Part 5
It wasn't long before the families of Nottingham began to suffer Vasey's harsh taxes.
"Gisborne," Vasey said coming out of the stables one afternoon "there is a family who has been not paying their taxes; I need you to go…explain the consequences of not paying taxes." Guy nodded. "Have your horse saddled and let's be off."
"Mother, Father!" Peter called as he came into the house from the field.
"Peter, what is it?" Brida asked as Andrew rounded the corner.
"The sheriff and one of his men are coming." Andrew put his hands on Peter and Brida's shoulders.
"Everything will be fine." He said and went outside as the hoof beats came closers. The man riding the dark horse dismounted and walked over to Andrew.
"You haven't been paying your taxes; but then I suppose you already were aware of that." Guy said his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You can't go unpunished."
"Please," Andrew began "we-we have no way of paying. We have no money." Guy glanced back at the sheriff.
"No excuses!" Guy said and drew a dagger from his coat faster than the man could blink. Without a word Guy drove the dagger into the man's chest. Peter ran out of the house.
"Father?!" he said kneeling next to Andrew.
"He never did anything to harm you." Peter said and rose to his feet never taking his eyes off Guy.
"Now you're making excuses?" Guy asked.
"My father was telling the truth; we have no money!"
"Well then, there's no reason for you to stick around is there?" Guy said and stabbed Peter. Guy walked back over to his horse to find Vasey had dismounted his horse. Vasey shook his head.
"The woman." Vasey said.
"Her as well?"
"Gisborne, no one is going to take me seriously unless I make an example of someone." Vasey said. "Now go in there." Vasey watched as Guy went into the house and close the door behind him. When Guy crossed the threshold Brida, who was standing just inside the door, stared at him. Guy caught Brida as her knees gave out. He helped her over to a nearby chair. She studied Guy's face, tears filling her eyes.
"Is it really you? Please don't let this be dream." Brida said in a shaky voice. "Guy?" Guy looked at her puzzled.
"How do you know my name? Have we met before?" Brida covered her face with her hands and began to sob.
"You don't know me?" she asked drawing her hands away from her face. "I would have thought some part of you would have remembered; some deep part of your heart. He hasn't turned your heart to ice has he?"
"Who ma'am? What are you talking about?"
"Vasey." Brida said. "He hasn't turned your heart away from goodness has he Guy? I couldn't bear it if he has. Where is my husband? My son?"
"You're husband and son were killed just now."
"Vasey's killed them?"
"No ma'am." Guy sighed "I did." Brida let out a shaky sigh as she fell to her knees in from of where Guy knelt.
"You…." Brida shook her head. "You…killed them?"
"I am truly sorry ma'am." Guy said his heart going out to the woman who knelt crying before him. Brida doubled over as sobs shook her body. Guy put his hands on her shoulders and drew her upright.
"You wouldn't have known Peter, he came along after you were taken away; but Andrew. I was sure part of you would have remembered the man who raised you as his own son. He didn't even know you weren't really his son until they came to take away." Brida leaned forward and gently caressed Guy's cheek. "I thought I'd never see you again."
"Who are you?" Guy asked. Stray tears ran down Brida's cheeks.
"I am your mother." Brida said her voice breaking and she fell against Guy's chest, tear streaming down her face. Guy felt the breath leave him and he held Brida tightly against him.
"My mother?" he asked leaning back slightly so he could look at Brida's face.
"Yes." Brida said and chuckled as she ran her hand across Guy forehead and cheek. "The midwife was right; you grew up to be a handsome man indeed." Guy kissed the palm of her hand and Brida drew her hand away.
"Who is my father then?" Brida was quiet for a moment.
"Your father will reveal himself to you in his own time." Brida said and then sighed and looked towards the door. She withdrew from Guy's embrace. "Vasey's waiting for you. Do what you must." She said looking him square in the eye.
"What?"
"You came in here with orders to kill me did you not?"
"Yes but-"
"So do it. My life is fulfilled; I've seen you as grown man. So do what you must."
"No;" Guy said kissing Brida's cheek. "I've lost two members of my family today at my hand. I can't lose the only one left."
"What will you tell Vasey?"
"I'll tell him a killed you; the blood is still on the dagger. You must leave Nottingham tonight; leave England if need be. Just promise me you won't forget me." Brida smiled at him.
"I've never forgotten you and never will. You must never forget me; and always remember that you are a good man. Despite what Vasey orders you to do. Remember that in your heart and soul you are good. You are a good, strong man. Never forget that. Promise me that."
"I promise. I love you mother." Guy said and kissed her cheek.
"I love you too, my darling boy." Brida said and kissed Guy cheek and embraced him. Vasey heard a scream from inside the house then Guy emerged from the house and after shutting the door he knelt and wiped his dagger on the ground, then returned the dagger to its sheath inside his boot. Vasey nodded at him.
"That should get people's attention;" Vasey said as he and Guy mounted their horses. "Come on Gisborne, let's go home."