Pens and Swords

Winchester bargains for Sussex, a bit of Surrey, and Marian. Guess which one Guy isn't happy about?

...

Sir Guy of Gisborne looked out over the yard and ground his teeth together. Winchester's men had once again crept toward the domestic side of the castle, and he was running out of ways to occupy them in the practice yard and guard house.

Winchester himself was content to stay near Vaisey's office, but had been annoyed when his meals had been served there. There were only so many maps and charts the man could be expected to examine before he demanded free run of the castle.

Which happened on the second day.

Unable to warn Marian himself, for Winchester stayed irritatingly near, he pulled aside her relief guard right before the midday shift change.

"Inform Lady Marian to keep to her rooms today. She may visit her father but only if you escort her yourself." Guy inclined his head toward Winchester. "See that she is undisturbed. There's a silver in it for you."

The man nodded. "Aye, sir!"

…

It could not be said that Guy had ever been happy to see Vaisey return, but he admitted that relief was close enough.

Guy took the horse's reins. "Were the roads well enough to ride, my lord?"

"Well enough. We cut through the forest but not too deep. We heard Robin Hood had returned to Sherwood." Vaisey squinted at him. Guy had the distinct impression he was being inspected. "I presume you haven't plowed any fields in my absence?"

His guts recoiled, but he kept still. "Marian and I have an understanding. We were awaiting your return to set the documents with her father."

Vaisey waved a bored hand. "Whatever. Tell me about all these men. Is that Winchester's livery I see?"

"Yes, my lord. He's been here since the storm. He wished to meet with you as soon as possible."

Vaisey threw up his hands. "He can wait another hour. I want a bath, Gisborne. Order me one. And I want extra roses; no sense in letting them rot on the stem like your leper."

…

Guy escorted Winchester to the meeting room for what he hoped was the last time. In a matter of hours the pompous bastard would be gone

Only then could he could risk seeing Marian again. Tonight, he promised himself. Tonight he would begin the papers with Sir Edward and by the next evening they would be ready for Vaisey. Strictly speaking, Guy did not need Vaisey's approval, but it would help. It might persuade Vaisey to loosen some restrictions if Guy could assure that she, and therefore Knighton, Locksley, Nettlestone and others, were under control.

As if anyone could control Marian.

"Just this way, my lord. The sheriff is waiting for you."

He loved that about her. Edward raised his daughter to be a bold woman. She could be sharp as flint and dangerous as coal dust or as kind and gentle as…

As his mother.

Was it any wonder that he loved her?

Winchester waited at the door for Guy to open it. Pompous ass.

"Just in here, my lord."

Winchester covered his mouth in mock surprise. "Really? I thought we might take another hallway. I do so love this drafty old warren."

They went in and Winchester joined Vaisey at the table while Guy slowly paced the edges of the room. Goblets of wine were laid out with a tray of fruit and cheese.

"My dear Winchester," Vaisey cooed. "Do forgive my delay, I was in conference with the Prince. I hope we were able to keep you entertained?" Vaisey looked at Guy.

"A delightful way to be marooned, I assure you. I would have liked to see a bit more of some certain attractions, but all in good time." Winchester plucked a berry and ate it, sucking juice from his fingers. "Tell me, what kept you with Prince John?"

Vaisey waved a hand. "There's a rabble of barons in Sussex going on about liberties and free customs."

"Surely this is no problem. Root out the leader and let him rot in a prison." Winchester smiled as if quite pleased with his solution.

"These aren't forest bandits, my friend. And that's it. There is no leader." Vaisey shuddered as if chilled and walked towards the fire dramatically.

"The rabble has no leader. And that, dear Winchester, is why the Prince needs your assurance of loyalty and support."

Winchester shrugged. "Give me Sussex."

Vaisey stilled, his silk robe wafted and settled around him limply. "Sussex?"

"Give me Sussex and I'll quiet your rabble."

Vaisey's head pivoted upon his neck. "Sussex."

"And a bit of Surrey."

"A bit." Vaisey's face turned pink. "A bit. Of Surrey?"

"Just a bit." Winchester picked up a goblet and sniffed. "Oh yes, and the girl."

"What girl?"

Guy's neck grew hot.

Winchester held up the goblet to the light. "I always envied Edward of Knighton. My father tried to get me Kate but she married Edward instead. But, you know, I rather think the throw surpassed the dam, don't you?"

Guy stepped forward. "My lord!"

Vaisey held up a hand, and Guy snapped his mouth shut. The sheriff tutted. "Too much, my lord."

Winchester set the goblet down. "Give me Sussex, the edge of Surrey, and Marian, and I'll have your rebellion quashed by harvest."

"My lord, please!" Guy's heart pounded, unsure if he wanted to scream or fight.

Vaisey slapped a hand on the table. "Sussex and the girl. I keep Surrey."

"Hmm. Hard bargain, but I've always been a romantic." Winchester raised the goblet and drank. Then he looked at Guy, flexing his ring encrusted fist. "I do hope the merchandise is intact. I'd hate to return a broken filly."

Vaisey laughed loudly. "Not to worry. Gisborne's sword is so rusted I doubt he could find a whore's scabbard."

Pain ricocheted behind Guy's brow, his skin tightening, belly churning. It all meant nothing. There was nothing. He was nothing.

"Ah, and here is some of our finest wine, my lord." Vaisey sloshed a generous measure into Winchester's goblet. "Now, here's the pact, let me fetch you a quill."

…

Marian struggled and was tied.

She spoke and was gagged.

Her fine ivory leather case had been carelessly crammed to the brim. Her things, and the things Guy had given to her, shoved and damaged on the way in. The edge of an embroidered shawl he'd given her was hanging from the clasp, delicate stitching smashed by the metal.

There was no doubt the life Winchester had planned for her. Her confinement at Nottingham would be a pleasant dream.

For both of them.

"Such a lovely day, Lord Vaisey." Winchester swayed from the stupendous quantity of wine he'd swallowed in celebration of his success. "I cannot wait to see how it ends."

Marian's eyes widened with renewed disgust. Guy could just imagine the volley of words held back by the gag.

His eyes stung. Those lips. Sweet, soft lips he'd kissed would be cracked within an hour.

Christ, had he known, he would have wed her while Vaisey was away, damn the politics of the thing. Damn all the politics.

The skull-like grin on Vaisey's face was ruthless. "The Prince will begin the arrangements immediately. I have already sent word with my fastest messenger of the joyous occasion."

Winchester laughed, jerking the chain Marian's bound wrists were attached to. The rough iron manacles, bare metal against her skin, were too tight.

Her wrists, too. He'd kissed those.

Guy gripped the pommel of his sword and ground his teeth until his vision blurred. Winchester's amusements would leave Marian wounded and bleeding for days. Her wrists were reddening with every thoughtless tug.

"That's a delight to hear," Winchester drawled. "To your fastest messenger!" He pulled Marian's arms up in a mocking cheer.

Gutted, Guy shrank into the shadow of a pillar. With his last glance, he caught Marian's furious glare. He felt himself wither as it shifted from anger to pleading.

…

Guy had once known a dog that lost its mate. It had paced restlessly near their shared nest, refusing food, until it finally laid down and stayed there.

Years later, he regretted having tempted the beast with treats. It had only drawn out the inevitable.

And now, Guy felt nothing. Not the weight of his gear nor the hard chair grinding into his spine. The tool marks in the stone walls blurred from time to time. A tremor passed through him, no more than a pebble dropped in still water.

The tip of his, Marian's, silver dagger twirled on his fingertip, glinting in the firelight. The drop of blood it drew came with a sting, the only thing that was real.

There was no purpose. None worth his efforts. Marian and everything she meant had been his reasons. She'd meant redemption, home and future. Something other than the endless parade of titles to bow and scrape to. A pearl glowing in a load of slag.

The doors opened and clanged shut. Guy did not react. He pressed the point harder into his finger.

"Tsk, tsk. None of that, Gisborne." Vaisey nudged a stool aside with his slipper and stood in front of him.

"She's gone. I've lost her," Guy ground out.

"Hmm. Yes. Before you even had her."

Guy sucked in a breath. That was petty, even for Vaisey. His insults today had been more personal than usual.

"Now don't be that way," Vaisey touched Guy's cheek, wiping at the streaks he found there. "My, yes... I had to bait the hook well, my dear boy."

Guy frowned. "What?"

Vaisey dropped his hand from Guy's cheek, clenching his fists. "Did a messenger leave today, Gisborne?"

His records, the roads, the horses, the fast riders. Guy would have hand selected one, he would have authorized the departure and ordered the opening of the gate. Very little arrived or left Nottingham without him knowing, certainly not his own men.

"No." A flicker. Just a flicker in Guy's chest but it was as strong as the dagger's tip.

"You don't think I'd let that little cocksmear take Sussex from me, did you?"

"You said you needed him to suppress the rebellion in Sussex."

Vaisey laughed. "No, I needed his signature." His smile lost its mirth and was replaced with cruelty.

His heart judded against his ribs. In the space between the caged leaps and tremors, Guy was yanked from malaise to hyperawareness.

He'd seen the scroll. Winchester had signed and sealed it. It was done.

Guy jolted from the hard chair, blood rushing.

Vaisey smiled. "Ahh, there he is. Now, let's bring back Sussex."

Guy's footstep halted. He'd follow where he was led, but not for treats. Not to prolong the pain. Guy held up the silver dagger, catching the firelight once more. The blade's wicked sheen reflected a hint of the hellfire that followed it.

Vaisey sighed. "Fine. We'll bring her back, too."

...