The Consequence of Loyalty
By Cynthia Burnett
Chapter 9
Locksley Manor
Sunlight poured into the bedroom, making it difficult for Much to open his eyes. His mind swam with dreams and memories, but the warmth of the sun on his face brought him back to the present. As he moved to stretch, a familiar catch in his side prevented him from going too far.
"I see you have finally decided to join us." A pleasant female voice greeted him. He tried to open his eyes again, and this time succeeded.
"Marian?" he questioned, wondering if he were still dreaming.
"Yes, it's me." Carefully, she helped him sit up in the bed. "Gisborne is visiting the Sheriff at Nottingham Castle. He allowed me to sit with you today." She nodded towards the door, "But he left plenty of guards in his place."
With a strained voice, Much added, "I'm so hungry. How long have I been asleep?" He looked around the room. "I never thought the day would come that I would wake up in a soft bed and wish I was back in Sherwood." He confessed.
"You had us worried. According to Thornton, you have been out for two days." Marian smiled. "Sarah is fetching you soup." Marian offered Much a cup of water, and he gratefully accepted, taking hold of it himself.
"Soup?" Much's face fell. "But I'm so hungry. A nice piece of pig or beef with a large loaf of bread and maybe a few cooked carrots and potatoes." The thought of such divine food allowed Much to drift into a warm, safe place in his mind. "That would be nice."
"Prince John is visiting Nottingham in a week. The Sheriff is planning a State dinner with all of Nottingham's nobles." Her serious voice caught him off guard and he began to choke on his water.
Coughing, he managed to clear his throat to ask, "Prince John, the real Prince John?"
Marian nodded. "He came to Nottingham once before to transfer the shire from my father to Vaisey. The Sheriff is reasserting his control over the shire with the Prince's visit."
With a huff, Much stated, "I hope the Sheriff and the Prince have fun. I sure don't want to meet this evil brother of King Richard."
Marian quickly looked away from Much and rubbed her hands over her white dress.
Sensing there was something else that she was not wanting to tell him, Much asked, "What is it?"
Returning her gaze, Marian explained, "The Sheriff has ordered Gisborne to have you serve him at the dinner. He wants the nobles to see that Robin Hood does not control the shire. One of the Sheriff's servants is being sent here to train you."
"No! Not another dinner." Much glanced to the ceiling. "I hate serving dinners."
Unable to hide her smile, Marian laughed. "I would have loved to have seen Robin drenched in red wine."
Caught off guard by her merriment, Much could not help but smile at her laughter. "Well, he was a sight." The memory of Robin jumping up when the wine spilled from his hands always sent mixed emotions through him. It still embarrassed him, but if not for that event, he would not have become a servant of the Locksleys and Robin.
"Do as Gisborne and the Sheriff tell you." This time Marian looked to the door before leaning in closer to Much. "Your dinner will have the same ending as the one in Carlisle."
Relief flooded Much and his joy dimmed the memories of the suffering he had endured here in Gisborne's Locksley. When Sarah walked in with the food, his grin lit the room. "Soup and bread!"
Marian looked up to Sarah to see the young servant smiling. Sarah replied, "You are feeling better." As she carefully sat the tray down on the table, she handed Much the bowl. "Thornton said that if you can eat the soup, you can have whatever you want for dinner."
The joy of the moment abruptly ended when Much heard Gisborne ascending the stairs. Both women in the room lost their smiles. Marian quickly jumped to her feet while Sarah bolted to make sure she was out of the master's way.
As Gisborne entered the room, Much felt like he was going to be ill. The smell of the soup lost its appeal. Much could not help but stare through the lord.
"Good, he finally woke," Gisborne stated, slightly out of breath. "Marian, join me downstairs." As quickly as he had appeared, Sir Guy disappeared. Marian placed a hand over Much's.
"Stay strong and do as he says." She gave him a sternlook.
"Yes." Much nodded as she removed her hand and left the room.
Much stirred the soup, but finally set the spoon down in the bowl without taking a bite. Gisborne had succeeded in stealing his one moment of elation. With Marian in the room and food in his hands, he could only imagine a rescue, being with Robin and the gang again. Sir Guy reminded him that things do not always work out the way they planned. Too upset to eat, Much carefully set the bowl on the table next to his bed.
Locksley Great Room
Marian glided down the stairs to meet Gisborne. The lord paced the room, his jaw set.
"Sir Guy, what is wrong?" Marian watched as Gisborne tugged on his black gloves, tightening them over his fingers several times.
"The Sheriff will ruin everything. His crazy idea of having Robin's servant at the castle is a dangerous proposal. Robin has proven that the security in the castle is weak. His gang has infiltrated it many times in the past." Gisborne glanced up at the second floor. "My one moment of victory over the outlaws, and the Sheriff is going to destroy it."
"My lord, the Prince's guard will be there. The castle will also have your men and the Sheriff's at every entrance. In fact, I feel confident enough that dinner will go smoothly that I have agreed to sit by you." Marian tried to calm him. "Prince John will be the one controlling the event, not the Sheriff."
Sir Guy's stern eyes bore through her. "Prince John is a dangerous man, Marian. You may see the Sheriff as unyielding to your pleas for the peasants, but do not make the mistake in thinking you can sway the prince."
His cold, hard voice sent a shiver through Marian. She stepped back from Gisborne before adding, "I won't."
He sighed, and added, "Promise me you will remain by my side during the dinner. The prince has an eye for beautiful woman. I do not want him to make the assumption that you are available for his pleasure."
Startled by Gisborne's bold statement and genuine sincerity, Marian agreed. "I won't leave your side."
"Good." Gisborne gave Marian one last look before relaying a message from Sir Edward. "Your father requested that you return to Knighton immediately. He said your dress is ready for fitting and the seamstress is waiting."
After a quick nod, Marian added, "Much is doing well. Thornton said his wound is healing and he should be up in a day or two."
Gisborne escorted Marian to the door, and using his key, unlocked the entrance. "The Sheriff will send his head servant here tomorrow. I feel that both he and Thornton will have a lot on their hands dealing with this one."
Marian let her hand linger on Gisborne's. "He knows to do as he is told, Sir Guy. I made it clear to him."
Gisborne nodded. Once Marian left the house, he secured the door. Glancing around, he realized how quickly things could change. He could not shake the apprehension of the prince's visit or having Much in the castle. The Sheriff had crossed him one too many times, especially when it concerned Gisborne's dealings with Robin's men.
Knighton Hall
Marian rushed into the house and immediately found Robin waiting for her. His eyes questioned hers, and she could see he was worried about Much's condition. Her smile revealed good news for a change.
"Much is awake. He asked for food and his voice was strong. Thornton said all redness had vanished, and that the wound is healing." Marian's face brightened when Robin's shoulders lifted in relief.
"He knows about the rescue?" Robin took both of Marian's hands in his. As she nodded, he pulled her close. "Thank you for doing this, Marian."
Marian let Robin's embrace last a few moments longer before she began speaking about what she had learned from Gisborne.
"Sir Guy is worried." Marian found herself suddenly free of Robin's hold. "He knows there is a risk in allowing Much to visit the castle."
Robin forced a laugh, "Well, we will just have to make sure that his worries arewell founded. My men will not leave that castle without Much."
"I know, but you are not the only person weighing on his mind. Gisborne is angry with the Sheriff, and I have a feeling that he is unhappy about Prince John being there." Marian turned away from Robin. "What kind of man can make Gisborne cower?"
Robin sighed. "A man who can turn all of England upside down with cruel decrees and outrageous taxes. This so-called king has the power to keep people like the Sheriff and Gisborne in their place. Unfortunately, he commands all of England until Richard returns."
After several moments of silence, Marian asked, "What if Richard does not return from the Holy Land? What if he is killed in battle thousands of miles away?"
Robin knew that it was useless to second-guess the future. "Until we know he is not coming back, we will continue to usurp the wealth of the Sheriff and Prince John, if need be. Right now, we need to rescue Much." Robin grinned. "I'm sure that will be enough to draw the wrath of the Sheriff and Gisborne. From what you have told me, it sounds like the Sheriff will have to deal with Guy's rage after the deed is done, and Much is safe in Sherwood."
Once again, Marian turned away. "You must be sure you can succeed before you attempt this, Robin. You have seen what he can do to Much if you fail. He is not a man who takes deceit lightly."
Robin knew that Marian did not approve of the idea of killing anyone, but in Robin's heart, he knew that he would kill Gisborne to rescue Much, if need be. To his lady, he only admitted, "I will be sure. This is our best opportunity. We have royal guard uniforms prepared. Djac has also gathered ingredients for our diversion. If we can't rescue Much at the castle…" Robin left the statement unsaid.
Marian turned Robin's face to hers. "You will get him out." Before parting, she gently kissed Robin on the lips. As she climbed her stairs, she added, "You know the way out."
Robin smiled, and then ran out the back way to join his gang. Everything was in place. They would infiltrate the castle the night before the State dinner, and join the ranks of the Prince's guards. Once inside, they would wait for the right opportunity to create a massive diversion before rescuing his dearest friend. Robin could not let doubt inch its way into his mind. His heart could not bear the thought of failure for such an important mission. Much's life depended on him succeeding.
Locksley Manor
Seven days of standing, serving, bowing, and removing dishes had been more wearisome than anything Much could have imagined. Taking care of Robin, a man of action and adventure who enjoyed spending just as much time outdoors as indoors meant that he had very few tedious moments of standing at attention without speaking or making eye contact with those whose stations were deemed higher than his own. While Much knew the rules, more times than not, he broke more than he dared count in the company of Robin. This time, he knew that he had to keep silent and repress the urge to voice his indignation at being told that he was not an equal or that his thoughts had no value or meaning to those around him. Robin may pretend to ignore Much, but he knew that his words made a difference when Robin needed advice.
Much had been returned to his small room two days after waking from his fever. He awoke this morning to the familiar calls of the Locksley roosters before the first light of day broke through the cracks of the locked shutters. Sitting up, Much ran his hand over the healing wound on his side. The skin still held a thick scab over the area, but deep down, it ached fiercely when he moved too much. This caused Much to wonder how often Robin's wound bothered him.
As Much stood, he heard a loud commotion outside. It sounded like a heavy wagon entering the front yard with several men on horses. Much tested the shutters again, but they held fast.
When his door rattled with the entry of a key on the other end, Much had a feeling that he was being moved from Locksley to the castle. Thornton stood holding a candle outside his room.
"This way, the Sheriff has sent the jailer's wagon for you." Thornton stepped aside and two of Gisborne's guards reached to grab Much. Each took an arm and escorted him down the stairs.
As soon as they reached the landing, Gisborne raised his hand, and the guards released their captive. The room felt oppressively hot with the burning of several candles. Trying to pretend to be the good servant, Much lowered his face to the floor while Gisborne circled him. He hoped it would be for the last time.
"I will have my eyes on you until we return from Nottingham. Make no mistake. If Robin and his men try to steal you from me, you will suffer the consequences." Gisborne held up a thick leather belt for Much to see. Making a quick flick of the wrist, the belt cracked against the wall, causing the servant to jump. Gisborne pointed to Much, "Get him in the wagon and secure the door."
Once again, the guards grabbed Much by his arms and marched him out the door. Outside, they shoved him into the wagon and dragged several feet of chain through the bars and door before bolting a lock to its ends. Much thought of Djac and her people who were transported across England in such a cage. When the wagon began to move, he found it easier to be seated than to try to stand.
The illumination of the torches only lit the area closest to the riders and the wagon. Casting glances at the shadowed forest on either side of the road to Nottingham, Much wondered if Robin and his men were hidden inside or if they were elsewhere, plotting his escape from the castle. Feeling eyes upon him, Much stole a glance around him to see Gisborne riding next to the caged wagon. With nothing to do, Much decided to curl his knees next to his chest and try to close his eyes. He knew that today would end his turmoil, one way or another.
Nottingham Castle
Once inside the gates of the castle, the guards pulled him out. The Sheriff, whose jovial mood did little to impress either man, greeted both Gisborne and Much in the courtyard.
"Wonderful. I see you both made it." The Sheriff flicked his hand towards the castle, and was startled when half of Gisborne's garrison followed.
"Gisborne?" he questioned his Man-At-Arms.
"I am not going to take a chance, my lord. You said yourself that you want this man to serve you at the dinner to prove a point, that you rule Nottingham and not Robin. It would do us all ill favor if Robin managed to rescue him before the dinner for Prince John." Gisborne moved closer to Much, placing his hand on the back of his shirt. "This one knows the punishment for any failure to do his part tonight at dinner or for any attempts by Robin to free him."
The Sheriff dismissed Gisborne's comments with a wave of his hand. "Fine, your men can escort him through the castle until tonight's dinner. If there are any leftovers, they can feed your motley crew, otherwise, they starve. Besides, at the reception, the Prince's guards will be in control of security, and your men will have to wait outside of the Great Hall, understood?"
Gisborne nodded, "Yes, my lord." With the statement made, Sir Guy released his hold on Much's shirt.
"Take him to my quarters where Garrick is waiting with fragrant oils and a change of clothes. Garrick has his final assignment for tonight's event." Suddenly, Sheriff Vaisey stopped in front of Much, lifting his face within an inch of his with a cruel grip. "You, my friend, best remember to serve me without hesitation or error, or you will wish that Gisborne's sword had succeeded in taking you from this world. Is that understood?"
Much quickly responded, "Yes, my lord." Much wished the hot breath to be gone. The Sheriff held his chin tightly for a moment longer before releasing it. His chest pounded with every heartbeat until the Sheriff departed to finish some last minute arrangements for the dinner.
By the time they reached the Sheriff's quarters, Much regained his composure and control of his emotions. He needed to stay focused and do as he was told. Those were Marian's words that he knew would ensure that he kept Robin's plan on track. However, upon seeing the very outlandish purple attire the Sheriff had chosen for him to wear, he simply refused to keep quiet.
"No. You mean I'm to wear these?" He held up the shirt and pants.
Gisborne smiled, despite his solemn mood. "There may be some entertainment during tonight's affair after all." Motioning to the changing partition off to the side, he instructed Much. "Go, put it on."
Disgusted, Much had little choice but to follow orders. He made a promise to himself to burn the clothes when Robin rescued him. "Purple…"
After going behind the wall, the servant tried to keep his cool. Much did not know what Robin had planned, but he hoped that it did not mean he had to serve the entire dinner and cater to the Sheriff's every whim.