shook her head at him, "I know she has a price on her head but surely, especially under the circumstances."
"The child you mean?"
"Certainly, what are you going to do? Wait until the child is born and then kill her?"
"That would seem the most obvious choice."
"And what send the infant back to the woods to Robin Hood?"
"I know where you are going with this Eleanor and no. No! I will not have Hood's child growing up here even if he is your cousin. No."
"So you are allowing Marian life until the child is born, then kill her and leave the poor infant to die, is that not crueller still?" she shook her head at him.
"I do not know alright I have not thought that far ahead."
"It seems you have not thought it through at all."
Guy raised his hand as if to strike his wife when Marian shouted. "No!"
He turned then and said to Marian. "Silent!" but glared at both woman before leaving them in the room alone with a lone guard.