I apologize if Will seems a little out of character from what is portrayed in the movie. I believe that his cocky demeanor is a front, designed to keep others away. He's been seemingly alone for most of his life, knowing nothing different. Upon the admission that Robin is his brother, his whole world is turned upside down. Here's this nobleman, someone who Will believes would ordinarily not give him a second glance, and they're related! Robin's kindness towards Will, despite what Will believes to be major differences between them (class), plays a big part in his transformation from traitor to brother, to the point where Will is willing to lay down his life for Robin.
The next two chapters will cover the battle from Will's point of view, before and after Will launches Robin and Azeem over the wall.
The walk to Nottingham was mostly silent. Everyone was worried, even Robin. They knew what was at stake—their lives and the lives of their friends.
Each went their separate ways upon reaching the castle.
Friar Tuck and Azeem entered first, bearing the barrels of powder.
Fanny then situated herself on the wall, a rope ladder in place to raise John and the weapons.
Robin then entered, carrying a staff that hid his bow. To ensure that he'd be left alone, he rubbed some horse manure on his clothes and hands, for the smell.
As casually as possible, Fanny dropped two swords over the edge, one for Bull and one for Will. Passing each other, they shared a forced smile and a whispered, "Good luck!" before continuing on their way.
Will made his way amidst the crowd, seeking to remain hidden from anyone that might recognize him. He stood, observing his surroundings, when he felt a tugging at his side. He caught the arm of a young boy, who'd shown an interest in Will's sword.
"Hey, nothing there but trouble, boy," Will whispered, before gently pushing the kid away.
He turned back to the tower as the trumpets blared, announcing the Sheriff's arrival. And there she was, Lady Marian, Robin's love. She and the Sheriff were engaged in a quiet discussion, neither seemingly very happy.
The Sheriff then announced, "Bring them out," and the pounding drums began.
Will watched as the prisoners were roughly pushed forward. He hoped Robin was in position on the wall and that Fanny had given him the arrows.
And then, there was Wulf. Poor kid looked terrified, searching the crowd for a familiar face, before he spotted Will trying to hide behind his hood.
Oh, no, Will thought. He's seen me. Wulf, go back. I'm not a traitor. I'm here to rescue you.
But Wulf was not paying any attention to what Will was trying to convey with his eyes. He broke away from the line and jumped Will, yelling, "Traitor, traitor."
Will did his best not to cry out as Wulf's little fists pounded him. But Wulf knew exactly where the lash had hit him and chose to exploit his pain. Will could feel the blood seeping through the bandages Robin had so carefully tied.
I'm sorry, Robin, Will thought. I've failed you.
Guards pulled the two apart, one escorting Wulf to the gallows, two more dragging Will before the Sheriff. For the second time in two days, Will found himself on his knees; his head pulled back by the guard's grip on his hair.
"Ah, the turncoat," sneered the Sheriff. "Did you succeed?"
"Well, I, uh, I found his lair, but, uh, he was already dead," Will said, hoping his words would protect Robin until the time came for him to reveal himself. He was sorry about having to lie to Lady Marian, but she couldn't know the truth, at least, not yet.
"Are you sure? You saw Hood's body?" questioned the Sheriff.
"No," Will paused, trying to breath. The guard had his head tilted at an angle that made breathing difficult. "I saw a grave."
He silently begged Marian to forgive him, one day, for hurting her with his lies.
"We found this on him," said one of the guards, holding up Will's concealed sword.
Raising an eyebrow at the sight of the sword, the Sheriff declared, "String him up with the others!"
The crowd cheered, while Will's heart sank.
I'm necessary to Robin's plan, he thought, as he was dragged and pulled towards the gallows. He could feel his wounds opening up even more. I have to free our men from the nooses. How can I do that if I'm one of them?
"Put me down! Let me go!" he demanded, to no avail.
He could feel the panic rising. He wondered how the others of Robin's group in the crowd were handling his impending doom.
The executioner held his arms behind him, pushing him forward. When they arrived at where the noose should be, there was none.
Will breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't going to die today after all. "My lord," he called up to the Sheriff, "It appears there is no more room. I'm afraid I will have to respectfully decline."
Will could hear the crowd laughing as the executioner grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, forcing him to kneel over what Will recognized as Azeem's black powder barrel. Will fought the executioner, refusing to cooperate as he attempted to tie him down.
"There's always room for one more," whispered the executioner, spitting on Will as he left.
Will shuddered, out of disgust and fear. He was going to die, he knew it. He was going to die and he'd never see the beautiful green foliage of Sherwood Forest again. He'd never get to truly know Robin, as a brother and as a friend. He'd never get to chase Wulf, pretending they were game hunters. He'd never see the blue sky or the river rushing over slippery rocks.
The drums increased in tempo, before suddenly halting.
Will heard a stool being knocked over, then a gasp for air. Over the din of the crowd, he distinctly heard John and Fanny's voices crying out.
That means that Wulf was first, thought Will. Bloody bastards, he's just a boy.
He heard a commotion and then an arrow was whistling through the air. It struck wood, but was shortly followed by a second arrow that made contact with the rope strangling Wulf.
Will heard a thud and his heart was lighter as he realized that Wulf was going to live.
Seconds later, Marian's scream of "Robin" pierced the air.
Robin's revealed himself, thought Will, before all hell broke loose.
Azeem had shot a flaming arrow at one of the barrels situated behind Robin, causing it to explode, spraying those in the vicinity, including Will, with flaming debris. Fighting then broke out all over the square, with the Sheriff calling for the capture of Robin Hood and for the executioner to continue with the hangings.
As the executioner proceeded to knock over the rest of the stools, Will lay where he was, helpless to do anything but listen.
The executioner then turned his attention to Will, placing an axe against his neck, as though measuring where he would need to strike.
Will had never been more terrified in his life. His eyes found Robin. "I'm so sorry," he thought, trying to convey his emotions through his eyes. "I'm sorry for everything."
At the last moment, Will closed his eyes, unable to bear the sight of his brother's grim determination. Will knew it was hopeless. He only wished that he could erase the panic and fear from his eyes. He wanted Robin to remember him as strong and brave, not a coward who feared pain and death.
Will braced himself for the impact of the blade. He sensed the executioner raising the axe, yet it was never lowered. Instead, he heard a thump as something (or someone) hit the ground. He opened his eyes in shock.
"I'm alive," was his first thought. His next was, "Robin saved me!"
In an instant, Robin was by Will's side, cutting him free from the ties that bound him, before pulling him away from an axe that landed where Will's head had been seconds before.
Pandemonium reigned.
Wulf and Friar Tuck were attempting to lift up those that were hanging, trying to give them room to breathe, despite the rope. At the same time, John used his strength to knock the gallows over, while Bull arrived with a knife to cut them all free.
Ignoring the pain in his body, Will dove headfirst into the fight, taking down a guard and punching him in the face.
He heard Robin yell, "To the wall," signaling their retreat.
Simultaneously, he heard Marian cry out for Robin. He looked up to see her being dragged away by the Sheriff.
As Robin ran to rescue Marian, Will heard Azeem call out: "English! English! Behold, Azeem Edin Bashir Al Bakir. I am not one of you, but I fight! I fight with Robin Hood. I fight against a tyrant who holds you under his boot! If you would be free men, then you must fight! Join us now, join Robin Hood!"
And just like that, the tides turned in favor of the outlaws, with those retreating returning and those on the sidelines joining the fight with cries of "Freedom!"
Never losing sight of Robin, Will followed as he and others pushed a catapult into position, allowing Robin to be launched over the wall.
Keeping his hand on the lever, he heard Azeem join his brother, asking, "Is she worth it?"
"Worth dying for?" Robin asked, before nodding eagerly.
He made eye contact with Will, nodding in a silent promise that he would return.
"WILL!" he shouted, signally for Will to release the catapult, which he did.
"Fuck me, he cleared it!" exclaimed Will, watching his brother and Azeem sail over the wall. Before turning to face the fight that raged behind him, he offered up a silent prayer to anyone who would listen: "Keep my brother safe. I don't care what happens to me. If it comes down to my brother's survival or mine, I will gladly sacrifice my life for his."
Having made his vow, Will began the fight of a lifetime, trying not to think of what his brother might be going through at that very moment.
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