Usual Disclaimer to all things RH.

So heres chapter 17. I hope this one will make things a little clearer for everyone now. Thanks for the reviews! They are much appreciated. Enjoy!

"My lord Sheriff?" Marian exclaimed, astounded.

"Who were you ecxpecting, St. Nicholas?" the Sheriff of Nottingham asked sarastically.

"No, my lord, I just did not expect to see you here." Marian answered, regaining her composure, or whatever compusure a person had when they were in a barred carriage with, argueably, the most malicious man in England.

"Well la di da, I just came to fill you in about the details of our little agreement." he flashed a self congratulatory smile. He leaned towards the window and shouted, "Can we get moving, please?" the carriage jerked into movement and Vaisey reseated himself opposite his 'prisoner.'

Marian looked him in confusion, "Our agreement?" Would there be no end to this man's games?

"Yes, about our mutual friend."

"I hardly think he would want to see me now that I have been arrested." Marian pointed out, trying to steer the conversation in a way that would give her the most answers because clearly, Vaisey wasn't going to give anything up unwillingly.

"But, you see, that's the whole point. The only way that you will get to see him is if he gets you from the dungeons." he looked at her like he was telling a joke, but was holding back the punch line.

"Why would that be, my lord?" Marian shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

The sheriff rolled his eyes, "Lepers" he sighed, " Because that's what Robin Hood does, my lady."

Marians eyes widened in shock, "Robin?" she repeated. That was definately the last thing she expected. (A/N: I bet it was the last thing for you too :P) "But you said he was a noble."

The sheriff feigned confusion, "I did? Oh, well, a tiny fib on my part. But, technically, he is still the lord of Locksley. Don't tell Guy that though, or he'll get his knickers in a knot." he chuckled at the thought.

The wheels began turning in Marian's head. She had to find a way to get this to work to her advantage. "So, what does Robin have that you want?" she immediately mentally slapped herself for not referring to Robin as 'Hood' or 'Lockesly' to distance herself from him personally. So much for that.

"Hood stole a significant sum of money from me a few weeks ago, and I intend to get it back, using you. So, you will sit in the dungeon, waiting to be 'hung'. Little Robin will not be able to resist rescuing his lady fair and he will whisk you off into the forest where you will find out where he keeps his money."

"But will it work? Robin Hood doesn't just tell anyone where he hides his money." Marian said skeptically.

"No he won't tell anyone, but he will tell his childhood sweetheart won't he?" he gave another evil smile, "Especially when that sweetheart gives hints of rekindling that...sweetness." the happiness he was getting out of this was enough to make Marian's stomach sick.

"That was a long time ago." Marian faught to keep her voice steady.

"Well I'm sure he got rather lonely in the Holy Land." Vaisey said condescendingly, "What is it they say? 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'?" he smirked at Marian's scowl. "So, you get me the location of the money and your Dearest Daddy gets to keep his head. If anything goes wrong, any funny business..." he trailed off and made a gesture with his finger severing a head.

Marian didn't doubt it.

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"Marian what?" Robin demanded, perhaps more harshly than he intended.

"Robin, give him a moment." John said quietly as the carpenter gasped for breath. Robin knew he was right. All he could do was look upwards and clench his fists, trying to hold back any outbursts. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, but was really only a few seconds, Will spoke.

"She's been arrested." he said.

"For what?" Robin yelled. He then remembered himself and tried to backtrack, "I'm sorry, Will." he said in a much calmer voice, "Why was she arrested?" he put his hands on his hips and began pacing the camp as Will answered.

"Consorting with outlaws was the term the guards used. My guess is someone saw her leaving the barn in Nettlestone and began asking questions. You know how talk travels." he paused as he watched Robin's pacing grow faster and more out of control. He could see that fire in Robin's eyes that he had only seen once before; when he was trying to kill Gisborne. "She is going to be hung at dawn tomorrow. I'm sorry, Robin." he added helplessly at the end.

Robin stopped, "It's not your fault Will. Thankyou for telling me what you know." Robin took a deep breath and tried to think for a moment. The gang stood around him waiting for him to say more. Finally, he looked up and said "We get her tonight." Everyone nodded.

Robin looked at Allan. "What's the best way to get into the castle?"

The trickster shrugged "Depends if you want clever, really clever, or absolutely brilliant."

Robin gave a small smile, "Absolutely brilliant. This is Marian we are talkiing about here. We take no chances. She gets out at all costs." He looked at each gang member in the eye as if to strengthen his words.

"Now, let's hear about this absolutely brilliant plan." he slapped Allan on the back and Allan proceeded to tell him about his genius plan.

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Marian sat in the dark and dank dungeons of Nottingham Castle, praying that Robin wouldn't come rescue her. She knew that it was a fool's hope. She knew that he would always come for her. Even if it took him five years, or even all the time in the world,

He would always be there.

Sorry this is so short. I just wanted to update quickly so I could clear the air about what was going on. Hope you liked it. Please Review!