Hallways

Streaks of late afternoon light glittered over pewter goblets and plates of select morsels no one was eating. Marian sighed and kept quiet as the men gathered there around the table talked incessantly and said near nothing.

"Our Prince has called for early delivery of our custom, my Lords," Vaisey announced. "We must be sure to protect the route it travels. Wouldn't want to disappoint again, would we?"

She chanced a glimpse over Vaisey's shoulder. She usually did not. More like than not, Guy would be rooted in place, staring right back.

But not today. Today he swayed every so often, as if blown by a strong breeze. He was exhausted. Marian was sure he'd not stopped for rest or food all day.

"My Lord Sheriff," one of the men began, "I cannot possibly provide the men needed to secure so large a shipment. And my roads are in need of maintenance since the spring flooding."

On a morning walk, Marian had chanced to hear the errands Guy had been assigned. He'd been run to one end of Nottingham's domain to the other, then back again. Messages sent, arrangements made, and answers carried back. He'd have been at full gallop for half the day by the sound of it all.

"There has been activity of forest bandits near my lands, my Lord. I cannot possibly secure the payment."

Guy listed, shifting his weight to one leg with a wince. His eyes met Marian's with the briefest register before another man spoke.

"The news is the same in my lands, my Lord."

Cacophony broke like noisy birds at dawn and Marian caught Vaisey's smirk of warning. She tapped her father's shoulder.

"If I may, my lords, make a suggestion?"

Vaisey preened and waved his hand for quiet. "Please, Sir Edward. You have the floor."

Marian spotted Sir Guy as he shook his head slightly and blinked. A serving girl came with a pitcher and Marian caught her by the arm before she left.

"Prepare a hearty meal for Sir Guy and have it in his office in an hour."

The girl bobbed her head. "Yes, my Lady."

Sir Edward stood and spoke. "If, dear friends, none of us wish to bear the burden of care, then perhaps we should share the burden equally? If a wagon passes through each of our lands at the same time of the same day, then the risk is taken by us all."

Vaisey shook his head. "But that assures us of losing at least one wagon, Sir Edward. How about we send the wagons, and only two carry the gold, hmm? Ha! I love it already."

Guy blinked slowly. He would still have to meet with his men to arrange the escorts for all the carriages.

"And, for such an excellent suggestion, Sir Edward, your lands will play host to one of them. An honor, is it not, to carry our respects to Prince John?"

Marian shuddered. The threat was made.

The plans were laid in due course and after another three-quarters of an hour, the meeting concluded. Marian slipped from the room as swiftly as she could and walked through corridors, across halls, and into a series of unused storage rooms.

"Marian!"

She rushed forward. "Robin!"

"Are there plans? There is talk of wagons with gold destined for Prince John."

Marian nodded. "Yes, but only two will carry treasure."

"Ah! Which ones?"

She paused, and chewed at a raw place on her lip. "I only know of one, and I must ask you not to."

"What? Why?"

"It will pass through Knighton. If you attack it, they will know information was leaked. It will put us at further risk, and I fear retaliation on our tenants."

"You know I give the money back to the poor," Robin scoffed, "and I know you can handle Guy."

Marian gripped his arm through his cloak. "You must not. I have given you all I can, now I must ask that you not put us in danger."

Robin sighed. "I do not have the men to go after all the carriages."

"Pick one or two, and gamble. You'd enjoy that."

Robin frowned. "I do not gamble with my men's lives."

"Then do not gamble with mine. I must go."

Robin tried to hold her back. "Talk with me a little longer. I need to know you are safe!"

Marian withdrew her arm. To his credit, Robin did not try restrain her further. "I am well enough, but I must be careful and so should you. Go!"

In a swirl of thick wool, Robin was gone. Marian retraced her steps back to the main parts of the castle.

Torches were being lit, the play of light and dark dancing luridly along the stone walls, creating corners and hides along the halls leading to Guy's office. Guards often tucked themselves into these void spaces, no doubt trained to do so by him. They always stepped aside for her.

They did so tonight. The line of black-uniformed men shuffled away from her as she approached Guy's offices, and one ducked in to announce her, then fairly ran back out again, waving sharply for the rest to follow him.

Marian peeked around the door. "Sir Guy?"

"Come in."

He was surrounded by hastily rolled maps and ledgers, but in front of him was a tray with a steaming bowl of rich stew, half a loaf of bread, and an apple. He stood, and the linen napkin he held was already stained.

"Do I have you to thank for this?"

Marian allowed a slight smile. "You looked weary at council." He looked wearier still, for all his shrugs to dismiss her concern.

"Will you join me?"

"I am not hungry."

His eyes roved for a moment. "Some wine, then?"

She felt the words form on her tongue, filling her mouth. They were on the verge of flight when she saw his face. Warmth, gratitude. Discreet desperation.

You can only say no so many times.

Marian stepped closer. "Yes, thank you. I will." She sat in the chair by his desk and watched as he fussed, selecting the best goblet and sniffing the wine, making sure it had not gone off. She accepted the goblet, allowing her hand to linger over his as she took it, hoping against all reason that she had done the right thing.

...

As Marian sipped her second glass, Guy carved a slice of apple and held it out for her on the tip of his knife. Juice dripped down the glinting blade. Marian slipped the wedge free and bit. It was perfectly sweet.

...