A/N: Here we go – the next chapter in the trials and tribulations of young Mr Scarlett.
I don't own Robin Hood.
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When Ava heard Robin's muffled groan of "Will" she hurried into the room after him to be greeted by the sight of Joseph and the Sheriff writhing on the floor.
"Is he here?" she questioned Robin urgently.
"No, he has been though. I told you to keep watch,"
Ava sighed and returned to her post, wracked by all the worst suspicions. She heard murmured conversation from inside but could not make out what they were saying; though she had a distinct impression that Robin was enjoying himself. It wasn't long before he joined her,
"Come on, we need that antidote."
They set off down the castle's corridors until they found Much, who almost stabbed them with his sword he jumped so much.
"Where's Djaq?"
"We split up."
Though she knew it had probably been Djaq's idea Ava still felt a rush of exasperation towards Much. John and Allan turned up having had no success and they were just trying to decide their next move when Will suddenly appeared at the end of the corridor.
"Will!" Ava exclaimed in relief, glad they had been able to find him even though he'd already poisoned the Sheriff.
It was a short lived emotion however as he stepped out from the shadows and she could see how different he looked.
"I know what you've done,"
"Done the right thing, that's what I've done. Justice in a bottle," His voice was too calm, too controlled.
"Djaq has the remedy." Robin too was talking calmly, but in an effort not to scare Will off.
"I know, she told me." Ava felt her stomach dissolve; there was something almost murderous in Will's air.
"Where is she, Will? What have you done with her?" Much panicked.
"I've stood up to the Sheriff. That's what we all should have done a long time ago."
"Even if all of Nottingham dies?" Robin's question recalled Prince John's promise to all their minds.
"That's not my fault." Will was immovable.
Using the element of surprise Robin rushed at him, slamming him back against a pillar and holding one arm tight against Will's throat he snatched the bottle of poison from his hand. Flinging his head back he took several large gulps.
"Woah, master, no!" Much was horrified.
"Want to watch more people die? Than you can start with me!" Robin's tone was vicious as he challenged Will.
"Robin, I can't let the Sheriff live." Will pleaded.
"Yes, you can!" he shouted with determination.
"My dad. He did it for me. He stood up to the Sheriff to prove himself to me!" Will was on the verge of tears.
"Then prove yourself to him. Show them we are stronger men than the Sheriff." Robin's voice was quieter and he spoke reasonably.
"Will! Will, come on!" Ava laid a hand on Will's shoulder.
"Robin, why did you have to do this?" Will was anguished as he knelt before his leader.
"To prove my point. That Will Scarlett still believes in the right thing." Robin stared him the eyes willing him to do the right thing.
"Will, please" Ava's voice was barely audible while John's was as strong as ever.
"Will, do this."
A moment's contemplation and Will came to a decision.
"I'll take you to her"
He stood and ran; Allan and John followed quickly, Ava and Much staying to hover over Robin.
"Go, go – to the Sheriff's quarters. Go, I'll see you there." Robin reassured them and after exchanging a look they followed the others leaving Robin bent in agony, or so they believed.
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As they ran down the corridor they passed windows that gave a view of the courtyard. Allan stopped and watched Gisborne ride in and topple a dead man from his horse. Much paused behind him,
"What are you doing? Who's that? Come on," he didn't wait for a reply but charged on after Will and John.
Ava, coming up behind him, had stopped as well and was staring down at the dead man. She turned her clear gaze on Allan with shock and something very like suspicion in the dark depths of her eyes. Allan looked away quickly and moved off after the others. Ava lingered to have one last look down into the courtyard before joining them.
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They released Djaq from the cupboard where she'd been making a hell of racket, banging on the door and shouting at the top of her voice. She'd obviously trusted herself to be able to deal with anyone who happened to open the door. Will looked incredibly guilty as she emerged and was ready to offer an apology but Much was having none of it.
"Come on, come on, come on!"
He herded them all down corridors until they reached the Sheriff's quarters and burst in.
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A/N: Slightly shortish, sorry. I will update soon though! Please review, ta.