Allan hadn't dared to read the note Robin left for Marian. After sneaking into her chamber while she was in another part of the castle, he placed it just under her blanket and stepped silently away. When Marian climbed into bed that night she found these words written out in a familiar haphazard script—
My dear Marian, I have decided to follow Carter's orders and leave Nottingham to await the King's arrival. Whether or not this is the right thing to do for the gang, for the people of Nottingham, for you, I am going because I cannot stand by any longer torn between meeting the immediate needs of everyone and keeping the King safe from Prince John and the Sheriff's plan. Believe me, it does not go unnoticed that I am leaving you unfairly—again. I need you to forgive me. I did not ask you for a promise when I left for the Holy Land, but I am asking for one now: wait for me. It will not be long this time. Please wait. My entire happiness depends on you, but it cannot happen until England is right again.
All my love.
Reading it with the knowledge that Robin was locked up in that very building, Marian grew bitter. Robin never listened to reason when he was resolved to do something. It irritated her, especially since she understood why he felt he needed to go. It was just part of who he was—he had to follow that instinct. She hoped, however, that he might have learned from this latest attempt that no matter the circumstances, leaving her was never a good thing.
Out of breath, Much nearly screamed, "Robin! They, they arrested Robin!"
John struck the ground hard with his staff and shook his head.
"Arrested?" Djaq repeated.
"It was a trap. Allan was right. They're billing his execution as entertainment for First Night!" Much looked as if he might tear himself apart with the emotion and energy that had surged up since he first heard the news on the streets of Nottingham.
"What exactly is going to happen?" Will asked, trying to be the levelheaded plan-maker in Robin's absence, though hesitating to seem too much like the leader.
"They're not going to hang him. It's to be beheading. The Sheriff wants his head as a holiday decoration!"
Djaq winced.
"We have to do something!" Much shouted frantically, stating the absolutely obvious.
They all knew they were going to need to pull on the entire gang's resources—the entire gang's. Someone had to get word to Marian—and Allan.